04 December 2020 Roscommon People by RossiePeople

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04 December 2020

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The lifting of Level 5 restrictions earlier this week has seen many County Roscommon businesses reopen following the second Covid-19 lockdown. Friday will see members of the hospitality sector including hotels, restaurants, and pubs serving food also reopening. Roscommon Chamber of Commerce President, Brendan Allen, says the mood is much brighter this Roscommon-Galway Constituency week. “There was good news again this week with the vaccine updates and the reopening of a range of businesses and services so hopefully we are seeing the beginning of the end Teresa and Noah Cummins pictured shopping in Donnellan of Covid-19”. See more & Co. in Roscommon. Picture: Mick McCormack inside.

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Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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I received a letter of apology from the HSE quite a while ago (possibly over two years ago). The letter apologised for failings in care provided to my daughter. To cut a long story short she was diagnosed with hearing loss when she was 5 years old and this should have been picked up through screening much earlier. She is now struggling in school and I believe that she lacks confidence because of her delayed speech development. I read a recent news report about a case very similar to that of my daughter where the child received a substantial settlement. Is it too late for me to now seek legal advice for my daughter, she is now 12 years old? I am aware that the Health Service Executive issued letters of apology around this time to quite a number of families in the west of Ireland for serious failings in audiology services provided to their children. I note that you have received a letter of apology and I understand your desire to vindicate your daughter’s rights. If you wish to pursue a legal action for your child, then you may do so on her behalf whilst she is a child i.e. under the age of 18 years. I am currently litigating several similar cases on behalf of children like your daughter who did not receive the appropriate standard of audiological care when required. If you would like to meet with me to discuss your particular circumstances in confidence, please feel free to give me a call on 090 6478433. Your call will be treated in confidence and in the sensitive manner it deserves.

Countdown to carol singing, mince pies…the All-Ireland! Great news! Huh? A chance to smile! Go on… At last, some positivity, happiness, a release… What’s up? Have the Republic of Ireland scored a goal? Eh…no. Are Marty and Bernard starting a new series? No! It’s even better! Is George Lee running for TD again, is it that CYCLING ACCIDENT exciting? Sarcastic! All I’m saying is…it’s time to If you were involved in a cycling smile! contact Has accident Fungie come back? Has Anne Doyle Byrne come back,Carolan is she reading the news again? Cunningham Solicitors When is she on? Is it Anne Doyle? Am I getting warm? Calm down! All I’m saying is, it’s time to smile a little. Yeah? The restrictions have been eased…Christmas has been saved… Oh, THAT! Yeah, I agree, that’s positive! Have you bought your Christmas presents yet? No, but I’m going to start shopping any day now! When you do, remember the golden rule… Both: SHOP LOCAL! Ah, I love Christmas! Me too… I’m glad the shops are all open again. Now all shoppers must maintain social distancing. Suits me, I’m anti-social at the best of times! You’re not that bad… But we’re not going to get back to the local…for Christmas. It’s bizarre! We’ll be new men in the New Year…truly

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

modern men, with a thirst for knowledge, a thirst for discovering new things, a thirst for… …draught Guinness or lager! True! (They pause to imagine how gorgeous a cold pint of Guinness would taste now; they are briefly upset, but compose themselves) At least for now we can get back to doing some of the stuff we’ve missed. Go on… The pandemic has changed us, some of it for the better. We appreciate what’s important. I can’t wait to get back to the sacred place… Don’t tell me you’re joining the queues at Penneys… NO! Not Penneys! The Church! A sad

aspect of lockdown was the gentle closing in of our sacred places of worship…and I do mean our churches… Masses are resuming…and it is great news. Agreed! (They pause to consider if there has been any instance in history of a Penneys outlet being located next to a Pound shop; they’re sure there must have been) I love Christmas… Yeah….Santa, turkey and ham, mince pies, carol singing…familiar rituals, traditions! Eh…the All-Ireland finals? Okay, that is a bit crazy! Can anyone stop the Dubs? You never know! I hope Mayo win it! Me too, up the West! They might open the pubs in Mayo if they win it! They can’t! Rules are rules! Nothing can change that! Not even an act of God? Wha’? Sure if Mayo win after all these years – especially with that Dublin team still going strong – it will be a miracle! I’m not so sure, Mayo could do it! I was joking! Of course they can…they have to beat Tipp first! Well, I hope they get to yet another final. No celebrations if they do…the pubs… you know… Yeah, but celebrations – for any team and county – can follow in the future! True… For now, we can all sit in and enjoy The Sunday Game if Mayo do it! With the Rossies no longer in contention, what could be better? Nothing, I guess! Well, not unless Anne Doyle was back to read The News before The Sunday Game!

What we liked… That Late Late Toy Show! Maybe it’s always this good but felt better this year, due to Covid? No actually – it was just superb. The public responded by donating over €6m for charity (see also Frank Brandon’s column).

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

What we didn’t like…

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie PIC OF THE WEEK: Butcher Declan pictured in Fleming’s SuperValu holding a nice salmon!

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What PEOPLE are talking about

Emerging from lockdown; an emotional Late Late Toy Show; last-gasp Brexit talks (again); the death of football superstar Diego Maradona; this weekend’s All-Ireland football championship semifinals.

Sport can be very tough. The Roscommon senior ladies team were underdogs against a fancied Westmeath in last weekend’s All-Ireland IFC semi-final. The Rossies produced a massive performance, but just fell short, defeated by two points. Hard luck, ladies. We have report, photographs and reaction in our sports section.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Rita’s cards contain greetings from the heart! < DAN DOONER

The current Covid-19 travel restrictions mean that many Irish people will be unable to return home this Christmas and with this in mind, local artist Rita Oates has designed a new collection of Christmas cards which can be sent to loved ones right across the world. Rita, who runs ETL Craft & Giftware in Roscommon town with husband Michael, explained the inspiration behind her latest creation. “A few weeks ago I was listening to friends talking about Christmas being ‘cancelled’. I reflected on the fact that four of my own children would be unable to come home this year due to the restrictions,” she said. Rita’s daughters Nessa and Holly are currently in Boston and Newcastle respectively, while sons Scott and Ross are in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. “It is hard knowing that they can’t be here this year but I understand that it is a pain shared by so many other families across the world. Should we let it cancel Christmas? No way! We Irish are stronger than that. “With all of that in mind, I decided to do something creative in order to share Christmas greetings with loved ones…no matter where in the world they are! “I created a collection of ‘Irish Heart’ greeting cards and prints which we first launched on the ETL website. “The reaction to those cards and prints was fantastic and that led me to creating a ‘Rossie Heart’ collection. I thought ‘Why stop there?’ and have now released a greeting card for each of the 32 counties, which are available online and in store at ETL. “So no matter where in the world you are or what county you come from, there is a greeting available for you,” she added. The cards depict a map of the world with the line ‘Irish/Rossie/Dublin, etc. hearts beat everywhere to laughter, love and song…’ As well as greeting cards from every county, Rita has also released eight other Christmas cards as part of a range of over 100 greeting

Rita Oates.

cards containing a message of ‘Hope and Positivity’. The cards are priced at €3.75 with framed art prints available from €19.95 and free delivery available across

Ireland and the UK. Cards and prints are now available to buy at ETL Craft & Giftware on Main Street, Roscommon (090-6625117) or online at www. ritaoatesartist.ie.

Support Local – Support Irish!

Some of the selection of cards designed by Rita Oates. You can buy them at ETL, Roscommon town or online at www.ritaoatesartist.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

NewsPeople

Roscommon reopens…again! < DAN DOONER

Jordan and Silas Estall (Lanesboro) pictured in SuperValu, Roscommon. Picture: Mick McCormack

The lifting of Level 5 restrictions earlier this week has seen many Roscommon businesses reopen following the second Covid-19 lockdown. Retailers, gyms, hairdressers, barbers, etc. were permitted to reopen on Tuesday and Friday will see members of the hospitality sector including hotels, restaurants, and pubs serving food also reopening. Roscommon Chamber of Commerce President, Brendan Allen, says the mood is much brighter in Roscommon town this week. “The town is beginning to come alive again, thankfully. There was good news again this week with the vaccine updates and

the reopening of a range of businesses and services so hopefully we are seeing the beginning of the end of Covid-19. “The first lockdown was extremely tough on people because it was the unknown. Many businesses did a lot of hard work to abide by social distancing guidelines and prepare for reopening so it was hard to have to close down for a second time. Public health is the priority, however, so it was understandable in order to bring the number of cases down. “It has been a tough few weeks for businesses in Roscommon town so hopefully that’s the last of the severe lockdowns and we can see plenty of positivity in the run-up to Christmas,” he said. Businesses in Roscom-

mon town have been quick to get back into the swing of things this week. “It’s good to get back open again and get people in the shop door,” Eddie Donnellan of Donnellan & Co. told the Roscommon People earlier this week. “During this lockdown our local customers supported us brilliantly and we had our full complement of staff working, which was great. They were really happy to get back in and see the customers this week,” he added. George Bannon’s Sports Shop was also back in action and George said it was a relief to be meeting customers once again. “It’s great to be open once again because it’s so good to see people step-

ping through the door. Thankfully our customers have remained loyal to us down through the years and it’s great to see them again,” he said. Hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons also reopened on Tuesday and Louise Conneally-Dowd, who runs Louise’s Beauty Studio in Roscommon town, told the Roscommon People that her business is already bouncing back. “I am fully booked now until Christmas Eve so I’ll be working seven days a week to fit everyone safely in. My clients have been amazing as always and this year everyone has been supporting local. I’m delighted to be back and hoping that 2021 will be a much better year for everyone”.

T Hill House Restoration Fund – details announced

Ruin with a view?

Plans for viewing tower in Mote Park < DAN DOONER

Roscommon County Council have recently submitted a planning application for a vertical walkway viewing structure at Mote Park which it says will “enhance the visitor experience” and “transform the high quality natural outdoor recreation resource” located less than 6km from Roscommon town. The proposed structure will be 13.5 metres in height and will feature a 9-metre cantilever walkway complete with handrail and with timber deck. The plan would see the tower constructed near Lisaniskey overlooking Mote Demesne and close to the ruins of Kilmaine Church and Graveyard. An Environmental Impact Assessment Screening, submitted last month, found that there was no requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment to be carried out and that the project was “unlikely to give rise to significant environmental impacts”. In its planning documents, the local authority stated: ‘This project reflects the ambition of Roscommon County Council to further develop the tourism profile of the county.

The restoration of a well-known local man’s house, which was severely damaged by fire in October, is nearing completion, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers. Tom, or T. Hill as he’s widely known in Roscommon town, was lucky to escape uninjured when a fire broke out at the house on Henry Street on Sunday, October 25th. The interior of the house, which was uninsured, was gutted in the blaze and Tom has been staying with neighbours and friends ever since. The local community rallied in the immediate aftermath of the fire and set up a fundraising committee

in order to restore Tom’s house in time for Christmas. The restoration is now nearing completion thanks to the huge efforts of local tradespeople who have volunteered for the work. Phenomenal progress has seen the work so far completed in just over three weeks with local building contractor, Gerry Dervin, coordinating the efforts of volunteers. The restoration committee has organised a GoFundMe campaign (The T Hill House Restoration Fund), to raise the necessary finance to pay for the required materials and fittings. A bank account has been set up in Permanent TSB Ro-

scommon under the name of ‘The T Hill House Restoration Fund. The account details are – IBAN: IE78IPBS99074530148657, BIC: IPBSIE2D. Members of the committee will also accept donations. All donations will be recorded and receipted. Those involved in the restoration include: Treasurer James Hoare (087-2872055), Chairman Charlie Hunt (086-8330663), Secretary Gerry Browne (087-2808225), Stephanie Donlon (086-1690384), Frank Beatty, (086-8064475), and project coordinator, Gerry Dervin (086-2546467).

‘In striving to maximise the tourism potential of areas throughout Roscommon, it is imperative that the appropriate leisure and amenity related tourism infrastructure is in place to serve communities and visitors alike’. Coillte, which owns the site, has given its blessing to the project which is currently at the pre-validation stage. Roscommon County Council applied for planning permission last Wednesday (November 25th) and a decision is expected early in the New Year.

James Kilcoyne and Michael Scally stop for a brief chat on Main Street in Ballaghaderreen earlier this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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02/12/2020 16:41

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Friday I may have briefly nodded off during parts of the Late Late Toy Show…not because it was boring, because I was tired after a busy week. Far from being boring, it was excellent. Every time I woke up there was another heartwarming segment. Ryan Tubridy hosted the show with enthusiasm, empathy and skill. He is a perfect fit for the Toy Show. The set was spectacular (kudos to all involved). The children who featured on the night were wonderful, and surely touched the entire nation. Entertaining, inspirational and uplifting, this show was also an emotional rollercoaster. It made you proud to be Irish. Viewers responded by donating over €6m for children’s charities. This, as the Fantastic Mr. Fox (it was a Roald Dahl-themed show) would agree…was fantastic. Even The Grinch, or Charles Dickens’ Scrooge, might have smiled if they witnessed this TV gold being minted before us. The amazing set and the celebrity contributions created a great atmosphere and a spirit of generosity. Tubridy excels on such nights; he is fabulous as Toy Show host. The children were the beating heart of a show that gave the nation a very timely lift. It was a joyous (and emotion-charged) distraction from Covid, a window on Ireland at its best.

Saturday As ever, Snoop Dogg and I are broadly in agreement… Over 40 years ago, when bar-room brawls were in fashion, I remember two middleaged customers in my family’s Kon Tiki bar & lounge in Rooskey squaring up to one another. The place was packed; the late Eamonn Kelly and the Merrymen were on stage. The warring duo had the decency to kind of cartwheel into the main porch, away from the dancing. There was a bit of pushing and shoving, muffled yelps threatening to drown out the music of the Merrymen. After a couple of noisy minutes, exhausted (and thirsty), the two half-hearted brawlers – merry men themselves – returned to the counter, arm in arm…and ordered two more drinks. I was reminded of that scene from long ago on Saturday night, when former boxing champions Mike Tyson (54) and Roy Jones Jr. (51) came out of retirement for an exhibition fight. (Suspiciously, it ended in a draw. Anyone for a rematch?). This is silly, circus-like codology. Tyson hadn’t fought in 15 years, and he peaked

entire world with the beauty of his almost peerless gift. He rose from poverty, accepted the glory and weight of his genius…while having the humility to hone his craft. He never forgot the ordinary people of Argentina (and Naples), and went on to achieve greatness, bringing joy into the lives of millions of people. In time, the demons circled. But let’s remember the boy of destiny, the charming man, the genius who carried his people on his shoulders. On the pitch he was safe from all demons, the ball as though a part of him, Maradona smiling, dancing, mesmerising. The glory of 1986 will never fade. Rest in peace, Diego. What joy you gave. We were fortunate to have shared your days of glory.

Recently…

Laura Fleming of Roscommon dejected following her side’s defeat in the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship Semi-Final match between Roscommon and Westmeath at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

before the Berlin Wall fell. Good luck to former greats who manage to boost their bank accounts with these absurd comebacks, but these hyped quasi-sporting contests have little, if any, credibility. I had no interest whatsoever in seeing this shamfight. In fact, I’m with rapper Snoop Dogg, who was on commentary duty (like I said, a circus), and produced the memorable line: “This s**t is like two of my uncles fighting at the BBQ”. Meanwhile, no word yet on a comeback by the two lads in Rooskey…

All week When he did it, Diego created fantasy football… some mind-blowing mixture of Roy of the Rovers and real life…a goal of awe-inspiring beauty, created in front of the world, showcased on the greatest stage of all. Immortality in eleven seconds. 34 years on, it still sends shivers down the spine. Those of us who saw it as it happened will never forget the joyous shock to the senses. The great Jimmy Magee was one of a number of commen-

tators who managed to summon worthy words, breathless exclamations which urgently sought to somehow keep pace with, whatever about adequately describe, the majesty of what was happening. Maradona, with the most sublime pirouette on the halfway line, is gone before the English team can process the sudden threat. Defenders scramble to protect their territory, but nothing can stop this invader as he swoops on England’s dreams and turns them into his own destiny. Maradona’s second goal in that 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England is the abiding highlight of a tournament that came to be shaped in his image. Gifted by the Gods, a poet on the pitch, brimming with courage, an entertainer extraordinaire, Diego Armando Maradona would spark joy and wonder for many more years. That toxic influences, unbearable pressures and human weakness ultimately brought about a painful decline was perhaps almost unavoidable. I won’t be dwelling on demons. This is a life to be celebrated, a legend to be cherished. He was, without question, ‘more sinned against than sinning’. This was a man who touched the

It was pleasing to hear and read that the all-round entertainer, Des O’Connor – who died recently – was one of the nicest people in showbusiness. The tributes paid to the versatile star all highlighted what a lovely man he was. Many of us were introduced to O’Connor via his status as long-running butt of Eric Morecambe’s jokes. That sideshow was only a tiny part of his story. A prolific recording artist, he was a regular on TV for over 40 years…as a singer and comedian, later as chat-show host. In the latter role, his skill lay in not making himself centre stage, instead being a foil for his guests (O’Connor arguably made Freddie Starr a star). A much-loved family entertainer, Des O’Connor brightened up thousands of mornings and nights on TV and radio over his distinguished career.

Tuesday/Wednesday We’ve come through the second lockdown, the easing of Covid-19-related restrictions having taken effect on Tuesday. It’s a welcome development for the business community, with the prospect of a few busy weeks before Christmas. Hotels, restaurants and pubs that serve food will reopen on Friday. For the vast majority of pubs, there is sadly no respite yet. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen to what extent families (and friends) will be able to meet up and interact over Christmas. It’s great to see places of worship reopening. Moving to Level 3 is welcome, but everyone needs to remain vigilant. The virus is still lurking. We need to adhere to the regulations and not allow any complacency to take hold. Stay safe – and shop local.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

NewsPeople

The Abbey Hotel reopens on Friday Carol and Katie Tomas pictured out and about in Roscommon this week, shopping in Donnellan & Co. Picture: Mick McCormack

Kerrane introduces legislation to protect those on welfare

Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Social Protection, Claire Kerrane, recently introduced a piece of legislation that she said would be transformative for social welfare recipients. Deputy Kerrane said the Social Welfare Commission Bill would establish a Commission to research and make recommendations annually ahead of the Budget to ensure social welfare rates are adequate by providing a minimum essential standard of living and protection from poverty. Speaking while introducing the Bill in the Dáil on Wednesday, 25th of November, Deputy Kerrane said: “This Bill, if enacted would be transformative for some of our most vulnerable citizens, including Carers, Persons with a Disability, Lone Parents, Widows and Jobseekers, as well as young Jobseekers currently living on €112 per week”. She added that the establishment of a Social Welfare Commission would examine the Minimum Essential Standard of Living for various household types who rely on social welfare supports in order to protect those at risk of poverty. “Currently, weekly social welfare payments are set below the poverty line. This needs to change. “One of the first lessons learned from a Social Protection perspective when Covid hit was the fact that nobody who lost their job could live on €203 per week. Yet, this is the maximum rate for many social welfare payments,” she said.

Murphy: Treatment of mentally ill prisoners ‘inhumane’

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has called for an end to the practice of placing mentally ill people in the prison system. His plea comes following reports that a European committee investigating conditions in Irish prisons found a severely mentally ill inmate lying naked on the floor of his cell, with faeces and urine on the floor and walls. The prisoner had been awaiting transfer to the Central Mental Hospital. Senator Murphy said: “We have to stop the practice of putting mentally ill people into prison cells. Media reports have highlighted shocking and horrifying details of the inhumane treatment of a prisoner with a mental illness. “We need to put in place a system in the prison service which specifically deals with mentally ill prisoners with the necessary psychological and psychiatric supports available to them. Isolating them in a cell for up to two weeks is absolutely obscene in this day and age and if we are to treat human beings with any bit of dignity and respect we must move away from this type of practice”. Senator Murphy has since welcomed news that a high-level taskforce has been established to increase psychological care in the prison system.

The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon will reopen its doors tomorrow – on Friday, December 4th. We look forward to welcoming back all our customers and friends. A seasonal afternoon tea menu is available from Tuesday to Thursday, and our carvery and full a la carte will be available seven days a week, but booking is essential. To contact the Abbey Hotel Roscommon, phone 090 6626240 or email events@abbeyhotel.ie. Gift ideas

Gift vouchers are available to purchase online on our website or from hotel reception. Celebrate with your family and friends this festive season at the Abbey: let our family look after yours. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for further updates.

Take a holiday with a difference in 2021

Craic N Campers have the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas We have launched our 2020 Christmas Gift Certificates These are an ideal gift for someone who you struggle to buy for!! A Covid-19 friendly holiday with your transport and accommodation all in one To avail of a Gift Certificate please call 0877959839 or email craicncampers@gmail.com

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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Statement from Sacred Heart Church on its reopening Following the Government announcement last week, we were delighted to reopen the Sacred Heart Church to public Mass on Tuesday. Our Mass schedule is as follows: 11 am on Mondays, 8 am and 11 am on Tuesdays, 8 am and 11 am on Wednesdays, 8 am and 11 am on Thursdays, 11 am on Fridays, 11 am and 7 pm (vigil) on Saturdays, and 9 am and 11.30 am on Sundays. Please note given the large population of our parish, along with the capacity of approximately eighty in Roscommon Church in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions, weekend Masses will be arranged on a station area basis until further notice. Weekend Masses for December 5th/6th, arranged for parishioners on a station area basis, are as follows: 7 pm at Athlone Road (includes Goff St.), Ardsallagh Beg and Ard Na Greine; 9 am at Ard Aoibhinn, Ardkeel/Ballybride and Cloonbrackna (includes Essex Lawn and Boyle Road); and 11.30 am at Ballygalda and Ballybohan. Kilteevan Church will reopen for public Mass this Sunday, December 6th at 10 am. Thank you for your continued prayers, support and cooperation. We look forward to meeting you over the coming days and weeks.

Dolan welcomes clarity on Christmas bonus payments

6 new cases of Covid-19 in County Roscommon < DAN DOONER

There were six new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Roscommon as of midnight yesterday (Wednesday) while the county’s 14-day incidence rate (58.9) is now down to fifteenth overall in the country, well below the national rate of 84.7. There were 38 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the fourteen days to Tuesday, December 1st. Nationally, there were five further deaths from Covid-19 and 270 new cases of the disease. There were 31 people being treated for Covid-19 in

WORKING HARD FOR YOU

CLAIRE

ICU as of 2 pm yesterday, according to the Department of Health. There have now been a total of 2,074 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland, and 73,066 confirmed cases. Addressing yesterday’s public briefing, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan warned that as businesses and services continued to reopen as part of the move from Level 5 to Level 3 restrictions, more vigilance was needed. “As more services reopen for business, remember to use the basic public health advice as a guide when organising your time. When you are out in shops and accessing services,

try to avoid high-risk situations and wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible on busy streets and crowded outdoor areas. “When you come home from shopping or being outdoors, remember that washing your hands is your first priority. For those of us who cannot work from home, the wearing of a face covering is now advised when moving around busy indoor workplaces and in communal work areas. If you are planning to travel around your county, consider first whether it is absolutely necessary to travel,” he said.

Senator Aisling Dolan has welcomed the news that the full Christmas bonus will be paid to those receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this year. Fine Gael Senator Dolan said: “I am pleased to say that the full Christmas bonus will be paid to social welfare recipients in Roscommon the week beginning December 7th. This year, due to the challenges of Covid-19, the Christmas bonus will also be paid to recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. “As always, people on long-term social welfare benefits such as pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and lone parents will receive the 100% Christmas bonus. “Those who have been in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) continuously or otherwise – for at least four months (seventeen weeks) since March – will also receive the Christmas bonus this year. “Minister Heather Humphreys has also taken care to ensure that anyone returning to work this week as restrictions ease, will not be excluded from the Christmas bonus. Any person in receipt of PUP for any one day from Friday, November 27th, to Thursday, December 3rd, will still receive the Christmas bonus provided they also meet the seventeen-week requirement. So anyone returning to work on Monday or Tuesday of this week will still receive the Christmas bonus as they worked at least one day during the said period. “The same criteria is also being applied to those on Jobseeker’s payments”.

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Over €1m in ICT funding for local schools Local public representatives have welcomed the news that primary and post-primary schools in Roscommon and East Galway are set to receive over €700,000 in Information and Communication Technology funding. On average, each primary school will receive about €3,500 while each secondary school will get €15,000 follow-

ing Education Minister Norma Foley’s announcement on Monday. Independent TD Denis Naughten said it was a great boost for local students. “Digital learning is a vital aspect of the modern curriculum, and this funding to all our local schools will help equip students with the skills and competencies they will need to thrive both in educa-

Roscommon Drama Festival AGM held via Zoom The Roscommon Drama Festival committee recently conducted its AGM via Zoom. The Drama Festival for 2020 began on Friday, March 6th and ended earlier on Wednesday (11th) due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions. Great satisfaction was expressed at the relative success of the festival, which manifested itself in full houses for the six wonderful nights of drama. Unfortunately, as we go to press, the prospect of a festival in 2021 seems very unlikely. We will keep you all informed as events unfold.

It was decided to elect the following outgoing officers: Canon Eugene McLoughlin as President, Mary Finn as Chairperson, Mairead Nally as Secretary, Caroline Egan as Treasurer, and Jimmy Hoban as PRO. The committee wish to sincerely thank Darragh Smith for his wonderful adjudication, all our sponsors and advertisers, Averyl and the staff of the Roscommon Arts Centre, the Drama Groups who participated in the festival, the public, who supported us in such great numbers, the members of the press and photographers

tion and outside. “It will also help make the learning experience more interactive and assist students with learning difficulties,” he said. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said the funding includes €10 million for Covid-19 specific measures to allow for remote learning

who are always so generous with their time and space. A very special word of thanks goes out to the Roscommon LEADER Partnership and Roscommon County Council whose assistance to the festival is greatly appreciated. Finally, we would like to give a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone associated with our wonderful festival, thus ensuring that it has become one of the foremost Drama Festivals in the country. We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Please keep safe.

“A total of €719,857 has been allocated to 89 primary schools in County Roscommon and 9 post-primary schools with €470,313 for primary schools and €249,544 for post-primary schools, which is most welcome”. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan also welcomed the announcement, saying: “The funding will allow schools to put

in place robust systems to enable the use of digital technologies within the school, and also provide for remote learning. Those measures can include the purchase of digital devices to loan to students and teachers, software, essential learning platforms and other ICT solutions as determined by the needs of the individual school”.

At All-Ireland IFC semi-final (Roscommon v Westmeath): Roscommon’s Female Liaison Officer Martina McHugh and Michael McHugh, Roscommon County Board. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

ROSCOMMON DRAMA FESTIVAL We are grateful to our Sponsors and Advertisers for their continued support Bear an Raille Claddagh Optical Curtain Centre Down the Hatch Donnellan & Co Fusion Restaurant Gleesons Townhouse J J Ward & Sons Molloys Artisan Bakery Noel Naughton Mahon Sweeney Solicitors Roscommon Arts Centre Roscommon Co-Op Marts Roscommon People Rosmed Pharmacy Shannonside FM

Carthy’s Central Bar Comfy Cafe Denis Naughten T.D. ETL Giftware Foxes Bar Future Flowers Hannons Hotel Keane’s Centra, Athleague Mahon Family Norio’s M J Farrell Jewellers Rogue & Co Roscommon Drama Group Roscommon Signs Satara Ladies Boutique The Skin Clinic

Casey’s Londis & Supermacs Connaughton Fuels Dermot Hughes Cars Eurona Brisknet Finn Electrical Expert Galaxy Hair & Beauty Hynes Pharmacy Klassic Cleaners Marie & Pat McCrann McCrann’s Bar Cllr. Orla Leyden Roscommon County Council Roscommon Leader Partnership Roscommon Herald Seamus Hunt Sports Therapist Time Pieces

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Cerena Consulting Cormicans Office Art School Doorly‘s Corner House FBD Insurance Fleming‘s Supervalu George Bannon Sports J J Harlows Le Petites Tartres, Athleague Molloy’s Carry Out McGuinness Pharmacy Regan‘s Gastro Pub Roscommon Credit Union Roscommon Lions Club Ros FM Sean Cox Electrical Timothy’s Londis Plus

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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HAVE YOUR SAY! Have Your Say: Share your views on the Future of Media in Ireland Share your views on the Future of Media in Ireland

McDermott welcomes drainage works on N60

Fianna Fáil Councillor Marty McDermott has announced that drainage works and related works are to commence on the N60, from the Racecourse Road (RoAre you worried about fake news? Is independent journalism important to you and to society? scommon) bend to the new, Do the media reflect your experience of the world? What could they do better? recently-opened road. The independent Future of Media Commission has been set up by the Irish Government to assess He said surface water has Are you worried about fake news? the public service media and the challenges they face. It is asked to make recommendations to a major issue on this been set the media on strong foundations for the future. stretch of road for some time Is independent journalism and had been a concern, parThe media are important for our democracy and society. They inform public debate through independent, journalism. They reflect and promote the lives, language, art, sport, music, culture, traditions, and identities of Irish people at home and around the world.

important to you and to society? Do the media reflect your experience The Commission invites you to tell us what you think the future of the media should be. We want Roscommon to hear your views on public service mediaworld? in Ireland, wherever you live in Ireland or around the of the world. Making It Happen What could they do better?

ticularly at night. Cllr. McDermott said: “I have raised this on a number of occasions at Municipal District meetings, citing the serious concerns of members of the public. “I am delighted to see this matter now being addressed and would like to thank the County Council for their support and courtesy”.

The independent Future of Media Commission has been set up by Irish Government to assess public service media To the learn more about the work of thethe Commission, and to have and your the say, please visit challenges they face. It is asked to make recommendations to set www.futureofmediacommission.ie. the media on strong foundations for the future.

Deadline

The media are important for our democracy and society. They inform public debate through independent, journalism. The closing date for submissions is the 8th of January. They reflect and promote the lives, language, art, sport, music, culture, traditions, and identities of Irish people at home and around the world. The Commission invites you to tell us what you think the future of the media should be. We want to hear your views on public service media in Ireland, wherever you live in Ireland or around the world. Contact Us To learn more about the work of the Commission, and to have your say, please visit www.futureofmediacommission.ie. Deadline The closing date for submissions is the 8th of January.

and support businesses in your area Thousands of Irish businesses have transformed how they provide goods and services due to Covid-19. Many are now open for business over the phone or online and are providing collection and delivery services — making it easier and safer for you to support them.

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The man who died following a fire at his home in Ballyleague late last Friday night has been named as John Nolan of Ballyleague, and formerly of Dysart, Co. Roscommon. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the fire at the man’s home in Ballyleague village shortly before midnight on Friday last. Mr. Nolan, who was aged in his mid-60s, was pronounced dead a short time later. As a mark of respect to Mr. Nolan, a ceremony to switch on the Ballyleague Christmas lights, scheduled to take place last Saturday evening, was postponed. Mr. Nolan’s funeral Mass will take place this morning (Thursday) at the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague and will be followed by cremation in the Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan. The funeral Mass can be viewed on Gaynor’s Funeral Directors Facebook page.

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Local man dies in Ballyleague house fire

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FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

Christmas magic as ‘Toy Show’ delivers memorable moments Frank celebrates a magical and emotional Late Late Toy Show which provided “heartwarming and almost heartbreaking moments that we will never forget”. He also pays tribute to one of his local parish’s bestknown characters, the late Noel Hanley…

One of the strange things about me is the fact that when our children were young I didn’t bother with the Late Late Toy Show at all, and would often use it as an excuse to vacate the house and head to the pub for a few quiet pints, back in the days when it was still legal to have a pint or two. I suppose I always had faith that Santa would rise to the occasion, and, in fairness, despite all kinds of obstacles, including wars and unbelievable weather events, he never failed to deliver, although I am fairly sure that on occasions he didn’t get to Crosswell ‘till very late on Christmas Eve. I was amazed to discover that the Late Late Toy Show has been going since December 1974. There is no doubt that the programme has become almost a national treasure, with (apparently) people having all kinds of annual Toy Show parties, and dressing up specially for the occasion. However, in all its years in existence, it’s unlikely that, we, as a nation, ever looked forward as much to any show as we did to this year’s. Nor have we ever so

‘We then met Cork lad, Adam King, whose delight at being reunited with his favourite porter from Temple Street Hospital, John Doyle, was just so beautiful’. Adam King (Cork, aged 6) on The Late Late Toy Show 2020. Photograph: Andres Poveda Photography

desperately wanted it to be a little bit special. And, credit where it’s due, I think it has been universally agreed that Ryan Tubridy and his team surpassed themselves, and in our time of need – due to the appalling toll Covid-19 has taken on us all – the Late Late delivered in spades and gave us heartwarming and almost heartbreaking moments that we will never forget. Most years the show gives us a child star or two, including the remarkable Roscommon child, John Joe Brennan, who in 2009 wowed the nation with his extraordinary review of Roald Dahl books, and wowed us even more when he told us that he wanted to be a horologist when he grows up. This year, yet again, we

had a number of children who, for different reasons, made us all feel a bit better about the world. Saoirse Ruane, an eight-year-old girl from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, who a year ago found a tumour which resulted in having her leg amputated, was one such child. Her bravery and fortitude in dealing with such a horrendous setback was nothing short of inspirational, and her determination is such that exactly a year later she has learned to walk again (with her new prosthetic limb). As a result of her fundraising efforts, Ryan was inspired to launch the Toy Show appeal to help Childrens’ Charities, and to date (this is Monday afternoon as I write), more than €6.2 million has been raised. Yet again the

Irish people have proved that when it comes to supporting those in dire need, nobody does it better. We then met Cork lad, Adam King, whose delight at being reunited with his favourite porter from Temple Street Hospital, John Doyle, was just so beautiful. When he told us that he would love to be an astronaut, but because of his brittle bones – an affliction for which he is wheelchairbound – he cannot be one, you could almost hear thousands and thousands of Irish hearts breaking. The extraordinary news for Adam is that since his Late Late appearance NASA has heard about him, and there is no knowing where his astronaut wish may end up – maybe even in space. Fingers crossed.

In memory of the late Noel Hanley Out here in Creggs on this miserable Monday morning (as I write) we are bidding farewell to one of the great characters of the parish, Noel Hanley. Noel, a man who was known all over the county, and much further afield, passed away on Saturday morning after a short illness. Noel was a highly regarded farmer, a man who would always find time for a chat, and a friend to everybody, but for me it was his love of foot-

ball, particularly Creggs and the Rossies, that set him apart. Even well into his 80s (he would have been 88 on December 10th) he attended every match he could get to, and was never found wanting in expressing his opinion on the performance, be it good or bad. I suppose Covid-19 has hit us all pretty hard, but for the Hanley family, who lost both parents during the pandemic, with Noel’s

beloved wife, Colette, passing in May, it must be so heartbreaking. As for we who had the pleasure of running into Noel on a fairly regular basis – including, in my case, having the odd little chat at the back of the church, during Sunday Mass (don’t tell Fr. Donal) – we will miss him. He was a man of the people, and a real friend to many. Up to a few short years ago I used call Noel, Martin Kilcom-

mons and Mick Roarke the three Muskateers as they met once or twice a week for a couple of glasses of Guinness. All three have now left this mortal earth and there is little doubt we, as a community, are the poorer for their loss. As Noel is reunited with Colette, all I can do is sympathise with all he has left behind, including his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

As if that was not enough for one night, we were to later meet Michael Maloney, a 14-year-old Ballina singer/guitarist who did an amazing job on Dermot Kennedy’s huge hit, ‘Giants’, in memory of his father who had passed away three years ago. Then, when he was joined on stage by Dermot himself, the expression of sheer joy, shock, disbelief and excitement on young Michael’s face would melt the coldest iceberg. It was pure Christmas magic. And so there can be no doubt that the Toy Show really delivered and I for one say well done to everyone involved with its production. Hopefully next year it can be back to normal, with a studio audience. Wouldn’t that be nice?

And finally… Finally for this week, some good news, as on the big Christmas brochure from Aldi, it was a great delight to see our next-door neighbour, Rachel Morgan, being acknowledged as one of their top producers of quality Irish lamb. Rachel, who also finds time to have a nursing career, loves working outdoors and with animals and is a highly committed and dedicated farmer. All we can say is…congratulations. No one deserves the honour more. National recognition does not come easy, so well done Rachel. Keep up the good work.

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

NewsPeople Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Rory’s Stories @RorysStories Let there be no debate. Hurling is the best game in the world to watch. Unbelievable match #GAA – The reference was to Kilkenny v Waterford. Best game in the world? Probably!

– Caoimhin Kelleher made a great Champions League debut in goal for Liverpool, posing quite a pronunciation challenge for British commentators in the process (meanwhile, poor Roy gets dragged into it; or was it Denis Irwin?)

Piers Morgan @piersmorgan I urgently need a 100% efficacy vaccine against Covidiots. They’re destroying my brain cells.

Nicola Bardon @NicolaBardon To anyone outside Ireland who has no clue what the #LateLateToyShow is and why we are all crying with joy... It is a show that raised over €5.9m in less than 2 hours in a country with a population of less than 5 million. It sums up the true spirit of Ireland + our people Grá – Well said, Nicola!

– Pressure’s getting to Piers… Bernie Gore @GoreBernie At last Cork had produced a world class footballer #Kelleher #LIVAJA

Niamh L @NiamhLQB Can we stop calling it the Toy Show and start calling it The Late Late Kids’ Show? It’s not about the toys anymore. It’s about children,their amazingness, and the beauty of us, as a country that cherishes them all. – Fair point, Niamh! Chris Hadfield @Cmdr_Hadfield Adam - I’ve been lucky enough to CAPCOM many spaceflights. We should talk space together. Take care, be good - Chris @ RTELateLateShow – The famous astronaut had a message for Adam, the Cork boy who starred on the Late Late Toy Show (see also Frank Brandon’s column)

Broadband boost for Roscommon town and surrounds

A letter from Santa… Dear children of Roscommon, Hello everyone, it’s Santa again! I trust you’re all doing well and are keeping busy – I know I am! It’s finally December, and there’s never a crazier time in the North Pole than the December period, as you can imagine. The elves are busy in the workshop, doing excellent work as always, and the letters are pouring in. The reindeer too are keen to get going. Lately, they’ve taken to practising their flight every day in anticipation of the long night’s work ahead of them on Christmas Eve. Mrs. Claus and I have set up the Christmas decorations already. The tree is up, the lights are in position and the whole place looks like a postcard! I can feel the Christmas spirit in the air already, can’t you? I must say though, it always does feel like Christmas when it’s time for the Late Late Toy Show, and wasn’t this year’s one just splendid? It’s always great to sit down with your family, treat yourself to some sweets, and watch the fun – not to mention how good the Toy Show is for filling out that Christmas Wish-list! I’m sure that I’ll be getting lots of letters soon with ideas from the show, and I can’t wait to hear from you all! Now that I think about it, it really has been a wonderful week for the good ol’ holiday spirit. Not only did we have the Toy Show on Friday, but we also had the lights being switched on in Roscommon on Sunday. I must say that Roscommon town looks magical – I’m so glad I could be a part of it with you guys! Also, before I forget, for those of you who haven’t done so yet, don’t forget to send off your letters! You can send them in to the kind people at the Roscommon People if you want; they’ll pass them on to me and maybe even publish some of them! You can send them to ‘Santa letters, The Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon’ or email them to news@ roscommonpeople.ie. I’m sure that all of you, just like old Santa, can’t wait for Christmas to come around. I must say that you all have been very good, so keep up the great work! Keep being kind to your friends and family, help out wherever you can, and stay safe.

Bye! Santa Claus

Roy Greenslade @GreensladeR The failure of the government to hold a public inquiry into the state-sponsored murder of Pat Finucane is, even if unsurprising, unforgiveable. Yet another damning indictment of the venality of Britain’s secret war against the Irish people – The wellknown journalist was unimpressed with the UK Government’s controversial decision earlier this week

There is good news this week for households in Roscommon town and surrounding areas as Eir says it expects homes to be able to connect to its new network providing 500mbps super high-speed broadband by next summer. The company is currently in the process of completing the fibre cabling of the county town and expects to start the roll out of broadband early in the New Year. Independent TD Denis Naughten, right,, said the ‘splicing process’ which will Up Oran: Elizabeth Garvey and Miriam Dwyer pictured doing the shopping in Roscommon this week. see fibre cables Picture: Mick McCormack connected will be completed by the end of February of next year. “As the splicing and connecting of premises is completed, the fibre connections will go live, and I understand that estates such as Abbeyville, Ardsallagh Woods and Oldwood are set to be the first to be into the last month of the year, the Action Plan is offered the new service in the coming Time for IDA to ‘do their job’ nowhere to be seen. This Plan needs to include tar- weeks. “This will continue over the next geted job creation measures, and they need to be Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has asked the Minis- documented so that we know where jobs are being three months until approximately ter for Rural Development to ensure that the new created, and more importantly, where they aren’t. 3,200 homes in the town are serAction Plan for Rural Ireland includes greater tar- Therefore, we would be able to know where the viced,” he said. Deputy Naughten added that this gets for job creation – and “actually counts them”. focus needs to be. Even a regional breakdown investment by Eir would be compleDeputy Kerrane said: “One of the main aims of would be helpful. the previous Action Plan for Rural Development “There is no point in having targets for jobs and mented by Government through the (2017-2019) was job creation in rural areas. saying those targets have been met when we don’t National Broadband Plan. “Minister Heather Humphreys has confirmed to know where these jobs are. ‘Outside of Dublin’ The mapping work for rural areas such as Ballymurray, Athleague, me during Questions that between 2015 and 2019, doesn’t exactly narrow it down. a total of 222,400 people took up employment “If we are serious about sustaining our rural com- Castlecoote, Donamon, Ballymaoutside of Dublin. However, the Minister has no munities, we need to see sustained efforts for job curley, Kilrooskey and Fourmilehouse idea where these jobs are. creation in our rural towns. That also means the had also been completed and work is “The new Action Plan for Rural Development IDA and others doing their job”, Deputy Kerrane expected to begin in those areas by next Easter. was due to run from 2020, and despite us coming concluded.

‘We need figures on job creation in Roscommon’ – Kerrane

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

The National Framework for Living with COVID-19

December & Christmas Arrangements 1st December: Ireland will move to Level 3, with some variations 4th December: Restaurants and pubs operating as restaurants will reopen 18th December—6th January: We may have visitors in our homes from up to two other households and we may travel beyond our county. COVID-19 has disrupted our lives for more than 8 months. The pandemic has taken a serious toll—on us personally, on our economy, and on our society. Public compliance with restrictive measures has pushed down infection rates. However, we must continue to protect those at risk.

From Tuesday 1st December Level 3 (with some variations) applies from Tuesday 1st December into January. There will be additional special measures for Christmas. All shops will reopen.

Personal services, including hairdressers, will reopen.

Museums, Galleries & Libraries will reopen.

Attendance at religious services will be permitted with protective measures in place. Travel within county boundaries will be permitted.

On 4 December Cafes, Restaurants and Pubs operating as restaurants will reopen with tables of max. 6 persons.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Dec 1

Jan 1

Let’s stay safe this Christmas. This is what we are asked to do: Plan ahead

Every contact counts – limit the numbers you meet

Special Arrangements for Christmas 18 December— 6 January We may have visitors in our homes from up to two other households. We can travel outside our own county.

Remember, meeting outdoors is safer than indoors Keep gatherings small if meeting indoors and make sure the space is well ventilated Wear a face-covering as advised.

For full details of Level 3 and special arrangements for Christmas, go to gov.ie/SafeChristmas

Public health requires that social and family gatherings (indoor or outdoor) should not resume, except over the Christmas period.

gov.ie/SafeChristmas

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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€350 ‘leisure card’ could be set for Roscommon! < DAN DOONER

Efforts are underway to bring an innovative ‘leisure card’ scheme to County Roscommon which could see children aged 6 to 18 receive up to €350 in funding for after-school activities such as sport, music and drama. The initiative originated in Iceland and has been credited with transforming the lives of teenagers there. Now, plans are afoot to bring the ‘Frístundakort’ or Leisurecard to Connacht. Support for the scheme is being driven by Planet Youth, an initiative which has been operating in Roscommon, Galway and Mayo since 2018 with the aim of enhancing young people’s health and wellbeing. Emmet Major, Planet Youth coordi-

nator for the three counties, says parents who took part in a recent webinar were impressed by the initiative. “We are all excited about what this card could do in terms of transforming children’s lives in this country. In Iceland it started with every child from 6 to 18 receiving €90 in the first year and then immediately that was increased to €180 for the second year. Now, they receive €350 each year and it’s all done through a centralised website,” he said. The voucher can only be used on supervised extra-curricular activities and a database of individuals and clubs offering properly regulated services would be required, but Emmet says the benefits would be immense. “Before Iceland introduced this scheme, they had some of the highest rates of teenage alcohol and drug

abuse in Europe. It has been transformative there and drug and alcohol abuse has plummeted. “It has been shown that taking part in regular, supervised extra-curricular activities has many knock-on effects, not least happier, healthier teenagers and young adults. It would also have significant benefits for society as a whole,” he added. Not surprisingly there has already been a high level of interest in a similar scheme for Roscommon, Galway and Mayo already and there was a timely boost recently as Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbite, confirmed that she would be advocating for it. It’s early days, however, and Emmet says the hard work on the ground will continue until those in power give the green light.

Public Notices

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 NOTICE OF PROPOSED CEMETERY BYE-LAWS 2020 Roscommon County Council Cemetery Bye-Laws 2008 came into effect on 1st April 2009. The Bye-Laws regulate and control the use of Cemeteries under the control or in the ownership of Roscommon County Council. Notice is hereby given in accordance with Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 that Roscommon County Council proposes to amend these Bye-Laws. The adoption of the Bye-Laws is a reserved function of Roscommon County Council. The draft Cemetery Bye-Laws 2020 may be inspected at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 during opening hours for the period from Friday 4th December 2020 to Friday 15th January 2021. The draft Bye-Laws are also available for inspection at www.roscommoncoco.ie. A copy of the draft Bye-Laws will be given to any person on application. Roscommon County Council will consider submissions made by any person in relation to the draft Bye-Laws. Submissions must be made in writing to the undersigned or emailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie no later than 4pm on Monday 25th January 2021. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services

Date of Notice: 4th December 2020

BUILT HERITAGE INVESTMENT SCHEME 2021 & HISTORIC STRUCTURES FUND 2021 Roscommon County Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage are inviting applications for the “Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021” and the “Historic Structures Fund 2021”. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme seeks to leverage private capital for investment in labour-intensive, small-scale conservation projects and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment.

Pictured are Mike Smith (Chairman, Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation), Martina Jennings (CEO, Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation), and Fr. Richard Gibbons (Parish Priest, Knock) at the switching on of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation Christmas Tree on Sunday. Pic: JanaPix, Ballyhaunis

Harkin challenges minister on Domestic Violence Unit In a Dáil debate on Combating Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Deputy Marian Harkin strongly criticised the ongoing absence of a dedicated domestic violence refuge in Sligo/Leitrim, and the lack of progress on providing one. She told Minister for Justice Helen McEntee that the previous Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty and the thengovernment deserved praise for putting in place the Emergency Rent Supplement Pilot Programme for victims of domestic violence. This had been a speedy, nonmeans tested, avenue to help victims of domestic violence, and provided transition from abusive situations, she said. She emphasised that this policy was

Cllr. Liam Callaghan

working well locally and urged the minister to mainstream it. There was a good cooperation with Social Protection and the Department for Justice, but when it came to Tusla there seemed to be no ring-fenced money either nationally or locally.It seems that the domestic violence unit within Tusla has been abandoned, despite the fact that domestic violence is a national priority”, she told Minster McEntee. Deputy Harkin concluded by saying that there was good co-operation with local authorities, homeless and housing agencies, and landlords. “However, we need a dedicated domestic violence refuge centre for Sligo/Leitrim, and I look forward to immediate progress in this matter”, she said.

All applications shall be marked “Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021” or “Historic Structures Fund 2021”, as appropriate, and submitted before 5.00p.m. on Friday 29th January 2021, to Heritage Office, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co Roscommon F42 VR98 or emailed to heritage@roscommoncoco.ie More information and Application Forms are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie or by contacting the Heritage Office on 087 9078860 or heritage@roscommoncoco.ie Majella Hunt, Director of Services Roscommon County Council F42 VR98

REGISTER OF ELECTORS 2021/2022 Notice is hereby given that the List of Claims to have corrections made to the Draft Register of Electors has now been published.

Deputy Marian Harkin

Medical cards for terminally ill patients?

Roscommon County Council will propose that the Minister for Health and the HSE allow terminally ill patients to automatically qualify for medical cards. Cllr. Liam Callaghan raised the motion at a recent Council

The Historic Structures Fund will focus on caring for and restoring historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public.

meeting. He received support from Cllr. Tony Ward, who said: “I fully support Cllr. Callaghan’s motion but I would be disappointed if GPs could not (sign off on medical cards for terminally ill patients)”.

The List of Claims is available for inspection at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon and the local Area Offices by prior appointment only - contact 090 6637390 for further details. The list of claims is also available at Head Garda Stations and Head Post Offices. The Draft Register (PINK) remains on display at all of the above locations. CLAIMS FOR INCLUSION OF NAMES ON THE 2021/2022 REGISTER OF ELECTORS WILL BE ADJUDICATED ON BY THE COUNTY REGISTRAR AT PUBLIC SITTINGS TO BE HELD AT THE VENUES LISTED BELOW. INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ATTEND SUBJECT TO COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS. Friday 11th December 2020

Courthouse, Athlone

11:00 am

Thursday 10th December 2020

Courthouse, Roscommon Town

11:00 am

Thursday 10th December 2020

Boyle Municipal District Office, Cootehall Street, Boyle

12:30 pm

Liam Bergin, Director of Services Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Bah humbug! I’m sick of ‘woke’ warriors hijacking Christmas I’m not, and never have been a fan of Shane McGowan’s; however I would agree with him one hundred per cent that the censoring of one of The Pogues’ greatest hits, (and my all-time favourite Christmas song) Fairytale of New York is “ridiculous”. Apparently McGowan’s comment was made on foot of reports that the BBC had announced it would be playing an ‘edited version’ of the festive favourite in order to ‘avoid offending younger listeners’. It’s no secret that Fairytale of New York has courted a lot of controversy given what many believe to be the sexist and homophobic ‘slurs’ contained in its lyrics, which, according to some, has led to its popularity being somewhat diminished over recent years. But it’s not just Fairytale of New York that’s being edited or banned. Baby it’s Cold Outside has been criticised by the hysterical, hyper-alert brigade for, according to them, ‘promoting date rape’. But why would a song written in 1944 prove to be so problematic? Well, its lyrics feature a man ‘pressurising’ a woman into staying the night when she wants to leave. Look folks, debates regarding old songs, old statues, old poems and

old movies will always pop up with everyone and anyone who has an opinion trying to decode what they mean in a modern context. It’s human nature. However, given the furore around these two songs (and I’ll bet there’ll be many more), I’m now getting very concerned that free speech is clearly being reserved only for those who obey ‘woke’ narratives. Personally, I’m tired of these over-zealous cynics hijacking the hap-happiest season of all. I’m sick of competitive victimhood, and I’m fed up trying to avoid walking on the eggshells scattered by the PC police. I’m tired of worrying that each and every single one of us are slowly sliding into Orwellian territory whereby, whether we like it or not, conformity has become the order of the festive season. Differences of opinion regarding something as innocent as old Christmas songs should never have become a major issue in this way. Radio and TV stations should be able to play them freely, and those who dislike them or are offended by them should simply grab the remote and switch off. For the record, I will always treat every single individual I meet with dignity and respect and I’ll never dismiss or denigrate anyone on

the grounds of them being different to me; but I need to ask…what is it with those who insist on wishing me ‘Happy Holidays’ instead of ‘Happy

Christmas’? Look, I’m not making assumptions, nor do I want to upset anyone’s religious beliefs, but by wishing me a happy holiday you’re

More clarity needed around vaccine roll-out According to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, the coronavirus vaccine is set to be rolled out in early 2021. Now, while this signals a hope that we may see life returning to ‘normal’ by spring, I have to say that I, like so many readers who’ve commented to me, am a bit concerned at the speed with which it was developed. However, given a recent Red C poll indicated that seventy-four per cent of Irish people would be happy to get the vaccine, it’s clear our government will have no problem getting candidates. Mind you, even though the uptake is likely to be high, the question still remains regarding what action, (if any) will be taken against the small minority who wish to refuse the vaccine? Is the clock now ticking for them? Will it be made mandatory? Will there be consequences levelled at those who refuse it? Or

will the government respect (as it should) a person’s right not to have it? In addition, there needs to be more clarity around certain other ‘issues’ with the key one for me being even though a vaccine has been licensed, will our government assure us they’ll continue to monitor its safety in order to identify any side-effects that clinical trials may not have detected? And crucially, will those tasked with administering the vaccine be instructed to immediately report any adverse events a recipient becomes concerned about, regardless of their own personal thoughts on what may have triggered the reaction/ event? So many questions…and, even if they’re all answered and the entire country gets vaccinated, remember folks, life will not return to normal overnight; it’ll be a gradual and cautious process. Roll on 2021!

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly

taking the sparkle out of my feelgood festive spirit and I refuse to allow you to do that. Happy Christmas to one and all.

Do not fail the gift-giving test this year! Roscommon is open again for business, and, as spenders flock to the stores, I’d urge every single one of my readers to please, please make sure to support local enterprise and keep the money within your communities. It is with that same sentiment in mind, and in an attempt to help promote peace and harmony on Christmas morning, that I’d like to issue a note of caution to hubby, and every other life partner who appears to be tone deaf when it comes to shopping for us. Remember, when choosing our special pressie, the notion of us tearing open a load of sparkly wrapping paper only to find what you deem to be ‘a practical gift’ or an item you ‘wanted’ us to have, is not and never will be part of our overall Christmas gift receiving experience! Get it? Let me be clear, gift-giving in our gaff is not seen as some kind of test…no really it’s not, well not a pass or fail one anyway. However, if someone, (hubby/wife) asks you what you’d like and you, being a helpful soul, don’t just hand him/her a wish-list, you actually go to the bother of doing up a PowerPoint and he/she still gets it wrong; then, well, he/she shouldn’t be surprised if all hell breaks loose! Let me tell you readers, take it from someone who cannot, no matter how I practise, put on my ‘gratitude face,’ that a Christmas morning filled with sensible gifts from the hubby/wife does not a happy house make; no matter how much mulled wine is consumed! Just sayin’.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Days To Go

December 12th is

wina home in london Day

On the 12th day of the 12th month 12 people will win 12 extra entries!

December 12th is Win a Home in London Day and everyone who has entered the competition before 11:59pm that night will be in with the chance of winning 12 extra entries to our Grand Prize Draw on December 30th. That’s right; 12 extra chances to Win a Home in London worth £695,000! There’s just a few weeks to go until one lucky person will receive a call from Roscommon GAA informing them that they have won a stunning Ballymore built two-bedroom apartment on London City Island! Funds raised will go towards the Dermot Earley Centre of Participation and Dr Hyde Park. In addition you will also be supporting the competition charity partners: the London Irish Centre and Mayo Roscommon Hospice. You can also help promote our fundraising eﬀorts by liking and sharing our posts on social media. Find us at facebook.com/winahomeinlondon | instagram.com/winahomeinlondon and twitter.com/winhomelondon

Enter for €100 at WinAHomeInLondon.com In association with

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Charity Partners: London Irish Centre & Mayo Roscommon Hospice

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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D News page

Fregoli Theatre and Roscommon Arts Centre present ‘Home For Christmas’ Following an open call for submissions of Christmas memories, Fregoli Theatre Company have created ‘Home For Christmas’, a short film to be released online with Roscommon Arts Centre on Tuesday, December 8th at 7 pm. Filmed in Roscommon and using imagery and sounds inspired by the

submissions, Fregoli presents these stories and memories in a short piece filled with joy and heartbreak that will inspire warm thoughts of home. Fregoli strongly believe in the transformative nature of theatre and sharing stories and are honoured to share these beautiful contributions.

The film, directed by Tara Finn and shot by Roscommon-based company Spicy Dog Media, will be released free of charge, but Fregoli are asking viewers to keep a number of charities in mind and perhaps give what they can after watching the film. Their proposed charities are Galway Simon Com-

munity, a homelessness and housing service for Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, Pieta House, which provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide, and St Vincent de Paul, which provides a wide range of services for vulnerable people locally

and nationally. For more details on the screening of ‘Home for Christmas’, visit roscommonartscentre.ie. ‘Home for Christmas’ was created as part of Fregoli Theatre’s residency in Roscommon Arts Centre and is supported by Creative Ireland and Arts Council Ireland.

Ballaghlea NS is ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ Ballaghlea National School in east Galway has been named ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ after winning a competition during the first lockdown! The school, which was awarded an Active School Flag in 2018, has continued its efforts to promote fitness in recent years and was delighted to be announced

the winner of the School Fitness Ireland competition. Teacher Michelle O’Grady said: “During the first lockdown, Ballaghlea NS participated in a competition which was sponsored and operated by School Fitness Ireland. On our return to school in September, we created a video which highlighted some of

the sporting activities the pupils undertake. Ballaghlea NS was crowned the winner of ‘Ireland’s Fittest School 2020’ competition after a public vote”. Last Thursday, the school was presented with €1,000 worth of P.E. equipment by the School Fitness Ireland coaches. Ms. O’Grady added: “School

Fitness Ireland also provided the whole school with a free outdoor fun and fitness session for each class bubble which the pupils enjoyed immensely. “Our school would like to thank the families of Ballaghlea NS and the wider school community who voted for us during the competition”.

Louise launches ‘Kindfully Me’ books < DAN DOONER

Roscommon mindfulness teacher and psychology lecturer, Louise Shanagher, has recently launched a new series of books called ‘Kindfully Me’, focussed on introducing children to mindfulness, kindness, gratitude and compassion. The series follows on from the success on Louise’s ‘Mindfully Me’ series, Ireland’s first series of mindfulness books aimed at children, which has sold over 10,000 copies since its launch in 2018. The ‘Kindfully Me’ series is illustrated by Una Woods and has already received positive feedback. Harvard Psychologist, Dr. Chris Willard, says Louise’s “charming books offer young people a deep introduction to gratitude, compassion and mindfulness”. Meanwhile, Dr. Malie Coyne, author of ‘Love in, Love out – A compassionate approach to parenting your anxious child’, says: ‘The ‘Kindfully Me’ series makes me feel all warm inside as I sense calm and compassion radiating from each and every page’. ‘Kindfully Me’ is a series of three books which are available to purchase through publishers Outside The Box at www.otb.ie or www.louiseshanagher.com.

(Above) Fourth and Fifth Class students (pictured as per their pods) at Ballaghlea NS pictured with School Fitness Ireland coaches recently.

(Left) Senior Infants and First Class students (pictured as per their pods) at Ballaghlea NS pictured with School Fitness Ireland coaches recently.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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Public meeting on new waste transfer station application The ‘Ballinasloe Says No’ group are to hold a public meeting on Zoom next week in respect of a new application for a permit to operate a waste transfer station in Ballinasloe, County Galway. The application follows on from the relevant permit being declined by Galway County Council in January 2020, and High Court proceedings on the previous infill permit in 2018 (to build the waste transfer station at Poolboy, Ballinasloe). Over 2,300 people in the local community of Ballinasloe lodged objections to the plans. Those objecting had serious concerns about the potential environmental impact because of the close proximity to low-lying areas of the River Suck. The ‘Ballinasloe Says No’ group was formed in opposition to the plans

because of these concerns, fears over air pollution and also because they state that the “inappropriate” location of a waste transfer station in

Ballinasloe would force hundreds of trucks, of up to thirty tonnes, through the streets of the town. The application will be available for public view-

Emma and Caroline Coyle pictured doing some shopping in Roscommon town this week. Picture: Mick McCormack

ing from Thursday, December 3rd, once approved as a valid application by Galway County Council. In response, the ‘Ballinasloe Says No’ group will hold an online public meeting on Zoom on Wednesday, December 9th 2020 at 7.30 pm. Senator Aisling Dolan is Secretary of the ‘Ballinasloe Says No’ group and she is encouraging people to attend the online meeting. “All are welcome to attend this online meeting. Our public representatives, TDs, Senators and Galway county councillors have been invited to attend”. For more information about the meeting, see the ‘Balllinasloe Says No’ Facebook and Instagram page (@ballinasloesaysno), email ballinasloesaysno@gmail.com or call 086 3690719.

We can all work together to make We our canair allcleaner work together to make for everyone our air cleaner for everyone

The choices you make when heating your home have a big impact onyou our make air quality. a lowhome smoke option The choices whenChoosing heating your have ensures a healthier for you and your community. a big impact on ourenvironment air quality. Choosing a low smoke option ensures a healthier environment for you and your community. A message from Roscommon County Council message from and theAGovernment of Ireland Roscommon County Council and the Government of Ireland

Ryan is composer for King House Piano Commission 2020/21 Roscommon County Council Arts Office is pleased to announce that composer Ryan Molloy is the first recipient of this new award. The King House Piano Commission 2020/21 marks the first in a series of music commissions by Roscommon County Council in celebration of the grand piano at King House. The Steinway Grand Piano was purchased by Roscommon County Council in 1998 through the Arts Council Joint Purchase Scheme. The 2020 commission to the value of €8,000 is funded by the Arts Office of Roscommon County Council, together with the Arts Council of Ireland, in collaboration with Boyle Arts Festival and in association with the Contemporary Music Centre. Accepting the award, Ryan Molloy said: “I am honoured to have been selected for the King House Piano Commission and look forward to working on the new piece. I feel that the commission’s themes of embracing the traditional and classical worlds, as well as local and national heritage, resonate strongly with my own performance practice and compositional voice. “The call for proposals caused me to reflect on the many composer-performers that have emerged from traditional Irish music – many of whom shaped the music for future generations, from Turlough O’Carolan to Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin – and how challenging one’s own performance can lead to new compositional ideas. I hope to explore this composer-performer duality through the course of this new work and to challenge my fellow musicians as well as myself!” Announcing the award, Arts Officer Rhona McGrath says she is “looking forward to working with the composer, the musicians, Boyle Arts Fes-

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tival and Caroline Wynne, project manager”. She added: “King House is a stunning venue, with an array of fascinating exhibitions, in a charming historic and cultural quarter of Boyle. The Main Salon and the Grand Piano are the heart and soul of King House and fittingly all corridors lead there. “We look forward to those corridors and rooms being filled again with the sounds and sights of Boyle Arts Festival in 2021. The commission, to be premiered during the festival, will merge the worlds of classical and traditional music, celebrating the history and heritage of the county through uplifting, exceptional music, reflecting the lives of Roscommon people”.

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Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

NewsPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sunday 7 December 2020 Our God is coming. The time of exile, the long separation of humankind from God due to sin, is about to end. This is the good news proclaimed in today’s liturgy. Isaiah in today’s First Reading promises Israel’s future release and return from captivity and exile. But as today’s Gospel shows, Israel’s historic deliverance was meant to herald an even greater saving act by God – the coming of Jesus to set Israel and all nations free from bondage to sin, to gather them up and carry them back to God. God sent an angel before Israel to lead them in their exodus towards the promised land (see Exodus 23:20) and He promised to send a messenger of the covenant, Elijah, to purify the people and turn their hearts to the Father before the day of the Lord (see Malachi 3:1, 23–24). John the Baptist quotes these, as well as Isaiah’s prophecy, to show that all of Israel’s history looks forward to the revelation of Jesus. In Jesus, God has filled in the val-

ley that divided sinful humanity from Him. He has reached down from heaven and made His glory to dwell on earth, as we sing in today’s Psalm. He has done all this not for humanity in the abstract but for each of us. The long history of salvation has led us to this Eucharist, in which our God again comes and our salvation is near. And each of us must hear in today’s readings a personal call. Here is your God, Isaiah says. He has been patient with you, Peter says in today’s Epistle. Like Jerusalem’s inhabitants in the Gospel, we have to go out to Him, repenting our sins, all the laziness and self-indulgence that make our lives a spiritual wasteland. We have to straighten out our lives so that everything we do leads us to Him. Today, let us hear the beginning of the Gospel and again commit ourselves to lives of holiness and devotion. – Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

Shine a Light for Hospice in Ballintubber Ballintubber has always had a wonderful community spirit, and in these dark times of Covid-19, it is more important than ever to keep traditions alive. Here in Ballintubber, we are continuing to shine a light in our community. We are going to light our ‘Shine a Light for Hospice’ tree in the grounds of St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber. In keeping with restrictions, we are not having a lighting ceremony as we have done in other years. This is a local fundraising effort to support the Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice and the annual ‘Shine A Light’ campaign that runs in Knock each year. The campaign is a lovely way to remember a loved one locally. On January 6th, 2021, we will be holding our own special Mass to remember all who have purchased cards locally. ‘Shine A Light’ cards can be purchased until Christmas in the local post office or from any of the committee members. Why not give a gift of love this

Christmas while supporting the Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice? You can do so by sponsoring a light on the Tree of Light in Ballintubber for a friend, family member, someone you know or in memory of a loved one. You will receive a special card that you can send to let them know you are thinking of them. The card can be used as an alternative to a Christmas card or as a memento of your thoughts at Christmas. The special lights can be sponsored for the living and the deceased, and will shine on the tree in the church grounds at Ballintubber throughout the Christmas period. The cards are available from Joan Healy on 086 3175801, Marie Finan on 087 9402036, and Eileen Kenny on 087 2308895, as well as the local post office. Lights/cards can be purchased right up until Christmas Eve. There will be a special Mass in St. Bride’s Church on Monday, January 6th at 8 pm to remember all those named on our tree locally.

A very, very Happy Christmas! < PAUL D’ALTON

It was a decision, made doubly – with almost psychic precision – by both my mother and myself that this year, of all years, we were going to do something different. Forget the naysayers and the doom and gloom we’ve all endured for months. Instead, we were heartily going to kick off our Christmas celebrations with particular gusto with our verdant tree, voluminous decorations, twinkling lights, baubles and enough bottles, in fact cases, of red and white vino to make the utility room resemble a Bordeaux winery’s warehouse. We felt, as many people also do, that it was time to bring a bit of joy into our lives, no more than the terrific volunteers and shopkeepers around the county who have put up their Christmas lights and decorations. Just take a walk through Roscommon town as dusk settles and see the simple joy of the festive cheer, which in its own heartwarming way reminds us of our long ago childhood wonderment. It is only apposite to say that for many people – sadly too many in the current climate – this Christmas may be a time of sadness and deep reflection. Possibly, they may not be able to see the family they’d want to – whatever restrictions and guidelines we might yet have to face – and then of course, there are those, to quote President-elect Joe Biden, poor bereaved families for whom this year there’s an empty chair at the kitchen table. In no way does one wish to be selfish or seem callous, but Christmas always reminds so many of us of those we’ve loved and lost. Yet hopefully it presents us with a

fleeting opportunity to forget for a small moment our sorrow and woes, knock back a glass or ten, fall asleep in the armchair, then wake up for the evening edition of the Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special. Life, for all its slings and arrows, must go on. To no small a degree, such enthusiasm for celebrating this Christmas in such peculiar times certainly has its drawbacks and complications. First of which, in our household, was the tree itself. Real trees, before the Christmas season properly swung into gear, are hard to find ‘til nearer to the full-throttle festive season. We did in all seriousness sneakily consider ‘borrowing’ one from Mote Park, but then concluded that apart from the fact that the physical requirement of having to hack down some 12-foot monster would probably see us both heading towards the doctor’s surgery, the sight of that same monster tied to the roof of our little Nissan Micra as we drove it home through the town might raise as an eyebrow or two – not least from the Gardaí and Park Rangers. Eventually we found one, and with great joy, up it has gone, accompanied by wild holly berries from the garden and more decorations than Santa’s Nordic Grotto. Such was my pride and enthusiasm with what I like to refer to as our ‘Christmas Art Installation’, that I foolishly decided to WhatsApp pictures of the tree to family and friends, expecting a mulledwine flood of Yuletide joy and best wishes in response. What I received back instead was a mixture of hilarity and verbal abuse, most of which is unusable in a family

newspaper. Ah, sure, they’re only begrudgers! Then came the very exacting discussion of the Christmas Day menu. Was it too early to get a fresh turkey? Yes, as of now, in most shops only frozen ones are for sale. So that would, literally, have to be put on the back burner ’til nearer the festive deadline. Otherwise, the freezer is already full of the necessary trimmings. Presents are already being wrapped. Each morning, as the kettle boils, the next thing I do is turn on the Christmas tree lights and smile to myself. We should remember that forever there’s still a child buried inside all of us. Normally, the very mention of Christmas fills many of us with utter dread, not least when we think about the credit card bills snarling through the letterbox in late January. The annual, heated arguments about who we’re going to invite to Christmas lunch, or not invite, only then to quickly realise in your heart of hearts that you can’t leave anyone out. Perhaps that’s even truer this year than any before. But, as a person who loves their horses, Christmas is like the first day of the Cheltenham Races: a moment of forgetting what tomorrow might bring, the thrill of getting something you didn’t expect, the camaraderie and childish excitement of a great day to be enjoyed for that very special, albeit fleeting, moment. So go on, get that tree up, get the celebrations on the way – bring some cheer to us and spread that cheer to those who especially need it this time in particular. Nollaig shona duit agus sláinte!

Paul D’Alton. Photograph: Mick McCormack

Just take a walk through Roscommon town as dusk settles and see the simple joy of the festive cheer, which in its own heartwarming way reminds us of our long ago childhood wonderment

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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Naughten: ‘No pandemic funding on mental health’ Independent TD Denis Naughten says that “not one additional cent” of pandemic funding has been provided for mental health services in Roscommon and East Galway and that this would have long-term consequences for individuals and families. “The fact that no additional funding is being provided to the mental health services in Roscommon, Galway or Mayo – despite more people requiring support as a result of Covid-19 – is clearly because Government has not prioritised this important issue. “Consistently we hear Minister after Minister state that there has not been an increase in the rate of suicide, giving the impression that this is the only measure of the need for mental health services, which clearly is incorrect. “We already know that services in the West, and in Roscommon and Galway in particular, are underfunded. This was highlighted by the Roscommon Mental Health Inquiry and because of Covid social distancing restrictions we should be expanding services, not just keeping them ticking over,” he said. Deputy Naughten pointed to evidence which confirms that the Covid-19 pandemic has led to widespread psychological distress in communities as well as increased levels of domestic abuse, alcohol and drug use, and conditions such as anxiety and insomnia.

Independent TD Denis Naughten

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Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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A second chance at happiness por momentos difíceis. Lembro-me do meu primeiro sonho em inglês ... minhas primeiras frases, palavras, minha primeira experiência em me expressar em outra língua, primeiro palco, primeiro festival de música, minha primeira piada, minha primeira cantada na rua, minha primeira noite sem teto na minha cabeça, primeira vez que não tive o que comer.

Conexão Brasileira BRAZILIAN connection with Catia Da Nova

Você pode falar sobre música e cultivo de seus próprios vegetais? Construímos o Birdland Music Studio, com o conceito de menos é mais ... um retiro para poetas, compositores e músicos registrar suas ideias e estimular a criatividade. Estamos começando um negócio sustentável chamado Gardens for Life. Incentivamos outras pessoas a começarem seus próprios jardins e fornecemos plantas saudáveis (plantas comestíveis e perenes de nosso viveiro) como ponto de partida.

We asked CATIA DA NOVA to chat with Bianca Fachel, Brazilian artist and lover of sustainable living, who has been living in Ireland since 2010…(Bianca and her partner Martin live near Knockcroghery) Bianca, tell us about yourself and your partner Martin. When did you first come to Ireland and why did you decide to come to Ireland? Ireland became a destination for me purely by chance, or a fluke. I started in music at a very young age, learning to play the piano at five years old and, later, the guitar. I’m a singer-songwriter from Brazil. After a nine-year relationship and having studied architecture, with the spirit of starting my life all over again, I sold everything I had. I rented some DVDs, searching for a place to go in the world, far away from all the memories and old friends, with a desire to pursue my music career. The movie ‘PS: I Love You’ (based on the book by Dublin author Cecelia Ahern) caught my attention, and after seeing the landscapes of Ireland, I didn’t have any doubt about where I wanted to go. I enrolled in an English course and took the first flight I could to Dublin in 2010. I met Martin in 2012. We fell in love and today we have a beautiful family. My parents came over to live here with us, and our son Jacob was born in 2018. Your husband is German, you are Brazilian… what challenges did/do you face living in Ireland? Being a woman and an immigrant, I went through challenging times. I remember my first dream in English, my first phrases, words, my first experience in expressing myself in another language, my first time on stage, my first music festival, my first joke, my first time busking on the street, my first night without a roof over my head, even the first time that I didn’t have something to eat! Can you talk about music and growing your own vegetables? We built the Birdland Music Studio with the concept of ‘less is more’. It’s a retreat for poets, songwriters and musicians to record their ideas and nurture creativity. We are starting a business based on sustainable living called ‘Gardens for Life’. We encourage other people to start their own gardens and we provide healthy plants (edible and perennial plants from our nursery) for them as a kickstart.

“We fell in love and today we have a beautiful family”. Bianca and Martin met in 2012 and live near Knockcroghery.

Você é músico e a pandemia atingiu seu setor de maneira particularmente forte. Qual é a sua posição sobre música ao vivo e fazer ‘Lives’ nas redes sociais (YouTube, Instagram, etc.)? Lives e interação nas redes sociais são uma experiência nova para mim. Como um músico empreendedor, sinto que faço parte de uma grande e histórica mudança na indústria da música.

What are the advantages of living sustainably in these challenging times? Our lives didn’t change very much due to our choices of a more sustainable way of living and we continue doing the things we love. This includes growing our own food, making music, not travelling long distances for work and paying a small mortgage. You are a musician, and the pandemic hit your industry particularly hard. What is your position about live music and doing ‘Lives’ on social media (YouTube, Instagram, etc.)? ‘Lives’ and social media interaction are a new experience to me. As an entrepreneur musician, I feel I am part of a big and historical shift in the music industry. How difficult did you find the transition from being an employee to being self-employed? Giving up a regular wage to enter the unknown? I think it is an intriguing process; we are constantly learning and using creativity to adapt to challenging situations. It’s not an easy task, but being positive about it is crucial. What advice would you give to others who are considering an alternative lifestyle, where they can be self-sustained and learn to generate an income for themselves? I’ve learned that to be happy you must understand that there are things you cannot control. Exterior influences and things that happen in your life can affect you deeply – the weather, other people’s actions and, for instance, our current times. However, there are many things you CAN control inside

Quais são as vantagens de viver de forma sustentável nestes tempos difíceis? Nossas vidas não mudaram muito devido às nossas escolhas de uma vida mais sustentável e de fazer as coisas que amamos. Isso inclui plantar alimentos, fazer música, não viajar longas distâncias para trabalhar e pagar uma pequena hipoteca.

Bianca is a singer-songwriter from Brazil.

of you. We can do wonderful things, and the mindset is the most powerful tool we have, because it allows us to achieve anything in this world. I believe everything is possible! You can follow Bianca Fachel and Gardens For Life on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. You can visit her websites at BiancaFachel.com, and GardensForLife.ie.

Série de entrevistas: Uma segunda chance de ser feliz Bianca Fachel Brasileira artista apaixonada pela vida sustantável. Mora na Irlanda desde 2010. Fale sobre você e Martin. Quando você veio para a Irlanda/Por que você decidiu vir para a Irlanda? A Irlanda se tornou um destino para mim por um acaso de sorte.

Comecei na música muito jovem, com 5 anos tocando piano, depois violão. Eu sou cantora e compositora Brasileira. Depois de um relacionamento de 9 anos e estudando Arquitetura, com o espírito de recomeçar minha vida vendi tudo. Eu aluguei um monte de DVDs ... procurando um lugar para ir no mundo, longe de todas as memórias e amigos em comum para seguir minha carreira musical. Ps .: I Love You chamou minha atenção e depois de ver as paisagens da Irlanda não tive dúvidas ... me matriculei em um curso de inglês e peguei o primeiro vôo em 2010 para Dublin. Conheci o Martin em 2012. Nos apaixonamos e hoje temos uma linda família. Meus pais vieram morar aqui conosco e nosso filho Jacob nasceu em 2018. Seu marido é alemão, você é brasileira, que desafios enfrentou/ enfrenta morando na Irlanda? Por ser mulher, imigrante, passei

O Quanto foi difícil a transição ou mudança de funcionário para trabalhador autônomo? Desistir de um salário normal para entrar no desconhecido? Acho que é um processo intrigante, estamos constantemente aprendendo e usando a criatividade para nos adaptar a situações desafiadoras. Não é uma tarefa fácil, mas ser positivo é fundamental. Que conselho você daria a outras pessoas que estão considerando um estilo de vida alternativo, onde podem ser autossustentáveis e aprender a gerar renda para si mesmas? Aprendi que para ser feliz existem coisas que você não pode controlar. Coisas exteriores que acontecem e afetam você profundamente. O clima, as ações das pessoas e, por exemplo, nossos tempos atuais. No entanto, existem muitas coisas que você PODE controlar dentro de você. Podemos fazer coisas maravilhosas e a mentalidade é a única ferramenta poderosa que temos que nos permite alcançar qualquer coisa neste mundo. Eu acredito que tudo é possível. Voces podem seguir Bianca Fachel pelo Instagram, facebook e youTube. Visite Biancafachel.com e gardensforlife.ie.

#Roscommon Together Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

CLOTHING &SPORTSWEAR This week’s focus: Christmas Clothing!

LOCAL & LOYAL

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Kevin on the job! The storefront of Donnellan & Co., Roscommon.

GREAT SERVICE A multimedia Christmas campaign

‘During lockdown our customers supported us brilliantly’ Donnellan & Co delighted to be back open < DAN DOONER

Donnellan & Co. is a family-run business, which was first established in 1954. Current proprietor, Eddie Donnellan, is the second generation and has been at the forefront of the fashion retailer for the last thirty years. The well-known business on Main Street in Roscommon town employs thirteen people and reopened this week following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. “It’s good to get back open again and get people in the shop door,” Eddie told the Roscommon People earlier this week. “It was a bit different than the last lockdown, which was something very new to us. Our new website was just launched at that stage but this time around we have had a lot of customers making use of ‘Click and Collect’. “During this lockdown our local customers supported us brilliantly and we had our full complement of staff working, which was great. They were really happy to get back in and see the customers this week,” he added.

Donnellan & Co. is renowned as an outfitter for formal events, and in particular weddings, which have been severely impacted by Covid-19 restrictions this year. Eddie says that flexibility is key when it comes to working with couples ahead of their special day. “There is a slightly different vibe around weddings this year, as you know! We’re dealing with lots of couples who have had to change dates, and the crowds are smaller too but we are happy to work with them and we do our very best to accommodate them,” he said. With social distancing now imperative when it comes to the health and wellbeing of staff and customers alike, Donnellan’s have innovated how their business is done. “Click & Collect has become very important because it allows people to shop safely. Customers come to the store to pick up their items and it’s safe and convenient. The customer service is still there, however, and that means if there is a problem or something needs to be changed we can do that,” he said. Eddie paid special tribute to son Niall for his work in both setting up and running the Donnellan & Co. website and for keeping social media updated throughout the pandemic. It’ll be a different kind of Christmas this year and Eddie believes the traditional holiday season has been extended.

Conor Malone pictured in Donnellan & Co.

“They always said the 8th of December was the start of Christmas but Black Friday (last Friday in November) is the real start of Christmas now and we’ve had an extremely good weekend, both with Click & Collect and in store. “In the run-up to Christmas we will have extended opening hours in order to accommodate customers and allow them to come in and browse the store in comfort. We will be open every day from now until Christmas and on Thursdays and Fridays until 8 pm. We’ll also be open on Sundays from 1.30 to 5.30 pm,” he said. Eddie echoed the sentiments of many other local business people this year and appealed for shoppers to support the Roscommon People/ Roscommon Chamber #RoscommonTogether initiative. He said: “Roscommon is a good town in terms of doing business for us. The free parking is one of the main reasons for this because neighbouring towns (outside the county) charge for it. “I’d call on people to look after local shops because the local shops are here to look after you. We have all the brands you could need in Roscommon town so there’s no need to be going outside the town for Christmas shopping Eddie Donnellan pictured with some of the shirts, ties and this year or any other year for that matter!” #RoscommonTogether other menswear available at Donnellan & Co.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

Cyber clothing! ‘It’s like a second Donnellan’s shop’ < DAN DOONER

Like most shops in Roscommon town, Donnellan & Co. has been busy developing an online presence since the arrival of Covid-19. 25-yearold Niall Donnellan is proprietor Eddie’s son, and he has been given the responsibility for leading the company’s cyber charge. “At the start of Covid, when the whole thing hit, we had no real presence online,” Niall says, “That meant that when the shop had to close we had no real choice but to shift our focus towards developing that. “I studied Computer Science in college so I decided at the start of the first lockdown to build a new website and that was something that really worked well locally. During the second lockdown we updated it regularly and it started picking up in areas outside Roscommon town,” he added. The hard work involved in moving the business online is now beginning to pay off, according to Niall. “It is very much a second shop. It’s a completely different entity in itself and it can take nearly as much effort to run the website as it does the physical shop! The aim of the website – apart from making shopping safer and more convenient for customers – is also to attract business from further afield and it has certainly done that,” he said. Niall concluded by offering an insight into what’s involved when it comes to selling fashion online from Roscommon town. “To start off with the imagery side of things, we set up a whole photography studio in the shop. It takes almost thirty minutes then to place a product up on the website using images and descriptions. It then takes ten minutes to process each order and we have teamed up with JTW Transport, which means we can offer same-day delivery for products ordered before 1 pm and next-day delivery to places outside the locality,” he said. Donnellan & Co.’s online Click & Collect service offers free delivery on orders over €49. For the full range, including latest offers, check out www.donnellan.ie. #RoscommonTogether

Eddie and Niall Donnellan pictured in the shoes’ department at Donnellan & Co.

Eddie Donnellan pictured with some of the shirts, ties and other menswear available at Donnellan & Co.

Spread the cheer with little tokens that show you care ...

Gift Vouchers

available instore or online at donnellan.ie

TRADING HOURS Thursday 3rd December: 9.30am to 8pm Friday 4th December: 9.30am to 8pm Saturday5th December: 9.30am to 6.30pm Sunday 6th December: 1.30am to 5.30pm

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

George Bannon SPORTS SHOP

We’re open for business!

For all your sporting needs this Christmas and all year! We supply county gear, club gear and great brands * Call in and see us! * Check our online shop www.roscommonsports.ie

Happy Christmas from George and staff and thank you for your loyal support at this difficult time.

Main Street, Roscommon Tel: 090 66 26701 Email: roscommonsports@gmail.com

MOLLOY’S MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512. E. dnmolloymainstreet@eircom.net

George Bannon Sports Shop is back in action! < DAN DOONER

George Bannon (Roscommon) Sports Shop is a long-standing institution in the county town and proprietor George Bannon was a happy man on Tuesday as his business joined retail outlets nationwide in a return to action. George told the Roscommon People that browsing online is all well and good – but meeting sports enthusiasts face to face is where the real action is. “Our website has been upgraded and is now connected to our stock which has been one of the improvements brought about due to the recent lockdowns,” he said. “We notice that while a lot people like to look at the stock on www.roscommonsports.ie, they also like to come into the shop and buy the products. “It’s great to be open once again

because it means that people can now check out the website and once they know we have their item in stock they can come in and buy it. It’s so good to see people stepping through the door and thankfully our customers have remained loyal to us down through the years and it’s great to see them again,” he added. While George and the rest of the hard-working staff know many of their customers by name, the free parking in Roscommon town and the shop’s excellent reputation means that more and more people are arriving from further afield. “It’s surprising the amount of people we get just passing through and because of the free parking they can just pull up and run in. The conversation usually starts with them asking ‘Do I have to pay for the parking?’ “The free parking and the one-

hour parking spaces are huge additions to this town because the customers who pull up can then spend longer and call into other shops while they’re here. A lot of people tell me the reason they come to Roscommon town to shop is that they don’t have the hassle of finding parking or paying for parking here. It makes for a more comfortable shopping experience,” he said. While George Bannon Sports stocks all manner of sports and fitness equipment, club and training gear, there have also been some new additions to the stock this year which would make handy stocking fillers this Christmas! “Nearly all the brands have facemasks out, including Nike and Adidas. Even the GAA and O’Neill’s have brought out a selection of snoods and masks in the county colours,” George added.

More Great value this December!

PADDY Irish Whiskey 700ml/GORDON’S London Dry Gin 700ml €28.55/ltr, CAMPO VIEJO/TRIVENTO selected 750ml range €8.33/750ml, OYSTER BAY Merlot/ Sauvignon Blanc 750ml €9.99/750ml

Available from 11th to 13th December

China Palace

Thai & Asian Restaurant 11, Main Street, Roscommon

090 6626337 090 6630648

Tel.

Gift Vouchers available

A multimedia Christmas campaign

George pictured at the checkout at George Bannon Sports Shop. Picture: Mick McCormack

There is no doubt that the return of sport in Ireland has aided the Roscommon town-based business, and George is grateful to see customers returning too. “Having sport back has been great, even if it’s just to be able to talk about the matches like what went on with the hurling last weekend! It has been great to see the games being played, even if supporters couldn’t be at them. It’s also been great to keep our business moving because customers still want all the Roscommon and club gear! “I would just like to wish all our customers a very Happy Christmas and above all, happy family time. I’d also like to thank them for staying with us throughout the years. We really appreciate it,” he concluded. #RoscommonTogether

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Early Christmas shopping: Gerard Van Opscal (Knockcroghery) and Molly Hannon (Newbridge) pictured at George Bannon Sports Shop. Picture: Mick McCormack

George pictured with some of the trainers and other sports goods available at George Bannon Sports Shop. Picture: Mick McCormack

A multimedia Christmas campaign

Pictured is the familiar front of George Bannon Sports Shop. Picture: Mick McCormack

Dan and Maggie pictured at George Bannon Sports Shop. Picture: Mick McCormack

George pictured with some of the trainers and other sports goods available at George Bannon Sports Shop. Picture: Mick McCormack

The Christmas season is upon us and here at Molloy’s, we aim to keep our Customers happy and safe.

We are offering an intimate shopping experience from now until Friday 18th December 6 – 8pm daily. You can shop in peace; select your festive treats that everyone so badly needs this year and order your Foodie Hampers to suit all tastes • Booking is necessary • Unfortunately we will not be taking walk-ins • Limited numbers per half hour time slot molloysbakery.ie

090 66 25940

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon F42 W294

We SUPPLY & FIT A Rated Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Composite Doors, Porches and Conservatories A WIDE RANGE TO CHOOSE FROM QUALITY PRODUCTS AND AFTER SALES SERVICE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Telephone: 090 66 33026 www.roscommonwindows.ie

Cllr. Laurence FALLON

CATHAOIRLEACH, ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

‘Please shop local. When shopping online, support local businesses’

Orla and Shane of Fleming’s SuperValu are pictured with Christmas hampers.

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 090 6488232 M: 086 8575512 cllrlfallon@roscommoncoco.ie

Shop local, support local, stay local, stay safe!

Stay Local - Shop Local Support Local

Christmas countdown at a great family-run business…Fleming’s SuperValu #RoscommonTogether

Cllr Marty McDermott,

From

Leas-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council

Tel. 087 3466064 Email: marty.mcdermott1@gmail.com /marty.mcdermott.184

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel: 090 662 6898

Manager Caelan Grennan pictured at the off-license in Fleming’s SuperValu.

AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

Declan of Fleming’s SuperValu is pictured on the delivery run.

087 2596055

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THESE DIFFICULT WEEKS YOU MUST CALL IN ADVANCE TO ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS Ring us from your car when you arrive for collection of your order/appointment. We ask that all payments be made by card if possible and encourage payment over the phone when ordering medication/food. While on the premises we ask all customers to observe the 2m rule at all times.

Declan and Richard are pictured in the warehouse in Fleming’s SuperValu.

Joanne and Mary pictured in the office in Fleming’s SuperValu.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Marta pictured at the Deli counter.

Grainne pictured at the Deli counter in Fleming’s SuperValu.

Betina and Niamh pictured at the ‘fruit & veg’ section in Fleming’s SuperValu.

A multimedia Christmas campaign

Saoirse pictured at work on the checkout in Fleming’s SuperValu.

Declan (butcher) pictured in Fleming’s SuperValu.

Fleming’s SuperValu NOW

€13

SUPERVALU BUTCHER STYLE HAM FILLETS 2.2-2.3/Kg

Exclusive to Real Rewards Members

Real Food, Real People

Main Street, Roscommon

Book your Half Price Fresh Turkey from the Butcher counter today. See instore for details

HALF PRICE TURKEY

HALF PRICE

€6.94/Kg SUPERVALU FROZEN TURKEY BREAST ON THE BONE 1.8KG was €24.99/kg NOW €12.49/kg

NOW €5.39/Kg SUPERVALU IRISH PORK LOIN ROAST was €10.79/kg

HALF PRICE

NOW €11.25/Kg SUPERVALU SALMON DARNES was €22.99/kg

3 FOR

€4

3 FOR

€10 Coca-Cola/7Up/Club/Cidona/Pepsi Range 1.5ltr 2ltr (Details In-store or Online)

ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS HAMPER IN-STORE

BUNDLE DEAL - Walker 24 Pack, Lindor Milk 200g, Quality Street Pouch. Coke 6 & 8pk cans; Schweppe’s 12pk cans; Fox’s Fabulously Assorted Carton 550g; McVitie’s Family Circle 620g; McVitie’s Victoria Carton 600g and Oreo Seasonal Tin 396g

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE IN-STORE

Contactless Delivery and Collection available when you Shop Online...

Offers valid Thursday 3rd December – Wednesday 9th December 2020, (Unless Otherwise Stated). Subject To Availability. Pictures For Illustration Purposes Only. *ON ALL WINES INSTORE, INCLUDING WINES ALREADY ON OFFER. This offer applies to all wines 75cl or more. Enjoy alcohol responsibly.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

#RoscommonTogether…how to stay updated with the campaign! Like the Roscommon Chamber on Facebook – www.facebook.com/roscommonchamber Follow the Roscommon Chamber on Twitter – www.twitter.com/ChamberRos Visit the Roscommon Chamber website – www.roscommonchamber.com Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/Roscommon-People Follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/RoscommonPeople Follow us on Instagram – www.instagram.com/roscommonpeople Check out our website – www.roscommonpeople.ie Check out the Roscommon People’s new YouTube channel for all videos relating to #Roscommon Together Also on Roscommon People Facebook page and Roscommon Chamber Facebook page

‘It’s great to be meeting people again! What I do ...

Tell us a bit about yourself… I’m 33-years-old and I’m originally from Four Roads. I’ve been working for Donnellan & Co. for the last twelve years. I studied Sports and Recreation in college and started working here in sales when I graduated. What time does your day start? Our day here at Donnellan’s starts at 9.30 am in the morning – and we are straight into work. What’s the first thing you have to do? The first thing I have to do is hoover and clean around and make sure everything is ready for action. With Covid-19 that part of the job is more important than ever and we have to make sure everything is wiped down and there is sanitiser available at the front of the shop.

Éanna Rogerson, Donnellan & Co.

What do you listen to in the office? We have music playing throughout the day on the shopfloor, which creates a nice atmosphere. I even get to choose it sometimes! What do you do for lunch? I like to keep it local so I stick to Roscommon town. There are plenty of options here on Main Street. The Good Place is one of my favourites.

Éanna Rogerson, sales, Donnellan & Co.

What’s the best thing about your job? The best part has to be meeting people. I would have missed having them around the last few weeks so it’s great to have customers back in to see us. We’d know most of the people around the town at this stage and we have plenty of regular customers so it’s great to be able to help them with Christmas outfits and gifts. What’s the worst thing about your job? Like most jobs in the retail sector it can get stressful around Christmas and there are long hours as well as weekend work. But that’s part and parcel of the job! What time do you clock off? I finish up at 6 pm in the evenings. Who’s at home? My wife, Anne. How do you wind down in the evening? I go for a run to clear the head and maybe watch a bit of telly or Netflix.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Christmas greetings from Ballaghaderreen

Christmas business boost for Ballaghaderreen! < DAN DOONER

There was plenty of positivity at last month’s meeting of Roscommon County Council – including Cllr. Michael Mulligan’s news of a business boom in his native Ballaghaderreen. According to the Sinn Féin councillor, the town on the Mayo-Roscommon border, which has suffered its fair share of economic blows in the past, has been boosted recently by the opening or reopening of up to five businesses. Cllr. Mulligan said it was a huge lift for the entire town ahead of the Christmas period. Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Cllr. Mulligan elaborated: “A new coffee shop called GROW opened up on the Main Street a few weeks ago and there is also the welcome news that Durkin’s Hotel will reopen under new management (this coming Friday). That’s huge news for the town.

“A sports shop (GRG) has also opened up in the town with Mayo footballers Tom Parsons and Shairoze Akram and local man Cian Hanley involved there. Enhanced Movement, a massage and physiotherapy business is open too, and Computers 4 U has also expanded in the town,” he said. Cllr. Mulligan said there was further good news with the success of the Ballagh Farm Shop on the outskirts of Ballaghaderreen. “It’s all very good news for the town and the surrounding areas and of course I’m happy to see businesses open and reopen this week as the restrictions are lifted. It is, however, sad to see a number of public houses unable to reopen and that’s something we need to be mindful of. “Overall though it’s very positive news in the runup to Christmas and gives us something to look forward to in the New Year too,” he said.

Ballaghaderreen lights up this weekend!

Matthew Loftus pictured outside GROW Café in Ballaghaderreen earlier this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Our sources have confirmed that despite Covid-19 restrictions, the hard-working and socially distanced volunteers on the Ballaghaderreen Christmas Lights committee have been busy checking bulbs ahead of the festive season. Unfortunately, due to Level 3 restrictions, this year’s switch-on, which takes place on Friday, will be a much quieter affair than normal. Crowds or no crowds, however, Ballaghaderreen will shine brightly once again this Christmas!

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

An tSráid Nua, Friarshill, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Phone: (094) 987 7520

Wishing you all a magical Christmas Thank you for all your support during 2020

DUFFY’S Supervalu Ballaghaderreen 094 9862354

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Christmas greetings from Ballaghaderreen Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

MICHAEL COONEY & SONS LTD

Homevalue

Tibohine, Frenchpark Tel: 094 98 70007 Elphin Tel: 071 96 35470 Castlerea Tel: 094 96 20033 Athenry Tel: (091) 844174 Crossmolina Rd., Ballina Tel: (096) 74939 Email: info@cooneys.ie

Phillips Garage Phone Derek Phillips 087 9796767 Crenane Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year & thank you for your support in 2020

For all your servicing requirements l Timing Belt Replacement l Electric Diagnostics l Clutch Replacement l Headlight Alignment All NCT & DOE work carried out Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year & thank you for your support in 2020

McHUGH’S I decided to stress-test the idea by WHOLESALE

Best friends Emily Boyle-Swanick and Caoilfhinn Baxter, pictured at SuperValu, Ballaghaderreen on Wednesday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Main Street, Ballaghaderreen

Tel. 094

98 60092

Thank you for your support in 2020 and wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Cllr. Michael Mulligan

& Family

The Square, Ballaghaderreen Contact me on (087) 7799781 Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Kilgarriff Funeral Directors

Market Street, Ballaghaderreen Tel: 094 9860069 (24-hours) Email: info@funeralcare.ie • Web: www.funeralcare.ie

Excellence in Funeral Care

opening up in middle of a pandemic! What I do ...

Elizabeth Cummins, Neuromuscular Therapist, Enhanced Motion

Tell us a bit about yourself… I am 31-years-old and was born and bred in Ballinagare. I studied at Sligo IT for three years before travelling and working in Perth, Australia and London for two years. I opened my new business, Enhanced Motion on July 17th in Ballaghaderreen. It is a Neuromuscular Therapy Clinic and I decided to stress-test the business idea by opening up in the middle of a pandemic! Before this I had worked in the fitness industry for ten years and qualified as a Neuromuscular Therapist in 2017. A lot of people ask what it is I actually do! I work with people who are in acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain so think conditions like ‘frozen shoulder’, tennis/golfer’s elbow, Plantar Fasciitis, muscle spasms, neck/knee/back pain, or any general stiffness or limited range of motion. I love to continue learning and have completed five courses since March and will be completing a ‘dry cupping’ course in the coming weeks. (DD – Dry cupping is believed to promote blood flow in affected areas!) What time does your day start? My day starts between 6 and 7 am. I try to fit in twenty minutes of yoga (if the one-yearold allows it!) and if I’m feeling organised I prepare dinner. I usually start the day off properly with a mug of coffee before getting the children ready for school. I repeat the coffee step another two or three times throughout this process! After the school run is completed I work out with Olympic hopeful (and European Middleweight Champion boxer) Aoife O’Rourke. Then it’s time for the usual house jobs: cleaning, laundry, cooking, which I repeat about 100 times per day!

Where possible, I like to catch up with study or on my case studies before completing School Run II and getting dinner ready. Then I go to work… What’s the first thing you have to do? Usually turn the heat on! Then I make sure everything is cleaned down and disinfected before preparing clients’ files and having another cup of coffee! What do you listen to in the office? I enjoy a bit of everything really: Dermot Kennedy, Lewis Capaldi, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Randy Travis and Gerry Cinnamon! What do you do for lunch? When time allows I grab coffee and something from GROW Café down the road or if I’m busy I bring some fruit and yogurt. What’s the best thing about your job? The people. I love listening to people’s stories, and even their reasons for coming in. I get great job satisfaction every day in seeing the change in people’s faces when their pain or discomfort is relieved. I also enjoy encouraging people to take responsibility in looking after their bodies and helping to educate them in how to do so. It’s important to look after your body; it’s the only one you have! And the worst part of the job? The paperwork! What time do you clock off? I usually finish between 10 and 10.30 pm on weekdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.

Neuromuscular Therapist Elizabeth Cummins pictured at her new business, Enhanced Motion, in Ballaghaderreen recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Who’s at home? My husband Padraig, daughters Laura (7) and Clodagh (4) and son Patrick (1). How do you wind down in the evening? I’m usually in bed for 11 pm, so not much (winding down)! Fridays are usually good for a glass of wine or gin while watching shows like Gogglebox and ‘24 Hours in A&E’. *Interview with Dan Dooner

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Christmas greetings from Ballaghaderreen

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year

Thank you for your support during 2020 from

Trish - Ann's

Hair Salon

094 9861719

Main Street, Ballaghaderreen We are now open and taking appointments for Christmas Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year & thank you for your support in 2020

JOHN HENRY Lung Autos Motor Repairs

Matthew and Gerda pictured at GROW Café earlier this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Young business community continues to GROW! < DAN DOONER

GROW Café owner Matthew Loftus believes he’s part of a ‘growing’ trend in Ballaghaderreen, which has seen a number of young entrepreneurs set up businesses in the town in recent weeks. The 28-year-old’s new vegan café is one of five new ventures in the town including a reopened hotel, GRG Sports, the newly-expanded Computers 4 U, and the neuromuscular therapy clinic, Enhanced Motion. “Ballaghaderreen has been hit economically in the last few years and there has been a good deal of pessimism around the town. A lot of young people have left the town too for work or college. “Recently though my gut instinct about the town has changed and I’ve found this nice place which works for me and made me really want to bring this idea to ‘Ballagh’. “I signed the lease in July and about two weeks later I saw that Enhanced Motion had opened up and that GRG Sports had put their office in the town. I knew then that

I wasn’t alone. In the space of a month three relatively young businesspeople had arrived. “Trends are very fickle and it doesn’t take much to spark something and change the face of an entire town,” he said. GROW’s offering is entirely vegan, with great coffee thrown in. Since its proper opening in September, Matthew has been delighted with the response locally. A career as a café owner wasn’t always on the cards for Matthew, who hails from Cloonaghmore, about halfway between Gorthaganny and Loughglynn. “After attending secondary school in Ballaghaderreen, I graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from NUIG in 2014. But by then I was fairly sure I didn’t want to be an engineer all my life. “After graduation I went to San Francisco with two of my best mates from college where we worked for a year,” he said. After gaining experience in engineering, however, Matthew felt it wasn’t “the right fit” and so he decided to try a different path.

“I wanted to do more of the stuff I enjoyed for a while, to be honest. I went and joined a theatre group, for example, because I just wanted to give it a try. “It was around this time that I accidently stumbled into vegetarianism. I just started cooking without meat and dairy and it forced me to think outside the box”. Suddenly the “clouds parted” and he came up with the idea of opening a café in Galway, and while that dream failed to materialise, it led to an Instagram page and appearances at various community events including Boyle Farmer’s Market. “I presumed at the beginning that vegan food wouldn’t sell in Co. Roscommon, but the Boyle market showed me that it could. For two years I toured with my travelling kitchen known as the ‘GROW truck’ and at one stage I was going to open a café in Castlerea,” he said. Matthew speaks very highly of his time in his ‘GROW truck’ in Castlerea and has high praise for Benny O’Connell of Benny’s Deli

and The Hub fame, as well as for Benny’s daughter Anne Marie, who both supported the young chef in his endeavours. After a short break, Matthew decided Ballaghaderreen would be the right venue for a bricks and mortar premises and he has enlisted the help of his sister Elizabeth and newest staff member, Gerda. He has found his feet quickly and can see a bright future both for GROW Café and the wider business community of Ballaghaderreen. “I speak to a number of local businesspeople who remember when this town was ‘wedged’ with people on Fair Days. I don’t see why it can’t be like that again some day. We even have the beginnings of a ‘Food Quarter’ here!” Ballaghaderreen certainly appears to be on the crest of a new trend and it is young entrepreneurs like Matthew who have taken a chance in an effort to spark it. The hope now is that others will follow in his footsteps so that the local economy can continue to ‘Grow’ in 2021 and beyond.

• NCT Preparation • DOE Testing • Diagnostics Specialists Lung, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Tel: 094 98 60801 Mobile: 087 2968746 Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year Thank you for your support in 2020

Martin Towey (Ballaghaderreen Ltd)

• Newsagents • High-class Confectionary • Grocery and Fruiterer • Tabacconist • Petrol • Oils • Briquettes • Coal supplies • Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Daily

Main Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

Telephone: (094) 98 60076

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year & thank you for your support in 2020

For all your school, office, arts and crafts supplies!! No. 6. The Mill Business Park, Dublin Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

Tel. 094 9860358. F. 094 9862886

www.firstclassoffice.ie info@firstclassoffice.ie Wishing all our clients a very Happy Christmas and New Year

John McLoughlin & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors Church St., Ballaghaderreen Telephone:

094 9877756 Email: mcauditor@eircom.net

The finishing touches being applied to Durkin’s Bar and Restaurant in Ballaghaderreen ahead of its reopening under new management this Friday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Christmas greetings from Ballaghaderreen

The Square, Ballaghaderreen • Tel. 094 986 1355 Proprietor: Martina Brogan. Karen’s Beauty Clinic would like to wish all our customers a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. Thank you for your support and understanding in 2020.

We are now open and are taking bookings for December (limited availability) To book an appointment, purchase Dermalogica, Jane Iredale, Advanced Nutrition Programme or to purchase a voucher ring 094 9861355

Treble winners a real Ballaghaderreen success story! < DAN DOONER

Jim O’Kelly’s Benchmark Merges with Money Plus is delighted to announce the appointment of Jim O’Kelly as Key Account Manager. Following the acquisition of Benchmark Financial Services, Jim will lead our team in the Mid-West from his base in Ballaghaderreen. Jim’s addition further strengthens the Money Plus offering encompassing the full range of financial services • Life Assurance. • Mortgage Protection • Investments • Pensions (Pre & Post Retirement) • Overseas pensions • Mortgages

Jim’s contact details: Mobile: 086 859 6919 Office: 071 91 94000 Email: jim@moneyplus.ie

• Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year & thank you for your support in 2020 • Money Plus Financial Brokers Ltd trading as Money Plus is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

• Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year & thank you for your support in 2020 •

CONNOLLY CARPETS & FLOORING Pound Street, Ballaghaderreen

Telephone: 087 1366482 Supply and installation of Carpets,Vinyl, Laminates, LVT and Wood Flooring l

Domestic

Commercial

MASSIVE RANGE TO CHOOSE FROM Available for collection or delivery in 2/3 days

Call-out service also available Contact us and we will call out with samples

Over 40 years fitting experience in the trade

THINKING OF SELLING?

Due to a high volume of recent sales we urgently require all types of properties - country cottages, bungalows, lands & farms in all areas for immediate listing.

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year & thank you for your support in 2020

Action from Ballaghaderreen FC v Tubbercurry in the TP Brennan Connacht Shield semi-final this year. Picture: Mick McCormack

Ballaghaderreen Football Club is one of the town’s big success stories in recent years, and despite the upheaval caused by Covid-19, the club completed an historic trophy treble in 2020, winning the Roscommon & District Football League Division One league and cup titles to add to the Connacht Shield. Local auctioneer and club chairperson, James Kilcoyne, says despite the current soccer postponement, the future remains bright for this hard-working club. “Winning the treble was a really historic achievement. Will I ever see our senior team win another in my lifetime? It’s highly unlikely,” he told the Roscommon People earlier this week. “What made it even better was that we gained promotion back to the Premier Division and that’s full credit to the players and the hard-working management team of James Holton and Brendan McGreal. The Premier Division is where we want to be and the next challenge is to go

and win the title in the next three or four years”. James says the recent on-field success was only made possible by the hard work taking place behind the scenes. “As chairperson, I really want to acknowledge the Trojan work being done from top to bottom within the club. We have a great committee and hard-working volunteers as well as coaches and managers who give a lot of time to the club. “The success on the pitch wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for that hard work or the fundraising that goes on through our 50-50 club draw. “We are also privileged to play at the Community Sports Park and it’s in our interests to continue to invest in the facilities there. That’s what keeps players coming back,” he added. The facilities at Ballaghaderreen Football Club are second to none and it’s easy to see why the club has around 60 registered players and two teams competing at senior level this year. The next step for James and his committee is to create an underage

Ballaghaghaderreen native honoured at Irish Whiskey Awards Ballaghaderreen native Noel Sweeney was recognised at the recent Drinks Ireland/Irish Whiskey Chairman’s Awards for his outstanding contribution to the Irish whiskey industry. Drinks Ireland/Irish Whiskey is the representative association for the Irish whiskey industry and awards were given this year by outgoing chairman, David Stapleton.

The awards recognise the people, distilleries and industry partners that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Irish whiskey industry and category. Noel Sweeney is the Master Distiller at Powerscourt Distillery in Co. Wicklow. The Ballaghaderreen man started his career as quality control manager at Cooley Distillery in 1989. He rose through

the ranks to become master distiller and blender of both Cooley and Kilbeggan Distilleries. He also played a leading role in the establishment of Drinks Ireland/Irish Whiskey. In 2017, Noel was inducted to the World Whiskey Hall of Fame, and in the same year he joined Powerscourt Distillery, leading the development of what has become one of the most impressive new distilling

operations in the industry. Congratulating Noel, David Stapleton, Chairman of Drinks Ireland/Irish Whiskey, said: “I am honoured to present Noel with a Chairman’s Award. Noel represents the dynamism and ingenuity which is central to our industry. Throughout his prestigious career, he has contributed significantly to the revival of the Irish whiskey industry”.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Christmas greetings from Ballaghaderreen

Murphy’s PHARMACY The Square, Ballaghaderreen Telephone: 094

9861967

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year Thank you for your support in 2020

Ballaghaderreen FC (before a game against Castlerea Celtic)…glorious season, pandemic or not! Picture: Mick McCormack

structure to keep those senior teams competitive into the future. “We were the first club to get the FAI Entry Level Mark and now we are in the process of applying for the Club Level Mark 1. We also have a good girls’

structure which is something not many clubs can boast. The next step is to develop an academy from U-7s up and to appoint a Director of Football,” he said. Challenges remain, however, and James says that

despite a large catchment area, coaches can be hard to come by. “We are always looking to encourage people to join the club and coaches are always needed at different levels. The club pays for coaches as they obtain FAI

badges and take part in the welfare and child protection courses and so that is a great start in any coaching journey. “New members would be joining a club that is certainly going places. I’m a big GAA follower

but I can tell you that the old story of soccer playing second fiddle to Gaelic football is no more. Lads are happy committing to soccer in Ballaghaderreen and we are confident that there will be even brighter days ahead,” he concluded.

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Morelli’s Main Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

(094) 98 77933

OPENING HOURS:

7 Days a week Mon-Sun: 12.00pm - Late • CALL AND COLLECT • FAST FOOD ALWAYS FRESH

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year & thank you for your support in 2020

Martin’s Drycleaners and Launderette 4 New Street, Ballaghaderreen Tel. (094) 9877741

Action from Ballaghaderreen FC v Tubbercurry in the TP Brennan Connacht Shield semi-final this year. Picture: Mick McCormack

E. martinsdrycleaners@gmail.com www.facebook.com/martinsdrycleaners

Ballaghaderreen & District Credit Union Ltd Main Street, Ballaghaderreen. Tel. 094-9860522

Email: info@ballaghcu.com Website: www.ballaghcu.com

Our loan book is open Why not consider your

Credit Union for a CHRISTMAS LOAN

OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10.00am-1.30pm & 2.30pm6.00pm; Friday: 10.00am-1.30pm , 2.30pm-5.00pm, (Loans are subject to approval. Terms & Conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will 5.30pm-8.00pm; Wednesday : go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating). 10.00am- 1.30pm. KNOW YOUR LOAN: Representative example as at 30th November 2020 €1,000 loan repayable over 12 months 52 weekly payments of €20.25 Rate of interest 10.20% p.a. variable; Representative 10.73% APR Total Amount Payable is €1,052.64

Noel Sweeney, Master Distiller, Powerscourt Distillery.

We wish all our members a Happy and Peaceful Christmas & New Year Ballaghaderreen & District Credit Union Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

FarmingPeople

West Region Texel Club

Annual Sale of In-Lamb Shearling Ewes & Maiden Ewe Lambs At Roscommon Mart Friday, December 4th at 7pm Enquiries 087 6849778

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY 3RD DECEMBER:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

Confirmation of forestry licencing backlog from Minister – Fitzmaurice Confirmation that the backlog of forestry licences within the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the moment is at approximately 4,700 by Minister Pippa Hackett shows that the Joint Oireachtas Agriculture Committee was misled, at best, when the minister and senior department officials were last before the committee, according to Independent TD Michael

Fitzmaurice. He said: “A press release from Minister Hackett confirming that the actual figure for the forestry licence backlog with the Department is approximately 4,700 shows that the Agriculture Committee was misled at best – and it is something I am going to raise with the chair. “I feel it is disingenuous for the minister to imply that the figure of 1,900,

quoted by both herself and senior department officials during the committee meeting, was solely in relation to the number of files held up in the ecology backlog. I had gone to significant efforts to extrapolate figures for road licences, felling licences and planting licences and came up with a figure of just under 4,000 – which still turned out to be wide of the mark.

INCLUDING SALE OF 6 SPRINGING HEIFERS DUE END OF JANUARY ONWARDS TO PB LIM BULL.

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

MONDAY 7TH DECEMBER:

“I outlined the findings clearly in the committee, and asked how there was such a difference in my figure and theirs, only to be told that they were unsure… “If a licence application has been submitted, then it should be considered held up in the system until it has been granted. I believe that Minister Hackett and senior officials in the department either misled the committee knowingly

WEEKLY BULLOCK SALE FOR SALE ON THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER AT 11 A.M. IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR USUAL SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS. CALVES, WEANLINGS AND RUNNERS.

8 CONTINENTAL COWS WITH STRONG BELGIAN BLUE CROSS CALVES AT FOOT MOSTLY YOUNG COWS. SUPERB TEAMS. ALL COWS SCANNED BACK IN CALF DUE FEB ONWARDS.

COVID 19 LEVEL 3 RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE. PLEASE ADHERE TO PROTOCOL UNDER LEVEL 3.

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

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Lowest price GUARANTEED

CASTLEREA MART WATCH A bigger turnout of stock presented for sale last week with trade holding firm, and improved in some cases. The heifer ring reported a good trade, with forward-type lots in strong demand while the breeding type lots were similar to last week. The cow trade also reported improvement, with a good clearance taking place. With increased numbers on offer, the weanling rings noticed more farmer activity, with quality lots noticing price improvement. Heifers, sample prices: Ch 420kgs €1100, BB 390kgs €1050, Sim 365kgs €1140, Lm 403kgs €1000, Lm 560kgs €1290, Lm 450kgs €1160, AA 630kgs €1350, and Lm 520kgs €1300. Dry cows, sample pric-

es: Lm 810kgs €1470, Ch 780kgs €1450, Sim 765kgs €1450, AAx 675kgs €1230, Fr 590kgs €600, Sim 715kgs €1350, and AA 730kgs €1300. Cows with calves at foot made from €1070 to €1570 per head. Springer cows made from €900 to €1420. In terms of runners, bigger numbers were presented this week, with lots making from €350 to €880 for continental lots. Weanling bulls, sample prices: Ch 295kgs €900, Ch 280kgs 850, AA 265kgs €780, Ch 260kgs €830, Lm 350kgs €900, Ch 300kgs €890, Ch 450kgs €950, and Lm 390kgs €880. Weanling heifers, sample prices: BBx 250kgs €810, Lm 270kgs €780, Ch 260kgs €780, Lm 275kgs

€1000, Ch 385kgs €990, Ch 320kgs €830, and Lm 290kgs €840. At our bullock sale on Monday, November 23rd, there were 150 bullocks on offer, with demand remaining strong for all classes of stock. Sample prices: Lm 485kgs €1230, Ch 435kgs €1150, Lm 490kgs €1160, Lm 500kgs €1180, Ch 500kgs €1160, Ch 595kgs €1390, Ch 550kgs €1250, Ch 615kgs €1440, AA 610kgs €1260, Ch 685kgs €1550, and Lm 665kgs €1480. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings on Thursday, December 3rd. All sales commence at 11 am.

Daily collection

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

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or genuinely didn’t know how many licences were stuck in the system – either situation is very serious, considering the pressure the forestry sector is under. “I look forward to seeing the update for the committee from Minister Hackett this week, but the fact of the matter is that she – along with senior department officials – may need to be called back before the committee,” Deputy Fitzmaurice concluded.

Number 002414

Elphin Mart SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2020 The Big Christmas Cracker Pure bred Charolais Bull Sale, 120 on offer Sale at 12.30pm Viewing from 8pm to 10pm on Friday evening 4th December and Saturday morning from 8am to 12noon. Booking for viewing time taken by telephone. All bulls are export tested and exported on the day. MONDAY EVENING 7TH DECEMBER Dry Cows in Ring Two at 6pm And Weanling Sale after the Dry Cows at 7.30pm Ring One Annual Springer Heifer Sale for Sean Brennan, Roscommon 33 Top quality in-calf Heifers Lim x Sim in-calf to A.I. Lim Bull ZAG and Limousin Stock Bull, all 30 day export tested and vaccinated for BVD and IBR Sale at 7pm sharp and followed by 20 top quality Limousin Pure Bred Limousin Heifers Pre-selected. All export tested. Sale at 8.30pm Viewing from 5.00pm to 6.00pm Note: Wednesday 9th December Special Bullock Sale & Heifer Sale at 11am Booking Wednesday, 2nd December at 9.30am SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER Pure Bred Clearance Sale for David Abbott 65 Lots CH (1st), Lim (2nd) and Herefords (3rd) All females, Cows with Calves at Foot, Incalf Cows, Incalf Heifers & Maiden Heifers Catalogue will be available. All export tested. Sale at 1.00pm Viewing on Friday evening from 4pm to 8pm and Saturday morning from 9am to 12.30pm

Please contact: 071 9635061

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

FarmingPeople

Think carefully before considering ‘a dog for Christmas’ – IFA Roscommon IFA Sheep Chairman Michael Glennon said people who are considering ‘a dog for Christmas’ should think carefully about the decision. “The biggest problem with dog attacks on sheep is the absence of responsibility among some dog owners. Anybody looking into a household pet should ask themselves if they are prepared to devote the time that’s needed to give a dog proper exercise under strict control,” he said. Mr. Glennon said an IFA delegation met Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan recently, at which the issue of dog attacks on sheep was raised. “IFA raised the enforcement of existing regulations on dog control, including microchipping. Minister Noonan agreed to initiate engagements with the relevant agencies with a view to strengthening controls for dog ownership and better enforcement of existing obligations on owners,” he said. Mr. Glennon said dog attacks re-

main a significant problem and can lead to devastation for the farmers whose sheep suffer an attack. “Unfortunately, IFA are taking calls on a frequent basis from sheep farmers around the country who have suffered attacks. There are far too many dog owners not taking the responsibility that goes with owning a pet. Dog owners have an obligation to have their dog under control at all times”. The IFA Sheep Chairman warned dog owners who do not have their dog under control at all times must realise they could be held responsible for such attacks, with serious financial and legal consequences. Mr. Glennon said there must be better enforcement of existing legislation around dog ownership; more stringent fines for dog attacks; increased funding for the dog warden service; and a single database for microchipped dogs. All farm animals are fully traceable and so should dogs be.

Over €120m paid to local farmers under Basic Payment Scheme Over €120m has been paid to farmers in counties Roscommon and Galway to date under the Basic Payment Scheme, it was reported this week. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy and Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan both welcomed news that the balancing payments under the 2020 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening have now commenced. In mid-October, the 70%

advance payments under the BPS commenced issuing to all farmers. This year saw over 97% of eligible farmers receiving an advance payment in the first pay run. “I understand that the balancing 30% of payments under the BPS have now commenced on schedule which will bring the total paid to County Galway farmers to €82,153,630 and some €38,648,249 paid to farmers in County Roscom-

mon under the BPS,” said Senator Murphy. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, confirmed the commencement of the BPS balancing payments, which will bring the total paid under the 2020 Scheme to €1.13 billion to over 121,000 farmers. Senator Dolan said the funding would be most welcome in rural communities.

per kilo, and 2 Char X 242kgs €680 - €2.80 per kilo. Weanling bulls made from an average of €2.36 per kilo up to €3.46 per kilo. Springers made from €920 up to €1860. Dry cows, heifers and bullocks: We had good numbers on offer again this week at our sale of dry cows, heifers and bullocks on Friday, November 27th, with a firm trade for all classes. Bullocks ranged from an average of €2.20 per kilo up to €2.98 per kilo. Heifer numbers were small this week due to next week’s special sale of sixty-two pens; prices averaged from €2.13 per kilo up to €2.36 per kilo. Numbers for dry cows were big again this week, with a very good trade; lots ranged from an average of €1.70 per kilo up to €2.35 per kilo. Bidding was brisk, with customers anxious for stock, resulting in a good clearance of lots.

Christmas Cracker sales! At 11 am on Friday, December 4th, we will have our Christmas Cracker sales, with thirty-five pens

of bullocks, and sixty-two pens of heifers on offer, as well as a general sale of dry cows. Sales commence at 11 am, with intake from 7.30 am. Viewing is by appointment only, from 10 am-10.45 am. A limited number of buyers are allowed at the ringside. Bidding will also take place via our LSL app. Please note all customers must wear a facemask or face covering. Dry cows ranged from €1.70 per kilo up to €2.35 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 795kgs €1800, Char X 780kgs €1770, Char X 775kgs €1740, Lim X 615kgs €1450, 3 Char X 785kgs €1690, Lim X 625kgs €1150, Lim X 680kgs €1170, Simm X 745kgs €1440, Lim X 695kgs €1310, BA 520kgs €1100, and Simm 600kgs €1040. Bullocks ranged from an average of €2.20 up to €2.98 per kilo. Sample prices: Char X 675kgs €1620, Lim X 665kgs €1530,Char X 645kgs €1520,3 Lim X 630kgs €1490, 2 Lim X 530kgs €1390, Lim X 455kgs €1360,Char X 480kgs €1280, Char 510kgs €1240, Lim X 465kgs €1170, 3 Char x 468kgs €1160, Char X 460kgs €1100, AAX 440kgs

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Christmas Cracker Special Sale Bullocks & Heifers Friday, December 4th at 11 a.m. 40 pens of Bullocks & 63 pens of Heifers Also Dry Cows Yard opens at 7.30 a.m. All stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. -------------------Friday, December 11th at 11 a.m.

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 3rd ---------------------Tuesday, December 8th

Sale of Weanlings & Suckler Cows at 4 p.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 3rd ----------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 9th Yard open at 8 a.m. Sheep must be penned by 10 a.m. ---------------------Friday, December 4th

Annual Sale of Pedigree Texel In Lamb Shearling Ewes & Maiden Ewe Lambs Viewing 5 - 7 p.m. Sale at 7 p.m. Sharp ---------------------Friday, December 4th

Liscullane Charollais Sale of 30 Pedigree Registered in Lamb Ewe Hoggets

Roscommon MART WATCH Weanlings and suckler cows: There were increased numbers on offer at this week’s sale of weanlings and suckler cows on Tuesday, December 1st, 2020, with the return of a limited numbers of buyers at the ringside. Bull weanlings averaged from €2.36 per kilo up to €3.46 per kilo, heifer weanlings fetched from €2.46 per kilo up to €3.96 per kilo, and springers made from €920 up to €1860. There was a good demand from customers, both at the ringside and online. Our next sale of weanlings and suckler cows takes place on Tuesday next, December 8th, at 4 pm. Bookings will be accepted up until 5 pm on Thursday, December 3rd. Weanling heifers made from an average of €2.60 per kilo up to €3.96 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 405kgs €1390 - €3.43 per kilo, Lim X 285kgs €1120 - €3.92 per kilo, Lim X 275kgs €1090 - €3.96 per kilo, Char X 275kgs €1040 - €3.78 per kilo, Lim X 280kgs €980 - €3.50 per kilo, Char X 345kgs €940 - €2.72 per kilo, Char X 290kgs €950 - €3.27 per kilo, Char X 215kgs €850 - €3.95 per kilo, Char X 245kgs €750- €3.06

(Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years)

€1030,3 Char X 405kgs €1020, and Char X 395kgs €970. Heifers ranged from an average of €2.13 per kilo up to €2.36 per kilo. Sheep: There were larger numbers on offer at our weekly sheep sale on Wednesday, December 2nd, with firm trade for both lambs and ewes. Finished lambs made up to €128 for 52.5kgs, and stag ewes made up to €132. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. Our next sheep sale for lambs and cast ewes occurs at 11 am, next Wednesday, December 9th. Sheep must be pre-booked. The yard open at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Finished lambs, sample prices: 52.5kgs €128, 55.8kgs €128, 52.6kgs €128, 51.3kgs €127, 49kgs €126, 49.9kgs €125, 48.4kgs €123, 48.3kgs €121, 47.5kgs €120, and 46.3kgs €119. Store lambs, sample prices: 39.5kgs €101, 38.7kgs €97, 38.6kgs €86, 33.5kgs €83, and 35kgs €76. Cast ewes made from €40 to €132 per lot.

A.I.’d to top sires. Scanned in lamb. Due January 2nd. After Texel Sale- Approx 8 p.m. Eamonn Quinlivan 087 6493472

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie

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ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551 Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Business

‘Stay and Spend’ drive has €99.6m underspend – Naughten

#RoscommonTogether…Eddie’s ready! Eddie Donnellan pictured in Donnellan & Co. See special report on pages 26 & 27.

Independent TD Denis Naughten has said that Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe ‘admitted’ that the Government’s Stay and Spend scheme will see just over €400,000 being refunded to hospitality sector customers, well short of the projected uptake of €100 million. Speaking in the Dáil last week, Deputy Naughten called for the underspend to be ringfenced in order to be used to ensure gift vouchers purchased by tourism and hospital-

ity customers can be redeemed or refunded in 2021. Replying to Minister Donohoe’s assertion that the lack of uptake means less money would need to be borrowed, the Roscommon TD said: “It is much better to borrow money to support the viability of the sector than borrow money to pay the social welfare of employees across the hospitality sector. “Rather than the tourism and hospitality sector losing out on this

money, it must be ringfenced to provide a guarantee for those who purchase gift vouchers across the hospitality sector between now and Christmas. “The purchase of gift vouchers will not only provide vital cashflow to these businesses to ensure they remain open into next year – a key objective of the Stay and Spend Scheme – but will also encourage people to holiday at home in 2021”.

Over €720,000 in funding for local enterprise centres

Local politicians have welcomed the allocation by the Tánaiste of over €720,000 to a number of local enterprise centres servicing County Roscommon and East Galway. The funding for centres in Castlerea, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Boyle, Carrick-on-Shannon, Drumshanbo and Tuam is to help cover ongoing running costs and to implement a recovery plan to meet the challenges of Covid-19. Commenting on the announcement, Denis Naughten, Chairperson of the Dáil Committee on Rural & Community Affairs, said: “This funding is vital, not only to support the existing jobs in these enterprise centres but also to support the creation of new jobs that will be crucial to our recovery from this pandemic”. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also welcomed what he called “significant” funding for a number of local business hubs and enterprise centres. He said: “Not-for-profit organisation An Chistin Food Hub in Castlerea, County Roscommon has been allocated €52,500, Ballinasloe Area Community Development CLG Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre in County Galway will receive €50,176, and Athlone Community Development Association CLG in County Westmeath will benefit from €82,600 in funding. For-profit company Charlesford Ltd T/A The Spool Factory in Boyle, County Roscommon will also benefit from €67,500 in funding. “Enterprise centres are embedded in communities in every county in the country. They provide space and training for entrepreneurs, allowing them to work remotely, access training and advice, and network with other business leaders. “This funding will be crucial as the centres continue to offer services to local businesses during what is an exceptionally difficult time”.

#RoscommonTogether: Grainne and Marta pictured at the Deli counter in Fleming’s SuperValu, Roscommon. See our pull-out supplement this week. Picture: Mick McCormack

Just Transition funding offered to local projects < DAN DOONER

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon has welcomed the recent announcement that provisional offers totalling around €5 million in Just Transition funding has been made to a number of local projects. Last week the Government announced that €27.8 million had been offered to 47 projects in the midlands under Just Transition. Cllr. Fallon said the funding was very welcome but also necessary for the future of the region. “The second phase of Just Transition funding was announced last

week and there was a very good response in Roscommon and surrounding areas. The funding is very welcome but also absolutely necessary because the number of jobs lost in this region (due to Bord na Móna closures) is very substantial,” he said. Cllr. Fallon added that while the offers would be challenging in terms of securing matching funds in the current economic climate, it was an important boost which would lead to sustainable jobs. Among the projects to receive offers of funding locally were the Lanesboro Food Hub (€1m); Lough Ree Distillery (€1m);

Ballyforan Greenway Loop (€977,500); Pulse Hub in Ballinasloe (€490,747); Lough Ree Access For All (€471,693); Lanesboro Tourism Hub (€212,500); Cloontuskert Bog Heritage Train (€212,000); Cloontuskert Visitor Centre and Organic Farm (€212,000); Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park Greenway (€102,000), and the Shannonbridge Action Group (€405,960). These projects are seen to represent innovative plans from businesses, local authorities, and communities who are committed to creating a green and sustainable economy for the region.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

PropertyPeople

PROPERTY PARTNERS FOR SALE BY ONLINE AUCTION

PRIME LANDS CONTAINING APPROX. 19.5 ACRES IN TOTAL LOCATED AT

CLOONFREE, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Online auction on Wednesday 9th December from 12pm – 1pm. Reserve: €90,000 (the entire)

Prime lands set out in two lots and located on the main N5 route approx. 2.4km from Strokestown. Standing on the said lands is a 2 bay back to back slatted shed with central passage and lie back area off.

ipav

Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

PSRA Licence No. 001481

NEW TO THE MARKET

FINAL OFFERS INVITED

A CHARACTER 5 B/R DETACHED TWO STOREY RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1,100 SQ.FT STANDING ON APPROX. 1 ACRE LOCATED AT

DRISHAGHAUN EAST, CASTLEPLUNKETT, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 X977

Final offers after €75,000 to sell.

A most attractive 5 B/R farmhouse style residence of approx. 1,100 sq.ft standing on a mature site area of approx. 1 acre with the benefit of a number of useful outbuilding servicing same. The said property is located in a peaceful countryside location convenient to Castleplunket village and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all final offers after €75,000 to sell.

To register, download legal packs to bid, use the following link:

Joint Selling Agent: John Callaghan, Callaghan Auctioneering, Castlerea. 094 96 20102.

https://offr.io/property/cloonfree-county-roscommonireland/1139?action=auction

Legal: Brian O’Brien, Messers Byrne Carolan & Cunningham, Athlone. 090 64 78433.

EARLEY

AN EXCEPTIONAL 4 B/R FAMILY HOME OF APPROX. 2,350 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

3 CORRAUN VILLAGE, RACECOURSE ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN F42 HD91 Price Guide: €275,000.

An exceptional two storey detached residence located in the exclusive Corraun Village development. This quality property offers spacious living accommodation throughout and has been carefully designed and tastefully finished by its present owners. Located within a short walk from Roscommon town center and all amenities, this is a must view family home offering unrivalled location, quality finish and comfortable living. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. BER: C1.

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405

Substantial Strokestown property available with Earley’s Kilmore, Ballygar, Co. Galway

Earley’s close sale of Ballygar residence This week, David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a primely located residence at Kilmore, Ballygar, Co. Galway for a “very satisfactory” price. David commented: “We have experienced a very busy selling period, with quality properties attracting strong interest in all areas. Due to demand, we are now seeking properties in all areas for disappointed underbidders and cash buyers”. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 6626579, email ddiffley@ propertypartners.ie or log on to propertypartners.ie.

This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is offering to the market a substantial eightbedroomed (all ensuite), dormer-style residence of circa 3,100 square feet, located at ‘Cairn House’, Curry, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. John describes the property as being “a stunning and substantial eight-bedroomed (all ensuite), detached, dormer-style residence, finished to the highest of standards throughout. This imposing property stands on a beautifully mature and elevated site, with an area of approximately 2.37 acres and unobstructed views of the rolling

green countryside to the front. “Offering approximately 3,100 square feet of spacious living accommodation throughout, this fine property is ideally positioned to operate as a guesthouse or indeed as a substantial family residence”. The auctioneers highly recommend viewings and all offers are invited for immediate sale. For further details or to arrange a viewing, contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon, on 090 6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log on to propertypartners.ie.

Cairn House’, Curry, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Cloonfree, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Quality dormer-style residence for sale in Strokestown This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is inviting offers above €130,000 for a most attractive, five-bedroomed, dormer-style residence, located at Cloonfree, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (F42 YF22). It’s available due to cancellation. John describes the property as being “a most attractive, five-bedroomed, dormer-style residence, located in a select residential area, conveniently situated between Strokestown and Tulsk”. The said residence is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout, and offers spacious living accommodation, together with a large and mature site area of approximately 0.7 of an acre. Two character stone-built storage sheds service the said residence, with all main services are located on site. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers above €130,000 with a view to a sale. BER: D1. Legal: J Harrington & Co., Solicitor, Strokestown, 071 9634608. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

PropertyPeople Auctioneers & Valuers PSRA no. 001090

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

### URGENTLY REQUIRED ###

Due to continued success Hughes & Company are urgently looking for all types of property in and around Roscommon for a number of disappointed underbidders. If you are thinking of buying or selling talk to Pat, let him advise you, his advice is free. Skrine, Rahara

Four-bedroomed bungalow for sale in Skrine, Rahara

New to the market with Connaughton Auctioneers, approximately seven kilometres from the village of Athleague, is this fourbedroomed, detached bungalow, sitting on a large site of circa 0.61 acres. Located in a scenic area on a quiet, country, cul-de-sac road, this residence is in need of some modernisation internally, but represents excellent value in today’s market. The accommodation is spacious, with a floor area of circa 1,345 square feet, and the property has all services connected. Services include mains water, septic tank, electricity

and oil-fired central heating. The original cottage, built in the 1950s, has been modernised and extended, and offers originality and charm to the prospective buyer with an array of outbuildings on site, including six stables, which are near completion. Accommodation includes an entrance porch, which leads into the large living room with open fireplace with feature wooden mantle and surround, tiled flooring and high ceilings. There are three bedrooms off – two carpeted and one with wooden flooring. The kitchen/ dining room is to the rear of the property under

Townhouse with development potential in Abbey Street

Free advice from Pat If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact Pat Hughes of Hughes & Company Auctioneers & Valuers, Abbey Street, Roscommon and let him advise you. His advice is free. Contact Pat in the strictest confidence on 090 66 27003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers. com. Abbey Street, Roscommon

Looking to sell? We have buyers! Our services include: • Sales – Sell your home! • Lettings & Rentals • Property Management – We will manage all aspects of your rental property • Valuations – FREE pre-sale valuation No Sale – No Charge Web: www.kleavyauctioneer.com Tel. 071 96 34737

the extension and is a large room with tiled flooring, kitchen units and ample light. The utility room is to the right, and bedroom four and the main bathroom with bath, sink and toilet is to the left. Seldom does a property like this arrive on the market, offering fantastic potential and value for money. Viewings are popular and can be arranged by contacting the office on 090 6663700 or by emailing info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie. Evening, weekend and bank holiday viewings are available by prior arrangement.

Office building in great location could be converted into residence

Pat Hughes of Hughes & Company has reported that there is strong interest in an office building at Abbey Street, Roscommon, which is ideally located close to all local amenities and within walking distance of Roscommon town centre. Enquiries are relating to possible conversion to a residential property and to maintain same as an office unit due to its prominent location. The building is currently laid out into an office but could easily be converted into a residential unit. The building, which was used for a number of years as a solicitor’s office, is located in one of Roscommon’s most sought after areas. Accommodation consists of two offices on the ground floor, four offices on the first floor and a small yard to the rear. For further details or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090 66 27003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com.

Hughes & Company Auctioneers & Valuers, Abbey Street, Roscommon are offering for sale at Abbey Street, Roscommon a five-bedroomed townhouse with a large yard and rear entrance, a property which is suitable for various types of enterprise. The property offers huge development potential subject to planning permission being granted but would also be suitable for renting as the residence is in excellent condition and is located in a prominent location. For further details contact the office on 090 66 27003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com. Joint selling agents: Property Partners Earley (090 66 26579).

Abbey Street, Roscommon

Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Phone: 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

NEW TO THE MARKET FOR SALE AT

NO. 17 THE SPINNEY, ABBEYTOWN, ROSCOMMON

An attractive 2 Bedroomed Terraced House in one of Roscommon’s most sought after locations. Accommodation consists of a Sitting Room, Kitchen Cum Dining Room, 2 Bedrooms with one en-suite, Bathroom, and a large garden. Viewing is highly recommended. For further details or to make an appointment to view contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE AT ARAGHTY, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Circa 17 acres of agricultural land located short distance off the main Ballygar to Athleague Road. Most of the lands are of top quality. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE AT LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON

Circa 3 ½ acre commercial site with planning permission for a 10,000 sq ft Commercial Unit. The site is located in one of Roscommon’s most soughtafter areas. The site can be sold in one or two lots to suit perspective purchasers. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

TO LET

Circa 10 acres of after grass, convenient to Strokestown. Sheep only.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

PropertyPeople

NEW TO THE MARKET: 4 B/R Semi-Detached Residence at

NEW TO THE MARKET:

5 Ashbrook Avenue, Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon, H53 K2D6

Apartment Block & c. 3 Acres Prime Zoned Lands at

• Very attractive four bedroom semi-detached residence in prestine condition throughout • Located in much sough area within in walking distance of all amenities and convenient to Athlone, Roscommon Town and Ballinasloe • Viewing comes highly recommended and is strictly by appointment with the auctioneer • To arrange a viewing, contact the office on 090-6663700 • Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated

Thinking of Selling?

Call us on 090 6663700

Block B, Turner’s Court, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 XK88 • Prime property to come to market including apartment block comprising 9 no. apartments (5 x 3 bedroom, 2 x 2 bedroom, 1 x 4 bedroom & 1 x 1 bedroom) • Gross Internal Area of c.706 sq.m/c.7,600 sq. ft. • In pristine condition. • Adjacent to rear is c.3 Acres of Prime Development Lands Zoned Residential in the Athlone Town Plan, holding huge potential for future development. • Located c. 500 metres from Golden Island Shopping Centre, c. 800 metres from Athlone Institute of Technology. • Enquiries in confidence to Ivan Connaughton Auctioneer on 090-6663700.

NEW WEBSITE NOW LIVE

connaughtonauctioneers.ie

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

PropertyPeople

No. 5, Ard Na Greine, a deceptively large and spacious semi-detached home

A quality home in great location! Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke, Goff Street, Roscommon, are delighted to present to the market, No. 5, Ard Na Greine, a deceptively large and spacious semi-detached home in a wonderfully located area, situated in a well presented row of traditional, twostorey homes. On the edge of Roscommon town, the location is a lovely quiet neighbourhood, while still being on the doorstep of some major amenities. Just across the road is Roscommon

County Hospital and beyond that Hannon’s Hotel and Roscommon Golf Club. In the other direction, a few steps away is Dr. Hyde Park, Casey’s Circle K and Roscommon train station, where you can be whisked off to Dublin or Galway in less than an hour and a half. Roscommon town centre is less than a five-minute walk away. This would be the perfect location for anyone looking for an easy daily commute, whether it is walking to work across the road or hopping on the train.

No. 5, Ard Na Greine is a home poised in prime position. From the back there is a large private garden, which ensures nobody is overlooking you – just great space and views! The property is in need of renovation and modernisation, perfect for any DIY enthusiasts. Downstairs, the accommodation consists of a porch, entrance hall with stairs to first floor, sitting room, kitchen/dining room with a large window and glass door to the rear allow-

Keen interest in Abbeyvale residence Hughes & Company Auctioneers & Valuers, Abbey Street, Roscommon are confirming that they have had a number of enquiries on a large fivebedroomed dormer bungalow, which recently went on the market at Abbeyvale, Roscommon. Accommodation consists of a sitting room, kitchen cum dining room, three bedrooms downstairs and a bathroom. Upstairs are two large ensuite bedrooms, one with a jacuzzi bath. There is a large garage to the side. The property is located close to all amenities. Offers in the region of €250,000 are being

ing great views of the private garden, an extensive lounge with double glass doors also leading to the rear garden, and a cosy front living room with open fireplace. The first floor includes five bedrooms, a family bathroom, WC and hot press. Outside the private garden offers green space and mature trees, which surround the garden and the patio area. A shed to the side of the garden offers extra storage. You can enter the garden

CO. ROSCOMMON

Call 090 662 7200

Find out more at mysherryfitz.ie

ROSCOMMON TOWN

CIRCULAR ROAD, UNIT FOR LEASE

27003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Residential farm at Carrownalasson

Hughes & Company are confirming that they are now at an advanced stage of negotiations on the sale of a circa 26.5-acre residential farm located at Carrownalasson, Four Mile House, Roscommon. The lands are located a short distance off the main Boyle to Roscommon road. All of the lands are of top quality, with an old three-roomed dwelling thereon. They are hopeful of concluding the sale in the coming weeks. For further details contact the office on 090 66 27003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

POA

NO 5 ARD NA GREINE, ATHLONE RD, ROSCOMMON.

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON

considered. For further details, contact the office on 090 66

by a side entrance from the front. Although the property is in need of refurbishment, this absolute gem provides the perfect opportunity for a dream ‘forever home’ with an abundance of amenities nearby. Viewing comes highly recommended and is by appointment only. For further details, or to arrange a viewing, contact David Flynn at Sherry FitzGerald P Burke, Goff St., Roscommon in 0906627200 or email pburke@sfpburke.ie.

POA

• Sizeable modern, bright and spacious retail/office unit for lease. • Strategically located in the heart of Roscommon town on Circular Road adjacent to major businesses Casey’s Supermacs, Roscommon Herald etc. • Comprising of front unit space of 9.74m x 8.08m, store 4.78m x 2.74m, back office/canteen 5.30m x 4.54m with exit door to rear and W.C. 1.47m x 1.95m • Excellent condition throughout. • Customer car parking. CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

• Large 5 bed Semidetached residence with large private garden. • Situated in the popular Ard Na Greine peaceful residential area. • Located adjacent to Roscommon County Hospital ,Dr Hyde Park Football Park and in close proximity to Roscommon Golf Club, and Roscommon town centre, schools, train station, and all its amenities • In need of modernisation offering excellent potential and value. • Excellent family home or an ideal investment. BER: C3 Eircode: F42KP94 CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

CO. ROSCOMMON

€300,000

CRUBY HILL HOUSE, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN.

• A rare opportunity to acquire a seven bedroom detached property in a great location less than 5 minutes from Roscommon Town. • Bright and spacious with south facing conservatory . • Large mature garden surrounding the property allowing great privacy. • Close to all amenities such as Secondary School, Primary School, Church, train station and supermarkets. BER: D1 Eircode: F42FX53 CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

It’s not just about property. It’s about people. PSRA No. 001316

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Classifieds

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

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

ACCOUNTS

PODIATRIST

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST

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

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala

090 66 25818 086 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved

EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Stephen Casey

Construction l

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

The Galway Podiatrist

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

087 2798704

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Darcy

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI 5 days a week at

Tullys

HSE Trained and Approved l >1000 hours in Merlin Park l Home visits available For appointment call: l

094 9620009

ForFor Bookings Contact: College Road, Bookings Contact:

(087) 707 5803

Mountbellew, Co Galway H53 D7W8

(087) 707 5803 (Saturday & evening appointments available)

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8

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

By Appointment Only –

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • 20 years experience

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor

BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

VHI and Laya Covered

CONSTRUCTION

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

Fergal 086 1016899

l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

COMPUTERS DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.

COUNSELLING

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

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

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

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA

MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

CAR FOR SALE < FOR SALE: 161 Skoda Octavia Active, 1.6 TDi, 110HP, Black Metallic, 1 careful owner from new, 51,000miles/82,000km, price €11,750. Phone: 087 1371523

FENCING/GATES

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

087 2346364

GARDENING

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

NO FIX NO FEE

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

FENCING/GATES

l l

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

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

Tel: 087 2172281

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715 < TO LET: 28 acres, sheep only at Drumdaff, Kilrooskey. Tel: 089 2161765

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

Phone John on

087 2860428 GATELY GARDENING

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

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193

www.parklawntreeservices.

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

WALTER BEGLEY

Gardening, Maintenance & Painting Roscommon Town • Indoor & Outdoor Painting • Winter Garden Clean-Up • Power Washing Driveways - Paths • Prepare Lawns for Spring • Hedge Trimming • Planting • Grass Cutting • General Maintenance

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

GRINDS

ROSCOMMON

MATHS GRINDS

NOW ONLINE! - Weekly live classes - Highly interactive - Continuous assessment - Excellent results record Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine Kenny 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Classifieds GRINDS < ONLINE SPANISH TUITION/GRINDS: For 1st, 2nd and JC pupils. (small classes). Fully qualified teacher with 20+ years teaching 1st-Hons. Level L.C. Top results in state exams. Mobile: 083 0198884. Facebook: Miss McSpanish. Email:missmcspanish@ gmail.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

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

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009

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

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

< HOUSE TO RENT: In Donamon area, 3 bed bungalow. Tel: 086 6067183 < TO LET: Refurbished old style 3 bedroomed bungalow in Knockcroghery area. Dual central heating. Employer and landlord references essential. Strictly no pets. Tel: 086 4016223

PERSONAL < WANTED: Looking for English Springer Spaniel breeder. Claregalway/Castlerea area, I purchased a pup eight years ago, dogs name Ruby, could the gentleman please contact me. Tel: 087 2252160

PLANNINGS

Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

PAINTING & DECORATING

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

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

086 3482387

Phone JOHN

083 8838022 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is being sought by Owen Dervin and Son Limited to construct a warehouse, along with a connection to existing utility services, boundary treatments, and surface car parking at Killarney Townland, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected at the offices of the planning authority at Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon during office hours 9.30am to 1.00pm, and 2pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. 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. The planning authority may grant permission subject to, or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Paul Feeney Consulting Engineers, Unit 1, Riveroaks Centre, Claregalway, Co. Galway.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is being sought by Mark John Gannon to construct a warehouse, along with a connection to existing utility services, boundary treatments, and surface car parking at Killarney Townland, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Pat Murphy am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following: change of use of part of former eircom building from stores-workshop to office use and associated internal alterations along with elevation changes to incorporate additional windows to front and rear elevations and carryout all associated site development works at Castlerea Business Park, Henry Bryne Road, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. F45 RW29 The planning application may be inspected at the offices of the planning authority at Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon during office hours 9.30am to 1.00pm, and 2pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. 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. The planning authority may grant permission subject to, or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: James Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd. Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon. M:087 8228529 M: 087 9595520 T: 0906634365 Email: james@jlce.ie - aaron@jlce.ie www.jlce.ie

REFLEXOLOGY

TERESA BURKE BNS (Hons). M.Sc (Hons) (MNRRI)

Certified Reflexologist Give your mind and body a relaxing experience with a reflexology treatment. Through massage of the feet reflexology can • rebuild energy levels in the body • assist in relieving stress • encourage relaxation • improve general wellbeing Reflexology is based on the principle that the foot has “reflex” points that correspond to the various structures and organs throughout the body. Contact TERESA for appointment at

087 9001212

Teresa Burke Brideswell, Co. Roscommon N37 EW 20

USEFUL SERVICES

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

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

Christmas Gift Voucher available

USEFUL SERVICES

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477

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

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802.

Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090 6626752

Agricultural Powerwashing Services • Cow Sheds

JOHN BEATTIE

• Slatted Sheds

Roscommon

• Yards

086 2670670

• Milking Parlours

• Sheep Sheds

Cab and Bus Hire

< MAN AVAILABLE: For Power Washing, chimney cleaning, gutters, and window cleaning. Also lady available for house cleaning, all areas. Tel: 083 3551504

Contact Padraig today for a keen quote

086 6027509 WE CLEAN THE MESS YOU HAVE NO STRESS!

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

USEFUL SERVICES

Furniture Removal & Collection Garden Maintenance

Phone John: 085 2113317

CARPENTER AVAILABLE

< TURF FOR SALE: In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €50. Bag and delivery also included in price. Tel: 086 8534011

< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 < TURF FOR SALE: Good black turf, shed stored. In trailer loads or bags. Tel: 086 2544294 < FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Seasoned hardwook, free delivery. Tel: 086 1918021 < HARDWOOD TIMBER FOR SALE: 8x4 trailer loads, tonne bags or red netted bags. Tel: 083 0204799

SITUATIONS VACANT

for all types of work, including maintenace, roof repairs.

Call 087 646 7322 Carpenter/Builder

PEAT BEDDING

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

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

086 2437376

< FIREWOOD & TURF: High quality seasoned hardwood timber split and turf, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in 500kg bulk bag and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed. Call 086 3312411 after 6pm.

We are looking for carpenters with general construction knowledge in house renovations from grounds to finish. Email: silveira911@gmail. com < CHILDMINDER WANTED: To mind children EITHER in childrens own home or in childminders home (Athleague area). School drop off and pick up required. Phone: 087 3282507 < PERSON REQUIRED: To care for elderly lady in her own home. 20-25 hours - 4 days per week. Roscommon town. Apply to PO Box No 2042 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon < PART-TIME VETERINARY ASSISTANT REQUIRED: Must be flexible with an interest in animal care, good IT communication skills and the ability to work closely with our Veterinary team. Email: galwayroscommonvets@gmail. com with experience/qualifications

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

WINDOWS/DOORS

Chris’s Locksmith Service

Chimney Problems

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes

BRENDAN DOOLIN

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

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

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

INSTALLATION

www.roscommonwindows.ie

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

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

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417 RECYCLING

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

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial H91 P5k5 BlockEstate, 12, Galway Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

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

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

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com 08383

INSURANCE CLAIMS

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

C astlerea ELV Recycling Ltd ., Cloonkeen, Castlerea Kevin & Martina Keenan Tel: 094 96 21250 Mob: 086 2522231

Loss Assessor/Claims Management

Martin Hibbitt CDIP LA, APA-PL

Certified Dip in Loss Adjusting Approved Product Adviser Member of the PSAG-GI Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland

M: 087 9818153 E: info@icr.ie

T: 091 380900 W: www.icr.ie

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

VETERINARY

6621220

ROSCOMMON Driving School Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * COMPETENCY BASED APPLICATION FORMS (inc. public sector) * INTERVIEW MASTERING (inc. competency-based) PERSONAL COACHING: * BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE! * HELP TO COPE WITH AND EMBRACE CHANGE (e.g. retirement, new job, separation etc) * FIND YOURSELF STUCK IN A RUT? - (take back control and explore options!) EDUCATION COACHING: * HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE/MAKE A BETTER MORE INFORMED DECISION THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

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

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

SELLING A USED CAR? Don’t let your advert get lost in the Web!

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

Tel: 090

PHONE: 086 8229606

For appointment call me on 086 8229606

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

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

CAROLINE BURKE COACHING

OR email your enquiry to carolinebburke@gmail.com

(090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651

DRIVING LESSONS

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness

Telephone: 090 66 33026

Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

BLINDS

LIFE COACH

Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Eircode: F42 K243 Tel: 0906665555 Fax: 0906627653 • Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday • Saturday Clinic 10am - 3pm Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT

You have a better chance of selling a reasonably priced used car within your own county! An advert in the Roscommon People will be seen by over

80,000 LOCAL people every week!

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! Telephone: 090 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Classifieds

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

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

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

PAT QUIGLEY: 087 7799076 PAUL O’CONNOR: 086 6052649

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

LAWLESS Phil

JONES Kitty

(7th Anniversary)

Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Phil, whose anniversary occurs on December 5th A smile for all A heart of gold One of the best this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind these are the memories you left behind

Remembered with love by all. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill on Saturday, 5th December at 7pm.

O’CONNOR Gerry

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

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surrounding areas)

Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Email or call for Sample Pack

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Late of Cyprus Villas and Galway Road, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary 9th December 2017)

In loving memory of Kitty, who died on the 3rd December 2011. Also remembering her husband Jeremiah who died on 18th August 1989. You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide And though we cannot see you You are always at our side.

Sadly missed by your loving daughter Marcella and loving son Basil and daughter-in-law Fiona. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Friday, 11th December at 7pm.

GARVEY Joan

A day that’s filled with sadness, returns to us today To mark the day you closed you eyes and quietly slipped away. You had a smile for everyone You had a heart of gold You left the sweetest memories, this world could ever hold. A smile can hide our sadness, tears can be wiped away. But the heartache of losing you will never go away. Because you were so special, no words could ever say How much we love and miss you today and everyday. We sent a dove to heaven with a parcel on its wings, Be careful how you open it for its full of beautiful things. Inside are a million kisses, wrapped up in a million hugs To tell you that we miss you and give you all our love.

Loved and never forgotten by his heartbroken parents, daughters, brothers, sister, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncle, nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Tuesday, 8th December at 10am.

Ballinaheglish, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) In loving memory of Joan – much loved wife, mother and granny who passed away on December 3rd 2017.

JOYCE Margaret (nee Kelly) Ballymoe, Co. Galway (34th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear mother Margaret who passed away on 4th December 1986 R.I.P. Just a prayer from the family that loved you, just a memory fond and true. In our hearts you will live forever because we thought the world of you. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Sweet Jesus, take this message to our dear mother up above, tell her how much we miss her and give her all our love.

Sadly missed by her sons Tommy, Mickie, Sean, Stephen and Cyril and her daughters Maureen, Chrissie, Eileen, Carmel and Sheila, her sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and extended family and friends. Also remembering our brother Paddy, who passed away on 4th July 2012 A smile for all, a heart of gold, one of the best this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind, these are the memories you left behind.

Always remembered by your brothers and sisters. For a dear Mother & Wife Our hearts still aches in sadness, our silent tears still flow, for what it meant to lose you, no one will ever know. A silent thought, a secret tear, keeps your memory ever near. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal love leaves a memory no one can steal. Though absent you are very near still loved still missed and very dear.

Loved and remembered every day by husband John, daughters Deirdre and Emer, sons John and Niall, son-inlaw Brian and grandchildren Senan, Ruan and Emilia. Anniversary Mass will be at 7.30pm on Friday, 4th December in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish.

PADDEN Michael J. (Jody) Celtic Avenue, Roscommon and formerly of Ballina (21st Anniversary)

MURPHY Una (nee O’Keeffe) Renefarna, Ruskey, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother who died on 7th December 2019. Subsequently deceased on 27th August 2020 by her loving husband Pa. If roses grow in Heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, Place them in dear Mammy’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that just never goes away.

Lovingly remembered and missed by Ann & Liam and your beloved grandchildren, Laura, Rachel, Rebecca and Chloe.

---------Mother, you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide. Although we cannot see you still, you’re always at our side.

Sadly missed and remembered by Michael.

---------Always so good, unselfish and kind, few on this earth your equal we find, honourable and upright in all your ways, loyal and true to the end of your days. You are not forgotten, dear Mother

Lovingly remembered forever by Pauric

---------Little did we know that morning, God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death, we do the same. 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. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.

Always lovingly remembered and missed by Vinny and Monica and your much loved grandchildren, Eoghan, Aaron and Kilian. ---------There is someone who misses you sadly, and finds the time long since you went, There is someone who thinks of you always, and tries to be brave and content. Gone is the face we loved so dear, silent the voice we loved to hear, It’s sad but true, we wonder why, we find it hard to say goodbye.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by David and Geraldine. ---------They say there is a reason, they say that time will heal, but neither time nor reason, will change the way we feel. For no one knows the heartache that lies beyond our smiles, no one knows how many times we have broken down and cried. We want to tell you something, so there won’t be any doubt, you’re so wonderful to think of, but so hard to be without. We cannot bring the old days back when we were all together. The family chain is broken now but the memories live forever.

Mammy, you are forever loved and sadly missed by Teresa and Ollie and your much cherished granddaughter Mia x In loving memory of Jody, who died December 2nd 1999. R.I.P. Deep are the memories, Precious they stay No passing years Can take them away.

Sadly missed by his loving wife Kathleen and family. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 12th December at 11am.

---------Your life was full of kindly deeds, a helping hand to all in need, a pleasant smile, a heart of gold, no better friend this world could hold.

Always loved and remembered by Maura, Colette and Noel.

---------A special time, a special face, a special Granny we can’t replace, with an aching heart, we whisper low, we miss you Granny and love you so xxx

Lovingly remembered and missed by Laura, Rachel, Rebecca, Chloe, Eoghan, Aaron, Kilian and Mia xxx ----------

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 6th December at 11.30 am in Rooskey Church and streamed via - link churchtv.ie/ rooskey.html

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES KILLION Jimmy Gailey, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. (3rd Anniversary)

SLYMAN Margaret (Maggie) Currahoolia, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe (1st Anniversary)

FINNERAN Brian Feevagh, Dysart, Ballinasloe (3rd Anniversary)

CONNAUGHTON Josephine (Josie)

Main Street, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Who died 8th October 2020

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

In loving memory of Jimmy who died on 5th December 2017. Somewhere beyond the sunset where loved ones never die you sleep in a beautiful garden beneath a golden sky. Though heaven and earth divide us we are never apart for you are always in our hearts.

We miss you Jimmy and mourn you in sorrow unseen and dwell on the memories of days that have been. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at a later date.

GERAGHTY Myra Kilmore, Athleague, Roscommon Who died on 6th December 2010 (10th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Maggie who died on 4th December 2019 God has you in His Kingdom now, we have you in our hearts. A daily thought and a silent tear, a constant wish that you were here. An empty space no one can fill, we miss you dearly and always will.

Sadly missed and always remembered by her loving family. Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 5th December at 7 pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan.

GLEESON James Racecourse Road, Roscommon

In loving memory of Brian Finneran whose anniversary occurs on December 2nd. Our hearts still ache with sadness, and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you. no one can ever know

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by his wife Máire, daughters Méabh, Ella and Eabha, his parents, Lily and Frank, sisters, Maria and Anne and extended family. An Anniversary Mass will be held in The Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Friday, December 4th at 7pm. Mass will be streamed live on the MMCStreaming YouTube page and can be also accessed via the following link: https:// youtu.be/-S1B9fE35SI

DONOGHUE David Moher, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

Remembering Myra with love and affection Your presence we miss Your memory we treasure.

Forever in our thoughts Bernie and Mike.

KEMMITT Sadie (nee Keane) Rathmoyle, Castlerea (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Sadie who died 3rd December 2019.

If we could visit Heaven even for a day maybe for a moment the pain would go away. We’d put our arms around you and whisper words so true, that living life without you is the hardest thing to do.

Loved and remembered by Mam, Dad, Jude and Sinéad. xxxx Anniversary Mass for James in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Monday, 7th December at 7pm.

Who passed away on 8th December 2016 The angels sang Amazing Grace, God came down and touched your face, then He whispered soft and low, “Come with Me its time to go.” The gates of Heaven opened wide, The Angels lined up side by side, a special guest is on his way, the day they took David away.

Loved and remembered always Mam and family. x Anniversary Mass at a later date. A quiet thought, a silent prayer, For someone special in God’s care.

Sadly missed by her brother, sisters and extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 27th December at 9am in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea.

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com We, the heartbroken family of the late Josephine (Josie) Connaughton would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support we received at the time of her death and in the weeks since her passing. Sincere thanks to those who offered condolences, sent expressions of sympathy, telephoned, sent mass cards and sympathy cards, text messages and posted messages of sympathy on RIP.ie. We thank people who left food and gifts to the house. We thank all those who stood out along the route to pay their respects as Josie made her final journey to the church and graveyard. A very special word of thanks to Canon Eugene McLoughlin for his continued support and comfort to Josie and to us all during her illness, at the time of her death and for his very touching homily. Thank you to Kathleen Mooney for organising everything so well in the church. We thank Margaret and Sean for the lovely music and singing. Sincere thanks to Kevin McGeeney and his team who assisted in the church grounds. A very special word of thanks to Henry Hamrock who carried out the funeral arrangements in such a caring, dignified and professional manner. Thanks to the grave diggers who prepared Josie’s final resting place. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Martin Daly, Dr. Miriam Mangan and Mary at Ballygar Health Centre, Tina and her wonderful staff at Molloy’s Pharmacy and Louis Conlon, Pharmacist in Athleague. Thank you to Josie’s nurses, Martina Beirne, Margaret Sexton and Jene Kelly. Thank you to the Roscommon Palliative Care Team for their excellent home care which allowed Josie to be at home with us during her illness. A very special word of thanks to Mary Murray who along with Frances Keane took excellent care of Josie in the last few months of her life. We would like to thank our good friends Aoife and Mark McLoughlin and Annita and Padraic Cuddy for all their help and support. We would like to extend a special word of thanks to all the staff at Roscommon University Hospital, Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, Dr. Joe Martin and staff at University College Hospital, Galway and staff at ICU, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. We would like to thank the ambulance personnel who were so kind on the occasions on which we needed them. To Anne Harlow for the beautiful floral arrangements, thank you. Sincere thanks to Tom Connaughton and Garda Owen Crehan for traffic management. Thank you to Michael and Martina Hourigan for streaming the mass which made it possible for those who could not attend tune in. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation for your support. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions. Month’s Mind Mass will take place in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Friday, 4th December at 8pm.

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

SCANLON John & Mary Anne Emlaghroyan, Donamon

In loving memory of dear parents whose 41st and 4th anniversaries occur. John 18th August 1979 and Mary Anne, 6th December 2016 Rest in Peace. We hold ye close within our hearts and there ye shall remain To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

Lovingly remembered by their son, daughters and extended family. Masses offered.

DANAHER Pat

Castleplunkett, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who died on 6th December 2019

The family of the late Pat Danaher would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on their great loss. To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. A sincere thanks to all our relatives, friends, kind neighbours, those who sent flowers, mass cards, letters of sympathy, messages of condolence, those who travelled long distances, called to the house, attended the wake, removal, mass, burial in his final resting place in Ballintubber cemetery, all those who visited Pat during his last eleven months in Fearna Manor Nursing Home and his time spent in Portiuncula and Roscommon Hospitals, thanks to all the management, staff, nurses and doctors for all the care and respect shown at all times. Thanks to the Kelly Henry Medical team Castlerea for all their help and support, Fr. Kelly, Fr. Gannon, Fr. Justice, Fr. Morris, Fr. McManus, all those who participated in the Mass, Clare Kelly and Enya Conroy for the lovely singing and music, parking stewards and those who managed the flow of traffic during the Funeral. A special thanks to Niall, Rena and James Flanagan for their sensitive and professional handling of all arrangements. Thanks to the grave diggers, Paul, Gerard and Aidan for preparing Pat’s final resting place with such dignity and care, Flanagan’s Pub, Hesters Golden Eagle, Patricia Smyth, Fiona Thompson and the Ballintubber ladies club. A special thanks to our loyal supporters and good friends for being so supportive throughout our forty five years behind the counter. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES RYAN Willie and Josie Beechwood (8th and 22nd Anniversaries)

COLLIGAN Stephen Scramogue, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In remembrance of our loving parents, Willie and Josie They are not gone from us But gone before us Ni imithe uainn atá siad Ach imithe romhainn

Remembrance Mass has been offered.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

NESTOR Stephen and Bridget Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Who died 3rd January 1999 (21st Anniversary)

Who died 1st October 2010 (10th Anniversary)

Treasured thoughts of you both so dear often bring a silent tear. Thoughts of scenes long past years roll on but memories last. Remembering also their beloved daughter

Anne O’Brien (nee Nestor) Leixlip, Co. Kildare Who died 20th April 2020

In loving memory of Stephen who passed away on the 3rd December 2019 I never knew that morning, the sorrow the day would bring, when a loving heart stopped beating, and I could not do a thing. The parting was so sudden, I often wonder why, but the saddest part of all, I never said goodbye. It broke my heart to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of me went with you, the day God called you home.

O’GRADY Margaret (Gretta) & Thomas Doorty, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon Margaret who died 12th April 2014 and Thomas who died on 7th December 1980

They were parents so very rare, Content in their home and always there, On earth they toiled, In Heaven they rest, God bless my parents they were the best.

Sadly missed by their loving family. Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 6th December at 11am in St. Bridget’s Church, Four Mile House, Roscommon.

McDONNELL Teresa and James Lisnagabra, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Teresa, who died on 23rd November 2007 Aged 94 years and James, who died on 14th December 1992 Aged 84 years (13th and 28th Anniversaries)

Loved and remembered by your wife Ursula --------

DAD

What we would give if we could say, “Hello Dad” in the same old way. To hear your voice and see your smile, to sit with you and chat a while. Silent thoughts of times together, hold memories that will last forever.

Special memories keep them near, As time unfolds another year. Each of us in our own way Have special thoughts of them today.

Also remembering their daughter

Frances Martin (nee McDonnell) Loughrea, Galway Who passed away on 9th April 2019

Lovingly remembered by your daughters Tara, Lisa and Deirdre, sons John and Michael.

COSTELLO Pat

Chapel Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon and Claregalway, Co. Galway Who died on 26th October 2020

Bridie Costello and family of the late Pat Costello wish to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the kindness, support and sympathy shown to us on the recent sad loss of our husband, father and grandfather. The numerous letters, cards, phone calls, texts and messages of condolence on the RIP.ie website were of immense comfort during this difficult time. Thank you Cathal and Mary, Brady Funeral Directors for your professionalism and expertise, the grave diggers who prepared Pat’s final resting place perfectly and to Carina Hughes for her beautiful singing at Pat’s funeral mass. A special word of Fr. J.J. Gannon for celebrating the funeral mass and making it so personal, comforting and meaningful. We would also like to thank the Eucharist Ministers and especially Anne Shannon who brought communion to Pat every Sunday while he was at home. We inadvertently omitted to mention you during the ceremony. We would also like to thank An Garda Siochana, Northern Harps Ladies football club, members of Elphin GAA Club and our neighbours and friends who formed a guard of honour before and after the ceremony. Your presence was very much appreciated. It is impossible to thank everyone individually we hope you will accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

KELLY Helena Ballyglass,Dysart (7th Anniversary)

-------They say there is a reason they say that time will heal but neither time nor reason will change the way we feel. For no one knows the heartache that lies beneath our smiles no one knows how many times we have broken down and cried. We want to tell you something so there won’t be any doubt you’re so wonderful to think of but so hard to be without. We cannot bring the old days back when we were all together the family chain is broken now but memories last forever.

Sadly misssed by all the heartbroken family. A Memorial Mass will be held in St Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 6th December 2020 at 10am.

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

GRANDAD A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Always remembered by their loving family. Anniversary Mass in Four Roads Church on Sunday, 13th December at 11am.

Lovingly remembered by your grandchildren Keelin, Layna, Stephen, Aishlinn, Oran, Shane, David, Alexandra, Georgia, Andrew and James.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

THANKSGIVINGS 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. A.M.K.

Who passed away on the 1st December 2013 In loving memory of Helena Your life was love and labour Your love for your family true You did your best for all of us We will always remember you.

Sadly missed by her loving family. Masses offered on 1st December in Four Roads Church.

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

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Jimmy McGlynn am applying to Roscommon Council for the following: 1. Permission to demolish existing flat roof extension to rear of house 2. Planning permission to construct new flat roof extensions to rear and front along with new slated roof coverings to existing house and installation of skylight roof windows and carry out all ancillary site development works at Ballytoohey, Termonbarry, Co. Roscommon, N39 AP94

APPOINTMENTS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Tom Tully and Natasha Higgins, intend to apply for Retention Permission for the following; (a) To retain an existing detached domestic garage and lean-to fuel shed as constructed. (b) To retain revised site boundaries and vehicle entrance location as constructed (c) To retain an existing window to the rear of the dwelling house as constructed (d) Along with connections to all site services and all other associated site works. At Roosky New Td, Rooskey, 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 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. Signed: James Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd, Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie

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 I, Damien Garvey intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Willsgrove, Ballintober, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Thomas Gately, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to erect a dwelling house and construct a septic tank and percolation area and all associated site works at Castlestrange, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority during its 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 the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application by the planning authority. Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 090 6624681 / 087 635 8949 / sblake2006@gmail.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, David Donohue intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, new connection to the existing public foul sewer and associated works at Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Mobile: 086 8551835 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Sinead Glynn, hereby apply for planning permission for the construction of a dormer bungalow type dwelling, domestic garage, effluent treatment system and associated site works at Camlagh Townland, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Castletenison Demesne, Ballyfarnon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. I Eamonn Bruen intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for development consisting of the construction of a new dwelling house, entrance, wastewater treatment system and polishing filter together with all ancillary site works and services at the above address.

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 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 submission 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 the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Jeni and Craig McHugh are seeking permission for development to extend and alter their house at Curraghmore, Kiltoom, County Roscommon. The development will consist of: demolition of the existing garage to the east of the bungalow, proposed new single-storey side extension (75sqm) connected to the existing house, external and internal alterations to the existing house, and upgrade the existing septic tank with a new septic tank and percolation area.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Shane Gilligan and Helen Agar intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect a dwelling house, a domestic garage, install a secondary waste treatment unit with soil polishing filter and to construct all ancillary site works to facilitate same at Carrowntarriff, Dysart, 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: Shane Gilligan and Helen Agar.

BURKE’S GARAGE Clashaganny Cross, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon

We have vacancies for

Apprentice Motor Mechanic and Apprentice Panel Beater

Qualified Electrician and Apprentice Electrician

Please call Michael on 086 2535559

(1st, 2nd or 3rd year) Required in the Longford, Leitrim or Roscommon area for immediate start. Please send CV to: PO Box No 2041c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

PLANNINGS

Country Kids Childcare

IMPROVERS ALSO REQUIRED

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Michael Mulhern and Lisa Beirne for planning permission for the construction of a single storey dwelling house, a domestic garage and entrance road together with the installation of a waste water treatment system/percolation area and all necessary site services/ancillary siteworks at Kilmore, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Dowd & Associates Ltd, Registered Surveyors, Chartered Construction Managers, Building Consultants. T: (090) 6623417 M: 086-8546035 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Jonathan Hegarty am applying to Roscommon Council for planning permission to construct dwelling house, domestic garage, proprietary treatment system and all associated ancillary site development works at Derryhippoo Td, Creggs, 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 at Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon 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 Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd, Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Architects – Consulting Engineers

Oran, Co Roscommon Required:

Childcare Practitioner Currently available – full/part time position for childcare practitioner in our toddler room. Minimum level 5 FETAC award required. Interested parties can call Mary on 086 2028771

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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APPOINTMENTS/SPORTS EXTRA

WE ARE RECRUITING HOME CARE WORKERS Family Carers Ireland has been embedded in Irish homes for over 30 years delivering premium quality care in the home. As well as being a HSE approved home care provider, our focus has always been on providing a personalised quality home care service that responds to changing needs with comprehensive, premium quality supports throughout Roscommon, Galway and Mayo (CHO2).

We are currently seeking kind, dependable and caring people who are interested in working with us. With a very competitive rate of pay (minimum starting rate of €13.25 p/h, plus additional for Sundays and Bank holidays), excellent opportunities and fully Covid-19 compliant, Family Carers Ireland invites you to email your CV to:

cho2recruitment@familycarers.ie For further information on this opportunity, please visit our website www.familycarers.ie Family Carers Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and all applicants will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

Horses for courses by Tom Red

There is only one meeting today in Clonmel starting at 12.30 pm. Tomorrow, racing is on the all-weather at Dundalk off at 4.00pm. On Saturday, there is racing in Navan starting at 12 pm with two meetings on Sunday at Cork, 12.20 pm, and Punchestown at 12.35 pm. Punchestown also races on Tuesday. On Sunday in Punchestown, there are eleven in the Grade John Durkan Memorial Chase with five representing Willie Mullins, two from Gordon Elliott and Joseph O’Brien, and one each from Henry de Bromhead and Noel Meade. Mullins’ Min and Alloha will probably face Elliott’s Battleoverdoyen and Samcro. If fit, Min should win this race for the second year running. If not Battleoverdoyen and Samcro have the benefit of a race in October where they finished 1st and 3rd split by Easy Game in Down Royal Grade 2 race. On Sunday last our main Festival hopes all produced the goods. In the Royal Bond Elliott’s odds on Ballyadam accounted for the unbeaten Cask Mate by a comfortable 1½l. The Drinmore attracted four runners, two from Gordon Elliott and two from Joseph O’Brien. Elliott’s unbeaten Envoi Allen extended his race record to ten, winning by 8½l from Assemble. The Hatton’s Grace also produced an odds-on unbeaten favourite in Henry de Bromhead’s Cheltenham winner Honeysuckle and she won by doing just enough to hold on from a fast finishing Ronald Pump by ½l. The one for the notebook in this race is the runner-up who will definitely benefit stepping up in distance. The Juvenile Hurdle also produced an Elliott winner in Zanahyir who beat

the odds-on Saint Sam by a very easy 14l. Jack Kennedy rode all three Elliott horses and Rachel Blackmore was aboard Honeysuckle. In the bumper, Elliott, completing a four-timer, and Jamie Codd, were again on target as Grand Paradis came with a run to pass long-time leader San Salvador in the last furlong, this one was also passed by Good Landing, 2nd, and West Is Awake, 3rd, in the shadow of the post. Honeysuckle retained the Hatton’s Grace ½ l but she still had something in the bank as she hit the line. Envoi Allen, described by Elliott as “a horse of a Lifetime”, has won the Bumper in 2018, the Novice Hurdle last year and has completed the hattrick by adding the Novice Chase at this meeting. Can he do the same in March? Only time will tell. Have we another Arkle in the making? Strong words but he has done no wrong.

Racing News There was a limited attendance at Haydock, Ludlow, and the all-weather tracks at Lingfield and Kempton, which are all in a Tier 2 areas in England, yesterday. Lingfield was the first to welcome punters with an 11.30 am start and had about 500 patrons, well up on normal attendance. Under protocols, a limited number of spectators are allowed attend at tracks in a Tier 2 area which are not bounded by a Tier 3 area. There are no racecourses located in Tier 1 areas at present. Paul Gilligan made a successful raid to Wetherby yesterday week with Born By The Sea who was ridden to victory by his son Jack, a 5lb claimer, in the Sixt

Ballyadam and Jack Kennedy last Sunday.

Car Hire Intermediate Chase. Trained near Athenry for his wife, Natalie, the 6-Y-O has been very consistent despite only winning once, over hurdles at Killarney and was the outsider of three runners at 7-1, with little to choose between 11-10 favourite Geordie B and 6-5 shot The Mulcair at the top of the market. All was not good news for the family this week as other son, Liam, received a 10-day ban at Limerick on Tuesday for his riding of Oneknightmoreihope, trained by Noel Glynn, in the amateur handicap hurdle. Glynn confirmed the instructions were followed and expressed his satisfaction with the ride and said he was delighted with the ride given and it was the very same as Gilligan had given the horse at Fairyhouse, the only other time the horse was placed in seven runs. The suits, having taken “his good previous record into account”, sus-

pended him for ten race days, while only noting the trainer’s account. This is a decision that begs belief as the trainer was happy with the ride given to instructions, Gilligan was the only jockey to cajole this horse to run into a place, twice, and hopefully he will successfully appeal this apparently vindictive decision.

Point to Point Corner No racing on Saturday in the north but there is a meeting in Kinsale with 85 entries. On Sunday, there are two meetings down for decision, one at Mainstown near Watergrass Hill in Tipperary with 136 entries, the other meeting at Tattersalls Farm opposite Fairyhouse racecourse in Co. Kildare has a huge entry of 135, and there is a scheduled start of 12 pm for all three meetings.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

Sports PEOPLE Conor hopes McDonald can Tipp balance in Mayo’s favour! < SEAMUS DUKE

His enigmatic and often brilliant playing career may have ended without an All-Ireland senior football medal with Mayo, but former great Ciaran McDonald could still help get his success-hungry county across the elusive finishing line. In order to get within 70-odd minutes of the Sam Maguire Cup – again – Connacht champions Mayo must first account for surprise package Tipperary, and Conor Loftus is hopeful that McDonald – now a member of the backroom team – can help make that happen. Roscommon fans will be taking a special interest in this weekend’s All-Ireland SFC semi-finals at Croke Park, especially the one on Sunday in which Mayo take on Tipperary (at 3.30 pm). Mayo have defeated Leitrim, Roscommon and Galway on their way to the last four, and although they will be fancied to defeat Tipperary, there are many pundits who are giving Tipp a chance of repeating their heroics

against Cork in the Munster final. The Roscommon People has been speaking to Mayo midfielder Conor Loftus in the build-up to Sunday’s game, and he is cautious about the match and the threat posed by Tipperary. The Crossmolina man says that the Premier County will be very difficult opponents on Sunday. “I wasn’t surprised when Tipp beat Cork. I know a lot of the lads on the Tipp team. I played with them in college. They are all quality players and I am not surprised at all that they won the Munster Championship”. Loftus says the fact that his clubmate and Mayo legend Ciaran McDonald is now a member of the backroom team has helped him with his game. “Growing up, I always looked up to Ciaran. He has been a great help to me and to the other lads too. He probably looks at the game differently to most other people, and he has a maverick spirit that makes him different. It’s brilliant that he is involved”.

The Mayo midfielder says that he is not one of those who would want to see big games taken out of Croke Park. “I want to play as many games as I can in Croke Park. It’s where all the big games are played. When a player is growing up, that’s where the big games were all played, and it’s where every player wants to be. When we get the chance to play there, we should take it, that’s my view”. Conor Loftus rejects any notion that the team who wins the All-Ireland senior title this year will have an asterisk after their name because of the circumstances. “Every AllIreland championship is the same to me. I think all the other players think the same. Any player who wins the All-Ireland this year deserves it. We have put in the same amount of training as any other year. It’s just as important as any other year in my book”. The midfielder says that Mayo will not be concentrating on Tipperary ahead of Sunday’s game and that they will be focussed on

getting their own performance right. “We know that we will have to play well, but we have to concentrate on

our own game on Sunday. We will have to bring our strengths to the table and make sure we play as well as we can on the day”.

In the first semi-final – on Saturday evening (at 5.30 pm) – Cavan, despite their heroics in the Ulster final against Donegal, are

the rank outsiders (16/1) to defeat reigning All-Ireland champions Dublin, who are chasing six AllIreland titles in a row.

A league apart! Rossies for Supergroup? < SEAMUS DUKE

Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently launched Roscommon man John Scally’s new book ‘The People’s Games: A GAA Compendium’.

Anthony Cunningham

No decision has yet been taken on the format for the 2021 GAA season. There are proposals on the table to ‘regionalise’ the National Leagues. In football, it is likely that Roscommon would be paired with Kerry, Dublin and Galway, with Donegal, Monaghan, Armagh and Tyrone in a second group. The proposal would be that each team would have a minimum of four league games (three group games and a play-off). It is also being proposed to start the intercounty championship season in April, with the All-Ireland finals being played at the end of July. The club season would begin in August, and extend until December. A final decision will be made by the Central Council of the GAA later this month.

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

SportsPeople

Ladies lose out in a thriller as Lady Luck fails to show! TG4 All Ireland Ladies IFC SemiFinal Westmeath 2-9 Roscommon 0-13 < SEAMUS DUKE

Stat attack

ommon 7 Wides: Westmeath 7 (4, first half); Rosc (2, first half) Red cards: 0 Yellow cards: 0 common) Player of the Match: Laura Fleming (Ros

Natalie McHugh of Roscommon in action against Fiona Claffey of Westmeath during the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship Semi-Final match between Roscommon and Westmeath at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

There are many elements that a team needs to work in their favour if they are to win a very tight championship game at this level. One of those elements is luck (and the need for a fair share of it). That’s the only area where Roscommon fell short in this thrilling All-Ireland semi-final played at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park last Sunday. This magnificent Roscommon team could not really have done any more as they produced a display brimful of high-octane intensity, immense courage, fierce determination and a huge work ethic. It still wasn’t enough to overcome a dogged Westmeath side. Michael Finneran’s team fought back from the concession of two very soft goals at both ends of the first half, and coming into the final ten minutes were within a point of their highly-rated opponents. The goal chance they needed to get them across the winning line never came. Furthermore, a couple of very controversial refereeing decisions went against them, especially towards the finish. It was a heartbreaking defeat for the team, and in-

deed for manager Michael Finneran, who ends his four-year term in charge with this narrow loss. The progression in Roscommon ladies football is there for all to see and there are plenty of positives for the incoming manager Diane O’Hora to build on. Westmeath were the strong favourites to advance to the final but they were given the fright of their lives by Roscommon on this cold, calm day. They had a dream start too, netting a three-pointer after only 25 seconds. A free from midfield from Anna Jones came back off Roscommon goalkeeper Helena Cummins, Ciara Blundell poking the rebound to the net. To their credit, Roscommon put that setback on the back burner immediately and within ten minutes they were level. Outstanding attacking play yielded three frees, all converted by team captain Laura Fleming. Jenny Higgins, Roisin Wynne, Natalie McHugh and Laura Fleming were driving Roscommon forward and Westmeath were struggling. In the 13th minute, Aimee O’Connor kicked a super score from 35 metres. Two minutes later Fleming kicked a delightful point after a sequence of eight passes. Points for Westmeath from Blundell and Johanna Maher levelled the scores by the 17th minute, but Roscommon were relentless, Joanne Cregg

edging her side ahead with a fine point before the first ’water break’. It was a great contest now. As the game slipped into first-half injury-time it was level at 1-5 to 0-8, the Roscommon scores coming from Aimee O’Connor and Laura Fleming frees. However, Roscommon were to suffer another devastating blow just before the half-time whistle. Karen Hegarty’s weak shot didn’t appear to be much of a threat, but it sneaked inside Helena Cummins’ right-hand post for another soft goal. The same player followed up with a point from play to leave the halftime score Westmeath 2-6

Roscommon 0-8, a margin which, given the balance of play, certainly flattered the Lake County girls. On the resumption, Roscommon responded magnificently once again. Points from Jenny Higgins (finishing a super team effort) and two Laura Fleming frees saw the margin down to one just five minutes into the half. From there to the finish it was a fierce battle. Leona Archibold pointed from play for Westmeath in the 37th and 44th minutes, putting her side three ahead. But Roscommon refused to wilt and came back stronger than ever. Michael Finneran sent for

Caroline Conway of Roscommon contests a high ball with Vicky Carr of Westmeath. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Finnegan relieved to win again < SEAMUS DUKE

It was a relieved Westmeath manager who spoke to the Roscommon People after the match. Sean Finnegan knew that his side had been involved in a titanic struggle. “I know scores win games, but today was about defence, today was a grind. It was about the battle between the two 45s.

“We’re just delighted. A semi-final is a terrible game to play, because the prize at the end of it brings a bit of fear into your play. I thought we played with a small bit of fear today”. Finnegan agreed that the final 10 minutes was real heart-in-the-mouth stuff. “I wasn’t enamoured with some of that! We practised that during the week because we knew Roscom-

mon would get bodies back, so we worked on holding the ball and killing momentum, but my God they kept coming at us. “There were two or three chances at the end there, and as I said to Michael (Finneran, Roscommon manager), there was a flick of a coin in that, we just got the luck. We are thrilled to be in the final now but it was an almighty battle”.

Jenny Higgins of Roscommon in action against Lorraine Duncan of Westmeath during the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship Semi-Final match between Roscommon and Westmeath at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

SportsPeople

Roscommon manager Michael Finneran talking to Natalie McHugh at half-time. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

the cavalry, with Lisa O’Rourke, Rachel Fitzmaurice and Kate Nolan all coming on. Natalie McHugh kicked a fantastic point from distance in the 49th minute, and when Laura Fleming pointed from play in the 51st minute the lead was again down to one. Roscommon were on the wrong end of a few very dubious refereeing calls towards the end of the game, especially one where Laura Fleming pointed a free before being ordered to have the kick retaken. Her second effort went wide. Then, in almost the next play, Westmeath sub Leanne Slevin pointed from 30 metres after a very soft free had been awarded. Despite there being five minutes of injury-time, there was

to be no further scoring and no fairytale ending to Michael Finneran’s stewardship of the team. But when Finneran reflects on his time in charge he will be very proud of the way his charges fought so hard against a team who were the hottest of hot favourites. It just wasn’t Roscommon’s day. The future is bright for the ladies game in this county. The baton will now be handed over to Diane O’Hora who will have plenty to work with. We wish her the best of luck. Westmeath now play Meath in the final. Westmeath: Lauren McCormack; Niamh Spellman, Lucy Power, Rachel Dillon; Fiona Claffey, Lorraine Duncan, Aeysha Roche; Johanna Maher (0-1), Tracey Dillon; Lucy McCartan, Vicky Carr,

Anna Jones; Karen Hegarty (1-1), Leone Archibold (0-4, 1 free), Ciara Blundell (1-2). Subs: Leoni Slevin (0-1, free) for Dillon (47), Sarah McCormack for Hegarty (52), Jennifer Rogers for Roche (57). Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Honor Ennis, Sinead Kenny, Elaine Murren; Niamh Watson, Ellen Irwin, Roisin Wynne; Caroline Conway, Jenny Higgins (01); Laura Fleming (0-8, 6 frees), Natalie McHugh (0-1), Joanne Cregg (0-1); Aimee O’Connor (0-2, 1 free), Aoife Gavin, Sinead Glennon. Subs: Lisa O’Rourke for Gavin (40), Rachel Fitzmaurice for O’Connor (49), Kate Nolan for Cregg (49), Louise Brady for Glennon (62). Referee: John Devlin (Galway).

(Above) Natalie McHugh of Roscommon in action against Fiona Claffey of Westmeath during the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship Semi-Final. Photo by Sam Barnes/ Sportsfile

(Right) Joanne Cregg of Roscommon in action against Fiona Claffey of Westmeath during the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship Semi-Final match between Roscommon and Westmeath at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

‘This is a very hard one to take’ – Finneran < SEAMUS DUKE

This was a tough defeat for Michael Finneran to take. Having watched his brave team battle to the last minute – and just come up short – it was a devastated but proud Roscommon manager that faced the local media after the game. “This is a very hard one to take, to be honest. I thought that the girls were terrific out there today and it came down to tight margins. A few mistakes on our side cost us and we didn’t get the goals we needed down the other end. That’s football…sadly we are on the wrong end of the result after a terrific game. I couldn’t fault the girls there at all”. To concede the goals in the manner that they did was a hard blow, but the manager said that the team recovered really well from those setbacks. “After the first goal we knuckled down and scored five points on the trot. Then when the second goal went in before half-time we came back from that very well in the third quarter. But I suppose that took a lot of energy and Westmeath are a good team and we knew that they would get scores. We probably needed a goal but they defended well in fairness”.

A couple of crucial refereeing decisions went against Roscommon late on, but the manager was not putting the defeat down to that. “If things went the other way we wouldn’t have been chasing a goal at the end and a point would have meant extra-time. I thought five or six decisions went against us but that’s the way it goes”. The former Roscommon senior midfielder agrees that the team have made huge progress in the past four years. “I think that there has been a progression every year. We were well beaten in the end last year (in the semi-final) but we were in the game for 40 minutes (then) – but we were in it all the way through today. I think the girls will find this defeat a hard one to get over because it was a game that was there for the taking”. As he reflected on his four years in charge, it was clearly very much a bittersweet day for the manager. “In some ways it is a heartbreaking way to finish. I had an incredible four years and I really enjoyed it (his term). That game today was there for us – and a chance to get to Croke Park for an All-Ireland final – but it just wasn’t to be” he concluded.

Roscommon mentor and Covid Officer Marie Kelly, Michael Finneran (Roscommon manager) and Martina McHugh, Roscommon Female Liaison Officer. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 04 December 2020

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