05 February 2021 Roscommon People

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

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AT H L O N E Ι M O AT E L A N E S B O R O U G H Ι G A LWAY In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate DOLORES*GACQUIN – SOLICITOR fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of Tel: 090 6478433 • info@bccsolicitors.ie any award or settlement

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www.bccsolicitors.ie Bank Reporting Errors to CCR

I received a letter from my bank in recent days suggesting that they reported inaccurate information regarding my credit to the Central Credit Register. I have been extremely diligent in repaying my bank loans and I was surprised when I was refused a small mortgage last year.

I believe that this reporting error affected my credit rating and was instrumental in my mortgage refusal. I am very annoyed. Please advise me.

Thank you for your letter, you are not alone with this issue. I understand that Bank of Ireland and AIB apologised to 47,000 and 6,000 of their customers respectively in recent days for incorrectly reporting details about them to the Central Bank’s credit register (CCR). EBS and Ulster Bank also acknowledged errors on customer credit records recently.

A spokesman for Bank of Ireland recently stated the issue involved loans which had been restructured, for example where the term of the loan was extended or where the customer was paying interest only for a period of time. The error related to the restructure being reported incorrectly or not reported to the CCR. It has been reported that AIB incorrectly marked a significant number of accounts in reports to the Central Bank’s Central Credit Register with a “settled flag” suggesting that a settlement was reached between the customer and the bank and could be considered a negative event on a customer’s credit record.

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If you believe that you have been affected by this issue and would like legal advice, please contact this firm on 090 6478433 in strictest confidence.

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

Loved the ‘Síochána shuffle’… now for the Boyos Ballet!

It’s daft!

It’s not!

It is!

Well, these are daft times!

True! Go on, run it by me again…

It’s simple!

Go on…

We could do it in the Hyde.

Mmnn…

CYCLING ACCIDENT Or at Roscommon Castle.

We can’t compete with them…

If you were involved in a cycling With who? contact Or the Swiss! They Withaccident the Gardai!

Byrne have great Carolan dancers in their ranks!

Cunningham Solicitors Nah…they spent a couple of days learning it! They put in the effort! Motivate yourself, my friend!

I never even heard of this dance until this week!

Yeah, well you’ve heard of it now! It’s called The Jerusalema Dance! It’s gone viral! The Gardai did a great job!

I know all that NOW! And…we HAVE to do our version!

(They pause to hum to the Jerusalema Dance) We could never master that dance…not at our age!

Of course we can! Or we could do OUR OWN dance…it might go viral.

It might go down like a lead balloon. Our own dance?

Yeah…instead of the ‘Síochána shuffle’, the ‘Boyos Ballet’.

Ballet?

Yeah, it would be beautiful at Roscommon Castle. Imagine you and me – and one or

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

two friends – ballet dancing, with the castle as an evocative backdrop.

I can’t imagine it, I certainly don’t want to!

We could ask the bar bore to choreograph it. He says he’s an expert on choreography.

He says he’s an expert on everything!

True.

Anyways, count me out!

No, we HAVE to do it. Let’s organise a Zoom class – some lessons – tonight.

I’m washing my hair tonight! I’m out!

(They pause to allow the slight tension to ease)

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

Anyways, I’m glad you’ve dispensed with that silly idea…us doing a version of that dance!

I still think we could…we could even do it for charity. Is the Hyde open?

Daft!

Hey…here’s an idea. We could ask Shane or Davy to join us! Even virtually!

Wha’?

The Shane Shuffle! The Davy Dance! I’m inspired! I’m dancing already!

Well I’m waltzing off…to wash my hair!

The TG4 documentary on Shane Curran celebrated the former Roscommon goalkeeper’s colourful career and was also a timely flashback to a rarely dull era on the Roscommon GAA front!

What we didn’t like…

Normally we admire Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary, but his criticism of Nphet (during a Morning Ireland interview) certainly irritated a lot of people. O’Leary accused Nphet of being responsible for “mass hysteria” on Covid-19.

What PEOPLE are talking about…

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

SOLICITORS

(They pause to reflect on some of Shane Curran’s more outrageous forays from goal)

What we liked…

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham

Apart from this daft idea, what else is going on in your life?

Oh nothing major. Just trying to get through lockdown.

Did you watch that crazy GAA guy on TV the other night? The antics of him!

Huh? The way he was in and out and up and down. Entertaining, mind you. Then every now and again he’d give out to the lads…sure half of them were scared of him! He’s some character!

Ah sure that’s Cake for you…as Frankie said, there’ll never be another Shane Curran.

No, not Shane, Davy Fitz! Did you see him with the young lads…he’s trying to climb Everest with them!

Oh, Davy, oh yeah, I saw that. Good programme. Did you see the profile on Shane Curran?

I did, good fun it was too!

PIC OF THE WEEK: Sisters Saerlaith, Siun and Sadhbh Dillon from Rooskey, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, pictured having great fun making St. Brigid’s crosses for their neighbours and friends on St. Brigid’s Day. Pic: Mick McCormack.

The Gardai’s excellent ‘Síochána shuffle’, a version of the Jerusalema dance; Covid vaccinations; border blues and safety concerns at ports in Northern Ireland; Manchester United hitting Southampton for nine.

03

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

CLOVERHILL NATIONAL SCHOOL

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Enrolling now for September 2021 Please call or email for further information and enrolment forms All enquiries welcome Closing date for applications is March 1st

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Roscommon has lowest Covid infection rate DAN DOONER

Roscommon now has the lowest Covid-19 infection rate in the country second day in a row yesterday (Wednesday).

Nationally, however, the tragic effects of the recent Covid-19 surge continued with news of 94 additional deaths and a further

seven of those deaths occurred in February while 44 occurred in January, two in December and one in November. The age range of those who died was 36 to 100 years.

In County Roscommon, carried out 340 tests last week and the 14-day inwith 108 cases in the last fourteen days. Roscom-

average is now down to six.

As of 2 pm yesterday (Wednesday), 1,334 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised across the country with 203 of those in ICU. There had been an additional 66 hospitalisations in the previous 24 hours.

Speaking at yesterDr. Tony Holohan, said: “Now more than ever, as

we are continuing to see the tragic effects of the recent surge of Covid-19 infection in the form of mortality, hospitalisation and ICU admission, we should remember the public health advice that has carried us so far in this pandemic, and helped us to suppress Covid-19 together successfully in the past.

“It is the collective hard work and ongoing sacri-

land in following these public health measures that will keep us all safe at this time, as we look ahead to the increased rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine on the horizon.

Keep it up, and encourage others to do the same.

“In short: the present is the time to protect yourself and stay safe, in order to receive your vaccine in the future”.

Tributes paid to Strokestown man killed by falling tree DAN DOONER

Warm tributes have been paid to father-of-two, David Duke, from Corkeenagh, Strokestown, who was tragically killed when a tree fell on him on Wednesday, January Mr. Duke, who was in his late 40s, had worked at The Abbey Hotel for aly described him as “well known

and well liked” among staff members and guests.

“We are completely shocked and taken aback following David’s sudden passing last Wednesday. Our sympathies are with David’s family, and in particular his wife Edel and their two sons.

“David worked in maintenance he was a hard-working and unassuming guy. He was part of the fur-

niture here at The Abbey and was well liked by other staff members and guests alike.

“It was hard not being able to attend his funeral last Sunday in order to pay our respects. The thoughts of everyone here at the Abbey are with David’s family at this very difDavid Duke’s funeral service took place last Sunday at Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan. He will

be sadly missed by his wife Edel, children Evan and Samuel, siblings Clement and Fiona, niece Lauryn, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, uncles, aunts, relatives and many friends.

Following the tragic accident Health and Safety Authority (HAS) was made aware of his death and has since launched an investigation.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

Rising flood levels force elderly couple to leave their home < DAN DOONER

A couple in their eighties have been forced to leave their home at Ballagh, Rahara due to the rising water levels at Lough Funshinagh.

Edward John (82) and Teresa Beattie (81) were forced to move out of their home on Tuesday evening, according to Cllr. Laurence Fallon, who said they were left with no other option.

“Edward John and Teresa Beattie had to leave their home earlier this week as the water continued to rise close by. They are lucky, if anyone can be lucky in this situation, that they have been able to relocate to a house nearby, however,” he said.

Cllr. Fallon added that recent correspondence from the Office of Public Works was a “big step forward” in terms of the long-term

plan of installing an overflow pipe in the area.

Earlier this week, Roscommon County Council CEO Eugene Cummins received a response from Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan following his letter to the office of the OPW last week.

Deputy O’Donovan advised Mr. Cummins that the local authority would have to initiate a planning process in relation to an overflow pipe at Lough Funshinagh and convene a meeting of all relevant State bodies.

He assured the local authority that the Government would provide “every support and assistance possible to alleviate the plight of the community in the vicinity of the Lough”.

Commenting on the OPW letter, Cllr. Fallon said: “The way I see it, the OPW has agreed that

funding should be made available for the works.

They have asked the council to bring all the relevant bodies together and once all obstacles have been overcome, the funding would then be available,” he said.

Cllr. Fallon also paid tribute to the local community and Roscommon County Council staff for their “tireless efforts” in keeping the floodwater back from local homes and farmyards.

“In terms of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Natural Heritage Area (NHA) designation, all we want to do is to put the lake back to within the outer boundaries of the of the NHA. “By reducing the lake from where it is now and restoring the land lost to local farmers, we can allow the lake to flourish once again,” he said.

Rising flood levels continued to threaten homes close to Lough Funshinagh in Rahara. Pic: Mick McCormack

CEO: No viable pumping solution for Lough Funshinagh < DAN DOONER

The Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council has this week informed elected members that there is no viable pumping solution to reduce rising water levels at Lough Funshinagh.

In an email sent to local councillors on Tuesday, Eugene Cummins said he wanted to correct any false hope there may be regarding such a solution.

Part of the email read: ‘From a hydraulics perspective, in terms of sheer volume, lift and distance, together with logistical, op-

erational, environmental, risk assessment, and other considerations, pumping is not an option’.

He said that due to the lake’s designation as a Special Area of Conservation, consideration would

also have to be given to maintaining the ‘natural structure and functioning of the habitat’.

Mr. Cummins added: ‘I appreciate that this is somewhat unpalatable and extremely difficult for

the local community and I want to assure you that we will continue to do everything we can to keep flood waters from people’s homes’.

Local Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has, how-

ever, called on the local authority to provide a shortterm solution in order to help local families.

She said: “Roscommon County Council have now confirmed to all Oireachtas members that the pip-

ing initiative to remove the rising water, which was put forward by a number of people, including the local action committee, will not happen.

I had called for this last week when I raised the

matter with the Taoiseach.

“So, I would ask the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, what is the alternative? What is the short-term solution for families who are being forced out of their home?”

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Thursday Many years ago, when Shane Curran was one of the Roscommon Champion People of the Year Award recipients, a video package showing some of the eccentric goalkeeper’s career highlights was played on a large screen in the Abbey Hotel. It brought the house down. Accompanying the images of Shane sprinting from goal – often deep into enemy territory, ball in hand and fans’ hearts in mouths – was a soundtrack that we considered suitable. It was ‘Wild Thing’ by The Troggs.

Tonight, the TG4 documentary on Shane – part of their Laochra Gael series – opened with footage of Curran in full ‘I’m a goalkeeper, Get Me Out of Here’ mode – and I was amused to observe that the producers had also opted for ‘Wild Thing’.

It was an enjoyable programme, a fine tribute to a colourful figure who brought great pleasure to GAA fans over many years.

There was some great footage of Curran…evidence not just of his hairraising forays from goal, but also of his all-round quality as a goalkeeper.

What came across, in addition to the entertainment element, was his passion for the game, the competitive drive within him.

Having watched him in action over many years, I can recall many more memorable Curran vignettes which the cameras weren’t present to capture for posterity. What’s fascinating now is the fact that what we considered to be eccentricity then, has increasingly become conventional, with modern-day goalkeepers often acting as sweepers, and indeed taking long-range free-kicks!

Of course Curran first came to national attention with that audacious decision of his to take a last-minute penalty in the 1989 Connacht Minor Final, when a colleague was lining up the kick. I was at that game, and can recall the mayhem Curran’s intervention sparked. 24 years later, he was still in the news, playing a starring role as a veteran ‘keeper as St. Brigid’s claimed the 2013 All-Ireland Club title.

This documentary provided some welcome escapism in these tough times, the programme not just celebrating Curran’s unique career, but also providing viewers with a nice reminder of a colourful and often controversial era in the history of Roscommon football.

Curran could be controversial, and I’ve no doubt that he tested the patience

had a more efficient refunds policy worked out than @Ryanair Given that The Wright Brothers invented (and flew) the world’s first airplane (1903), I reckoned I was at peak sarcasm/ dry wit levels.

I was surprised to get this reply from Ryanair: Hey Paul, was your flight cancelled? If so, just pop your details into our new form and the cash will be paid into your account. https://onlineform.ryanair.com/ ie/en/cash-refund…thank you, Megan I’m not sure where this leaves us. I suspect ‘Megan’ was busy responding to every Ryanair-related tweet on Monday.

I haven’t yet replied to explain that I’m not owed money, that my Wright Brothers’ reference was meant as a joke.

Meanwhile, any readers who are still owed a refund by Ryanair are welcome to use my ‘Wright Brothers’ technique… tweet away and Megan/Ryanair will hopefully offer to put cash into your account immediately.

Later on Monday Rory McIlroy.

of managers, players and fans from time to time. But he was an excellent player, and a wonderfully passionate Rossie. The eccentricity was priceless. Shane Curran brightened up summer and winter Sundays, the ‘wild thing’ making our hearts sing.

Friday I pass that revered little place most days, as I did again today.

When I see the closed door, my heart seems to skip a beat. For many men, passing that place of guaranteed contentment is now an emotional experience.

So many of us have had good times there.

Such places – for there are actually quite a few of them around – tend to be small and intimate. Men congregate there, every now and again. Well, we used to. We’d sit in comfort and while away some time, often turning the sports pages of a tabloid or scrolling on our phone as we minded our own business. Often, very little is said. And now, the doors remain firmly shut, and the weeks and months pass.

But there is always hope. And one day, the barber’s will reopen, and life will feel a little bit better…

Sunday Will Rory ever win big again? Rory McIllroy, potentially the best golfer on the planet, is suffering the Sunday Blues. Time and time again he moves into a strong position entering the final day of a top tournament. He is however struggling to get over the finishing line, as was the case this weekend in California.

Of course I expect McIllroy to win tournaments in the future – hopefully some more majors – but, for all his consistency, there’s definitely a question mark just now over his Sunday finishing prowess in big tournaments.

Monday Seemingly Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary gave a controversial interview on Morning Ireland this…morning. Twitter has not reacted well.

Liveline too is simmering.

With Covid having caused mayhem in the aviation world, hundreds of people say they are still waiting on refunds from Ryanair.

With nothing better to do, I put out what I considered to be a fairly amusing tweet. It read as follows: It’s beginning to look as if The Wright Brothers

Most reality TV is rubbish. Thankfully there are exceptions. Hands up: I did not expect much from Davy’s Toughest Team. I can’t bear to watch that other programme he’s involved in, namely Ireland’s Fittest Family. I’m sure the families are dedicated and passionate, but I don’t for one moment buy the mock seriousness which mentors display in such programmes.

Also, when I heard ‘Davy’ – now a TV entity himself – had another reality show on the go, I rolled my eyes. It was by pure chance that we saw episode one of Davy’s Toughest Team on Monday night.

I expected it to be rubbish. I was wrong.

It was excellent. Our man Davy is preparing seven young men to climb Mount Everest. I think it’s fair to say that all of the men have had some personal issues, whether to do with low selfesteem, substance abuse, depression, anger management, etc. This first episode in the series was superb, the programme possessing far more depth than most reality shows do. Fitzgerald displays considerable empathy, along with his undoubted motivational skills. I saw him in a new light, and I was greatly impressed. It will be fascinating to see how the young men progress over the coming weeks.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

Group Water Schemes nominated for top European Award The National Federation of Group Water Schemes is delighted to be nominated for the European Award for Co-operative Innovation, under the category ‘Environmental Value Creation,’ thanks to the ongoing drinking water source protection pilot projects across counties Roscommon, Westmeath and Monaghan.

Organised by COGECA (the General Confederation of Agricultural Co-oper-

atives), the awards recognise sustainability-driven innovation in the agri-food, fishery and forestry sectors.

The drinking water source protection pilot project has the ethos of the cooperative movement at its heart, as it is grounded in the belief that everyone in the local community has a role to play in activities that are for the betterment of their locality.

On that note, the award nomination serves as recognition for all those who have been involved in the project to date.

The efforts of the boards and members of group water schemes, county councils, farmers and householders has been integral to improving water quality through actions that are biodiversity-friendly and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

newsbriefs Goff Street to close for five weeks Goff Street will be closed to traffic from next Tuesday as roadworks are carried out in Roscommon town for a period of five weeks as part of the Roscommon Town Centre and Public Realm Enhancement project.

The works will commence on Tuesday, February 9th on the R366 at Goff Street and diversions will be place until Friday, March 19th.

Funding for works at Scoil Cill Ronain Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has warmly welcomed funding announced by the Minister of Education, Norma Foley, to facilitate emergency works at Scoil Cill Ronain in Keadue.

“This is good news,” he said, “hopefully some of this work can be done immediately while pupils are not present on campus so that when we see a return by most pupils to the classrooms most of these upgrades will be successfully completed”.

The project itself links the protection of water, biodiversity and climate action with the health and well-being of communities across rural Ireland. Some of the stand-out results to date include: The mapping of GWS drinking water source catchments; Publication of ‘A Framework for Drinking Water Source Protection’ and ‘A Handbook of Source Protection and Mitigation Actions for

Amelie, Ewan and Ed Finneran pictured in the middle of a snowball battle in Fairymount on Sunday afternoon.

Picture: Mick McCormack.

Bus shelters for Monksland and Bealnamulla Fine Gael councillor John Naughten has this week raised the need for bus shelters at the Monksland and Bealnamulla stops in south Roscommon.

Cllr. Naughten said: “The need for bus shelters in the area has been raised with me by a number of people who regularly use the bus service in the area.

“The shelters are particularly important at this time of year when people may be waiting for a bus in wet weather.

“I have sought an update from Roscommon County Council in relation to the provision of shelters at the bus stops in both Monksland and Bealnamullia”.

Cllr. Naughten has confirmed that he will raise the issue at a meeting of Roscommon County Council’s Athlone Municipal District, seeking an update on the matter from Transport for Ireland.

Bord na Móna — Peatlands Climate Action Scheme.

Bord na Móna has permanently ceased peat production on a significant area of peatland. The company has committed to ambitious enhanced peatland decommissioning and rehabilitation improvements, initially targeting over 30,000 hectares in over 80 Bord na Móna bogs.

This strategy has been developed to optimise benefits of peatland rehabilitation and restoration such as carbon storage, biodiversity, and water (catchment management). These measures are in line with the Government Climate Action Agenda and will bring with them significant benefits for the environment and people. They will also create a stable natural landscape, for the benefit of wildlife and neighbouring local communities in former peat production areas.

It is Bord na Móna’s intention to carry out bog rehabilitation improvements at the following bogs in 2021—

bordnamona.ie

Farming’; Tackling the issue of pesticide contamination of our rivers, lakes and spring sources; The award-winning ‘Let It Bee’ initiative in Co. Roscommon; Education and information/awareness initiatives that have captured the imagination of schoolchildren and the wider public; Distribution of native tree saplings to 8,000 primary school children in Co. Roscommon.

• Castlegar Bog, Co. Galway

• Kilmacshane Bog, Co. Galway

• Kellysgrove Bog, Co. Galway

• Garryduff Bog, Co. Galway

• Edera Bog, Co. Longford

• Derrycashel Bog, Co. Roscommon

• Derrycolumb Bog, Co. Longford

• Cavemount Bog, Co. Offaly

• Clooniff Bog, Co. Roscommon

• The Derries Bog, Co. Offaly

• Oughter Bog, Co. Offaly

• Ummeras Bog, Cos. Kildare & Offaly

• Pollagh Bog, Co. Offaly

• Clonad Bog, Co. Offaly

We will advise of additional bogs to be rehabilitated in 2021, in due course.

Part of the improvements for bog rehabilitation measures at these bogs is to finalise the rehabilitation plan, as required under the EPA licence, for each bog. Bord na Móna operates under a number of Integrated Pollution

Supported by the Government of Ireland’s Climate Action Fund.

Control (IPC) Licences issued and enforced by the EPA to extract peat. As part of Condition 10.2 of these licences, a rehabilitation plan must be prepared for permanent rehabilitation of the boglands within the licensed area.

Bord na Móna brings over 40 years of experience in peatland rehabilitation that informs these improvements which are also informed by consultation with relevant bodies and groups. We are committed to acting in an environmentally-responsible manner in the rehabilitation and decommissioning of these bogs and in the future management of these lands. Bord na Móna will ensure that the decommissioning and rehabilitation will have minimal impacts on local landowners and communities and there will be engagement with all stakeholders throughout this process.

Please contact Bord na Móna if you have any queries, require further information or wish to comment on the rehabilitation of these bogs.

Telephone: 087 377 9841 (Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am to 5.30pm) Email: pcasinfo@bnm.ie

08

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Garda Info @gardainfo

Other than that, no news – Marian sums up the national mood (for many) Senator Eugene Murphy @SenatorEMurphy

We have stepped up to the Swiss police @fedpolCH #JerusalemaChallenge. Gardaí across Ireland answered the call to give the public we serve a lift in these challenging times. #StayTogether #homeStaySafe – And the public loved the outcome!

Well done to all involved Philip Nolan @philipnolan1

Why in the name of God - we have 5km travel restrictions do we have flights coming back from the Canaries! This is treachery by some of our fellow citizens.

– Senator Murphy speaks out on a contentious issue Julie O’ Donoghue @Julie_ODonoghue

– An observation we agreed with…

A Fianna Fáil senator grandstanding on this is stomach churning when his own party in government has ignored NPHET since May by failing to introduce an effective mandatory quarantine on travel.

Michael O’Regan @Michael_O_Regan

– but is rebuked by a former Green Party election candidate in Roscommon

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary should take a vow of silence and self-isolate in his taxi. What noise!

Niamh Fitzpatrick @NFitzPsychology

“So, well...” appears to be the urban middle-class version of “lookit”. #TonightVMTV

– Michael wasn’t happy with Michael…

Marian Keyes @MarianKeyes Hello I’m going out of my effing mind.

Oh how I wanted that chat between @Tommedian & @bazashmawy to go on & on. I felt as though I was eavesdropping on two mates having a catch up & I wanted to hear more. Great to hear men talk about real feelings in a real way.

Check out playback if you missed it. #tommytiernanshow – The plaudits for the Tommy Tiernan Show continue Philip Nolan @philipnolan1 I was mesmerised by that interview.

Superb stuff from @Tommedian and @bazashmawy, heartfelt and constructive, gentle not preachy, and, I think, important words for a lot of men to hear. #TommyTiernanShow

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy.

– The man from the Mail adds his praise Trevor Quinn @Tquinn1981 Quality investigative journalism and programme on ‘Boxing and the Mob’. #Panorama really highlighted the murky underbelly of the sport #bbcpanorama #boxing #bbcnews – A Panorama special on dubious elements infiltrating boxing packed a journalistic punch Michael Clifford @Mickcliff Cake is the GAA. We could do with more Cakes these days #LaochraGael – The TG4 documentary on Shane Curran was well received…

Shane Curran \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Advertorial

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Feevagh NS going from strength to strength Enrolment at

Feevagh N.S. Feevagh, Dysart, Co. Roscommon www.feevaghns.ie

Feevagh N.S. is now enrolling for September 2021 Please email the school to request an enrolment form:

info@feevaghns.ie.

Find us on facebook

Feevagh NS is a rural national school with two classroom teachers and a Special Education Teacher, set in the beautiful countryside of South Roscommon, four kilometres from the village of Dysart.

Feevagh NS follows the primary school curriculum, placing emphasis on numeracy and literacy to challenge the abilities of all children attending.

A catholic ethos flows through the life of the school and we aim to cater for the academic and social needs of children of all abilities. We strive to deliver the curriculum using a variety of methods in a friendly, warm, supportive, and caring environment.

Feevagh NS has received the Digital School of Distinction award for demonstrating excellence in our approach to the in-

tegration of ICT in learning and teaching. The award is nationally recognised and accredited by the Department of Education and Skills.

Additionally we have received the Active Schools Award, making Feevagh NS a school where physical activity is valued, promoted and enjoyed by all. Feevagh NS is also a Health Promoting School, an award granted by the HSE. A Health Promoting School can be characterised as a school constantly strengthening its capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning and working.

In September 2020, Feevagh NS received its 6th Green Flag for Global Citizenship, Litter and Waste. The school also holds several Discovery Primary Science and Maths Awards, and senior classes participate in

coding and VEX Robotics.

We are currently participating in the Creative Schools Initiative (led by the Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) putting arts and creativity at the heart of our students’ lives.

Another project that we are currently participating in is Music Generation – a National Partnership Programme whose mission is to create inspiring experiences for children and young people through music. As part of this initiative, our students have the opportunity to learn the ukulele.

For further information about Feevagh NS, or if you wish to receive an enrolment form, please contact info@feevaghns. ie.

09

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

Roscommon County Council Creative Roscommon & Decade of Centenaries – Open Call Grants 2021 Roscommon County Council, together with Creative Ireland and the Decade of Centenaries Programme, is pleased to announce increased funding for the Community Strand in 2021 under the Creative Roscommon & Decade of Centenaries Open Call. Funding applications must be made online this year.

The key objective of the Creative Roscommon Grants 2021 is to provide support to local communities and creatives to deliver collaborative, innovative, ambitious projects and to enable creativity in every community in Roscommon. The level of grant assistance for any one event/ project will range from €2,000 to €5,000. Roscommon County Council is also looking for one or two creative projects of larger scale and ambition up to a maximum of €10,000.

The key objective of the Decade of Centenaries Roscommon Grants 2021 is to provide support to local communities to facilitate commemorative actions and events in the county relevant to 1921.

Applications are required to respond with sensitiv-

ity to the local historical context, acknowledging that there was no uniform experience within counties or across the island of Ireland. The level of grant assistance for any one event/project will average €1,000. In very exceptional circumstances, Roscommon County Council reserves the right to award a sum in excess of this to a project. Further information is available from www.decadeofcentenaries.com.

In 2020, funding was awarded to a vast number of projects countywide.

These included Laura Earley’s ‘Roscommon’s Mosaic Tradition’, Fotofit Camera Club ‘Connections’ in association with Brothers of Charity Roscommon and ‘Save Our World’ a song with the theme of climate action composed by Frankie Simon, commissioned by St. Joseph’s Church Choir, Boyle and performed by Climate Eyes – members of St. Joseph’s Church Choir.

For guidelines on the application process visit: www.roscommoncoco.ie/ en/Services/Community/ Creative-Ireland Applications can only

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL CREATIVE ROSCOMMON & DECADE OF CENTENARIES OPEN CALL 2021 Roscommon County Council is now accepting applications for funding under the Community Strand of the Creative Ireland Programme and the Decade of Centenaries Programme. There are 2 strands of funding: Creative Roscommon Grants 2021 and Decade of Centenaries Roscommon Grants 2021.

• This fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, local community groups, arts, heritage and cultural groups, venues and all those involved in the culture and creative sectors. Applications by individuals must be in partnership with a community, cultural or heritage group.

• Funding may only be used to support events/projects that focus on cultural activity involving the arts, creative industries, heritage and the Irish language (Creative Roscommon) or commemorative events/projects (Decade of Centenaries).

Full details of the programme are available at: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Services/Community/Creative-Ireland/ Applications can only be made via My Online Services on the Roscommon County Council Website or click https://roscommon-self.achieveservice.com/ to register as a user. Here you will find the online application form and the facility to upload supporting documentation.

All enquiries may be made to creativeireland@roscommoncoco.ie The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 5pm, 5th March 2021.

Late applications will not be considered.

Rhona McGrath, Arts Officer Roscommon County Council

Laura Earley with her book, ‘Roscommon’s Mosaic Tradition’.

be accepted via Roscommon County Council’s My Online Services. Enquiries can also be sent via email

to: or contact Áine on (09066) 37271. The closing date for submissions is 5th March 2021 at 5 pm.

CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE SCHEME 2021 Roscommon County Council will consider applications from voluntary groups who are prepared to carry out improvements and maintenance works on cemeteries in their locality. The work, which will qualify for grant aid will include: Boundary Improvements; Repairs to path ways and Control of grass and weeds (Purchase of Equipment). All work must be carried out in accordance with guidelines published by the Office of Public Works.

Further details and application forms may be obtained from Roscommon County Council Roads and Transportation Department at the address below or email roads@roscommoncoco.ie Forms are also available to download from Roscommon County Council’s website: www.roscommoncoco.ie Closing date for receipt of completed forms: Friday, 12th March 2021 Roads and Transportation Department, Roscommon County Council 5th February 2021

Fitz: Coalition must challenge EU blunder!

Mon – Wed :

Independent TDs Mi- of European political what she knew about the chael Fitzmaurice and mismanagement which Article 16 debacle and Thomas Pringle have must be challenged by explain, if she did not urged the Government Micheál Martin, Leo know anything, why this to “haul EU President Varadkar, Simon Cov- was the case?

Ursula von der Leyen eney and Stephen Don“Trust has been proover the coals” follow- nelly. foundly damaged in ing last week’s threat to “Ireland’s own Com- Europe’s bonafides by invoke Article 16, which missioner must also this event and by the led to widespread criti- be far more assertive stuttering progress of cism from both here and in protecting the inter- the vaccine roll-out. We the UK. ests of the people who need answers and acIn a joint elected her.:Ms. Mairead tocountability, rather than 10am to 4pm. | Thursday : 10am tostatement, 5pm the| Friday 10am 6.30pm duo said: “This blun- McGuinness should promises of future better is part of094 a pattern also 0910 come clean over behaviour”.

OPEN THROUGH LUNCH |derPhone: - 962

All dressed up! Ava Spollen pictured while out for a walk in Curraghaboy recently. Picture: Mick McCormack.

10

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

The

G

D News page

Introducing mini-spring season at Roscommon Arts Centre

Roscommon Arts Centre’s mini-spring season gets underway with a new virtual programme of free engagements for the public to enjoy. The programme provides a platform for a host of Roscommon artists as they showcase and celebrate the wealth of artists living in our region and introduce the public to some of the visual artists they are working with during 2021. The series of short events will be available on both the centre’s Facebook Page and website.

Guest curators on the programme include musician John Wynne, author Gerry Boland, and dancer Mintesinot Wolde, while Naomi Draper, Visual Art Curator at the centre, has worked with participating artists to create new art boxes – and the centre welcomes back Kyle Riley from ‘Little Folk Music’ for more lively music sessions.

The programme got underway last week and continues until March, with new elements being added to it as they are developed.

From Monday, January 26th, the arts centre embarked on an eight-week programme of traditional music under the ‘Reel Thing’ banner with ‘The Reel Thing: Lunchtime Tunes’. Every week, a different musician will perform three tunes a day, every day, at 1.15 pm on the centre’s Facebook Page for you to enjoy.

These micro performances are compliments of musicians John Wynne, John Carty, John and Dylan Carlos, Mossie Martin, Alan Kelly, and John Kelly, and introduces two up and coming young local musicians, Breda Shannon and Emily Keane.

‘The Story Writers’ is a new weekly programme of short stories from some of the county’s most established writers. Every Tuesday for the next six weeks, one participating writer will read one of their own stories via Roscommon Arts Centre’s Facebook Page; it will also be made accessible via roscommonartscentre.ie.

Contributors include

the well-known Michael Leyden, both Words Ireland/Roscommon Arts Centre Mentorship awardees Louise G. Cole (2019) and Amy Barry (2020), John Mulligan, Anne Byrne, winner of the 2020 New Roscommon Writing Award, and Gerry Boland himself.

‘Sit Down and Dance’ is an at-home dance initiative aimed at older people and those living in care settings for the times we are in. The Arts Centre invited their 2020 Dancer in Residence Mintesinot Wolde to create a series of short (ten minutes or so) gentle, chair-based movement sessions to keep older people moving during the lockdown.

With simple, safe movements, easy to follow instructions and some great tunes in the background, older people are encouraged to replay the videos throughout the week, and every Wednesday a new series of movements will be released online.

Saturday mornings won’t be the same for the next couple of weeks thanks to Kyle Riley’s an-

Mintesinot Wolde in See you in the green. Photo credit: Brian Farrell

tics! ‘Little Folk Music’ is a live Saturday morning session for little people (on Facebook). The 2021 visual art programme will merge curator-in-resi-

‘Herstory’ lights up Athlone Castle!

To celebrate St. Brigid’s Day on February 1st, the ‘Herstory’ Light Show

by Dodeca illuminated historic landmarks across the country, including Athlone Castle, in honour of Mother and Baby Homes’ victims, heroes and heroines of the Covid-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter, and other heroic women.

The founder of Herstory, Melanie Lynch, has paid tribute to women across the world while calling for St. Brigid’s Day to be made a national holiday.

She said: “Women’s achievements and struggles have been lost in the shadows for too long, resulting in global inequality and a regression of women’s rights.

That’s why Herstory is harnessing the alchemical power of light, to

An image of St. Brigid illuminated Athlone Castle as part of the Herstory Light Show last weekend.

celebrate women and equality, spotlight inequality, and create visions for a World of Equals”.

Ireland’s historic sites were lit up last weekend by portraits of Mother and Baby Homes’ survivors

by Karen Morgan, powerful haiku poetry by Laura Murphy, and thought-provoking art from the ‘Stay With Me’ show curated by activist Rachael Keogh and journalist Alison O’ Reilly.

A specially commissioned photographic series created by photographer Myriam Riand and conceptual artist Áine O’Brien also featured in the tribute.

dence Naomi Draper’s research interests around studio and educational practices looking at areas of play, materialism, and craft.

Roscommon Arts Centre’s virtual Spring Programme is supported

by Roscommon County Council and the Arts Council of Ireland. Full

details are now available on roscommonartscentre. ie. All programme elements can be accessed free of charge.

‘The Ramblers’ have been identified!

A big thank you to the many Roscommon People readers who got in touch with us over the past few weeks to help identify members of The Ramblers showband.

Marian Hanly and Michael O’Donnell identified banjo player, Paddy O’Donnell from Fourmilehouse recently while Martina Dockery, Sean Lenehan and others have been in contact this week to identify the four remaining members of the group.

Martina and Sean have identified drummer Marie Sharkey (Ballinameen), Pa McCormack on violin, Maura McCaffrey (Elphin) on lead vocals and Eamon Shanagher (Elphin) on guitar.

A big thank you also to Henry Owens, who submitted this photograph of The Ramblers, which was taken in the 1970s. Henry had identified Seamus Scott on saxophone and will no doubt be grateful for your help in identifying Mr. Scott’s bandmates.

11

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople newsbriefs A loyal Friend!

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that Head Coach Andy Friend has signed a new two-year contract extension, keeping him at The Sportsground until the end of the 2022/23 season.

Friend is in his third season at the province, having joined in the summer of 2018 following Head Coach roles in Australia, England and Japan and with the Australian Sevens side.

In his first campaign Connacht reached the Guinness PRO14 playoffs, ensuring Heineken Champions Cup qualification in the process.

Back-to-back Champions Cup qualification was secured during the shortened 2019/20 season, and the side currently sit in 2nd place in Conference B of this season’s campaign.

Friend has also fully embraced Connacht Rugby’s commitment to the development of players coming through the grassroots system, handing professional debuts to 15 Connacht Academy players in less than three years.

Ballagh N.S. Kilrooskey Co. Roscommon F42 CF90

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Ballagh National School in Ballagh, Kilrooskey, is a mixed primary school, located just 8km from Roscommon town. Our homely school community offers students a broad and holistic education, firmly rooted in Christian values in a caring and nurturing environment.

This sense of community is a central feature of life in Ballagh National School.

We know each one of our students personally, thus ensuring that each child reaches their maximum potential.

We pride ourselves on our interest in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and

mathematics. We enjoy the Scríobh Leabhar project, which aims to awake pupils’ interest in Irish.

We find ourselves in the unique position of becoming one of only 450 schools nationally to have achieved Digital School of Distinction status. On a daily basis, technology is integrated into teaching and cooperative group work sessions.

Our students are safe and happy. They are encouraged to develop their own individual talents.

We are currently working on becoming a GAA 5-Star Centre – an initiative that aims to ensure that the children experi-

September 2021 / 2022 Download at: www.ballaghns.ie Request by email at: ballaghns1@gmail.com Closing date for applications is Wednesday, the 17th of February 2021

Cloontuskert NS Cloontuskert, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon N39 AT80

Now enrolling for September 2021 Cloontuskert NS is a mixed, Catholic primary school, located in the village of Cloontuskert, less than 4km from Lanesboro and Ballyleague. A private bus service is available to transport the children to and from the school or to the local afterschool study in Lanesboro.

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Enrolment in Ballagh NS 2021

Ballagh National School now accepting enrolments for

Application form for admission is available as follows:

Advertorial

First Class students from Ballagh NS pictured with their Christmas art.

ence fun, friendship, fairness, and improve fitness.

Students can participate and compete in a broad range of sports and physical activities, and we are delighted with our new facility – our state-ofthe-art astroturf pitch.

We have regular soccer, Gaelic, rugby, basketball and rounders training, as well as swimming lessons every year.

We in Ballagh NS are focused on health and wellbeing. We also implement positive psychology, ‘Weaving Well Being Programme’, which aims to enhance wellbeing and mental health in primary pupils.

We have a very active and supportive Parent Association who do great work.

If you are considering enrolling your child in Ballagh National School for September 2021 or 2022, please contact the school by telephoning 090 6625884 or emailing ballaghns1@gmail.com to request an application for admission form. Completed forms must be returned

by February 17th, 2021.

See our website for more: ballaghns.ie.

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Advertorial

Second Class students from Ballagh NS pictured with their Christmas art.

Senior Infants from Ballagh NS pictured with their Christmas art.

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Cloontuskert NS open evening Cloontuskert National School are hosting an open afternoon on Wednesday, February 19th, between 2 pm and 4 pm. Our school is a mixed Catholic primary school, located in the village of Cloontuskert, approximately 4km from Lanesboro and Ballyleague.

A private bus service is available to transport the children to and from the school or to the local afterschool study in Lanesboro.

Speaking about Cloontuskert NS, Principal Padraig Connerton states: “We are a small school that works diligently to provide a broad and holistic educa-

tion in a nurturing and caring environment. We take great pride in knowing all of our students personally and strive toward assisting each of them in reaching their full potential. There is a strong sense of community spirit here and a high level of co-operation between staff, pupils and parents’’.

Cloontuskert NS is a hive of activity, with the children participating in a broad range of educational endeavours such as the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, Mangahigh, debating competitions, Safer Cycling, Food Dudes, Active Flag, Green Flag, essay competi-

tions, poetry competitions, History Trails, Science Fairs and art competitions.

Sport is also extremely important!

We invite you to come along to view our school and meet the staff at our open afternoon on the 19th of February, where we will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to contact the school on 043 3321817 or email cloontuskertns@eircom. net. For further insight into school life at Cloontuskert NS, check out our website: cloontuskertns.ie.

Ready for the show: Pictured are Cloontuskert NS students Roisín G, Roisín C and Emma.

If your child is due to begin school in September 2021, please return completed Enrolment form to the school before Monday, 15th February 2021.

To obtain an Enrolment form, please contact us by: Email: cloontuskertns63@gmail.com Telephone: 0433321817 Or post: Cloontuskert NS, Lanesboro, Roscommon. N39 AT80 www.cloontuskertns.ie

Pictured is the girls’ soccer team at Cloontuskert NS.

Dressed to impress! Pictured are Cloontuskert NS students James, Lana and Tyler.

12

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

Are some Covid restrictions doing more harm than good?

Our columnist on how lockdown can have unforeseen consequences; in praise of TG4’s Laochra Gael; being impressed

by Davy Fitzgerald’s ‘toughest team’…and the return of ‘N17’…

It’s Sunday evening, and it’s cold and miserable. Carol and I have just enjoyed a lovely rural walk. I find myself thinking about the importance of exercise on people’s mental health, and the unnatural effect that

Covid-19 has on us all. As we face another uncertain period of lockdown and all kinds of restrictions, I just wonder if the continued closure of certain outlets (like sports clubs, gyms and golf clubs) is doing more harm than good.

Of course I am well aware of the reasons for the continued closure of such places, and the importance of getting this awful virus under control, but sometimes I think that gyms (suitably sanitised) and golf clubs could do more to help our stressed out people than all these restrictions.

A friend told me last week that he really misses the freedom of going to the gym and the release he used to get from a workout.

On a personal basis, I would love to be able to go out and try to hit a golf ball. As I’ve noted here before, I find it hard to see how walking around a golf course with a handful of other players on a fine winter’s morning – breathing in the lovely fresh air – can be more dangerous than joining many others in any of the big multinational supermarkets (unless you’re met with a wayward golf ball).

The continued closure of sports clubs and the effect it can have on communities was tragically brought home to us all last week with the murder of a hugely talented young footballer in Dublin. One of his coaches mentioned that if these were

Nice one, Shane… now it’s over to Johnny!

RTE’s Davy’s Toughest Team.

Last week I told you about my new favourite TV programmes, and Laochra Gael was one of the top three. I also told you that Roscommon’s Shane Curran was due to appear on it, and that I thought he would be an interesting and controversial subject. As it happens, he was actually featured last Thursday night, and was every bit as entertaining and fascinating as I thought he would be.

There is no doubt that he was, and probably still is, a unique and totally individualistic character. Some of the stuff he did on the football field was bordering on crazy, but was highly effective. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the insight that we got into his character and his life outside football, and all I can do is say, ‘well done, Shane’, and wish him well in the future.

Two things that struck me while watching the programme: the first is that I remember playing against Shane’s father, Tommy, back in the 1960s (he was a super player and a really top class forward), and the other thing is the major role Danny Burke played in the development of so many Castlerea footballers. There must be very few that didn’t benefit from his knowledge, experience and encourageShane Curran. ment.

This week features another GAA star who didn’t always follow the rules either; I can’t wait to see if all the stories I’ve heard about Offaly hurling star Johnny Pilkington are even partly true. I sincerely hope they are. Don’t forget to check out TG4 on Thursday night at 9.30 pm.

Once upon a time back in the 1990s, when Clare hurlers were winning their AllIrelands and putting paid to the so-called Biddy Earley curse, I was briefly introduced to two of the Clare legends – captain Anthony Daly, and fiery goalie, Davy Fitzgerald. In the very short meeting, I concluded that they were as different as chalk and cheese.

Daly was cool, calm, collected and laidback, but Fitzgerald was like a coiled spring – completely restless and never still. Nearly thirty years later, both have had very successful hurling management careers and are regularly featured in the media. While Daly still comes across as a cool, calm, collected person and a very shrewd pundit, it’s true to say that while still a loose cannon on the sideline, Davy has shown himself to be a man of many different, laudable qualities.

His involvement with TV’s Ireland’s Fittest Families is well known, and is completely suited to the competitive side of his personality. On Sunday however, we saw another side of the Wexford hurling manager when his new challenge (not just

normal times, and the sports clubs were open, the young lad would have been training as usual on the evening of his murder and would not have been anywhere near the streets.

Every evening we are given the figures for all the new Covid-19 cases, and the number of deaths that have sadly occurred as a result of the virus, but the name of the young footballer will not be included on the list. Yet, Covid-19 is just as responsible for his death as it is for any other tragedy.

Anyway, I know that the advice is that these places must stay closed, and I fully understand that we must respect such advice, but deep down I have to admit that I wonder if a little

easing up of the rules might not help us all to see this pandemic out.

Staying with the death of the young lad whose name was all over the media last week but who cannot be named now for legal reasons, the horrendous modern culture of using knives in all kinds of altercations was once again brought into focus.

While I do not claim to have the answer, surely our government must do something to take the knife out of our society. Maybe anyone found with a knife on their person could get a mandatory jail sentence, because no matter what excuses they come up with, anyone who leaves their home carrying a knife is up to no good and has no noble intentions.

And finally…

In praise of Davy’s Toughest Team a TV show) Davy’s Toughest Team aired on RTE, and it is a really good show.

In it, Davy takes on seven young lads who have all faced huge challenges in their young lives. He tries to get some focus into their lives, and make them face the future with a new-found confidence.

Everything seems to be built on getting the lads to trust other people, and the thing that most impresses about Davy is his total commitment to the cause – his desire to help these seven lads and his complete refusal to countenance failure. How they get on I have no idea, but I really hope Davy works his magic on them and they all go on to better places.

As for me, I have heard that Davy has bought a pub down there in Lahinch, and please God when everything gets back to normal, I plan to visit Davy’s Bar, have a pint, and remind him of the time he was lucky enough to have met me, in Ennis in the 1990s. Until then, there are still three more episodes of the Toughest Team, so keep an eye out for them. I wonder has Paul Healy a vacancy for a TV critic… must send him on my CV.

More than thirty years ago, over the road in Tuam – a town that, during the showband era boasted top bands like The Johnny Flynn showband, Gerry Cronin and the Ohio, and the Olly Maloney band – a new rock band, The Saw Doctors, hit the road, and went on to be one of the most iconic, recognisable and successful of all Irish bands.

They had enormous hit songs like ‘I Useta Love Her’, ‘The Joyce Country Ceili Band’, and the song that has now catapulted them back on to centre stage, ‘N17’ – although this version is performed by the new singing sensation, Tolu Makay. The Nigerian-born singer, who was raised in Tullamore, has had a huge reaction to her performance of the song on the RTE New Year’s Eve show, even being tipped by Graham Norton as “one to watch”. To add to the positivity, the song is one of the most played on national radio.

Leo Moran of The Saw Doctors, who once took part in an impromptu singsong with Davy Carton in Mikeen’s, is delighted with the success of Tolu’s recording – as he is with the fact that radio stations that would never play The Saw Doctors are now playing one of their songs.

It’s a great success story, and my thanks go out to Peadar O’Chuinn for sending me an email reminding me of Tolu’s wonderful version of the iconic song. It just goes to show that anything can happen in showbusiness!

Despite the fact that, officially, the Saw Doctors are on a break since 2017, surely this new recognition will inspire them to make a comeback and thrill their many loyal fans. Maybe we might even have another impromptu singsong in Mikeen’s!

‘Till next week, bye for now

13

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

Construction resumes on Roscommon Hospice

< DAN DOONER

Construction work has resumed at the site of the new Roscommon Hospice building in Roscommon town following a three-week pause in January due to public health concerns.

Workers returned to the site on Monday as the project is deemed an essential site for works under the current Level 5 restrictions.

Mayo-Roscommon Hospice CEO, Martina Jennings, said that following consultations with the Hospice board and

the design team, it was decided to halt work on the building in earlyInviting, January as afriendly precautionary measure when the country movedcountry into Level 5.school “Due with to public health concerns excellent and in the interests of safety it academic ethos. was decided to take everyone off site and allow workers Rahara N.S can meetto self-isolate three guidelines weeks. We covid-19forsafety wantedwithout to be absolutely impactingsure that children’s every worker was safe or beacademic fore restarting construction. social education.

“The site had passed a HSE inspection since construction work began and we reopened on Monday with a strict ad-

herence to guidelines.

“The contractors on site now Youresponsibility can download our have for health enrolment form on our and safety measures,” she said.

The Hospice CEO also conwebsite firmedwww.rahara.com the project remains on course to be completed by the or end of the summer.

By contacting the is “The Roscommon Hospice being built thanks to the proschool e-mail: ceeds of fundraising and doraharans@gmail.com nations from members of the public. We have a responsibility therefore to make sure we get our staff byalso checking theMeet best value while comout the our project Facebook pleting on page! time,” Martina Jennings added.

Set in the countryside we have large outdoor facilities:

RAHARA NATIONAL SCHOOL

including an outdoor classroom allowing flexibility to have lessons in the open air

Indoor spaces:

including an indoor hall for science and art workshops and physical activities.

Directions:

10mins drive from Roscommon town & 15mins from Athlone.

Located on the main Athleague to Athlone road.

Car pool option from Roscommon town.

Inviting, friendly country school with excellent academic ethos.

Rahara N.S can meet covid-19 safety guidelines without impacting children’s academic or social education.

Construction workers have returned to the site of the new Roscommon Hospice this week following a threeweek pause due to public health concerns in January. Pic: Mick McCormack

u can download our friendly rolment Inviting, form on our country school website with excellent www.rahara.com academic ethos. or Rahara N.S can meet covid-19 safety guidelines By contacting the without impacting children’s academic or school e-mail: social education. aharans@gmail.com

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Rahara National School ••• Set in the Rahara, Co Roscommon Set in the You countryside can download our ••• we havecountryside we have 090 662 3393 enrolment form on our You can download our large outdoor large outdoor ••• Inviting, friendly website enrolment form on our country school facilities: website raharans@gmail.com www.rahara.com with excellent www.rahara.com facilities: including an outdoor academic ethos.

••• or or By contacting the Rahara N.S can meet Eircode: F42XR20 including an outdoor classroom allowing covid-19 school e-mail: safety guidelines

By contacting the classroom school e-mail:allowing flexibility to have raharans@gmail.com

lessons in the open

flexibility to have lessons in the open air

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including an indoor airhall for science and art workshops and physical activities.

spaces: Meet ourIndoor staff by checking out our Facebook page! including an indoor

hall for science and art Directions: workshops and 10mins drive from physical activities.

Roscommon town &

15mins from Athlone.

Located on the main Athleague to Athlone road.

You can download our enrolment form on our website www.rahara.com or By contacting the school e-mail: raharans@gmail.com Meet our staff by checking out our Facebook page!

RAHARA RAHARA NATIONAL NATIONAL SCHOOL SCHOOL raharans@gmail.com

without impacting children’s academic or social education.

Meet our staff by checking out our Facebook page!

Directions: Features:

After

10mins drive from Roscommon town & school Club.

15mins from Athlone.

Located on the main Participation inAthlone Athleague to road. national primary

schoolCar awards & from pool option Roscommon town. schemes.

Sports including basketball, swimming, GAA, soccer & cycling.

Set in the countryside we have large outdoor facilities:

RAHARA NATIONAL SCHOOL

including an outdoor classroom allowing flexibility to have lessons in the open air

Indoor spaces:

including an indoor hall for science and art workshops and physical activities.

Directions:

Our Motto: Believe, Receive, Achieve.

RAHARA Learn Respect, Connect,

10mins drive from Roscommon town & 15mins from Athlone.

Set in the countrysideLocated we have on the main large outdoor Athleague to Athlone facilities: road. including an outdoor classroom Car allowing pool option from flexibility toRoscommon have town. lessons in the open air

NATIONAL SCHOOL

Indoor spaces:

including an indoor hall for science and art workshops and physical activities.

School Facts: Pupil teacher ratio allows for a more personalised education experience.

Rahara National School ••• Rahara, Co Roscommon ••• 090 662 3393 ••• raharans@gmail.com ••• Eircode: F42XR20

Afterschool Club & FREE Our Motto: Early SchoolBelieve, Opening: Receive, Achieve.

Respect, Connect, Learn Rahara N.S caters for busy parents with early opening with teacher supervision. Afterschool runs Monday-Thursday from 2 spacious classrooms, 3:00 - 4:30 large school hall & Supervised by a professional outdoor learning area Montessori teacher who supports Rahara National School providing ample safe ••• children with the completion of Rahara, Co Roscommon space.

••• homework & also facilitates many fun Our Motto: 090 662 3393 Believe, Receive,engaging Achieve. games & activities.

••• Large school yard & pitch. raharans@gmail.com

Respect, Connect, Learn

••• Resources & Programmes: Eircode: F42XR20

iPads, laptops, computers, interactive white boards.

“Raha pro wo le

Current learning tools

Car pool option from Roscommon town.

Special needs support.

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Buddy programme.

child have f

Marked tarmac play area.

Guest arts, music & cultural presenters & programmes

Rahara National School ••• Rahara, Co Roscommon ••• 090 662 3393 ••• raharans@gmail.com ••• Eircode: F42XR20

Recent School Awards include:

Our Motto: Believe, Receive, Achieve.

Respect, Connect, Learn

~8 Green School Flags. ~Discover Primary Science & Math Award. ~SEAI One Good Idea Awards. ~Fair Trade Schools Award. ~Hurling & Gaelic Shield. ~Green Schools Expo ~Roscommon Tidy Schools

14

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

When did I morph into a 1950s housewife?

Lockdown has altered my DNA! Yes folks, this whole restriction carry-on has sucked the nice right outta me – replacing the shiny, happy, little soul – always ready to exchange small talk and engage in chit-chat with people I barely knew – into an anti-social, death-before-giving-way harpie!

In short, my give-a-damn fairy has packed her bags and left the building.

While I do sometimes have bursts of being nice, I feel it’s only fair to tell you that they don’t last very long!

Like everyone else, I haven’t been anywhere other than the inside of my home (okay, I’ve made the odd trip into the office to carry out essential work duties), meaning that apart from he-who-is-sailing-through-lockdown and our fur-babies, I haven’t really made conversation with another living soul for longer than a few minutes!

Yes folks, as we find ourselves on the cusp of the anniversary of our country’s first lockdown, it’s clear that this pandemic has claimed not just our waistlines and wardrobes, it has also claimed our personalities, turning us into socially-awkward, non-verbal, horror-stricken recluses, interacting with others via a glare over a mask.

Indeed, as Covid rages on with no end yet in sight, I’ve noticed that even those perpetually sunny, glasshalf-full optimists in my circle have become prickly, cranky, hostile hermits – and it ain’t pretty!

And yes, I’ll admit it, I do adore taking part in family Zoom quizzes, as I’m very competitive. And I’ve managed to gain a new skill by mastering the art of baking banana bread and apricot loaves, which come in handy for lunches. However, if this situation continues much longer,

All hail the pellet-burning stove!

Since moving to Roscommon some years ago, our main source of heating has always been turf, turf, and more turf. Why? Because he-who-insists-on-buyingplots of turf, visiting them and lovingly watching them dry, then dragging me with him to foot the end product, wanted a ‘traditional fire’. Me? I simply wanted a clean house heated by something that wouldn’t assault my nostrils – due to its musty smell – and sting my eyes with its fuggy smoke. But hey, hubby doesn’t often make demands, so I gave in to what I called his ‘turf phase’.

Anyhow, we’ve now entered 2021, and even though I’m not a fan of turf, I’m really sad that due to climate change concerns, Ireland’s bogs have come under threat. Indeed, I find it really upsetting that after 62 years providing employment for the local community, our neighbouring Lough Ree power plant at Lanesborough has turned off its lights and closed its doors.

All that aside, and due to our last electricity bill (from our three electric bedroom heaters) being

so high – think of the cost of a week in the sun, five star, for two – we decided to bite the bullet and install a pellet-burning stove.

Now, as we live in a tiny house – my dad calls it ‘the Wendy house’ – a bulky, pellet-burning stove was, for me, out of the question.

No way was I having a large eyesore in my tiny sitting room, menacingly perched in my miniscule fireplace.

However, one week later and oh my God – this pellet-burning stove is the business, folks. A consistent heat-source, with a settable temperature for people like me who are always cold, not to mention a large fillable bin, means it can burn for days. It’s also clean, as in it’s both dust and dirt free, and the pellets are quite reasonable to buy. And yes, it’s ugly, but we live in a small cottage, and I’d imagine it’d be quite attractive in a larger room. I’m willing to confess that I find it so great and so convenient for heating our entire home that the benefits far outweigh its unappealing appearance. Do I miss my old fire? Not in the slightest!

I’m concerned that my inner Marion Cunningham (Mrs C in Happy Days) will take over, morphing me into a dutiful 1950s housewife, washing, drying and folding loads of lemon-fresh laundry and then putting it away in time to have a healthy, home-cooked-from-scratchmeal ready for when hubby arrives in from work.

Seriously, just when did I drop the ball? I used to be fierce. I used to be capable of taking on several tasks and several people at the same time.

I used to be in control. Nowadays, I just pull up a chair and watch as the fear of Covid takes control.

I’m home alone all day, baking tasty treats and arranging the flowers in my vase to make sure they match the ones on my tea towels. I’m scrubbing pots and polishing furniture. In fact, some days, by the time hubby

gets home, the only thing left in the house that needs polishing off is the vodka! Dear God, all I’m missing is a home-perm, a self-crocheted twinset and a string of pearls to complete my pandemic enforced ‘home-making happiness’ persona.

To be honest, a small part of me is beginning to wonder if this whole extended lockdown situation may just be a ploy by the three men running this country to put strong Roscommon women in our place. Only joking – that’d never happen, our leaders are way too sincere. Yeah right… and Kim Kardashian is aging naturally!

Yet somehow, we’ve all managed to muddle through a year of restrictions and constraints. We’ve listened, with outward smiles and inward screams, to Micheál as he drip-feeds us a load of flannel, sorry information,

regarding delays in the vaccine rollout, and the schools’ reopening/not reopening scenario. We’ve tolerated their makey-uppy, amateur hour, adhoc marketing slogans telling us to ‘hold firm, stick to the basics’, and while it’s not my job to poke holes in our leaders’ massive egos, I feel as though someone needs to inform them that their very tight schedule of not-getting-anything-done needs to be altered, and quick.

This country can no longer survive by taking life one panic at a time. Therefore, as our nation is understandably balancing on the verge of a very serious (and much deserved) emotional breakdown, my question is this: if Micheál, Leo and Eamon haven’t got a clue how to run this country, could they kindly hang up and connect us to someone who does?

Gardaí across Ireland do the Síochána shuffle!

Fair play to members of An Garda Síochána, and their majestic fourlegged colleagues from the mounted unit for accepting the ‘Jerusalema Challenge’ dance-off set down by their Swiss counterparts, the Zuger Polizei.

Our wonderful dancing kings and queens clearly found the challenge too appealing to refuse, and, following much coaxing from a nation desperately in need of cheering up, our

heroes and heroines stepped up and answered the call.

They bopped on those beaches, they boogied on those bogs and they rocked on top of those rooftops to deliver a first class routine which kicked off with one officer halting a Swiss registered vehicle before joining colleagues to bust into the Síochána shuffle. Pure class!

Gardaí, delighted with the public’s reaction, have responded by extend-

ing the challenge to us, the citizens they work so hard to protect. Therefore, if any of you rockin’ Rossies out there want to take part (ensuring compliance with social distancing and Level 5 restrictions), why not video it and share it online using #GardaJerusalema!

Come on Roscommon, let’s show the rest of Ireland what we’re made of… it’s time to begin, now count it in, 5,6,7,8…

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

Going to America?

15

Creggs National Scho

CREGGS

Creggs, Via Roscommon, Co. Galway, 0906621303 / creggsns@gmail.com / c

National School

Creggs, Via Roscommon, Co. Galway. F42 D592 0906621303 / creggsns@gmail.com / creggsns.com

Roscommon People reporter DAN DOONER asked local public representatives whether or not An Taoiseach Micheál Martin should visit President Joe Biden at the White House this St. Patrick’s Day…

Enrolment for Creggs National School is now open for September 2021 Enrolment Form and Information Pack are available on request by emailing

creggsns@gmail.com or message 087 2358023 stating you name and address Information about Creggs NS can be found at

www.creggsns.com

Enrolment for Creggs National Sch open for Sept 2021. Enrolment F Donamon,Co. Roscommon Information Pack are Aisling Dolan, NOW available on ENROLLING request by emai Fine Gael Senator Ireland has amazing access to the US PresiFOR 2021-2022 creggsns@gmail.com or message 08 dent and this is a huge opportunity for the Taoiseach to represent Ireland on the internaACADEMIC YEARand tional stage. stating you name It is crucial when it comes to investment as tens of thousands of jobs in sectors such as All enquiries please to: Pharma and IT are as a result of American investment. We have seen how important these address companies are and how they’ve kept going info@lisaniskeyns.com

Lisaniskey N.S.

Denis Naughten, Independent TD

Eugene Murphy, Fianna Fáil Senator

Yes, I believe if it is possible then the Taoiseach should go to the White House as he will be one of the very first leaders to have a meeting with President Joe Biden.

If the Taoiseach does go then I believe the visit should be confined to a meeting with President Biden only. Alternatively, if he does not travel then there should be a virtual meeting with the President.

It is vital that this occasion should be used as the basis for a series of virtual meetings with the key players in US industry and on Capitol Hill.

I believe similar virtual arrangements should also be put in place for all Government Ministers with key countries and investors across the globe.

Yes, I believe the Taoiseach should go to the White House if President Joe Biden goes ahead with the visit on St. Patrick’s Day. This is not a party or a shindig, it’s a small gathering of people, and our link to the United States is going to be so important as we try to pick up the pieces after the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is essential Government business, particularly considering President Biden’s links to the west of Ireland and we need to take every opportunity to further those ties.

No other country in the world does as well out of its patron saint’s day and it is a very significant event for Ireland and has never been as important as it is now.

We will be trying to rebuild our economy, and American tourism is going to be very important when we get back to some sort of normality.

throughout this pandemic. We are an open economy and most of our jobs are dependent on foreign direct investment.

Locally, we have companies such as Harmac Medical in Castlerea who recently announced an expansion and new jobs.

Ultimately, it will be Micheál Martin’s decision and it would have to be done as safely as possible including testing and isolation, but I would consider it essential Government business.

Information

Michael Fitzmaurice, Independent TD

Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin TD

No, the Taoiseach shouldn’t travel to visit President Biden at the White House this year. We have the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan, telling ordinary people - who’ve made huge sacrifices this year – not to travel abroad this summer while Micheál Martin is setting off on his own junket all because he’s afraid he won’t be there next year.

We’ve been doing Zoom meetings all year so why can’t we offer President Joe Biden the bowl of shamrock and meet with him virtually? Let’s get our situation and this pandemic sorted before going on junkets to other countries.

No, he really shouldn’t go this year. People will make arguments for and against a visit to the White House but I think we can miss it for one year.

The links between Ireland and the United States are important but I don’t think anything will be lost by not being there this St. Patrick’s Day. The link is now particularly strong since Joe Biden became President and he has already said that he would visit Ireland.

People have made a lot of sacrifices since this pandemic began and so I’m sure Micheál Martin can meet with President Biden virtually this year.

For further information, contact Noel Dervan, Principal on can about Creggs NS

086 6658062 www.creggsns.com

Gardaí renew appeal for missing man Gardai have renewed their appeal for the public’s help in tracing the whereabouts of 54-yearold Sean Spellman, who is missing from his home in Taughmaconnell since the afternoon of Saturday, January 16th.

Sean was last seen when he left the family home at 2.30 pm on Saturday (16th) but was later picked up on CCTV walking in the direction of Grace Road, Athlone at around 6 pm.

Sean is described as being 5’ 10” in height, bald and with a slim build.

When last seen, Sean was wearing a black rain jacket, black trousers, a grey, white and

black striped jumper, and grey shoes with a beige sole.

The Gardaí and Sean’s family are concerned for his safety.

Anyone with any information on Sean’s whereabouts are asked to contact Roscommon Garda Station on 0906638300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station.

b

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

Colourful times in Clifden… memories of acting legend Peter O’Toole and the ‘Roscommon connection’ A hellraiser and an acting genius, charismatic Peter O’Toole knew he had a loyal friend in Roscommon man Frank Kelly…. < PAUL D’ALTON It was a stunning, sun-drenched day in Clifden, Connemara and I was travelling along the world famous Sky Road, one of the most scenic spots in the whole of Ireland, to drop by my Roscommon-born uncle Frank Kelly’s home (my mother’s eldest brother), from whose sitting room on a clear day you had a glorious coastal vista stretching as far south as Co. Clare.

Entering the sitting room, where there was a low mezzanine sitting area overlooking the sea, to my shock I spotted a man in a tweed suit lying face down unconscious and prostate on the carpet.

“Who’s that?” I asked Uncle Frank, gesturing to the comatose figure.

“Oh, that’s only Peter,” my uncle replied.

“Peter who?” I asked back, knowing full well.

“O’Toole,” said Frank.

“And what’s wrong with him?”

I enquired.

“Three bottles of Baileys. He’ll be fine in a bit,” my teetotal uncle replied, seemingly well used to such occurrences.

And sure enough, as we sat by the fire in my uncle’s study, the tall, gangly figure of acting legend Peter O’Toole duly emerged, looking remarkably spruce, asking where his chauffeur was and saying to us in his languid, theatrical voice: “I’m heading home, darlings, see you all later my loves”.

In no small way, this story begins in Church Street, Roscommon town where my uncle Frank was born to my

Acting legend Peter O’Toole as a young actor (left), in familiar pose in later years (centre) and (on right) his great friend from Roscommon, the late Frank Kelly. Opposite page: O’Toole in his career-defining lead role in Lawrence of Arabia.

grandparents Edward ‘Ned’ Kelly and wife Elizabeth.

Ned was the owner of a large construction business which built the CBS school in town, half of Goff Street, renovated the Irish College in Spiddal in the Connemara Gaeltacht, built the church in Rossaveal, also in south Connemara, and many other projects throughout the West.

His eldest son Frank, as one of the company’s directors, had travelled to Clifden to oversee the building of the town’s hospital. There he was to meet a local woman and marry her in the late 1950s, and some years later at a social function he met and immediately hit it off with a fledgling young actor by the name of Peter O’Toole, who famously went on to become Lawrence of Arabia and more infamously one of Hollywood’s greatest hellraisers.

Uncle Frank and Peter remained lifelong best friends, as was, indeed, another longstanding family friend and frequent visitor to Connemara, Michael D Higgins, now An

Uachtarain na H’Eireann. At one time, the three men were their own personal Troika over the many glorious years they and us shared together in the West, before circumstances changed, although the close ties remained unbroken. Peter died in 2013 and his best friend, my uncle Frank, passed away a few years later. Just a short while before Frank’s sad death, Michael D joined the family celebration for Frank’s 90th birthday at the Abbey Hotel in town.

But we remember the fun times, how could we not?

At one time, my former wife asked Frank did he ever go on a film set with Peter. “Oh, many times,” he told her. “What was it like?” she replied.

“Well, one time we flew to Toronto,” Frank who then, in the early 1970s, like Peter himself was drinking heavily, went on.

“I remember getting on the plane in Dublin with Peter and three months later we arrived back in Dublin. What happened in between those three months Peter and I have no idea”.

I was privileged, because of my family’s close ties to the O’Tooles, to have played a bit part in what was an uproarious, outlandish time. Inevitably, top of the list are incidents which can now be added to the litany of O’Toole’s hellraising, drinking war stories.

‘‘

The rock star Sting, then married to Irish actress Frances Tomelty, had rented a house in nearby Roundstone. Sting would roar through the town, burly bodyguard riding pillion, on a vast motorbike on his way to see O’Toole out at the house

Perhaps the best was the time in the late ’70s — it must have been after major portions of his intestine and stomach had been surgically removed in 1976 after years of alcohol abuse — when O’Toole had fallen off the wagon, something that happened not infrequently.

He’d spent the day in Mannion’s Bar, a familyowned town hostelry. After the closing-time rendition of Amrhán na bhFiann, and with everyone well sauced, O’Toole was invited to a nearby house for afters.

And it was there, surrounded by a few men and women then treading the ‘dark side’ of Irish Republicanism, that O’Toole jumped up on a chair, glass in hand, and roared: “Right, you f*****g culchies, please stand for God Save The Queen!”

O’Toole, a fierce Irish patriot, had meant it in jest.

But bedlam erupted in the cramped kitchen, bodhráns and bodies flying. O’Toole was, genuinely, lucky not to

be disembowelled for a second time, non-surgically.

One day, sitting in the offlicence of my uncle’s hotel in the town, Peter suddenly announced: “Darlings, I have a surprise for you. Look!”

So we all turned and stared and there, parked on the corner of Main Street, was a gleaming black London taxi.

O’Toole had bought it in London and had it brought over.

Its purchase was, as I was about to discover, the very mark of the man: at times, intensely, almost pathologically private; at others, a ribald, daring attention-seeker.

So off along the coastal boreens we went for a spin: a cousin driving, O’Toole and me behind the plexiglass in the back. Astonished tourists and locals stared at a scene almost straight out of the cult film comedy, Withnail & I: a famous Hollywood star, Lawrence of Arabia himself, waving regally as we trundled up the Sky Road and a massive joint being passed between us.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

Can you help with Niamh’s walking research?

Local resident Niamh Molloy is hoping to find the reasons behind Roscommon’s low walk to school rate. Niamh is currently conducting a research project with UCD’s Innovation Academy on Roscommon people’s attitudes towards walking to school, and hopes to find some innovative and creative ways to support local families on their journey to school or work.

“Our final project hopes to tackle an issue that we have come up against in our local area. I walk to school regularly

“But, Peter,’ I said between pulls (I was only 17 at the time), ‘I thought you were supposed to be here inf*****gcognito!”

“Oh my dear,” he grinned, “F**k them! It will give the poor dears a thrill for a bit,” before letting rip his wild, cackling laugh.

At the Eyrephort house he owned a 20-minute drive from Clifden town, O’Toole had installed in the grounds a greenhouse. A local fella acted as his odd jobs man and one day, standing with O’Toole in the greenhouse, he innocently asked: “Jesus, Peter, they’re mighty plants. What kind are they?”

“Ah,” O’Toole replied, “they are very precious nonflowering, non-fruiting tomato plants”.

So when O’Toole went back to London for a few weeks, his trusty handyman wanted to take special care of Peter’s precious ‘tomato plants’ and had fertilised and watered them so well that they had grown to a height of nearly 20ft.

So on his return and to his total horror, O’Toole had to have what were in fact cannabis plants quickly cut down so that the gardaí wouldn’t spot them.

Needless to say, the harvest from that culling of the best of the crop resulted in the entire town literally having shopping bags full of weed for weeks, months after. We were delighted but O’Toole, the poor man, was terrified.

I remember him roaring up at the house: “I could end up in f*****g jail, you f*****s”, as locals helped out and hid the stuff like something out of Whiskey Galore.

Somehow, perhaps inevitably, we found ourselves at the centre of bizarre dramas. Such as the time the rock star Sting, then married to Irish actress Frances Tomelty, had rented a house in nearby Roundstone.

Sting would roar through the town, burly bodyguard riding pillion, on a vast motorbike

on his way to see O’Toole out at the house.

But that summer’s holiday didn’t last for long. After only a few weeks, on a day I’ll never forget, Sting barged breathless through the door of my uncle Frank’s bar at lunchtime. “I have to go! I have to go! Where’s everybody?

Where’s Peter?” he shouted.

As the kerfuffle ensued in the adjoining off-licence, I returned to serving customers. Then, a few minutes later, Sting with bodyguard roared off, never to be seen in these parts again.

Later that day, O’Toole arrived in and claimed that Sting had received death threats from the Provisional IRA and terrified – this wasn’t long after the H-Block protest and black coffins still adorned some lampposts in town – he upped and fled back to England.

We all thought it was a terrible drama until I asked O’Toole, grinning from ear to ear, if they had really threatened to kill Sting. “Did they f**k! But those f*****s down in Roundstone couldn’t stand him so they ran him out!”

Our laughter crackled through the building. “IRA my arse!” O’Toole roared.

Poor Sting.

O’Toole loved the life out here in the West: although he knew nothing about horses, and was nearly decapitated when his Connemara stallion ‘Dr Slattery’ half dragged him across the show field at the world famous Connemara Pony show as we died laughing watching the scene, he turned up every year in spotless, horsey tweed attire, pretending he knew a mare from a foal.

And when ‘Dr Slattery’ failed to win the top prize one year, O’Toole tired of the stallion and that was the last we heard of it.

Still, to quote from the Mary Hopkin’s song: “Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end”… and they still bring a wry and heartfelt smile to my face.

with my daughter and wanted to find out why more people weren’t walking their children to school”, said Niamh.

Figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that Roscommon has the lowest walking to school rate in Ireland, with trends reducing year on year since the mid-1980s (CSO, 2016).

“I find it sad to see the volume of cars on our roads. I know we have a terrible problem on Antogher Road with cars speeding, and I wanted to see if other pe-

destrians and cyclists have had a similar experience, especially during the morning rush hour.

“I issued an online survey to some local schools recently and hope to issue it to the remaining schools in County Roscommon in the coming weeks. So far, I have had an extremely positive response with great engagement from the school community.

“Many have pointed to safety concerns and a lack of available footpaths, cycle lanes and zebra crossings influencing their choice not to walk to

school. Others have mentioned ‘impatient’ drivers, with some even saying they ‘felt invisible’ when walking or cycling on our roads”.

Niamh is hoping that the results of her survey will inform the direction of her research.

She would like to hear from people around County Roscommon who would like to anonymously participate in the survey. You can email her directly at niamh.molloy2@ ucdconnect.ie if you wish to get a copy of the survey link.

Saerlaith and Sadhbh Dillon from Rooskey, Ballaghaderreen pictured making St. Brigid’s crosses on St. Brigid’s Day. Picture: Mick McCormack.

Boyle student finalist in national speech writing competition Adam Dwyer, a student at Abbey Community College in Boyle, has been chosen as a finalist in ActionTalks, a national speech writing competition run by ActionAid, open to all students aged 14 to 17 year’s old.

The competition, now in its seventh year, received its highest ever number of entries – 177 from over forty schools across sixteen counties. This year, the competition is taking place entirely online, and the topics focus on the pandemic.

CEO of ActionAid Ireland Siobhán McGee said: “We had a challenge on our hands choosing the finalists this year.

As well as the high volume of entries, we could see that students from across the country had worked hard on the speeches, including researching how the pandemic had affected people in other countries.

“We were really struck by the strong analysis students did on their own situations and it was interesting to hear how the pandemic has impacted on young people.

With that said, Adam’s speech stood out and kept us thinking after we had finished reading it. We’re looking forward to hearing

the speech live in the Zoom final at the end of February”.

The winning student and their teacher will each receive a €500 One4All voucher. The winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges.

ActionAid is committed to providing longterm support to the most marginalised women and their children in some of the poorest communities across the world, so that they can live a life free of violence and discrimination.

For further details on the competition, visit actionaid.ie/speech-writing-competition.

Recent letters: Ian didn’t make ‘kidnapping’ claim

In the Roscommon People edition of 22 January last, regular correspondent Ian Hester of Ballymacurley addressed the Mother and Baby Homes report. Mr. Hester wrote of priests and nuns acting out as “Dr Jekyll and Hyde-like characters” and referred to pillars

of society who “conspired to lock up people in mental institutions”. Responding to Mr. Hester’s letter in our edition dated 29 January, correspondent Thomas Glancy wrote: “No nun or priest ever kidnapped any pregnant girl in the past…” (Mr. Glancy went

on to denounce the conduct of the Church (and society) and to suggest that we must atone for previous generations. Mr. Hester has asked us to clarify that he did not use the word ‘kidnapped’. We are happy to clarify same.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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IFA: Cut in basic payment will destroy incomes Addressing the 66th IFA Annual General Meeting, the IFA President Tim Cullinan said that under current CAP reform proposals, farmers were facing a cut of up to 30% in their basic payment in 2023.

“Under the current proposals, up to 30% will be deducted from every farmers’ Basic Payment to fund so-called ‘Eco Schemes’,” he said.

Mr. Cullinan said that decisions due on CAP this year would define farming for he next decade because it is currently bringing €1.8 billion into the rural economy, which accounts for 77% of farm income.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the AGM, where farmers raised concerns about the direction of the next CAP. The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue also addressed the meeting.

On Brexit, Tim Cullinan said the IFA is preparing a detailed submission on the €1.05 billion Brexit aid package.

“The Government has done a good job in securing over €1 billion from the Brexit fund. Our sector has been the most exposed to Brexit, and farming has to get its fair share,” he said.

IFA President Tim Cullinan

Fitzmaurice: ‘FF intent on penalising farmers!’

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has slammed the Government and Fianna Fáil in particular, claiming the party is “intent on penalising the agricultural sector at every turn” when it comes to the climate change agenda.

Deputy Fitzmaurice was reacting to recent comments made by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue at the recent IFA AGM. He said: “Fianna Fáil now seem to be greener than Eamon Ryan

and the Green Party, only Micheál Martin is not cycling around on a bike!

“Hearing their comments yesterday, it seems as if Fianna Fáil is intent on using the climate change agenda as a stick to beat farmers with moving forward.

“Instead of recognising the work that farmers are already doing, this Fianna Fail-led Government will move to place even more restrictions and red tape on farmers.

“Has any work or research been done to recognise the carbon se-

questration value Ireland’s hedgerows provide?

“The Taoiseach spoke about afforestation and linking it with the upcoming Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

“As I have said consistently in the past, I have no problem with a certain amount of forestry; but it must be evenly spread. No particular area can be unfairly targeted”.

Deputy Fitzmaurice added that Minister McConalogue’s comments regarding the ‘premise of

a stable herd’ needed clarification.

“How will this impact young farmers or new entrants, who are looking to grow their business?

“If we continue down this road, large swathes land will be abandoned in favour of forests and carbon farming – turning rural Ireland into a theme park, only to be visited at the weekends and school holidays.

“Staying in Government seems to be more important than looking after the people in rural Ireland,” he concluded.

Webinar provides key updates on safety and schemes Local farmers were provided with important updates regarding farm safety, schemes and other programmes during a Zoom webinar hosted by Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan and Minster of State with responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety and New Market Development, Martin Heydon, recently.

Deputy Heydon spoke about support for farm safety investments through the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme which allows farmers to claim the full cost of certain safety equipment against their tax bills over two years.

The list of eligible equipment under the ACA scheme includes preventative safety equipment such as an animal anti-backing gate for the crush, big bag lifter, quick hitch mechanism or chemical storage cabinets. The ACA also funds adaptive equipment in the case of a life changing injury.

Deputy Heydon also discussed the Brexit Adjustment Reserve and the importance for beef and dairy sectors and the extension of farm schemes such as TAMs into next year. He heard concerns from farmers on the BEAM

scheme and the difficulty for many to reach the target of 5%.

A question and answer session also brought up new proposals for safety equipment perhaps more suited to the TAMs programme and the supports for a REP-like scheme at a national level.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the webinar was a great success: “This was a fantastic opportunity for farmers in Roscommon and Galway to have their voices heard at a senior level.

“It’s welcome news that Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has written to the EU Commission requesting an extension to the BEAM scheme for Irish farmers as many farmers are affected by this scheme”.

Deputy Martin Heydon welcomed the chance to meet local farmers.

“I was delighted to see such engagement and enthusiasm during the discussion. The level of safety incidents on farms remained unacceptably high in 2020, and so 2021 needs to be the year that farmers put their own safety first,” he said.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan

19

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

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Minister opens public consultation on Agri-Environment Pilot Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue has announced the opening of public consultation on the development of a new agri-environment results-based pilot project.

The Programme for Government commits to rewarding farmers for adapting to more sustainable methods of farming and to the development of a new agri-environment scheme capable of delivering broad environmental and biodiversity benefits that will align financial supports with climate objectives.

To advance this objective funding has been made available for 2021 for a results-based agri-environment pilot project.

With a view to broadening participation in agri-environment schemes the pilot will only be open to farmers who have not participated in GLAS and are not currently participating in other agrienvironment schemes. The application process is expected to open in the second quarter of 2021.

Minister McConalogue said: “Protecting and maintaining our environment is a national priority. Agri-En-

vironment schemes like GLAS have played an important role in helping us to achieve our objectives. This pilot will explore new ways of approaching environmental actions and will help us identify what value we can bring to our next national agri-environmental scheme”.

Submissions concerning the design and implementation of the pilot can be made via the online project survey at surveymonkey.com/r/DAFM_ResultsBasedPilot. Closing date for receipt of views is Friday, February 26th.

Roscommon MART WATCH There were similar numbers on offer at last Friday’s cattle sale on January 29th, with a good trade for all classes.

Bullocks averaged from €2.34 per kilo up to €2.74 per kilo, heifers made from an average of €2.25 per kilo up to €2.43 per kilo, and dry cows fetched from €1.75 per kilo up to €2.12 per kilo.

There was a good demand for stock with the majority of lots getting sold.

On Friday, February 5th, we will have our special sale of heifers with twenty pens on offer, as well as our general sale of bullocks and

dry cows. Our next special sale of bullocks and general sale of heifers and dry cows occurs on Friday, February 12th. Please note that all customers must wear a facemask or a face covering.

There were good numbers on offer at our sale of weanling and suckler cows on Tuesday, February 2nd.

There was flying trade for weanling heifers with a full clearance of lots –prices ranged from an average of €2.62 per kilo up to €3.67 per kilo. Weanling bulls met with a brisk trade with all but three unsold – prices av-

Castlerea MART WATCH Numbers of stock presented for sale continues to grow as trade remains very strong for all categories of stock.

Northern activity, strong farmer demand and export demand has led to increased prices this week with a good clearance taking place.

Weanling bulls in particular have noticed the most price improvement while the forward store bullocks and heifers are a very lively trade at the moment.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursdays next with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with Covid-19 restrictions in place.

Sample prices for bullocks: Lmx 470kgs €1150, Ch 460kgs €1130, AA 460kgs €1090, Ch 530kgs €1330, Ch 505kgs €1280, Hex 525kgs €1190, AA 590kgs €1400, Ch 580kgs €1390, Ch 605kgs €1440, Ch 725kgs €1680, Lm 705kgs €1620, AA 735kgs €1570.

Heifers: Lmx 350kgs €880, Lmx 450kgs €1180, Ch 430kgs €1080, Lmx 430kgs €1060, Lmx 660kgs €1480, Ch 555kgs €1340, Hex 570kgs €1320, Ch 745kgs €1550, Ch 470kgs €1110.

Dry cows: Lmx 810kgs €1730, Lmx 795kgs €1720, Lmx 770kgs €1660, Lmx 840kgs €1590, Lm 765kgs €1460, Fr 465kgs €590.

Weanling bulls: Lmx 275kgs €1050, Ch 290kgs €830, Ch 255kgs €760, Lm 295kgs €810, BBx 375kgs €1050, Ch 470kgs €1090, BBx 390kgs €1070.

Weanling heifers: Lmx 250kgs €810, Lm 245kgs €750, BBx 315kgs €970, Lm 335kgs €920, AA 375kgs €800, Lm 340kgs €880, Lm 255kgs €700.

eraged from €2.44 per kilo up to €3.12 per kilo. There was a complete clearance of springers/cows with calves, with prices ranging from €940 up to €1520 for springers, and from €1800 up to €2050 for cows with calves at foot.

Our next weanling sale takes place on Tuesday, February 9th at 4 pm. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, February 4th. There is full dispersal of top quality suckler herd for Mervyn Waters consisting of forty continental cows (half with calves at foot, the rest are calving) from February to April to P.B. Ch Bull and AI LM Bull. Also, ten heifers (LM and SIM) in calf to PB AA bull (scanned 5 – 7 months in calf), PB CH bull for sale (seven years old), and six red LM Maiden heifers suitable for breeding.

Sample prices for dry cows: Simm X 870kgs €1660, Lim X 725kgs €1540, Lim X 745kgs €1500, BBX 755kgs €1480, Char X 710kgs €1470, Lim X 785kgs €1460, HEX 755kgs €1360, AAX 630kgs €1160, Lim X 660kgs €1220, Lim X 525kgs €1100, Lim X 620kgs €1180, and Lim X 645kgs €1340.

Heifers: Char X 535kgs €1300, Lim 530kgs €1290, Simm X 580kgs €1270, Lim X 575kgs €1270,AAX 505kgs €1070, Char X 355kgs €850, Simm X 560kgs €1230, Simm X 560kgs €1180, and Lim X 505kgs €1110.

Bullocks: Char X 790kgs €1810, Lim X 810kgs €1800, Lim X 780kgs €1780, PTX 760kgs €1760,

Char X 670kgs €1670, Lim X 695kgs €1660, Char X 675kgs €1630, 4 Char X 621kgs €1590, 6 BAX 580kgs €1590, HEX 750kgs €1540, AAX 620kgs €1440, 3 Lim X 536kgs €1300, 3 Char X 528kgs €1300, AAX 535kgs €1290, 2 AAX 552kgs €1280, and 2 Char X 432kgs €1140.

Weanling heifers: BBX 400kgs €1470 - €3.67 per kilo, Lim 420kgs €1200 €2.85 per kilo, BBX 340kgs €1090 - €3.20 per kilo, Char X 335kgs €1080 - €3.22 per kilo, Char X 330kgs €1050 - €3.18 per kilo, PTX 300kgs €979- €3.23 per kilo, Lim X 290kgs €960 €3.31 per kilo, BBX 290kgs €950 - €3.27 per kilo, Char X 245kgs €800 - €3.26 per kilo, Char X 330kgs €900 - €2.72 per kilo, and Char X 260kgs €770 - €2.75 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Char X 490kgs €1190 - €2.42 per kilo, Char X 480kgs €1190 - €2.47 per kilo, Char X 440kgs €1180 - €2.68 per kilo, Lim X 430kgs €1170 - €2.72 per kilo, Char X 390kgs €1040 - €2.66 per kilo, Lim X 370kgs €970 €2.62 per kilo, AAX 410kgs €890 - €2.17 per kilo, Sim X 385kgs €840 - €2.18 per kilo, Char X 280kgs €850 €3.03 per kilo, BAX 365kgs €900 - €2.46 per kilo, AAX 295kgs €690 - €2.33 per kilo, and Char X 250kgs €780 - €3.12 per kilo.

Finished hoggets: 63kgs €148, 57.9kgs €146, 55.8kgs €146, 51.2kgs €145, 51.5kgs €142, 47.4kgs €138, 46kgs €138, 47.1kgs €136, 43.8kgs €128, and 40.7kgs €119.

(Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Covid 19 Level 5 – Mart Restrictions All sales shall be ONLINE ONLY on our LSL App Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale. Sellers must drop off their livestock and leave.

Animals will be sold subject and sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone.

------------Friday, February 5th at 11 a.m.

Special Spring Sale of Heifers – 25 pens on offer Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Included in the sale 3 Pure bred Aubrac Heifers.

5* heifers genomic tested and suitable for breeding.

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Friday, February 12th at 11 a.m.

Special Spring Sale of Bullocks Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, February 8th ----------------------

Friday, February 19th at 11 a.m.

Extra Special Spring Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 11th ----------------------

Tuesday, February 9th at 4 p.m.

Weanlings & Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 4th

Also Full Dispersal of Top quality Suckler Herd for Mervyn Waters Consisting of 40 continental cows-½ with calves at foot-the rest are calving from Feb – April to P.B. Ch Bull and AI LM Bull. & 10 Heifers (LM and SIM) in calf to PB AA Bull scanned 5 – 7 months in calf PB CH BULL for sale (seven years old) Also 6 Red LM Maiden Heifers suitable for breeding.

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Lambs & Cast Ewes - Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

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Wednesday, February 10th at 11 a.m.

Special Entry of 40 in Lamb Ewes & Hoggets Suffolk X & Belclare X scanned in lamb to P.B. Suff & Char Rams due 7th March onwards ----------------------

31 Excellent Quality Suffolk X Breeding Ewes (21 Doubles, 3 Triplets and 7 Singles) Scanned in lamb to P.B. Char Ram – due 18th March onwards Also 10 Good Quality 2nd & 3rd Suff X & Texel X Crop Ewes with Lambs at foot ----------------------

Date for your Diary Saturday, March 6th at 12 Noon Organic Sale – Cattle & Sheep Enquiries 090 66 26352

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

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20

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

Business

Lough Ree Distillery launches ‘Love Edition’ of ‘Gin School At Home’ kit!

Lough Ree Distillery in Lanesborough, Co. Longford has come up with a unique option for couples looking to celebrate the forthcoming St. Valentine’s weekend under lockdown.

Mike Clancy, at Lough Ree Distillery, home of Sling Shot Distilled Irish Gin, said the team wanted to create a distinctive and fun option for couples to celebrate Valentine’s in the safety of their home, so they have created the ‘Love Edition’ of their top-selling ‘Sling Shot Gin School at Home’ kit. This allows couples to experiment with different botanical distillates and create their own special gin.

Speaking from the distillery in Lanesborough, Mike said: “Normally couples would be gearing up for a night out with a romantic meal followed by some drinks,

but this year, people are looking for alternatives that still create a sense of experience and occasion.

“We’d invite couples to get into the spirit and use the specially distilled botanical spirits to create their very own bespoke gin. The distillates for you to work with are Rosebuds, Cacao Nibs, Pink Grapefruit, Pink Peppercorns, Thyme and Mint, so there’s something for to satisfy every taste”.

It also includes two miniatures each of Lough Ree’s own multi award-winning ‘Sling Shot’ and

‘Aiteal Distilled’ Irish gins, some hand-made ‘Sling Shot Gin Truffles’ created by Kilbeggan Chocolates, a pair of crystal tumbler glasses and even a specially curated playlist of songs to set the scene for your perfect night in.

The kit comes complete with full instructions and everything needed to create enough for fourteen G&Ts – all you need to provide is tonic, ice, garnishes and enthusiasm!

This experience costs €80 per couple and can be shipped anywhere in Ireland.

To book your ‘Love Edition’ ‘Gin School At Home’ experience, please visit lrd.ie/product/loveedition-sling-shot-gin-school-athome-kit.

For enquiries, email marketing@ lrd.ie or contact Mike Clancy on 087 8264301.

Fáilte Ireland’s welcome boost for Roscommon

Fáilte Ireland’s national investment of €55 million is set to provide a welcome boost for tourism businesses operating in County Roscommon.

The funding comes under the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme which was secured in Budget 2021 and Fáilte Ireland is responsible for developing and administering the scheme.

Local Minister of State, Frank Feighan, said the scheme would support tourism businesses not eligible for the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) or previous Fáilte Ireland continuity grants.

He said: “I am confident this will have a positive impact on the industry in Roscommon and will be key to helping it survive and thrive in the year ahead.

“The first phase of the scheme opens for applications on February 11th to businesses including outdoor activity providers, visitor attractions not eligible for CRSS, caravan and camping providers registered with Fáilte Ireland and cruise

hire companies who meet the eligibility criteria.

“The Government will continue to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and ensure that appropriate supports are in place. We are now developing tourism for survival through the pandemic and recovery in the medium and long-term”.

The National Tourism Development Authority also announced its domestic marketing plans, investment commitments in outdoor dining and urban animation as well its strategic priorities for the year ahead.

The event entitled ‘Survive to Thrive’, provided industry with details of Fáilte Ireland’s plans that will help support

resilience and survival in the short-term and the recovery of the sector in the longterm. Minister Feighan added: “Amongst its key projects for 2021, Fáilte Ireland has also committed to the enhancement of urban areas through the 31 destination town projects across the country and two new funding schemes.

“The Outdoor Dining Grant Scheme will improve the quality of outdoor dining spaces and offer reassurance around safety and comfort, and the Urban Animation Grant Scheme will animate our cities and towns with innovative lighting and art installations.

“Fáilte Ireland has also committed to preparing for the return of tourism by working with industry to build improved websites and online booking capability through a new digital transformation programme and continuing to keep Ireland front of mind for overseas buyers through a range of virtual sales events, including Meitheal, one of Ireland’s largest travel trade shows”.

Call for Stay and Spend Scheme to be extended

Andrew Reynolds

Rooskey-based businessman Andrew Reynolds has called for an extension to the Stay and Spend Scheme beyond April of 2021 so that consumers and businesses can avail of it later in the year once restrictions have been eased.

The local caterer, who has restaurants in counties Roscommon and Longford, spoke about the Stay and Spend

tax credit scheme which aims to help drive business in the domestic hospitality sector.

“As we all know, this sector has been a major casualty of Covid-19” Mr. Reynolds said.

“The scheme in question came into effect on October 1st last year and provides a maximum of €125 in income tax credits to taxpayers who spend up to €625 in restaurants, pubs, ho-

tels, B&Bs and other qualifying businesses.

“However, recent figures have revealed that just €6.8 million has been spent up until the middle of January as many restaurants, pubs and other businesses have remained closed under the current Level 5 restrictions”.

Mr. Reynolds is now calling for the initiative to be extended

beyond its current April 31st deadline. He says this should be confirmed “as a matter of urgency”, so that “consumers can support businesses, if and when restrictions are eased and people can staycation and eat out once again – thus also giving restaurants and hotels a fair chance to revive their livelihoods at this deeply challenging time”.

507 new ‘.ie’ domains registered in County Roscommon in 2020

Roscommon businesses, services, and community groups registered 507 new ‘.ie’ domains in 2020 as the county mobilised online in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the latest ‘.IE’ Domain Profile Report, which explores and analyses the ‘.ie’ database. The number represents a 16% increase on 2019.

There were 5,705 new ‘.ie’ domain registrations in Connacht in 2020, a 39% increase on 2019. In total, 65,113 new ‘.ie’ domains were registered in 2020, the highest figure ever recorded and an almost 30% increase on 2019. Every county on the island of Ireland recorded an increase in registrations.

“The nationwide increase in new ‘.ie’ domain registrations is very encouraging,” said David Curtin, Chief Executive of ‘.IE’, Ireland’s national registry for ‘.ie’ domains.

“It suggests that businesses and public services, regardless of county or whether they are in a city or a small town, were able to quickly and easily set up an online presence and meet local demand in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is evident in Roscommon and across the entire province of Connacht”.

21

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople War of Independence in Roscommon 100 years ago

Cornafulla Ambush and death of James Tormey The month of February 1921 was marked by more attacks on Crown forces in the county. From Ballaghaderreen in the west, to Tarmonbarry in the east, and south to Athlone, there were various operations of one kind or another against British forces.

The Athlone Flying Column, under James Tormey, had been operating in the area where the three counties meet for some months.

They had attacked military boats on the Shannon and made numerous assaults on RIC barracks in Westmeath and south Longford.

On February 2nd, Tormey and three members of his column were in position to ambush an RIC police patrol at a place called Cornafulla a few miles west of Athlone town on the road to Ballinasloe.

They were expecting a threeman bicycle patrol that was due to approach from Athlone town.

When the RIC were abreast of the ambush position, Tormey and his men opened fire. The police jumped off their bicycles and returned fire. What Tormey and his men didn’t realise was that a large number of Black and Tans, also on bicycles, were following the first few police, and a major gun battle followed.

James Tormey’s military instinct immediately told him that to continue the fight against this much larger force would be suicidal, so he ordered a retreat. The plan was that two men would withdraw while the other two gave covering fire. This procedure was working well until some of the Black and Tans moved in the side road that leads to Clonown to try and outflank the column. James Tormey was covering the rearguard action when he was hit in the head by a bullet fired by one of the Tans.

The other volunteers succeeded in getting away, and when the firing ceased, the Tans and police returned to Athlone. When the column regrouped and discovered that Tormey had been shot, they went back to retrieve his body. He had fallen at the edge of the second field from the road.

Tormey’s comrades conveyed his body across country to the edge of the Shannon near Clonown, and placed it on a boat to take it across the river to the Westmeath side. The next day, a coffin was procured and the body of James Tormey was laid in it. Again, it was put on a boat and transported down the Shannon to be buried secretly by his comrades in the ancient monastic graveyard of Clonmacnoise.

In the days after the ambush, the military in Athlone found out that a volunteer had been killed in the shoot-out, and their investigations led them to a fresh grave in Clonmacnoise where Tormey was buried. The grave was opened by British soldiers, and the coffin was

Pictured above is Commandant James Tormey, who was fatally shot on February 2nd, 1921.

Roscommon consumers could be paying more for bread very soon – that’s according to the Irish Bakery Association.

In a statement issued last Thursday, the Association warned that “despite the best efforts of the industry”, bread prices will soon be forced upwards. They’re laying the blame squarely with Brexit, and its impact on ingredients’ costs.

The Association said: “Only 40% of the flour used in Irish bread-making is actually produced on the island of Ireland. The UK and the EU provide us with the rest of our bread-making flour. To add fuel to the Brexit fire the UK suffered the worst harvest in 40 years last year.

“Irish flour importers are finding that substitution options are limited in Europe. This is because the Irish consumer prefers to eat a type of bread they’re used to, made with the flour they’re used to. The flours produced on the continent are best suited to their own style of baguettes and bagels and less so to our sliced pans and traditional Irish breads.

“Ireland also lacks production of yeast or sugar, and produces very little vegetable oil for bakery use. The industry is seeing price hikes on all these ingredients. As the cost of inputs go up, the cost of bakery production must follow to maintain the industry’s viability”.

Gerald Cunningham, secretary of the IBA commented: “Prudent stock-piling of flour before Christmas has kept prices flat to date. We also researched alternative sources of flour. But the MATIF (Flour price index) is currently at a record high, causing the market to be volatile. It is important for the market to know what is happening, and that without external interventions, price rises are inevitable”.

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION

Pictured right, is the monument and plaque in Cornafulla that marks the spot where James Tormey was killed.

lifted and brought back to Athlone on a lorry for an inquiry.

Tormey’s elderly father was brought into Athlone barracks to identify the remains of his son; he had been dead for nearly a week by then. The body was then released back to the family for a second burial to take place, this time near his native Moate, Co. Westmeath, in Holy Trinity Graveyard, Mount Temple.

He was buried in the Republican plot where his brother Joseph had been buried just three weeks earlier, after he had been shot while a prisoner in Ballykinlar Internment Camp, Co. Down. James Tormey was just 21 years old at the time he was killed.

In the weeks after the ambush, the Black and Tans continued raiding houses in the general Drum area of south Roscommon, where the attack had taken place.

In one of their raids, they arrested two brothers – Paddy and Bernard Gaffey of Garrynagowna. Bernard received a severe beating from his captors and never recovered fully from the injuries. He died later that summer.

The month of February was also a period of intense activity in the northern half of the county, where men of the 2nd and 3rd battalions, north Roscommon brigade, were

Will bread prices rise… like the dough?

Sunday 7 February 2021

busy trying to make an impression on British forces. A military patrol was attacked near Elphin, and efforts were made to strike at barracks in Tarmonbarry and Ruskey, but steel shutters and sand bags prevented them from making any impact. During this time extensive raids were carried out by Crown forces in the Elphin and Strokestown areas. On one occasion, 200 people were arrested and questioned, but most were released.

On February 11th, there was an attempt to capture the barracks in Elphin. The barracks was situated on the north side of the main street and was adjoined by other houses on each side. Some men, armed with rifles and shotguns, took up positions in a building across the street. They were to direct fire on the barracks while others took over the house adjoining the fortress.

The plan was to place an explosive device in the fireplace of the house adjoining the barracks, hoping that the blast would blow a hole big enough for an attack to be made through it. But the blast wasn’t strong enough, and the plan to dislodge the occupants of the barracks didn’t succeed. The attackers withdrew without casualties being suffered on any side.

Later in the month, the RIC in

Ballaghaderreen had a lucky escape. Volunteers from south Sligo, East Mayo and Roscommon’s 1st battalion south brigade assembled for an attack on the RIC in the town. A large mine had been manufactured and transported on a cart for an attack on the RIC barracks there.

The device, which was meant to demolish the front of the building, was being placed at the front wall by the transport men when they suddenly came under fire from the RIC garrison. They had to beat a hasty retreat and didn’t get time to light the fuse. The other volunteers returned fire for a period, but without the mine explosion, which would have been the cue to open fire, they withdrew with no casualties.

The large bomb that had to be hastily abandoned was made of gelignite encased in concrete. It was afterwards captured by the police, and after having examined the contraption, they had it conveyed to a bog outside the town and blown up. The resulting explosion was heard for miles around.

Had it gone off in Ballaghaderreen on the night of the attack, it would surely have demolished the barracks and half the street as well.

More next month.

– An Staraí Áitiúil

In today’s First Reading, Job describes the futility of life before Christ.

His lament reminds us of the curse of toil and death placed upon Adam following his original sin (see Genesis 3:17–19). Men and women are like slaves seeking shade, unable to find rest. Their lives are like the wind that comes and goes.

But, as we sing in today’s Psalm, He who created the stars promised to heal the broken hearted and gather those lost in exile from Him (see Isaiah 11:12; 61:1). We see this promise fulfilled in today’s Gospel.

Simon’s mother-in-law is like Job’s toiling, hopeless humanity. She is laid low by affliction but too weak to save herself.

But as God promised to take His chosen people by the hand (see Isaiah 42:6), Jesus grasps her by the hand and helps her up. The word translated “help” is actually Greek for “raising up.” The same verb is used when Jesus commands a dead girl to arise (see Mark 5:41–42). It’s used again to describe His own resurrection (see Mark 14:28; 16:7).

What Jesus has done for Simon’s mother-in-law, He has done for all humanity – raised all of us who lay dead through our sins (see Ephesians 2:5).

Notice all the words of totality and completeness in the Gospel. The whole town gathers; all the sick are brought to Him. He drives out demons in the whole of Galilee.

Everyone is looking for Christ.

We too have found Him. By our baptism, He healed and raised us to live in His presence (see Hosea 6:1–2).

Like Simon’s mother-in-law, there is only one way we can thank Him for the new life He has given us. We must rise to serve Him and His gospel.

Our lives must be our thanksgiving, as Paul describes in today’s Epistle. We must tell everyone the good news, the purpose for which Jesus has come – that others, too, may have a share in this salvation.

– Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church).

22

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

PropertyPeople PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS

We are now seeking quality family homes in all areas. Reply in confidence to REA Seamus Carthy on 090 6630001.

ONLINE AUCTION 26TH FEBRUARY 2021 4 THE MEADOWS, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 HX60

LAND TO LET 31 ACRES AT CLOVERHILL, ROSCOMMON TOWN

Long term lease.

Contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 090 66 30001 for further details

BALES FOR SALE

A most impressive 4 Bedroom “A” rated Semi Detached 165 Sq.m Family Home presented finished and offering an excellent opportunity to acquire a quality family home. Online bidding commences Friday the 26th of February, 2021. Interested parties should register in advance of the auction.

AMV: €110,000

ROSCOMMON TOWN

Top Quality 20 Round Bales of Silage For Sale Top Quality 20 Round Bales of Hay For Sale Available in Roscommon Town area Contact Seamus Carthy directly on 086 8035538

T: 090 66 30001 • W: www.reacarthy.ie

PSRA Licence No. 002782

19th Century Cashlieve House on 60 acres

REA Seamus Carthy are delighted to present to the marketplace ‘Cashlieve House’ and lands at Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon.

Cashlieve house is situated on approximately 60 acres of land and was built in the late 19th century. The property is located just off the N60 in Ballinlough between the larger towns of Castlerea and Roscommon, on the main Dublin to Westport Rail route The property is a detached two-storey country house with a detached stone outbuilding, a three-bay, twostorey return to rear and canted-entrance bay to south-facing side elevation.

The residence has a hipped

Looking to sell?

We have buyers!

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• 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

slate roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods, rendered walls, square-headed window openings with rendered hood-mouldings, timber casement windows and tooled limestone sills. There are two canted-bay windows to front elevation and a stone outbuilding to the rear. It also boasts a decorative cast-iron entrance gate supported by cast-iron piers.

The property is in need of substantial modernisation, but offers a fantastic opportunity and enquiries are now invited.

This property is available for sale by online auction on the 10th of March, and interested parties should register in advance of the auction on BidNow.ie.

For more information or to organise your viewing contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 090-6630001 or 086-8035538.

Six-bedroomed old schoolhouse in Ballyforan On the market with Connaughton Auctioneers is this six-bedroomed, twostorey residence located in the village of Ballyforan, within walking distance of the national school, shop, church, post office and all amenities.

The residence is in excellent condition and ready for occupation. Services include mains water, sewerage and electricity. The internal floor space is surprisingly large and spacious and there is the addition of a double garage to the rear.

The ground floor accommodation includes a reception hallway, large open-plan kitchen/dining/ living room, bedroom and bathroom. The kitchen has fully fitted units, including a built-in cooker, hob, extractor fan and solid fuel Stanley stove with back boiler.

There is an open fireplace adjacent in the living room area, which also has a back boiler to assist the heating. The room also boasts feature wooden ceilings, tiled flooring in the kitchen/ dining area, and wooden flooring in living room

area, with door off leading to the rear of the house. The bedroom on the ground floor can also be used as an office. The bathroom contains a wash hand basin, toilet and shower.

On the first floor, there are five bedrooms in total and a second bathroom with wash hand basin, toilet and bath.

Centrally located within commutable distance of the towns of Athlone, Ballinasloe, Mountbellew and Roscommon, Ballyforan is a picturesque village sitting along the River Suck, which is renowned for fishing. The schoolhouse was originally built around 1910, has been modernised and upgraded with insulation and has a BER of D1.

The site is idyllic with Ballyforan Church adjacent, laid lawns, block wall boundaries and ample parking to the side and rear of the property.

This property is definitely a must for viewing.

To arrange, contact Connaughton Auctioneers on 090-6663700 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

23

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

NewsPeople

Éamon Ó Cuív to give talk on Fr. O’Flanagan Online event to promote local tourism < DAN DOONER

Fianna Fáil TD and former Minister, Éamon Ó Cuív will give a talk on Fr. Michael O’Flanagan as part of a St. Patrick’s Day event highlighting tourism and enterprise in Co. Roscommon.

The event’s main organiser, Cllr. Tony Waldron, says the virtual event will be a celebration of the many tourist attractions along The Suck Valley Way. “This event will take place on St. Patrick’s Day with a time to be confirmed. We will be linking in with communities right along the Suck Valley Way, and we will be featuring local points of interest including Roscommon Castle, Ballintubber Castle, and Donamon.

“We are delighted that Deputy Ó Cuív has agreed to give a talk on Fr. Michael O’Flanagan, who was born in Ballintubber of course.

“We will be aiming to promote tourism and enterprise in Co. Roscommon and we have also been in contact with media organisations and other groups in the United States.

“The event will be streamed live on The Suck Valley Way Facebook page on St. Patrick’s Day,” he said.

Deputy Éamon Ó Cuiv said he has enjoyed delving further into the life of the former Sinn Féin President and political and community activist.

“Fr. Michael O’Flanagan is very much a forgotten man in terms of Irish history. I have been absolutely fascinated reading his interest in community development, something that I am also very interested in.

“He was also interested in the Irish language of course, much like

Independent TD Denis Naughten.

Naughten: ‘Time to stall power station demolition!’

Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív will give a talk on Fr. Michael O’Flanagan on St. Patrick’s Day as part of an online event promoting tourism and enterprise along the Suck Valley Way.

another fellow from Co. Roscommon, Dr. Douglas Hyde, and I think that his work in America shows that there is much more breadth to his story,” he said.

Further details and confirmation of starting times for this event and Deputy Ó Cuív’s talk will be available in upcoming editions of the Roscommon People.

Launch of The Pilgrim Way and Heritage Trail < DAN DOONER

Plans are being finalised for the launch of The Pilgrim Way and Heritage Trail along the site of the old Iron Age roads from Rooskey to Kilbarry and Tarmonbarry on the feast of Naomh Berach on Monday, February 15th.

The heritage trail is the brainchild of local resident Seán Browne, who says the launch will be a strictly virtual experience due to Cov-

id-19 restrictions.

“This celebration will take place on the banks of the River Shannon and it augurs well for the future of he local hinterland of north Roscommon.

“Bishop Kevin Doran of the Elphin Diocese will participate remotely from his seat in Sligo and we are also hopeful of participation from the Church of Ireland and other denominations.

All are very welcome.

“This is an event concerned

with celebrating our traditions and our history and we look forward to cooperation in the future and creating opportunities for a more fruitful life for these parts,” he said.

The launch will feature a symbolic walking of a section of The Pilgrim Way, though this will be strictly limited due to restrictions.

There will also be a ceremonial celebration, address, and prayer at the ruins of Berach’s Monastery in

Cluain Coirpthe, as well as Mass and a religious Ritual Celebration of Naomh Berach in Whitehall Catholic Church.

The organisers welcome any technical and logistical help from public institutions and local businesses so as to broadcast or stream the event to as many people as possible.

For further information, please contact seani. brown@gmail.com or 0876788674.

Independent TD Denis Naughten has expressed his concern with the ongoing delay by Government in confirming that it will stall ESB plans to demolish the power stations at Shannonbridge and Lanesboro.

“Two months ago, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told me that he expected the work of the steering committee to conclude by the end of 2020 but last month Environment Minister Eamon Ryan informed me that the study is still ongoing and he expects that it will conclude early this year.

“I am concerned that this slippage could now lead to the two power stations being demolished before all alternative employment options and uses for

Kerrane calls for more Covid supports Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has said that her party has tabled an amendment calling on the Government to change the qualifying criteria of the Covid Restriction Support Scheme to ensure that affected businesses such as suppliers are no longer excluded.

“This amendment calls on the government to change the qualifying criteria for CRSS. “To qualify for the scheme, a business must have a fixed premises and be able to demonstrate that customers are no longer able to access the prem-

Naughten wants Government to review vaccination of carers Independent TD Denis Naughten has called on the Government to review the lack of priority currently given to the vaccination of carers.

He said: “It was clearly a mistake not to designate full-time family carers in the vulnerable category because if carers get sick then many older peo-

ple, or those with a disability, will be forced into hospital or long-term care, putting further pressure on our over stretched health system.

“Across the EU, US, UK and many other countries vaccinating family carers is seen as international best practice, yet they are still being ignored

here in Ireland.

“The majority of carers, not just older carers and those with underlying health conditions, have been cocooned within their homes, isolated and reliant on others for their shopping, prescriptions and essential medical supplies in order to minimise the risk of

exposing their loved ones to the possibility of Covid infection.

“Their efforts have enabled older people, people with a disability, the sick and terminally ill to stay at home and, as a result, played a more significant role in suppressing this virus”.

the plants are fully explored.

“As a former Minister for Energy, my genuine fear is that the planning process will be used as a vehicle to delay any constructive action until it’s too late and then blame the planning system itself,” he said.

Deputy Naughten added: “There is a lack of clarity for the 280 seasonal workers, all of whom have now been laid off.

Will they be re-employed? Under what terms and conditions will they be re-employed? Will their annual earnings be significantly curtailed? These are key questions not only for the staff and their families but also for the wider local economy that is so dependent on the spending power of these employees”.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane

ises as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

“As a result, these rigid and narrow criteria lock out tens of thousands of hard-pressed businesses; suppliers, event management companies, taxi drivers, the outdoor activity industry, businesses without fixed premises and many others.

“Our amendment calls on the government to change the eligibility criteria and ensure these businesses, who have been severely impacted by restrictions, qualify for the CRSS scheme,” Deputy Kerrane said.

24

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

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

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PHYSICAL THERAPY

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

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

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Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

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Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults.

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

PODIATRIST

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

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

094 9620009

PODIATRIST

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

The Galway Podiatrist

(registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

Department of Health Approved

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

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

CHIMNEY SWEEP Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services.

Telephone:

087 2798704

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

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

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

Co Galway H53 D7W8

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8 Open under Goverment + HSE Guidelines

• 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

• 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

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?

fergalkelly@live.com

Please call Glynis on

Fergal 086 1016899

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

085 2514394

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

FENCING/GATES

CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey

Construction 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.

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

COUNSELLING

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

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay

DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

GARDENING

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

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

087 2346364

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

l

FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

For all your fencing needs.

GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l

Tel: 087 2172281 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

ROSCOMMON FARM SHOP

The square downtown, Roscommon Freerange and Organic Eggs/Chickens/Potatoes/ Vegetables/Organic Honey/Kale/Spinach 10 kgs Washed Roosters €3.99 4x7 ozs Irish Chicken Fillets €5.00 30 eggs €2.00 per tray McCains Gluton Free Oven Chips €1.99 per pack

Thank you for keeping us open and keep safe everybody.

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: Antique furniture including dressing table, beds, cabinets, pictures, delph and much more. For details please contact 085 8336250 only between 7pm to 8pm.

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

l

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193 GATELY GARDENING

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

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

25

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

Classifieds TREES FOR SALE All types of trees and hedging for sale.

Can be delivered.

Contact Tommy: 087 4177148

TRUCKS WANTED

Trucks wanted Daf CF75,CF85 Tractors units. Box body, Curtain sider, Cab & chassie, Tipper 6 & 8 wheelers Daf XF 95 tractor units up to 2008 Volvo FL6 18, any body type, Box body Tipper etc.

Merc 814, Merc SK 1824 and bigger Old Scania and Hino Tippers Any old truck considered Mitsubishi Canter 7.5 ton up to 2001 Toyota Hilux , Dyna, Nissan Cabstar up to 2005 Also Nissan Micra up to 2001 5 door.

BOUGHT FOR EXPORT AND RESALE

Tel. 087 1922154

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

< TO LET: 2 bed apartment to let in Athleague village.

Tel: 087 7541730

PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, John Rolfe, am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission for the provision of a private burial ground at Cloonroughan, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architects – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Diarmuid Walsh and Nicole Murphy, intend to apply for planning permission at Gillstown House, Gillstown, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon F42YK13.

For demolition of the two storey return and outbuilding to the rear and removal of the entire roof to Gillstown House.

Construction of a single storey extension to the side and rear, two storey extension to the rear, two storey entrance extension to the front. House to have a new roof with rooflights.

Repair and alteration to the garden walls to the house itself. Provision of a new waste water treatment plant with a percolation area, drainage and waste water disposal. Repair of the front gate to the road frontage and all associated site works.

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 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 planning authority of the application.

Signed: Diarmuid Walsh and Nicole Murphy.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd., on behalf of our Clients, Trevor and Gemma Fahy of Cloonfad, Tibohine, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, hereby give notice of our intention to apply for permission of retention to the offices of the Planning Authority for two developments located at the aforementioned address. The developments respectively comprise: 1: A ca. 60m² single storey detached timber cabin developed for use as a home office and craft hobby studio.

And 2: A ca. 9m² single storey detached timber shed developed for use as an exterior laundry room.

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

Signed: Agent: Blaithín Kinsella BA(Hons) MSc CONLON CONSULTING ENGINEERING Ltd. Tel: 0906 665341 Email: info@conlonconsulting.ie Web: www.conlonconsulting.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Jacqueline Conteh, am applying to Roscommon County Council for retention permission for the change of use of premises from a commercial nursing home to a domestic house at Forest View, Newtown, Co. Roscommon, F42 AP57.

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architects – Consulting Engineers

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of John Kennedy for planning permission for the construction of a 234 m2 retail store, a paved access road/parking bays and all necessary site services/ancillary siteworks at Monksland, Old Galway Road, Athlone, 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 We are applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling house and domestic garage, with septic tank and percolation area and ancillary site development works at Araghty, Athleague.

Signed: Pat Rogerson and Aoife Donnelly.

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 five 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 Bramer Doon Ltd. are applying for planning permission to retain the following – 1) Wastewater treatment plant and sand polishing filter.

2) Extension to rear of building which comprises a lobby and wheelchair WC. at Kilfaughna Townland, Knockvicar, Boyle.

Signed: Bramer Doon Ltd. The planning application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable costs 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 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.

USEFUL SERVICES

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SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

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PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

Call on 091 734122 or 085 2427727

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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

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PAINTING & DECORATING

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

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085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

< 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 < TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011 WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

< TURF FOR SALE: Top quality black turf, tractor trailer or jeep trailer loads.

Delivery to Roscommon, Athone and surounding areas. Phone Eamonn: 087 9784151

< FOR SALE: Large lorryloads of turf. Screened and delivered. Orders for this year’s turf taken now. Tel: 086 7236301

SITUATIONS VACANT < C H I L D M I N D E R WANTED: Kind, reliable childminder required to mind baby 9-1pm, Monday-Friday. Knockcroghery/ Mote Park/ Roscommon town area.

Email minder762021@ gmail.com < 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

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

26

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

WINDOWS/DOORS

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

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

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

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

Telephone: 090 66 33026 www.roscommonwindows.ie

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

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

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

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417 WINDOW AND DOOR SERVICE

- CCTV Camera Inspection

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt:

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

Tel: 090

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350

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

Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

BLINDS

Contact Pat Hanley on

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

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 INSURANCE CLAIMS

Chris’s Window Service

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

RECYCLING

Castlerea Vehicle Recycling Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

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

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

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

Tel: 090

6621220

VETERINARY

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel: 090 662 6898 087 2596055

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 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651

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.

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

VETERINARY

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

l

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

AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

INSTALLATION

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

TEL: (090) 96 88606

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

BRENDAN DOOLIN

S tephen H oare

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

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

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

STATUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN GARVEY, DECEASED LATE OF BRIARFIELD, FOUR MILE HOUSE, CO. ROSCOMMON. NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 49 of the Succession Act, 1965 that particulars in writing of all claims against the estate of the abovenamed deceased who died on the 3rd April 2019, Probate of whose Will was granted to the Executors on the 21st April 2020, should be furnished to the undersigned Solicitors for the Executors on or before the 1st March 2021 after which date the assets will be distributed having regard only to the claims furnished.

DATED the 26th day of January 2021.

SIGNED...........................................................

Mahon Sweeney Solicitors Main Street Roscommon

27

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES GRADY (nee Fox) Annie May

St. John’s Lecarrow, Who passed away on 6th February, 2020.

DEVINE Michael

Lisboy, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 8th February 2020

(1st Anniversary)

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

McDERMOTT Noel Strokestown (1st Anniversary) Who passed away on 5th February 2020

• Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

The family of the late Annie May Grady, Carranure Lower, St. John’s Lecarrow, who died on the 6th of February 2020, would like to thank all those who sympathised with them in their sad loss of Annie.

To all who attended the removal, funeral mass and travelled long distances to be with us, a sincere thanks. To all who called personally to her home, sent Mass cards, floral tributes and messages of sympathy, a sincere thanks.

To the grave diggers who prepared Annie’s resting place so beautifully, a huge thanks, it was really appreciated.

To Fr. Ray Milton, who called personally to Annie’s home, thank you. To Fr. McManus, who took care of Mam’s funeral service – both at her home and in the church – a sincere thanks also. To the choir, a sincere thanks.

To Smyths Funeral Home, a sincere thanks.

A special thanks to the Palliative Care Team and those people who provided us with refreshments.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Annie’s First Anniversary Mass is on February 7th, but due to government regulations, this Mass will be said in private.

MONTH’S MIND RYAN (nee McAndrew) Ann

Cloonfaughna, Glinsk, County Galway and formerly of Belmullet , County Mayo.

Who passed away, suddenly aged 64 on the 3rd day of January 2021.

The Devine family, Kathleen, Una, Aidan and Claire wish to thank their friends, neighbours and relatives for their support and help on Mick’s passing. Thanks to all for mass cards, phone calls, messages on RIP.ie Sincere thanks to the Dr. Kelly-Henry medical team and staff also the staff at McSharry’s Chemist. Dr. Ignea and all the staff at U.C. Hospital, Roscommon, Dr. Brian McGrath and staff at U.C. Hospital, Galway, Dr. John Barton and Rosemary Thorpe at the Heart Clinic.

To Fr. John McManus and Fr. Joe Poole for the funeral mass, also the Castlerea Church Choir, thank you.

We are grateful to Susan and Paul Gaynor for their professional help and advice, also to the gravediggers who prepared Mick’s grave.

A special word of thanks to the neighbours who provided the Guard of Honour on the night we brought Mick home.

To Hester’s for a lovely meal after the burial, our thanks.

To Anita and Kathleen who looked after our home on the days of the funeral, thank you.

Thanks to Anne Marie Kelly (Moore Blooms).

We have loved him in life, let us not forget him in death.

Deep are the memories, precious they stay no passing of time can take them away.

Remembered by Kathleen and family.

Masses offered.

In loving memory of Noel McDermott, Strokestown Co. Roscommon.

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.

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

Always loved and fondly remembered by his brothers, sisters, sistersin-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Noel will be remembered at 11.30am Mass in Strokestown Church on Sunday, February 7th.

HOARE Kathleen 12 Circular Road, Roscommon Who passed away on 6th February 2015 (6th Anniversary)

BYRNE Malachy & Margaret (Peggy) Ballyglass, Rahara, Co. Roscommon

Ann’s husband Anthony and the Ryan family acknowledge with thanks everyone who supported them when Ann passed away.

We thank relations, friends and neighbours who stood outside their homes lighting up Ann’s journey home, and also the Guards of Honour on the morning of the funeral. We appreciate all messages of condolences, flowers and Mass Cards.

We would like to thank all the medical staff, doctors and nurses at the ICU, Galway University Hospital.

We thank the ambulance crews, air ambulance and paramedics who fought so hard to save Ann’s life.

A special word of thanks to Fr. Donal Morris for the lovely funeral mass and support. We thank Alan Hunt Photography for live-streaming the funeral mass and to the florist Siobhan Collins who provided such beautiful flowers.

A sincere thanks to undertakers Tom, Donal and the Dowd family in making the funeral arrangements a testament to Ann’s life, and to the gravediggers who did an outstanding job in preparing Ann’s final resting place.

Month’s Mind Mass on Thursday, 4th February 2021 at 9.30am in St. Michael’s Church. Due to covid restrictions mass can be listened to on Glinsk Parish radio 108fm.

Malachy who died on 28th December 2017 (3rd Anniversary)

Margaret who died on 4th February 2018 (3rd Anniversary)

Will those who think of Malachy and Margaret today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Always remembered, loved and never forgotten by all your family.

Mass will be offered at a later date.

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

You rest in the arms of the Angels, in a place of peace and love.

Watching over us always from Heaven up above.

You guide us through our worries and help us through each day.

Always by our side Mam you never went away.

The bond can not be broken made from love so pure.

Death does not break the bond, it lives on forever more.

You rest in the arms of the Angels free from illness and pain, waiting for the day Mam we are together once again.

Loved and missed with every beat of our hearts your loving family.

MONTH’S MIND HARTE (nee Quinn) Bernadette (Bernie)

We are grief-stricken at the passing of our Bernie early on Sunday morning the 3rd January 2021. Bernie was a mother, wife, sister and a great friend, while Bernie had a gentle demeanour, she was strong willed and a caring individual.

We, her family would like to thank her GP, Dr. Elizabeth Sweeney-McSharry and the staff of the Family Care Practice. We also like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Roscommon University Hospital. We heartfully want to thank the Hospital for allowing us to be by Bernie’s side in what only can be described as a lonely and frighting time.

We also thank the Community Care Services team, her home help team and Palliative Care Team who looked after Bernie at home and latterly in hospital.

Special thanks to the staff of St. Bridget’s Ward who cared for Bernie when she was first admitted and latterly the doctor, nurses and staff of St. Teresa’s Ward who cared for her in those final days. We also thank the service staff who offered us those lifesaving cups of tea and the door staff who assisted a member of the family on one of those cold early mornings having spent the night with Bernie. These kind gestures are not forgotten.

A heartful thanks to Fr. Douglas who attended with Bernie in hospital and Fr. Kevin for celebrating the funeral Mass and Enya for providing the powerful moving vocals. Also, thanks to the Undertakers, Pat Smyth, who provided guidance and support in making funeral arrangements and the gravediggers who prepared Bernie’s final resting place.

Sincere thanks to those who offered condolences, sent mass cards, expressions of sympathy and posted messages of sympathy on RIP.ie. We also thank those who stood along the route to pay their respects as Bernie made her final journey and to all those who helped and supported us, we offer a sincere thank you.

Finally, we would like to thank the Management and Staff of Molloy’s Lifestyle Pharmacy who assisted Bernie and us over the years with a special thanks in helping us source medical devices and medicines latterly when Bernie’s illness became critical.

As it would not be possible to thank each one individually, we ask that you accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. You will all remain in our prayers.

Month’s Mind Mass will be online on churchtv.ie/ roscommon on Saturday, 13th February at 7pm.

Lovingly remembered by her husband Eddie, daughters Karen, Aisling and Marie. Aisling’s partner Dominik and grandson Theo. Bernie’s brothers and sisters (Maretti, Peter, Pat, Tony, Michael, Kevin, James, Willie, Edel and Adrian), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephew’s family and friends.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

28

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES TRIMBLE Thomas & David Cloonadra, Lanesboro (6th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Tommy Trimble and his son, David Trimble whose anniversaries occur at this time 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 behind our smiles.

No one knows how many times, we’ve broken down and cried.

We want to tell you something, so there won’t be any doubt, your’re so wonderful to think of, but so hard to do without.

WALSH (nee Cassidy) Anne Drinane, Ballygar and late of Dublin and Killeshandra, Co. Cavan.

(2nd Anniversary)

Mom You held our hands when we were small you caught us when we fell.

The hero of our childhood and later years as well.

Everytime we think of you our hearts just fill with pride and though we’ll always miss you we know you are by our side.

In laughter and in sorrow in sunshine and in rain we know you’re watching over us until we meet again.

Loved and sadly missed by all her family. xxx Masses offered.

MULLARKEY Christina Tonebane, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon (12th Anniversary)

Sadly missed by his wife Kathleen and family.

Anniversary Mass on Kilbgefin Parish Church facebook page on Sunday, 7th February at 10am.

SWEENEY Edward Joseph Fuerty, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Who died on 7th February 2019

Forever loved and greatly missed by the Sweeney family, neighbours and friends.

In loving memory of Chrissie, who died on the 8th of February, 2009.

R.I.P. Will those who think of her today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words, we will never forget.

Our thoughts go back, as they always do.

We treasure the memories, we have of you.

Always in our thoughts and sadly missed by her family and friends.

Mass will be offered for Christina, John and deceased members of the Mullarkey family on Sunday, 7th February 2021.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

DONNELLY Christina

FLANAGAN Margaret

Tibarney, Four Roads, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 7th February 2020.

(1st Anniversary)

Four Mile House, Roscommon Who passed away on 7th February 2018.

R.I.P. (3rd Anniversary)

What is Dying?

A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon, and someone says, “she is gone”.

Gone where?

Gone from my sight, that is all, she is just as large as when I saw her ...

The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her, and just at the moment when someone says “she is gone” there are others who are watching her coming and other voices take up a glad shout, “there she comes!” . . . and that is dying.

Forever missed and always in our prayers Pauline, Alan and Laura.

Private Mass offered. Due to level 5 restrictions a Mass will be arranged at a later date.

Along the road of suffering you found a little lane that took you up to Heaven and ended all your pain.

You may be out of sight, we may be world’s apart, but you are always in our prayers, and forever in our hearts.

Loved and missed by Mairead, Pat, Joseph and Noel.

My only regret is that if I’d know that the last time I saw you, would be the last time I saw you.

I would have hugged you a little tighter, told you I loved you a little louder and stayed by your side a little longer.

My mind knows that you are gone, but my heart will never accept it.

I miss you so much Mam Cathy, Rachel and Marie.

GOD’S GARDEN God looked around His garden and found an empty place.

He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best.

He knew that your were suffering.

He knew your were in pain.

He knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb.

So He closed your weary eyelids, and whispered “Peace be Thine”.

It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

Loved and remembered by her family.

Masses offered.

KELLY (nee Noone) Kathleen Ardmore, Donamon (9th Anniversary) Who passed away on 24th January 2012

BURKE Patrick (Paddy/Pat) Ballyglass, Williamstown, Co. Galway (1st Anniversary) Who passed away on the 27th of January 2020.

Anniversary Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon on 13th February at 11am.

Knock, Taughmaconnell Whose 1st anniversary occurs on 8th February 2021.

In loving memory of our beloved mother Maime, who passed away on 8th February 2020.

Until we meet again…

Those special memories of you will always bring a smile.

If only we could have you back for just a little while.

Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do.

You always meant so much to us and always will do too.

The fact you’re no longer here will always cause us pain.

But you’re forever in our hearts until we meet again.

Lovingly remembered by your nephew Brian, brother Tommy, extended family, neighbours and many friends.

Anniversary Mass will take place at a later date due to restrictions.

RAFTERY Michael Circular Road, Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

Silent memories keep you near as time unfolds another year.

Out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you still live on.

Lovingly remembered by Mary and family.

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

Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words, we will never forget.

Our thoughts go back, as they always do, we treasure the memories, we have of you.

FLYNN Mamie (Mary)

DAD Remembering you is easy, I do it every day.

Missing you is a heartache that never goes away.

Always remembered and loved by Sandra.

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

Love Darcie and Daniel.

In loving memory of Mammy Though your smile is gone forever and your hand we cannot touch, we have so many memories of the one we loved so much.

Your memory is our keepsake with which we will never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

Loved and remembered by her family Mary, Jimmy, Gerard and Valerie, her grandchildren Simon, Charlene, Padraig and Joseph and relatives and friends.

Anniversary Mass will be online from St. Ronan’s Church, Taughmaconnell on Sunday, 7th February at 11am.

GERAGHTY Teresa Whitepark, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon 9th January 2021

The family of the late Teresa Geraghty, wish to thank sincerely all who helped and sympathised with us during these difficult times. We are most grateful to those who sent letters, Mass cards, texts and those who posted condolences on rip.ie. Our gratitude also to all those who stood outside their houses as Teresa’s funeral cortege made its way to Cam Cemetery.

Thank you in a special way to Declan, nurses and care staff at Oakwood Nursing Home, Roscommon who took such good care of Teresa in her final years.

Sincere gratitude to Dr. Wojciech Wawrzynek who looked after Teresa so well over the years.

Thanks also to Enda McHugh, Funeral Director for his professionalism and help with the funeral arrangements.

Thanks also to Donal Hamrock. A special thank you to those who attended to Teresa’s final place of rest.

We thank Fr. Michael McManus for the lovely funeral Mass he celebrated and for his support and visits to Teresa in her final months. Thanks to Henry Hamrock for his lovely singing and music.

Please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude to you all for your help and prayers at this difficult time. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is being offered for all your intentions.

Teresa’s Month’s Mind Mass will be offered in the Church of the Risen Christ, Kiltoom on February 9th.

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

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

Classifieds

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633

APPOINTMENTS

FAMILYNOTICES ....

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

Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. E.M. PRAYER FOR A SPECIAL REQUEST Pray for 3 days. Publish on the 3rd day. See what will happen on the 4th day. Oh! Dear Mother of God, Our Lady of Conception Aparecida! Oh! Saint Rita of Cassia and Saint Jude worker of miracles and helper of impossible causes pray for me. Saint Expedite, Saint of urgent causes. Saint Edwiges the Saint of the needy, you know how desperate I feel, please ask Jesus to help me.

(Here mention your request).

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and glorified for ever. Pray 1 Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. L.S. PRAYER FOR HEALING Beloved Padre Pio, Today I come to add my prayer to the thousands of prayers offered to thee every day by those who love and venerate thee. They ask for cures and healings, earthly and spiritual blessings, and peace for body and mind.

And because of thy friendship with the Lord, He heals those thou doth ask to be healed, and forgives those thou forgiveth. In thy kindness, please help with my own special request, for the grace of healing and deliverance of my beloved, who’s in pain and suffering at this very moment. And above all, with thy prayer, may God grant me the grace of living in conformity with the death of Jesus, to arrive at the glory of the resurrection. Bless me and my loved ones. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory be to the Father (3x). M.McD.

NewsPeople

29

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

Shannon Lodge NURSING HOME

Rooskey, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon. N41 YE03 requires

EXPERIENCED

STAFF NURSE Please forward CV with written references to the Director of Nursing.

Or email: shannonlodgenh@gmail.com

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

PRACTICE NURSE REQUIRED

Roscommon Town Immediate start - Hours Negotiable/Flexible Ideal candidate will have Practice experience -but training can be provided Duties include: l Phlebotomy l Vaccinations l Smear testing l Chronic Disease management l Covid Triage Service Expressions of interest and CV please - apply to familycareros@eircom.net

Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: anthonymurrayandsons@gmail.com Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Email or call for Sample Pack

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Roscommon People Friday05 February 2021

Sports PEOPLE

Roscommon Gaels looking forward to the future in ‘forever home’ at Lisnamult!

GAA activities have been taking place in Roscommon town since 1889 with Roscommon Gaels GAA club coming into existence in its current form in 1959. From the very beginning, the club sought to provide Gaelic Games to all that lived in Roscommon parish, and in their long history, the club has had many homes and gone through many transitions, now finally settling in Lisnamult – their ‘forever home’.

The Gaels is a big club, servicing Roscommon town and its catchment area, where they cater for and welcome people from five years of age to pensioners in the playing of football, hurling, camogie, ladies football, Scór and the All Stars – as well as providing activities for the community such as bingo, cards, facilities for fitness, dance and music classes, social functions, etc. The club’s current membership is in excess of 800, and last year they fielded 36 teams, with membership continuing to rise year on year.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, Roscommon Gaels, like every GAA club, are unable to host any on-field Gaelic Games’ activities at the moment.

However, Teresa Hession, the current Chairperson, stated that the club has been very busy working away off the pitch.

“While we are in a most difficult time, we are making the best of it by keeping our members occupied as much as possible with exciting initiatives such as online athletic and Strength & Conditioning programmes for players, as well as being engaged in the Community Assist initiatives during lockdowns.

“Our pitches and facilities may be closed, but off field we are busy with online meetings. Over the last 12-24 months, our members and our executive have put a lot of time and effort into planning for the future. We have had to be innovative to deliver things in a different way in line with restrictions”.

For example, the club’s lotto draw has gone online since early December. People are very generous and are supporting the lotto in the new format, something which is much appreciated.

Seamus Carthy, Vice-chairperson, said: “Lisnamult is our home, and while we miss all our club activities,

Pictured is the old turnstile from St. Coman’s Park, which will be reinstated at the grounds in Lisnamult.

Pictured is a bird’s eye view of the pitches and facilities at Lisnamult.

we are hopeful that there will be great days there again very soon. One of the important decisions we have taken in recent times is to sell St. Coman’s Park (the Lough pitch) to Roscommon County Council, and this process is at an advanced stage. The pitch is adjoining the beautiful community facility of Loughnaneane Park, and it may be a welcome addition to this wonderful public park that has been so important for our community’s health and wellbeing in these Covid-19 times”.

The infrastructural development of the Lisnamult grounds began in 2002, when the club purchased 9.5 acres of land and installed a floodlit main pitch.

In the years that followed, training pitches were developed, four dressing rooms were built (c/w with a sustainable energy water heating system) and an electronic scoreboard was installed.

A hugely successful fundraiser, ‘Win a Subaru’, was run by the club in 2020.

The proceeds of this fundraiser are

ring-fenced to improve car park and sports wall surface facilities in Lisnamult.

Subject to Covid-19 restrictions, the club is hopeful this project will come out of the ground this year. This development will further enhance the existing facilities with our investment to date of €1.2 million in Lisnamult.

Club Secretary, John Donnellan, said: “This is a phenomenal amount of money raised by the club members to provide our club, our schools and our community with such fine facilities.

The development of our grounds in Lisnamult continues apace”.

This progressive club continues to grow, and so the 9.5 acres in now not enough to accommodate all the teams which have to be catered for. Some of the current pressure on facilities in Lisnamult is relieved by the Hyde Centre, and the front training pitch at the Hyde.

Chairperson Teresa Hession said:

“Ultimately however, we recognise that our home is Lisnamult, and this is where we want to develop all of our facilities to further enhance and nurture the great club spirit that Roscommon Gaels has fostered. We consider it essential that our clubhouse, all our playing facilities and community services must be in one location to ensure the optimum development of our GAA club.

“In preparation for the year ahead, we have appointed all the managers of our club’s adult teams and most of our underage teams have their managements in place also.

“We are delighted to have club members in all the adult team manager positions, which is a testament to the loyalty and drive in Roscommon Gaels – that people of such calibre have put themselves forward to take these teams for the 2021 season.

“Declan Hoare is the senior football manager, replacing Liam Mc-

Neill at the helm of this group after six incredible and dedicated years as senior manager. Decie is assisted

by Shane O’Donnell, John Nolan and Kevin Stritch. Pat Clancy remains as senior hurling manager for his second year, with Liam Casey and David Hoare as his selectors.

Mick Byrne and Francie Hoare are the Junior football managers for the coming season and will be aiming to build on the progression of our two junior teams in 2020 in the coming year. Paul Beisty is the Junior Ladies football manager and will, no doubt, be keen to build on the success of last’s year appearance in the Junior C County Final. Tom O’Farrell is, once again, the Roscommon Gaels Junior camogie manager and is also looking forward to the season after winning the Junior B title in 2020.

“We want to thank all our coaches and managers for stepping into these roles and the best of luck to them all for the coming season”.

So it is onwards and upwards for Roscommon Gaels as they continue to develop, contribute to the community of Roscommon Town and provide the best possible facilities to progress all their teams. Ni Neart go Cur Le Cheile.

Start of GAA season further delayed < SEAMUS DUKE

Tom Ryan, DirectorGeneral of the GAA

The start to the 2021 inter-county GAA season has been further delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, although it is hoped that the National League season will be able to commence by the end of March.

When the GAA’s Covid com-

mittee met on Monday, they postponed making a decision on when training for county teams could resume or when the playing season can commence.

In a statement, the GAA said that it would be “irresponsible for the association to allow a return to collective training at this moment in time”.

However, the Director-General of the GAA, Tom Ryan, sounded optimistic, saying that in light of the falling case numbers, he is now “very hopeful that the commencement of competitions in the month of March is a definite possibility”.

The delay is likely to push back the GAA season by at least a month. It is now likely that the

All-Ireland finals will be played in August, and not July, as currently planned. The Covid committee will meet again in two weeks’ time to assess the situation as it is then.

The draws for the provincial championships for 2021 were due to have been made next week, but this too has now been deferred.

31

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

The racing in Ireland today is in the north at Down Royal with the card sponsored by Molson Coors and featuring the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Novice Chase away at 1.15 pm.

Tomorrow, racing takes place on the all-weather Polytrack surface in Dundalk, first race at 4.30 pm. Saturday and Sunday see one of the top Irish meetings, the Dublin Racing Festival, at Leopardstown with eight Grade 1 races down for decision, Saturday starts at 1.05 pm and Sunday at 1.10 pm, (see below).

There is racing rescheduled for Fairyhouse on Monday (last Saturday’s cancelled meeting) and they race again on Wednesday with the track, unfit for racing at present, being monitored.

Racing Review Despite two Grade 3 races on the card at Punchestown on Sunday, the two-mile handicap hurdle, which had already been put back five minutes for TV, was delayed by another thirteen minutes after Melly And Me broke loose and was difficult to catch. That was only the start of things as, just before the start, Shakeytry unseated Philip Enright causing interference to Sean Says, who failed to take part, and Aarons Day, who jumped off well behind. The incident happened before the tapes were released and should have been seen by the starter who still let the field off despite all the drama. Oliver McKeirnan’s Aarons Day finished second to the favourite Capliano Bridge beaten only 4¼l. The story does not end here as the winner was called minutes before the expected after race steward’s enquiry was called. The stewards had tied

their own hands and could not amend the result or declare the race void as winner alright had been called.

What a farce and mess thanks to a terrible start, no false start called, and winner all right declared before a steward’s enquiry called.

The integrity of Irish racing, which has been called into question recently, suffered far more with this incident which is more damaging. The starter and the acting stewards have a lot of questions to answer and the matter has been referred to IHRB but don’t hold your breath and do not expect any sanctions or fines, of the order of €4,000, for the suits.

Latest Exhibition, nearest, gets the better of Longhouse Poet at Leopardstown 2020.

Gordon Elliott two. A tough mare who never wins easy but always battles her way to the line to win again.

The closing grade 2 bumper is an extremely hot race with Mullins’ three taking on Elliott’s two. Elliott’s unbeaten Sir Gerhard looks strong but Mullins’ Whatdeawant, his outsider, owned by Sean Mulryan did nothing wrong on his debut in Fairyhouse might be worth a place or e/w wager if he runs.

Sunday again has four Grade 1 races starting with the Spring Juvenile Hurdle with eight runners headed by Elliott’s Quilixios whose main dangers are the Mullins pair of French Aseel and Youmdor.

Next up, the Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle dominated again

by Mullins and Elliott runners

with Clonsutton’s Appreciate It, second in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper last year to stable mate Ferny Hollow, and unbeaten over hurdles is difficult to bypass. The Flogas Novice Chase looks a match between Mullins’ Monkfish and Paul Nolan’s Latest Exhibition, a winner of a novice hurdle here last year. Latest Exhibition has twice been beaten by Monkfish, including last time out in a Grade 1 Novice Chase here, to make it third time lucky.

Henry de Bromhead’s Minella Indo head the fiverunner Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. Clonsutton have Kemboy and Melon and Elliott has Delta Work and The Storeyteller. De Bromhead and Blackmore to interrupt the big two’s march.

In the bumper, WP has five of the first six in the betting with Elliott the other. Very difficult to pick one of Mullins’ but riding arrangements will decide. A word of warning, Patrick does not always get it right. While the rest of the races on both days are very hot handicaps and usually best left alone but The Long Mile gave the Galmoy Hurdle in Gowran last week a miss and now runs in Sunday’s Leopardstown Grade A Handicap Chase might be worth considering.

Racing is covered on terrestrial television on RTÉ 2 and ITV 4 as well as on satellite by RacingTV.

Racing News Honeysuckle and Rachel Blackmore.

(News from local golf clubs)

Castlerea Golf Club

Racing Preview A lot of the biggest names in Irish racing will hopefully be seen in the eight Grade 1 races at this weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival.

There are 17 entered in the opening Juvenile Hurdle with Willie Mullins responsible for seven headed

by Gaillard Du Mesnil and Statter whose main rival will probably be Emmett Mullins’s Cape Gentleman. The value for buck in the race could be Elliott’s Fakiera at 10/1 who has never been out of the first two over flights.

The Dublin Chase has seven with the odds-on Chacun Pour Soi and Min representing Mullins Snr. Eleven go to post in the Arkle Novice Chase where again WP has the leading two in the betting, odds on Energumene and Unexpected.

The six runners in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle are headed by last year’s winner Honeysuckle where WP Mullins has three including Leopardstown specialist Sharjah, and

Shor t putts

There are 106 entries for this

year’s 173rd Aintree Grand National headed by Gordon Elliott’s Tiger Roll, one of sixteen entries he has in the race.

There are 43 Irish entries with Willie Mullins’ eight, Henry de Bromhead four, Jessica Harrington, and Paul Nolan two each and eleven single entries.

Following the cancellation of Tuesday’s schedule meeting at Limerick due to waterlogging, Horse Racing Ireland has announced that this meeting will now take place on Friday, February 19th.

A lot of cancellations this week starting with Weatherby on Thursday, Huntingdon on Friday, Cheltenham and Fairyhouse on Saturday, Catterick, Fontwell and Uttoxeter on Sunday, Hereford and Sedgefield on Monday, Lingfield and Limerick on Tuesday and finally Exeter and Leicester yesterday.

Point-to-Point Corner Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee have announced that any horse that runs on the racecourse will remain eligible to be registered for a Hunter Certificate to run in point-to-points for the remainder of the spring season once it recommences, providing that they have not run on the racecourse between November 1st 2020 to January 13th 2021 inclusive or have won a race on the racecourse after February 29th 2020. This is to allow horses run while point-to-point season remains suspended.

Best of luck to incoming officers at Castlerea Golf Club including Captain Michael Creaton, Lady Captain Kathy Burke and President Mary Kenny. Members also wish to acknowledge and thank outgoing officers Capital Liam Callaghan, Lady Captain Maura Kelly and Club President Matt Griffith for their dedication and commitment.

Congratulations to Castlerea’s regional executive member, Kay O’Loughlin, on being selected as President-elect of Golf Ireland.

Kay will be Vice-President in 2021 and the first female President of the new governing body, Golf Ireland in 2022.

Castlerea Golf Club deeply regrets the passing of our esteemed former member and club marshal, Joe Newton. Joe was beloved by all members, young and old, and will be greatly missed by all. May Joe’s gentle soul rest in peace.

Darts

Quarter-finals of darts online this Friday!

There were plenty of high finishes and close games in the final night of the league stage of Roscommon Online Darts League last Friday.

Paul Carton and Sean Fleming hit finishes of 121 and 107 respectively. Carton and Fleming and Gary Concannon also hit maximums.

The final count of scores and high finishes provides an insight into the high standard on show over the last seven weeks.

There were a total of 57 180s over thirteen rounds, an impressive number by any standard!

Sean Fleming led the rankings for most 180s with a superb total of 17 and there were a total of 31 high checkouts, with David Concannon leading the way with 167 and 156 finishes.

David Doherty (145) and Paul Carton (153) also impressed with their finishing.

Attention turns to the quarterfinals this Friday (February 5th) from 9 pm (best of 11 legs): David Concannon v Gary Concannon; Paul Carton v David Doherty; Sean Fleming v Daniel McDermott; Martin Fleming v Matty Connelly.

The winners of the four quarter-finals will progress to the semi-finals the following week.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2021

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