I own a property that has been vacant for the past ten years. It is not derelict but needs lot of work to make it habitable. I heard about a grant I could possibly apply for, but I am not sure if I qualify for it. I would hope to rent out this property. Can I still qualify for the grant if I also own my own home and I rent out the property I renovate?
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a grant to encourage the renovation or refurbishment of vacant and derelict homes. It can also be used to renovate properties that were not used a residence previously.
You can get the grant if you are refurbishing the vacant property so you can live there, or you can rent the property out.
You can get a grant of up to €50,000 to renovate a vacant property or a grant of up to €70,000, if the property is derelict.
If you have a traditional farmhouse and are considering applying for the grant, you can get an additional grant of up to €7,500 for expert conservation advice on how to refurbish your vacant property.
To qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
• The property must have been vacant for 2 years or more.
• The property must have been built before 2008.
• You must own the property or be in the process of buying it.
• You must live in the property as your principal private residence when the work is completed or make it available for rent.
• You must have tax clearance certificate from Revenue.
• You must have paid your Local Property Tax.
• You must not be a registered company or a developer. You can only get the grant twice. You can get one grant to refurbish a home to live in, and another for a home you are going to rent out.
You HAVE to tell me that story again! Do I?
YES! But I don’t believe a word of it…
It’s true!
With PAUL HEALY
You’re like Trump… I need to fact-check you!
Huh!
(They pause to check if they will need coats, scarves and umbrellas for their early-July midweek walk later; they will)
So you headed for Croker…
Yes, when I knew you couldn’t make the trip, I arranged to stay with my brother and his family in Dublin on Friday night.
Okay…
Saturday morning, I go for a walk, just to savour the city atmosphere…
Right…
Even by 12 noon, there were quite a few Rossies about…
Excellent…
So I went back to my brother’s, had a bite to eat, said my goodbyes to them, and by 1.30 I was looking forward to a pre-match pint!
That I CAN believe…
(They pause for quite an emotional discussion about the difference in the price of a pint in Roscommon compared with Dublin)
So…
So I have two lovely creamy pints, and a bit
Thebarstoolboyos
of craic with the various fans of counties in the All-Ireland quarter-finals…
Yes, go on, get to the Taylor Swift bit, please!
I pop outside for some fresh air, and next thing, a cavalcade!
Okay, I did hear that Ms Swift moved around the city all weekend in a convoy of sleek cars…
One of the cars was bigger than the
WATCHING People
It’s the ultimate VIP car! Then the window was lowered… Endangered Species
others, and it was flanked by Gardai on motorbikes… it was obvious it was THE CELEBRITY CAR!
And you said earlier that it stopped? Yes! It’s not unknown! Such convoys sometimes stop for a few minutes, presumably so the VIP can wave to people, and sample the atmosphere on the streets… And you knew the Garda on the motorbike?
Yes! He’s from North Roscommon! So he winks at me, and I sidle up to the car, the window is lowered, and I’m off… gushing!
What did you say?
Oh I went maximum Swiftie! I couldn’t see her, but I blurted out ‘Oh Taylor, you’re so welcome to Ireland! Everyone loves you! You should perform in the Hyde the next time! Can I get a selfie?’
But then…
But then, the window is FULLY lowered, and I see the face… it’s not Taylor Swift! It’s MICHAEL D!
The President of Ireland?
The very man!
What happened then?
Well, there I am, standing open-mouthed, in my Club Rossie top… all embarrassed… the North Roscommon Garda’s laughing his head off…
Time to make a Swift getaway?
Mmnn…
By the way, did Michael D say anything profound to you?
Yes… he said: ‘Do you think Damien Comer is fully fit?’
It’s been a GOOD week for…
Taylor Swift fans, with an estimated 150,000 ‘swifties’ attending Dublin concerts performed by the global superstar
Galway footballers, who had a magnificent win over Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-finals last weekend, sparking speculation that the Tribesmen could bring the Sam Maguire Cup west…
Tipperary hurlers, who won the All-Ireland minor title in heroic fashion, defeating Kilkenny after extra-time despite having had two players sent off in the first half of normal time
It’s
been a BAD week for…
The Roscommon senior football team, who missed a great opportunity to qualify for an AllIreland semi-final (at least), losing last weekend’s quarter-final to Armagh
US President Joe Biden, who performed so poorly in a televised debate with Donald Trump that it has raised the real possibility of the Democratic Party considering replacing him as their candidate in November’s election
PIC OF THE WEEK: Devastated Roscommon players and celebrating Leitrim players pictured at the nal whistle in the All-Ireland Ladies IFC quarter- nal in Ballinamore last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
New MEP Mullooly joins European Democratic Party
Ciaran Mullooly MEP has confirmed he is seeking membership of the Renew Group, having joined the European Democratic Party (EDP), a separate party within the Renew Group from the Fianna Fáil affiliated ALDE.
The Independent Ireland MEP has confirmed that he is the unanimous choice of the European Democratic Party MEPs at the European Parliament to lead that party’s agriculture portfolio in the next parliament as the crucial discussions on CAP begin.
Sandro Gozi, a prominent member of the EDP, of which Mullooly and Independent Ireland are full members, addressed by email he and his party’s support to Renew Europe leadership for MEP Mullooly, highlighting: “Mr Mullooly’s decision to join our ranks has been met with
unanimous support from all members of our party. We are confident that his values, vision, and dedication align perfectly with the principles and objectives of the European Democratic Party.
“His commitment to promoting democracy, social justice, and a more cohesive and progressive Europe makes him a valuable addition to our team”.
Gozi added: “Given his qualifications and our collective endorsement, we believe Mr Mullooly would make a significant contribution to the Renew Europe group”.
The EDP’s unanimous support for Mullooly’s candidacy underscores his alignment with their principles and objectives, as well as his potential to significantly contribute to the Renew Europe group.
Naughten wants meeting over Monksland bus service concerns
Cllr John Naughten has called for a meeting between councillors from both Roscommon and Westmeath, as well as representatives of Bus Éireann, to seek improvements to the bus service in the Monksland area. Cllr Naughten highlighted a number of concerns that have been raised locally over the A1 and A2 bus routes, which serve Athlone and the Monksland area.
“There is a lot of concern that these buses aren’t running to time with two buses then sometimes arriving at the same time,” stated Cllr Naughten. “I am also seeking to have the current routes reviewed with consideration given to extending the routes to Coláiste Chiaráin and the Summerhill area.
“This is a vital service that many people rely on locally to attend work
and college as well as appointments and it is important that the service is reliable. The service needs to operate to the times displayed on the timetable.
“This is a very well utilised service and I am seeking a meeting between Roscommon and Westmeath councillors as well as Bus Éireann in a bid to improve this service,” concluded Cllr Naughten.
If you would like to learn more about the RSPCA, please visit roscommonspca.ie or call 087 0505594. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
LETTER TO EDITOR
Tuam, Co Galway
Dear Editor, In the Green Party leadership contest can Pippa hack it?
Yours sincerely, John A Frawley
Ciaran Mullooly MEP
Kerrane calls for refurbishment of ambulance base
Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has sought refurbishment works to the ambulance base in Roscommon, which she described as “an old HSE-owned building”.
Raising this issue with the National Ambulance Service, Deputy Kerrane made the point that the existing building is in need of full refurbishment.
Deputy Kerrane said that the Director of Planning and Infrastructure at the National Ambulance Service (NAS) had responded to her communication by advising that Roscommon was listed for works in its Estates Strategic Plan 2016-2020, but it was listed as number 60 in order of priority. This meant that in the meantime the building would be maintained with ongoing minor capital investment.
Deputy Kerrane: “I was also advised that the Capital & Estates Office in the NAS is currently in the process of updating the NAS Estates Strategy and will reconsider the priorities of all station requirements.
While stating that all works are of course welcome, Deputy Kerrane said that she is nevertheless seeking that the base be moved higher up the priority list for more substantive refurbishment.
“The NAS also stated that there has been ongoing routine maintenance works in the Roscommon base, having recently replaced the heating boiler, provided a new external emergency escape stairwell and repainted the facility. Plans are also in place to undertake remedial work to the roof tiles in the coming weeks”.
THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT LOSS PLAN RETURNS TO ROSCOMMON
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• We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans).
You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight off when you finish your plan. Programmes available for men and women.
WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.
WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY
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BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA: 086-3846302
Launch of ‘A Word in Your Ear
New Writing Anthology 2019-2023’
King House in Boyle was the vibrant setting for the launch of ‘A Word in Your Ear – Roscommon New Writing Anthology 2019-2023’ last Friday evening, June 28th
This highly anticipated event celebrated the remarkable literary talents emerging from the Roscommon area over the past four years.
The anthology showcases an eclectic mix of short fiction and poetry, reflecting the rich tapestry of voices and stories from the region. The evening was a testament to the thriving literary community in Roscommon, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience.
In conjunction with the book launch, the winners and runners-up of the Roscommon New Writing Awards, which recognise excellence in Short Fiction and Poetry, were announced.
In the ‘Short Fiction’ category the winner was Carol Beirne with ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’, and the runnerup was Robert McGowan with ‘Albert Riddle’s Last Ride’.
In the ‘Poetry’ category the winner was Jacqueline Duignan with ‘Ode to Blue’ and the runner-up was Noelle Lynskey with ‘Stripped bare against the sky’.
The event was graced by readings from the anthology’s contributors, offering a tantalising glimpse into the diverse and powerful stories and
poems within its pages.
The success of the launch and the anthology itself underscores the vibrancy of the literary arts in Roscommon. ‘A
Word in Your Ear’ not only celebrates the writers of today but also inspires the literary voices of tomorrow.
A very limited number of copies of the
anthology are available to the public at Aras an Chontae. Please contact abutler@roscommoncoco.ie if you wish to avail of one.
Mary Branley (left) pictured presenting Carol Beirne (centre) with the winner’s certi cate for the Roscommon Literary Award in Short Fiction during the Roscommon Anthology 2019-2023 book launch at King House Boyle, Friday June 28th. Also in the photo is Rhona McGrath, Arts O cer, Roscommon County Council (right). Pic: Enda Regan
Mary Branley (left) pictured presenting Noelle Lynskey (centre) with the runners-up certi cate for the Roscommon Literary Award in Poetry during the Roscommon Anthology 2019-2023 book launch at King House Boyle, Friday June 28th. Also in the photo is Rhona McGrath, Arts O cer, Roscommon County Council (right). Pic: Enda Regan
THURSDAY/FRIDAY
Fairway to White House…
With all the streaming options/ podcasts now available, it’s hard to keep up with it all, but I enjoyed the snatches of a new series I saw in the early hours this morning, in which two elderly American gentlemen josh with one another about their golfing prowess.
Flicking through the channels, I encountered these chaps on CNN, just as the more boastful of the two – a wealthy looking wheeler dealer type – informed the sceptical older guy that he had just won two golf championships. Next, the brash boaster insisted he could easily outdrive the other man, who responded by unconvincingly agreeing to play a round.
It was an interesting concept –two elderly golfers (who obviously don’t get on) trading barbs about their golfing prowess. I lost interest when they suddenly started talking about world affairs.
*I later discovered this was actually an election campaign debate between US presidential candidates President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Oh well…
SATURDAY
Croke Park trip
I can’t honestly say that the drive to Dublin was just like old times – because it wasn’t. There was no sign of the minibuses one would encounter years ago when travelling (in great excitement) to Roscommon games in Croke Park, said vehicles invariably crammed with wide-eyed teenagers kitted out in primrose and blue. Maybe they all travelled by train today.
We pulled into Kinnegad, which is generally a good idea. There, we enjoyed a very nice bite to eat in the bustling An Granuaile restaurant. Spotting a few Galway fans at a nearby table, I wondered aloud –sort of joking – about a Connacht double. Little did I know how that
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie
fanciful aspiration would unravel…
About 12/15 miles from Dublin, we were confronted with long traffic tailbacks, Taylor Swift and the Rossies all being in town on the one day. I hadn’t been to the press box in Croke Park for a few years. Gaining admission was straightforward enough, even if I initially flashed my driver’s license instead of my press pass (by mistake).
Seated, I nervously inhaled the moment when the Rossies emerged. In the distance, Hill 16, in the vicinity of which I stood for the 1980 All-Ireland final, which Roscommon reached after a semi-final win over Armagh. 44 years on, I wondered if today might be the day the long wait to win another championship game at Croke Park ends. But we never really got going today. The players tried their utmost, but the Gods were a touch unkind (that and Armagh’s doggedness).
It was strange watching Dublin v Gal-
way. The Dubs were devastating in the first 15 minutes, and more than a few occupants of the press area were predicting a comfortable win for Dessie Farrell’s Blue Army. But a truly remarkable second half riveted all in Croker. It was only in the last ten minutes or so that we realised Galway’s perfectly timed coup might just succeed. It was a magnificent victory.
I was alone in my row in the press area (the other reporters busy elsewhere) when Galway Bay FM’s Ollie Turner, sitting directly in front of me, delivered his emotional closing commentary (see my Sports Desk column on page 36). To my right, two Galway men half-sitting and half-standing in the Hogan were pictures of joy, as happy in this moment as any two men anywhere in the world. It was 11 pm by the time we got back to Roscommon, ready for a pint or three, which would of course be accompanied by initially muted analysis of where it
went wrong for Davy Burke’s team. Roscommon’s deflation, Galway’s elation… Croke Park makes and breaks dreams.
SUNDAY
TV sport
Michael Cusack and his fellow GAA founding fathers would not be happy. The Euros were more entertaining than the Gaelic football today. The problem with Gaelic football at present is that most teams are playing the same way (we get the odd exception now and again) – and it’s as boring as people lazily comparing boring stuff to watching paint dry. I mean, has anyone ever really watched paint dry?
I digress. Today, Donegal got the job done against a Louth team who have had a fantastic season. In what was meant to be the main fare of the day at
Croke Park, Kerry outpointed Derry in a contender for Bore of the Decade (the first half of Roscommon v Armagh was marginally less hard to watch).
At least at the Euros there was lots of tension, followed by drama. First it looked like a completely underwhelming England team were going to exit in humiliation at the hands of Slovenia, then Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp goal rescued Gareth Southgate and his players just as the trap door was opening.
Harry Kane headed in an extratime winner to complete England’s great escape. Even though England are unbeaten at the tournament and now into the last eight, the relationship between unimpressed media/ supporters on one side and the increasingly thin-skinned players and manager on the other remains precarious. This soap opera resumes on Saturday when England play Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
MONDAY
Emotional Ronaldo
For those of us who didn’t go to see Taylor Swift, there’s the welcome near-nightly helping of the Euros. As usual, I watch as much for the punditry as the football (Micah Richards bland, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker smug, Kenny Cunningham the man you’d spend half an hour with at the bar before ‘going to the gents’ and not returning).
Tonight, it was soap opera meets soccer, as Portugal and Slovenia played an engrossing last 16 tie, decided in the end by a penalty shootout. As ever with Portugal, and even in his 40th year, Cristiano Ronaldo was centre-stage, breaking into floods of tears after his penalty in extra-time was brilliantly saved by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak, before the veteran superstar atoned by scoring Portugal’s first penalty in the shootout. Their goalkeeper, Diogo Jota, was the hero of the hour, saving Slovenia’s first three penalties, meaning Portugal advanced to the quarter-finals.
‘CARERS CONNECT’ – Inspiring Art Exhibition by Roscommon Young Carers
Roscommon Young Carers recently came together to create ‘CARERS CONNECT’, a mural exhibition expertly facilitated by Art Psychotherapist Emily Cuddy and the Young Carers Project Coordinator Avril Mannion. The exhibition is a culmination of several workshops exploring caring in the past, present, and future.
To create this exhibition, Roscommon Young Carers engaged in conversations, connected, and created images chosen for their ability to reflect the experiences
CARERS CONNECT
A Roscommon Young Carers Exhibition
Cruinniu na nOg
2024
Facilitated by: Emily Cuddy (Art Psychotherapist) and Avril Mannion (YC Co-ordinator)
In this artwork, we aimed to capture the essence of the young carer experience with the symbol of a glass child. It portrays the image of a child trapped in a glass bottle and represents the child that everyone ‘looks through’. Some carers felt invisible and overlooked by society, school and family. The constant drip of the tap above symbolises them drowning in the weight of the responsibilities of caring for someone else. Through this art, we seek to unveil the hidden struggles of young carers, hoping to shed light on these heroes often overlooked by the society that should protect and support them
Inside the bubbles are words like Empathy, Patience, Resilience, Understanding, compassion, Breath, and Self-care. These words represent the daily traits of young carers, embodying these qualities in their roles. The bubbles illustrate how these traits naturally emerge and flow from the care and support young carers provide.
In this mural, a mirror is placed on the board to symbolise that we all
a
to play in supporting young carers. The person in the mirror CAN make a difference. The words "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change" remind us
of young carers. Through vibrant images, thoughtful colour choices, and evocative statements, the murals depict both the positive and negative aspects of caregiving for these young carers.
This project enabled the young carers to bond over shared experiences and collaborate on artistic layouts. The murals serve as a bridge between the young carers and the wider community, presenting impactful images designed to engage and resonate with viewers.
This inspiring exhibition took weeks of preparation and culminated in an outdoor display on The Square in Roscommon for Cruinniú na nÓg last month. This event was supported by the Roscommon Creative Ireland Programme 2023 and the Cruinniú na nÓg Programme 2024. To celebrate the event, Roscommon Young Carers were joined on the day by the wonderful One Town One Voice Community Choir.
Roscommon Young Carers is a newlylaunched Young Carers Project, operating via the South Roscommon Family Resource Centre. The project opens its doors to young carers between the ages of 8-21 who fulfill a full-time or partial carer role to someone – usually (but not always) a family member in their home.
The project aims to support young carers through peer-to-peer connection and meeting their individual needs by providing short-term respite, regular days out, clubs, and workshops, as well as offering direct support in a variety of different ways – be that helping set goals, accessing education and training, identifying and understanding available services, helping plan household budgets… even helping with that frustrating math homework!
Funded by Healthy Ireland through the Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Committee, the project continues the great work started in 2014,
interacting with young carers one-on-one, using both face-to-face contacts and online supports, which can be accessed at any time to fit in with the busy schedules young carers often have. The project is moving forward on the valuable feedback given by young carers themselves and their families to make sure this project gives the best, most meaningful support possible to the young carers that need it. The ‘CARERS CONNECT’ exhibition was made possible through a series of eight workshops, which saw a number of carers from the ages of 8-21 getting involved. The exhibition not only showcases the artistic talents of young carers but also highlights the therapeutic and connective power of art. The exhibition is open to the public in the Aras an Chontae from 28th June during Council Office opening hours.
For more information…
For more information and further updates, follow Roscommon Young Carers on Instagram and Facebook. You can contact the project via email at youngcarersproject.frc@vitahouse.org or by calling 090 662 5898/0892388297.
In this mural, a lava lamp with bubbles rising from it symbolises the tools young carers use. The lava lamp's calming effect on
artists’ autistic sibling is depicted through the bubbles.
Avril Mannion (Roscommon Young Carers Coordinator) pictured with Christopher, one of the members of Roscommon Young Carers.
Pictured with some of the artwork is Áine Butler (Roscommon County Council), Felicia Loughrey (South Roscommon Family Resource Centre), and Caroline Duignan (Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Committee).
Pictured with some of the artwork is Darragh Kelly (Roscommon County Council), Emily Cuddy (psychotherapist), and Avril Mannion (Roscommon Young Carers Coordinator).
Funding secured for anti-dumping initiatives
Roscommon County Council has been successful in securing funding of €101,500 under the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority (WERLA) Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) 2024.
The ADI aims to reduce incidents of illegal dumping throughout the County by providing funding for projects aimed at talking the problem, using a collaborative approach involving local authorities, communities and other state agencies.
The funding will support 12 diverse projects that aim to tackle illegal dumping in County Roscommon. Projects include bulky goods collections illegal dumping clean ups and awareness raising campaigns.
Bulky Goods Collection Dates announced Roscommon County Council Environment Department has announced dates for Householders to dispose of and recycle their bulky goods at collection events.
The County Bulky goods collection events will only be taking place at Castlerea Civic Amenity Site on Tuesday 16th July between 2pm and 8pm, and Wednesday 17th July between 9am and 4pm.
should familiarise themselves with the range of recycling options available, many of which are free of charge: “Each year Roscommon County Council receives and investigates a significant number of complaints in regards to illegal dumping in our towns and countryside. There is no excuse as there are many options to recycle for free. Illegal dumping, as well as being unsightly, causes significant harm to the environment and to wildlife. The dumping of waste, particularly food waste, can attract vermin which has significant health and safety risks.”
County Roscommon has a network of 4 Civic Amenity Sites and 38 Bring Bank Sites. Many items can be recycled for free including Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
Roscommon County Council wish to remind the public that the only items which will be accepted on the day are Upholstered Furniture such as Couches and Armchairs, Outdoor Dining Sets, Carpets, Bathroom Suites, Mattresses, Divan Beds and Hard Plastics. No other items will be accepted.
The initiative is for domestic households only, and entry costs €20 per car or van with a trailer. Payments can be made by cash or card. Commercial waste will not be accepted. Service users may have to queue during busy times
Environmental Education and Awareness Officer Jonathan Jones says householders
Are you Waste Compliant?
Roscommon County Council introduced Waste Presentation Bye-Laws (Segregation, Storage and Presentation of Household and Commercial Waste) in 2019, to ensure that all household and commercial waste is being disposed of correctly.
Roscommon County Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement Team will be visiting Householders, apartments and commercial premises (during the coming months) to check compliance with the ByeLaws and to promote better segregation of household and commercial waste.
“Householders and businesses will be obliged to show documentary proof, such as receipts, statements or other proof of payment that they are disposing of waste legally though a kerbside collection or authorised waste facility. Failure to comply with the byelaw on waste presentation can lead to a fixed penalty notice of €75 or, if convicted in court, to a penalty of €2,500,” said Mr. Jones.
Cuan Bhride Childcare Centre hosting Family Fun Day this Sunday
Cuan Bhride Childcare Centre are inviting people to celebrate their upcoming family fun day, taking place from 2 pm to 6 pm on Sunday, July 7th, at Fourmilehouse/Kilbride Community Centre (F42W326).
All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Cuan Bhride Childcare Centre. Entry is just €10 per family, and cash donations can be made on the day.
Some of the highlights will include scheduled events like the cake sale, entertainer performance, mini-truck/tractor/bike run (bring along your child’s favourite ride-on toy to take part!), and mini-disco. There will also be a variety of other indoor activities running throughout the day, such as bouncy castles, a sensory play area, face-painting, a large game zone, and a family photo area.
Outside, there will be an appearance from the ambulance and fire services, and on the Astro-turf/green area there will be a pen-
alty shootout and 5-a-side, as well as a range of other fun sport events for all the family. The event will also feature a presentation in Cuan Bhride and on its
other fundraising projects.
Cuan Bhride opened in September 2006 and has provided vital childcare services ever since. They offer full-time, part-time,
Congratulations to Roisin and Gabriel!
Clooncagh NS students Roisin and Gabriel recently received recognition for their impressive success in two different art competitions. Roisin received a certificate of commendation from the Texaco Art Competition after she reached the final stages out of thousands of entries. Meanwhile, Gabriel’s entry won a prize in the Missio Ireland Christmas Colouring Competition.
Congratulations to both students!
sessional, and afterschool childcare on a daily basis. At present, the centre caters for 60 childcare and 36 afterschool children.
Cuan Bhride offers a home-from-home environment to all children, implementing an Aistear and Síolta play-based curriculum. The centre is committed to improving their services and have fifteen fully-trained staff, specialising in all areas of childcare.
Cuan Bhride Childcare Centre are also excited to announce their next fundraiser, which is a climb of Croagh Patrick. The centre is encouraging people to make the 764m trek to help raise funds for essential maintenance and repairs, and help Cuan Bhride continue to provide vital childcare services.
The event will take place on September 7th. People can get involved by calling 090 662 9844. There will be more information about this event at the upcoming family fun day.
For more, visit cuanbhride.ie.
Clooncagh NS students Roisin and Gabriel pictured with their teacher Mr Duke.
Next Monday is Ladies Day at Roscommon Racecourse
Roscommon Racecourse is set to host the biggest day of the racing year on Monday next, the 8th of July, which is Ladies Day.
The Ladies Day fixture has evolved into one of the biggest social occasions of the year in Roscommon, and as always a huge crowd is expected to turn up.
Lots of planning has gone into making this a wonderful evening for both racegoers and fashionistas.
In a press statement, Roscommon Race Committee said: “We have already seen the massive growth in popularity of Ladies Day fixtures at the likes of the Galway Festival, and our own Ladies Day in Roscommon has been growing too – and we would like to think that the fashion on show here is as good as anywhere else in the country!
“Laura Hanlon will be the celebrity judge on the day, and we are delighted to have partnered with SuperValu in Roscommon, who are kindly sponsoring the Best Dressed prizes. We will also have music and entertainment throughout the evening.
“Meanwhile, on the track, we have top class racing in store. Many thanks to SuperValu, JP McManus, Remax Team Earley, the Roscommon Herald, and
the Irish EBF for their kind sponsorship. The best turned out prizes are being sponsored by Lynch Flooring, Golf Links Road, Roscommon.
“For those on holiday, we would love to see you here, and for those going the extra mile and getting dressed up to come along, the very best of luck – we’re sure that everyone here will have a great night!”
Don’t forget to check out Roscommon Races’ website and social media channels for ticket offers and lots more. You can log onto roscommonracecourse. ie to keep up to date with all the news. Roscommon Races’ social platforms are updated regularly, so follow on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram to keep in the loop.
Admission costs €15 for adults and just €10 for students – and there’s a 10% discount when buying online!
Tickets can be bought at roscommonracecourse.ie, where a list of remaining fixtures and all other information, including ticket information, can also be found. For enquiries, email contact@roscommonracecourse.ie or phone 087 2203288. Roscommon Races –come for the racing, stay for the craic!
Monday, 8th July, (E)
Celebrity Judge: Roscommon Native Award Winning Milliner Laura Hanlon
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were (l-r) Gerry Quigley, jockey Siobhan Rutledge and Clare Anne Dolan after Scarlet Dancer won the Leo Dolan Memorial Handicap. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were (l-r) Dermot, Nuala and Darragh Hughes and Con, Cian, Sinead and Hugh Kennedy after Sumptuary Law won the Dermot Hughes Car Sales Handicap. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Robbie McConn from Roscommon Racecourse pictured with Emer O’Connor from Dalton’s in Fuerty, sponsors of the Best Turned Out Horse at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
The ultimate ladies night out in the Abbey Hotel
Join us at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon for the Abbey’s Most Stylish Lady evening, being held on Monday, July 8th, from 9 pm.
There will be live music with DJ Seamus Duke in our front bar, plus a complimentary glass of bubbly for the first 25 ladies back after Ladies Day earlier that evening at Roscommon Races.
Guest judge on the day will be TV stylist and compere Marietta Doran, who will have the task of selecting our most stylish lady.
The winner will take home a gorgeous hamper, plus a voucher for a
bespoke hat created by leading local milliner Ana Victoria Mulcahy.
Ladies can also enjoy pre-races afternoon tea with a free glass of bubbly at just €30 per person.
The Abbey Hotel will also award the Most Stylish Gentleman! The winner will take home a €100 voucher from Matt O’Brien Fashions, Longford.
Bookings, telephone 090 6626240 or email info@abbeyhotel.ie
For enquiries about the evening, phone 086 3276584. Be sure to follow the Abbey Hotel on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter).
SUMMER WEDDING FAIR ON SUNDAY 7th JULY
Are you recently engaged and considering a short lead wedding or vow renewal? Because at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon, there are some key December dates in 2024/25 available which would suit anyone looking to celebrate a romantic Christmas wedding, civil union, humanist ceremony, or vow renewal.
The Abbey Hotel are holding a Summer Wedding Fair on Sunday 7th July featuring a live music showcase with the popular Heebie Jeebies band. Lots wedding supplier discounts/inspiration and complimentary mini makeovers with EL Make up on the day. T&C apply. Please call in from 2.00 to 5.00 pm. Admission is free and there will be complimentary refreshments for all newly engaged couples!
A bespoke wedding package can be tailored to suit couples’ style and budget. And special o ers for
SUMMER WEDDING FAIR SUNDAY 7th JULY 2-5pmBook your stand 086 3276584 ADVERTORIAL
select 2025 summer dates are also available. Viewing appointments can be scheduled by calling the Abbey’s dedicated Wedding Manager Lisa on 090 6666211. Late evening and weekend viewings are available upon request to facilitate those working during the week. Enquiries can also be made to weddings@abbeyhotel.ie.
Grealy’s Abbey Hotel is a family-run business in the heart of Roscommon that has over sixty years’ expertise in hosting weddings. Their professional hands-on team will assist with every stage of the wedding planning journey.
“Our unrivalled wedding reputation spanning six decades and meticulous attention to detail is what makes the Abbey the preferred wedding venue choice for so many couples from all over the country”
there’s the added nostalgia and
said Geraldine Grealy, Director of Marketing at the Abbey. “Then there’s the added nostalgia and history; the hotel have been welcoming couples through the generations, since the early 1960s!”
She continued, noting: “Going that extra mile for our couples is important. We give all our couples access to our elite recommended wedding suppliers list as well as our special free gift to you when you book. Enquire today and let our family look after yours on your special day!”
To keep up to date with the Abbey, nd the hotel on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and X (formerly Twitter). More information, and the Abbey’s wedding brochure, can be found online at abbeyhotel.ie
Giveaways for newly- engaged couples who book before July 20th 2024
• Free hire of a led love light • Free hire of audio guest book from LuxuryWeddingSuppliers.ie • A complimentary engagement photoshoot from crean photography • A gift voucher from DREAM LINE WEDDING & PORTRAIT
PHOTOGRAPHY • 50 Complimentary guest key rings from PADDY’S PHOTOBOOTH • Complimenetary mini makeovers by LIZZY FROM EL MAKEUP • A 100
Dee Maddock from Stra an, Co. Kildare, winner of the 2023 Most Stylish Lady title at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon post-Ladies Day event. She is pictured with Guest Judge Marietta Doran and event organiser Geraldine Grealy.
Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the 2023 Abbey Hotel Most Stylish Ladies Evening were Ana Victoria Mulcahy (Milliner), Guest Judge Marietta Doran, event organiser Geraldine Grealy and Elizabeth Loughlin from El Makeup. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Lorraine Butler and Lorna Hanmore pictured at the 2023 Abbey Hotel Most Stylish Ladies Evening.
Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
The Abbey Hotel are holding a Summer Wedding Fair on Sunday 7th July featuring a live music showcase with the popular Heebie Jeebies Band.
FRANK BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
Up in the air: ongoing airline strikes cause uncertainty for holidaymakers
Our columnist Frank Brandon on the effects of the recent Aer Lingus strikes, the US presidential election, a busy weekend in entertainment between concerts and matches, and a reminder to readers of Creggs GAA’s upcoming Rockford’s takeover…
During my short banking career, which lasted about eleven years, I found myself on two different bank strikes. Even though we knew that there was a huge effect on the nation’s economy and that our strike might put lots of small businesses under extreme financial pressure, our union, the
IBOA, felt with the support of the majority of the workers, that there was no alternative, and –popular or not – we simply had to withdraw our labour and close down all financial services.
As it happens, the effect on the overall economic situation was relatively small, as Irish people traded cheques between themselves, more or less substituting cheques for cash. What was amazing was that when the banks finally reopened, nearly all the cheques were honoured, and there were very few bouncers.
That was more than 50 years ago, and despite all the massive changes in that half century, some things stay the same, and strikes (no matter who is on them) still cause all sorts of problems. While all strikes are eventually settled, there is always a price to pay. And so today we have the Aer Lingus pilots taking industrial action, and even though it’s not a full-scale strike, there is no doubt that it is causing huge disruption and inconvenience to so many would-be travellers. Already, more than 400 flights have been cancelled,
so taking an average of 200 passengers per flight, by my calculations (only did pass maths in the Leaving) that means a minimum of 80,000 people have had their holiday/business plans either changed or ruined altogether.
One of the big differences between our action in the 1970s and that of the pilots, is that we were being paid pittance for our services, while by all accounts Aer Lingus pilots are already very handsomely rewarded for theirs. And yet, despite the hassle their customers are having to endure, the pilots’ union tells us that they are getting huge support from the public, and that they are greatly encouraged by that. Never let it be said that I doubt what IALPA (Irish airline pilots association) say, but when I see salaries of more than a quarter of a million euro already being earned, I find it hard to believe that the average Joe Soap is really on their side.
I know there are two sides to every dispute, and strikers themselves have to suffer financially as well as in other ways, but surely in the interests
The weekend just gone by must have been one of the busiest of all time in Dublin, with the Pride festival, the All-Ireland football quarter-finals, Shania Twain in Malahide Castle on Friday night, and Taylor Swift doing three soldout nights in the Aviva Stadium. Now I have told you before that I am not a ‘swiftie’ and I don’t know any of Taylor’s songs, but when it comes to Shania, that’s a different matter. I know loads of her songs and watched a video of her singing ‘Man! I feel like a Woman!’ at Glastonbury festival only yesterday – and it was just magic. Apparently she has been quite ill recently, and is lucky to be still alive, and social media attracted horrible comments about her voice. I thought she sounded as well as ever, and the thousands of fans at Glastonbury really rocked to her, and at 58 years of age she still looks amazing!
Swift, Shania and Shane excel on a busy weekend!
However, much as I would have liked to have been to see her in Malahide Castle, for all of us that have Galway blood flowing through our veins there was only one show in town, and that was in Croke Park, where the Shane Walsh-inspired Tribesmen produced a secondhalf performance for the ages to stun All-Ireland champions Dublin in the quarter-final of this year’s championship.
Now I have never said anything about GAAGO, but for all of us who couldn’t go to the two games on Saturday, it was simply outrageous that those matches were not on RTE.
Funny enough, it wasn’t the cost that upset me, but rather the fact that even though my telly is only a couple of years old (and is a Smart TV), I couldn’t pick up the signal at all. It seems that there are very many supporters
like me whose TVs are incompatible with the GAAGO technology, and very many of those will have missed out on the Rossies versus Armagh game, and the Galway-Dubs’ one.
I thought Roscommon would have beaten Kieran McGeeney’s men, but the harsh sending off and the three games in fourteen days told against them, and they never really looked like going through to the last four.
I visited my son, Mark, to watch the Galway game and have to admit that for the last 10 or 15 minutes, as we started to reel in the Dubs, my stents and my pacemaker were tested to the full. When the final whistle went, the roof was nearly lifted off the Roscommon house that he is living in.
It’s been a while since we have had such an unexpected victory and the fact that it was against the
champions made it all the sweeter, but Jim McGuinness’s men (Donegal) are lying in wait in the semifinal and they will be very formidable opponents. However, if all our men are fit and well, we have every chance of making it back to the final. Now wouldn’t that be great?
Sticking with the GAA… with the passing of the great Michael O’Muircheartaigh, my claim to fame is that, in my very short intercounty career he said, during his commentary on our game against Cork in the league in 1974, that I was “slightly overweight” (he got that wrong – I was vastly overweight) but could “move fairly well”. I think he got that wrong as well. However, he truly was a giant of broadcasting, and, along with the passing of former RTE reporter Tommie Gorman, we lost two titans in the last week.
of families and other people who have scrimped and saved to have an annual holiday, everyone should get around the table and sort this mess out. As someone said the other day, eventually all strikes get settled – so why not sort it out now? Back in 1979, we were out for more than six months before the issues were resolved, after which my salary rose by nearly a pound a week to £8. As I spent the six months in London working in the Jack Grady-owned Golden Lion pub in East London, and discovered the joys of city socialising, my weight rose by a lot more pounds, and I gained more than four stones in those six months.
Anyway, as I write this on Monday morning, and as today is the first day of July – the start of the big holiday season, with schools all now closed for the summer – I have to admit that my sympathies are with all of those who have to change their holiday plans, and I really hope all sides see the futility of carrying this impasse on indefinitely.
Debate debacle
Talking of Aer Lingus, we all know that they are the principal airline servicing the United States from Ireland, and while I have never made it to that great land of opportunity, I am well aware that America is among the most powerful countries in the world. And so there can be no doubt that the prospect of having the convicted felon, Donald Trump, or the aged, forgetful, at times almost incoherent Joe Biden, being in charge of the United States is a terrifying thought. Over in the east, Putin, and his new best friend, Kim Jong Un, along with China’s Xi Jinping, must be rubbing their hands with glee and relishing the thought of having to deal with either of these ageing ‘head the balls’.
That the pair of them, in their televised debate, spent time arguing about their respective golf handicaps and Donald Trump’s swing, pretty much sums them up. One political commentator, when asked for his opinion on who had won the debate, said it didn’t matter, America lost. They have until November to sort things out, but as of now, with Biden refusing to drop out, it’s looking more and more likely that Trump will be back. Maybe Boris Johnson will make a comeback across the water?
And finally…
Don’t forget the Rockford’s Takeover this Saturday night, 6th of July, when thanks to the hard work of Ciaran Browne, Creggs GAA are literally taking over Rockford’s in Roscommon. For €10 you get entry to the nightclub and also into a draw for two bar tabs worth €50. We look forward to seeing you all there on the night, and if you win the bar tabs, don’t forget me!
Taylor Swift
The 16 th Percy French Festival
O ur Great Dis connect
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
Towards a vision for a New Ireland in the current landscape
Dr Eve Watson
Sexuality, identity and its discontents in contemporary Ireland
Dr Michael Hardiman
The postmodern condition and the end of intimacy
Dr Pauric Travers
Parnell and French
Dr Kevin Kiely
Percy’s Irish irony: close reading Percy French’s lyrics
Dr Pádraig Lenihan
The Battle of Aughrim 1691, history, myth and memory
Nell Smyth
Fully human, fully present: the Steiner Waldorf approach
Ciara Lawless Percy French abú
Dr Tony McCarthy
Percy French–a portrait of the Country House at play
Dr Brian Griffin
The Jarvey, 1889–1890: the Irish Punch?
Dr Margaret Daly Denton
Caring for the earth: how John can resource ecological commitment
James Bradshaw
The human person and community
Pearse O’Shiel
Educating for a human future
Louise Lennon
The language of adolescents
Don Baker
Eileen Óg reworked
Michael Banahan
Percy French the Bob Dylan of the progressive era
Castlecoote House, Castlecoote, Co.Roscommon t icke ts Each whole day ticket:€50 / Thursday:€65 / Students:€19
Ticket covers three/ four lectures, afternoon recital, includes tea/coffee and cakes Tel 090 666 3794 / info@percyfrench.ie / www.percyfrench.ie
Call for Expressions of Interest
New Local Community Safety Partnerships are being established in each Local Authority area in line with the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. These new Partnerships will build on and replace the existing Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and will provide a forum for State agencies and local community representatives to work together at local level to act on community concerns. This will facilitate a more holistic forum for discussion, decisions and action on community priorities. Roscommon County Council invites expressions of interest for consideration for appointment as Chairperson of the new Local Community Safety Partnership
for County Roscommon. Further details on this post is available on Roscommon County Council’s website.
Expressions of interest should be submitted by email to recruit@roscommoncoco.ie
Closing date 15th July, 2024.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL BRIEFS
Taoiseach Simon Harris was a welcome visitor to the Night and Day Music Festival in the wonderful surrounds of Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle. The Taoiseach is pictured with Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, the authority’s Tourism Officer Lisa Joy and Dermot Beggan, General Manager, Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle.
Bernie’s ‘Decade of Triathlons’ to raise funds for local Hospice
Roscommon woman Bernie Dolan is currently fundraising for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice by taking on two mammoth challenges this month.
The first of these is the Two Provinces Triathlon, organised by Lanesboro Triathlon Club, which takes place this Saturday, July 6th, consisting of a 750m swim, a 20km cycle and a 5km run. Up to 600 competitors will be taking part from all over the country.
Bernie’s second challenge is to cycle the 120km-long Ring of Clare on July 20th
The fundraiser – titled ‘Bernie’s Decade of Triathlons’ – is not only raising money for a very worthy cause, but also celebrating Bernie’s ten years of competing in triathlons.
In 2014 Bernie bought a wetsuit for herself to fulfil a desire to start open water swimming which in turn led her to join the Lanesboro Triathlon Club. To date, she has completed 30 triathlons.
Three years ago, in 2021, Bernie and her three children took part in Ireland’s Fittest Family on RTÉ, where they reached the final.
Speaking about the fundraiser, Bernie said: “I never thought that in 2014 going for that
first swim would have led me to achieve all that I have in the past ten years.
“To celebrate this and to give thanks for my good health that allows me to take on all these events, I am raising funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice, which provides compassionate respite care and end of life care for individuals – and support for their families – during challenging times”.
You can donate to Bernie’s very worthy fundraiser by visiting her iDonate page –www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ BernieDolan or by scanning the QR code. All funds raised will go directly to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice foundation.
New approach to family mental health recovery
Launch of familypeersupport.ie
Last Friday, June 28th, familypeersupport.ie – a groundbreaking website and the first of its kind in Ireland – was launched at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Castlebar, County Mayo.
This innovative platform was designed to support families and friends who are aiding a loved one through mental health challenges.
The Health Service Executive (HSE), in collaboration with Mental Health Ireland (MHI), now employs ten Family Peer Support Workers (FPSWs) within the Adult Mental Health services who utilise their lived experience to support others family members.
In the Connacht region, the Family Peer Support Service is currently available in counties Roscom-
mon, Galway, and Mayo. The new website offers detailed information about the services on offer.
The site has been coproduced by Family Peer Support Workers, family members who have used or are using the service, and health professionals from both public and community services. It will provide crucial support and resources for these families and friends, ensuring they do not feel alone in their journey.
For further details on the Family Peer Support Service and to explore the resources available, please visit familypeersupport.ie.
and further afield are welcome to attend this event, where members of the community who are over 90 years of age will be turning the sod”. This new development is grant-funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and match-funded by the local community, along with support from Roscommon County Council.
Pictured at the recent launch were Noel Hoare (Family Peer Support Worker), Clara Meehan (Health and Social Care Lead), Mary G Killion (Principal Social Worker), and Cathal Kilcline (Service User Representative).
20 years of serving the community
The RosFM Community Radio Station was originally founded in 2004, as a result of a collaboration between voluntary organisations in County Roscommon.
Roscommon Partnership Company (later amalgamated into Roscommon LEADER Partnership), through its Enterprise Coordinator Noel Connolly, facilitated an inter-agency initiative to establish a company called RosEqual. Through this, a community radio station with a disability ethos was funded and established.
The initial start-up funding for RosFM was from the Equal Community Initiative, which was financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and co-funded by EU member states within the 20032006 Programme. Equality, social inclusion and employability for minority groups are key pillars of the Equal Initiative.
The project partner organisations in RosFM included the Roscommon Partnership, the Brothers of Charity, the National Learning Network-Rehab Group, the Irish Wheelchair Association, and Roscommon Support Group for people with disabilities.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (now Coimisiún na Meán) granted RosFM its first community radio license in 2004, allow-
ing the station to operate within Roscommon town and environs. The first Chairperson of RosFM was Noel Connolly and the first Secretary was Tom Flanagan. Bernard Kearney was elected Chairperson in 2006 and remains in the position to this day. The first Manager of the station was Matt Rogers, with Seamus Duke being the current Manager, having been appointed to that position in July 2021.
Since its inception, one of the hallmarks of RosFM has been the provision of certified training (QQI) in radio production for all its volunteers.
Over the years, the station has been funded through a variety of government grant-aided and funded programmes, sponsorship, and advertising by local businesses – as well as local fundraising shows and events. The Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon County
Council, Pobal and the BAI have all been crucial to the development of the station over the years. Sound and Vision from the BAI has been, for many years, a principal source of funding for the station and instrumental in the production of quality programming.
One of RosFM’s stand-out events over the years was a 35hour Marathon Broadcast fundraiser in 2007 in aid of the radio station and the Special Olympics. The broadcast was anchored by John Crean, Liam Sherringham and Robbie Dwyer.
Other major fundraising shows over the years included The Kings and Queens of Country, Elvis and Jigs and Reels. One of the station’s more recent fundraisers is the RosFM 50-50 Draw, currently held every two weeks.
RosFM is an award-winning community radio station that has distinguished itself in gaining Major CRAOL Achievement Awards for programming in Irish, Access and Inclusion, Traditional Irish and Folk Music, and in the Arts. The station has also won Easter Parade awards and Volunteering Information Service Awards.
RosFM’s achievements over the last twenty years are a tribute to all the volunteers who keep the station on the air, week in week out.
RosFM Community Radio Station has its very own outside broadcast unit, a mobile production facility used for broadcasting live events outside of a traditional studio environment – and it is available to visit any interested community group, event, or local business.
Over the years, the unit has attended a number of different events, such as the local town festivals, the
races, community group events in Ballyleague, Knockcroghery, Kilbride, Ballygar, etc, the Ploughing Championships, the Roscommon Show, the Roscommon 10-mile road race, and much more! If you are interested in having your event covered or having the outside broadcast unit visit your group/business, just call the station on 090 6628161 or email info@rosfm.ie for more details.
The RosFM studios based in the Cube FlexiSpace in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan
RosFM DJ Ciara Lawless pictured in the RosFM live studio while presenting her show recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan
RosFM Community Radio Statio’s outside broadcast unit
RosFM invites you to celebrate their 20th anniversary!
RosFM Community Radio Station is inviting the public to join in on the station’s 20th anniversary celebrations next week.
A special event to commemorate the station’s milestone achievement will be held on Thursday, 11th of July, while a celebration dance will be held on Friday, 12th of July.
The first of those two
celebrations takes place between 11 am and 1 pm on Thursday, July 11th, at Gleeson’s Townhouse, The Square, Roscommon. There on the day will be representatives of agencies and groups who have helped the station over the years; volunteers past and present, sponsors, local community groups, and local public representatives.
There will be a number of speakers on the day, and refreshments will be served.
Everyone is welcome!
RosFM’s 20th anniversary will also be celebrated with a dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon (F42P992), on Friday, July 12th, from 9.30 pm until 12.30 am.
There will be a raffle on the night, with some great prizes up for grabs. There
will be exciting musical entertainment on offer, with Mick Flavin and other talented musical guests taking to the stage.
Tickets, priced at just €10, are available for purchase now on Eventbrite, and can also be bought at the door on the night.
For more, visit rosfm.ie and keep up to date with the station on social media.
A message from RosFM Chairperson
Bernie Kearney Chairperson, RosFM
Having been Chairperson of RosFM Community Radio since 2006, I am clear that community stations need dedicated staff and volunteers, generous sponsors, and help from the different agencies in order to keep their station on air.
As we celebrate 20 years in existence, I wish to commend the volunteers from 2004 to the present time for their commitment over the years. All involved have always aimed to do whatever they could for the station, be it fundraising or programming. At one point we went five years without a manager, so it was volunteers, board members, and agencies that combined to ensure the station remained on air.
I would like to thank Craol, BAI (now
Coimisiún na Meán), VEC, Brothers of Charity, Pobal, and the consultants for helping secure a manager for us in 2021. Over the 20 years since RosFM was set up, there have been a number of fundraisers held, with a great response from the community, something we are very grateful for.
To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are having a celebratory thank you for anyone who would like to come along to Gleeson’s in Roscommon at 11 am on Thursday, 11th of July. We have issued invitations to all we could track down! On behalf of the board and staff/volunteers, please consider this as an invite to anyone who would like to join us on the day!
Thanks again to everyone for your support over the past two decades and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming celebrations
Senator Aisling Dolan, Seamus Duke (RosFM Station Manager), Minister Heather Humphreys, Bernie Kearney (RosFM Chairperson), and Senator Eugene Murphy pictured back in May 2023 at the o cial opening of the new Cube FlexiSpace on the Lanesboro Road in Roscommon, where RosFM’s studios are located. P
ic: Kieran Croghan
Bernie Kearney Chairperson, RosFM
ICMSA on ‘rediscovery’ of Food Security Dimension of CAP
The President of ICMSA, Denis Drennan, has said that the elevation of Food Security in the EU’s Strategic Agenda 2029 is potentially very significant and signals a commitment to dealing with ‘here and now’ threats and challenges over what Mr Drennan said were the more abstract and long-term challenges contained in the previous EU Green Deal plan.
Mr Drennan said that while the thrust of any plan need not be a binary ‘either/ or’ and while farmers absolutely accepted the need to move forward on lowering emissions and mitigating climate change, that could not be the sole focus of a farm and food policy and the Green Deal’s concentration on just those climate aspects had brought the farm sector right across
Member States to the verge of ruin and widespread resentment.
Mr Drennan said that ensuring that we had food in the first place is at least as important as ensuring that the food was produced in the most sustainable fashion.This is the point that the Green Deal just never seemed to understand: producing enough food securely for the population
Rural Social Scheme anniversary…
Also, Dry Cows and Heifers Bookings accepted until Monday 8th July @ 5 p.m. Friday 19th July @ 11
Also, Dry Cows and Bullocks Bookings accepted until Monday 15th July @ 5 p.m.
Please Note: Tuesday Weanling Sales will recommence in August – Until then weanlings will be sold on Fridays in conjunction with usual sales for Bullocks, Heifers and Dry Cows
Lambs & Cast Ewes
Each Wednesday @ 11 a.m. Stock
Galway Rural Development have announced that they are marking the 20th anniversary of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) this summer. In the year that they are celebrating their own 30th anniversary, GRD have begun highlighting the contribution of hundreds of small farmers to rural Galway over the past two decades. GRD are among the largest RSS programme operators in the country with a quota of 220 farmers or their family members acting as participants and, in 2022, led a successful national campaign to widen eligibility on the programme. GRD have also announced that they currently have a number of new vacancies and those interested can email tusadmin@grd.ie
of the EU – and producing that from within our own resources – is at least as important as ensuring that it’s produced in a climateefficient manner. This Strategic Agenda that will run up to 2029 understands that reality and starts from that point. That is welcome and hopefully represents a move towards reality over aspiration”, said Mr Drennan.
The ICMSA President said that the announcement needs to be followed with a willingness of Member States and the Commission
to look again at the CAP Budget which, according to Mr Drennan, had been ‘salami-sliced’ to the point of uselessness and must be reorientated to deliver policies that supported farm families rather than undermining them.
“We hope that this welcome re-focus, this rediscovery of the original motive and function of CAP, will be followed on by a meaningful increase in the CAP Budget that will deliver a policy that will make a real difference to farmers”.
Sale on 27/6:
400 lots presented for sale on Thursday last with a good attendance of buyers present on the day with prices and trade holding extremely well, especially for quality stock.
The heifer ring noticed top quality lots making up to €2200 while the bullocks peaked at €1850. The weanling rings with strong export demand witnessed bulls peak at €3.88 a kilo while heifer weanlings peaked at €4.19 a kilo.
Dry cows made up to €2440 while breeding stock made up to €2320. The calf and runner trade remains rm with farmers replacing sold stock.
Sample prices
Bullocks: Lm 430kgs €1290 BBx 400kgs €1210 AA 400kgs €1090 Lm 565kgs €1660 AA 610kgs €1750 AA 605kgs €1700 Lm 655kgs €1850 Fr 717kgs €1500 AA 650kgs €1760 Ch 660kgs €1850.
Cows with calves at foot made from €1300 to €2320 for a Limousin cow and her bull calf at foot.
Calves/runners: Dairy cross calves made from €1 to €70. Other calves made from €120 to €390 with stronger lots making from €490 to €940 for continental lots.
Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves and runners. All sales commence at 11 am.
Pictured last week at Galway Rural Development’s o ce on Dunlo Street in Ballinasloe were Claire Kerrane TD, James Applegate (Empowering Communities), and Liz Macdonald (RSS Supervisor).
Horan family retiring from restaurant/ catering business
END OF AN ERA THIS SUNDAY
After almost 40 years in business in Roscommon Town, the Horan family are retiring from the restaurant/catering business later this week.
Horan’s Restaurant at Racecourse Road and the catering/delivery business is to cease trading this Sunday, July 7th.
Horan’s has been a landmark restaurant in the county town for many years. It was established on foot of a successful catering delivery service which began nearly 40 years ago.
Proprietors John and Lisa Horan and family wish to take this opportunity to extend
a sincere thank you to all the people who have helped and supported them over the decades.
“We must thank everyone who has helped us in any way since we began delivering lunches to businesses, offices, factories and shops around Roscommon town.
“Also, our thanks to every individual, family, group or association who employed us to cater for their occasion/ event. We would also like to acknowledge all the tradespeople who helped keep us running by being so helpful and readily available over the years.
“A special thanks to all our great staff over the decades. And finally, our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our loyal customers whom we had the pleasure of serving over the years”.
Ballaghaderreen Library works on schedule – Kerrane
Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has said that works in the library in Ballaghaderreen are on schedule.
Deputy Kerrane said, “I am glad to report that I have been advised that works in the library in Ballaghaderreen are on schedule. This is really welcome as we need to see the timeline for the library to be reopened later this year met, especially given how long it has been closed.
“Many will remember I had shared previously that works began on March 25th, and are to continue for 32 weeks. We are now about 15 weeks in and I am glad to say that works are on schedule.
“It remains the plan that the building will be handed back to the Library Service on the completion of works in October and restocking will then begin.
“As always, I will continue to keep an eye on this project and keep the public updated on what is a really important service in Ballaghaderreen”, she concluded.
Nine local schools get STEM recognition
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD, recently announced that nine primary schools in Roscommon have been awarded the SFI Curious Minds Award 2024.
Led by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the programme aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) among primary school students, parents, and teachers nationwide in a fun, engaging way. The SFI Curious
Minds Awards celebrate and recognise the participation of schools in hands-on, inquiry-based learning in STEM. The Awards offer three categories for applicants – the Silver, Gold, and Platinum Awards. This year in Roscommon, two schools received the Silver Award, five schools received the Gold Award, and two schools achieved the Platinum Award. The two Roscommon schools to receive a Silver Award were Granlahan NS and Scoil Mhuire Gan
Smal. The five Roscommon schools to receive a Gold Award were Athleague NS, Clooneyquinn NS, Our Lady of Mount Carmel NS, Rahara National School, and St Cóman’s Wood Primary School. The two Roscommon schools to receive a Platinum Award were St Attracta’s NS and Ballintleva NS. The schools’ achievements were celebrated in classrooms across the country during a virtual SFI Curious Minds Awards ceremony.
Tiernan and Sheena Foley from Cloonfad pictured at last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final between Roscommon and Armagh in Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Teresa and Eimear McCormack from Roscommon Town pictured at last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final between Roscommon and Armagh in Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Liam and Anne Rowan from Roscommon Town pictured at last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final between Roscommon and Armagh in Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Jade Casey and Eithne Carroll pictured at last Saturday’s AllIreland SFC quarter-final between Roscommon and Armagh in Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Deirdre, Fiona and Aidan Flanagan from Tulsk pictured at last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final between Roscommon and Armagh in Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Eileen, Sean and Chloe Brennan from Cloonfad pictured at last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final between Roscommon and Armagh in Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
FEELS LIKE RAIN! Joe Dooley from Tulsk checking the weather outside Croke Park ahead of last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final between Roscommon and Armagh. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Graham and Harris Curran from Castlerea pictured outside Croke Park ahead of last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarterfinal between Roscommon and Armagh. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane
Entertainment, Culture & Arts
Martina crowned national winner of ‘From Foal To Race’ for her artwork
Martina Agulló González, a transition year student from Athlone Community College in Athlone, Co Westmeath, was announced as the winner of the 2024 From Foal to Race Transition Year programme for her submission, titled ‘That long awaited race’.
With English not being Martina’s first language, she expressed her knowledge gained from the programme through beautifully crafted artwork. As national winner of the programme, Martina won €1,000 for her school, presented to her by Agri Aware Executive Director Marcus O’Halloran and equuip’s Heather Downey, during a VIP behind-the-scenes trip to Roscommon Racecourse with her class before the end of school term on May 20th
The From Foal to Race TY programme was established in 2022 by Agri Aware and equuip, Horse Racing Ireland’s education and training division.
Speaking at the prizegiving ceremony at Roscommon Racecourse, Agri Aware Executive Director Marcus O’Halloran congratulated Martina on her fantastic artwork that was chosen as the worthy winner for 2024.
Also speaking at the prizegiving ceremony was Martina’s teacher, Meghan Murphy. She said, “The From Foal to Race programme by Agri Aware and equuip proved to be an incredibly informative module, offering students a unique insight into the world of horse racing.
“We were particularly thrilled to see Martina win the competition with her beautiful drawing, a testament to her creativity and dedication.
“The day out at Roscommon Racecourse was a highlight for everyone involved. The staff at Agri Aware, equuip, and Roscommon Racecourse were exceptionally kind and passionate, which made the experience even more enjoyable for the students”.
To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
TAOISEACH VISITS ROSCOMMON FOR NIGHT AND DAY FESTIVAL
Boyle Musical Society to present ‘The Sound of Music’
Boyle Musical Society is delighted to announce that this year’s show will be the popular favourite, ‘The Sound of Music’.
With a show-stopping score and a powerful story, ‘The Sound of Music’ became an instant classic following its 1959 Broadway premiere and of course the 1965 film with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Audiences will be spirited away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical, which will be staged in Boyle from November 20th to 23rd
Rehearsals will begin on Monday, September 2nd, in St Joseph’s Hall, Boyle. Everybody is welcome to join and auditions will be held beforehand for the younger children’s parts. Unfortunately, we are unable to include anyone in Junior or Leaving Certificate years.
This is another show that will require a large choral cast, so if you are interested in choral singing along with performance and drama, this just might be the show for you!
This will be the first time that ‘The Sound
of Music’ has been staged in Boyle since the memorable Scoil Críost an Rí production back in 1990.
‘The Sound of Music’ has music composed by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp.
For more information on Boyle Musical Society, please follow the society on Facebook and Instagram or visit boylemusicalsociety.com.
Night of drama, comedy, and readings with Longford Writers Group
Longford Writers Group are inviting the public to an exciting night of drama, comedy, and readings, taking place in Aurora Hall, Legan, Co Longford, from 8 pm on Friday, July 5th
To facilitate this event, the group have been working with The Bea
Masterson Amateur Drama Group, Legan, and members of Mostrim Group, who will perform three one-act plays as part of the evening’s entertainment – all of which have been written by Strokestownbased member Rose Byrne. The Writers Group will also be reading
some beautiful, short pieces from their own work. There is free admission on the night, with no booking required, and light refreshments will be served. This event is supported by Creative Ireland, Longford. Longford Writers Group wish to thank Niamh Heavey (haush_design on Instagram) for designing the poster for the upcoming event. Be sure not to miss out on an exciting, free evening of entertainment in Longford this week! For more, keep up with the group on social media.
Pictured is Martina’s artwork submission, which was crowned the national winner of the 2024 From Foal to Race programme.
Heather Downey of equuip and Agri Aware Executive Director Marcus O’Halloran present a certificate to 2024 From Foal to Race programme national winner Martina Agullo Gonzalez of Athlone Community College, Athlone Co. Westmeath. The presentation took place at Roscommon Races recently.
Pictured at the Night and Day festival at Lough Key Forest Park last Saturday were Imelda Hurley, CEO of Coillte; Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council; Simon Harris, Taoiseach; Louise Fitzpatrick, Coillte; Craig Hughes, Night & Day Festival organiser; Pat Neville, Coillte; and Lisa Joy, Tourism Officer, Roscommon County Council. Pic: Enda Regan
An Taoiseach Simon Harris (right) pictured with Deputy Frank Feighan, his wife Elaine, and their children Francesca and Macdara, while attending the Night and Day Music Festival at Lough Key Forest Park last weekend.
Taoiseach Simon Harris arriving at the Night & Day Festival in Lough Key Forest Park last Saturday. Pic: Enda Regan
GOING OUT
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Marian and Steve Boland. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Tommy O’Connor and Donal Rattigan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were John Earley and Cathal O’Brien. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Michael and Kathleen Meeley. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Kyle Conroy, Nathan Flannery and Jason Quirke. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Kyaan Narain, Cici McGloin, Ria Cassidy, Kritika Narain and Vandana Narain. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Emma Burke and Courtney Rabbitte. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Michael and Deborah Carrick. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Elaine and Jane Flynn. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Naomi Scanlon and Ava Glancy. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Quality 3 bedroom bungalow located in this hallmark estate within walking distance to Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon University Hospital and all town amenities including Train Station. Situated on a private landscaped end site, this property comprises entrance hallway, open plan kitchen/dining room, utility, 3 large bedrooms and family bathroom. Outside, large private site and detached garage.
Price Region: €275,000. BER Rating: D1
NEW TO THE MARKET
Derelict residence on c. 18 acres of land Cloonsellan, Ballymurray, Roscommon Co. Roscommon
Derelict residence on c. 18 acres of good quality lands located in a popular residential area adjacent to Portrunny Bay. The said lands are in one block with access to the River Hind. There are a number of cut stone out o ces situated on the lands which are located just o the Roscommon/Athlone route, 10 miles from the towns of Roscommon and Athlone.
Price Region: €100,000
NEW TO THE MARKET
13 The Rookery, Scramogue
Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 EY29
Stunning 4 bed (3 en-suite) residence nished to show house standard and surrounded by award winning gardens in a select countryside setting, 15 minutes from Roscommon and Longford Town Centre. Fabulous layout includes entrance hallway, sitting room, living room, majestic open plan kitchen/ dining room and utility with wc o . First oor, 4 large bedrooms (3 en-suite) and family bathroom. Outside, manicured garden with lanterns, paved area and a wide variety of shrubs and plants. This is without doubt one of the nest properties to come to
NEW TO THE MARKET
Casheltauna, Four Mile House, Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 WN90
Spacious 4 bedroom bungalow situated on a large private site at the end of a cul-de-sac with excellent views of the surrounding countryside, located just 10 minutes from Roscommon Town Centre in this popular residential area. Spacious accommodation includes entrance hallway, sitting room, living room, open plan kitchen/dining room with patio doors to private paved area, large utility with w.c. o , 4 large bedrooms and family bathroom.
Outside double entrance with mature gardens and trees together with fully insulated steeltech garage with roller doors.
Magnificent eight bedroomed property in Roscommon town for sale with Oates Auctioneers
Oates Auctioneers are delighted to offer for sale this magnificent eight bedroom (all ensuite), cut stone residence situated on the prestigious Walk Road, Roscommon town.
This area is a mature residential area on the outskirts of the town. Finished to the highest standard with no expense spared, this is without doubt one of the most impressive properties to come to the market in this region in recent years. It is situated on a corner site, fully landscaped, within walking distance to Roscommon Castle and all town amenities.
Spacious accommodation includes 8 bed-
rooms all ensuite, sitting room, lounge, open plan kitchen with dining room off, large office and bathroom. A unique feature of this property is an open plan attic space fully floored suitable for games room, gym etc. This exceptional property benefits from a host of extras including geothermal heating, hollowcore floor and stairs, water purification system, solid walnut doors throughout. Outside, landscaped split level garden with natural cut stone walling. Viewing is a must. Price Region: POA. BER Rating: B1 For more information, contact Oates Auctioneers on 090-6627878 or email info@oates.ie.
Fine countryside residence at Elphin for sale with Remax Team Earley
Cathal Meares of RE/MAX Team Earley is delighted to present to the market, for sale by private treaty, a two-storey farmhouse standing on approx. one acre located at Corracreigh, Elphin, Co Roscommon (F45 RK33). BER G.
The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH
TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546
E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Corracreigh, Elphin, Co Roscommon, this property presents an exciting opportunity for those seeking a countryside retreat with ample scope for renovation and modernisation.
Located on expansive grounds, this property boasts a collection of outbuildings, including storage sheds, offering practical space for various needs.
The main dwelling, with its classic charm, features four bedrooms and one bathroom spread across a generous 1,300 square feet. While retaining its character, the residence invites creativity and personalisation, providing a blank canvas for
your dream home. With a layout conducive to both relaxation and entertainment, this residence offers the ideal canvas for crafting your vision of comfortable living. Imagine cosy evenings by the fireplace or sunny mornings in the tranquil surroundings.
In need of renovation and modernisation, this property presents an opportunity to tailor every detail to your taste, ensuring that your dream home reflects your unique style and preferences. Beyond its immediate appeal,
the property benefits from its serene location, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life while remaining conveniently accessible to nearby amenities and attractions. Viewings strictly by appointment only. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Cathal on 086 1409158 or Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie or log onto www. teamearley.ie
The Walk Road, Roscommon town.
The board and management of Roscommon LEADER Partnership have confirmed that Anne Rabbitte TD –Minister for Disability, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth – will perform the launch of their WorkAbility Project, ‘Work Links Roscommon 2024-2028’, at 10.30 am on Tuesday, July 9th, in the Roscommon LEADER Partnership Office at The Cube Flexi Space, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon (F42 DX61)
The WorkAbility programme funds local, regional, and national projects that provide progressive pathways into employment (including self-employment) through education, training, skills development, and in-work supports for people with disabilities, based on their needs, their abilities, and their potential.
This Roscommon LEADER Partnership project/WorkAbility-funded programme is titled ‘Work Links Ro-
Athlone man shares insights on ethics of AI
Ciarán O’Connor from Athlone – a senior analyst at the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, a non-profit organisation working to reverse the tide of polarisation, extremism and disinformation worldwide – shared his insights on AI during a panel discussion at the Marker Hotel in Dublin last week.
The event in question, titled ‘Alice Asks… Is AI a Force for Evil or for Good?’, brought together a panel of experts to explore the importance of ethical considerations in relation to AI, the creative opportunities it presents, and the regulatory frameworks needed to guide its development and im-
scommon 2024-2028’. The primary target group for the programme is people with disabilities aged sixteen years and over, who are currently not work-ready and/or are distant from the labour market. Projects funded under the WorkAbility Programme incorporate a strong focus on employer engagement, raising employers’ awareness and building their capacity to recruit, retain and progress people with disabilities in their workforce.
plementation on a national and global scale. Run by Alice Public Relations, one of Ireland’s leading PR agencies, the event was moderated by renowned broadcaster Eileen Dunne. Other panellists included Barry Scannell (a member of Ireland’s AI Advisory Council and a partner in William Fry’s Technology Department, specialising in AI), Adele Keane (COO and Creative Director at Augmented Reality start-up Imvizar), and Martina Quinn (Alice founder and CEO, and current Chairperson of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Ireland).
with independent bodies Solution Management Associates (SMA) and Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), aim to rec-
ognise SPAR stores who have excelled during the year across all areas. In winning these awards, these local SPAR stores have been independently assessed across a range of criteria, including customer service through SMA, as well as a robust Food Safety and Hygiene audit conducted by LRQA. These exemplary SPAR retailers received their award in recognition of their commitment to implementing best practice store standards throughout their store, thereby providing an excellent customer experience to their local community.
Pictured at the recent SPAR 365 Awards were Eric Shally (SPAR Regional Manager), Frank Fortune (SPAR Corrib Oil Castlerea and SPAR Corrib Oil Roscommon), Michelle Heanue (SPAR
Boyle), and Tommy Conroy (SPAR Corrib Oil Castlerea).
Athlone man Ciarán O’Connor pictured speaking at a recent panel discussion on the ethics of AI in the Marker Hotel Dublin.
Classifieds
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Are you a ected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Con dence/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
BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE
• Sprayers tested on owners premises
• Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.
• Small stock of parts available and can be tted on sprayers
All sprayers tested in 2020/2021 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069
e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com
D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083
FELLED TREES FOR SALE. Good hardwood for rewood. Must be collected. Tel. 087 430 0535. FOR
FARM REPAIR SHOP – Roscommon/Lanesboro area. Tel 087-2755738.
TRACTOR DRIVER REQUIRED for silage season. Tel. 087 2602870.
FENCING/GATES
FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD
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● GLAS Fencing
● Grant Fencing
● Post Rail Tel: 087 2172281
have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!
www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com
or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com
Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090
ROSCOMMON
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
Áras an Chontae, Roscommon,
Applicant: Shane Higgins
Application Address: New Road, Elphin, Roscommon Planning Reference:
PD/24/60176
Development: Permission for a change of house and garage design that was previously granted under pd/21/524 along with all ancillary site development works.
1) Signi cant Further Information in relation to the application has been furnished to the Planning Authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the o ces of the Authority during its public opening hours, and
2) A submission or observation in relation to the Further Information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority.
3) There will be no fee payable on a further submission/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.
We, Colin and Sarah Compton, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct two-storey dwelling, domestic garage, waste water treatment system and percolation area; associated site development works and services at Doonard More, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.
The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Nicola Dowd, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention of unauthorised stores including general store, turf shed, playroom to rear of existing dwelling; associated works and services at No. 20 Park View, Lisnamult, Roscommon.
The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €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.
COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Rebecca Wynne, intend to apply for permission for development at Rover Upper, Arigna, Co Roscommon. The development will consist of: (1) demolition of existing shed, (2) alterations & extension to the side of the existing cottage, (3) new site entrance, (4) upgrade of wastewater treatment system & percolation area and (5) all ancillary site works.
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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: Rebecca Wynne c/o Donal McPhillips Architecture, 133 Main St., Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh. Tel: 048 677 41813 www.mcphillipsarchitecture. com
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
Full Planning Permission Is Being Sought From Roscommon County Council For The Following;
A) Proposed Demolition Of Existing Single Storey Extension To The Rear Of Existing Cottage Type Dwelling House Together With Demolition Of Existing Storage Shed To The Side Of Existing Cottage Type Dwelling House
B) The Proposed Construction Of A Storey And A Half Extension To The Rear Of Existing Cottage Type Dwelling House Together With The Proposed Construction Of A New Extension To The Side Of Existing Cottage Type Dwelling House
C) Alterations To The Existing Front Porch
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Laura McHugh, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for erection of dwelling house with sewerage treatment plant and percolation area, and ancillary site development works at Galey , Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.
Signed: Laura McHugh.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 €20.00 within the period of ve weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Bernard O’Connor, am applying for planning permission for the construction of an agricultural Hay/Storage shed to that which di ers from planning granted under PD16/378 with all associated site development works at Hawksford Townland, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.
Signed: Bernard O’Connor. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 €20.00 within the period of ve 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.
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a speci c week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The
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. Many thanks. J.B.E.
3 DAY NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
O, most beautiful ower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in my necessity (your request). There are none that can withstand your power. O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands, after each prayer, say 9 Hail Marys. You must publish and it will be granted to you. J.B.E.
THE MIRACLE PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and ll me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen. J.B.E.
3 DAY NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
O, most beautiful ower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in my necessity (your request). There are none that can withstand your power. O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands, after each prayer, say 9 Hail Marys. You must publish and it will be granted to you. M.C.
UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY
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 o fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732
D) The Replacement Of An Existing Septic Tank System With An Onsite Sewerage System With Polishing Filter In Accordance With EPA Code of Practice 2021 And All Ancillary Works At Lecarrow Townland , Kilglass , Co. Roscommon For Seoirse O’Ruisc.
This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the Planning Authority during it’s Public Opening Hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application..
Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. M.C. NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. PHILOMENA
O faithful virgin and glorious martyr, St. Philomena, who works many miracles on behalf of the faithful. You know the many and diverse needs of our parish family. I entreat your charity to graciously hear me and obtain from God the need which I now humbly lay before you. (Pause) I am rmly convinced that through your intercession, united to the merits of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, I shall obtain what I ask of you, and in the joy of my heart I will bless God, who is glori ed in His Saints. Amen. M.C.
PODIATRIST
Tullys
Podiatrist/Chiropodist
Sarah Fleming
CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI
Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.
● HSE Trained and Approved ● Home visits available
For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009
PODIATRIST
For all foot ailments Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.
Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.
Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233
SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK • 20 years experience
(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle
Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only
DIP CHFP
(Monday - Saturday) Tel: 087 2982214
Electrician Available
Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com
CAN’T FIND
ANYONE to do that small job, or you haven’t got the time ... WE DO ANYTHING From fitting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath • Fast Reliable Service
• Professional, Courteous Employees
• Trustworthy ONE CALL DOES IT ALL ! 094 9373445 087 9100477
www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005
GARDENING
www.westsidegardening.ie
GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal.
CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering
DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal
STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available C2 Registered & Insured. Free Quotations
AtYourService
CAREER COACHING:
* CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS
* APPLICATIONS - PUBLIC/CIVIL and PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETENCY BASED APP FORMS
For more details check www.carolineburke.ie For appointment call me on 086 8229606 OR email your enquiry to cburkecoaching@gmail.com
(FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS OR ON-LINE/TEAMS)
●
MURRAY
Andrew (Andy) Kilclough Newbridge , Ballinasloe Who passed away on the 4th of July 2021 (3rd Anniversary)
In the sky a star shines bright, a piece of you in the velvet night. You taught us love, you taught us light, a beacon gone, but still in sight.
No laughter now, yet we recall your humour that would lift us all. Though you’ve gone where we can’t see, your echo stays inside of us. So, Andy, now in peace you rest. A chapter closed, you were the best. Though we part until the end, your life in stories that we will send. Always missed by his sister in law Anne, nieces: Noreen and Martina and nephew, John. Mass has been o ered.
MARTIN Niall
New Ballagh, Rahara, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary) 9th July 2018
Cherished memories of our beloved son and brother Niall who passed away on the 9th July 2018.
Rest In Peace
The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. As each days dawns, we think of you, and in between, no matter where, Niall, you are in our hearts. You are always there.
HANNIFFY
William (Bill)
Bornacurra, Athleague, Roscommon. Who passed away on the 6th July 2023.
On the rst anniversary of Bill’s passing, his family wish to express our sincere gratitude for all the sympathy, kindness and support shown to us on the sad passing of Dad.
We would like to thank Teresa Curley, the paramedics and the sta in Portiuncla hospital who tended to Dad on the morning of 6th July.
A special thanks to our extended family, neighbours and friends who attended Dad’s Removal, Funeral Mass and travelled to his Burial in Galway. Sincere thanks to Athleague Hurling Club for the guard of honour leaving the funeral home to the church. Special thanks to Henry Hamrock for his professionalism and guidance with the funeral arrangements and to those who prepared Dad’s nal resting place in his beloved Ballinacourty. Thanks to Fr. Christopher for celebrating the Funeral Mass.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a token of our gratitude for your kindness and support.
Bill’s rst Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 6th July at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church , Athleague
Laura Anne Strokestown and Curraghroe (9th Anniversary) Who passed away on 6th July, 2015
A ray of sunshine came and went a beautiful treasure only lent in God’s keeping quietly sleeps this daughter and sister we loved but could not keep.
Sadly missed by Mammy, Daddy, James, Shane, Daniel and Zoe. Laura’s 9th Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, 7th of July at 10am in St. Cecelia’s Church, Curraghroe.
Fondly remembered and forever loved by your Mum and Dad, brothers and sister, extended family and friends.
SixthAnniversary Mass will be o ered on Sunday, 21st of July in Mary Immaculate Church, Rahara at 10am.
NEVIN
MATTIE (Matthew)
Cloonbrackna Avenue, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)
In loving memory of Mattie who passed away on 3rd July 2023
Rest in Peace
God saw you getting tired, And a cure was not to be; So he put his arms around you, And whispered “come to me”. With tearful eyes we watched you, And saw you pass away; Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, Hardworking hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
Loved and missed by your loving wife Maura, family and friends.
Mattie’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in The Sacred Heart Church, Co. Roscommon on Sunday, 7th July at 9 a.m.
Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.
Always remembered, loved and missed every day by her sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Also remembered as always our Dad, and brothers Frank and Paddy.
MELODY
Christopher
Cloonslanor, Strokestown
In loving memory of Chris Melody who died on 4th July, 2023. (1st Anniversary)
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.
R.I.P.
Sadly missed by your wife Bridie, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Anniversary Mass for Chris will be on Sunday 7th July at 11:30am in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown.
BRACKEN
Alice
Grange, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon
In loving memory of our dear mother Alice who died on the 8th July 2019
R.I.P.
(5th Anniversary)
In our hearts, your memory lingers Sweetly tender, fond and true There is not a day dear Mam That we do not think of you.
Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and Missed beyond measure.
Always remembered and greatly missed by your loving family.
Anniversary Mass will be o ered in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House, on Sunday 7th July at 11:00 a.m.
HEALY
Jimmy
Kiltultogue, Ballinaheglish Who passed away on the 4th July 2016. (8th Anniversary)
Memories are precious they don’t fade away, we remember you always not just today. Although we sadly miss you, we are not alone, for you are watching over us from a place you now call home.
Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family.
Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 7th of July at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish.
HANLON
(nee Hamill)
Irene
St. Ciaran’s Park, Roscommon & Cloonslanor, Strokestown 8th July 2020 (4th Anniversary)
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.
Loved and always remembered by her husband Noel, children Nicola, Tómas and Catherine and extended family.
Anniversary Mass on Monday, 8th July at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.
WARD
(nee Donlon)
Mary
Friaryland, Creggs. (2nd Anniversary)
R.I.P.
In loving memory of our dear mother Mary who died on 28 June 2022.
Just a prayer from a family who have loved you. Just a memory fond and true In our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you
Rest in Peace Mary. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by your loving family.
SCALLY
Martin (Matt)
Cloonbunny, Loughglynn, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.
Treasured memories of a dear husband, father and grandfather who passed away on 3rd July 2022
(2nd Anniversary)
July comes with sad regret, the hour, the day, we will never forget. No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts, you are always there. No matter how life changes, no matter what we do, a special place within our hearts is always kept for you.
Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Loughglynn on Sunday, 7th July at 11.30am.
LANNON
Elizabeth Ballagh, Kilrooskey,
DALY Jason
Cullen, Dysart (16th Anniversary)
died on the 5th of July 2008
No special day is needed for us to think of you. For you were someone special and we thought the world of you.
Always remembered and sadly missed by Dad, Mam, Michelle and Cathal.
Anniversary Mass for Jason on Saturday, 6th July at 7.30pm. in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart.
We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again
Always loved and sadly missed by his wife Lily and family.
11th Anniversary Mass for Bartley in St. Anne’s Church, Scramogue on Sunday, 7th of July at 10.00am.
FEELEY
Kathleen Kilmore, Lecarrow. (30th Anniversary)
In loving memory of our dear mother, Kathleen, who passed away on 8th July, 1994 Loved and missed always by Marion, Rita, Doris, Tina, Phil, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and family.
Anniversary Mass on Thursday 4th July at 7pm in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow.
HOEY
Daniel (Danny) Strokestown (3rd Anniversary)
Will those who think of him today, a little prayer to Jesus say.
Anniversary Mass on Sunday 7th July in Galway Cathedral at 12.30pm.
We remember a smile we would love to see, a hand we would love to touch.
We remember a voice we would love to hear, of a special person we miss so much
Sadly missed but never forgotten by your family.
NAUGHTON Archie John
Corraun Village, Roscommon. Who Died 7th July 2022 (2nd Anniversary)
Dearest Archie, We missed you quietly today.
So quietly that no one noticed.
We missed you as we climbed out of bed and as we brushed our teeth; when we waited at the lights on the drive into work and school and as we heard the rain outside our window.
We missed you as we ordered lunch and as we kicked off our shoes when we got home; as we switched off the lights and climbed into bed for the night.
We missed you without tears or noise or fanfare.
But oh how we felt it.
We felt it in the morning, at lunchtime, in the evening and at night.
We felt it as we woke, as we waited, as we worked.
We felt it at home, on the road, in the light, in the dark, in the rain.
We felt it in every one of those moments, each one sitting heavier and heavier as the weight of our missing you kept growing and growing.
Yes, we missed you so quietly today.
But we felt it so loudly.*.
All our love and prayers forever, Daddy, Mummy, George & Isaac.
(*Verse: Adapted From Becky Hemsley 2024)
Archie’s Anniversary Mass is on Saturday the 6th of July at 10am in The Sacred Hearr Church, Roscommon Town.
Dear Archie, Not a day goes by when you’re not in our thoughts.
We miss you so much; words just can’t describe.
Please keep looking after Tom in heaven until we all meet again.
Love Uncle Rob, Auntie Ann and Danielle xxx
Our Dearest Archie,, Two years have passed and every day we cherish the beautiful memories you shared with us and so many.
Your bright eyes, infectious laughter, kindness and love left an indelible mark on our lives.
Our thoughts of you are always in our minds until we meet again
Love from us all always, Auntie Myra, Uncle Niall, Kealan, Conor, Aaron and Katelyn. XX xxxx
Dear Archie, Sweet is your memory, precious your name.
Deep in our hearts, you will always remain.
Missing all the laughs and funny times we shared.
Loved and remembered always by Éanna, Donnchadh and Cormac, your Barna cousins, Uncle Seán and Sinéad
KEARNEY
Daniel (Dan)
Roscommon Town and formerly of Athlone. Who passed away on the 2nd July 2023. Rest in Peace. (1st Anniversary)
On the First Anniversary of our beloved father, Daniel’s passing, we, his children, David and Rita, his daughter-in-law, Mary and son-in-law, Robert, and grandchildren (Brenda, Sinéad, Joshua and Bethan) wish to express our sincere gratitude for all the sympathy, support and kindness extended to us on the sad passing of our much-loved father and grandfather. We would like to thank the sta and carers at Roscommon Hospital and the Palliative Care Team of Mayo Roscommon Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion in our father’s nal weeks.
We also want to extend our gratitude to the many carers who gave their professional support to our father for the last several years which enabled him to continue to live independently and with great dignity at home. We wish to thank Dr. Valerie Morris and her team for their support over the years and the team at Rosmed Pharmacy.
Thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism, sensitivity and guidance with the funeral arrangements and the gravediggers who prepared Dad’s nal resting place alongside our dear mother, Martina (R.I.P.). Thanks too, to the Funeral Mass Celebrant and to Enya Reilly for her beautiful musical accompaniment. We would like to especially thank our cousin, Paula, for playing the bagpipes at the graveside in Dad’s honour. He would have been pleased.
We wish to thank our Dad’s friends and neighbours for accompanying him on his nal journey. He held you all in high regard.
Finally, we want to thank our family and friends who travelled some distances to say goodbye to Dad including his sister-in-law, Dympna, and our cousins.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this notice as a mark of our gratitude for your kindness and support. We wish you well
MANNION (née Byrne)
Josie
Roselawn Drive, Ballygar, Co. Galway
In loving memory of Josie who passed away on 7th July 2020 (4th Anniversary)
July comes with sad regret, the hour, the day, we will never forget. Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts, you will always be there.
O’HARA
Joseph (Joe)
Lismurtagh, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon and formerly Tober, Co. Offaly Who passed away on the 14th July 2023. Rest in Peace. (1st Anniversary)
Beloved husband to Miriam, devoted dad to Stephanie, Emer, and Orla; sons-in-law Anthony and Vincent; grandchildren and extended family.
On this the First Anniversary of Joe’s passing, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for all the kindness and support shown to us on the untimely passing of Joe. Thanks to those who sent mass cards, messages, owers, and condolences, your words and memories of Joe were comforting to us during this sad time. Our sincere thanks to the nursing and medical sta who cared for Joe during his short illness, a special word of thanks to all our truly wonderful neighbours and friends who called to our house during and after Joe’s illness who brought food, refreshments and supported us in every way possible. Thanks to everyone who travelled long distances to be with us. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. John Gannon and Fr. Sean Jones on the lovely mass and their words of comfort. Thank you to Nicola and Pat Mc Donagh funeral directors for their professionalism and kindness, thanks to Teresa and Megan for their beautiful music in the church and those who led us in the prayers of the faithful. Also a special thanks to those who played music and sung at his burial.
Thanks to our neighbours and friends for helping out, directing tra c and who prepared Joe’s nal resting place with care and dignity.
A special thanks to Joe’s colleagues at the Irish Wheelchair Association, who formed a guard of honour at the cemetery. Thank you to the Percy French Hotel for their lovely food following Joe’s Funeral.
As it’s impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a token of our grateful appreciation. The Holy Sacri ce of this Mass will be o ered for your intentions.
Joe’s rst Anniversary Mass will be in Sts. Eithne and Fidelma Church, Tulsk on Friday 12th July at 7pm
Always remembered by her loving family, husband Eddie, daughters Marie, Loretta and Geraldine, granddaughters Mikayla, Chloe and Addison and also extended family and friends.
Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 6th July at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Church Ballygar.
May her gentle Soul Rest In Peace
Sports PEOPLE
Another date with Armagh!
Rossies and Armagh to contest All-Ireland camogie quarter-final
All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship Laois 4-13 Roscommon 2-9
One week on from Roscommon senior footballers’ disappointing defeat to Armagh in the AllIreland SFC quarter-final, the county’s junior camogie team also face Armagh in an AllIreland quarter-final… playing the Ulster county in Clane this Saturday.
Roscommon made it into the quarter-finals despite suffering their second consecutive loss in the group stage last weekend.
Roscommon travelled to Mountrath to face Laois in their final group game last Saturday and although it was a tight affair for most of the match, Laois pulled away in the final quarter.
The teams were tied at halftime (Roscommon 2-2 to Laois’s 1-5), and it stayed close until Laois found their feet with 15 minutes to go, scoring a goal and seven points without reply. Roscommon scored a few consolation points in the closing stages but it wasn’t enough on this occasion.
The defeat means that Roscommon finished third in their group which was enough to guarantee them a spot in Saturday’s AllIreland quarter-finals in Clane at 2 pm where they will face a strong Armagh team who have been victorious in their previous two meetings this season.
Waterford hold off spirited young Rossies
All-Ireland Ladies U-16 B semi-final: Waterford 2-12 Roscommon 2-5
Despite a spirited second-half display, Roscommon U-16 ladies team lost out to Waterford by seven points in Portarlington in last Thursday night’s All-Ireland Ladies U-16 B semi-final. Waterford were in firm control in the first half and by the interval they led by 0-7 to 0-1, with Roscommon’s only point coming from Laura Glennon.
Waterford started the second half well with Clodagh Power getting an early goal, and at one stage they led by 11 points. But Roscommon fought back with their substitutes making a big difference.
Vivienne Gannon crashed home a great goal midway through the half and when Amy Rogers scored another fine goal, followed by two points from Laura Glennon, Albert Looby’s Roscommon side were back in the game.
Roscommon pulled the margin back to three, but Waterford finished the stronger side with a goal and a point late on seeing them secure a seven-point victory.
Best for Roscommon on the day were Laura Glennon, Meabh Finneran, Shauna McGrath,
Aoife Creevy and substitute Amy Rogers. Roscommon: L Finneran; A McCormack, M Finneran, H McDermott; A Creevy, L McSharry, H Culleton; G Gerrity, S Daly; I Looby, L Glennon (0-3, frees), K Dolan; R O’Brien, S McGrath (0-1), H McElhone (0-1). Subs: R Higgins for Culleton, V Gannon (1-0) for Dolan, A Rogers (1-0) for McElhone, S Kelly for Looby.
Roscommon’s Robbie Dolan secures the ball ahead of Armagh’s Joe McElroy during last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter- nal in Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
On Friday evening at the Curragh, the Apprentice Derby was won by outsider Courageous Strike, ridden by James Ryan and trained in Rathowen, Co Westmeath by Adrian Murray at 28/1.
The EBF Stayers Handicap was won by Golden Temple, trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Jamie Powell.
On Saturday, the featured Pretty Polly Stakes went for export with the first two home trained in England. The favourite, Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking, with Galway jockey Rossa Ryan in the saddle, beat the Gosden’s Emily Upjohn and Aidan O’Brien’s Content by ½l and 3¾l.
O’Brien and Moore had compensation with Truly Enchanting winning the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes and the Group 3 Dubai International Stakes with Jan Brueghel.
On Sunday, Aidan O’Brien got off the mark in the Group 2 Railway Stakes with Henri Matisse, ridden by Wayne Lordan.
O’Brien won his Irish Derby with Los Angeles, ridden by Moore, beating the English trained pair Sunway. and the favourite, Ambient Friendly. It was O’Brien’s 16th time to win the Derby and 14th time for the Railway.
This weekend’s racing
Irish racing this week starts this evening (Thursday) with a national hunt card at Tipperary, off at 5.10 pm, and the start of the 3-day festival at Bellewstown with a flat card, away at 4.25 pm.
On Friday, the second day of Bellewstown is a flat card, starting at 4.05 pm. There is also a national hunt meeting at Cork at 5.05 pm.
Saturday sees racing at Sligo, featuring a national hunt card at 2 pm and two flat cards at Naas, away at 2.10 pm and at Limerick, away at 2.20 pm.
Saturday also sees the third day of Bellewstown, with national hunt racing. Tapes for the first away at 4.53 pm.
Short putts
BALLAGHADERREEN
Congratulations to Brid Molloy who won last weekend’s 18-hole competition on 43 pts. Deirdre O’Gara came second with 42 pts while Margaret McCrann finished third on 41 pts. The club wish to thank the competition sponsors Harmac Medical (Castlerea).
Next week’s competition will be sponsored by Madden’s Builder’s Providers of Ballaghaderreen.
CARRICK-ONSHANNON
Congratulations to our very popular president Mary O’Rourke on the very well organised competition week last week.
The week began with the ladies scramble on Wednesday which was won by Jenny Bruen, Patricia Molloy and Kathleen O’Dowd on a score of 27 net.
On Thursday it was President’s Prize to the seniors, won by Sean Martin on 37 pts.
The ladies and men’s section was played over Friday and Saturday. In the ladies section the overall winner was Teresa Duignan with a score of 65 net.
In the men’s section the over-
Racing returns to Lenebane on Monday with a national hunt card. Monday is Ladies Day, sponsored by SuperValu in Roscommon Town.
On TV
ITV coverage this week starts on Saturday, with four flat races from Sandown, featuring the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse, and three from Haydock featuring the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks.
Roscommon Races
On Tuesday, the team to follow were Ger Lyons and Colin Keane who enjoyed a treble with Serious Notions as 2/1 favourite, Sumptuary Law (5/1) and Neptune Staircase as 13/8 favourite.
The featured Lenabane Stakes was won by in-form trainer Paddy Twomey with La Isla Mujeres, ridden by Billy Lee, who finished 3¾l and a head in front of Crystal Clear and Serious Challenge. Lee was completing a double having won with Gosford earlier for Edward Lynam. There is racing again next Monday in Lenabane, opening with a 25-entry Claiming Hurdle followed by an Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden
all winner was Declan Loftus with a score of 66 net. The club would like to thank all the volunteers and course staff who had the course in excellent condition.
Well done to all the men who played their Lynch Cup matches on time. The following players have made it through to the semi-finals: Robert Donaldson v David McDermott and Shamzuri v Kevin Sheeran.
ROSCOMMON
Congratulations to our Men’s Senior Cup Team who beat County Sligo in the Connacht final in Castle Dargan Golf Club last Sunday.
Well done to recent clubhouse winners. Last Friday’s Men’s Open was won by Niall McGrath on 39 pts. The winner of the Captain’s Cup was Frank Flanagan with 68 pts. Joan O’Gara was the winner of the recent ladies 18-hole competition with 43 pts and the McNulty’s Men’s 18-hole competition winner was Andrew Lawlor on 40 pts.
Open Week continues on the 6th of July. Booking via BRS Golf Tee Booking System. Come along and enjoy a round at Roscommon Golf Club.
Hurdle with 30, sponsored by JP McManus, both over 2m 4f.
The Frenchpark Maiden Hurdle has 56 entries, the SuperValu Ladies Day Novice hurdle has 12, the Re/Max Team Earley Handicap Hurdle has 52, and all three races are over 2m.
The penultimate race is the Roscommon Herald Handicap Hurdle, with an entry of 76, over 2m 7f and the 2m Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Pro/ Am Bumper, for lady riders,
brings racing to a close with 24 entered.
Racing News
In the Eclipse at Sandown, City Of Troy will attempt to join a select few – Mill Reef, Nashwan, Sea The Stars and Golden Horn – by adding this 1m 2f all-aged stakes to the Epsom Derby win.
The Derby winner is one of four trained by Aidan O’Brien and is a hot favourite to complete the double.
Athlone GAA launch annual Golf Classic
Athlone GAA Club is delighted to announce the launch of its annual Frank Starken Memorial Golf Classic which takes place in Athlone Golf Club on Friday, July 5th
The Golf Classic is one of Athlone GAA’s most important fundraising ventures every year and contributes significantly to funding the club’s activities, particularly in the underage sector.
Athlone GAA Club would like to thank all our sponsors, especially our main event sponsor Kilroy Tyre Depot, Diskin Centre, Golden Island.
The cost of entry for a team of four is €200 and this includes a post-round
meal. The Classic can also be supported by sponsoring a tee or a green for €100.
To enter a team or sponsor a tee or green, please contact Denis O’Sullivan at 086 854 2800, Mandy Ganly at 086 108 2162 or Matt Scally at 083 479 7191.
Pictured right, at the launch of the Athlone GAA Golf Classic recently were (l-r) Shane Allen, Billy Kilroy, Athlone GAA Senior football captain; Denis O’Sullivan, Golf Classic organiser; James Kilroy, Kilroy Tyre Depot (Golf Classic main sponsor); Seamus Kilroy; and Eimear O’Rourke, Athlone GAA Ladies Senior football captain.
His Luxembourg, Continuous and Hans Anderson, along with Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa, make up an Irish entry of five taken on by five British-trained horses.
Competition Corner
Winners of the tickets to Ladies Day at Roscommon next Monday are Laura Cook from Roscommon, Kay Condon from Fuerty and Elizabeth Kiernan from Drumlish. Hope you all enjoy Ladies Day at Lenebane.
Here is your second chance to win tickets for Kilbeggan on the 12th of July… we want to know what type of racing is held exclusively at Kilbeggan Racecourse, national hunt of flat?
Answers as usual please on a postcard to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 5 pm on Wednesday, July 10th
Do not forget to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries. Tickets can be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.
Roscommon Golf Club wins Connacht Senior Cup
Roscommon Golf Club men’s team won the Connacht final of the Senior Cup for the first time in 41 years in thrilling fashion at Castle
Dargan Golf Club on Sunday last as they defeated County Sligo 3-2 in a match that went down to the last putt on the last green.
On Saturday, Roscommon had qualified for the semi-finals as one of the top four teams in stroke play.
On Sunday morning, Roscommon defeated Galway GC 3-2 in another thrilling contest, with Fionn Hoare winning the crucial third game on the final green.
Then in the final against County Sligo, Fionn Hoare’s match was once again the crucial tie, as he prevailed in a tense struggle that went to the final green.
There were emotional scenes afterwards as the travelling band of supporters celebrated with the players and their families.
The Roscommon team was: Simon Walker, Cian O’Connor, David Hill, Fionn Hoare and Alan Connaughton. The reserves were Alan Hill and Mario Costello. The team manager is Johnny Walker, assisted by Brian Feeley. Roscommon will play in the All-Ireland semi-finals in Carlow at the end of August.
(News from local golf clubs)
Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from
by Tom Red
Galway-born Rossa Ryan celebrates his rst Irish Group 1 win aboard Bluestocking.
The Roscommon Golf Club Men’s team won the Connacht nal of the Senior Cup by defeating County Sligo in Castle Dargan last Sunday.
Kepak renew sponsorship of Athleague Hurling Club
Athleague Hurling Club are delighted to have Kepak Athleague on board again as the club’s main sponsor for the 2024 season.
Kepak have been the main sponsor for the hurling club for many years now, and also sponsor the Roscommon senior hurling championship.
Kepak is a global food company serving international retailers and food service household names with prime cuts of meat, on-trend food concepts and ready-for-market convenience foods. They have a long tradition of supporting local groups in the area.
Dramatic start to hurling race with flurry of late scores
A dramatic opening weekend in the Roscommon SHC saw a win for Roscommon Gaels against Oran and two draws in the other two games in a treble bill in Ballyforan.
In a high-scoring game between Padraig Pearses and Athleague, Robbie Fallon’s injurytime goal saved his side as the honours were shared. Final score: Athleague 3-12 Pearses 1-18. Pearses had led by 1-8 to 0-6 at half-time. Sean Canning netted a penalty midway through the half for a Pearses side that were dominant at that stage.
However, Athleague scored goals at crucial times and Cian Murray and Robbie Fallon strikes for three-pointers kept them in touch. Pearses still led by four going into injury-time. Then Ben McGahon pointed a ’65 and Fallon grabbed a late, late goal to tie up the scores.
Player Profile
Name: Aimee Burke Team: U-12s
Position: Mid eld
Three words that describe me: Kind, fun, sporty
Skill strength: Speed
Skill weakness:
Shooting o left foot
Favourite team: Liverpool
Favourite player: Mo Salah
Favourite Irish player: Katie McCabe
Best stadium in the world: An eld
Messi or Ronaldo or Neither: Messi
PlayStation or Xbox or neither: Neither
Favourite lm: The Hobbit, Cheaper by the Dozen
Favourite food: Ice cream
Favourite song:
Heaven by Niall Horan
Favourite book:
Code Name Bananas
What makes me happy: Playing sport
Person I admire the most: My Dad
Why I play soccer: Because it’s fun
Hopes for the season: To get to a nal and win!
Roscommon Gaels opened their campaign with a good win against Oran. It was a well contested game all the way through. It was Roscommon Gaels’ goalkeeper Brendan Quinn who was the hero as he converted two injury-time frees to give his side victory by two points, 0-16 to 0-14.
The Gaels led by 0-8 to 0-6 at half-time but there was controversy at the end of the game when Oran thought they had scored a goal from Cathal Kenny. However, after consultation with his umpires referee Francis Kelly deemed that the ball had actually gone over the crossbar and not under. Goalkeeper Quinn scored 0-6 from frees for the Gaels while Ryan Conlon scored 0-5. Paddy Fallon notched 0-11 (8 frees) for Oran.
In the third match it took a point from Conor Morris deep into injury-time to deny St Domi-
On the Pitch
nic’s a famous victory against Four Roads as the sides ended level, St Dominic’s 4-8 Four Roads 0-20.
The teams were also level at the break, 2-5 to 0-11, with Jack Lohan and Mickey Joe Egan hitting the net for St Dominic’s. Cathal Dolan was keeping Four Roads in the match with some super free-taking but Naos Connaughton was always a threat for Dominic’s and when he was fouled midway through the second half Mickey Joe Egan netted the resultant penalty at the second attempt.
Then Four Roads looked to have sealed it when they led by two points in injury-time. Next, Naos Connaughton’s goal looked like it would be the winning score for St Dominic’s but Morris kept a cool head to shoot the equaliser for the defending champions.
C’mon The Town
On Tuesday evening in the Sevens series, Town 1 U-12 boys played Strokestown and St John’s. Town 2 played Kilkerrin and St Cuan’s. Town 3 played Dysart and Glen Celtic.
On Wednesday evening, the U-12
girls played Lough Harps and Castlerea while our U-16 girls hosted Moore in the league.
On Thursday, our two U-16 boys teams are also in league action. Town 2 travel to Moore while Town 1 play Dunmore at home.
On Saturday evening, our U-18
Champs and ‘Cats’ for final?
Championship Watch SEAMUS DUKE
This weekend will see both All-Ireland senior hurling semi-finals take place and they should be two cracking games.
On Saturday, Clare face Kilkenny in a repeat of last year’s clash at the same stage. On that occasion Kilkenny blitzed the Banner and Brian Lohan will be doing everything he can to ensure that does not happen to his side again. There is no doubt that at their best Clare are probably the biggest threat to Limerick but Kilkenny like nothing more than reminding everyone of their pedigree. This could go all the way but it is hard to look beyond the Cats.
On Sunday, Limerick play Cork in a repeat of that thriller at Páirc Uí Chaoimh a few weeks ago which the Rebels won in such spectacular fashion.
There is no doubt that Cork had the measure of Limerick that night but the long-time champions have been awesome since then and despite a few injuries to vital players they should be good enough to win by four or five points and keep up their ‘Drive for Five’.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the football championship and that sensational win for Galway against Dublin last Saturday. The Dublin era had to come to an end some time and Galway were well worth their win. Their subs in particular were fantastic. They will need all their players fit for the clash with Donegal.
It also has to be said that except for the final 20 minutes of the Galway v Dublin game the football on offer last weekend was very hard to watch. Jim Gavin and his football review committee were never needed as much as they are at the moment because the game that we all love is now almost unwatchable.
The public are voting with their feet too. There were 96,000 people in Croke Park last weekend over the course of both days. It’s the smallest crowd at quarter-finals since they were introduced 23 years ago. Fundamental changes are needed to make the game more attractive – and those changes are needed very soon.
ground, feet slightly in front of goal-line
association with the
boys are at home to Castlerea while on Sunday evening, our U-18s girls welcome Shiven Rovers to Lisnamult. Best wishes to all teams – enjoy and educate.
Condolences
We express our condolences to John Hannon and family on the death of his brother, Junior. May he rest in peace.
TG4 Club Areina
Our boys and girls U-11 and U-12s players will participate in filming for the TG4 Club Areina series in Dublin next week.
This follows on from their visit to Roscommon in May where they filmed in Roscommon Community Sports Park. Well done to all involved and enjoy the experience.
Skill Zone – Goalkeeping
Neutral Stance: Hands at hips, nose over toes for balance, heels off
Head Shots: Thumbs together, eyes behind ball, fingers facing down slightly to divert ball downwards
Body Shots: Toes facing ball, hands together and open… ask for the money!
Leg Shots: Toes facing ball, wide stance, ball up the ramp – elbows and hands together
Diving: Elbow then shoulder, don’t dive on chest, control your other leg to allow you to get back up quickly
Shots – Close Range: Wide legs, chest over knees
Shots – Long Range: Narrow legs, chest slightly over knees to avoid falling back
Wise Words
Nothing will work unless you do –Maya Angelou
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Pictured is David Mannion of Kepak Athleague (second from left) presenting a cheque to Athleague Hurling Club chairperson JP Murray (second from right). Also pictured is David Murray (left) and Gary Fallon (right) of Athleague Hurling Club.
Pictured are the Roscommon People-sponsored Boys U-14 Town 1 Team.
SPORTS DESK
Paul Healy
Roscommon’s annus dimidium… (bear with me)
It strikes me that Roscommon manager Davy Burke must know how the late Queen of England felt… not words I ever expected to type (in that order).
In 1992, a weary Queen Elizabeth spoke of her annus horribilis… that being Latin for ‘horrible year’. (The events of that period had briefly sucked the joy from the monarch’s life).
Last weekend, Davy Burke experienced a version of the late Queen’s anguish, as Roscommon’s exit from the All-Ireland Football Championship was ruthlessly determined by an unforeseen ‘annus dimidium’.
Yes, I am officially declaring 2024 the year of Davy Burke’s – indeed Roscommon football’s – ‘annus dimidium’. That’s Latin for ‘horrible half’.
In even more emotive language, it was Heartbreak Half, or even the Half from Hell. Here’s some highlights, in case you missed what Davy himself called a ‘horror’ opening 35 minutes.
Two key Roscommon players forced to leave the action inside the first 15 minutes, due to injury.
Stage fright affects Roscommon forwards, with a number of poor wides kicked, and much worse, four or five tame scoring efforts dropped into the Armagh goalkeeper’s hands.
Admittedly having been forced to showcase their more conservative leanings because of Armagh’s tedious blanket defence set-up, Roscommon go 20 minutes before their first score.
Then as half-time approaches, the ultimate red warning light flashes when Ruaidhri Fallon is controversially sent off.
Had she been in the Hogan, the Queen would have been greatly unamused.
In the circumstances, it was almost miraculous that Roscommon, courtesy of two late scores, managed to escape from their annus dimidium a mere two points behind Armagh at half-time.
The loss of Ultan Harney and David Murray was a serious double blow. When Fallon received his marching orders, you could almost hear the energy seeping from the Roscommon supporters in Croke Park.
It meant three of Roscommon’s starting 15 would see no more action – and we still weren’t at the halfway point.
Those shots into the goalkeeper’s grateful embrace are deeply frustrating; in symbolic terms, akin to a gunslinger in the Wild West handing his pistol to the other guy, as opposed to the safer option of sending wayward bullets past him!
To their credit, Roscommon didn’t feel sorry for themselves. Indeed Burke has revealed that the mood in the dressing room at half-time was very positive. In such a defensive, cagey game, the loss of a player could be overcome. Roscommon were only two points down and hadn’t started playing. And Armagh were not superior to us, they were merely going about the task in hand more efficiently.
Within a couple of minutes of the restart, Roscommon were level. Game on. Except it wasn’t really. It didn’t help that Armagh sub Stefan Campbell was now an inspirational entrant into the battlefield. If the key moment of the first half had been Fallon’s early exit, a new game-changer revealed itself. With 18 minutes of this dour battle remaining, our fate was sealed. Roscommon messed up a short kick-out, and Armagh
forwards swooped like vultures at an unguarded street party. As Conor Turbitt bore in on goal, we watched our championship exit in slow motion, unable to press pause. When the goal almost mercifully came, it ended our chances on a day when Roscommon never found their rhythm. Even allowing for that imposing massed Armagh defence, our build-up play was often painfully slow. In the face of approaching defeat, Burke’s men were defiant, honest and committed to the end. What hurts is that there really was little or nothing between the sides. Brian Stack’s epic late point, following a solo run that belongs in the season’s highlights’ reel, reminded us to keep perspective: this was one of those days when lots of things go wrong, but this team can compete at the highest level going forward.
When the extinguishing of our hopes was complete, Armagh celebrated a 2-12 to 0-12 win. Davy Burke was philosophical, recognising the combination of self-destruction and lamentable bad luck he had witnessed… while managing to avoid succumbing to excessive self-pity.
The late Queen would have approved.
More musings on Croke Park loss
And so the 44-year wait is over… replaced by a 45-year wait.
Roscommon are still waiting to follow their win over Armagh in the 1980 All-Ireland semi-final with another championship victory at Croke Park. Last Saturday, our hopes of making an unlikely advance to this year’s semi-final were dashed by a combination of self-destruction and hard luck.
If Davy Burke bought the winning lotto ticket on Saturday morning, chances are it would have fluttered down Jones’ Road at some point, never to be seen again.
Losing one key player early into an All-Ireland quarter-final may be considered a misfortune; I won’t paraphrase Oscar Wilde to the point of suggesting that losing a second key player looks like carelessness, because that wouldn’t be fair. Of course losing a third key player – we’re now at 20% of the starting 15 – through a sending off,
while still in the first half, might indeed be categorised as carelessness.
Davy & Co really didn’t have much luck on Saturday, but it must also be said that Roscommon contributed to their own downfall. Back to paraphrasing Oscar Wilde: kicking a number of wides during a wretched first half may be considered a misfortune, but dropping four or five ‘shots’ into the goalkeeper’s arms is indeed carelessness.
Having played their way back into contention, Roscommon then gifted Armagh their second goal. I should of course say that Armagh also contributed to their victory! They were more direct, more clinical. Star sub Stefan Campbell was hugely influential in the second half. McCambridge took his goal with great aplomb. Most of all, Armagh were mean as hell; more of a marquee defence than a blanket one.
Anyways, bad day at the office and all that. Davy Burke ruefully spoke of first-half horrors. That (just about) gives me the green light to, tongue in cheek, describe this as an Armagh-geddon of sorts (I love a good pun). But it’s a fleeting Armaghgeddon; there will be another day of judgement next season (that’s a good thing).
Roscommon can take some positives from recent weeks. We can learn from last Saturday, and come back stronger in the New Year. One thing Davy Burke’s absolutely right about is that there’s very little between the top teams in the country. Armagh deserved to win on the day, but I’d fancy our chances against them if we were meeting again this weekend. Indeed Roscommon would have fancied their chances (to a point) if they were playing Galway last weekend… and look how brilliantly our neighbours did against Dublin.
My point quite simply is that we have developed to an extent where we are unquestionably able to compete with the best teams around.
As such, the ambition next year needs to be promotion to Division One, a deep championship run, and (in as much as the statistic matters) ending a certain 45-year wait.
What Ollie did next…
At the final whistle, after Galway had heroically
emptied themselves and turned the championship upside down, the Galway supporter in the seat in front of me in Croke Park slowly stood up. Wiping his brow as he turned around, our eyes met… but nothing was said.
He was emotionally wrecked. I was pretty stunned by what we had all just witnessed. Being a Galway supporter, he had a deep emotional bond with this moment of unexpected, beautiful triumph. As a neutral from the west, I was delighted for the Tribesmen.
I should have shook the Galway man’s hand, but it really was a split second. Neither of us spoke –perhaps we couldn’t – like thousands more in the stadium we just stood still for a moment, trying to process the sporting theatre that had gripped all present.
The man’s emotional expression was in sync with the passionate commentary of Ollie Turner on Galway Bay FM just moments earlier. That is appropriate, given that the man standing in front of me and sharing this brief moment of disbelief and wonder in complete silence was… Ollie Turner. Yes, I had the privilege of being seated right behind Ollie in the Croke Park press box as he embarked on that memorable, emotional and colourful piece of commentary that captured the closing seconds of Galway’s historic win over Dublin in that slightly partisan, wonderfully authentic way the best local radio commentators preserve such moments for posterity.
I quote below from the Galway Bay FM commentary, which has since gone viral: “It’s the greatest day that Galway football has seen in over two decades, and every man, woman and child stands to applaud Pádraic Joyce and his gallant Galway men. Sweet mother of Jesus they have pulled off the unthinkable.
Forget about Taylor Swift – shake it off in the Aviva and come over here to Croke Park because you’re witnessing the West awake”.
After that verbal masterclass, an exhausted Ollie took off his headphones, stood and turned. Suddenly, the words stopped and he began to slowly inhale it all.
At least I smiled at Ollie as he had his well deserved moment – but sweet mother of Jesus, I should have given him a warm handshake or even a hug!
Roscommon’s Ruaidhri Fallon is shown a red card for a second bookable o ence during last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter- nal against Armagh in Croke Park.
Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Lennon steps down as manager
Roscommon senior ladies football manager Ollie Lennon is stepping down from his role after three years at the helm.
His period in charge of the team has seen them, most recently, secure promotion to Division Two for next season along with making it to the Division Three final earlier this year.
Unfortunately the season came to an end when Roscommon lost out narrowly to Leitrim in last Sunday’s All-Ireland IFC quarter-final.
The Roscommon LGFA released a statement
on Monday, saying: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce Ollie Lennon’s decision to step down as Roscommon Ladies Intermediate Football manager after three years in charge, during which he led Roscommon to win the Connacht Intermediate Football Championship title in 2023 and the National Football League Division Three title in 2022.
“Roscommon LGFA wish to thank Ollie for his service, for the tireless work put in by him and his management team the last three years.
His work as a manager and an ambassador for the game went above and beyond.
“We wish Ollie and his management team the best of luck in all their future endeavours.
“Roscommon chairperson Declan Walsh thanked Ollie and his management team and wished them the very best of luck going forward”.
The Roscommon LGFA added that the process of discussing the appointment of a new manager is underway.
Roscommon exit All-Ireland race after derby thriller
Leitrim advance to semi-finals
TG4 All-Ireland Ladies IFC quarter-final
Leitrim 3-13 Roscommon 3-11
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There was heartbreak for the Roscommon ladies as Leitrim prevailed in a thrilling encounter in Ballinamore on Sunday to advance to the last four of the All-Ireland Intermediate Football Championship.
Roscommon produced an excellent performance on the day but Leitrim were just too strong in attack and that proved the difference in the end.
It was very evenly contested throughout and the sides were level at three points apiece after 12 minutes. Roscommon made the breakthrough on 19 minutes when Aisling Hanly scored a fine goal to give Ollie Lennon’s side the edge.
The home team hit back with three points on the spin and the sides were level again by the 25th minute. Then just before half-time Leitrim’s Muireann Devaney put her team in front thanks to a fine goal. At the break they led by 1-7 to 1-5.
Three points for the home side on the resumption saw them stretch the lead to five, but Roscommon were never out of contention.
Three points for Roscommon without reply, followed by another very well-taken goal from Aisling Hanly in the 37th minute, saw them regain the lead (2-8 to 1-10).
In this rollercoaster match, Leitrim hit the front again in the 43rd minute when Laura O’Dowd put the ball in
the back of the net after a fantastic initial save from Roscommon goalkeeper Helena Cummins. Roscommon were back in business in the 47th minute when Amy O’Connor scored an opportunist goal that was originally disputed by Leitrim, who thought the play had been stopped for a free. However, the score stood.
Three minutes later, a sweeping Leitrim move saw substitute Leah
Fox score another goal to edge the home team ahead again, 3-11 to 3-9. Roscommon’s Aisling Hanly then pointed to reduce the margin back to one. With only a couple of minutes left on the clock Leitrim hit two in a row from Michelle Guckian to go three clear, and with Roscommon only managing an Aimee O’Connor free late on in response, it wasn’t enough in the end. It was a heartbreaking
way for Roscommon to lose, but an excellent win for the home side. Best for Roscommon were Ellen Irwin, Aimee O’Connor, Aisling Hanly and sub Lauran Shanagher. After the match team Roscommon manager Ollie Lennon announced that he would be stepping down from his post after three years in the job and he thanked the players for their efforts on behalf of the county.
Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Aine
McGrath, Ellen Irwin, Aisling McAuliffe; Rachel Fitzmaurice, Saoirse Wynne, Judy McDermott (0-1); Caoimhe Cregg, Lisa O’Rourke; Laura Fleming (0-2, 1 free), Kate Nolan, Ella Thompson; Aisling Hanly (2-2), Aimee O’Connor (1-5, 5 frees), Niamh Feeney. Subs: Lauren Shanagher (0-1) for O’Rourke (34), Aisling Shanagher for Cregg (34), Aoife Gavin for Nolan (50), Shauna Fleming for McAuliffe (56), Megan McKeon for Irwin (62).
Roscommon’s Aisling Hanly puts the ball past Leitrim ‘keeper Michelle Monaghan for her first goal of last Sunday’s thrilling All-Ireland Ladies IFC quarter-final in Ballinamore. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Heartbreak at HQ
ARMAGH ADVANCE AS ROSSIES RUE NIGHTMARE FIRST HALF
All-Ireland SFC quarter-final
Armagh 2-12
Roscommon 0-12
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Roscommon’s championship season ended in disappointing fashion in Croke Park last Saturday when Armagh prevailed by six points in the first of the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals, and in truth the Orchard County looked the likely winners for most of the game.
However, it must be said that Roscommon missed a number of scoring chances, particularly in the first half with five wides recorded in that frustrating period and four more efforts kicked into the goalkeeper’s hands. It was a day to forget for the Roscommon attack which had performed so well against Cavan and Tyrone.
Overall it was an eminently forgettable game of football between two ultra-cautious teams who were determined not to surrender possession. As it turned out, Armagh were stronger up front and they got the vital scores when they needed them.
From a Roscommon point of view things couldn’t have gone much worse in the opening half. Inside the opening 15 minutes they lost two of their most experienced players, Davy Murray and Ultan Harney, to injuries. Then Ruaidhri Fallon was harshly sent to the line in first-half stoppage time (on a second yellow).
In addition, Daire Cregg, Diarmuid Murtagh and Donie Smith, who had terrorised the Tyrone defence just a week previously – kicking a collective 0-11 on that occasion – could manage only a single point between them on the day.
On a dull, overcast day, the tone of the game was set early on as both sides flooded their defence when they were out of possession. The ball went laterally and backwards as both teams were reluctant to commit to attack. There was only one point in the opening 15 minutes, a score from Armagh’s Conor Turbitt after just 25 seconds. It was a tough watch.
With Davy Murray and Ultan Harney already off the field, Armagh started to make inroads on the counter-attack as the game progressed. The Ulster side scored an opportunist goal in the 19th minute when defender Barry McCambridge played a one-two with Turbitt and blasted the ball past Conor Carroll, off the underside of the crossbar. The same player fisted the ball over nine minutes later, Armagh now 1-3 to 0-1 ahead. Conor Cox had been Roscommon’s only scorer up to that stage with a point from play in the 20th minute. Cox added a 30th minute free, and when Niall Higgins kicked a fine score in the 34th minute Roscommon were very much back in the game. Then, in first-half stoppage time, referee Martin McNally decided that Ruaidhri Fallon’s tackle on Rory Grugan merited a yellow card. Ten minutes earlier he had been booked for a tackle on Tiernan Kelly, and now he was off. It looked a
very harsh sanction from where I was sitting.
Conor Cox’s converted free on the call of half-time left only two points between the teams at the break, Armagh ahead by 1-3 to 0-4.
Roscommon hit the ground running on the resumption and two fine points from play from Eoin McCormack and Dylan Ruane levelled the scores. Unfortunate-
ly for Roscommon, that was as good as it was going to get. Armagh had brought on Stefan Campbell in attack and he and Oisin Conaty took over after that point and the Ulster side started to pull away.
‘Man of the match’ McCambridge, Conaty (2), and Campbell (2) all tacked on points for Armagh in the third quarter. Roscommon captain Brian Stack was inspirational for his side on the day,
but with a misfiring attack he was always fighting a losing battle. In the 52nd minute the killer blow was delivered by Conor Turbitt. Conor Carroll’s short kick-out to Niall Higgins was turned over and the Armagh forward took full advantage and drove home his side’s second goal. It was a matter of playing out time after that, with Armagh now set for the semi-finals.
There was still time for the magnificent Stack to score the point of the game after a lung-bursting run from the St Brigid’s man in the 64th minute. Points from Conaty (2) and Turbitt (a free) completed the Armagh scoring while Conor Cox’s late pointed free was of consolation value only. It was a pity for the big Roscommon following that the team could not follow up the superb attacking display that we had witnessed against Tyrone. But Armagh are not an easy side to play against.
For Roscommon, Brian Stack was superb all through and he looks back to his best form. Substitute Dylan Ruane also played well, as did Niall Higgins and Conor Cox, but many of Roscommon’s celebrated players just did not perform on the day.
Now the reality is that the next time we see the team in action will be in the FBD League in January. If Davy Burke is the manager at that stage – and he says he wants to stay – he will have to build again from Division Two. Hopefully a more direct playing style will be adopted with a view to paying dividends in the major league and championship games next season, especially given the attacking talent that is on the panel.
Teams & scorers
Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Peter McGrane, Aaron McKay, Paddy Burns; Barry McCambridge (1-2, 1 mark), Tiernan Kelly, Aidan Forker (0-1); Niall Grimley (0-1), Ben Crealey; Oisin Conaty (0-4), Rian O’Neill, Joe McElroy; Rory Grugan, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt (1-2, 0-1 free). Subs: Stefan Campbell (0-2) for McGrane (h/t), Oisin O’Neill for Rian O’Neill (50), Ross McQuillan for Forker (50-58, blood), Aidan Nugent for Grugan (55), Connaire Mackin for Crealey (64), Jason Duffy for Forker (70). Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Niall Higgins (0-1), Ruaidhri Fallon, David Murray; Eoin McCormack (0-1), Brian Stack (0-1), Robbie Dolan; Enda Smith, Shane Cunnane; Ronan Daly, Diarmuid Murtagh (0-1), Daire Cregg; Ultan Harney, Conor Cox (0-5, 4 frees), Donie Smith. Subs: Dylan Ruane (0-2) for Murray (7), Ciaran Lennon for Harney (15), Adam McDermott (0-1) for D Smith (55), Cathal Heneghan for Daly (61), Andy Glennon for Cunnane (67). Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan).
Stat Attack
Wides: Armagh 10 (6, first half); Roscommon 10 (5, first half)
Red cards: Armagh 0; Roscommon 1 (Ruaidhri Fallon, 35)
Armagh’s Andrew Murnin and Roscommon’s Ruaidhri Fallon in action during last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final in Croke Park.
Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
First half followed a
‘horror script’ – Burke
MANAGER CONFIRMS INTENTION TO STAY ON
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An exasperated Roscommon manager Davy Burke pointed to a first half during which nothing seemed to go right for his team when he reflected on the match afterwards.
“You couldn’t dream of more of a horror script in the first half, could you? David Murray and Ultan Harney gone after 15 minutes. David Murray is a Roscommon legend and he’s so central to our defence… losing him so early was a huge blow. Then Ruaidhri (Fallon) gone on a red just before half-time and (all that) on the back of three weeks in a row, and playing Armagh. It couldn’t have been much worse.
“Having said that, I was delighted to go in at half-time just two down. I thought we stuck in it well, and the red card was never going to make a difference in that type of cagey, defensive game. We were unbelievably relaxed at half-time to be honest”.
The Roscommon manager agreed that missed chances and poor shooting didn’t help his side’s cause.
“The balls into the goalie’s hands continued from the first half into the second half, didn’t it? Yeah, we had a
good day last week, (shooting) efficiency was very high, and it was very low today, very poor. In fairness to our forwards, they were very good all year, they just didn’t click today.
“Diarmuid (Murtagh), Daire (Cregg), Conor (Cox), missing 21-yard shots on the edge of the ‘D’ with no pressure on them, that’s nothing to do with Armagh. Is it the legs catching up on them, is it the intensity, the emotion? Whatever it was, it just didn’t go for them. But those three boys have been awesome for us this year”.
Burke also insisted that a couple of big decisions didn’t go their way.
“We got to six-all (1-3 to 0-6) and we got a terrible decision given against us. Blaine Hughes overcarried there on the endline, he took eight steps and we didn’t touch him and he gets a free out. That would have been one point up for us.
“The red card was no problem, but momentum was huge and if we go a point up there, Armagh aren’t used to winning these games either. But we didn’t get that decision. Armagh are like any of us, it’s hard to get over the line. Then their conditioning took over”.
Finally, the Roscommon manager confirmed that he wants to extend his term as team boss with the Rossies. I asked him was he happy to stay on next year.
“Oh yeah, absolutely. How could you not want to work with players like Brian Stack? What a performance from him today” he concluded.
Roscommon’s Daire Cregg in action during last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Armagh in Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Roscommon captain Brain Stack leaves the pitch devastated after Roscommon’s loss to Armagh in last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final in Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
