05 May 2023 Roscommon People

School’s Out(side)!

Library reopening is deferred

< DAN DOONER

There is disappointment in Ballaghaderreen this week following confirmation that the reopening of the local library has again been delayed. The new reopening date is now early next year.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane said the continued closure of the library is a great loss to the town.

“I know for many people the length of time it is taking to see it reopen is extremely frustrating. I share that frustration,” she said.

“I fully expected the library to reopen this summer as per the previous update I received from the Minister”. Consultants, who are providing

expert advice on works due to its status as a listed building, have identified issues with the heating system. This will now be upgraded to a more energy-efficient system along with insulation works also being carried out.

“It was deemed better given the age of the building to complete these works along with the other upgrade works now rather than later and (therefore) close the library again,”

Deputy Kerrane said.

The TD said that the updated reopening date is now the first quarter of 2024. She added that an alternative building in the town is being looked at with a view to providing a temporary library while works are ongoing.

Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon town received national recognition this week. See our special news feature on pages 16 & 17.

Pictured at Willow Outdoor Preschool last Friday is Lola Ellie Heneghan Jiménez, one of 22 children currently attending the innovative facility.

Pic: Kieran Croghan

Shock TV, Belgian Bullet… and GAA draw

Ah sure it was mad stuff altogether…

Huh?

Pushing. Shoving. Name-calling. Fullscale fights.

Which game were you at?

(Doesn’t listen) It could be brutal at times!

I remember one particular brawl which is now legendary…

Meath v Mayo in 1996?

Huh? What are you on about? As I was saying, it was the norm for big eruptions and flare-ups… it was very hard for the man in the middle to control it… Referees have a difficult job.

Huh?

SCAR INJURY

I was injured in a car accident last year. My friend was driving and he crashed the car, I was a passenger. I was not seriously injured but I have been left with a horrible scar on my face. Am I entitled to compensation to cover the cost of plastic surgery? I have no other injuries.

It is not uncommon for a person who suffers an injury in a road traffic accident or otherwise to be left with scar tissue which forms after the injury heals. If the scar is the result of an injury received due to the negligence of another, you should be entitled to compensation. Such scar injury cases are often complicated. Beyond the physical pain of corrective surgeries, a scar victim can also suffer emotional and mental trauma from the change in their appearance caused by a disfiguring scar. When considering the implications of a scar injury, the age of the scar victim, the severity of the scar, the permanency of the scar and the number of corrective surgeries needed must be kept in mind. Expert medical advice from plastic surgeons and other medical practitioners is essential. The costs of any specialist medical treatment required, together with other out-of-pocket expenses, will form part of the compensation claim.

Strict time limits apply in terms of initiating a legal action. For further advice, please feel free to contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Litigation Department for expert advice in the strictest confidence.

Endangered Species Thebarstoolboyos

But wasn’t your highest ever break fairly modest?

I’ll have you know it was a very well constructed 27!

Mmnn… devastating stuff. What a win for Luca Brecel, the new champion! His style is something else!

‘Luca snooka’ they’re calling it! Like I say, I’m now going to pick up the cue again! I think I can emulate his style!

For God’s sake, your highest break was 27!

Yeah, but the Belgian Bullet has inspired me…

You’re more likely to fire blanks!

If you were involved in a cycling accident contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

The guy in the middle…

I’m on about the regular disputes that broke out…

Yeah, I take it you were at a particularly stormy GAA game at the weekend…

No, I’m talking about the Jerry Springer Show! The great days of talk TV!

Oh I see… TRASH TALK TV! And Jerry was the man in the middle… I get it! Finally, you get it! Anyways, I was sorry to see that Jerry left us the other day. Called to his eternal reward. What a legend!

Meath v Mayo, ya eejit!

Well, I wasn’t sure… Jerry was some boyo, sure enough. Those shows were eye-openers!

May the King of ‘Shock TV’ rest in peace.

(They pause to consider watching Jerry

Springer clips on YouTube, but decide it’s too early in the day)

So you reckon you’re gonna take up snooker again?

Yes, I’ve been inspired by the new breed of attacking players who made this year’s World Championships so enjoyable!

(They pause to watch the draw for the AllIreland SFC group stages)

So we’ll be playing Dublin, Sligo and Kildare?

Or Louth, Sligo and Kildare. Actually, it could be Dublin, Galway and Kildare. Or even Louth, Galway and Kildare.

Okay, so that’s pretty clear!

I’ve just realised, whatever about the outcome of the Leinster and Connacht finals, there’s one definite novel pairing… Davy Burke will be trying to take out his native county, Kildare!

Yeah! Forget the Belgian Bullet, hopefully the Burke Bullet is about to fire again!

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

Fans of hurling, with some exciting fare as Clare stunned All-Ireland champions Limerick, Cork emphatically defeated Waterford, and Galway and Kilkenny produced a gripping encounter which ended in a draw

Luca Brecel, this after the fearless Belgian player stormed to a sensational win in the World Snooker Championship, defeating four-time champion Mark Selby to become the first snooker world champion from mainland Europe

The Dalkey Book Festival and its fans, with the news that Hollywood legend Tom Hanks will be the star attraction (sorry Bono) when the event takes place next month

Relentless Manchester City, with victory over fellow title hopefuls Arsenal enhancing Pep Guardiola’s team’s prospects of winning a third Premier League title in a row

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

Fianna Fáil junior Minister Niall Collins, this after the Limerick TD was embroiled in a controversy over the sale of Council-owned land to his wife back in 2008

The French government, this as the campaign against President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reforms intensified, with reports of up to two million people protesting in May Day demonstrations across the country, leading to injuries to over 100 police officers

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

PIC OF THE WEEK: Chloe Mannion pictured with staff member Emma Kearney planting some peas at the Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Library to host

‘Roscommon in the New State’ seminar

Roscommon County Library is hosting a one-day seminar entitled ‘Roscommon in the New State’, on Saturday, May 13th

The seminar will focus on aspects of the Civil War in County Roscommon and the county’s involvement in the foundational years of the new Irish State.

Following an introduction an 10 am, Dr John Burke, a native of Athlone and author of ‘Roscommon: The Irish Revolution (2021)’, will deliver the first talk at 10.30 am, which will look at the military, political and social dimensions of the Civil War in County Roscommon.

Animated film on Roscommon’s Lady Betty for RTE 2 airing

Features Colm Meaney

After screening at over 35 festivals around the world, a short, animated film on Roscommon legend Lady Betty will be broadcast on Monday, the 8th of May at 12.20 am on RTE 2 and the RTE player.

‘Lady Betty’ is an animated short film telling the tale of Roscommon Gaol’s only female executioner. Narrated by a

bickering pair of friends, Paddy (Colm Meaney) and Mick (David Pearse), this comedy/horror follows the story of Betty from her aching poverty, to her murder of her son and finally to her last years as hangwoman of the Old Gaol.

The film’s story writer, Lorraine Harton, came across the mysterious character of Lady Betty while researching little-known female historical figures

in Ireland, and consulted with John Kerrigan of the Roscommon Town Heritage group to find out about all her wild and contradicting stories.

‘Lady Betty’ was produced by Dublin-based production company Whackala. It was funded by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and RTÉ, under their Frameworks animation scheme, previous recipients of which include the Oscar nominated ‘Late

Afternoon’. It was directed by Paul McGrath, produced by Leticia Agudo and the screenplay was by Bobby Moloney. After premiering at the Galway Film Fleadh in July 2021, Lady Betty has travelled the world, from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro to Melbourne, winning awards at home and abroad. It has also been nominated for Best Short at the Irish Animation Awards.

At 11.45 am, Dr Martin O’Donoghue, a Galwegian teaching at the University of Sheffield, will talk about the life and career of controversial Roscommon TD Frank MacDermot, and his contribution to the Irish Free State.

Following a lunch break at 1 pm, there will be a well-illustrated presentation by military historian and musician Damien Quinn at 2 pm, who will ask ‘What did the Civil War actually achieve?’, before the event is concluded at 3.30-4 pm.

Light refreshments will be served as part of the event. Attendance is free, but places are limited, so booking is essential. To book your free place, simply go to bit.ly/ DofC2023.

Award-winning Irish law firm to join the four-day working week

One of the Midlands’ oldest and most respected law firms, Tormeys Solicitors LLP, are the first law firm in Ireland to sign up for and participate in the four-day week global pilot programme and has now commenced the European Pilot.

By joining the programme, Tormeys Solicitors have agreed to reduce all staff working hours by one full day per week whilst ensuring staff receive the same contractual rights including full pay and full statutory holiday entitlements as they were entitled to when working five days per week.

When discussing the pilot, Managing Partner Tony Henry commented: “We felt that with increased pressures on people in all areas of their life, ensuring staffs wellbeing and work-life balance is the greatest gift we and any employer can give to their hard-working and dedicated team”. In signing up for the pilot, the firm’s main goals are to provide all staff with better job satisfaction whilst increasing productivity, enhancing staffs wellbeing and ultimately ensuring a better work/life balance by providing staff with a fully paid ‘quality/family day’ every week while simultaneously maintaining productivity levels, company growth and the high quality customer service which has made Tormeys Solicitors one of the largest and most successful solicitors’ firms in the Midlands.

Preparation work began in the summer of 2022 when the firm conducted preliminary investigations into the programme by sourcing and studying all relevant documentation and case studies from similar programmes in America, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and South Africa and thereafter attending various workshops collecting relevant data and information before ultimately signing up and joining the European Pilot Programme which began at the beginning of February this year.

Upon implementation of the four-day week, the company will apply the ‘10080-100 model’ which will ensure all employees receive 100% of their pay for 80% working hours while achieving 100% productivity for the company.

During the 6-month pilot programme staff are invited to complete questionnaires before, during and after the programme where the confidential data is collated and examined by experts at Boston University and the results are then provided to the staff.

To date, the project has been a success and has received 100% buy-in from the entire company, with staff member Katrina Dowd commenting that “I get to spend more quality time with my children”. The intention is to make it permanent for all employees upon successful completion of the trial.

From left to right: Mark McCauley, Legal Costs Accountant; Clodagh Shine, Partner; Rachel Scanlon, Solicitor; and Lucy Boyle, Partner.

Plan Your Future 2023

South Connacht Citizens Information Service Webinar Series For Individuals, Families

South Connacht Citizens Information Service (SCCIS), provides an independent, non-judgemental, and confidential information, advice/assistance and advocacy service to the public. In 2022, the service responded to over 56,000 queries regionally via phone, email and face-to-face consultations.

The service also delivers, in response to public needs, a community education programme. The programme is delivered both face

and Communities – May 2023

to face in a community setting and also online.

This year South Connacht CIS will be delivering a series of free on line information events in May with a focus on wills and inheritance and the Nursing Home Support Scheme (‘Fair Deal’).

With all the changes in the recent Budget, new laws in relation to inheritance, and significant changes in the “Fair Deal” scheme, some of which directly affect older people and members

of the Farming community, it is more important than ever for the public to get accurate and up to date information on their rights and entitlements. With this in mind the webinar series, each lasting approximately an hour and a half, will cover the following topics:-

• Wills and Inheritance –Tuesday 9th May 7.00pm

• Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) – Wednesday 10th May 7.00pm

Richard Regan, Development Manager of Roscommon CIS stated:

‘This series of events is a great opportunity to demystify the often complex area of wills and inheritance and to give greater clarity to the public on their entitlement to the ‘Fair Deal’ Scheme. The events will provide an opportunity for people to engage with experts on these topics, and ample time will be allocated for questions at each session.’

Anne O’Carroll, from Cascade Training Consultancy will be delivering the webinar on Wills and Inheritance.

Commenting on the webinar topic Anne said: “During my presentation I’ll be discussing what you need to consider when making a will and the laws on inheritance. Making a will saves time, money and hassle after your death and of course it won’t kill you!’

Ultan Hynes, Head of Services for Nursing Home Support Scheme for the HSE, who will also be presenting stated ‘I am delighted to be working with South Connacht Citizens Information Service and to have the opportunity to update the public directly on the recent changes to the Nursing Home Support Scheme ‘Fair Deal’, particularly for changes relating to Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act. I look forward to addressing any questions or concerns which people have.’

Funded by the Citizens Information Board, CIS provide

a free, impartial and confidential information and advice service to the public on a wide range of areas including social welfare rights and entitlements, employment rights, health services, housing, education, family matters and consumer rights.

CIS also provide in-depth assistance and advocacy support to people dealing with more complicated issues. The service works with all members of the public including pensioners, people with disabilities, migrants, refugees, lone parents, the Travelling Community, prisoners, people who are geographically isolated and those who do not have access to digital resources.

South Connacht CIS, Plan Your Future 2023 webinar series, is part of our annual community education programme. Admission is free and anyone interested in attending can register on Eventbrite https://sccis.eventbrite.ie/ or call (0818) 07 6360.

For anyone needing impartial, confidential, non-judgemental and informed advice and support the CIS is here to help there are many ways to access our services. Our website www.citizensinformation.ie is packed full of helpful information.

You can contact your local Citizens Information Service (Roscommon CIS) on 0818 07 6360 or email roscommon@citinfo.ie We are available from Monday to Friday and our services are free and confidential.

Alternatively, people can call the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm

We are here to support you, our drop in hours are:

We are here to support you, our drop in hours are:

Roscommon Citizens Centre, Unit 9, 1st Floor, Tower Block B, West Business Park, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, F42 TD 98. – Tel: 0818 07 6360

Roscommon Citizens Centre, Unit 9, 1st Floor, Tower Block B, West Business Park, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, F42 TD 98. – Tel: 0818 07 6360

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

10am-1pm 10am-1pm 10am-1pm 10am-1pm 10am-1pm 2pm-5pm

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY

Jerry Springer

Readers of a certain age will remember Jerry Springer, host of a notorious TV sleaze-fest which became a worldwide phenomenon (er, shame on us all).

They won’t admit it, but even culture snobs were familiar with the Jerry Springer show during its peak years. The star died today, at the age of 79. When it first erupted on to our screens, his bizarre show really did change TV. A precursor to the modern reality television age, the Jerry Springer show guaranteed drama, with dysfunctional, warring families/partners airing their grievances, the verbal arguments inevitably morphing into physical confrontations.

It was trash TV, raucous and wild, with flying chairs, ham-fisted fights and bellowing audiences. Springer excelled as ‘ringmaster’ in a circus that became a cultural phenomenon.

Fans argued that his show was harmless escapism – entertainment – but there was also a sad and exploitative side to it.

The politician-turned-presenter became world famous, and regularly appeared on chat shows in Ireland and the UK, on which occasions he was charming and self-deprecating.

Browsing the obituaries, I particularly liked this quote from Springer: “I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a comfortable measure of success in my various careers, but let’s be honest, I’ve been virtually everything you can’t respect: a lawyer, a mayor, a major-market news anchor and a talk show host. Pray for me. If I get to Heaven, we’re all going”.

FRIDAY

Radio daze

On Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder, they were having one of those proneto-be-smug reviews of the week that the national stations love to do on a Friday. This afternoon’s chosen ones were chatting about how, in today’s digital age/fast-moving world, we find it hard to concentrate on one thing for

very long, and generally have everdecreasing attention spans. At least I think it was something like that…

SATURDAY/SUNDAY Happy event…

By far the best moment of our week (and year) came overnight with the birth of our first grandchild, a beautiful baby boy, born to our eldest daughter Emma, and her partner Coman.

Fiona and I could not be more proud. We welcome baby Donal and look forward to him making his own imprint on this world. Congratulations, Emma and Coman. As ever, the staff in Portiuncula Hospital were wonderful.

(Now I’m off to shop for slippers)…

MONDAY

Still snooker loopy

I’m very confident that it’s not a trick of the mind when I proclaim that we

don’t watch the snooker to the extent that we did in the 1980s and ‘90s.

It was a golden age then, the game brimming with wonderful characters. Ironically, the standard is significantly higher now. And while TV viewing figures in the UK and Ireland have fallen – relative to that golden era – the sport has actually grown in popularity in terms of its global spread, particularly in Asia.

We may not be watching the way we did in the glory days of Alex Higgins and others, but I became engrossed in this year’s World Championships over the past fortnight.

Arriving in Sheffield as world number 80, China’s 20-year-old Si Jiahui was an unknown, but he electrified the Crucible Theatre, defeating Shaun Murphy on his way to the semi-finals, where he stormed 14-5 ahead against another brilliant attacking player, Luca Brecel. Remarkably, the fearless Belgian overturned that deficit to reach the final against tough-as-nails Mark Selby.

Tonight, an exciting final ended with Brecel becoming the first world snooker champion from mainland Europe. As always, the BBC’s magnificent coverage was flawlessly led by the superb Hazel Irvine. Savouring the last session of the world snooker in the intimate atmosphere of the Crucible is one of life’s joys!

TUESDAY

Joe v Donald?

On the eve of former President Trump’s visit to County Clare, I find myself in agreement with a guest on ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ the other night, who made the obvious observation: Why are the American people likely to be given a choice (for next president) between Trump and 80-year-old incumbent, Joe Biden?

I’m not being ageist; Biden is arguably too weak to serve another four-year term. Like the guest on the Bill Ma-

her Show, I’m at a loss as to why the Republicans and Democrats cannot source better candidates.

WEDNESDAY Sam and Jurgen…

Wherever you are in the world today, and particularly if you’re interested in the English Premier League, perhaps spare a thought for Leeds United fans, of whom I am one.

Following a dismal run on and off the pitch, supporters of the club –currently on course to be relegated –aren’t sure if they’re dreaming, in the middle of a nightmare, or worse still, experiencing reality.

Now they’re dispensing with managers on a scale not seen since Boris Johnson and Liz Truss were both turfed out of Downing Street.

The latest would-be messiah is our old friend, Sam Allardyce, appointed as Leeds manager today. Big Sam has been tempted to return to football because he loves a challenge, well, that and the fact that Leeds are reportedly paying him £500,000 for the period of the remaining four games of the season, with a further £2.5 million bonus (allegedly) should he keep Leeds in the Premier League! Unfortunately, the would-be ‘Great Escape’ begins with a fixture against Manchester City (on Saturday).

Meanwhile, and at the risk of irking local Liverpool fans, I find myself agreeing with calls for their manager, Jurgen Klopp, to be taken to task over his increasingly unacceptable touchline antics. He’s not the only offender – Antonio Conte, José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola spring to mind – while Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is particularly fond of the histrionics.

Klopp’s a big character, who has been great for Liverpool. But his goading of fourth official John Brooks after his team’s dramatic late winner against Spurs last weekend was unpleasant, unfair, and unsporting. When he behaves in such a disrespectful way, Klopp is letting himself down in the eyes of many football fans who respect what he has achieved in the game.

ATU Sligo and St. Angela’s host joint Open Day on 6

ATU Sligo and St. Angela’s will welcome pro spective students and their families to Sligo on Saturday, 6th of May (10 am-1 pm). Open Days are an excellent opportunity to discover all that ATU Sligo and St. Angela’s have to offer as a thirdlevel university destination in the north-west. The event is perfectly timed to allow for students who are considering their CAO options with the change of mind facility open from the 5th of May to 1st of July.

A free bus service will operate between both campuses on the day to allow visitors the oppor tunity to talk with academics, current students and the student support teams from across ATU Sligo and St. Angela’s. Visitors will get to see first-hand the campus facilities through a mixture of interac tive workshops, demonstrations and campus tours. A second bus will tour the purpose-built student villages which surround the ATU Sligo campus throughout the event to give applicants a sense of the many options available to stay in Sligo.

A Sligo Discount Sheet for Open Day attendees will allow a discount of up to 15% at various coffee shops, restaurants and clothes shops in Sligo, Strandhill and Rosses Point. Sligo County Council are also providing free car parking vouchers, ensuring Open Day attendees can fully explore all that Sligo has to offer.

St. Angela’s and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) are now at the advanced stage of an incorporation process and as recently announced

by Minister Simon Harris TD, a significant capital investment will mean an enhanced student experience for those considering joining one of Ireland’s largest universities.

With a total of nine campuses, Atlantic Technological University delivers a rich combination of academic and research excellence, quality of life and opportunity across Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo.

Visit atu.ie/opendays to register and for more information.

Donegal (Letterkenny Campus)

Thu. 4th May 4-7pm

Sligo (Both Sligo & St Angela’s Campus)

Sat. 6th May 10am–1pm

Mayo (Castlebar Campus)

Thu. 11th May 4-6pm

atu.ie/openday

Increased demand for cemetery grants

Last week’s meeting of Roscommon County Council heard that there had been 94 applications for funding under this year’s Cemetery Improvement and Maintenance Scheme with a total of €275,000 sought – four times the €65,000 that is currently available under the scheme.

Director of Services Greg O’Donnell told members that each applicant received grants ranging from €200 up to €1,900 depending on the group’s size and levels of activity.

Cllr. John Keogh questioned whether applications had risen

compared to previous years while adding that costs had invariably increased for groups. Cllr. Valerie Byrne proposed increasing the scheme’s fund by €10,000, saying the county’s graveyard committees were “value for money” much like local TidyTowns groups.

Local men hike for Concern in The Burren

Two Roscommon men joined a group of retired air traffic controllers from Shannon to take part in the Cahir Valley Loop Walk in aid of Concern recently.

John Hunt and John Doorly completed the 14km hike, which climbs to 308 metres from Fanore Beach, in order to raise much-needed funds for those affected by February’s earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The impact of this catastrophe is still ongoing and funds are badly needed in an effort to alleviate the pain and suffering of so many.

Commenting on the climb, which took place last month, John Hunt said: “The hike itself was exhilarating even if the weather was wet and windy. We encountered some squalls and occasionally had crosswinds of at least 63mph.

“However, the beauty of The Burren combined with the views of the majestic Atlantic and the Aran Islands made the hike most enjoyable”.

Donations to the Concern fundraiser may be made directly via the following link: https://turkey-syria-earthquake-emergency-appeal.concern.net/john-hunt

John Hunt and John Doorly joined a group of retired air traffic controllers from Shannon to take part in the Cahir Valley Loop Walk in aid of Concern recently.

087 1473233

Minister to address Chief Fire Officers event today

For the third time in its sixtyfour year history, Roscommon is hosting the Chief Fire Officers Conference. The event began on Wednesday, May 3rd in Kilronan Castle and continues today, May 4th, featuring an impressive line-up of speakers and exhibitors, offering advice and best practice on the future delivery of fire

services. The technical theme of the 2023 Chief Fire Officers Annual Conference is ‘Enabling a Sustainable Fire Service –Steadfast, Skilled & Compassionate’.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien will address the concluding session of the conference. Minister Darragh O’Brien

Sean Doyle Windows celebrates 44 years of excellence and showcases bespoke products at Selfbuild Live Dublin

Since 1979, Sean Doyle Windows has been the leading manufacturer of customised windows and doors in Ireland, with a dedication to producing outstanding quality and over four decades of expertise. As a family-run business, they offer a comprehensive range of services, from design and manufacturing to installation, ensuring that all your requirements are met under one roof.

Their extensive range of products includes Aluminium, Alu-Clad, Hardwood, Glass to Glass, and sash windows in PVC sliding sash and hardwood sash, as well as an extensive range of uPVC windows. They also offer composite, hardwood, and lift and slide patio doors, available in a range of materials, from PVC to Aluminium, Alu Clad, Hardwood, and Timber. No matter your style preferences, Sean Doyle Windows ensures that there is a complete range of styles available to suit all properties, from classic to contemporary.

As the company celebrates its 44th anniversary, they are thrilled to announce their presence at the Selfbuild Live Dublin at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena Blanchardstown, Dublin. This event promises to be the ultimate showcase for anyone building, extending, improving, or decorating their home.

Visit Sean Doyle Windows at stand J2 to see a selection of their bespoke products and meet the team. If you’re unable to attend the event, you can also visit their Roscommon or Dublin showroom, open six days a week including Saturdays, or call 090-6626753 to arrange a visit.

For a limited time, you can also receive FREE tickets to the Selfbuild Live Dublin Show by visiting www.seandoylewindows.com or call the office. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the exceptional quality and bespoke service that Sean Doyle Windows has to offer.

Frame your views to perfection with Sean Doyle Windows.

The Roscommon County Ploughing Championships which were held on the McDermott family farm in Hollywell, Derrane last Sunday was a wonderful family day out. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Jessica Connolly, Aisling Gormley and Sophie Gormley pictured at the Roscommon County Ploughing Championships which took place in Hollywell, Derrane last Sunday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

John Concannon, Shauna Fahy and Croía Concannon pictured at the Roscommon County Ploughing Championships which took place in Hollywell, Derrane last Sunday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK

BRANDON’S

unique take on life

...

Timeless: Meeting old friends in sunny Spain (including Columbo, Ali and their watches!)

While the rest of us were nervously preparing to go to Hyde Park for the recent big Roscommon-Galway clash, our man Frank – no doubt quietly confident of maroon success – calmly took to the skies with his wife Carol and soaked up the sun in Spain. Here’s how that went…

It’s Sunday afternoon week, and as the footballers of Galway and Roscommon take to the field in the Hyde in Roscommon, Carol and myself are airborne over the seas en route to a few days of a break in sunny Spain. Exactly what I need a break from I’m not sure, but anyway we hop (in my case literally) onto a Ryanair flight in Dublin Airport, and at about the same time as the ref blows the final whistle in the Hyde, we are touching down in the new Murcia International Airport.

For many years, planes going to Murcia used what was effectively a military airport which always reminded us of Knock, being small and compact and very easy to get through. Thankfully the new airport is the same. Comparing it to Alicante – the other airport that serves the Costa Blanca region – is like comparing chalk and cheese. We were gone through in a matter of minutes. One of the many free local papers that are to be found around the place effectively revealed the reason why. Apparently in the month of March, just over 1.1 million passengers passed through Alicante Airport, while in the same period less than 40,000 went through Murcia.

As always, the first thing that hit us was the heat. When we left Dublin it was a very chilly 9 degrees (can’t find the degree symbol on my phone) while we landed into around the mid to high 20s. At time of writing we are now here five days or so, and the good news is we have had unbroken sunshine. Indeed Spain is having the hottest April on record, with consistently high temperatures.

Columbo and Ali

We have been coming to Cabo Roig for a good few years now,

and while some things obviously change, fundamentally the place is still the same. It’s a typical seaside resort, where people enjoy themselves without any of the loutish behaviour that can spoil some of our own popular Irish hotspots. There are a couple of beautiful beaches within easy walking distance of everywhere. For the more energetic and fitter people (of whom I am not one) there are amazingly beautiful seaside walks where, I am reliably informed, the scenery is breathtaking. If you are so inclined, you can walk for miles.

Then there is the renowned Cabo Roig Strip, where there are plenty of bars and restaurants, and where you are liable to meet as many people you know as you would at home in Creggs, and where the street vendors are constantly selling their wares (providing the police don’t pay them an unexpected visit). On any given night you can pick up a totally ‘genuine’ Rolex, Armani or even Rado watch for €10 to €15 – and if you are into handbags, you can fly home with a Prada or a Louis Vuitton designer bag for about the same price.

Now I am not sure if the 24-hour guarantee is applicable back home,

but our good friends Columbo and his nephew Ali always tell us there is a guarantee with all their jewellery. Since we started coming to this part of Spain nearly 20 years ago, we have dealt with Columbo and Ali. Columbo, in particular, is a legend in and around the strip. A Moroccan national, he seems to know everyone by their name, has learnt a few words of Irish over the years, and always has a welcome for every returning holiday-maker. Everyone that comes here seems to know him. So successful have himself and Ali been at selling their watches, I could nearly open a jewellery shop myself, given all the purchases I’ve made from them over the years. How long of a guarantee I could give is a bit uncertain, but watch out (forgive the awful pun) for news of a new jewellery shop about to be launched in Creggs.

Local hosteleries

The strip is also famous for its many bars and restaurants, although restaurants, in particular, seem to come and go, and a few of our favourite eating haunts – like Beef or Salmon, Panache, and the

outrageously good value Wok – are no more. However, everything is replaceable, and one thing for sure is you won’t go hungry!

There are establishments all along the strip to suit all tastes and budgets, but for us, if you like your traditional fish and chips it’s hard to beat the old Orange Tree, or the Kliv Inn as it’s now known. There are Asian, Indian, Chinese and Italian restaurants as well as places like YOLO, Manuela’s, and an Argentinian steakhouse, as well as KFC and two or three regular chippers. Occasionally we eat at home. There are two big supermarkets within walking distance of the house we are staying in. The bigger of the two, Consum, has everything one could want, and at a decent price.

As for the pub scene, I am a creature of habit and despite several new Irish pubs opening I seem to stick with just three – the Cabo Roig Inn, O’Riordan’s, and McCafferty’s. For many years the latter was the Olde Bog Road – owned by the O’Shea family – and the undoubted number one pub in the area. It is now part of a huge Irish success story. Owned by Declan McCafferty, who has pubs all over the world, it still maintains a lot of the characteristics that made

‘the Bog’ what it was. With music every night, this venue is still a huge attraction for Irish holidaymakers.

Old friends

The other night, while enjoying a quiet pint, we ran into one of the original owners, Paul O’Shea, whom we have known since 2005, and who, along with his sister Caoimhe, is now running the famous Paddy’s Point pub in La Zenia for Roscommon man, Rory Lee. We reminisced about the many great nights we had in the Olde Bog Road.

As ever, there are loads of Irish out here. We ran into two exCorinthian teammates from the 1970s (mine, not Carol’s), namely Jarleth O’Connell and Pat Considine, and their respective wives, Grainne and Lily. We also met up again with long-time residents here, Offaly natives Dermot and Monica Moore (and dog Penny) of the El Faro bar and restaurant. At time of writing we still have five or six days to go, but so far the weather has just been marvellous, and although we set a much more leisurely pace for ourselves now, we are thoroughly enjoying the break. If you would like a beautiful, peaceful seaside resort to visit, then get out here to Cabo Roig, tell them I sent you, and you will love the experience.

And finally…

Last Saturday night we were lucky enough to get to see the wonderful hurling game between Clare and Limerick, which Clare won. We watched it in the Cabo Roig Inn, a lovely pub that is run by another member of the O’Shea family, Gerard.

We would not have been there at all only we had to take shelter from a big thunderstorm which was accompanied by torrential rain. One thing we have learned over the years is that there is very little rain in Spain, but when it comes it does so in style. In a matter of minutes, the road was like a fast-flowing river.

When the hurling was over, and properly analysed by ourselves and Dermot Moore and Gerard O’Shea (and a few others), all was back to normal and we walked home on a beautiful, moonlit night. By the time you get to read this (if you do), we will hopefully be back in Creggs – and Cabo Roig will be just a lovely memory!

Cabo Roig

Lecture on Castlestrange Stone on Tuesday

A meeting of the County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society will take place at 8 pm on Tuesday, May 9th in the Cruachain Ai Centre. Folllowing at 8.30 pm an illustrated lecture on the Castlestrange Stone and related monuments will be given by Joe Fenwick of the School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies of Univ. College, Galway.

As Archaeological Research Officer he specialises in the area of field research, scientific survey techniques and GIS with a particular interest in

Now

late prehistoric ‘royal’ sites. He is at present in the operational group advising the Farming Rathcroghan Project.

Joe is an extensively published author, with many of his published works concentrated on his research at Tara and Knowth and Brugh na Boinne. His two most recent publications are his books on Rathra (2021) and Stranger things at Castlestrange (2022).

All are welcome to attend. Admission for nonmembers is €5.

€3,088 FOR SOMALIA FAMINE FUND…

Recently the proceeds of a Variety Concert for Somalia were presented. Picture shows Michael Dolan, Pat Pierse, Vincent Pierse and Marion Dolan with the cheque for €3,088, raised by the recent Variety Concert for Somalia. The funds, donated via Concern, will be transferred directly to the Somalia Famine Fund. The committee wish to thank all the people who performed in the concert for giving their time and talent to the cause, as well as everyone who supported the concert and gave donations.

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

It’s about time we put legislation in place to protect our most vulnerable

Last week, the government announced what was a historic and progressive rights-based piece of legislation which not only replaces the antiquated wards of court system, it also ensures that those experiencing ‘diminished capacity’ will be supported in such a way they can retain control over their own decision-making. To which I say, not a minute before time.

The Decision Support Service (DSS) will employ the progressive provisions of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act, and, as of last week (26th of April to be precise), has been accepting applications for ‘decision support arrangements’.

That’s all very well, but what exactly does all of the above mean?

Rather than being made wards of court – something which happened to anyone deemed unable to look after their own affairs under the horribly named Lunacy Regulations Act (1871) – this new Decision Making Act gives every citizen the right to have their own say in the way in which they are cared for.

The launch of this Act means that our nation is finally being dragged out of what was an archaic and mainly heavily paternalistic approach regarding legal interventions when it came to our senior citizens, our vulnerable, or those who require assistance when going about their day to day lives. In short, up until now (in my opinion anyway), our nation has effectively been disrespecting and disregarding the rights of those who have what is deemed to be a ‘diminished mental capacity’ – decreasing not only a person’s sense of self-worth, but also their self-trust, self-esteem and self-confidence.

https://www.stpatricks.ie/media-centre/blogs-articles/2022/november/assisted-decision-making-capacity-act

Prior to last week, (as far as I understand), there was effectively no legislative framework in place in this country to govern how a decision about care and treatment should be made for human beings who lacked a capacity to make choices and decisions for themselves. But here’s the interesting thing, readers…legislation was (still is) in place to recognise the ‘absolute right’ in a ‘competent’ individual to refuse medical treatment ‘even if it leads to death’. What this basically means, (as far as I can interpret it) is that prior to April 26th, instead of there being one law for all – and no exceptions – there was, let’s say, classifications, which, in my opinion, oppressed

and posed grave difficulties for certain members of our society.

I was absolutely sickened to read that, during the two years of the pandemic, the number of seniors over the age of 65 being referred to the HSE’s national safeguarding initiative for both financial and psychological abuse rose considerably. Those who reported the abuse (and thank God for these people) cited many of the abusers as coming from these individuals’ own loved ones and family members, with 2,560 cases reported in 2022 compared to 1,880 in 2020.

Nobody, no matter who they are, be they a spouse, a partner, a family member or a carer,

Why I’ll pass on Euro-trash Eurovision and Charles’ extravagant coronation

Eurovision and coronation fever is taking the UK by storm, with commemoration mugs, keyrings, teaspoons, thimbles and every other manner of ‘tat’ being sold to mark both events.

As far as I’m concerned, both the coronation of our neighbour’s monarch (the first in 70 years) and the fact they’re also (rather smugly, I might add) hosting the Eurovision Song Contest for Ukraine –due to Putin’s invasion – holds no interest for me whatsoever.

Don’t even get me started on what I think of the jumped up hype surrounding the British media’s will-they-or-won’t-they (as in the public) ‘swear to pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors ac-

cording to law – so help me God’, idiocy! Who cares? I personally believe the great British public should be more concerned about the fact Charles and Camilla’s extravagant three-day jamboree is costing cash-strapped taxpayers a reported £100 million!

As for the Eurovision, I find the annual Euro-trash line-up of talentless, tone-deaf performers (many of which put me in mind of what former goody-two-shoes Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner might look like on a drunken night out) to be both embarrassing and clichéd! Sorry Anthea!

I also hate the Eurovision’s side order of politics. Remember the Buranovskiye Babushki – a group of tone-deaf grannies from some

far-flung area of Russia who (worryingly) looked more like a futuristic dystopian version of Little Mix – getting second place?

Mind you, Russian grannies and the publicity surrounding their twee ‘Party for Everybody’ performance pales in comparison to our own entry Wild Youth’s little amdram surrounding the sacking of their creative director Ian Banham last week.

I won’t go into specifics, but it seems Banham’s opinions didn’t align with theirs and that perhaps the old ‘guilt by association’ axiom would scupper the chances of Irlande getting douze pointe! We’ll see. I wish them well, even though I’ll be busy watching paint dry and trimming my split ends!

etc., has the right to use, abuse or influence another human being’s bodily or emotional autonomy, their finances or their decision-making process, unless this authority is legally assigned to them by that individual.

Thankfully, under this new legislation, the medieval wards of court system will be replaced by a tiered support mechanism, allowing all citizens to weigh up the costs and the benefits of their choices to the best of their abilities. When I say the ‘best of their abilities’ what I mean is it’s my belief that, should a person be unsure as to the steps they wish to take which will personally benefit them in the future, it’s our duty as their loved ones to offer them assistance with the information-gathering process. (‘Offer’ being the key word here, as in not impose, not insist, and not bully or harass).

As someone who carries out extensive (hubby says obsessive) research before I come to any commitment, I know that for many, the decision-making process can prove quite stressful.

To that end, it’s absolutely vital if we have a much-loved and much-cherished family member, that we (if they request our help), do all in our power and our capacity to furnish them with every bit of information relevant to their process so they, and they alone, positively benefit from their choices.

We must never, ever push our own opinions on any other human being, even if we believe they have a diminished capacity to make decisions; rather we must support them to prepare a quality of life that serves them (and them alone, not us), for survival in the long-term.

Don’t allow a toxic parent to define your life

I must mention a very interesting article I read which addressed the issue of narcissistic parents.

I not only found this article interesting, I also found it strangely comforting – for the simple reason I’m relieved to know I’m not alone in my own disturbing childhood experiences of being persecuted by a mother who made me her scapegoat for every single thing that went wrong in her life.

I wasn’t ‘pretty’ like my sister; therefore my mother refused point-blank to allow me wear my glasses which I needed for reading and school work – criticising me, saying they made me ‘look like a freak’ and ‘no child of mine is wearing ugly goggles’.

I also had ‘too many freckles’ and my hair was ‘too straight’. Oh, I was ‘too nerdy’ and ‘too skinny’ too – with her encore being how she wished I’d ‘nev-

er been born’. Lovely woman. As a defenceless child, I remember doing everything in my power to not only please this woman, but to win even a smidgen of her love, an emotion she reserved exclusively for my younger siblings, constantly favouring them over me. In my teens, I came to my senses and cut her off in what others said was a drastic measure… it wasn’t, it protected me; no way was I allowing my own precious children to have a relationship with such a toxic individual. If any reader has had a similar experience with a parent, may I try to reassure them that the problem lies not with you, but with that abusive, emotionally-stunted individual who has placed their irrational, narcissistic needs before that of yours… their defenceless child. Never forget, this is not your fault. You are, without a doubt, a beautiful, independent survivor worthy of self-love and of being loved.

Roscommon Bike Week 2023 runs from 13th of May to 21st with lots of exciting activities and events planned for everyone to enjoy!

Bike Week is a nationally run initiative which aims to celebrate and promote cycling as an enjoyable activity for people of all ages and abilities, with cycling events all over the country, organised by local authorities, community groups, charities and cycling groups. Bike Week is a brilliant opportunity for people to get back on the saddle – for commuting or for recreation or just for the sheer joy of it!

Roscommon Sports Partnership and Roscommon County Council are delighted to announce that Bike Week 2023 will be held from Saturday the 13th to Sunday 21st of May. This year there is an exciting variety of events organised throughout County Roscommon with support from Transport for Ireland and Department of Transport. This year’s Bike Week theme is ‘IT’S A BREEZE’.

Bike Week will kick off on Saturday 13th May with a Vintage Bicycle Display at The Square in Roscommon Town from 11am-3pm. There will be a number of old bicycles on display and RSP are encouraging those who may have old/ vintage bicycles to bring them along to join the display and celebrate the evolution of bicycles and cycling and its importance to Irish society.

The bicycle was revolutionary in the way it became the primary means of transport during the 20th century. It allowed people to travel longer distances and expanded the interaction of people across work education, access to services, and social events. Replacing walking, it allowed men to travel further for better work opportunities. Postmen and guards were equipped with bicycles for carrying out their duties.

For women it allowed access to town to go shopping for the weekly supplies. The bicycle was loaded up for the journey home with one large shopping bag hung on each side of the handlebar and a basket on the carrier loaded to the brim. Children cycled to school with many having to cycle long distances particularly to secondary school as school transport did not exist.

Activities such as swimming and fishing were staples of childhood activities all accessed by bicycle. However, the biggest and most pronounced change brought about by the bicycle was the improvement of the social lives of people. Social activities such as dances were all accessed by bicycle. Young men and women were

now able to get to dances further afield and many travelled long distances to dances as well as travelling by bicycle to see the All-Ireland Finals.

By end the 1950’s the motor car started to gradually become more accessible and by the 1970’s the bicycle as a form of transport had all but ceased. However, the bicycles place in Irish History and Heritage will remain.

Another Bike Week event worth looking out for are the Adult Cycle Safety Workshops.

on our social media pages or by email.

Cycling is free, fun and keeps you fit and healthy while being a sustainable method of transport. It can be done solo or in a group setting and can be an enjoyable way to socialise while being physically active. It is the ultimate family activity, that people of all ages and abilities can explore. It is identified as one of the priority sports in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 as having the greatest potential for generating higher levels of active participation across a person’s life span.

To register or for more information about the events and activities available in Roscommon for Bike Week visit our website www. rosactive.org, our Facebook

page www.facebook.com/ RoscommonSportsPartnership or www.bikeweek.ie/events you can also contact us at the office on 090 6630853 or through email at info@rosactive.org

As cycling has become an increasingly popular method of both transport and physical activity, the importance of staying safe on our roads is vital. These workshops will be delivered by highly qualified cycling tutors and participants will learn essential safety and competency skills e.g. bike handling, correct use of helmets, bike safety checks and how to navigate in various road environments.

A Workplace Lunchtime Cycle around Roscommon Town and a 20KM cycle around county Roscommon. RSP are also encouraging everyone to cycle to work, school or even to the shop to celebrate Bike Week. RSP will have eagle eyes around Roscommon during Bike Week and there may be a few surprises for anyone taking part. No matter what your age or ability, there is something for everyone from beginners to experienced cycling enthusiasts. There will also be the chance to win some fantastic prizes too by entering our photography competition for the best cycling related photo taken during Bike Week. Photos can be submitted

Among the benefits of cycling are increased cardio fitness, improving balance and coordination, increase muscle strength, reduced risk of disease and depression, improved sleep and it is also a low impact way of managing conditions such as high blood pressure, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and type 2 diabetes.

Because of this, Roscommon Sports Partnership has always placed huge importance on cycling and cycle safety, with our cycling programmes being some of the most popular programmes in the RSP calendar. The CYCLE RIGHT programme, aiming to provide practical cycle safety and skills training to senior primary school classes, is delivered by our experienced cycling tutors.

Among our tutors are number 1 ranked Irish cyclist Daire Feeley and Paralympian cyclist Richael Timothy. In the CYCLE RIGHT programme, the children learn essential safety and competency skills e.g. bike handling, correct use of helmets, bike safety checks and how to navigate in various road environments. By the end of the 2022-2023 school year, RSP will have delivered this 4-week programme to over 40 schools in county Roscommon.

For anyone who can’t make some of our events during Bike Week, Roscommon boasts two scenic cycleways worth exploring this Bike Week. The

Boyle to Lough Key Cycle Route and the Green Heartlands are both suitable for beginners to advanced cyclists and have numerous attractions worth viewing along the way.

Just Stop Oil protests: climate fight needs solidarity, not attention-seeking

Let’s talk about

group and their cause more exposure, which was undoubtedly the aim.

Alannah Ita Healy

The Bank Holiday weekend is behind us, May Day on Monday having marked the start of summer at long last. For most of us, I’m sure May Day was spent relaxing, or getting ready to get back to reality on Tuesday, but across the water in London, for some 90 or so climate activists from Just Stop Oil (JSO), the Bank Holiday Monday was spent protesting, with slow marches taking place in four different locations across the city.

It’s worth noting that Monday’s action forms only a small part of JSO’s ongoing protesting efforts. The group have vowed to march from Parliament Square, by the Palace of Westminster, every weekday and Saturday until the UK government “abandons its dangerous attempt to licence over 100 new fossil fuel projects”. And true to their promise, the slow marches have been taking place like clockwork since the start of last week.

These marches have earned the group a fair bit of attention for their cause, but the exposure garnered from them pales in comparison to the publicity they’ve received from their more dramatic demonstrations. Most people will recognise JSO’s name not off the back of these slow marches, but because of the more headline-grabbing stunts the group has pulled in previous weeks.

Less than a month ago for example, the group was in the news following their stunt at the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield. A man representing the group climbed onto the table, emptying a packet of orange dye onto the cloth, while another protester attempted to glue herself to the other table before being stopped. Play was able to resume as scheduled after a bit of a clean-up, but the event nevertheless caused enough controversy to get the

Golf Classic for Ballymurray NS

But perhaps the most memorable demonstration people are sure to think of when they hear the name ‘Just Stop Oil’ occurred at the end of last year, when two of the group’s protesters threw tinned tomato soup at Vincent van Gogh’s iconic 1888 painting, ‘Sunflowers’. The painting was, of course, covered with protected glass, a fact known to the protesters; the aim wasn’t to damage the piece, but to generate attention for their cause –and that it did.

In a matter of hours the stunt drew worldwide attention towards the group and their cause, and despite the controversy, did manage to succeed in starting some sort of conversation. Despite being perhaps the biggest issue of our time, a lot of people have ‘signed off’ from engaging in news about the climate crisis – and it’s not hard to image why, considering how depressingly dire coverage of it so often is nowadays – but the sensational nature of JSO’s stunt brought the subject back into topicality for a lot of people.

The group is not unaware of how their more dramatic stunts may come across as needlessly disruptive to the public. One of the October protesters, Pheobe Plummer, commented after the soup-throwing incident: “I recognise that it looks like a slightly ridiculous action. I agree – it is ridiculous. But what we’re doing is getting the conversation going… we don’t have time to waste”.

Negligibly few are bound to disagree with JSO over their core ethos of environmentalism. By now, we are all very much cognisant of how dire a situation the climate crisis has become and agree that significant changes are long overdue if we want any chance of surviving it. On the ground level, people are united on this issue, but as JSO routinely points out, the problem lies primarily with the powers-that-be, with the corporations and governments who continue to prioritise profit over the worsening state of the planet.

The climate fight cannot be successful if these powers-that-be aren’t moved to make significant changes right now, but getting such goliaths to listen to climate activists on the ground level often feels like an impossible battle. JSO’s solution, evidentially, has been this series of dramatic stunts, to make the crisis an unavoidable news story, fire up

A Golf Classic in aid of Ballymurray National School will take place on this Saturday, May 6th at Roscommon Golf Club. There will be a timesheet in operation and teams of four cost €160 while tee sponsorship is available for €100. There will be food available on the day and presentation of prizes will take place at 9.45 pm, followed by music and a raffle. For more information, please contact Richie Evans on 083-1669965.

Alzheimer’s Tea Morning…today!

An Alzheimer’s Tea Morning will be held at the home of Joe Rogers, 11 Dalton Terrace, Ballaghaderreen on Thursday, 4th of May from 10 am until 4 pm. Please support. All are welcome.

Day trip to Lough Derg in September

The Legion of Mary are organising a day trip to Lough Derg on Saturday, 23rd of September 2023. Departure from Sacred Heart Church carpark in Roscommon at 6.30 am on the day. For bookings, please contact Teresa on 087 1206343 or Noreen on 086 3529916/090 66 25209.

Your chance to win a car in Hospice fundraiser!

Join Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation in celebrating its 30th anniversary by entering a fantastic draw for a fabulous Kona Electric Car, kindly donated by Alan Mulroy, proprietor of Mulroy’s Londis Service Station, Castlebar. For your chance to win – while helping to support those in the community who need Hospice care – get your ticket now online at https://winacar.hospice.ie or buy one for a friend or family member for a special occasion at any of the hospice shops in Mayo or Roscommon or in Mulroy’s of Castlebar. Contact 094-9388666 for more details.

the public, and put pressure on the government. The efficacy of their stunts in putting the spotlight on the group is undeniable, and hopefully this has meant a net positive for the climate fight. However, there presumably has got to be some arbitrary line where the headline-grabbing demonstrations JSO are pulling could end up alienating the public from the cause and those aligned with it, as opposed to getting more people behind them, which is the last thing that’s needed.

Again, there has got to be considerably few people unaligned with JSO’s core ethos of protecting the planet, and many do see the logic in their dramatic protests because of how comparatively ineffective more low-key demonstrations are when it comes to having a real impact. But as these incidents continue, and the public begins to hear more about the latest disruption JSO causes – as opposed to the specifics of what they’re fighting for – the tide could easily turn and leave environmentalists branded as ideological extremists and nothing more.

Few people remain to be convinced that the climate is in crisis or that something needs to be done, but many mightn’t want to align themselves with a movement known for dis-

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ruptive demonstrations, so at some point JSO’s stunts will reach the limits of their efficacy. And realistically, the protests by themselves aren’t going to convince government officials to change any faster. JSO are on the right side of the climate fight, yes, and their actions have successfully sparked some much-needed attention, but if they want to ensure they don’t lose the public’s backing, JSO could benefit from steering away from demonstrations that cast them in a controversial light and on focusing on other strategies.

For example, focusing on issues climate activists already have common ground with the general public on – like the cost-of-living crisis or the Ukrainian war, issues energy policy is intrinsically interlinked with – could do a lot to garner more mainstream public support for environmentalism, without the risk of alienating people. I can understand why it was felt dramatic measures were required to reignite attention on the climate crisis, but doubling down could undo some of that progress – JSO’s priority no longer needs to be getting the public’s attention, but instead uniting with the public and getting them to join the fight too.

‘Less than a month ago for example, the group was in the news following their stunt at the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield. A man representing the group climbed onto the table, emptying a packet of orange dye onto the cloth, while another protester attempted to glue herself to the other table before being stopped’.

Roscommon Races are back!

It’s a real sign that summer is almost here when Roscommon Racecourse opens its doors for the first time – happening this year on Monday next, 8th of May, for a flat fixture. It’s a late afternoon start (4.30 pm) and all the main figures from the flat racing game will be represented for the first of our flat fixtures in 2023.

There is always a great atmosphere at Roscommon and we would love to welcome new racegoers to our beautiful racecourse. The track is in great shape and as the year moves on, we’d like to welcome visiting tourists who we hope might stay and enjoy the local hospitality.

Aidan and Joseph O’Brien have been huge supporters of Roscommon, as has Ger Lyons and Dermot Weld, but Roscommon has also proved to be a very lucky venue for local trainers such as Paul Flynn and Tom Cleary.

Many thanks to EBF for sponsoring three races and to Hamrock’s Bar & Lounge, Athleague who sponsor our best turned out prize next week.

We are always looking to improve things here at Roscommon, so follow us on our social media channels – we welcome all feedback. We are really looking forward to welcoming back our regular customers here next week, so get your admission tickets and Ros Special tickets online now at roscommonracecourse.ie.

There is a 10% discount on admission tickets online, but cash and card payments are accepted at the gate. A list of remaining fixtures and all other information, which includes ticket information, can be found on our website, roscom-

monracecourse.ie. For enquiries, contact@roscommonracecourse.ie or phone 087 2203288. Come for the racing, stay for the craic!

Healthy Home Chef students cookin’ up a storm at St Angela’s

The food labs at St. Angela’s College, Sligo were heating up recently with the return of the Healthy Home Chef Cooking Competition, held on the 18th and 19th of April.

Open to junior and senior secondary school students, the exciting all-island event was an opportunity for young people to create tasty, nutritious, and affordable meals at home.

Hundreds of students submitted their culinary ideas with 31 selected as finalists in junior and senior categories. These finalists were invited to the college to recreate their dishes before a

panel of judges including award-winning chef and TV presenter, Neven Maguire.

Dr Elaine Mooney, Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Home Economics at St. Angela’s, welcomed the return of the competition, saying: “We’ve truly missed hosting this wonderful event where we get to meet students and their parents, guardians and Home Economics teachers who all share our passion for home economics through the art of cooking nutritious meals”.

She added: “We are always blown

away by the standard and it’s reassuring to see such talent in the youth of today”.

It was no easy job to select the winners, as chef Neven Maguire noted. He said the students “show a real gift in what they do”, adding “their knowledge and skills shines through their love of cooking. It’s a real pleasure to be a part of the experience”.

The event concluded with prize-giving which included a range of vouchers as well as kitchen equipment for the winning schools.

Brady Insurance honours Marian for ‘claims-free’ record!

Carrick-on-Shannon business, Brady Insurance, is well known for its excellent service, great staff and maintaining longlasting relationships with its customers.

Managing Director Jane Brady recently honoured a long-term client, Marian Callaghan Coyne from Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, who has had her insurance through Brady Insurance since 1997.

Brady’s celebrated Marian’s years of being a claims-free driver and a very long-standing customer with the gift of

a voucher, and were proud to congratulate her on an exemplary driving record.

“Well done to Marian on her decades of claims-free and safe driving!” remarked Jane Brady. “We really care about our clients and have developed strong relationships with them, and we believe that this is what sets us apart. We are a people business and we try to do our best to focus on delivering the best service and price every single day”.

Jane Brady, MD of Brady Insurance (left), pictured congratulating long-term client Marian Callaghan Coyle.

Winning senior finalist Christa Gigi from Our Lady’s College, Greenhills, Drogheda with her teacher Ms Noirin O’Sullivan and the Healthy Home Chef Judging Panel, including celebrity chef Neven Maguire.

School’s Out(side)!

Willow students learn in the great outdoors

< DAN DOONER

Pulling up outside Willow Outdoor Preschool, just off Antogher Road in Roscommon town, first-time visitors will be completely unaware of the magical learning environment just beyond the quaint entrance.

Inside, 22 children run, climb, play and even plant vegetables under the watchful eyes of Katie Glynn and her friendly staff members Helen Feeney, Emma Kearney, and Margaret Finnerty.

What’s unique about Willow is that following the preschool’s opening in 2018, all of the learning has taken place outdoors for the children, all aged from two and a half to five and a half.

Katie says it’s a relaxed learning environment and the children love being out in the open all day.

“It’s a very calm environment and you can really feel that when you come in. It’s a lower stress workplace too… you could say that if you take away the walls then there are no walls to bounce off!

“All kids are different, but for those kids who have all that energy and (who) love being outside then it’s an amazing gift to give them – two years of this and they’re fully prepared for school,” she said.

The school is not like anything this writer has ever seen before. Picture a natural playground with features such as sandpits, climbing tyres and trees, raised planting beds, and a classroom set up in a polytunnel, and you’re almost there.

Katie says she has noticed how confident and outgoing the kids at Willow become during their time at the preschool.

“Children are naturally connected to nature and love spending time outdoors. By being in the fresh air and experiencing the changing seasons firsthand and up close, they develop a real

understanding of the natural environment, and the importance of caring for it. They also build great immunity and resilience, and every type of weather offers them a different learning experience,” she said.

“We have a big garden with raised beds, which allows the children to see the whole lifecycle of different vegetables, and there’s also a treehouse, areas for climbing, a willow hut and a floored polytunnel for shelter. But rain or shine, the children absolutely love being in nature and thrive in the outdoor setting. It engages all their senses, promotes independence and problem-solving skills, and offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure”.

The minute we arrived at Willow the children offered to give us a guided tour of their preschool. We were led through the polytunnel and shown their ‘planting plan’ before quick visits to the slide,

the sandpit, and other favoured features.

Katie says her career in Early Education began in the Midwest Canadian province of Saskatchewan and the inspiration for outdoor education came in part from her father, Gerry Browne.

“My dad sent me an article and it was about Sally O’Donnell in Donegal who had opened the first outdoor preschool in Ireland. It’s kind of based on the Scandinavian model of ‘forest schools’,” she said.

Katie and husband Declan decided to come home to open a similar preschool on family land in Roscommon town, and not even the notoriously wet Irish weather could put them off.

“Having worked in Canada, you’d have toddlers out in temperatures of up to minus 20 and it was all about having the proper clothing and the right gear,” Katie said.

“On reflection, Irish people aren’t really great for dressing for the weather. We have a funny attitude when it comes to the rain, and it actually doesn’t rain all day all of the time either! Once you’re prepared and in the right gear for it, you really can be outside all year round”.

The preschool may have started as a family affair but it has since grown in popularity with families across Roscommon.

“My husband Declan built (most of) the school and it’s really developed in

the five years. We had to have an indoor space and then we added to that as we went on. It was really designed around the children and developed organically,” Katie said.

“We started with just five kids, one of them was my own and also my nephew…so essentially we had three families. We started in January 2018 and it was -4 degrees outside. That was a big deal for even the families who really trusted in it and believed in it! But by that September we were full to capacity”.

Since then the waiting list has continued to grow and Katie says there’s a real desire among parents for an outdoor learning environment.

While current regulations dictate further expansion at the preschool, she is hopeful future developments will give Willow an opportunity to grow, allowing more children to enjoy the benefits of learning outdoors.

“It would be great if we could take more…but that would mean going for planning permission for another building we don’t really use,” she said.

“Now the regulations are changing and we’re hoping that it will develop a bit and that they will recognise the polytunnel as a classroom space”.

For now though, Katie and her staff are working hard to provide an inclusive, hands-on learning environment. And, judging by the happy, active and inquisitive children at Willow last Friday, it’s little wonder they are now receiving national attention for their efforts.

Staff members Emma Kearney, Katie Glynn (proprietor), Helen Feeney and Margaret Finnerty pictured with some of the children that attend the Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

The Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Staff members Emma Kearney, Katie Glynn (proprietor), Helen Feeney and Margaret Finnerty pictured at the Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

‘Covid Clear-out’ Jumble Sale in Kilteevan Community Centre!

A ‘Covid Clear-out Jumble Sale’ will take place in Kilteevan Community Centre on Saturday, 20th of May 2023.

There are two final collection dates, which are Thursday, 4th of May and Thursday, 11th of May from 8-9 pm. Donations can be dropped off at the venue so there is still time to sort and gather up your items.

If you are unable to drop them to the hall, please get

Unique facility hailed as national trailblazer

Willow Outdoor Preschool was recently highlighted as a national trailblazer in outdoor education and care for early years at an event hosted by Early Childhood Ireland at the Ashling Hotel in Dublin.

The event, ‘Valuing Outdoor Play’, explored current attitudes to outdoor education.

Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, said: “The pedagogical value of outdoor experiences for young children is recognised and promoted by the regulatory framework for Early Years in Ireland and the Willow Preschool is a

testament to the high-quality outdoor play and education that can be achieved – but we need to break down any barriers that are preventing others from following in their footsteps.

“Every child has a right to outdoor play and adventure and our aim with this event is to ensure that remains at the heart of all future policy and regulation considerations in our sector. Imagine if we could make it possible for every family in Ireland to have the option of sending their child to an amazing outdoor setting like Willow Outdoor Preschool?”

in touch by emailing pro@ kilteevancommunity.ie or by text on 087 6333700 and arrangements can be made to collect them directly from you.

The only requirement is that the donated items are

working and in good condition for resale.

The items which can be accepted include:

- Household items: Kitchen equipment, pictures, furniture, etc.

- Garden items: Furniture, plants, garden tools, etc.

- Books, CDs, DVDs, Video Games, etc.

- Electronics: Radios, alarm clocks, IT equipment, Gaming Consoles.

- Exercise & Leisure equip-

ment (gym, camping, etc.)

- General kids’ toys (indoor and outdoor).

- Fashion items: Bags and belts, etc.

Please note that clothes, shoes, bedding, etc. cannot be accepted. All funds raised will go towards the upkeep and running of the Kilteevan Community Centre. Your usual support is appreciated and we thank everyone who has already donated items.

The Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

The polytunnel at the Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon where the children play and learn. Pic: Kieran Croghan

The children having great fun climbing at the Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Civil War 100 years ago: Its ending and legacy

A hundred years ago, on April 30th 1923, Frank Aiken (IRA Chief of Staff) ordered that on May 24th, Republicans would ‘cease fire’ and dump arms, ending the Irish Civil War.

Contrary to the narrative of the Free State media at the time and modern revisionist historians, the armed opposition to the treaty was not led by a maverick rabble that were intent on wrecking the country. The opposition to the treaty was spearheaded by a generation who had suffered death, imprisonment and hardship in the struggle for an Irish Republic, a republic that was proclaimed at Easter 1916 and ratified by the first Dáil Eireann in 1919.

In the view of those who opposed the treaty, the agreement was an attack on the Irish Republic and the imposition of a British-created puppet state. It should be remembered that a majority of the IRA membership and also Cumann na mBan and the youth wing Na Fianna all rejected the treaty. The treaty was a rushed affair that was bulldozed through at the negotiating table in London and signed under duress by a tired and inexperienced Irish delegation.

At the outset, the negotiating team chosen to go to London appears to have been no match for the high-powered British delegation of Lloyd George, Winston Churchill and Lord Birkenhead. Michael Collins himself (a man just out of his 20s) admitted he was no politician and didn’t want to join the talks.

As soon as the Irish team entered No 10 Downing Street to debate the future of the Irish nation in October 1921, they seemed to be awestruck by the power and prestige of the British establishment. Lloyd George’s bluff, bluster, and threat of ‘immediate and terrible war’ had the desired effect on the Irish representatives, forcing them to sign the document in the small hours of December 6th 1921. The Dáil vote to accept the treaty by a slender majority was, according to the IRA, null and void, as the Dáil had already broken its oath to the Irish Republic.

British interference in Irish affairs continued after the signing and ratification of the treaty, leading to a series of incidents that culminated in the attack by the Free State on the Republican garrison in the Four Courts which led to the civil war. From June 1922 to May 1923, the opposing sides in the divided Independence movement fought a bitter and acrimonious war, a war that would cast a long shadow.

By the end of April 1923, armed resistance to the Free State government had receded and the anti-treaty forces had retreated to the hills. Summary executions and atrocities were still being carried out by pro-treaty forces; in north Kerry at the Clashmealcon caves, a coastal cliff area about 12 miles west of Tralee, five men were trapped and surrounded by Free State soldiers. Mines were lowered by ropes and detonated at the cave entrances; Captain Tim Lyons and two other Republicans were killed after surrendering. The rope lowered to hoist the men up from the cliff-edge was deliberately cut, sending the prisoners crashing to their deaths below. Two others were taken prisoner and executed.

Right up to the end of April and the early days of May, the execution policy of the government continued, with ten more Republicans put to death by firing squad. Among those ten were six who were executed in Tuam Workhouse, Co. Galway, on April 11th. On April

10th, the day before the Tuam executions, General Liam Lynch (IRA Chief of Staff) was shot and captured by Free State troops on the Knockmealdown Mountains in Co. Tipperary. Lynch died later that day in Fermoy Hospital. He was succeeded as IRA chief of staff by Frank Aiken. On April 30th, Aiken ordered that a cessation of hostilities would come into effect on May 24th, and IRA members would dump arms, ending the year-long armed opposition to the treaty.

The death toll for the civil war is believed to have exceeded 1,500 combatants; this figure included the 81 official executions carried out by government forces. The list of the 81 executed prisoners included two Free State soldiers who were charged with aiding the IRA. As well as the ‘official’ executions, there were over 150 non-official ‘extrajudicial’ killings, where prisoners were summarily shot after capture without any charge or conviction. The tragedy of the civil war left a bitter legacy. After the dump arms order and ceasefire, the government was still relentlessly hunting down republican activists.

As many as 1,300 republican prisoners were held in jails and camps throughout the country. For those who were released or escaped capture, there was no future for them in the new state; those associated with the anti-treaty side were blacklisted and could not get employment in any public works. This led to an exodus of a large portion of the population as emigration robbed the state of much of its natural talent. The war also robbed the country of many potential national leaders; on the republican side there were Erskine Childers, Liam Mellows, Rory O’Connor, Cathal Brugha, Harry Boland and Liam Lynch, not to mention Collins on the pro-treaty side.

Collins had been credited with spearheading the struggle for independence with his intelligence network and genius for organisation and for being a man of action. This persona contrasts greatly with his actions in the posttreaty period. During the Black and Tan war, when Collins was a much wanted man, his status as a revolutionary was

seized on by the media of the time, who portrayed him as a sort of Scarlet Pimpernel, an elusive fugitive, and a hard man with a price on his head. Collins’ good looks, charisma and flamboyant personality made him a kind of superstar and he soon gained international celebrity status. But, in the period after the treaty and before the outbreak of hostilities in June 1922, Collins appears to have caved in to British pressure at every juncture.

Starting with the ending of the Belfast Boycott – this was at British prompting. The pact election, brokered by Harry Boland between Collins and De Valera as a last-ditch effort to avoid

The death toll for the civil war is believed to have exceeded 1,500 combatants; this figure included the 81 official executions carried out by government forces. The list of the 81 executed prisoners included two Free State soldiers who were charged with aiding the IRA.

armed conflict between the pro- and anti-treaty sides, was scuppered on the eve of the election in June 1922, done as a result of pressure by Lloyd George and Churchill. Also, the wording of the Free State constitution had to be altered to please the British government. The most devastating decision by Collins,

again under threat by Britain, to launch the attack on the Four Courts with British guns and artillery, was the catalyst that led to the brutal civil war.

Collins was part of the military triumvirate that was in control of the Free State during the civil war and comprised of himself, Richard Mulcahy and Eoin O’Duffy. Mulcahy and O’Duffy survived the war. Collins’ short life ended in an ambush at Beal na Blath in August 1922 at the age of 31 years. Some history theorists claim that Collins was on a journey south for a secret rendezvous with Republican leaders to seek an end to the civil conflict. This was when he undertook the fatal tour of Cork in August 1922.

For a man purported to be on such a clandestine mission, he certainly didn’t act like one that was. Dressed in full Free State uniform and travelling in an open car through strong republican territory was a foolhardy decision for a commander to take. His own recklessness and lack of military tact, by ignoring his officer’s advice to drive through the blockade on the roadway, was a contributing factor that led to his early death. Collins, for all his trials and tribulations, was only under fire once before the ambush at Beal na Blath, that was in the GPO during Easter Week.

What of the other members of the triumvirate? O’Duffy went on to become chief of the civic guards (An Garda Síochána) and held the position for a period of ten years. After he was sacked by De Valera in 1933, he embarked on a political career of self-destruction, dying a broken man and an alcoholic in 1944.

The other member of the triumvirate, Dick Mulcahy, was overlooked in favour of William Cosgrave to succeed Collins as chairman of the executive council in 1922. Mulcahy would ultimately become leader of the Fine Gael party (the successor of Cumann na nGaedheal) in 1944. He was just a senator then, not being elected a TD until the General Election of ’44. Although he was leader of Fine Gael in two coalition governments, he never served as Taoiseach. Mulcahy’s civil war record

and his association with the execution policy was a barrier to his appointment when Clan na Poblachta objected to his leading the inter-party governments of 1948 and 1954.

If we look at the political careers of some others on the pro-treaty side who survived the civil war, we can see that the war had long-lasting implications. William Cosgrave led the governments in the first ten years of the state’s existence. There was no effective opposition, as De Valera and Fianna Fáil didn’t enter Leinster House until 1927. Cosgrave became leader of Fine Gael after O’Duffy’s resignation in 1934 and led the party for ten years through a period of four general elections but never gained power again. Kevin O’Higgins, another high profile pro-treaty politician, became the victim of assassination when he was shot dead near his Dublin home in 1927. O’Higgins had been Minister for Justice in the early days of the Free State and was closely associated with the execution policy. He had even signed the execution warrant for Rory O’Connor who was best man at his (O’Higgins’) wedding.

Éamon de Valera went on to form the Fianna Fáil party in 1926 and won power in the Free State general election in 1932. After dismantling some parts of the treaty, De Valera and Fianna Fáil soon settled into the status quo and trappings of 26-county partitionist politics. The politics of the first one hundred years of the state’s existence was dominated by two political parties, Fianna Fáil and Cumann na nGaedheal/ Fine Gael. The two parties had their roots going back to the civil war and in the early days there were acrimonious scenes in the Dáil chamber where both sides would hurtle insults back and forth regarding the rights and wrongs of the civil war period.

A hundred years later, we see both parties together in a coalition government. The social and economic policies of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are so similar and conservative they are often referred to as Tweedledee and Tweedledum.

More articles later, An Staraí Áitiuil

TOP: Pictured is General Liam Lynch, commander of Republican forces, who was shot on April 10th 1923.

LEFT: Pro and anti-Treaty figures pictured attending a meeting to try and avert civil war in June 1922. Pictured left to right are Sean MacEoin, Sean Moylan, Eoin O’Duffy, Liam Lynch, Gearoid O’Sullivan, and Liam Mellows.

< DAN DOONER

Milands Garden Centre and Florist will celebrate 30 years in business with a fantastic open day this Saturday, May 6th in Mountbellew.

This week, proprietor Yvonne Miland, who runs the business with her husband and Castlerea native, John, told the Roscommon People how Milands first came to be established in Mountbellew. “We started in May 1993. There was an old garden centre here in Mountbellew that had been closed a number of years and we rented that for three years until 1996. Then in 1996 we bought a small site across the road. We built a small 20 foot by 30 foot shop and we sold flowers… and we had space out the back too where we sold plants from”.

The business idea stemmed from John’s background in horticulture while Yvonne’s experience in management and banking also proved beneficial.

“The banking experience for me was super because it helped with the paperwork and the financial side of the business. I loved the accountancy side of it,” she said.

Getting started proved quite difficult for the young couple with banks reluctant to take a chance on their fledgling business.

“We had to borrow all over the place to start off. We had to work seven days a week and long hours. You had to do that when you were starting off. But we had the love for it and still love coming in here in every day,” Yvonne said.

“We started with just one member of staff – Linda Fitzmaurice, who I still think about. We always got on with everyone we worked with and we developed great relationships with our customers. We built it from there and we slowly progressed. It wasn’t long before we had more and more customers,” she said.

As the customer base grew so too did

the shop and garden centre as Yvonne and John added extensions and new areas to their existing site.

“Every couple of years we added an extra bit here and there until 2017 when we built the shop that we are in now. By then we could see the giftware side of the business had become really big,” Yvonne explains.

The couple were helped over the years by their two now grown-up children, Aisling and Seán, as well as plenty of “wonderful” staff.

“Aisling is now in Australia and Seán is

in Dublin but they worked with us since they were nine and ten. We’ve been so blessed with staff over the years; some of them have been with us for years too. We’ve been very lucky with who we’ve had working here. We wouldn’t be here without our staff,” Yvonne said.

While Covid-19 proved to be a very difficult time for most businesses, working with live plants brought added pressure.

“We experienced a boom following the Covid lockdowns. When the pandemic broke out it was a struggle. We weren’t

long in the new shop and still had loans to pay back and all of a sudden we were shut,” Yvonne said.

“I know an awful lot of businesses were affected, but for garden centres in Ireland it was a really tough time. We had real living plants and we used to have to come up here during lockdown to water them and keep them alive”.

The partial lifting of lockdown in 2020 was welcome but with social distancing and travel restrictions still in place, it was still a struggle for some of Milands’ loyal customers.

“In May 2020 we were lucky that we were one of the first businesses to reopen and we were also blessed that people really needed to get out and about,” Yvonne said.

“One of the things I noticed during that time was how older people struggled with the lack of social interaction and the social distancing. They were really down about not being able to visit friends and family.

“I used to say to customers that they didn’t have to buy anything but that they could come and sit in our garden furniture out the back and meet friends and neighbours”. Milands’ loyal customer base comes from across Galway, Roscommon and Mayo and as far away as Ennis in Co. Clare.

“We’re in the middle of nowhere here but also in the middle of everything. We have had sales reps who just couldn’t fathom how we are so busy all the time,” Yvonne said.

“We are very lucky to have loyal customers from such a big catchment area. We have the coffee shop here, a flower shop, and a gift shop. I suppose people see it as more of a lifestyle centre now and they can come and spend the day here”.

Looking ahead to this weekend, Milands will celebrate their 30th anniversary (May 6th) with an open day at the garden centre. It will also be an opportunity for Yvonne and John to give back to those who have supported the business over the last number of years.

“We’re going to be giving a huge amount of offers away on the day and there will also be some light refreshments. We’ll have Galway Bay FM here for the day and we will also have a magician who’ll put on a magic show, and arts and crafts for the children. Anne McKeon, landscape architect, will also be giving a talk on the day. There will be something for every age group on the day and we look forward to seeing everyone,” Yvonne concluded.

Proprietors Yvonne and John Miland.

30

Yvonne’s tips for summer growers

Looking to grow your own food, create the perfect garden…or are you just looking for a new hobby this summer? Here, Yvonne Miland draws on her 30 years’ experience in the world of gardening to give our readers some timely advice ahead of the busy summer months…

Grow your own!

One thing that has continued since Covid-19 and lockdowns is the increasing number of people growing their own food.

Quality and variety assured at Milands

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Yvonne says quality is the most important thing at Milands Garden Centre and Florist – and every effort is made to ensure customers are getting the best products from all across Europe.

“The biggest thing for us here at Milands is quality. We take great care of our plants to ensure our customers are getting the very best products. A huge level of maintenance and care goes into it; we have a sprinkler system in operation for our plants and hedging, which is very good,” Yvonne said.

“We are lucky in Ireland that we have great nurseries. There is a certain percentage that you do have to get abroad because you just can’t get them (plants and flowers) here in this country”.

For items that can’t be grown or sourced in Ireland, Milands look a little further afield.

“Our fresh flowers, for example, come in directly from Holland. There’s a brilliant transport company based in Northern Ireland and if I order flowers on a Monday morning from

the auctions in Holland then they are usually here by Tuesday night,” Yvonne said.

“That’s why our flowers here are so fresh and our bouquets do last a long time because they are ordered direct from the Dutch auctions”.

As well as guaranteed quality, Yvonne and John Miland also like to offer their customers a wide range of giftware items.

“We purchase giftware from all over Europe and one thing people say about our gift shop here is that it’s really different. I try and buy products that you won’t find anywhere

else. There’s no point in everyone having the same items. When you go to Milands and you want to buy a birthday present or a gift you know you’ll find something different,” she concluded.

During lockdown, I know people probably grew way too much and ended up with enough lettuce to feed a parish (laughs). People just didn’t realise that you could sow a bit of seed and then maybe grow more a little later on rather than using up the whole packet.

Now, people are planting seed potatoes, shallots and onions and things like that and growing vegetables. It’s a great way to introduce children to growing, even if you just grew a tomato plant in a pot. It’s that simple, you don’t have to have a garden – just a little courtyard or even a balcony or window box with a few plants in it.

‘Tis the season…

For gardeners, this season means bedding plants and hanging baskets and window boxes. I recorded a video on Facebook demonstrating how to create beautiful hanging baskets and it got over two million views! I do videos regularly with plenty of advice and tips. For people just starting a garden, we would advise them to come to Milands with a photograph of the area they plan to plant in. We’ll advise you what to plant and where to plant and what hedging to plant on windy or shady sites. This information is so important. We’ll draw out a bed for you and label where and what to plant.

Introduce a dash of colour…

Foliage colour is as important as the flowering value of a shrub. If you’re looking out at a garden or bed then you want to see different colours all year ‘round, not just when it’s in flower. I would advise planting a variety of different colours, not just green! We’ve a fantastic array of plants here and the world is your oyster, whether you want them to grow two feet or six feet. Our staff at Milands are brilliant and will advise you on the height and size of plants suitable for your garden and what to plant them in.

Garden Centre, Florist and Capolatte Cafe

Celebrating 30 years in business

Invitation to all to join us for a special Open Day this Saturday

Yvonne and John Miland and family wish to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers for their fantastic support over the past 30 years

Mountbellew, Co. Galway

A Great garden centre for everything you need Garden Centre, Florist & Capolatte Cafe

A special thank you to our wonderful staff (past and present) for being such an important part of our success

We still can’t believe Milands Garden Centre is 30 years in business!

Giveaways, discounts, magic show, fun for the kids, Galway Bay FM broadcasts… and a friendly welcome for all!

Fantastic Range of SOLAR LIGHTS

We have loved every minute of those 30 years – Thanks to everyone for their great support

Please join us this Saturday for a fun-filled and informative Open Day See details in this special feature

One of the best Garden Centres in the West

To all our Customers, old and new, we thank you for your ongoing support

Charity Open Day in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice

Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House will host a charity open day in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation on Sunday, May 28th from 12-6 pm. The suggested charity donation is €5 per person.

Inspired by the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Adventure Park at Westport Estate offers a range of indoor and outdoor amenities for all the family to enjoy.

The Park consists of splash-tastic Pirates Plunge, Pirate Queen Swinging Ship, 30 ft. Cannon Ball run slide, swan pedal boats, Westport House Express train, gokarts, climbing walls, 9-hole frisbee golf and foot golf, mini ferris wheel, kiddie zipwire, Pirates Den indoor soft play area, bouncy castles, playgrounds and much more.

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “We fund palliative care services in our communities and our hospices in Mayo and Roscommon through fundraised income. These services are in demand in both counties and are vital to many families.

“On behalf of the Hospice Foundation, I’d like to thank Westport House for choosing us as their charity and waiving their admission fees on Sunday, May 28th. There’s something for all age groups at Westport House so I’d encourage families to come along and have a day of fun and make whatever small donation they can”.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Reader responds to column on ‘abortion review’

Leitrim Village

Dear Editor,

I refer to an article in last week’s issue (Roscommon People 28/4/23), by Alannah Ita Healy, entitled ‘Abortion review highlights major issues in current system’. May I highlight some major issues in Ms. Healy’s article?

I note that she makes reference, in three places no less, to the mantra used by pro-choice lobbyists in the run-up to the 2018 referendum – ‘legal & safe’ – but failed to mention the third word of that infamous mantra – ‘rare’. Could this be explained by the fact that ‘rare’ actually transpired into a total of 20,700 innocent lives ended by choice between 2019 and 2021, and a record of 8,500 in 2022?

Ms. Healy was very wise indeed not to mention rare. 29,200 lives ended by choice is hardly rare, by any standards.

Perhaps Ms. Healy should also have excluded ‘safe’ from that disingenuous manta, as it was not safe for the 29,200 human beings aborted. It was not safe either for baby Christopher Kiely, aborted in March of 2019, after his parents were mistakenly told that he had a ‘fatal foetal abnormality’.

Nor was abortion safe for 133 women who have reported adverse incidents to the State Claims Agency between January 1st 2018 and February 28th 2023, in relation to the Health (regulation of Termination of pregnancy) Act of 2018.

Breakfast 7.30am – 11.30

Breakfast: 7.30am to 11.30am

Lunch 12 –3

Lunch 12pm to 3pm

Evening Bar & Bistro Menu 3-9

Evening Bar & Bistro Menu: 3pm to 9pm

09066 37644

The Abortion Review, of which Ms. Healy speaks, also fails to address the issues of safety and rarity… conveniently, but tragically.

The only word that remains intact from that mantra is, in fact, ‘legal’! Will Ms. Healy and fellow pro-choice people ever define a point at which abortion is no longer safe, no longer rare? Will those who unwittingly voted for abortion on the basis of that legal, safe and rare mantra hold politicians to account for reneging on so many of their pre-referendum promises? Hopefully, this action will not be rare!

Yours sincerely,

Sinéad Tracey

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISING CONCERT

Roscommon Solstice Choir

Friday 5th May 2023 @ 8 p.m.

SACRED HEART CHURCH, ROSCOMMON

Proceeds to Church Restoration Fund

• Guests on the night

- Roscommon Traditional Musicians

Tickets €15 – Thank you for your support

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS & LOCAL OUTLETS

Michael Connaughton, Chairperson – 086 2544671

Mary Gleeson, Secretary – 087 9119771

Geraldine Grealy, PRO – 086 3276584

Paul Beisty, Treasurer – 087 2536510

Sacred Heart Church Restoration committee thanks public

The Sacred Heart Church Restoration Fund committee has confirmed that a total of €40,339 has so far been raised in order to carry out much-needed works on the Roscommon town church.

In a statement this week to the Roscommon People, committee PRO Geraldine Grealy expressed gratitude to all those who have supported the fundraising drive.

“The committee would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has donated. We are humbled by the support we have received to date. We hope to see you all this Friday night at the Sacred Heart Church for our fundraising Solstice Choir concert at 8 pm,” she said.

“It promises to be a great night of entertainment in a beautiful acoustic setting, with some local traditional music artists and performers also making an appearance.

“Tickets will be on sale on the night in the church porch. Doors open at 7.30 pm. Tickets priced at €15 are also on sale locally in Gleeson’s, Londis, Abbey Hotel, other local outlets and from committee members. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for further updates”.

newsbriefs

Castlecoote Tidy Towns’ Litter Pick-up

Castlecoote Tidy Towns’ annual Litter Pick-up, supported by Roscommon County Council and An Taisce, will take place this Saturday, May 6th, at 10 am.

Please meet in Church Car Park and wear a hi-vis jacket. Pickers and gloves will be provided. All are welcome and we would love to see newcomers.

Thanks to everyone who supports and helps out with Tidy Towns, especially all the volunteers who work away with cutting the vast amount of grass in the village, weeding and maintaining all beds, and looking after the Church Car Park and Church grounds. Thanks to the CE scheme for all their work and for always supporting the committee.

Class of ‘73 reunion

The 50th reunion for the Class of ‘73 from St Louis Convent, Kiltimagh, takes place on the 22nd of July 2023. If you were in this class, please email kiltimagh1973@gmail.com.

Pictured at the launch of Westport House Pirate Adventure Park’s free open day, in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, were Cathal Hughes (Director), Barry O’Connor (CEO, Westport House), and Marie McGuinness (Mayo Roscommon Hospice). The upcoming charity event will be held on Sunday, May 28th (12 pm to 6 pm), with a suggested charity donation of €5 per person.

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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

Critically acclaimed production for Roscommon Arts Centre

Decadent Theatre Company and Galway Arts Centre are set to present Donal Ryan’s ‘From a Low and Quiet Sea’ at Roscommon Arts Centre on Tuesday, May 16th, at 8 pm.

Directed by Andrew Flynn and adapted for the stage from Donal Ryan’s Booker Prize nominated novel, the drama comes to Roscommon as part of a major 18-venue tour criss-crossing Ireland in May and June. The world premiere production in the 2022 Galway International Arts Festival garnered critical praise.

From a Low and Quiet Sea is a carefully crafted portrait of the intersecting lives of four characters, each searching for a version of home. From war-torn Syria to small-town Ireland, they are scarred by all they have loved and lost and are drawn towards a powerful reckoning that will bring them together in the most unexpected of ways.

For Farouk, family is all. He has protected his wife and daughter from the war. If they stay, they will lose their freedom. Lampy is distracted. He’s with Eleanor, but she’s not Chloe. For John, the game was always the lifeblood coursing through his veins. Manipulating people for enrichment, for enjoyment, for spite. But it was never enough. Florence’s son is acting differently which forces her to look for answers, but she is afraid of the truth that lies within herself.

The adaptation of Ryan’s acclaimed novel is a collaboration between the author, the original cast, and Decadent Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Andrew Flynn. Both natives of Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Andrew Flynn and Donal Ryan have form as creative collaborators. Flynn, along with Boyle native Jarlath Tivnan, adapted Ryan’s novel, The Thing About December, for the stage in 2019. Ryan is the author of six best-selling novels.

Andrew Flynn has been Artistic Director of Decadent Theatre Company since 2000. One of Ireland’s busiest

directors, he is currently directing the Irish premiere of Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen, which is a co-production between Decadent and Gaiety Productions. Tickets are €20/18 and are on sale now from the arts centre on 090 6625824 and from roscommonartscentre.ie.

Bealtaine Festival events at the County Library

Westmeath Independent columnist, Jean Farrell, will visit Roscommon Library on Wednesday, May 17th, from 3 pm to 4 pm. Jean’s writing is always enjoyed by her regular readers, so come along to hear Jean read from her columns and sing well-known songs.

This event is free, however booking is required. To book, phone 090 637277 or email library@roscommoncoco.ie.

You can also drop into Roscommon Library any Friday morning during May, from 11 am-12.30 pm, and learn how to use the library’s free online resources. Apps available are BorrowBox for eBooks and eAudiobooks, Libby for eMagazines and much more. No booking required.

Singing Session this Saturday for Jimmy Murray Memorial Fund

South Roscommon Singers Circle is happy to announce that a special singing session, in support of the Jimmy Murray Memorial Fund, will take place in Murray’s in Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon, on Saturday, May 6th, starting at 7 pm.

Writers Alice and Carmel to read from new memoirs at The Dock

Hear writers Carmel McMahon and Alice Kinsella read from their new memoirs ‘In Ordinary Time: Fragments of a Family History’ and ‘MILK: On Motherhood and Madness’ at The Dock in Carrick-onShannon.

Both intimate and unflinching memoirs beautifully weave the personal and political in questions about family, memory, and womanhood in contemporary Ireland. This event is part of Bealtaine Festival’s new, regional literary programme, Digging.

A map of motherhood, Alice Kinsella’s Milk: On Motherhood and Madness is at once a gentle and meditative story of one woman’s experience of new motherhood. Alice Kinsella is a young mother, giving birth to her son in her mid-20s, adrift in a new town

and navigating her newly accompanied life. A powerful yet delicate mix of the personal and political, Milk is an unflinching and unique memoir that looks at

the experience of motherhood against the backdrop of a seemingly changed Ireland.

Alice Kinsella is a poet and author whose poetry pamphlet Sexy Fruit was a Poetry Book

Society Spring 2019 Selection. Milk is her debut book of prose.

Carmel McMahon’s book

In Ordinary Time: Fragments of a Family History pulls on

her own experience of leaving Ireland for America with a wave of other Irish immigrants in the 1990s.

In 1993, Carmel McMahon arrived in New York carrying 500 dollars and two suitcases. It took years and a bitter struggle with alcohol addiction to unpick the intricate traumas of her past and present.

Candid yet lyrical, In Ordinary Time deals with how trauma reverberates through time and through individual lives. In this dazzling memoir, McMahon sketches the evolution of a consciousness – from her conservative 1970s upbringing to the much-changed Ireland of today.

Admission is €8. The event takes place on Saturday, May 13th at 3 pm. Tickets are available at www.thedock.ie or at 071 965 0828.

The legendary Gael Jimmy ‘Jamesie’ Murray captained Roscommon senior footballers to two All-Ireland titles in the 1940s (’43 and ’44), but he was also a renowned singer in the traditional style. In his bar in Knockcroghery, he hosted the first of our singing sessions back in September 1991, and he continued to be a staunch supporter and source of enormous encouragement to us until his death in 2007. A couple of songs/poems have been composed as tributes to Jamesie by supporters of ‘The Circle’ over the years, so we look forward to having the creators with us on the night, as well as a host of singers and storytellers from all corners of the country – fellow Gaels, bards, songsters and ‘rhymers’ – and sure maybe a tune or two!

There will also be a monster raffle on the night with plenty of superb prizes on offer.

Solstice Choir to perform in St Michael’s Church, Cootehall

Roscommon Solstice Choir will be performing in St Michael’s Church, Cootehall, on Friday, May 12th, at 8 pm. Ardcarne Youth/Children’s Choir will also be performing on what promises to be a very enjoyable night. Tickets cost €10 each and can be obtained from any committee members of Ardcarne Childcare Services CLG and the John McGahern Barracks Museum.

Tickets will also be for sale after 11.30 pm Mass in Cootehall Church on Sunday, May 7th. All are welcome and all support appreciated.

Carmel McMahon

Alice Kinsella

Gardaí investigating Strokestown vehicle fire

< DAN DOONER

Gardaí have confirmed that they are investigating a vehicle fire which occurred outside a residence in Strokestown in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Fire services attended the scene at Stone Crescent shortly after 2.30 am and extinguished the fire after

a resident was alerted to the blaze.

Commenting on the incident this week, local Senator Eugene Murphy said some residents had to be evacuated from the estate.

“I’m shocked that this would happen in a nice, quiet estate like Stone Crescent. This could have been a very dangerous incident and it’s lucky no one was injured,” he said.

“This is a nice estate, one in which my own family lived for a number of years. It’s upsetting for residents but I’ll be making no further comment to allow the Garda investigation to take its course”.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing but it is understood they are following a definite line of enquiry.

Roscommon Tidy Towns Church Gate Collection

Roscommon Tidy Towns Association will hold its annual Church Gate Collection this weekend, on the 6th and 7th of May.

Collected funds will go towards

newsbriefs

Ballaghaderreen Darkness Into Light

future projects to enhance the town. Currently, the town is at Gold Medal Status.

New members are always welcome to join the award-winning

group. Members meet at the courthouse on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm. Your support at the collection this weekend will be greatly appreciated.

NEW TO THE MARKET: FOR SALE

CIRCA 47 ACRES OF LAND WITH AN OLD DERELICT RESIDENCE THEREON

AT CLOONYCOLGAN, ROSCOMMON

The lands are located approximately 8 miles from Roscommon Town. All of the lands are of top quality and conveniently located to the local Church and School. Site potential subject to planning permission being granted. The residence will qualify for the government grant – Croí Conaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme from €50,000 to €70,000 for derelict properties.

The property can be sold in one or two lots to suit.

Lot 1:- Circa 44.5 Acres

Lot 2:- Residence on Circa 2.5 Acres

Lot 3:- Entire Property – Circa 47 acres & Residence

For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Solicitor,

FOR SALE - CIRCA 3.5 ACRE SITE AT THE LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON

Comes with the benefit of Full Planning Permission for the construction of two number warehousing units and all associated ancillary site works.

For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

The Darkness Into Light Walk 2023 in Ballaghaderreen takes place at sunrise (4.15 am) on the morning of Saturday, May 6th, starting from St. Nathy’s College. Registration via darknessintolight.ie. The cost for an adult is €26, €21 for jobseekers/seniors/students, €5 for children (6-17 years) and €62 for families. The DIL Committee would appreciate, if possible, that lights/lanterns be left outside your homes on the night of the walk. Thanks for your continued support.

Aughrim-Kilmore History Society talk

Aughrim-Kilmore History Society will host a talk by Mark Davies entitled ‘The First Irish Hot-Air Balloon Ascents’ on Saturday evening, May 6th, at 7 pm in the parish community centre. The talk tells the story of the extraordinary feats of the first men and women to attempt to fly across the Irish Sea from Dublin, plus other adventurous Irish aerial journeys. Mark Davies is an Oxford local historian, guide, and author of, among others, ‘King of All Balloons’. Admission is €10 and all are welcome.

Cleen Hall baby & toddler group

The Cleen Hall baby & toddler group, Knockvicar (F52A497) are holding Mudbug sessions on Friday, May 5th, 12th and 19th from 9.30-11 am. Jess from Mudbugs will be coming along to run workshops on sensory development, importance of outdoor play, natural materials, etc.  There is no cost for this workshop, only €3 per family to cover use of the hall. More details from Elizabeth on 087 9453347.

Local musicians reunite to relive dancehall years

A group of long-standing musicians from Ballintubber, County Roscommon and surrounding areas are set to come together to relive the famous dancehall years.

‘The Castle Social Dance Band’, featuring Patsy McCaul, John Staunton, Seán T Kelly, Jimmy Kearney, Des McGann, and Terry McGowan will host a launch night next Tuesday (May 9th) at the McWilliam Hotel in Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

The group will take to the stage once again to perform a variety of old favourites guaranteed to recreate the atmosphere of the lively dancehall nights that were loved by so many.

For more information, contact Patsy McCaul on mccahillpatrick78@gmail.com or call 086-2771164.

Fr Vincent Twomey is guest speaker at Literary Dinner

St. Patrick’s Team is hosting a Literary Dinner in Gleeson’s, Roscommon on Friday, 12th of May at 7 pm (for 7.30 pm). Guest speaker is Fr. Vincent Twomey, SVD, Professor Emeritus of Moral Theology. He will speak on ‘Pope Benedict XV1: The Man behind the Mitre’. A four-course Dinner will be served, costing €33. To book, contact Tom Flanagan on 087 2421070.

Rent-a-room relief extended to those on welfare – Naughten

Denis Naughten TD has welcomed the extension of the ‘rent-a-room’ relief to people in receipt of social welfare who wish to rent out a spare room in their home. For the next two years, a person renting a room in their home to a person who is not an employee, or an immediate family member, will have up to €14,000 of rental income disregarded in the assessment of means to qualify for weekly social assistance payments, increases for qualified adults, the Working Family Payment and Supplementary Allowance. This will be of particular benefit to older people who can now

receive €269.23 in weekly rent for a room, equal to €14,000 per annum, without it having an impact on their Non-Contributory State pension or the spouse or adult dependent of a contributory pensioner.

“It could also provide much-needed additional income to families trying to cope with the increase in the cost of living if they have a spare room,” said Denis Naughten.

“Up to now the renta-room scheme allowed a taxpayer to earn up to €14,000 per year tax-free if they rented out a room in their home to private tenants, but those on a mean-tested social welfare payment had that

rent deducted from their payment.

“This effectively meant that any person in receipt of a means-tested social welfare payment was renting out their spare room for free while a taxpayer could earn €14,000 taxfree, which made no sense in the middle of a housing emergency”.

As a result, the Regional Group of Independent TDs put forward a proposal in March, which was taken up by Government, to change the Social Welfare means assessment to allow Social Welfare recipients, many of them older people with a spare room, to be able to hold on to the rent.

New to the market this week with RE/MAX Team Earley

Keith McLoughlin of RE/MAX Team

Earley is proud to present to the market a stunning four-bedroomed semidetached house located at number 26, Chestnut Grove, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon.

This beautiful property is situated in a peaceful and tranquil setting of Tulsk village, boasting an array of local amenities including shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Furthermore, the property benefits from being just a few minutes’ walk from a GAA club and primary school, making it an ideal home for families.

Upon entering the property, you will notice that it is presented in excellent condition, making it a perfect movein-ready home. The property boasts four large bedrooms, one of which is ensuite, providing ample living space for a large family. In addition, there is a main bathroom and a downstairs bathroom, ensuring maximum comfort and convenience.

The property also offers an option for an office area or extra bedroom downstairs, allowing the new owner to customize the space according to their specific needs. The living room area and large kitchen/dining room area are both generously proportioned and benefit greatly from each other, creating a wel-

FarmingPeople

ICOS and IFA celebrate 50 years in Brussels

Camargo - 087 293 4756

As Ireland celebrates 50 years’ membership of the EU this year, the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) has marked the opening of its Brussels office five decades ago in 1973.

ICOS (The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society) currently represents 130 co-operative enterprises in Ireland, with over 150,000 individual members, a combined turnover of €14 billion and employing more than 12,000 people.

ICOS and the IFA opened offices the same year to coincide with Ireland joining the EEC. Both organisations marked the occasion jointly together at a function held in Brussels last week.

Mr O’Donnell also used the occasion to highlight the importance of fairness for farmers within the corridors of the EU Commission and the EU Parliament.

Friday 5th May @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also, Dry Cows & Heifers

Friday 12th May @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers

Also, Dry Cows & Bullocks

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday 8th May

Tuesday May 9th @ 4 p.m.

Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday 4th May

Lambs & Cast Ewes

CLEANING GARDENING POWER WASH

PAINTING

There was a good entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special heifer sale with a very strong trade for all classes. We had over 300 heifers on offer and they fetched an average of €3.05 per kilo up to €4 per kilo. There was also a large entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.47 per kilo up to €3.08 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

We had a smaller number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for spring lambs made up to €170 and finished hoggets peaked at €176. The tops for stag ewes fetched €200.

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

Sample prices for dry cows: Lim X 740kgs €2,280, Char X 800kgs €2,440, Lim X 855kgs €2,600, Lim X 915kgs €2,760, Char X 815kgs €2,350, Char X 800kgs €2,350, BBX 805kgs €2,250, Lim X 775kgs €2,260, AAX 800kgs €2,240.

Heifers: Lim X 455kgs €1,820, Char X 710kgs €2,460, Char X 555kgs €1,940, Lim X 575kgs €2,000, Char X 730kgs €2,330, Lim X 600kgs €2,280, Char X 555kgs €1,930, Char X 510kgs

€1,920, Lim X 500kgs €1,880, Lim X 600kgs €2,040, Char X 690kgs €2,320, Lim X 480kgs €1,680, Lim X 505kgs €1,840, Char X 530kgs €1,790, Lim X 535kgs €1,800, Char X 530kgs

€1,760, Lim X 540kgs €1,760, Char X 480kgs €1,680.

Spring lambs: 54kgs €170, 50kgs €168, 50.2kgs €168, 48kgs €167, 46.4kgs €164, 44.2kgs €163, 44.3kgs €160, 44kgs €158, 43kgs €156.

Finished hoggets: 78kgs €176, 54.2kgs €173, 56.6kgs €173, 62.5kgs €172, 58.7kgs €172, 53.2kgs €170, 56kgs €169, 53.3kgs €166, 48.3kgs €158.

Speaking at the weekend, ICOS President James O’Donnell said: “Over the past five decades, we have been able to represent our members’ best interests by being at the coalface of where the big decisions are made. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the European cooperative movement and to support each other in the spirit of co-operation and promoting enterprise.

“We are very proud to continue to have a strong presence here in Brussels and of being part of COPA COGECA. As we look ahead, we are entering very testing times for farmers and for co-ops. Many of the challenges, that are coming with force at us, are because of legislation being proposed and driven by the EU institutions.

“So, it has never been more important than it is now to underpin that strong united voice at the heart of the EU”.

Farm succession meeting tonight

“We must insist that our voices are heard at Commission level, at Parliament level and at Council level. I urge those of you from the Commission and the parliament who are with us this evening to listen to our concerns and work with us in supporting the vital role which our farmers, food producers and co-ops play across Europe,” he stated. The ICOS President and the board also held meetings with Irish MEPs in the European Parliament highlighting ICOS concerns in relation to several policy proposals currently being debated at Commission and Parliament level.

To mark the 50th anniversary, ICOS and the IFA held a joint reception in Brussels, attended by over 200 guests including ICOS President James O’Donnell, IFA President Tim Callinan, the Irish Ambassador to Belgium Kevin Conmy, former staff members, the board of ICOS, MEPs, EU Commission officials and international colleagues from COPA COGECA along with IFA staff, former staff and committee representatives.

=The IFA is holding a ‘Farm Succession and Inheritance’ meeting this at 8 pm evening (4th) in The Abbey Hotel with a number of guest speakers scheduled to attend.

IFA National Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh said the purpose of this meeting is to help farm families familiarise themselves with some of the complex issues that can arise while developing a farm succession plan. All welcome to attend.

Final call for Innovation Arena at Ploughing

Enterprise Ireland is accepting final applications for the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships 2023, in conjunction with the National Ploughing Association (NPA).

Irish agri companies are invited to apply to showcase their products and innovations at the Innovation Arena from September 19th to 21st at the National Ploughing Championships 2023 in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.

Murphy in praise of young farmers’ march

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy went on a charm offensive this week as he praised young farmers who took part in the recent march to Dáil Éireann.

Murphy said young farmers in the west of Ireland would always have his support and described the march as “one of the most positive engagements that has occurred in agriculture for a long time”.

Senator Murphy, who is a former member

FARMING DESK

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

Friday 12th May

Simmental X Breeding

Following our Heifer Sale

Saturday 13th May @ 12 Noon:

Saturday 20th May:

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com

value of land within its scope and will apply from 2024 onwards.

The reality facing some farmers, Mr O’Loughlin said, is that they will potentially be paying €450 per acre tax each year valuing the land at agricultural land prices even though their land that will not be used for residential purposes. He called on the Government to review its position and provide an exclusion of farm families as part of Budget 2024.

IFA: Fertiliser ‘profiteering’ harming farmers

of Macra na Feirme, commented that such activities were crucial so as to ensure young farmers are listened to and said he was in constant dialogue with Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue in relation to supports for young farmers.

He highlighted the Young Farmers’ Scheme as an example of the current Government’s commitment to young farmers and said he would continue to work alongside organisations such as Macra na Feirme.

ICMSA: ‘Zoned Land Tax needs to be addressed’

ICMSA Business Committee Chairperson Shane O’Loughlin has described the Residential Zoned Land Tax as a “direct attack on farm families” and said needs to be urgently addressed.

Mr O’Loughlin said some farm families would be forced to sell land that has been in their family for generations if the tax was to be implemented in its current form.

The Residential Zoned Land Tax will be an annual tax, calculated at 3 per cent of the market

Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Fertiliser, IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe said the profiteering within the fertiliser industry is coming at a detrimental cost to Irish farmers’ livelihoods. Fertiliser prices around Europe continue to decrease with an almost 60 per cent fall in prices between the peaks of 2022 and March 2023, but in Ireland prices have only reduced by a fraction.

“Farmers, as price takers, operate in a sector with very tight margins and must have the opportunity to purchase fertiliser at a fair and competitive price. Farmers cannot pass on increases in the price they sell their produce for. It must always be ensured that farmers are paying a correct price for their inputs,” the IFA Deputy President said.

In November 2022, the EU Commission announced the formation of a market observatory to share data on the production, use, prices, and trade for fertiliser in Europe.

IFA will be an active participant in the expert group within this observatory and it is hoped that all members of the Irish fertiliser trade will also fully engage in this.

Roscommon MART WATCH

James O’Donnell, President of ICOS.

Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com

Locals preparing for Saturday’s All-Ireland Scór na nÓg finals

A number of local teams/participants are preparing to take part in the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Finals which are to be held in The INEC in Killarney on Saturday, May 6th 2023.

They qualified for the finals via the Connacht Finals, held on Sunday, April 16th, in the Town Hall Theatre in Ballinasloe.

The winners in the Figure/Céilí Dancing category were Alannah Flanagan, Kaneisha Beirne, Caoimhe Doran, Katie Murphy, Laura Stenson, Ava Morgan, Áine Morgan and Anna Keane from St Mary’s Kiltoghert in Leitrim.

The winner in the Solo Singing category was Gemma Casey from St Dominic’s in Roscom-

Castlerea MART WATCH

Over 800 animals presented for sale on Thursday last with trade and prices similar to last week with quality stores remaining a great trade as farmers sourced stock for further feeding.

Bullocks made up to €2,420 with heifers reaching €2,000 while the dry cows topped out at €2,450.

The weanling rings witnessed a variance in price depending on the quality with the top quality bulls exceeding €4 a kilo and the heifers weanling topping out at €1,360. Cows with calves at foot topped out at €2,810 while the dairy sale of 21 cows witnessed a full clearance.

Springers made up to €2,260 while the dairy sale saw milkers making up to €2,130 and springers up to €1,700. Calf numbers remain strong with lots making up to €75 for dairy types and AAx and Hex making up to €350 and continentals making up to €460. Runners made from €240 to €1,000.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday) with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for bullocks: Lm 483kgs €1660, Ch 420kgs €1410, AA 535kgs €1730, AA 500kgs €1680, AA 595kgs €1990, Ch 645kgs €2000, Lm 675kgs €2420, Fr 720kgs €1800, Ch 590kgs €1930, Lm 630kgs €1890.

Heifers: Lm 420kgs €1370, Chx 415kgs €1260, Lm 390kgs €1230, Ch 465kgs €1770, Lm 495kgs €1530, Lm 690kgs €2000, Ch 630kgs €1980, AA 550kgs €1950, Lm 595kgs €1940.

Dry cows: Ch 800kgs €2450, Lm 795kgs €2230, Lm 805kgs €2140, AA 725kgs €1990, Lm 700kgs €1950, PTX 375kgs €790, Ch 440kgs €1040,

Weanling bulls: Ch 275kgs €1100, Lm 295kgs €1070, Ch 370kg €1300, Lm 325kgs €1040, AA 355kgs €1200, Ch 355kgs €1250, Lm 380kgs €1270, Ch 305kgs €1000.

Weanling heifers: Lm 265kgs €990, Ch 285kgs €990, Lm 245kgs €820, Lm 190kgs €760, Lm 265kgs €990, Ch 420kgs €1360, Ch 400kgs €1300, Ch 395kgs €1300.

mon. The Recitation/Scéalaíocht winner was Lucy McDermott from Davitts in Mayo, and the Ballad Group winners were Shona Fox, Conor Fox, Niamh Doherty, Laoise Doherty and Clodagh Timlin from Moy Davitts in Mayo.

The winners in the Nuachleas/Novelty Act category were Jane Casey, Euan Hanley, Joe McDermott, Amy Murray, Ben O’Connor, Chloe O’Connor, Hannah O’Connor and Amy Reynolds from St Dominic’s, Roscommon.

The Instrumental Music winners were Shona Fox, Conor Fox, Niamh Doherty, Laoise Doherty and Muireann Hyland from Moy Davitts in Mayo, and the Set Dancing winners were

Emmet Dooley, Lauren Duffey, Orna McNama, Sean McDermott, Ben McNama, Holly Shaughnessy, Grainne Farragher and Jack Gildea from Abbeyknockmoy in Galway.

The winners in the Table Quiz category were Sean Craughwell, Michael Lally, Cathal Maybin and Brian Thompson from Menlough Skehana in Galway. In addition, the following also qualified for the All-Ireland Final in the Quiz: Aobhlinn Maxwell, Emily Gannon, Eamonn Healy and Senan Mooney from Annaduff in Leitrim, and Seán Hall, Darragh Hoare, Rory Conroy, Daniel Fallon and Maxime Gerner from Kilglass Gaels/St Barry’s in Roscommon.

St Dominic’s all set for Scór final

St Dominic’s GAA Club are this week wishing every success to Solo Singer and Novelty Act participants from the club who are taking part in the All-Ireland Scór final on this Saturday, 6th of May in the INEC in Killarney.

St Dominic’s will be represented by Gemma Casey in the Solo Singing Competition and in the Novelty Act competition by Hannah O’Connor, Amy Reynolds, Euan Hanley, Amy Murray, Joe McDermott, Ben O’Connor, Jane Casey and Chloe O’Connor.

Ticket information is available on St Dominic’s social media platforms.

FLEADH CHEOIL ROS COMÁIN WINNERS…

St Dominic’s will be represented by Gemma Casey in the Solo Singing Competition at the All-Ireland Scór final on Saturday, 6th of May in the INEC in Killarney.

At the All-Ireland Scór final on Saturday, 6th of May in the INEC in Killarney, St Dominic’s will be represented in the Novelty Act competition by Hannah O’Connor, Amy Reynolds, Euan Hanley, Amy Murray, Joe McDermott, Ben O’Connor, Jane Casey and Chloe O’Connor.

TOP: Aideen Burke, winner of the Philomena Owens memorial cup in the Senior Sean nÓs dancing competition at Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin, pictured with Adrian, Ryan, and Jason Owens.

LEFT: Pictured are Clodagh and Sophie Daly (CCÉ Keadue), who were winners at Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin.

Pictured is Emily Keane (CCÉ Elphin), who was the winner in the Senior Flute and Whistle category at Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin.

Pictured is Roger Conneely (CCÉ Ros Comáin), who was the winner of the concertina category (12-15) at Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin.

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

< ALCOHOLICS ANONY -

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

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and flues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

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

Telephone: 087 2798704

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIROPRACTOR

- Ranges

Chimney CCTV Inspection

OIL BOILERS SERVICED

Burners Repaired

CARPETS CLEANING

Satellite and Digital TV Installation

All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851

www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

Creighton

Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc.

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

Areas covered: Castlerea, Strokestown, Elphin, Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Lanesboro, Roscommon Town, Killashee, Carrickon-Shannon, Scramogue, Rooskey, Kenagh, Tarmonbarry, Ballymahon and all surrounding areas. No climbing on roofs, tiles or slates, no mess, no fuss. Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

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

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

COUNSELLING

Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

FARMING

GARDENING

JOE HEALY Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Fully Insured

Phone: 087 2721193

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

• Landscaping

• Timber Decking

• Patios

GARDENING SERVICES

Including: • Hedge Cutting

• Hedge Planting • Grass

Cutting • Spraying

• Strimming • Weeding

• Garden Tidy-ups

• Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on 087 2860428

& Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459

Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie

Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

CONSTRUCTION

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

Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394 email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

•

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

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING

LTD

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

Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

D.A.F.M.

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing

Over

Send

Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

• Tree Surgery

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

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

Tel: 086 6077307

or 086 8125165

www.parklaw treeservices.com

Mop & Mow

Ballaghaderreen Garden & Property Services

l Grasscutting

l Strimming/ Brushcutting

l Hedge cutting

l Weeding/spraying

l Light chainsaw work

l Cleaning

l Pressure washing

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

The Board of Management of Glanduff National School intends to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for development at Glanduff National School, Glanduff, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, N37 YV82, Killiaghan and Gort Townland. The development will consist of decommission existing septic tank and percolation area serving existing school buildings and replace with a new wastewater treatment system and tertiary polishing filter and 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 offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application.

Signed: Coyle Environmental Limited Agents for Glandduff National School.

1st and 2nd Floor Kilmurry House, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45 DK58

GF Ground Works

l Landscaping

l Paving & Kerbing

l Foundations

Footpaths

l Drainage & Septic tanks

l Driveways Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

< FOR SALE: Weed Lick. Also Transport Box and top soil. Tonne bag and farm manure. 10’ x 6’ tipping trailer. Tel. 087 7733181.

< GOATS FOR SALE: Tel. 087 969 5924.

< FOR SALE: Round bales of good quality clean upland hay for sale. Saved without rain 2022. Tel. 087 6810731.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, David Flannery, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council, for Full Planning Permission for the construction of an extension to the side and rear of my existing dwelling house together with minor elevation changes, upgrade works to existing effluent treatment system and all ancillary developments at Rathleg Td, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public office 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 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:- David Flannery.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

APPLICATION TO ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL FOR A WASTE FACILITY PERMIT

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Articles 7 and 8 of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007, as amended that James Fitzgerald of Carrowbehy, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon intends to apply for a Waste Management Facility Permit at Carrowbehy, Castlrea, Co. Roscommon to collect and prepare for the onward transportation of the following; farm plastics, waste metals, waste packaging from veterinary products and from agricultural feed products. The application for a waste facility permit will be made to Roscommon County Council within 10 working days of the date of this notice.

The Class(es) of Activity at the site, as specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Waste Management Act, 1996, as amended, is as follows; Class R13 - Storage of waste pending any of the operations numbered R 1 to R 12 (excluding temporary storage (being preliminary storage according to the definition of “collection” in section 5(1)), pending collection, on the site where the waste is produced).

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Tommy and Joan Furey, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission and permission for retention for development at Newtown East TD, Clonown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development consists of planning permission for the upgrade of an existing septic tank and retention permission for two existing sheds and a change of site boundary previously granted under PD/89/17760.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Tommy and Joan Furey.

NOTICE TO ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Dan O’Brien, seek retention permission and apply for planning permission for development at this site at Cloonybeirne, Lanesboro Rd., Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42WY27. The development will consist of the retention of the foundation and floor slab to the side of the existing dwelling, and planning permission for the construction of a proposed single storey house extension to the side of the existing dwelling house and all associated site works and services.

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.

NOTICE TO ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Ronnie Byrne, am applying for planning permission for a change of use from a previous medical centre to a residential dwelling with internal revisions, a single storey extension to the rear, revisions to the front facade which include the construction of a new porch and upgrade of the existing Wastewater Treatment System with all associated site development works at Brideswell Td, Co. Roscommon, N37 X050.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers, C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon.

Tel: (090) 66 28184

Mobile: (086) 8167365

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Catriona Hanmore, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission for:

(a) Attic conversion in new higher replacement roof construction (c.800mm),

(b) single storey front extension, (c) convert garage to habitable space and replace garage door with window, and (d) internal modifications including modifications to windows with new windows, to my dwelling at Carrickmore, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 T184, 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 the public opening hours of 9.30 – 16.30, Monday - Friday.

A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Roscommon County Council 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: Vincent Durkin (Agent).

www.DurkinDesign.ie

Architectural Design & Engineering solutions

Tel: 086 83 72 933

We, Paul and Ciara Gleeson intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish and extend existing dwelling, construct domestic garage, decommission existing septic tank and percolation area, construct waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site works and services at Cloongowna, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public office 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 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:- Gaynor

Architectural + Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Tel. 090 6626974 / 086 8115449.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Contact David who is a Chartered Engineer in regard to applying for your planning application. For further details, please contact any time after 6pm week days or any time on Saturdays on: 083 095 0732

BEng, BEng(Ord), High. Cert., MIEI, CEng. Chartered Civil / Structural Engineer

The Class(es) of Activity at the site, as specified in Part I of the Third Schedule of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007, as amended, is as follows; Class 10 - The recovery of waste (not mentioned elsewhere in this part of the third schedule), other than hazardous waste or an activity specified in Category 5 of Annex 1 of Directive 2010/75/ EU, where -

(a) the annual intake does not exceed 50,000 tonnes, and the maximum quantity of residual waste consigned from the facility for onward transport and submission to disposal at an authorised facility shall not exceed 15% of the annual intake.

A copy of the application for the waste permit will as soon as is practicable after receipt by the Local Authority, be available for inspection or purchase at the principal office of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae Roscommon County Roscommon F42 VR98

I, David Finnerty am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for a change of house design from that previously granted under PD/20/73 along with all site ancillary development works at Rathkeery Townland, Co. Roscommon.

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529. E: james@ jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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

Signed: Dan O’Brien.

NOTICE TO ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Elphin GAA Club, are applying for Planning Permission for the erection of an advertising sign with all associated site development works at Palace Road, Elphin Mart, Elphin Td, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd.

Consulting Engineers, C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon.

Tel: (090) 66 28184

Mobile: (086) 8167365

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

NOTICE TO ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Elphin GAA Club, are applying for Planning

Permission for the erection of an advertising sign with all associated site development works at Edenan Td, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers, C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon.

Tel: (090) 66 28184

Mobile: (086) 8167365

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED

CHAZEY PROPERTIES:

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

< PRIVATE 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT for rent in Roscommon town centre. Suit professional or retired couple. Apply to Box no. 3074.

Tullys

Sarah

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

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

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

• Home visits

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience

CONNOLLY Contracting

• 13 Tonne Track Machine with Rock Breaker and Saw Head

• Tractor & Dump Trailers

• Tractors & Hedgecutters

AVAILABLE FOR ALL TYPES OF WORK

Fully insured & VAT Registered Tel. 087 147 6117

< PLOTS OF TURF FOR SALE in the Castlerea area Tulsk area. Harpur Bros Plant Hire. Contact Owen 086 8953884.

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

KENNEDY

Corbo, Kilrooskey, Roscommon Christy Mary Michael

McDONNELL

Patrick (Sonny) & Mary Coolegarry, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

HOARE

Bernie

Circular Road, Roscommon Town Who passed on 6th May, 2002 (21st Anniversary)

(7th Anniversary) (6th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 22 July 2003 (20th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 04 February 2009 (14th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 09 May 2015 (8th Anniversary)

Don’t think of them as gone away Their journey’s just begun, life holds so many phases this earth is only one Just think of them as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years Think how they must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away And think of them as living in the hearts of those they touched for nothing loved is ever lost and they were loved so much.

Love from Marie Vincent and Family, Christopher and Hilary, Eva, Frank and family.

Anniversary Mass for Christy, Mary and Michael on Saturday 6th May at 7:00pm in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane.

KENNEDY Michael

Corbo, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 9th May 2015

I am sending a dove to Heaven with a parcel on its wings be careful when you open it, its full of beautiful things. Inside are a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs to say how much I miss you and to send you all my love.

Sadly missed by their daughter Marie, her partner Mark, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 7th May at 10am.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MURRAY Bridie

(nee Brennan)

Lisphelim, Knockcroghery. (13th Anniversary) Who passed away on May 4th, 2010

RATTIGAN Thomas

There’s a special kind of feeling when we think about you, Dad. It’s a pleasure to remember all the happy times we’ve had. There’s a special kind of caring that is meant for you alone. There’s a place somewhere within our hearts that only you can own. Missing you always.

Remembered always with love by your family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 6th May at 10.00 am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

SHIEL Mary

(15th Anniversary)

Corlackin, Creggs (13th Anniversary)

Every day in some small way, memories of you come our way, though absent, you are always near, still missed, still loved, and always dear.

Remembered always by his wife Ann, family and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 7th May in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet Church at 11.30am.

GEOGHEGAN

CLABBY Bridie Circular Road, Roscommon (18th Anniversary)

The moment that you died my heart was torn in two, one side filled with heartache, the other died with you. I just can’t help remembering the way it used to be, the days, the months, long past now keep coming back to me. They say you never miss the good times until they’ve been and gone, I only wish those good times could have just gone on and on.

I often lie awake at night, when the world is fast asleep, and take a walk down memory lane, with tears upon my cheeks.

Remembering you is easy, I do it everyday, but missing you is heartache that never goes away.

I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain. Until the joyous day arrives, that we will meet again.

Always loved and sadly missed by his daughter Eva, son-in-law Francis, granddaughters Nikita and Sophie.

Softly in the morning

You heard a gentle call, You took the hand God offered you, And quietly left us all. The day you left us mother, Our hearts just broke in two, The smallest part is still with us, The biggest part with you. For the rest of our lives We will miss you, mother, Our secret tears still flow, Oh, how we really loved you, No one will ever know.

We miss your smiles, Your joking ways, We miss the things you used to say, And, when old times we do recall, Its then we miss you most of all. You were always there when we needed you, No task to great or small, With loving heart and willing hands, For us you did it all. Look around your garden Lord, And when Mom turns and smiles, Put your arms around her, And hold her for a while.

Our Lady of Knock, pray for her. Forever remembered by your loving daughter, Geraldine.

Anniversary Mass in St John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday May 14th at 11.30am.

In loving memory of Mary, late of Ballymoe, Co. Galway, who passed away on May 10th, 2008.

R.I.P.

A smile for all a heart of gold the very best this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind, those are the memories you left behind. Thinking of you Mary is easy I do it every day, but missing you is a heartache, that never goes away.

Sadly missed by her loving husband Mickie.

Anniversary Mass in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe on Sunday, 14th May at 10.00 am.

Helen Lismehy, Strokestown

Who died on May 6th 2014 (9th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Bridie who died on 4th May 2005

Hold her, O Jesus in Thine arms and let her henceforth be a messenger of love between our human hearts and Thee. Fondly remembered by her family.

Anniversary Mass on Thursday 4th May at 11am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon

HYNES Thomas (Tommy)

Old Circular Road, Roscommon Who passed away on 7th May 2019 (4th Anniversary)

Every day in some small way memories of you come our way. Lovingly remembered by her sisters, brothers and their families.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and so very dear. So fondly missed by your loving wife Bridie, children Ann, Declan, Audrey, Emer, Cathriona, Sinéad, Martine, Denis, grandchildren, great grandchild, family and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 6th May at 10.00 am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

GOGGINS Nora Carnaskeagh, Tulsk Co. Roscommon

On behalf of the Goggins/Furey families on the passing of the late Nora Goggins of Carnaskeagh,Tulsk, we wish to extend our thanks to all who helped and for the support given at this sad time. Special thanks to Fr. John for his kindness both to Nora and her family, for the beautiful funeral service and to the choir for their beautiful singing.

Thank you to all the neighbors who showed such kindness and help both to Nora and her family and to the home help who were so wonderful and kind with Nora.

Thank you to the Palliative Care Team in Roscommon.

Thank you to everyone who travelled to be with us at this sad time.

Sincere gratitude to Eugene and all the staff at O’Connor’s Funeral Home, Tulsk for their kindness and help as we laid Nora to rest.

Thank you to the gravediggers who prepared Nora’s final resting place.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone who helped us individually, please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our sincere gratitude. May Nora Rest In Peace.

CORMICAN Bridie

Barrack Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon and formerly Abbeyknockmoy, Co. Galway

Who passed away on 7th of May 2022 (1st Anniversary)

CARROLL James (Jimmy)

Knock, Lanesboro, Co. Longford who passed away on 24th March 2022

HOLIAN Eamon

Kilteevan

Treasured memories of Eamon who left us on the 13th May 1994. (29th Anniversary)

The family of Bridie Cormican, wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following the passing of our dear and beloved Bridie.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many relatives, friends, neighbours, well-wishers, and colleagues who visited our home, attended the funeral and who provided emotional and practical support for the four of us at this difficult time. For all those who telephoned, travelled long distances, sent floral tributes, cards and messages of condolence, as well as those who made charitable donations, we are truly grateful.

We appreciate all those who said a prayer or took a moment to remember Bridie, and those who shared stories, anecdotes, and memories with us.

Thank you to the paramedics who came to Bridie’s aid at her home. Our sincere gratitude to Fr Paul Kivlehan and to our good neighbours for their presence and support the night Bridie passed away.

A special word of thanks to our many neighbours and friends who lined the street and paid their respect, on Bridie’s final journey from her home to St. Nathy’s Cathedral to cemetery. It was much appreciated and gave great comfort to our family.

Thanks to Fr. Paul Kivlehan for the beautiful way, he conducted Bridie’s funeral Mass and made it so special and meaningful to us her family. A note of appreciation also to Eunice Moran and Michael Holster for their beautiful musical accompaniment throughout the Funeral Mass. Thanks also to sacristans and to the eucharistic ministers.

A special word of thanks to Dr Mary Costello and her staff, and to Cormac and.Gráinne Murphy and their staff, for their kindness and the respect shown to Bridie and us at all times

We acknowledge with heartfelt appreciation the Public Health Nurses who assisted the family to care for Bridie in her own home over the years. We are very grateful to the Palliative Care team. Your kindness, compassion, and professionalism during her last few days will never be forgotten by us.

Our heartfelt thanks to her incredible carers, Lisa, Lorraine, Ann, and Adelina who filled Mam’s final days with joy. She looked forward to their visits.

We wish to express our gratitude to Tommy and Bernie Sharkey and to Michael Tully who facilitated Mam’s funeral and burial arrangements with professionalism, dignity and attention to detail. We appreciate Aodhán Egan for his assistance with the traffic management. We are thankful also to the gravediggers who prepared Bridie’s final resting place. Our thanks also to the staff of Durkins Restaurant for the beautiful meal after the Funeral.

We are all very saddened by the passing of our lovely mother, Bridie. Although her time on this earth is over, she will never be forgotten, and the wonderful memories of her beautiful life will always accompany and hearten us.

To all who supported us in so many ways, we hope you will accept this acknowledgement as a sincere expression of our deepest appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Bridie’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Nathy’s Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen on Saturday, 13th of May 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

The family, of the late Jimmy Carroll, wish to express their gratitude to all those who sympathised with them at the time of Jimmy’s passing.

We wish to thank all who attended the Removal and Funeral, those who travelled long distances to be with us, those who sent mass cards, messages of condolence and floral tributes, those who telephoned and those who kindly brought food and refreshments. We express a special word of thanks to Fr. Merlyn Kenny for celebrating the Funeral Mass and for all his assistance to the family. Special thanks also to Gerard Farrell for his support, professionalism and dignity in handling the funeral arrangements. Thank you to Teresa Costello and Johnny Duffy for the lovely church music, to those who participated in the Mass and sacristan Anne Carroll for all her help. We offer our thanks also to the gravediggers who prepared Jimmy’s final resting place so beautifully. To everyone at Adie’s Bar and Hannon’s Hotel, thank you for the lovely food and hospitality.

We wish to express our appreciation to Dr. Sara Breslin and her staff, for their care and support to Jimmy throughout the years, to everyone at Baxter’s Pharmacy for their assistance particularly during Covid, and to all the medical staff who tended to Jimmy. We would also like to thank Jimmy’s home carer Frankie who looked after him so well.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jimmy’s close neighbours who were always on hand to help in so many practical ways. We are deeply grateful to Elizabeth and cousin Sean for their friendship and support to Jimmy and the family at all times.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted as a token of our deep gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

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

First Anniversary Mass for Jimmy will be offered on Sunday 7th May 2023 at 11.00am in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro.

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

For one who meant so much and loved by all he knew. Who left behind a trail of tears and precious memories too. We loved the sunshine in his smiles and kindness in his heart but heaven saw that he was tired which meant we had to part. And now that it’s a special day dear angels hear our prayers please guard him with your gentle wings and tend to him with care, For he was someone wonderful and words cannot convey how much we wish that he was here once more with us today.. All my love, forever, Margaret. x

DAD

We once had someone special that money could not buy we had a special father that could not say goodbye. You taught us love and fondness you taught us how to care you bound us all together with love few families share. But of all that life has given us and of all that’s left to do we never had a greater gift than the years we shared with you. The memories of your smiling face are with us everyday so meet us in our dreams dear Dad and talk to us once more. Ease the everlasting pain that makes our hearts so sore and when our lives are through we pray that God will take our hands and lead us straight to you.

We love and miss you always Dad, from John, Eamon, Tom, Trish, Josie, Russell, Charlotte and Lara xx

GATELY Kay

Mote Park, Roscommon

Died 12th May 1993 (30th Anniversary)

FETHERSTONE James (Jimmy)

Stonepark, Correal, Roscommon.

In loving memory of James (Jimmy) Fetherstone who passed away on 21/03/2023

GREENE Billy

Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away 6th May 2019 (4th Anniversary)

SITUATIONS VACANT

< CHILDMINDER REQUIRED to mind 2 children of school going age, Monday to Friday, in childminder’s home if possible. Will consider in children’s own home if necessary. Person must be able to drive as pick ups from school in Athleague will be required. Please call 0871353641.

< PART-TIME BAR STAFF required for Doorly’s Bar, Roscommon town. Must be available for weekend work. Experience desirable. Apply with C.V. by hand or email: doorly196@ gmail.com

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Today’s the anniversary of the day that we lost you and for a time it felt as though our lives had ended too. But loss has taught us many things and now we face each day, with hope and happy memories, to help us on our way. And though we’re full of sadness that you’re no longer here, your influence still guides us and we still feel you near. You have never been forgotten, and you never will. In our heart you hold a place no one else will ever fill.

Sadly missed by her loving husband Bernard, daughters Trina and Pamela, son Robert, sons-in-law Paraig and Ian and grandchildren Daniel, Kayleigh, Jack, Ben and Ruby.

Anniverary Mass in

The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Wednesday, May 10th 8.00am

O’ROURKE Charlie

Tulsk

Remembering Charlie who departed this life on 7th May 2006.

Jimmy’s wife Lena and family would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all those who sympathised with us on our recent sad loss. We extend our sincere gratitude to all our relatives, neighbours and friends, and to all those who travelled long distances to express their sympathy. To all those who called to our home, visited the funeral home to express their condolences, attended the Funeral Mass and burial, those who sent mass cards, sympathy cards, letters of sympathy, perpetual enrolments, online condolences, phone calls, floral tributes and made donations to The Sacred Heart Church Restoration Fund, we will always remember your kindness. We would like to thank Dr. Padraic Brennan (retired) for attending to Jimmy’s medical needs over the years. Thanks to Dr. Valerie Morris and staff at the Primary Care Centre, Roscommon for their excellent care given to Jimmy. Thanks to all the staff at RosMed Pharmacy for attending to all Jimmy’s medical needs. Heartfelt thanks to the district health nurses and palliative care team who attended to Jimmy’s needs in his final days.

A special word of thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Roscommon University Hospital.

Thanks to Tom, Pat and Gillian Smyth, Smyth’s Funeral Undertakers for their professional and sensitive help with funeral arrangements and interment, also thanks to those who prepared Jimmy’s final resting place with such care.

A special word of thanks to Fr. Raul who celebrated Jimmy’s beautiful Funeral Mass, thanks to Fr. Fallon (P.P.), Fr. McLoughlin, Fr. George (Donamon) for their kind and comforting words during our difficult days. Thanks to Fr. Fitzgerald for his home visits and prayers.

Thanks to Henry Hamrock and Pat Gavigan whose beautiful music and singing was very uplifting during the Funeral Mass.

Thanks to all those who brought food and refreshments to our home and all those who helped with the catering. Thanks to Hannon’s Hotel and staff for their hospitality, and for a lovely meal.

Thanks to Shirley, Future Flowers for providing us with such beautiful floral tributes.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Jimmy’s month mind will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday May 7th at 11.30am.

We thought of you today, but that was nothing new, we thought about you yesterday and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. Now all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts. Sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughters Anne Marie and Angela, son Liam, son in law Adrian and grandchildren Elliot, Carla and Louis.

Anniversary Mass this Saturday 6th May in St Patrick’s Church Athleague at 7pm.

O’FARRELLY Larry

Lenanamalla, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon and 1 Riverside, Clonroadmore, Ennis, Co. Clare (8th Anniversary)

MURRAY

Martin and Rita Castlestrange, Fuerty (16th and 13th Anniversaries)

Ulster Bank Limited, The Square, Cloonbrackna, Co. Roscommon, F42 YE89, Ireland Intend to Apply for Full Planning Permission

To: Carry out external works for the removal of an ATM, to be infilled with stone to match the existing. The removal of the night safe front plate, replacing with a blank steel plate, as well as the removal of the Ulster Bank raised lettering shop signs and the removal of the Ulster Bank general blue signage and bus stop sign.

Carry out internal works for the removal of the ATM’s in stud walls, as well as the removal of loose furniture and the removal of Ulster Bank signage and merchandise on all floors.

At: The Square, Cloonbrackna, Co. Roscommon, F42 YE89, Ireland

Though your smile is gone forever, and your hands I can no longer touch, I still have so many memories, of you whom I loved so much, Those memories of our time together are my keepsake with which I’ll never part. God may have you in His keeping, but I will always have you in my heart.

Helen

Larry’s Anniversary Mass will be held in The Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Sunday, 7th May at 11am.

You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Loved and remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 7th May at 11.30am in Fuerty Church.

DUKE

John Joe Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon (17th Anniversary)

Who died on 5th May, 2006

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

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

M.C.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

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

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

Our thoughts are ever with you, ‘though you have passed away.

And those who have loved you dearly are thinking of you today. It only takes a little space to write how much we miss you. But it will take the rest of our lives to forget the way we lost you.

Fondly remembered by Fidelma, Tighearnan, Jessica and Naoise xxxx Mass offered.

Sadly missed along life’s way, Quietly remembered everyday. No longer in our lives to share, But in our hearts you’re always there.

Sadly missed by his wife Mary B and family.

Rossies learn their Sam Maguire fate

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon face a possible Croke Park showdown with Dublin in their opening Sam Maguire Cup fixture with games against the Connacht runners-up and Kildare to follow.

The Rossies were drawn in Group 3 alongside the winners of the Dublin v Louth Leinster final, the losers of Galway v Sligo, and manager Davy Burke’s native Kildare.

Roscommon will travel to take on the Leinster champions on the weekend of May 27th/28th, which could mean a potential trip to HQ to take on the ‘Boys in Blue’.

Their second match will be a home fixture against Sligo or Galway on the weekend of June 3rd/4th before they face Kildare at a neutral venue two weeks later on June 17th/18th

Elsewhere, Mayo have been drawn in Group 1 with the Munster champions, Leinster runners-up and Cork while the Connacht champions will be rewarded with a place in a possible ‘Group of Death’ alongside the Ulster runners-up, Tyrone and Westmeath.

Camógs seek All-Ireland glory

Electric Ireland AllIreland Minor B Camogie Championship Final: Roscommon v Laois

at 3 pm in St Brendan’s GAA Club, Birr on Sunday

Roscommon will face Laois in this year’s Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Camogie Championship Final in Birr this Sunday following a comprehensive 2-10 to 1-5 win over neighbours Westmeath in last Saturday’s semi-final at Templeport.

The Rossies, who are managed by Colm Kelly and Seán O’Brien, led by 1-3 to 1-1 at the break last Saturday thanks to points from Alannah Sutton, Hazel Kelly and Ava Mulry and a goal from a penalty from Shauna McDermott.

The second half was a more freescoring affair with Roscommon exerting their control shortly after the resumption. By the time Hannah Murphy scored the Rossies’ second goal, they were eight points to the good and out of sight. The young camógs will now face what is expected to be a much sterner test when they take on Laois in Sunday’s decider. The Leinster side were comprehensive winners over Carlow in the other semi-final.

Young hurlers set for Croke Park mission

All-Ireland U-20 ‘B’ Hurling

Final: Roscommon v Derry at Croke Park on Saturday at 2.45 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

The pain of losing last year’s decider to Down will be fresh in the minds of those still involved with the Roscommon U-20 hurling team, who, this weekend, will have a rare chance of bringing an All-Ireland hurling title back from Croke Park when they meet Derry.

Mike Fallon is managing the team this year, and alongside his selectors, Kieran Farrell and Mike Mullins, is looking forward to the big day at headquarters.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for these young lads to play an All-Ireland final in Croke Park. Every young hurler or footballer dreams of playing in Croke

Park and now we have to make sure we do ourselves justice on the day,” he told People Sport this week.

Roscommon have already been dealt a significant blow ahead of this Saturday’s final.

“Unfortunately Brian Mannion is out. He dislocated his shoulder on Thursday night last and won’t be involved so that’s very disappointing for him,” Mike said, adding that he expects a stern test from Derry.

“Look, any team who get to this stage will be a good side so we will have to play really well in all sectors to win it… but we have done well so far. We had a good win against Tyrone in the first round but it was against Down in the semi-final that we played our best hurling. (Roscommon won by 3-17 to 0-20) and we have to step up that performance up again on Saturday”.

There is plenty of experience in the

Roscommon team that will line out this weekend including nine players who part of last year’s panel.

“A lot of the lads on the panel will be underage again next year so there are plenty of young hurlers on the way up which is great to see,” Mike said.

“We are trying to build something here. It is important that we have young hurlers at U-17 and U-20 level coming along for the future and this is another step along the way.

“Last year we came into the final without being tested (beating Wicklow and Mayo) and then Down beat us in that final. I think that we are better prepared this time.

“The atmosphere at training has been great and hopefully the lads can go out and produce a performance and do themselves justice on Saturday and hopefully that will be good enough to win it,” he concluded.

GAA Results

pm unless stated)

At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St

Kevin’s v Pádraig Pearses

At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg v St Croan’s

At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Strokestown

At Creggs: Creggs v Kilbride. 7.45 pm

Atlantis IPS Division Three

Tansey Cup

At Pairc Naomh Bearra: St Barry’s v St Ronan’s. 8 pm

Saturday, May 6th

5th & Mad - East Side, New York Division One O’Rourke Cup (7 pm)

At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Tulsk Lord Edwards

At Abbey Park: Boyle v Fuerty

At Rockfield: Oran v Pádraig Pearses

At Orchard Park: Elphin v St Brigid’s Atlantis IPS Division Three Tansey Cup (7 pm)

At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St

Kevin’s v Kilglass Gaels

At Ardcarne Park: St Michael’s v St Dominic’s

Sunday, May 7th

Leydon Bros London

Division Two O’Gara Cup

At Kilmore: Kilmore v St Brigid’s. 12 pm

AFL Division Four

At Ballyleague: St Faithleach’s v Boyle. 11.30 am

Junior Hurling Championship (Group A)

At Woodmount: Pádraig

Pearses v St Dominic’s. 12 pm

At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Four Roads. 12 pm

Junior Hurling Championship (Group B)

At Tremane: Athleague v Tremane. 12 pm

Síofra Hession of Roscommon in action against Rebecca O’Neill of Westmeath during the Electric Ireland Camogie Minor B All-Ireland Championship semi-final match between Roscommon and Westmeath at Templeport St. Aidan’s in Corrasmongan, Cavan last Saturday.

Roscommon now face Laois in the decider this Sunday in Birr.

Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile

Lenabane opens 2023 season on Monday

Horses for Courses

Racing this week starts today (Thursday) at Tipperary with national hunt meeting, first race at 5.20 pm.

On Friday, there are two meetings first on the level at Cork outside Mallow at 4.40 pm and in Downpatrick over the jumps at 5.05 pm.

Racing takes place again in Cork on Saturday with a national hunt card at 1.48 pm and there is a flat card at Naas at 1 pm.

On Sunday, the fare at Leopardstown is on the level with three Group 3 races and a 1.05 pm start.

On Monday Roscommon holds its first meeting of the year at Lenabane away on the flat at 4.30pm.

Racing coverage on TV this week with ITV and Virgin Media 1 starts tomorrow (Friday) with five races from Newmarket and three from Goodwood.

On Saturday, there are five races from Newmarket including the 2000 Guineas, with one race on the flat from Goodwood and Thirsk. Sunday has coverage of five flat races, three from Newmarket including the 1000 Guineas with one from each from Hamilton and Salisbury.

Punchestown Report

In the final three races on Wednesday,

the Grade 1 Bumper went to the winner of the Cheltenham bumper John Kiely’s A Dream To Share who also won at Lenebane last June. John McConnell won the penultimate with Hereditary Rule and racing closed with another WP Mullins winner Junta Marvel ridden by Jodi Townend, Paul’s sister ending a great day for the Rossies with Fastorslow in the Gold Cup.

On Thursday, Mullins repeated his four-timer of Tuesday with Dinoblue ridden by Mark Walsh, Klassical Dream and El Fabiolo both with Paul Townend aboard and Ballyburn with son Patrick won the bumper. The Grade B Handicap Hurdle went for export to Anthony Honeyball’s Kilbeg King ridden by Aidan Coleman. In the La Touche Vital Island won for trainer Richard O’Keeffe and regular rider Benny Walsh.

On Friday, Mullins and Townend had another treble with Kilcruit in the Grade A Novice Handicap Chase, State Man in the Champion Hurdle, and Impaire En Passe in the Champion Novice Hurdle, both Grade 1 races.

On Saturday, Mullins had another treble winning the Handicap 3m 7f Chase with Aione in the hands of nephew Danny, and again both Grade 1 races with Townend on board, Echoes In

by Tom Red

Rain in the Mares Champion Hurdle and Lossiemouth in the Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle. With 18 winners for the week Mullins was top trainer, and Townend with 11 was top jockey. Mullins was the season’s leading trainer with 159 winners, Townend leading rider with 66, Rachael Blackmore was the leading lady rider with 46, and Patrick Mullins with 38 top amateur, and Jodi Townend with 16 was top lady amateur.

Shark Hanlon’s bargain buy Hewick, €850, made a successful return to Sandown on Saturday, where he won the Menorah Chase beating five opponents over 2m 6½f ridden by Rachael Blackmore. The 8-Y-O justified Hanlon’s decision to bypass the Punchestown Gold Cup winning by 4l and 3 ¾ l from Fast Flow and Fantastic Lady.

Frankie Dettori’s retirement grand world tour was victorious once again as he filled in a gap in his CV winning the Italian 2,000 Guineas, at Rome’s Capannelle racecourse on Monday aboard Vero Atleta for trainer Bruno Grizzetti. Dettori was runner-up on four occasions in the race but made no mistake this time, his last ride in the race.

What a cruel game this is as Grand National hero Derek Fox was brought

State Man wins the Champion Hurdle under Paul Townend.

back down to earth literally as he was unseated at Perth yesterday week breaking his collarbone. Fox had come back from injury to ride Corach Rambler to victory in the Grand National at Aintree. The Sligo native will now miss another five to six weeks.

Competition Corner

Paddy McDermott, Ballintubber, Aoife Freyne, Ballaghaderreen and Declan Dillon, Fuerty have won tickets for Roscommon on May 8th and don’t forget to collect your tickets in the office.

Second chance to win tickets for Kilbeggan on May 12th and all we want to know which Roscommon-owned horse won the Punchestown Gold Cup? Answers please on a post card to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 5 pm next Wednesday (10th) and don’t forget to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries. Tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Short putts

Athlone

Congratulations to Yvonne Walsh, who won the first Ladies’ major of the year with 71 nett. Rhona Fitzgerald was runner-up with 71 while Eleanor Larkin was third with 73 and Ann Geoghegan won the gross prize with 73 nett. Other results: Class A Cathryn Mannion (78 nett); Class B Sylvia McInerney (77); Class C Nora St John (77); Class D Rose O’Hanlon (92).

The recent nine-hole competition was won by Maureen Cuddy with 36 nett with Susanne Meares second with 39 nett.

The 97 Club competition was won by Anna Walsh with 26 points, Patricia Cleary (25) was second, and Kathleen McDonnell third (25).

Carrick

The following are the results of the recent Seniors’ competition: Overall winning team: John O’Mahony, Michael Delorey, Paddy Dillon and Eamonn Costello with 47 points. The runners-up were Tommy Mulvey, Paschal Maguire, Damien Duignan and Brendan Lynch with 46 points.

Gerry Emmett was the winner once again last Thursday with an excellent score of 44 points. Other results: Cat

1 John O’Mahony (38); Cat 2 Damien Duignan (38); Cat 3 Donal Collins (35); Front nine Gerrard Fitzgerald (23); Back nine Chris Lowe (23).

Castlerea

The results of the recent Corrib Oil competition were as follows: 1st Willie Gannon (57 nett); 2nd Eugene O’Connell (58); Cat 1 Cian McLoughlin (61); Cat

SPORTS DESK

(News from local golf clubs)

In the Women’s section, Mamie Creaton won the Devine Claims Consultants Insurance Loss Assessors competition with 33 points.

Roscommon

The Men’s 18-hole competition was won by Robert Hill with 40 points. Other results: Cat 1 Denis Smyth (36); Cat 2 Darren Burgoyne (36); Cat 3 John Delaney (39); Gross Rory Mullan (32).

The Ladies’ Scotch Foursomes was won by Paula Miley and Bernie Browne with 40 points while the 9-hole competition was won by Una Gleeson with 15.

Senior Men’s competition: Winner F Nally (40); Cat 1 M Sharkey (37); Cat 2 C McDonnell (34); Cat 3 P Finneran (37); Cat 4 M Henry (36).

Senior Ladies’ competition: Winner G Spillane; 2nd M Madden; 3rd J Moran; 4th U Gleeson.

Congratulations to Olivia Costello, Anna Higgins and Leah Lennon on winning the senior girls’ school championship at Milltown last Monday. The win for the Convent of Mercy girls along with their Captain Mary Seymour bridged an almost 40-year gap since the last victory in the competition.

The Ladies Gala Day takes place on Friday, May 12th. The competition is once again very kindly sponsored by Kathleen Kearney-Kelly and Alan Kelly. The competition will be an 18-hole Stableford with lots of prizes on the day. Visitors €15 and members €8. Book on BRS system or on www.roscommongolfclub.ie.

County Darts final this Saturday

The Hannon’s Hotel sponsored Roscommon Darts League finals will take place in Hannon’s this Saturday, May 6th with both Shield and Cup finals down for decision.

First up is the Shield final where The Cosy Bar (Castlerea) will take on The Village Inn (Loughglynn). The Cosy Bar booked their spot having overcome a 4-3 loss to Flanagan’s in the semi-final first leg to take the second 5-2. Their opponents in the final will be The Village Inn, who after storming to a 6-1 win against The Hollywood Bar in the first leg, sealed the win in the second leg to take a well deserved finals spot.

The Cup final will follow the Shield decider with The Holly Tree (Roscommon) taking on McDermott’s (Ballinaheglish).

The Holly Tree beat An Bothar Rua 8-5 on aggregate in their semi-final while McDermott’s were 8-6 aggregate winners over Spells in their last four tie.

Well done to all four teams on making the finals and best of luck this Saturday. The action will get underway at 6 pm with the Shield final. All are welcome to what promises to be an exciting night of darts!

More Castlerea basketball success!

Congratulations to Castlerea Community Games U-16 boys’ basketball team who caused a huge shock when they clinched the Connacht title following hugely impressive wins over hot favourites Oranmore (semi-final) and Sligo (final).

Castlerea will now take on the champions of Ulster in the All-Ireland semi-

With Dan Dooner

final on May 27th in Gormanstown.

Heneghan in ‘Team of the Week’

Roscommon and Michael Glavey’s’ footballer Niall Heneghan has been nominated for this week’s Electric Ireland Minor Championship ‘Player of the Week’ award.

Heneghan produced a Man of the Match display against Leitrim last Friday evening, scoring 3-4 as Roscommon revived their Connacht campaign.

Heneghan was nominated alongside Callum Graham from Dublin and Kayla O’Keeffe from Laois for the award.

Buccaneers Player of the Year awards

Best of luck to all players up for

Buccaneers RFC Player of the Year awards this Saturday at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone. Awards will be made to Firsts, Seconds, Thirds, and U-20s players while Buccaneers players who represented Ireland this season will also be honoured.

This year the First team Player of the Year will be presented with a new perpetual trophy commemorating the late Ray McLoughlin. A tighthead prop, Ray was capped 40 times by Ireland between 1962 and 1975. He was the first Connacht player selected by the British and Lions, featuring on two tours. He also played for the Barbarians against the All Blacks. Ray commenced his career with Ballinalsoe and played with UCD, Blackrock College, Gosforth, and then Athlone.

2 Padraig McInerney (60); Cat 3 James Mannion (62).

The victorious Castlerea Community Games Basketball team pictured with the Mayor of Castlebar and coach Joe Henry following their recent Connacht success.

THE GAIN LINE

U-13s lose out in cup final

Connacht U-13 Boys’ Cup

Final: Creggs 15 Ballina 43.

Creggs got off to a blistering start at The Sportsground last Sunday morning only to be reeled in and then overwhelmed by an impressive Ballina outfit.

The east Galway side led 15-0 early on thanks to tries from Calvin Beckett and Mark Naughton and a conversion and penalty from Cormac Doyle. The Mayo side eventually got to grips with the game, however, and two quickfire tries reduced the half-time arrears to just three points.

Ballina then took full advantage of the wind advantage in the second half, grabbing the lead with a try inside five minutes before extending their lead to 24-15 shortly after.

Creggs fought back and almost responded with a try but the ball was knocked on in contact. Ballina took full control after that and ran in a further three tries to seal a deserved win.

The Creggs U-13 management team paid tribute to their players for their hard work and dedication this season and also expressed their gratitude to parents and supporters for their help throughout the campaign.

Buccs too strong in U-15 decider

Connacht U-15 Boys’ Cup

Final: Creggs 12 Buccaneers

37. Athlone side Buccaneers proved too strong for Creggs U-15s in last Sunday’s Connacht Cup final at The Sportsground.

This Buccs side had beaten Sligo at U-14 level just last year and that experience stood them as they got off the mark early last weekend.

Creggs failed to get to grips with their opponents early on and the midlanders crossed for an early converted try before adding to their tally shortly afterwards.

The east Galway side looked to be warming to the task when they lost Luke Shally to a yellow card and this allowed Buccaneers to turn the screw as they extended their lead to 19-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Buccs played with the wind at their backs in the second period and two more tries pushed their lead out to 37-0.

Beaten but unbowed, Creggs never gave up and were rewarded with two consolation tries courtesy of Kaylum Curran to put some

BUCCANEERS RFC

Cup joy for the U-15s!

Connacht Boys’ U-15 Cup Fi-

nal: Buccaneers 37 Creggs 12.

Creggs had dished out a 36-14 league hammering to Buccaneers in Athlone earlier in the campaign and were considered strong prematch favourites ahead of last Sunday’s Connacht decider at The Sportsground.

However, Buccs have been on an upward curve since Christmas and they emerged comprehensive 37-12 winners following an impressive team display from the first whistle.

Following an indifferent league campaign, Buccs got their cup campaign up and running with a late win in Westport before an impressive performance in defeating Sligo. They sealed their place in this year’s decider with a comfortable win over Corinthians in last week’s semi-final.

Picking up on that impressive form, the Athlone outfit led from the very start last Sunday thanks to a Ciaran West try, which was converted by Rory Dolan.

West then added his second shortly after before Phillip Finnan crossed for Buccs’ third of the afternoon. Andrew Cotton then got in on the act shortly before half-

C’mon The Town

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

In association with the

time to give Buccs a 24-0 lead at the break.

Further tries from Peter Bourke, Nathan Kelly, and a penalty from Dolan put the game beyond Creggs and allowed Buccs to introduce a number of replacements late on.

A wonderful performance from the whole squad and management to finish the season after which Adrian Leddy (Connacht Rugby) presented the cup to the victorious Pirates skipper Ciaran West. Murphy-Sweeney represents Connacht

Congratulations to Ross Murphy-

respectability on the scoreboard.

For this Creggs team, last Sunday proved to be harsh learning experience but one that they will no doubt benefit from in the future. The team achieved their objective in reaching this year’s final and a total of 42 players donned the Maroon and White for the U-15s this year.

7s Blitz takes place in Creggs Creggs Rugby Club played host to the Connacht U-16s 7s Blitz last Saturday with teams from Sligo, Westport, and Creggs taking part. A number of games took place across the day which afforded young players great experience in the game of 7s rugby.

Creggs duo represent Connacht Juniors

Two Creggs players represented Connacht in last Saturday’s Connacht Interpro Series game

Know the score…

After overcoming their clubmates in a goal-fest a week earlier, a depleted Atlético side were beaten at home by a good Lough Harps side in the shield quarter-final.

Our boys’ U-14 Rovers side won comfortably in Ballaghaderreen to progress to the cup semi-final. Town had seven different goal scorers.

At U-12 level, both Town teams were unfortunate to exit. Town 1 lost out in the final minutes while Town 2 didn’t convert their chances. Dominic Jacob and Tushar Reddy Akidi scored for the Town sides.

Our girls’ U-16 team travelled to Ballaghaderreen for their semifinal. It was a frustrating night for the girls to say the least. Town raced into a two-goal lead but were pipped at the post by their hosts. Lucy Coyle, Daniella Kerr and Vitoria Duarte scored for Town. In the U-16 boys’ section, a depleted Town 1 team were beaten by Castlerea in their cup semifinal. Town 2 lost out to Lough Harps in the shield quarter-final.

The boys’ U-18 team are in the shield final after a comfortable win away to Cam Celtic. Izidro Ribas, Adam Hannon, Jonathan Ben Martin (2), Leo Anic and Zawyal Kahn scored for The Town.

Our six boys’ U-11 sides are in action tomorrow evening (Friday). Our Town 1 and 2 EL and CL teams are away to Moylough and Moore respectively while Town 3 EL and CL host Cloonfad.

against Munster in Tuam. Brian Diffley and Eoghan Coyle took part in the tightly contested game which saw Munster overturn a 17-0 half-time deficit to win 2417. Unfortunately, Shane Purcell failed a late fitness test and missed out.

All-Ireland Girls’ 7s

A number of Creggs players travelled to Dublin with the Convent of Mercy recently to take part in the All-Ireland Schools’ 7s finals. Having won the three first round matches, the Convent qualified for the ‘A’ final against Presentation Secondary School from Wexford but were defeated 3-2. Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar also had a number of Creggs girls among their ranks as they reached the Plate final only to suffer defeat to the same school.

Our U-7 and U-9 players continue to develop their skills and will play more games as the season progresses.

Stay in touch!

The RDYSL Twitter and Facebook pages are a helpful tool for keeping track of fixtures, results, and tables this season. Check out our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook channels for news, photos and more!

Email us: info@roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie

Match day shop…

Support this initiative by making a purchase or volunteering to operate the shop for a match. The shop has a social and a financial function and we encourage you to help us continue this service.

Skill zone – Heading

Remember…eyes open, mouth closed, attack the ball, power from the neck.

Wise Words…

Life is a pitch - play your part!

Sweeney who played for Connacht Juniors in the Interpro Series against Munster last weekend and best of luck to Danny Qualter who is among the nominees for Connacht Senior Club Player of the Year Award on May 20th.

National Schools Blitz

A National Schools rugby blitz was held at Dubarry Park for 3rd and 4th class boys and girls in the Athlone area. 54 ten-aside teams played tag rugby for around two hours meaning over 650 children taking part in the spring sunshine. Sincere thanks to the principals and teachers

for their co-operation and also to all the referees and helpers who ensured things went smoothly.

Buccaneers AGM on May 19th

The Annual General Meeting of Buccaneers Rugby Football Club will take place on Friday, May 19th. Proceedings will commence in the Lower Deck at 8 pm. Nominations and/or motions must be received by the Honorary Secretary by Tuesday, May 2nd

Summer Tag League

The annual Laya Summer Tag League commences on Thursday, May 11th, and will continue until July 31st at Dubarry Park. Open training continues on May 2nd, 4th and 9th when beginners can avail of coaching and instruction. There will be two divisions this summer, Premier and Social/ Corporate. You can register a team or as an individual. Teams of 7 players from a mixed squad of up to 15 members participate in this fun sport. 3 females must be playing at all times and tries scored by females earn bonus points. Contact buccaneers.tag. rugby@gmail.com for further information.

SOCCER RESULTS

Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Semi-final

Moore United 2 Boyle Celtic 1

DK RDFL Shield Final

Cam Celtic 1 Dunmore Town 0

RDFL Women’s Shield Final Kilkerrin United 2 Castlerea Celtic 0

RDFL Division One Promotion/Relegation Play-off Ballinasloe Town B 3 Dysart FC 1

FIXTURES

Friday, May 5th

RDFL First Division Relegation Play-off

At Lecarrow: Ballinasloe Town B v Glen Celtic. 7.30 pm

Saturday, May 6th

RDFL Women’s League Play-off

At Lecarrow: Kilkerrin United v Cam Celtic. 7.30 pm

Sunday, May 7th

Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Semi-Final Cloonfad United v Castlerea Celtic. 11 am First Division Cup Final

At Lecarrow: Ballinagare Manor United v Shiven Rovers. 11 am

Norio’s Premier Division Cup Final

At Lecarrow: Ballinasloe Town v Ballaghaderreen FC. 2 pm

Silky skills: Creggs player Eoghan Coyle provides the out the back off-load during Connacht’s Junior Interpro Series defeat to Munster in Tuam last weekend. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon Town U-9s.

Buccaneers players celebrate after winning the Connacht U-15 Cup final following their win over Creggs RFC at The Sportsground, Galway last Sunday.

DONEGAL DEFEAT ALL BUT ENDS HURLERS’ HOPES

Nickey Rackard Cup (Round three)

Donegal 2-25

Roscommon 2-16

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s chances of progressing in the Nicky Rackard Cup are all but over after this nine-point defeat at the hands of Donegal in Athleague last Sunday.

Donegal pulled away in the third quarter and at one stage led by 13 points. But full credit to Seamus Qualter’s men who never threw in the towel and two goals from the homes side’s best player, Mickey Joe Egan, in the final six minutes, narrowed the gap late on but it was to no avail as Donegal booked a place in the final with Wicklow their likely opponents.

On a bright warm day, the sides were level six times in the opening 25 minutes of the game with Liam McKinney and Mickey Joe Egan accurate from the placed ball, But the breakthrough that Donegal were threatening came in the 26th minute when their best player and captain Ronan McDermott burst through and shot low past Enda Lawless. That goal helped the Tir Conaill men into a 1-10 to 0-10 half-time lead.

The visitors pulled away in the third quarter with McDermott and Declan Coulter on fire and the Donegal subs were also making a big impact on the scoreboard.

In the 55th minute, one of those subs, Sean Ward, pulled first time to score his side’s second goal and with 10 minutes to go the visitors led by 2-22 to 0-15.

But Roscommon kept plugging away and Mickey Joe Egan fired home a super goal in the 61st minute, and, in the final minute of normal time, the St Dominic’s man blasted home another goal for the home side. But the gap was just too much to bridge and Donegal eased to a comfortable win.

Two goals from Roscommon’s best player, Mickey Joe Egan (file pic), narrowed the gap late on but it was to no avail as Donegal won last Sunday’s Nickey Rackard Cup match at Athleague to book their place in the final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Clann crowned Ladies league champions

Clann na nGael retained the Ladies’ Football League Division One crown with a four-point win over local rivals St Brigid’s last weekend. Clann proved too strong for the Kiltoom outfit, winning an absorbing contest 5-10 to 5-6. In Division Two, Boyle were comfortable 3-16 to 1-8 winners over St Croan’s while St Barry’s overcame Éire Óg 3-13 to 1-11 in the Division Three decider.

Elsewhere, Northern Harps won the Division Four title with an impressive 3-10 to 1-8 victory over Oran, and the Division Five title was won by St Dominic’s after they overcame Shannon Gaels.

Roscommon LGFA wishes to thank the St Faithleach’s, Castlerea St Kevin’s, St Barry’s and Pádraig Pearses clubs for hosting the finals as well as sponsors, match officials and supporters.

Late goals revive minors’ campaign

Electric Ireland Connacht MFC (Round three)

Roscommon manager Seamus Qualter said he was proud of his side’s efforts despite the result: “It’s disappointing but it is what it is. We are where we are. I just told them there that I was proud of them and that I was proud of the effort they’ve put in for the last few weeks. The U-20s

are training with us. They’re in the AllIreland final next Saturday. We’ll go and support them and help them in any way we can. It’s all about the youth now and trying to blood them”.

The Roscommon boss says that there is s gap between Roscommon and others in their division.

“Teams like Donegal have shown us the level we need to get to. We go to Wicklow the next day. We have two more games left to see out this process. It’s about the future. They’re good lads, they’ve done everything. It’s no one’s fault. There’s no one to blame. It’s just us, it’s where we’re at,” he concluded. Roscommon travel to face Wicklow away in the next round with a home game against Fermanagh the final game in the group and it would take the most unlikely set of results elsewhere to see Roscommon’s interest in the competition being maintained.

However, it has not been a bad year with success and promotion in the league and next Sunday’s U-20 All-Ireland final against Derry to look forward to.

Donegal: Luke White (0-1, free); Michael Donaghue, Stephen Gillespie (0-1); Gavin Browne (0-1); Bernard Lafferty, Stephen McBride, Christopher McDermott; Jack O’Loughlin (0-1), Brian McIntyre; Ronan McDermott (1-5), Conor Gartland (0-1), Declan Coulter (0-4); Ruairi Campbell, Liam McKinney (0-7, 4 frees, 1 ’65), Daire O Maoilleidgh (0-1).

Subs: Gerry Gilmore (0-2) for McIntyre (25), Sean Ward (1-1) for Campbell (h/t), Ryan Hifferty for O Loughlin (38), Kevin Curran for Coulter (59).

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Darragh Mullen, Mark Ward, Hugh Rooney; Joe Brennan, Adam Donnelly, Jack Dowling; Brendan Mulry (0-1), Eamon Mulry (0-1); Conor Cosgrove (0-1), Naos Connaughton (0-1), Eoin Kiernan; Eamon Flanagan (0-2), Conor Mulry (0-3), Mickey Joe Egan (2-6, 3 frees, 2 ‘65’s).

Subs: Padraig Brennan (0-1) for J Brennan (h/t), Paddy Fallon for Donnelly (h/t), Ryan Conlon for Kiernan (h/t), Sean Dowd for Cosgrove (48).

Referee: Niall Malone (Clare)

Roscommon 5-9 Leitrim 0-12

< SEAMUS DUKE

Needling a win to maintain any further interest in the competition, Roscommon’s minor footballers staged an astonishing comeback, scoring no less than four goals in the final ten minutes to overcome the dogged challenge of Leitrim at Dr. Hyde Park last Friday. Now James Duignan’s men will face Sligo with the winners advancing to the semi-finals.

Paul Honeyman was very influential for Leitrim, and there was never much in a tense first half. However in the 25th minute, Niall Heneghan fisted in a Roscommon goal and the home side led 1-6 to 0-6 at half-time.

Indeed, when Honeyman pointed a 50th minute free, his side were leading by a point (0-11 to 1-7) and at that stage Roscommon were heading out of the competition. But the home side mounted a number of devastating attacks that ended the Leitrim challenge in the final ten minutes.

A John McGuinness point levelled the scores, before Niall Heneghan fisted home his second goal of the game. Then sub John Curran pointed before Roscommon hit Leitrim for three goals in four minutes to wrap up a truly remarkable win. Sub Ruairi Kilcline grabbed two goals while Heneghan grabbed another to bring his personal tally to a total of three goals and four points.

It was a scarcely believable finish to the match and now all eyes will be on the clash with Sligo at Markievcz Park this Friday evening.

Roscommon: Aaron Cox; Colin Murray, Nikita Berzins, Ryan Hanley; Conor Morris, Eoghan Carthy, Ruadhan Henry; Niall Heneghan (3-4, 3 frees), Lee Taylor (0-1); Cathal McKeon, David Higgins, Jamie Betts; Eoghan Murray, Sean McDonnell, John McGuinness (0-2). Subs: John Curran (0-2) for Higgins (36), Ruairi Kilcline (2-0) for McKeon (43), Stephen Tighe for Murray (58), Conor Dowling for McGuinness (59 mins).

Clann na nGael retained their Ladies’ Football League Division One crown with a four-point win over local rivals St Brigid’s last weekend.