07 April 2023 Roscommon People

BURNING OF VEGETATION

I would like to burn some overgrown hedgerows on my land but I am anxious not to fall foul of any law prohibiting this. I understand that I cannot burn vegetation at certain times of the year but I am not sure what dates are restricted. Please advise me.

Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife.

Vegetation such as hedgerows and scrub is important as wildlife habitat and needs to be managed in the interests of both farming and biodiversity and therefore a review of the current legislation was initiated to ensure that it remains both effective and balanced.

Farmers may be considered ineligible for payment under Department schemes if vegetation on land is found to have been burned outside of the legal season.

The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has initiated many prosecutions in recent years relating to individuals for breaches of section 40 of the Wildlife Act for the burning of gorse and vegetation. Fines were imposed in all cases and said fines ranged from €50 to €600. In some cases, those prosecuted were ordered by the court to pay legal costs and expenses. Members of An Garda Síochána are also authorised officers to prosecute breaches of the Wildlife Acts.

Further, under Section 39 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, if you intend burning within one mile of a forest which you do not own, you must notify your local Garda Station and the forest owner, who has the right to object by counter-notice, at least seven days in advance, in writing. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in you being held responsible for the loss of a neighbouring plantation.

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Hey, who’s gonna tackle the big man in Mayo?

Huh?

Coming soon… the enormously powerful and influential great one! But he must be challenged! He could run amok! Run amok?

Yes, run amok!

Look, I’m as excited as the next person about President Biden coming to Mayo, and I don’t think it will be the time or the place to protest about American policy on anything. We need to welcome the guy!

I’m not talking about President Biden’s visit to Mayo next week. I’m talking about Aidan O’Shea and the threat he poses to Roscommon in Sunday’s big game!

(They pause to check if Fionnán Sheahan & George Hook have calmed down yet after their celebrated appearances on Virgin Media’s Tonight Show on Monday night)

So I’ve a new career idea…

Oh dear!

I’m thinking of moving into DC. Washington DC?

No! DC… DAMAGE CONTROL!

Huh?

As you know, I’m very involved in a wide range of media and communications services…

If you say so…

So I’m considering a new departure. Well…goodbye!

Not that type of departure! I mean a ca-

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

reer departure, but still broadly in communications…

Mmnn…so what’s this ‘Damage Control’ you’re on about?

I will be a Tweet Tsar!

A wha’?

I’ve already been on to Kellie Har- rington’s people, and Eoin Ó Broin’s, and Barry Cowen’s... Huh?

More and more public figures are getting into hot water with their tweets, their social media, their TV and radio

interviews…

Yeah…

So I reckon there’s an opening for some experienced media person to scrutinise their output before it goes out… and/or deal with the fall-out once trouble erupts! Mmnn… I think there are people for that job already!

Maybe, but I have unique talents! Indeed you do, very unique!

(They pause to discuss a good week for Roscommon sport, with notable success for the Convent of Mercy footballers and the Roscommon senior hurlers)

Any more musings?

Well…can we beat Mayo?

It won’t be easy, but…

Fingers crossed! No doubt you’ll be on your damage control crusade if we lose… That won’t be necessary! Davy’s boyos will do us proud!

I see Trump was charged and fingerprinted in court this week… try some damage control there!

Yeah, that might be a challenge, even for me!

So, we managed to reference two American presidents in our column this week…

It may not end at two…

Huh?

You asked if we can beat Mayo…to which I will respond by quoting Barack Obama… YES WE CAN!

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

Mayo footballers, who were crowned Allianz National Football League champions, defeating Galway in Croke Park

Convent of Mercy, Roscommon, this after they won the All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior B title with victory over Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee Roscommon hurlers, who won the Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A title on Saturday, defeating Armagh by 2-17 to 0-15

Paul Mescal, who won Best Actor at the Olivier Awards in London on Sunday night for his portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

League of Ireland referees, this after outspoken Shelbourne FC manager Damien Duff said that the standard of refereeing in this country is unacceptable

Barry Cowen, with the Laois-Offaly TD forced to (kind of) apologise after he caused upset by comparing extending the eviction ban to “making sweets free for children”

Graham Potter and Brendan Rodgers, Premier League managers who were sacked at the weekend by Chelsea and Leicester respectively

‘I’ve been on to Kellie’s people, and Eoin Ó Broin’s, and Barry Cowen’s’

PIC OF THE WEEK: A Convent of Mercy, Roscommon supporter pictured during the Lidl All-Ireland Post Primary School Senior ‘B’ Championship Final between Convent of Mercy, Roscommon and Mercy Mounthawk, Kerry, at MacDonagh Park in Nenagh, Tipperary last Thursday. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Roscommon Harriers Hunt Club fundraising night in Hamrock’s

Roscommon Harriers Hunt Club are holding a fundraiser and fun night in Hamrock’s Lounge in Athleague this Easter Saturday, April 8th.

The club would like to cordially invite everyone to come along, especially the generous landowners who have been extremely good to the club this season,

following the establishment of a new committee last October. There is so much planned for the night – including live music, an auction and a mega raffle – so this is sure to be an event which will appeal to all!

Doors open at 7.30 pm with live music from Kenneth McCormack. A mega raffle will kick off at 9 pm sharp with ten fabulous prizes up for grabs (including weekends away). Raffle tickets are priced at just €5. Hot food will be served on the night. An auction will also be held, followed by more music and dancing (prizes up for grabs for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd best jivers on the night).

So whether you want to dance the night away, grab yourself a bargain at the auction, or just want a good, fun night out, there’s no better place to be this Saturday night than Hamrock’s Lounge in Athleague.

It’s a night out not to be missed, so join Roscommon Harriers Hunt Club this Easter Saturday night for some great fun. Everyone is welcome to attend and admission is free.

€5m for Knock Airport welcomed

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has welcomed the allocation of over €5m (€5,000,541) under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 Proposed Capital Allocations in 2023 for Ireland West Airport (Knock)

The funding will provide further opportunities to improve the infrastructure at the regional airport.

Deputy Feighan said this was more good news for the airport following the recent commencement of direct flights to Heathrow in London.

“Ireland West Airport is one of the best assets we have as a region with commuting times of an hour or less from many parts of Roscommon, Sligo, and South Leitrim,” Deputy Feighan said.

“Knock and Ireland West is a stress-free zone allowing people to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger airports like Dublin”.

Deputy Feighan commended the Government and Minister Jack Chambers for their generous allocation and expressed thanks to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for his personal support for the airport over many years. He also congratulated the airport manager and board for their “continuing good work bringing in investment and increasing numbers to the airport every year”.

Hike to Hope for Vita House!

Following the great success of their Malin to Mizen trek in 2021 raising awareness of mental health, Dan Magan and Micheál Duggan are taking to the roads once more.

The two men now plan to walk from Dublin to Achill in aid of Vita House, the counselling service that offers help and support to families in Roscommon, Longford and further afield.

Dan and Micheál will set out from Dublin on April 11th and expect to arrive on Keem Beach, Achill on April 22nd.

The intrepid duo would be delighted to be joined by anyone along the way. They have also set up a GoFundMe page for anyone who wishes to make a donation.

Man who was missing found safe

A 30-year-old man who had been missing from his home in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon for about a week has been found safe and well.

Gardaí had sought the public’s help to trying to trace Richard Nwachukwu, who had last been seen in Athlone on March 22nd/23rd.

They said his family were concerned for his welfare and appealed to the public to assist with any information.

On Friday last, Gardaí issued a statement confirming that Richard had been located safe.

“An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance”.

Vintage car and tractor run in aid of Scoil Bhríde

Scoil Bhríde Parents Association, in conjunction with Mid Roscommon Vintage Club, are hosting a Vintage Car and Tractor Run on Sunday, April 16th, at 1.30 pm sharp, starting from Kilbride Community Centre (F42N277).

Registration on the day begins from 12.30 pm at Kilbride Community Centre, and the entry fee per vehicle is €20. There will be prizes on the day for entrants, so be sure to shine up your tractors!

Spectators can come along on the day for this free event from 12.30 pm onwards. The tractor run will take approximately an hour, departing and returning to Kilbride Community Centre. This is a great time to inspect the array of vintage cars and tractors, and enjoy refreshments and the raffle.

Entrants and spectators alike are invited to participate and attend, for what promises to be a great family event!

Funds raised from registration and raffle on the day will go towards the construction of a sensory garden and biodiversity area at Scoil Bhríde.

All are welcome to attend, so be sure to come along on the day!

Upcoming Ballintubber Tidy Towns events

The Ballintubber Tidy Towns ‘Annual Spring Clean’ takes place this Friday (April 7th) at 11 am. Meet up at church car park where gloves, pickers, etc. will be supplied. We hope to cover the village and five approach roads, and we are looking for volunteers from these areas to assist.

Meanwhile, the annual Tidy Towns church gate collection takes place this Easter Sunday (9th) before 11 am Mass. We look forward to your continued support. It’s your generosity and help that helps make Ballintubber the tidy, picturesque village we see today. Thanks one and all.

‘I am working at my dream job, hoping to make Dad proud’

CHANGING PLACES

< A SERIES WITH CARMEL KELLY-PALMER

Rodrigo Oliveira Marques left his home town of Bage, Brazil in 2006 to live in Roscommon, where his father, Geraldo Marques, (known as Toko) had already taken up residency in 2003. A much-loved personality in Roscommon town, Toko married Mella Stephens, daughter of Padraig and Alice Stephens, a well-known family from Roscommon town.

Rodrigo begins: “My father lived on a farm until he was about 30 years of age. Working on a farm in Brazil one spends at least eight hours of the day on horseback, working with the animals, so you need very good, strong ‘tack’ for the work required. This is where my Dad started learning the trade of making and fixing his leather ‘tack’. ‘Tacking up’ means fitting a horse with all of the items necessary for riding it”.

Rodrigo was born in 1993. Around that time his father had to move to the city, starting work with a friend in a shoe outlet.

“After a couple of years my Dad decided to open his own shoe business (in Brazil), working there until he moved to Ireland in 2003. As a very young child I always followed my Dad into his workshop, fascinated by the way he worked and moved with such speed.

“He would go from the long wide bench to machines, bending, cutting, changing. He was always very quiet and I was too…the only part of me moving were my eyes, darting back and forth and following his every move, wondering how he moved so fast, from the bench to the machines against the wall. I knew when he started to sing all had turned out well – another good day in the workshop!”

Rodrigo made that move to Roscommon in 2006, finishing secondary school in 2012. He secured some work after leaving school but wasn’t particularly happy in any of those roles. His father was in full-time employment here and also had a workshop at his home.

“I spent much time in there with him, gradually picking up the skill of crafting and mak-

ing leather shoes. He decided we were going to open our own leather shop in Roscommon town. There he was crafting bespoke leather shoes and my brother Bruno and myself were taking care of the shoe repair service which we also offered. Unfortunately, that only lasted for one year as Dad was diagnosed with cancer and one year later he died.

“I needed to leave Roscommon then and decided on going to Galway. On my first day on a walk around the city I went into a shoe repair shop and within about 10 minutes there I got a job. Working there for a few months I was focused on the shop next door, called Mishnóc, where leather products were sold, and I became friendly with Mark, a man who worked there.

“The job at the shoe repair shop did not work

out and my good friend Mark spoke to the boss of Mishnóc, telling him my story. To my relief and surprise a few days later I received a telephone call from him asking if I would be interested in making a few handmade leather belts and in endeavouring to sell them in the shop.

“Tinged with relief and excitement I produced the belts, which were sold within a week. He employed me then on a full-time basis with the intention of making real, honest handmade leather goods.

“In our craft workshop in Athenry, I started slowly, only making a few belts and cross-body satchels, moving on to crafting handbags and all leather products sold in our Mishnóc shop premises. In the workshop one carries out a variety of necessary tasks, cutting, moulding, shaping, stitching and many other procedures before finally producing a unique supply of leather products.

“I am now over six years working for Mishnóc, an exclusive quality leather product shop, selling luxurious and timeless leather products at Unit 3, Cathedral Buildings, Abbeygate Street Lower, Galway. ‘Mishnóc’ is an anglicisation of the Irish ‘misneach’, meaning ‘courage’.

“It has been a real and exciting journey for me, learning something new every day, and improving my skills. We have a range of handmade products in the shop, from a five euro keychain to beautiful, exclusive quality leather bags. My boss, Pat Delaney, visits Italy every year to source the best leather and accessories for our products.

“I am absolutely fortunate to have this opportunity of being creative and also to use the skills which Dad, an artist and craftsman, passed on to me.

“I am living in Galway, my favourite city in Ireland, close to my brother Bruno and sister Marina, and working at my dream job, hoping to make Dad proud.

“But Roscommon will always be my second home and I love going back on a regular basis to visit my stepmum Mella, all the family and my many good friends.

“In Roscommon, I feel closer to my Dad, where his memory will always be kept alive by those who loved him”.

Rodrigo Oliveira Marques pictured in his workshop where he carries out a variety of necessary tasks, cutting, moulding, shaping, stitching and many other procedures before finally producing a unique supply of leather products.

Rodrigo’s late father, Geraldo Marques, (known as Toko).

It takes two! Local Slimming World couple lose 10st to win award

A couple from Boyle who have turned their lives around by losing an amazing ten stone between them and have bagged a top award with Slimming World.

The Slimming World group celebrated Steven and Jane Matthews’ achievements as part of Slimming World’s Couple of the Year 2023 competition. Steven and Jane, who joined their local Slimming World group in 2021, believe supporting one another on their weight-loss journeys has been key to their success.

Jane, who is just half a pound away from her five stone award, says, “When we first joined Slimming World we couldn’t believe how much food we could eat and still lose weight. Making small changes to the way we cooked our meals meant we could still enjoy all of our favourites like vindaloo curry and pasta carbonara and they taste so much better.

“We never have to miss out, and don’t have to worry about weighing and measuring everything we eat or counting calories. Before we started, we worried eating healthily might limit us, but we try more new recipes now than we ever did before and have found food optimis-

ing fits around our lives, rather than the other way around.

“As we’ve lost weight, we’ve enjoyed being more active as well, which means we do more together, like doing the local park run here in Boyle and kayaking”.

Steven, who is five stone lighter since joining Slimming World, says, “We’re lucky because as well as the support we had from each other, the rest of the group have also been there for us. We look forward to seeing everyone from our group each week, we swap recipes and strategies for staying on track, and if we’ve ever struggled, there has always been someone ready to suggest a new idea or remind us why we started this journey.

“It’s listening to others and talking about our own motivations and challenges that has, week by week, helped us to understand ourselves as slimmers better so we can make changes that we’re confident we can keep up for life”.

Pauline Bliss, who runs the Slimming World group in Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon and St Joseph’s Resource Centre in Boyle, says, “Steven and Jane are living proof that slimmers are more

CHOC ‘N’ DATE BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large brown-skinned sweet potatoes (about 500g), peeled and diced

• 100g porridge oats

• 3 level tbsp sweetener

• 1 medium egg

• 12 dried medjool dates, stoned and roughly chopped

• 2 level tbsp low-fat spread

• 6 level tbsp cocoa powder (or raw cacao powder, available in larger supermarkets)

• 16 raspberries

• ½ level tsp icing sugar, to dust

METHOD

successful when they lose weight together and get support and motivation from others.

“The last few years have been incredibly difficult for so many of us with lockdown and coming back out of it, but Steven and Jane’s determination to reach their goals has never faded during all this time. They’re always the first ones to offer support and offer encouragement to others in the group too – they’re a real inspiration and the group and I couldn’t be more proud of them!”

Trish Keegan, who runs the group in Gleeson’s in Roscommon, says, “I really hope Steven and Jane’s weight-loss can inspire people to get started on their own journey and show them that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – and with absolutely no judgement. I feel like the support from your partner, family, and group can be an integral part of being really successful, and I’ve seen that over my five years in group”.

Aisling Anderson, who runs the group in Ballaghaderreen, says, “Easter is just around the corner, and that’s no reason to let your healthy-eating regime go

SERVES 4 READY IN 50 MINUTES, PLUS COOLING

off track. Celebrating Easter and enjoying the occasional chocolate fix doesn’t mean you have to wave goodbye to achieving your weight-loss goals. Often people think that losing weight means going hungry and giving up all of your favourite foods – but the truth is it is possible to still enjoy your favourite Easter treats as part of a healthy balanced diet”.

Carol Doran Joyce, who runs the group in Kiltoom Parish Hall, says “Members who join our Slimming World group to lose weight soon discover that we’re not about dieting and deprivation but making small and simple changes to the way we shop, cook and eat, and learning to make healthier choices – so chocolate needn’t be a guilty pleasure!”

Sheila McLoughlin, who runs the group in Strokestown, says, “Slimming World’s famous Food Optimising eating plan allows members to satisfy their appetite on filling low-energy-dense foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, eggs, fish, and more, and all without having to weigh, count or measure. The plan also encourages members to enjoy a little bit of what they fancy, whatever that may be. And

with these delicious Slimming World desserts you can still enjoy your favourite treats – including chocolate – all while losing weight”.

You can pick up a free copy of Slimming

World’s 28-day Recipe Booklet when you join your local Slimming World group until the 15th of April. There will also be free membership offers during April – just contact your local consultant for details.

• Preheat your oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4 and line the base and sides of an 18cm square loose-bottomed cake tin with non-stick baking paper.

• Steam the sweet potatoes for 10 minutes or until tender (use a steamer or put them in a covered colander placed over a saucepan of boiling water and steam over a high heat).

Leave to cool slightly.

• Put the oats into a food processor and blitz until you have fine crumbs. Add the sweetener, egg, dates, spread, cocoa powder, sweet potatoes and a pinch of salt, and whizz to a thick, smooth paste. Pour into the prepared tin, level the surface and carefully poke in the raspberries (placing them so that each brownie will get 1 raspberry). Bake for 35 minutes then leave to cool in the tin.

• Turn out on to a board then peel away and discard the baking paper. Cut into 16 squares and dust with icing sugar to serve.

Steven and Jane pictured before embarking on their weight-loss journey with Slimming World.

Steven and Jane pictured after losing a collective ten stone with their local Slimming World group.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY Convent heroics

There was great excitement this afternoon as a Roscommon team achieved a notable sporting success.

Convent of Mercy, Roscommon defeated Mercy Mounthawk of Tralee by 2-11 to 2-6 in the AllIreland Football Post-Primary Schools Senior ‘B’ Final, played in Nenagh.

Earlier today, supporters were bussed to the venue. Those ‘back home’ followed the Convent’s fantastic win online. This evening, a large crowd turned out to formally welcome the All-Ireland winning stars back!

FRIDAY

Say it ain’t so, Joe…

Earlier in the week, Joe Duffy noted that the 170th anniversary of the birth of Vincent van Gogh was coming up, as was the 90th birthday of Sil Fox, one of those Irish comedians who is synonymous with Liveline’s ‘Funny Friday’. Today, Joe & Co. are doing an entire show on the great artist. That’s on van Gogh, not on Sil Fox. The Dutch painter is considered one of the most culturally influential figures in the history of art.

Nothing against Vincent (I like that today’s programme is pushing the ‘everyone can paint’ message) but I’m not convinced that dedicating an entire Liveline show to him 170 years after his birth is one of the production team’s better calls. I opted out, not expecting riveting radio.

Meanwhile, on tonight’s Late Late Show Country Music Special, no doubt Ryan Tubridy will be wearing a cowboy hat and unconvincingly trying to give the impression that he’s now a fully paid up member of the Country Music Appreciation Society.

Anything new on Netflix, anyone?

SATURDAY

Singing the (battery) blues

So yes, I finally got the Fitbit recently, and also established what for now is a basic knowledge of Spotify. As such, I’m tentatively feeling incentivised to take more regular walks.

Today, the weather was pleasant, I was attacking that steps’ target, and a couple of hastily cobbled together playlists were bringing me back to the hits of the past. But then the lady in my headphones began to interrupt the songs to advise that my battery was low. I’d much prefer if she didn’t interrupt, and let me discover myself (either when I got home, or before) that I needed to do some re-charging.

Cat Stevens was about halfway through ‘Father And Son’ when the warnings started. I thought that might be it, but a couple of minutes later – during ‘Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue’ – the lady in my headphones was back with another grim warning about the wilting battery. You can’t enjoy the music with these ‘your battery is low’ interventions.

The lady seemed to be losing patience by the time she cut in on Eleanor Rigby, as if that song needed any more despondency. Naturally I switched the headphones off before she could cut in on David Bowie or Elton.

SUNDAY

Mayo’s day

Inhaling the moment, measuring and appreciating it, Kevin McStay puffed out his cheeks as the final whistle sounded at Croke Park today. The Holy Grail for Mayo is the elusive Sam Maguire Cup, but McStay knew that winning the ‘other’ national title is not to be sniffed at. It’s an addition to the Mayo GAA roll of honour. Today’s victory is also an important psychological boost for the Mayo camp. Ideally, winning becomes a habit, and the sight of a Mayo team winning a national final in Croke Park – scene of so many devastating losses over recent years – must be a welcome confidence boost for all associated with the ‘green and red’.

As for the game itself, I thought it was enjoyable enough for neutrals. Mayo deserved their victory, though they will

note their goalkeeper, Colm Reape, was man of the match (the grim Reape-r for Galway’s hopes). Overall, I got a real sense that Mayo are in better shape than Galway. Both teams can be expected to feature prominently at the business end of the championship season.

MONDAY

Close bonds…

For a short while, the queue at the Orthopaedic Unit at Merlin Park Hospital this afternoon stretched just outside, into the bosom of the fresh air. (Our son incurred a minor fracture on his arm recently). From the porch between us and the people who were queuing inside, I could hear three voices. At first I couldn’t see the men…two of them probably in their 40s, one much younger.

The three were having a friendly and courteous chat. Whatever the banter was, one of the two older men matter of factly mentioned ‘honesty’ to the younger man – in a very respectful way, I might add. The younger man agreed, also very respectfully. The three were getting on very well indeed.

Just as we stepped into the porch, they

crossed in front of us. “We’re not in the queue” one of the older men said to me…as the younger man followed behind him, on his crutch, and handcuffed to the other man.

TUESDAY

Donald’s drum…

Former US President Donald Trump appeared in court today, leading to the proverbial media circus. Just watching the coverage is exhausting, but fascinating. Is it the beginning of the end for the phenomenally divisive Trump, or will some form of ‘martyr status’ actually ignite his re-election bid? I’ve no idea. The strong suspicion is that one should write him off at one’s peril. On Newsnight tonight, former American Secretary of State Cyrus Vance summed up the near-futility of trying to second-guess what might happen next: “We all know that Trump plays to his own drum”.

WEDNESDAY

In conference…

The second annual Suck Valley Way Conference kicked off today in Gleeson’s in Roscommon.

I was happy to perform as Master of Ceremonies for a thoughtprovoking opening session during which guest speakers addressed issues to do with disabilities’ services (or lack of) in this country. I will write about this in our next issue.

Those excellent presentations were delivered by Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick (President of the Association of Irish Local Government), Senator Tom Clonan, Fabian Joyce of Anam Music Therapy, and Paula Naughton of the Join Our Boys Trust.

The conference continues throughout Thursday (today) in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, and all are welcome.

Lecture on Roscommon architecture

A meeting of the County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society will take place at 8 pm on Tuesday, 11th of April in the Cruachan Ai Centre, Tulsk.

Following the meeting there will be an illustrated lecture on 18th and 19th century Roscommon town architecture by Vincent Delany, archictect.

The illustrated talk describes some of the landlords and many of the tenants of land and properties in the town of Roscommon from the 1600s when the Earl of Ranelagh controlled the town until the mid-19th century when the town had been inherited by the Earls of Leinster, the Earls of Essex and others.

Were the Roscommon tenants members of the New English who were predominantly urban dwellers, or were they Irish who were more accustomed to rural living? The contents of the talk are based on information among the thousands of historic documents stored at Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.

Vincent Delany worked for 40 years with a firm of architects in Dublin. On retirement, he gained a Masters Degree under Prof. Dooley and Prof. Raymond Gillespie at Maynooth University.

Following graduation he won the Roscommon Co. Council heritage bursary award with a project under the title ‘Roscommon, a venue for Roscommon yachting, past and present’. He has been working on the ongoing project ‘Roscommon Historic Towns Atlas’ in conjunction with Dr Kieran O’Conor of UCG. All are welcome to attend this Tuesday.

Upcoming Ballintubber

Tidy Towns events

The Ballintubber Tidy Towns ‘Annual Spring Clean’ takes place this Friday (April 7th) at 11 am. Meet up at church car park where gloves, pickers, etc. will be supplied. We hope to cover the village and five approach roads, and we are looking for volunteers from these areas to assist.

Meanwhile, the annual Tidy Towns church gate collection takes place this Easter Sunday (9th) before 11 am Mass. We look forward to your continued support. It’s your generosity and help that helps make Ballintubber the tidy, picturesque village we see today. Thanks one and all.

Evan crowned as Roscommon Spelling Bee champ!

Eason is delighted to announce Evan Mimnagh Reily as this year’s winner of the County Roscommon Eason Spelling Bee Final.

Evan Mimnagh Reily, who is a student at Cloonakilla NS, soared to the top following an intense competition in which he faced fifteen fellow spelling enthusiasts. He will now go on to compete in the Connacht Provincial Spelling Bee later this year, which he is very excited for. Evan is a keen reader and particularly likes books on history.

Celebrating its tenth year, the Eason Spelling Bee provides a fun, educational outlet for school kids, encouraging them to expand their vocabulary and develop their confidence.

As well as the prestigious title of Eason Spelling Bee 2023 Champion, the top Bee will also take home a collection of books for their school library worth €7,500, as well as a personal collection of books worth €500. This year, over 500 schools nationwide will compete against each other in a bid to win the coveted prize. The Eason Spelling Bee team will be travelling around the country to host County Final Bees, and then progressing to a Provincial Bee contest. The champions from these will then go head-to-head in the AllIreland Final Bee, taking place in June 2023, with the lucky winner being crowned King or Queen Bee.

Pictured are the Roscommon national school students who recently competed in the County Roscommon Eason Spelling Bee competition.

Pictured is Evan Mimnagh Reily from Cloonakilla NS, who was recently named Roscommon Spelling Bee Champion.

CLÁR Programme 2023

Choice Based Letting

Choice Based Letting (CBL) is a method of social housing allocation which is designed to offer more choice and involvement by qualified households in selecting a new home.

CLÁR Programme 2023

The Department of Rural and Community Development announced details of the CLÁR programme for 2023 on 29th March 2023. CLÁR provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline. There is a national allocation of €7.85 million for 2023 under 3 measures to be operated via Local Authorities and the Department of Rural and Community Development for a range of School and Community projects.

CLÁR Programme 2023

Roscommon County Council intends to use CBL for allocating Local Authority houses in low demand areas for applicants on the Social Housing waiting list.

Available Properties to let as at 31st March, 2023 as follows:

Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities

of School and Community projects.

Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport

Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’

Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities

The Department of Rural and Community Development announced detail s of the CLÁR programme for 2023 on 29th March 2023 CLÁR provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline. There is a national allocation of €7.85 million for 2023 under 3 measures to be operated via Local Authorities and the Department of Rural and Community Development for a range of School and Community projects.

Address Details Eircode Heating

Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’ Up to 15 applications in total will be invited from relevant Local Authorities in respect of Measure 1. The maximum level of funding for any individual project is €50,000 and grant-funding is at a rate of 90% of total project costs.

Up to 15 applications in total will be invited from relevant Local Authorities in respect of Measure 1. The maximum level of funding for any individual project is €50,000 and grant-funding is at a rate of 90% of total project costs.

Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities

Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport

Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’

1 Castlecolane, Bohalis, 2 bed detached F45 AW67 Oil Fired Central Heating Ballaghaderreen, bungalow Co. Roscommon

Applications are being accepted directly by the Department in respect of Measures 2 and 3 via email to CLAR@drcd.gov.ie Full details of the Measure 2 and 3 Schemes and application forms are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie

Applications are being accepted directly by the Department in respect of Measures 2 and 3 via email to CLAR@drcd.gov.ie. Full details of the Measure 2 and 3 Schemes and application forms are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie

In order to facilitate schools/communities in preparing an application full details of the Measure 1 Scheme and application forms are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie

2 1 Cnoc an Aoibhinn, 2 bed semi F45 EF97 Solid Fuel Range Frenchpark, detached bungalow Co. Roscommon

Up to 15 applications in total will be invited from relevant Local Authorities in respect of Measure 1. The maximum level of funding for any individual project is €50,000 and grant-funding is at a rate of 90% of total project costs.

In order to facilitate schools/communities in preparing an application, full details of the Measure 1 Scheme and application forms are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie

Closing date for receipt of fully completed Application Forms for Measure 1 is 5pm on Wednesday, 10th May 2023

Closing date for receipt of fully completed Application Forms for Measure 1 is 5pm on Wednesday, 10th May 2023

Applications are being accepted directly by the Department in respect of Measures 2 and 3 via email to CLAR@drcd.gov.ie Full details of the Measure 2 and 3 Schemes and application forms are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie

Applications must be saved as a Microsoft Word format and submitted by email only to CLAR@roscommoncoco.ie

Applications must be saved as a Microsoft Word format and submitted by email only to CLAR@roscommoncoco.ie

In order to facilitate schools/communities in preparing an application full details of the Measure 1 Scheme and application forms are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie

A household that wishes to be considered for the allocation of one of the above properties, which will be called “Bid Dwellings” must, apply in writing or by email to cbl@roscommoncoco.ie to express an interest in the property. Please mark your envelope “Bid Dwelling”, “CBL” and send to Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon, F42 VR98

Late submissions will not be considered.

Late submissions will not be considered.

Signed: Majella Hunt, Director of Services, Roscommon County Council.

Closing date for receipt of fully completed Application Forms for Measure 1 is 5pm on Wednesday, 10th May 2023

Closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is 2 weeks from the date of this Notice (i.e. 18th April, 2023).

Majella Hunt Director of Services Roscommon County Council

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)

Applications must be saved as a Microsoft Word format and submitted by email only to CLAR@roscommoncoco.ie

Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022

Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

Late submissions will not be considered.

Planning and Development (Section 179A) Regulations 2023

Local Authority: Roscommon County Council

Development Location: Cnoc na hAbhann, Abbeytown, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Notice of Development: Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given that

Roscommon County Council intends to commence works to carry out a residential development at Cnoc na hAbhann, Warren or Drum Td., Boyle, Co. Roscommon under Section 179A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2000 (as amended).

The proposed development will consist of: The construction of 16 no. new terrace residential units across four independent sites. The development will consist of the construction of (i) 5 no. 3 bed dwellings Type 1A and 1 no. 3 bed dwelling Type 1B on Site 1 (ii) 2 no. 2 bed dwellings Type 2A & 2B on Site 2 (iii) 4 no. 2 bed dwellings Type 2A, 1 no. 2 bed dwelling Type 2C and 2 no. 2 bed single story dwelling Type 3A & 3B on Site 3 and (iv) 1 no. 4 bed dwelling Type 4 on Site 4, with all associated site development works including construction of access roads, footpaths, public & private open spaces, car parking spaces, boundary wall/fence, street lighting, ducting for utilities, hard & soft landscaped areas and formation of new connections to existing foul/surface water drainage and existing utilities.

Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy from 06/04/2023 during public opening hours at the offices of the Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon or Boyle Municipal Office, Cootehall Street, Boyle Co. Roscommon. Plans and particulars can also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council website at the following link: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/About_Us/PART-8-Local-Authority-Own-Developments/ Housing/

An Appropriate Assessment Screening and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening report of the proposed development has been completed in accordance with Articles 81A (5) and 81A (6) respectively and is available for inspection. It has been determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is not required, and that an Appropriate Assessment is not required. Any person may question the validity of any decision of the planning authority by way of an application for judicial review.

Signed: Fiona Ní Chuinn, A/Director of Services.

Date: 5th April 2023

Those on the Housing waiting list can only express an interest in the properties advertised. In the event, you wish to express an interest in multiple properties that are advertised, please include your preference in order of choice.

Signed: Fiona NiChuinn, A/Director of Services Date: 4th April, 2023

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

In order to facilitate the carrying out of the 2023 Road Works Scheme, Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice that it will close various roads for periods of three to seven working days on dates between April 2023 and April 2024. Alternative routes will be signposted locally. Every effort will be made to accommodate local traffic. Roscommon County Council regrets any inconvenience. The Schedule of the roads pertaining to this notice may be viewed at www.roscommoncoco.ie

Signed: Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services, Roads and Transportation Department

BÓITHRE A DHÚNADH GO SEALADACH

ACHT NA MBÓITHRE 1993, ALT 75

NA RIALACHÁIN UM BÓITHRE 1994, AIRTEAGAL 12

D’fhonn cur i gcrích Scéim na nOibreacha Bóthair 2023 a éascú, Tugann Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin fógra leis seo go ndúnfaidh sí bóithre éagsúla ar feadh tréimhsí idir trí agus seacht lá oibre ar dhátaí idir Aibreán 2023 agus Aibreán 2024. Cuirfear bealaí eile in iúl go háitiúil. Déanfar gach iarracht freastal ar thrácht áitiúil. Is oth le Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin aon mhíchaoithiúlacht. Is féidir breathnú ar Sceideal na mbóithre a bhaineann leis an bhfógra seo ag www.roscommoncoco.ie

Sínithe: Greg O’Donnell, A/Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí, An Rannóg na mBóithre agus Iompair

Majella Hunt Director of Services Roscommon County Council

County Roscommon Pride of Place Competition 2023

Roscommon County Council would like to invite communities to participate in the County Roscommon Pride of Place Competition 2023. Category winners will be nominated by Roscommon County Council to the All-Island Pride of Place Competition organised by Co-Operation Ireland. Pride of Place is about the celebration of community group’s contribution to local society and the creation of civic pride through communities working together.

Roscommon County Council proposes to nominate suitable groups under one or more of the following categories.

The categories for 2023 are as follows:

NOTICE IN RELATION TO SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) that Roscommon County Council proposes to carry out the following development:

Roscommon Town - L7055 Road Enhancement Scheme

The development will involve an enhancement of the L7055 in Roscommon town between the junction of the L7055 with the L1812 (Golf Links Road) and its intersection with the N61 Athlone Road in the townland of Carrowroe. The proposed enhancement will involve the provision of a dedicated shared surface facility which will cater for pedestrians, cyclists and those with impaired mobility. The shared surface facility will be segregated from the existing road, which will be realigned to accommodate the provision of a segregated shared use facility. In addition to the provision of a new dedicated shared surface facility, the project involves:

• Site clearance works • Fencing and boundary treatment works • Drainage works

• Pavement works • Other ancillary works including the provision of traffic signs, road markings, kerbs, street lighting and utility diversions • Landscaping works.

An Appropriate Assessment screening report and Environmental Impact Assessment screening report in respect of the development have been carried out and are available for inspection. The reports concluded that a full EIAR is not required, and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment. In accordance with Article 120 (3), as amended by S.I. No. 296 of 2018, a person may, within four weeks beginning on the date of the publication of this notice apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. Such a submission should be addressed to the Secretary, An Bord Pleanála, 64, Marlborough Street, Dublin, 1.

Closing date for receipt of entries is 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 26th April 2023

This competition is open to all communities in County Roscommon with the exception of communities that have been nominated to the All-Island Competition within the last three years Applications received from different groups in the same area may be treated as one. Groups should, where possible, work together and submit one joint application.

Application form available online from Tuesday, 11th April via My Online Services https://roscommon-self.achieveservice.com/

For further enquires please email jkeegan@roscommoncoco.ie

Signed: Majella Hunt, Director of Services .

Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased (at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) for a period of four weeks from Thursday 6th April 2023 to Thursday 4th May 2023 during public opening hours at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98. Plans and particulars may also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council website at www.roscommoncoco.ie

A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made, in writing or via email before 4pm on Tuesday 23rd May 2023, marked ‘Roscommon Town - L7055 Road Enhancement Scheme’ and submitted to: Roscommon County Council, Roads and Transportation Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 or roads@roscommoncoco.ie

Signed: Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services. Date of Notice: 6th April 2023

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)

Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) - Part 8

NOTICE IN RELATION TO SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) that Roscommon County Council proposes to carry out the following works: Location Description Church Road, Castlerea, Construction of junction tightening, controlled pedestrian County Roscommon crossings, modifications of road surfacing’s, road marking’s, parking and school entrance.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy for a period of four weeks from Friday 7th of April 2023 during public opening hours at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 and the Castlerea Branch Library, Main Street Castlerea Co. Roscommon F45 C8P7. Plans and particulars may also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council website at www.roscommoncoco.ie

A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made, in writing or via email before 4pm on Wednesday 24th May 2023, marked ‘St. Pauls National School safe routes to school’ and submitted to: Roads Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 or roads@roscommoncoco.ie

Signed: Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services.

ROLE: CLIENT CARE CO-ORDINATOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Due to expansion of our business, we are seeking likeminded people to join our team in Home Instead Sligo. This role of Client Care Coordinator is within our Scheduling department, reporting directly to the General Manager. If you are an aspiring and ambitious person ready to take the next step in your home care career and you want to join a global, world leading player in the home care industry, then this role is for YOU!

For those already in this role in another company, you will know that Scheduling is not for the faint hearted but boy is it rewarding. It is the lifeblood of any home care business. If we don’t get scheduling right, we don’t get anything right. Our schedulers are people who have a passion for problem solving, are persistent, decisive, industrious, friendly and ensure our clients and CAREGivers needs are met day in day out.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

- Coordinating schedules on a daily basis

- Covering shifts for Annual leave, sick leave and training days

- Setting up new client’s schedules and matching clients with CAREGivers

- Building great relationships with our clients and CAREGivers

WORKING CONDITIONS AND LOCATION:

You will be based out of our nice cosy office in Sligo town. We like our life, so balance is really important to our team. We start at 9am and always finish at 5:30pm. If someone calls in sick on a Friday at 5pm our On-call team will help with covering shifts. We don’t expect you to work evenings or weekends. We know there are more important things than work.

YOU’LL BE A GREAT FIT FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU….

- Have at least 1 years’ experience in a similar role within the home care sector or any related experience

- Have exceptional organisational and multi-tasking skills.

- Have outstanding communication skills and are committed to customer service.

- Have demonstrated your ability to work on your own initiative but can equally work as a team player.

- Have a proven ability to operate in a pressurised environment and think on your feet.

- Have proficient excellent IT and data entry skills.

WE ARE OFFERING:

- Working week 9-5:30pm ( or start anywhere between 8:30 and 9:30)

- Salary Negotiable DOE

- Free and subsidised training

- Unlimited Access to Home Instead Academy Learning Management System - 21 days paid holidays to start with, increasing to 25 days per annum.

- Career progression opportunities …..and much more!

Job Type: Fixed term

Salary: €25,000.00-€30,000.00 per year

Schedule: Day shift

Supplemental pay types: Bonus pay

Applications to: jodie.molloy@homeinstead.ie

FULL-TIME CAREGIVER ROLES ALSO AVAILABLE

Calls for compensation for Lough Funshinagh farmers

< DAN DOONER

Independent councillor Tony Ward has once again called on the Government to provide an adequate compensation package for farmers impacted by the ongoing flood crisis at Lough Funshinagh.

In a motion tabled at the March meeting of the local authority, Cllr Ward said it was over eight

years since the start of the flooding crisis at the south Roscommon turlough, and yet the matter was still a major concern. He called on the Council to write to both the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Agriculture urging them to provide compensation for farmers.

Director of Services Greg O’Donnell said the next step would be for the tendering of a contract for a hydro-ecological study to take place. He said this process would take up to two years.

Your chance to ‘Win a Car’ in Hospice fundraiser!

Cllr Ward’s motion received widespread support in the chamber with councillors Laurence Fallon and Donal Kilduff saying a permanent solution must be the priority.

Cllr Tony Ward said he would like to see Lough Funshinagh remain a Special Area of Conservation and called on the Minister for Agriculture to back-date payments to 2015 and keep them in place until a solution is found.

Local teenagers

‘Speak Out’ to promote positive social change

Pupils from County Roscommon took part in a Young Social Innovators’ (YSI) nationwide Speak Out Tour during its final stop-off at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sligo on Thursday, 30th of March 2023. They spoke out on the topic of ‘All Access’.

They were among 5,000 secondary students from across Ireland who took part in the tour, which also travelled to Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Drogheda.

The teenagers were speaking out on social issues affecting them and their communities. Among the topics being tackled were mental health, the housing crisis, gender equality, domestic violence, online safety, upcycling, green spaces, loneliness and much more.

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 at Mulroy’s in Castlebar. Contact 094-9388666 for more details.

Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre Drop-In service resume

Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre is delighted to announce the return of our Drop-In centre. It recommenced on Friday, 24th of March. The Drop-In morning runs from 10 am to 1 pm. All are welcome to come in for a chat and a coffee.

Massage Therapy is back and will run every Wednesday from 10 am to 1 pm. Booking is essential. Call 090 9649767. Shortly we hope to introduce Reiki. Dates and timings will be published on our Facebook page and on our website.

We would like to thank all the businesses in Ballinasloe and the Athlone area who supported our recent appeal. This appeal is ongoing and provides much-needed funds for our centre.

We would also like to thank Maura Fahy-McLoughlin and wish her all our best as she recently stepped down as Director after 11 years. Her contribution to our centre ensures a great legacy. Thanks for everything, Maura. It’s sad to see you leave.

Our AGM will be held in the coming weeks to finalise a new board.

Pictured at the Young Social Innovators’ (YSI) nationwide Speak Out Tour during its final stop-off at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sligo on Thursday, 30th of March 2023 were: (back, l-r) Ella Morrison, Aoife Conneely, Eilís O’Donoghue; (front) Niamh Dawson from Convent of Mercy Secondary School, Roscommon Town.

Donnellan & Co – Communion & Confirmation Wear Trends

Strokestown gears up for big weekend!

Ploughing rescheduled to April 30th

< DAN DOONER

It promises to be a busy Easter Bank Holiday weekend in Strokestown as the town continues its preparations ahead of the Fleadh Cheoil and Easter Parade.

The Fleadh Cheoil kicks off on Friday night and continues right through the weekend before concluding with competitions on Monday. Meanwhile, the Strokes-

town Easter Parade kicks off on Sunday at 3 pm with the official opening of the Fleadh Cheoil taking place afterwards.

In a statement to the Roscommon People this week, a spokesperson for the organising committee said: “The Strokestown Development Association looks forward to working with County Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to create a very positive weekend for the Strokestown region.

“The parade will also acknowledge the presence of the County Fleadh in the town for Easter weekend. The official opening of the

Fleadh will take place directly after the parade.

“The parade will just be finished by 4 pm and people will be able to watch the Connacht Senior Football Championship clash between Roscommon and Mayo in the various pubs and the Percy French Hotel. There will be lots of traditional music also”.

Meanwhile, the Roscommon Ploughing Championships, which were scheduled to take place last Sunday (April 2nd) in Derrane, were postponed due to bad weather. The event will now take place on April 30th at the same venue.

Country & rock ‘n’ roll at Castlecoote Lodge

On this Easter Saturday night, 8th April (see advertisement) it’s a second appearance at Castlecoote Lodge for the popular musician, singer and entertainer, Gerry Keenan.

A great night of entertainment awaits as Gerry is well known for providing both music and the craic!

He will be joining Declan Nerney again this year, as he has done for many years, for The Hooley in the Sun in September.

Always the entertainer, Gerry’s presence will ensure this will be the Hooley in the Lodge! For great live music –country and rock ‘n’ roll – call to Castlecoote Lodge this Easter Saturday night.

Donnellan & Co Roscommon are now fully stocked with an extensive range of boys’ communion wear and confirmation wear. Exclusive stockists of the stylish Spanish brand One Varones, along with Irish brands 1880 Club and Benetti, Donnellan & Co have an exceptional range in stock to ensure your young man is looking dapper for his big day!

A key trend this season is a more casual look. Keeping up with the trends, Donnellan & Co stock a variety of colours in blazers and chinos, so one can build a unique outfit. This look can be seen in the images where the boy can be seen a blue blazer along with a beige chino or the pink sports jacket paired with the navy chino. Both of these looks are stocked in Donnellan & Co from One Varones. Another key look catered for by Donnellan & Co is a three-piece suit with a contrasting colour jacket or waistcoat. This look

can be seen in the images of the outfits from 1880 Club and Benetti. The 1880 Club outfit features a navy trouser and waistcoat, finished with a grey check jacket. The Benetti outfit features a navy trousers and jacket along with a light blue contrasting waistcoat.

All of the looks pictured are available in store at Donnellan & Co Roscommon whilst stocks last!

Strokestown’s Annual Easter Parade

TAKES PLACE ON EASTER SUNDAY AT 3pm.

Roscommon Garda Station are having an open day on Saturday, 8th of April

Roscommon Garda Station Open Day this Saturday

Roscommon Garda Station are having an open day on Saturday, 8th of April from 12 pm to 3 pm, with a sensory hour from noon until 1 pm.

Local members of An Garda Síochána will be joined on the day by the Regional Armed Support Unit, the Divisional Roads Policing Unit, the Garda Mounted Unit, the Garda Dog Unit, the Garda Water Unit and the Garda Air Support Unit. (The national unit’s attendance will be dependent on operational demands).

Also remember to keep Saturday 15th of April free as the wonderful Kenneth McCormack with be playing at Castlecoote Lodge.

Castlecoote Lodge

Also attending on the day will be the Roscommon Fire Service, the Roscommon Ambulance Service and the Roscommon Civil Defence.

There will be something for everyone, including face-painting for the children, so come along and meet your local Emergency Services personnel, ask the questions you never had the chance to ask, and have a close-up view of their vehicles and equipment – with plenty of photo opportunities on the day!

The Parade will just be finished by 4pm and people will be able to watch the Championship clash between Roscommon and Mayo in the various pubs and Percy French Hotel on TV screens.

ALL FLOATS ARE FREE

The School Section of the Parade is kindly sponsored by Barna Waste and SCDA.

The event simply could not run without these groups. SCDA, Strokestown Town Team, Show Committee and Tidy Towns. We would like to thank everyone for their help and support.

Any information required is available by contacting 071 96 33759, 087 1668775 or email: SCDAbawnst91@gmail.com

IN THE SUN)

COUNTRY & WESTERN/ ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MUSIC FROM 9PM • ALL ARE WELCOME

Saturday 15th:

Music by Kenneth McCormack

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Tweet trouble a harsh lesson for Spar star Kellie

Our man Frank has sympathy for Kellie Harrington; remains frustrated by hospital delays; wasn’t impressed by the refereeing in the league final… and can’t give a total stamp of approval to An Post’s country music honours’ move!

It’s Monday morning as I write, and I am on a train, stopped in

Clara railway station, en route to Dublin for my monthly pacemaker check-up in St James’ Hospital. However, I am not thinking of my check-up, but rather of the future of hospital worker and Olympic boxer Kellie Harrington.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine told me about a weekend himself and his wife had, courtesy of the Spar group, in the Europe Hotel in Killarney. Among the guests, or Spar Ambassadors as they are called, were Kellie Harrington and rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll. RTÉ sports presenter Joanne Cantwell was the interviewer. My

friend told me that Harrington was by far the best guest on the night (there was a third guest, whose name escapes me).

My friend said Kellie was bright, funny and very interesting. In his words, she had the crowd completely and utterly captivated. At that time, Kellie was flying high as a Spar Ambassador, a gig that is reportedly financially lucrative for her.

Fast-forward a few weeks, and while she is still hot property, her now infamous tweet on immigration last October has definitely taken some of the shine

IS IT TIME FOR TWO REFEREES IN A GAELIC FOOTBALL GAME?

As I was waiting in A&E the other day, my mind drifted to Galway’s defeat by Mayo in Sunday’s National Football League final. While nobody mentioned it (that I saw), I thought that yet again the referee was very poor, and the soft frees Mayo got had a huge bearing on the result.

Of course the loss won’t upset Galway too much, and indeed it won’t make Mayo’s task against the Rossies this weekend any easier, but at a time when players and managers put in so much effort for their respective county

teams, I shudder to think how many games will be decided by poor refereeing decisions. I know you would need to be mad to take up refereeing – as it’s a thankless job – but in my opinion it’s high time there were two referees in big matches. You could have a ref in both halves, which would reduce the amount of running each one would have to do, keep the official closer to the play, and, like in soccer, have an assistant ref, not just a linesman, keeping an eye on everything from the sidelines.

off the golden girl, and it might take a while for Kellie to recover. Funnily enough, having been such a wonderful interviewee in Killarney, it is her refusal to answer questions about her tweet that is now causing so much controversy – when asked by reporter Shane Hannon of Off the Ball about her tweet, she missed the opportunity to set the record straight.

As it happens, her position with Spar is safe, and indeed it probably should be, but if the whole thing shows anything it is that everyone needs to be aware of the dangers of social media.

Unscripted and unscheduled statements on anything need to be avoided like the plague, and extreme care should be taken – especially by those in the public eye and by anyone with money to lose by use of careless words.

However, Kellie seems to have enormous support and goodwill built up, and I’m sure she will survive this hiccup, but it could be a lesson that will serve her well in the future.

As I learned many years ago, it’s very hard to take something back if it’s either spoken or written.

The HSE saga: More staff is the only answer

I am sitting in one of the very many waiting rooms in St James’s and thinking of the very much maligned health service.

I know people will say I am biased, but a highly dubious decision in the final minutes of last year’s All-Ireland final may well have cost Galway the game, so I would love to see better and more efficient refereeing come to the fore during this year’s championship. However, before I leave the subject, I have to say that I admire and applaud anyone who goes out to referee any game at any level. All I want is to figure out a way to make life a bit easier for them. Maybe it can’t be done, but here’s hoping!

Why I’m withholding my stamp of approval…

You will know by now that I like country music. Last Friday night’s Late Late Show was another important step in bringing the music and songs of our Irish country stars to more and more people around the country.

Even though a lot of the big names like Mike Denver, Jimmy Buckley, Robert Mizzell and Patrick Feeney were absent, there were still a host of other stars in attendance, and it was great to see wee Daniel present his sister Margo with her Irish Country Music

Hall of fame award.

Margo is one of the true greats of Irish country music, and her openness about her life struggles is terrifically brave and inspiring. She is an example for us all.

Then, at the end of a very enjoyable show, we got the news that An Post were bringing out postage stamps acknowledging the contributions of five of our top country stars. Despite liking both of them, I don’t think either Nathan Carter or Cliona Hagan should be honoured in such a way just yet.

The other three – Daniel O’Donnell, Philomena Begley, and Big Tom (posthumously) –are certainly worthy of the honour, but in my opinion longevity on the scene should be a prerequisite to being on a stamp, and several of our ‘elder lemons’ like Brendan Shine, Foster & Allen (that, I suppose, would be two stamps), Margo herself and Brendan Quinn (among others) would all have the necessary years clocked up.

Now I have no doubt that several of our new younger stars

will feature on stamps in future years, and Nathan and Cliona would have got their time in the sun anyway. For now, I would have left them out of the ‘big five’. However, the very fact that An Post have put them on their stamps acknowledges the huge growth in country music all over the country and is a big boost for all involved. If they were to put some of the younger ones on, why didn’t they choose Lisa McHugh? I could have put up with that!

On Wednesday of last week, we took a trip to the A&E Department in UHG, and as usual found it full to the brim. The medical staff were completely overrun and overwhelmed. You would just be totally distraught at the thought of spending hours on end waiting to be seen.

We were eventually attended to and discharged, but not before spending almost nine hours sitting on highly uncomfortable chairs. As always however, the staff did their very best, and were as helpful and as efficient as anyone could be under very difficult circumstances.

Parking, of course, was a nightmare. It took me ages to find a spot. Today I hopped on the train in Athlone, got off at Heuston, took two stops on the Luas straight to James’s (no parking problems), got all my stuff done and am now on the 2.45 pm train heading home.

So the amazing truth is that it is way easier for me to go to Dublin for my hospital visits than it is to go to Galway, despite the latter being a lot closer. I have said it before…that sheer numbers are overwhelming the HSE, and no matter how much point-scoring the various political parties do, until enough staff are recruited the health service will be a mess.

And finally…

On a local level, I was sad to see that Orla Leyden is calling time on her immediate career as a county councillor. Being from such a strong political family, I imagine anything is still possible for her on the national stage.

I have to say, whatever her future holds, that Orla has always been a straight, honest and hard-working representative for her local area who will be greatly missed by her constituents. When she steps down next year, Orla will leave a proud legacy. I wish her well in the future.

Famine Museum in Strokestown ‘to attract 115,000 visitors annually’

Fáilte Ireland’s chairperson, Paul Carty, together with the senior management team and the entire Authority (Board) of Fáilte Ireland – the National Tourism Development Authority – gathered in the Landmark Hotel, Carrickon-Shannon on Thursday, 30th of March, for the organisation’s quarterly Authority meeting.

A number of businesses and local authority representatives from Roscommon, Cavan and

Leitrim in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands were invited to brief the Authority members on their season to date and their future business plans.

Fáilte Ireland’s Authority members also had the opportunity to see first-hand Fáilte Ireland’s investment brought to life at the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House & Gardens which was developed by the Irish Heritage Trust, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and owners of

the property, Westward Holdings. The new museum received a Fáilte Ireland grant of €3.9m, one of the largest ever investments in a visitor attraction in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Fáilte Ireland’s analysis shows the museum is expected to attract 115,000 visitors annually, generating an additional €25m for the local economy within the ten years of opening postinvestment.

Fáilte Ireland’s chairperson, Paul Carty, together with the senior management team and the entire Authority (Board) of Fáilte Ireland – the National Tourism Development Authority – gathered in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday, 30th of March, for the organisation’s quarterly Authority meeting. They also visited the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House & Gardens which was developed by the Irish Heritage Trust, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and owners of the property, Westward Holdings. Photo: Barry Cronin

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Were our women of honour deemed too intelligent and too hot to handle?

Diversity, equality and respect for women serving in the armed forces are not terms you’d naturally associate with the historical and important rebellion which took place in our country against British rule, 107 years ago this month. However, it’s Easter, and I cannot help but be drawn to the important wording printed on my framed copy of Poblacht na hÉireann, our nation’s 1916 proclamation of independence.

This document holds pride of place on my wall; and this week, given the Independent Review Group’s (IRG) report detailing the raft of abuse within the Irish Defence Forces, I can’t help but compare our Proclamation’s ethos with that of the position of women serving in our armed forces today.

My copy of Poblacht na hÉireann, containing the images of its seven signatories – Thomas J Clarke, Sean Mac Diarmada, Thomas MacDonagh, P H Pearse, Eamonn Ceannt, James Connolly and Joseph Plunkett – forms part of my memorabilia from a time when Ireland was committed to

freedom and equality for all men and women. How do I know these signatories cherished everyone equally? I only have to read the first three words of this hugely important document, which are ‘Irishmen and Irishwomen’, to understand that those who composed it were not simply forward-thinking soldiers, they were also individuals dedicated to the equality of women.

Not only that, these heroes were likely feminists who believed that we, the women of Ireland, should rightly have the freedom of choice to fight side by side with men (should we wish); as opposed to being forcibly (hypothetically speaking of course), manacled to a kitchen sink with a child hanging off each hip!

Again, how do I know this?

Well readers, (and this is just an example of how the leaders of our Rising valued women), of the 220 members of James Connolly’s Irish Citizen Army (a signatory of that Proclamation) who fought in our 1916 Easter Rising, I’m proud to say 27 were women. This

Paul O’Grady RIP: A devoted, iconic, champion of all dogs

I cannot let this week go by without mentioning that wonderful, caring, humane, compassionate gentleman who sadly passed away unexpectedly last week at the age of 67. Mr Paul O’Grady MBE, a comedian and presenter of TV show, ‘For the Love of Dogs’ – who readers may know had roots in Roscommon and Galway – was an amazing ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

I had the privilege and the absolute pleasure (many years ago) of inviting Mr O’Grady to be my guest on RTÉ’s The Afternoon Show.

Our series producer at the time wanted me to book Paul as his 1990s’ alter ego, the vivacious Lily Savage. Paul politely and hilariously, in his trademark no-holds-barred manner, declined, explaining how he’d retired the ‘gobby’ blonde bombshell!

As an animal rescuer, I believe that every single beloved and loyal fur baby whose precious life has been saved, and who has devastatingly passed on before us, will be waiting patiently for us to join them at Rainbow Bridge. I have no doubt whatsoever that Paul, the devoted, iconic champion of all dogs will be met by the hundreds of his beautiful canine companions whose lives he so admirably and so humanely saved. May his kind and caring soul rest in peace.

historical fact makes it clear to me, that 107 years ago, our ‘army’, i.e. our defence forces, valued Irish women, whereby in contrast, given revelations regarding the ‘bullying and mistreatment of female members’ in the ranks of our present-day forces, women are now being belittled, disparaged and denigrated.

Don’t get me wrong, I have enormous respect for the Irish army, believing that anyone, (whatever their gender), who puts on a uniform and swears allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, its people and its government is, and always will be, a true hero. However, it seems that despite gaining superiority in our army, the evidence gathered in the IRG’s damning report shows that some of those brave women who served us suffered horrific discrimination purely because of their gender. Indeed, with incidents of rape, sexual harassment and physical assault being experienced by many women of honour within our military, it would seem these warriors, (ignorant chauvinists may

view them as being ‘soldiers of the weaker sex’), were evidently deemed too intelligent and hot to handle; therefore squashing and subduing them became widespread. Well colour me surprised…not!

You see readers, back when I was a mere teenager, upon hearing our defence forces had opened its, eh, ranks, allowing women to enlist, believing I’d make a great soldier, I decided to sign up. However, having gone through the application process, etc., I was informed by some high-ranking male officer that, due to my ‘impressive shorthand and typing skills’, I’d make for perfect ‘clerk material’. I looked straight into this smug sexist’s face and told him I was signing up ‘to become a soldier, not someone’s skivvy’. To this day I’m certain that was the main reason I never progressed to the next stage of the selection process! Ah well, their loss! By the way, I mean no disrespect to anyone who works as a ‘clerk’, it’s a noble profession, it just wasn’t why I’d decided to try and enlist. Despite the toxic masculinity

I experienced at that interview and the IRG’s findings showing how female soldiers were ‘barely tolerated’ in our armed forces, it’s obvious that the women of 1916 who fought for our freedom would be sickened.

When I read the potent words of Poblacht na hÉireann, and remember the selfless acts of bravery and martyrdom displayed by those amazing women who gave their lives for our freedom, it’s difficult to come to terms with the disparities between the then Irish Citizen Army of 1916 and today’s Defence Forces.

I don’t know about you ladies, but it seems that 107 years ago, the women of our rebellion were treated with better regard and held in greater esteem than the noble heroines who stand on the frontline today.

I salute every one of our ‘women warriors’ for their selfless acts of bravery. I applaud and commend these ladies for their valour and for their tenacity to not only speak their truth, but to strive to seek the justice they so richly deserve.

My lovely experience dealing with Roscommon County Council

I’ve always believed good service not only means meeting customers’ expectations, it also means being friendly, efficient and delivering a swift and reliable outcome.

Last Friday, the staff, or rather the lovely lady at Roscommon County Council’s motor tax office, delivered on all counts. Let me explain.

Having tried to pay for my car tax online – something I’ve been doing for as long as this service has been available – I found that the ‘verification code’ which the portal normally sends to my phone to allow my banking app to ‘verify’ the payment

didn’t materialise. A call to my bank’s customer service rep confirmed that I was not the only person to experience this ‘failure’, and there appeared to be a ‘glitch’ in the system ‘between the motor tax online portal and the bank’. To be specific, the bank informed me that the motor tax office’s online service ‘hasn’t requested the payment’.

Being someone who has OCD about paying bills, I popped into Roscommon County Council’s offices –free parking right outside the building – and went straight to the counter where I was greeted by an efficient lady who processed my annual

car tax application, printed my disc and my receipt, and handed me both. The entire process, from parking to printing and sending me on my way took ten minutes; i.e. considerably less time than it took me to get through to my bank’s customer service rep! While online can of course be quick and convenient, for me, it’s all about accessibility and personal, face to face interaction, and last Friday, the lovely lady at Roscommon County Council’s motor tax counter proved to me why we need to deal with real people instead of faceless, online portals! Go raibh maith agat!

€22,500 Grant opportunity for Entrepreneurs

New Frontiers is Ireland’s national entrepreneur development programme, delivered locally by Atlantic Technological University Galway-Mayo Innovation Hubs and funded by Enterprise Ireland. If you have an innovative business idea with a plan to establish your own company, or you are already at an early stage of development, the New Frontiers Programme can provide you with funding, help and support to accelerate your business development

How does the Programme benefit entrepreneurs?

• Expertise in all areas of business including investment, market research & validation, business model, patenting, product development, sales and marketing.

practitioners.

• Free office space and other business incubation facilities.

• €22,500 tax free funding, €15,000 in the second phase and €7,500 in the third phase of the programme.

• Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and business development agencies.

both national and international.

• Peer group learning from participants in this region and across the country.

• Access to the expertise in Enterprise Ireland through the Market Research Centre.

• Expertise from Atlantic Technological University and the supportive environment of the Innovation Hubs in Galway and Mayo

New Frontiers is Delivered in Three Phases:

phase must commit on a full-time basis for 6 months. Office space will be offered for FREE in the ATU Innovation Hubs. €15,000 funding will be available to all eligible participants.

The Third Phase is built around the business success and growth, getting to the market, exporting, generating employment and attracting investment. This will be full-time over 3 months with a further €7,500 for selected participants.

The 2023 programme is now open to new applicants. Apply early as places are limited. First preference places will

be offered to those who submit their applications by Friday, May 12th. The programme will commence shortly afterwards.

For further information and to apply for this exciting opportunity visit: www.atuihubs.ie/newfrontiers

further €7,500 for selected participants.

• Mentoring from experienced business advisers and

• Introductions to seed and early-stage capital investment networks. Access to entrepreneurship best practice –

The First Phase explores and tests the business potential of your business idea. It is the shortest phase (6/8 weeks) and will be conducted on a parttime basis. It will focus on the promoter, product/ service, market opportunity, business model and feasibility.

The Second Phase is much more intensive. Those accepted onto this

David McIntyre, Founder of www.cubbie. ie says “Cubbie started with me wanting to help my two autistic daughters so I joined New Frontiers to help me create my company. It’s now helping thousands of autistic, neurodivergent and anxious students have a better day at school. We have ambitions to help all autistic, neurodivergent and stressed people have access to a Cubbie wherever they are.”

David McIntyre, Founder of www.cubbie.ie says “Cubbie started with me wanting to help my two autistic daughters so I joined New Frontiers to help me create my company. It’s now helping thousands of autistic, neurodivergent and anxious students have a better day at school. We have ambitions to help all autistic, neurodivergent and stressed people have access to a Cubbie wherever they are.”

Include Portiuncula in hospital bed expansion – Naughten

Deputy Denis Naughten has called on the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to ensure a second 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe is included in Government plans for 1,500 new hospital beds across the country.

The 2023 programme is now open to new applicants. Apply early as places are limited. First preference places will be offered to those who submit their applications by Friday, May 12th The programme will commence shortly afterwards.

“The HSE has issued a tender for 1,500 new hospital beds at 15 sites across the country and it is imperative that Portiuncula, which had the most overcrowded Emergency Department in Ireland last January, is included in these plans,” said the Independent TD.

ing to have the new beds delivered within 75 weeks using modular building and off-site manufacturing. In the case of Portiuncula the builders are already in place constructing the first 50-bed ward block, which is to replace existing beds in outdated wards”.

Naughten said he had warned that the HSE will put the hospitals with the big headline numbers on trolleys at the top of their agenda with smaller hospitals like Portiuncula, with less beds and under the most pressure, being ignored. This, he said, cannot be allowed to happen.

For further information and to apply for this exciting opportunity visit: www.atuihubs.ie/newfrontiers

“The HSE tender is seek-

Deputy Naughten said that an extra 50 beds at Portiuncula are vital to meet the growing pressures on the hospital. Noting that he had highlighted in January that Portiuncula was the most pressurised Emergency Department in the country due to the lack of available beds, Deputy

Deputy Naughten added: “The groundworks at the hospital, which delayed the initial construction of the current 50-bed ward block, made provision for a further 50 beds to be constructed on the Portiuncula site and this has been confirmed to me in writing by management”. Portiuncula Hospital.

Tony O'Kelly.

Could outrage over eviction ban be put to better use elsewhere?

Let’s talk about ...

A month has passed since the Government officially moved to not extend the moratorium on evictions in place since October, a decision that was met with much scrutiny by the public, who seemed to have (en masse) swayed in favour of its extension during discourse on the issue in the weeks prior. However, the topic has not faded from the public eye just yet, as it seems the Government is unable to shake the backlash their controversial decision has ignited.

The lifting of the eviction ban was never going to go down well, something the Government doubtlessly had no illusions about. In the lead-up to the official decision in early March, there was a huge outcry from members of the public and calls by politicians to maintain the ban, expressing the view that doing otherwise could directly lead to people suddenly being left homeless, serving to exacerbate the very problem the ban was intended to tackle in the first place: the housing crisis.

When the ban was introduced back in October, it was as a temporary measure in response to the spiralling housing crisis, which, having been compounded in extremity by the cost of living crisis occurring simultaneously, had a lot of people worried that they might enter homelessness over the winter months. Reportedly, around 2,700 notices to quit were paused following the ban being introduced, testament to the tangible good the policy did manage to do for many families and individuals, even if temporarily. That said however, it remains the case that in January, two months after the ban came into effect, the amount of people in emergency accommodation stood at a record high of 11,754, leading the Taoiseach himself to admit the ban hadn’t worked to stop the in-

crease as intended.

With that in mind, as well as worries that an extended eviction ban would discourage landlords from the sector and send the housing supply plummeting further, after much deliberation, the Government decided last month to end the ban. But the issue remains a hot topic due to the scale of the backlash the decision continues to spark –not just from the public, but from public representatives too.

Just last week, the Government faced a motion of no confidence brought forward by the Labour Party following the ban’s lifting, with just 86 TDs voting in favour of the confidence motion and 67 against. The relative closeness of this result exemplifies just how controversial the decision has been, but the outcome itself only cements what’s already been decided; the ban’s lifting will go ahead, and the (positive or negative, depending on which politician you ask) knock-on effects this will have on the housing crisis going forward will soon be seen.

And yet, the discourse continues. In addition to the expected anecdotal stories popping up of the real-world impact the ban’s lifting is having (or will soon have) for ordinary people, the topic retains a prime space within the news cycle, with headlines from various media outlets this week reporting of allegations from homelessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry that the Taoiseach overruled the Housing Minister to get the ban lifted, and of the endless back-and-forth between political parties using the issue to boast their party’s position and condemn their opponents. In fact, it seems as though the eviction ban has become very much the central talking point within mainstream discourse around the housing crisis.

It’s understandable that this issue would be contentious and gain a lot of traction – after all, both people’s livelihoods and welfare are potentially at stake over this ban. However, it seems that in recent weeks, it has almost become the sole focus of housing crisis discourse, and I worry there are other aspects of the crisis that need addressing which are being overshadowed by this controversial issue.

Frankly, it seems to me that the outrage over the ban being lifted, though well intended and reasonably founded, doesn’t look like it will have

the effect it’s hoped to. Whether or not you believe it’s just for the Government to end the ban, it doesn’t look incredibly likely that any more amount of opposition will overturn the decision that’s been made. And in the meantime, if we continue to focus solely on advocating for the ban’s return, there is a possibility we won’t pay proper attention to other measures which could have a more profound impact on tackling the housing crisis than the ban ever did.

Even the measures the Government is now vowing to put in place to ease the impact of ending the ban seem to be getting away with a lack of scrutiny. Take for example one of the major measures being put forward: legislation that would provide tenants with first refusal to buy a property if the landlord decides to sell up. On paper, a policy that would protect renters from being unhoused, but in reality, one which would provide little respite for struggling renters; as Social Democrats Leader Holly Cairns put it,

“Let them eat cake is not the solution when the masses can’t even afford bread”.

All this to say, that by focusing on the seemingly unachievable goal of imploring the Government to overturn the ban’s lifting, we are potentially opening ourselves up to letting halfbaked and ultimately ineffectual measures go under the radar, as well as diverting our focus away from other proactive solutions to tackling the worsening housing crisis.

The ban did manage to save a lot of people from losing their homes over the past few months, and thankfully so, so it is disappointing to know this safeguard will no longer be in place for those who need it, but the emergency accommodation figures reveal that the ban alone was not enough. Instead of fighting what looks to be nothing but a losing battle at this stage, maybe we need to focus on putting pressure on our elected representatives to tackle this issue in other more effective ways.

Float builders get creative ahead of parade

So what’s involved in devising an innovative float?

DAN DOONER spoke to one of last year’s winning entries…

This year’s Roscommon Town Easter Parade promises to be one of the biggest in years with a wide variety of local clubs, organisations, and entertainers set to take part with floats, marching bands, and other on-street entertainment.

Those responsible for entering floats have been busy coming up with original and innovative designs in the hope of winning one of a number of prizes on offer on Easter Monday.

Ciara Lawless and RosFM are certainly no strangers to Easter Parade success, having won the ‘Best Environmental’ award following last year’s event with their entry highlighting the controversial ban on turfcutting.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Ciara says the community radio’s float team are hoping for more

success this Easter Monday.

“We have a really cool idea once again this year but we are keeping it secret until next Monday,” she said.

“Work on our float will start this weekend. I will have a lot of props ready to go!”

Members of the Ukrainian community, who volunteer at the radio station, will take part in this year’s float alongside other volunteers. Ciara remained tight-lipped about this year’s theme but did say it was topical and would explore the subject of war.

“We have Bernie (Kearney) providing the trailer once again and a local company providing us with our signage,” she said.

“I’ve been racking my brain recently thinking of a theme that would catch the eye. It’s important to do something topical so this year our float will be taking a look at the connection with war and how it relates to the Ukrainian people and Roscommon”.

Coming up with an idea and designing a float is no easy task but Ciara says it’s very much a labour of love.

“It took us about an hour and a half to get the float ready last year and I had help from another presenter here at RosFM, Niamh Loftus, as well as Bernie Kearney, and Erica and James. I get a good buzz out of it; I’ve always enjoyed doing window displays and things like that,” Ciara said.

“It’s lovely to have the Ukrainian people involved and it’s important that RosFM is seen as a safe and welcoming place for them as well as inclusive. This year I have been helped by Suzi Savannah who will also perform a live material performance on Easter Monday. Suzi is another RosFM presenter who presents the ‘Raiders of the Lost Worlds’ show with me”.

The question now is whether Ciara and Team RosFM’s hard work will pay off and they can add yet another prize to the trophy cabinet in 2023. One thing’s for sure, however, they will face stiff competition with a large number of schools, sports clubs and commercial interests set to turn out in style on Easter Monday.

Alannah Ita Healy

Pictured are RosFM members who won the ‘Best Environmental’ award for their float in last year’s Roscommon Easter Parade. From left to right: Seamus Duke, Station Manager, Niamh Loftus, presenter, Ciara Lawless, presenter, and Bernie Kearney, Board Chairperson.

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien

Sacred Heart Church restoration work to start in June

Restoration works scheduled for the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon town are set to commence in June of this year, with the project expected to cost in the region of €93k.

PJ Moran B.E. has been appointed Project Engineer and Gerry Dervin has been appointed Contractor.

Geraldine Grealy, PRO of the committee, said that at present a sum of €31,364 has been raised in the ongoing fundraising appeal.

“We still have a long way to go but wish to take this opportunity to

thank all those who have so generously donated to date. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates”.

A fundraising concert will be staged by the Roscommon Solstice Choir in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, May 5th next (8 pm).

All proceeds will go towards the Church Restoration Fund. Guests on the night will be Roscommon traditional musicians. Tickets are priced at €15. All support greatly appreciated.

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

Pictured above is some of the damage caused by the dampness issue.

Photograph of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon taken from ‘Sacred Heart Church Roscommon 19032003’ by Michael Burke, John Corrigan, Olive Morris and Mary O’Carroll, 2003 and on right how it is today.

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300

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

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

MONDAY WEEKLY: BULLOCK SALE

ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M.

ALL STOCK PRE BOOKED VIEWING TIME AT 10 A.M.

Abbey Community College students celebrated at Croke Park ceremony

Four students from Abbey Community College, Boyle were celebrated at the annual Certified Irish Angus Schools competition awards ceremony in Croke Park last Friday.

The students David Duggan, Colin McGrath, Gavin O’Connor, and Liam Killoran attended the prestigious grand final in the Hogan Suite after successfully completing a research project and rearing five Angus calves for 18 months.

Over 600 lots on offer on Thursday last and despite no improvement in ground conditions trade was very lively as an array of customers were out in force trying to source stock.

Farmer activity, strong export demand, and a good attendance of buyers resulted in a good clearance.

Weanlings in particular met a very lively trade with bulls topping out at €4.44 a kilo while the heifer weanlings made up to €4.79 a kilo.

The heifer ring witnessed quality stores making up to €4.03 a kilo with heavier lots making up to €2,170. The dry cows topped out at €2,300 with breeding stock making up to €2,280. The calf ring with good numbers on offer witnessed a good clearance with lots making up to €390. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,900 to €2,060, and springers made from €940 to €2,280.

There were 120 bullocks on offer with an all round good trade on offer for the various categories of stock. Quality stores made up to €3.59 a kilo with heavier lots making up to €2,080.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday, April 6th), when we have our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am. Sample prices for heifers: Ch 385kgs €1540, Lm 415kgs

€1370, AA 415kgs €1310, Ch 465kgs €1690, Ch 465kgs

€1690, Ch 465kgs €1670, Ch 655kgs €2170, Lm 590kgs €2090, Sim 505kgs €2040.

Dry cows: BBx 845kgs €2300, Lm 750kgs €2180, Ch 715kgs €2180, AA 725kgs €2130, Hex 800kgs €2100, Sim 785kgs €2070, AAx 660kgs €1670, Shx 720kgs €1780, Her 745kgs €2000.

Weanling bulls: Ch 295kgs €1310, Lm 265kgs €1090, Ch 270kgs €1080, AA 275kgs €1030, Lm 435kgs €1590, Ch 440kgs €1470, Ch 330kgs €1340, Ch 310kgs €1330, Lm 415kgs €1470.

Weanling heifers: Lmx 290kgs €1280, Lm 240kgs €1150, Ch 275kgs €1060, Ch 240kgs €1020, Ch 225kgs €980, AA 300kgs €1380, Ch 310kgs €1260, Lm 300kgs €1200.

Bullocks: AA 495kgs €1780, Lm 485kgs €1740, Lm 545kgs €1870, Lm 520kgs €1790, Lm 595kgs €1940, AA 593kgs €1930, Ch 635kgs €1920, Ch 695kgs €2080, Lm 685kgs €2000, AA 730kgs €1940.

Roscommon MART WATCH

There was a good entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special bullock and heifer sale with a very strong trade for all classes. Bullocks fetched from an average of €3.25 per kilo up to €3.84 per kilo. Heifers fetched from an average of €3.04 per kilo up to €3.82 per kilo. There was also a large entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.58 per kilo up to €2.98 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active. We had a similar number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for finished hoggets peaked at €163. The tops for stag ewes fetched €205. The next sale of lambs and cast ewes takes place next Wednesday (April 12th) at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set.

The Certified Irish Angus Schools’ Competition in association with ABP and Kepak is an initiative that challenges students to rear five Irish Angus Cross calves for 18 months until their slaughter which aids their Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science curriculum. It aims to promote the Certified Irish Angus Beef brand while communicating the care and attention required to produce quality beef for consumers.

As part of the competition, the Leaving Certificate students, David, Colin, Gavin, and Liam conducted research on ‘Sustainable Beef Production’. This group’s project aimed to communicate the message that Certified Irish Angus bred beef could help improve the sustainability of beef production on suckler farming farms which are common in the Boyle area.

The students found that Angus cattle could be slaughtered at a younger age than other breeds in their locality while maintaining the

Certified Irish Angus Schools competition awards ceremony in association with ABP and Kepak in Croke Park. The students researched ‘Sustainable Beef Production’.

quality of the beef. This meant that Angus cattle were responsible for lower greenhouse gas emissions due to the lower age of slaughter. Currently, farming industry experts are judging this year’s 42 shortlisted projects and will select five finalists from their biggest pool of shortlisted projects ever. The judges include representatives from right across the agrifood industry ABP, Kepak, Tesco, Hilton Foods, Teagasc, Bord Bia, Agri aware, IASTA, Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, NPA, JM Foods, Irish Farmers Journal, ICBF, The Glasshouse Hotel Sligo, and previous competition winners.

Comiskey calls for urgent action on sheep crisis

IFA Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey has called for urgent action as the crisis in the sheep sector deepens with prices well below last year’s levels. He said prices this year are still 70c/kg behind last year with input costs on sheep farms showing no signs of reducing.

The Sheep Chairman said “the time for talking was over”.

“With prices running almost €16/lamb behind last year’s levels, sheep farmers are facing into a critical situation if urgent action is not taken by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue,” he said.

“Two weeks ago, the Minister told us he had instructed his officials to look at what supports could be provided. It’s now time for the Minister to come forward with his proposals.

“The time for talking is over. We must hear now from the Minister what his intentions are and how he proposes to support sheep farmers at this critical time”.

Athlone company reminds farmers to soil sample to protect payments

Farmeye, a soil sampling software company based in Athlone, has made an open call to farmers in the ACRES, ECO Scheme and Liming programmes to get soil sampling done now, where possible.

It is estimated over 300,000 soil samples will be processed next winter and Farmeye says this may cause major delays in soil results from labs during peak times. Such delays could delay payments to farmers.

The five schools that best demonstrate an understanding of the project along with innovative ideas will be announced in September and will receive their calves at the National Ploughing Championships in September 2023. Each of the finalists receives the financial benefit involved in the selling of the animals to the processors on completion of the project which amounted to an average €7,500. The winning students also receive an additional grant of €2,000 for their further education. For further information on the projects visit www.certifiedirishangus.ie/certified-irish-angusschools-competition/.

Sample prices for dry cows: SIX 725kgs €2,160, Lim X 765kgs €2,200, Char X 825kgs €2,430, Lim X 710kgs €2,070, Char X 765kgs €2,330, SAX 790kgs €2,280, AAX 775kgs €2,190, SIX 755kgs €2,240, Char X 795kgs €2,330.

Bullocks: Char X 490kgs €2,030, Char X 595kgs €2,210, Lim X 540kgs €2,150, Lim X 585kgs €2,140, Char X 600kgs €2,210, Lim X 590kgs €2,200, Char X 590kgs €2,160, Char X 640kgs €2,230, Lim X 700kgs €2,320, Char X 690kgs €2,270, Char X 620kgs €2,200, Char X 630kgs €2,160, Char X 670kgs €2,180, Char X 560kgs €2,130, Char X 630kgs €2,270, Lim X 595kgs €2,130, Char X 630kgs €2,270, Lim X 570kgs €2,230, Char X 560kgs €2,140, Char X 540kgs €2,060, Char X 510kgs €1,980. Heifers: Char X 395kgs €1,510, Lim X 600kgs €2,070, Char X 630kgs €2,000, Char X 565kgs €1,860, Char X 550kgs €1,770, Lim X 570kgs €1,980, Lim X 580kgs €1,960, Lim X 620kgs €2,070, Lim X 560kgs €1,810, Char X 575kgs €1,880, Char X 535kgs €1,760, Char X 500kgs €1,700, Char X 495kgs €1,680, SIX 490kgs €1,500, Lim X 500kgs €1,660, Lim X 500kgs €1,590, Lim X 435kgs €1,470, Char X 430kgs €1,470, Char X 410kgs €1,420, Lim X 570kgs €1,720,

targets, as well as drained peatlands under land uses other than agriculture such as forestry, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of overall target.

“The lack of clarity with regard to what is meant by ‘restore’ or ‘satisfactory levels’ as well as the potential impact on farmland and production is a source of serious concern for farmers and rural communities, particularly in the midlands and west, where this soil type is more prevalent,” he added.

He added that the change would have a disproportionate impact on more financially vulnerable sectors such as tillage.

The IFA National Environment Committee Chair also called for the Government to carry out a full economic impact assessment in order to measure the far-reaching consequences for Irish agriculture.

Farmeye CEO Eoghan Finneran said: “Next year will see another major increase in sampling numbers likely causing further delays. Delays in submitting soil results could ultimately lead to grant scheme penalties or delays in payments to farmers”.

The ACRES and Liming schemes both require soil sampling in order to qualify for payments. To avail of the ECO-scheme soil sampling action this year, farmers must have soil tests carried out between September 2022 and September 2023.

Full impact assessment needed for proposed nature restoration law

Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action on Nature Restoration Law and Land Use Review recently, IFA National Environment Committee Chair Paul O’Brien said the proposed regulations must not have a detrimental effect on Irish agriculture and rural Ireland. The proposed regulation allows for Ireland to include areas of peat extraction sites to achieve these

Ash dieback response criticised

Addressing the Ash Dieback Conference in Thurles recently, IFA President Tim Cullinan said the treatment of farmers affected by the disease has been “hugely damaging” to their confidence in the forestry sector.

Mr Cullinan said the support offered to those affected has been “totally insufficient” and called on Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to introduce a new scheme that recognises financial losses incurred by the disease.

Farm Forestry Chair Jason Fleming said the lack of recognition in the interim ash dieback scheme for financial losses was a serious blow to those whose woodlands have been affected by the disease.

He said consecutive Ministers have failed to fully appreciate the devastation caused by the disease and the severe financial cost to farmers.

“These farmers have been left with nothing. Until the Government acknowledges the financial loss and provides compensation to farmers by reinstating a 20-year premium on the replanted land, we will never see farmers planting at the rates required to meet our climate targets,” he concluded.

Pictured (Left to right) Liam Killoran, Gavin O’Connor, Colin McGrath, and David Duggan from Abbey Community College, Boyle were celebrated at the annual

No Sale Friday, 7th April – Good Friday

Roscommon retailers to avail of €3.4m fund to enhance their online presence

Special Sale of Bullocks

Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business Neale Richmond has encouraged retailers in Roscommon to apply for funding to enhance their online presence and increase online sales.

Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted until Thursday, 6th April at 5

Lambs & Cast Ewes

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

Sheep Scanning Service available each Wednesday from 9 to 10 am - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Saturday, 15th April at 12 noon

Organic Sale

Bookings now being accepted

In the latest round of the Online Retail Scheme, funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and administered by Enterprise Ireland,

retailers can access up to €25,000 in grant funding to strengthen their ecommerce capabilities.

Minister Richmond strongly encouraged businesses to apply for the scheme.

“Irish retailers have proven their resilience over the past few years, adapting to changing customer behaviour in many cases by developing an online pres-

ence. This not only serves customers in Ireland, but potential customers across the world,” he said.

“An online presence is no longer optional for many businesses, it is a key part of any business model and the benefits are huge. While it may be an intimidating prospect for some, the Government is determined to support businesses on this journey. The On-

line Retail Scheme is there to help ease this transition and I am delighted that it is again open for applications”.

According to the Department of Enterprise, the Online Retail Scheme has allocated over €28 million in funding in supporting more than 700 projects from Irish retailers.

“Importantly, the Scheme has a national reach with more than 70 per cent of successful retailers from the previous funding rounds based outside Dub-

lin,” the Minister of State said.

“Businesses who have participated in the scheme have reported increased sales, in Ireland and abroad, new employees and an enhanced digital skill set among their current employees. Clearly, digitalisation makes a tangible difference to the success of Irish businesses”. The Online Retail Scheme is open for applications from April 4th to May 3rd through the Enterprise Ireland website.

With over 30 years’

Aengus Oates Financial Services

Plan your future today

Tel. (090) 6627878. Mobile (086) 2573358 info@oates.ie • www.oatesfinancialservices.ie

Irish industrial emissions decrease by

4%

THE BUSINESS BRIEF(S)

Over half of workers over the age of 50 plan to continue working on in retirement, according to recent survey results from research conducted by the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland (RPC).

The survey found that 55 per cent of respondents plan to continue working after they retire from full-time employment. Of those surveyed, 63 per cent said their job has a mandatory retirement age.

The RPC research found that this was a common incentive to continue working, for those approaching retirement age and those already retired. Meanwhile, 93 per cent of those who said they would continue working after retirement plan to

work part-time, while 6 per cent said they intend to work full-time.

Connected Hubs open day on April 26th

Connected Hubs across the country will open their doors for a national showcase day on Wednesday, April 26th.

The series of open day initiatives will be officially opened by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys when she visits the Creative Spark Downtown Hub in Dundalk.

On the day, 315 hubs across Ireland, including those in Roscommon, will get the chance to display the incredible variety and

regional diversity with a focus on promoting why their hub and locality are great places for remote workers.

The event is taking place in support of the Government’s national campaign promoting Remote Work and it is hoped it will become an annual event.

Applications open for Innovation Arena at National Ploughing Championships

Applications are now open for Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships, which take place at Ratheniska, Co. Laois from September

19th to 21st.

The Innovation Arena provides over 50 companies from the agriculture sector with the opportunity to showcase their pioneering innovations to over 250,000 visitors.

This year, organisers are inviting applicants from start-up companies that are under five-years-old and from established companies that are focused on innovation. Previous participants can apply for a space in the new ‘AgTech Hub’.

Judging for the awards will take place at the arena on day one of the event featuring categories such as ‘Best Start-up’, the ACE Agri-tech award, and the Ifac Best Newcomer Award. The best start-up will receive €10,000.

Preliminary analysis from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that greenhouse gas emissions within the Irish industrial sector decreased by 4 per cent overall in 2022.

Emissions from Irish power generation and industrial companies are covered by the EU Emissions Trading System.

The Irish figures compare with a decrease of approximately 1.2 per cent across Europe last year, according to the figures which were released on Tuesday by the EU Commission.

The reduction in Irish emissions is considered to be due to a variety of reasons including increased use of renewable electricity and fuels and a decrease in cement production.

Minister Neale Richmond launching the next round of funding under the Online Retail Scheme at The Outdoor Scene in Goatstown, Dublin with Susi Monteagudo from The Outdoor Scene and Teri Smith from Enterprise Ireland.

Kerrane named new SF Agri spokesperson

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has been announced this week as the party’s new spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

Deputy Kerrane is moving into the role following eight years as the party’s Social Protection spokesperson, having worked on issues such as supports for Family Carers and Lone Parents.

Clothes collection for Ballaghaderreen Park

Ballaghaderreen Community Park Committee are staging a clothes collection fundraiser to raise funds for the upkeep of the park. Items can be left at the clubhouse from Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. No quilts, duvets or pillows please. Contact Brid on 085-8492213. Thanks for your continued support.

Local defibrillator group classes

Loughglynn, Lisacul and Gortaganny Defibrillator Group will run classes on Friday 14th, Saturday 15th, and Sunday, April 16th. If you would like to book your place contact Dympna on 086-0682109, Breege on 087-1268806 or Andre on 087-7425947. All members are now due for renewal certification. New recruits welcome.

Sewing volunteers sought!

Volunteers with sewing machines are being sought to make ‘Brown Scapulars’. Please contact Kitty Ross on 086-0405621 or Chris O’Gara on 086-2255029.

Easter Sunday date with Celtic Crew

Well-known and popular local ballad group Celtic Cru are back on stage this Easter when they will perform in PJ’s in Castlecoote. The popular venue is an ideal location for live music and this promises to be a great night. See Celtic Cru in PJ’s on Easter Sunday night, 9th of April, from 8.30 pm. All are welcome! Advertorial

Gospel Reflection

Sunday 9 April

Jesus is nowhere visible. Yet, today’s Gospel tells us that Peter and John “saw and believed”.

What did they see? Burial shrouds lying on the floor of an empty tomb. Maybe that convinced them that He hadn’t been carted off by grave robbers, who usually stole the expensive burial linens and left the corpses behind.

But notice the repetition of the word “tomb” – seven times in nine verses. They saw the empty tomb and they believed what He had promised: that God would raise Him on the third day.

Chosen to be His “witnesses,” today’s First Reading tells us, the Apostles were “commissioned…to preach…and testify” to all that they had seen – from His anointing with the Holy Spirit at the Jordan to the empty tomb.

More than their own experience, they were instructed in the mysteries of the divine economy, God’s saving plan: to know how “all the prophets bear witness” to Him (see Luke 24:27, 44).

Now they could “understand the Scripture” and teach us what He had told them: that He was “the Stone which the builders rejected,” the one whom today’s Psalm prophesies will be resurrected and exalted (see Luke 20:17; Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11).

We are the children of the apostolic witnesses. That is why we still gather early in the morning on the first day of every week to celebrate this feast of the empty tomb, to give thanks for “Christ our life,” as today’s Epistle calls Him.

Baptised into His death and Resurrection, we live the heavenly life of the risen Christ, our lives “hidden with Christ in God”. We are now His witnesses, too. But we testify to things we cannot see but only believe; we seek in earthly things what is above.

We live in memory of the Apostles’ witness, like them eating and drinking with the risen Lord at the altar. And we wait in hope for what the Apostles told us would come – the day when we too “will appear with Him in glory”.

-Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com

Kerrane, who grew up and is currently living on a farm in west Roscommon, says she was proud to take on the role.

“Having lived on a farm all my life, I know the importance of sustaining our family farms. I am also well aware of how hard farmers have to work for a price that does not match the quality of their produce,” she said.

“I am looking forward to getting stuck into the role and carrying on the good work of my colleague Matt Carthy in engaging with farmers, producers and representative groups across rural Ireland as part of my work.

“I also look forward to continuing my role as spokesperson on Rural Development, which I have held for the past two years”.

Kerrane highlighted the importance of agriculture to rural economies.

“We know that rural communities have been left behind as a result of decisions make by successive out-of-touch Governments. I will continue to advocate for our rural communities and call for effective policies and action to ensure these areas can thrive,” she concluded.

Local communities to celebrate launch of Spring Clean month

This year’s National Spring Clean will take place throughout the month of April. Tidy Towns committees, community groups, schools and individuals are encouraged to organise events and tackle the problem of litter in local areas and witness the benefits of a litter-free environment.

National Spring Clean is run by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Roscommon County Council and other local authorities. It is supported by the Department of Environment, Communications and Climate Environment and Mars Wrigley Ireland.

The Roscommon launch will take place in Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon town on this Thursday, April 6th. The launch is a call to volunteers and com-

Clean are well underway and 2023’s campaign is on track to be the biggest yet, with almost 100 groups in Roscommon registered to date.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s launch, Jonathan Jones, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer with Roscommon County Council, commended those involved in this year’s National Spring Clean initiative.

Students of St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen following their own clean-up efforts as part of the National Spring Clean drive. Pictured (l to r) are: Brooke Coleman, Caoimhe Dowd, Sarah Brennan, Micaela Roddy, Aobhín Boyle and Mary Moffatt. munities across Roscommon to register for this year’s anti-litter campaign.

An Taisce’s National Spring Clean is inviting

people to visit the website www.nationalspringclean. org and register for a free clean-up kit. Roscommon County Council wishes to

acknowledge the excellent work done by all groups involved.

Registrations and cleanups for the National Spring

“The efforts of local volunteers continue to make a real positive contribution to their local community and wider environment. By participating in organised clean-ups, groups and individuals of all ages come together to make a meaningful and positive contribution to their communities”, remarked Mr. Jones.

Elphin Memorial to host Easter Commemoration

The County Roscommon IRA Easter Commemoration Committee will hold their annual ceremony this year at the County Memorial in Elphin on Easter Sunday, April 9th 2023.

A parade, headed by a colour party, will assemble at Elphin Church at 12.30 pm and proceed to

the monument where a wreath-laying will take place. The 1916 proclamation will be read and the Roscommon Roll of Honour will be called out.

Being especially honoured this year is Michael Grealy, Curraghroe, who was executed a cen-

tury ago on March 13th 1923 by the Free State government. Immediately after the ceremony at Elphin a wreath will be laid on Volunteer Grealy’s grave in Cloontuskert Cemetery, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon.

Honour Ireland’s dead – wear an Easter Lily.

Drive is on to reverse decline of ‘The Curlew’

PLEASE REPORT CURLEW SIGHTINGS AND CALLS!

The curlew is an iconic Irish bird with an unmistakable ascending “cur...lee cur... lee” call that was once commonly heard in the Irish countryside.

Sadly they have suffered a drastic decline in recent years. 96% of the Irish breeding population has been lost since the 1970s and a national survey carried out in 2021 found that only 104 pairs remain in the Republic of Ireland, with an estimated 250 additional pairs in Northern Ireland. Inappropriate forestry planting, peat extraction and intensification of farming have all led to the demise of the curlew.

The Curlew Conservation Programme established in 2017 by the National Parks and Wildlife Service is working to re-

verse this decline. Nine core breeding areas have been identified in the country where they work with landowners and communities across the country to try and save the last remaining curlews.

One of the areas included in the programme is Mayo/Roscommon where the Curlew Action Team is currently working to identify where breeding pairs occur within the region. The aim is to locate nest sites and employ nest protection measures to give the bird the best chance of breeding success.

After spending the winter at their feeding grounds, our native curlews are now going back to their nesting sites. Meanwhile, curlews from the continent that spend the winter in Ireland are heading back to their breeding sites in Northern Europe.

Curlews lay their eggs between mid-

April and mid-May. Usually four eggs are laid and incubated for 27-30 days and all chicks hatch by May/June and are fledged by mid-July. They breed on upland and lowland bogs and on wet and unimproved grassland. In general, they avoid areas close to trees and scrub which can provide cover for predators.

To help the local Curlew Action Team identify nest sites we are asking the public to report any sightings/curlew calls over the next few weeks in counties Mayo and Roscommon.

Please contact: James Owens (083 1747213) or Brian Hughes (089 2280381) from the Curlew Conservation team in Mayo and Roscommon. We also have a Facebook page (Mayo/Roscommon Curlew Conservation Programme) where you can follow our work and report sightings.

(courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

The wedding took place recently of Aoife Bligh (Ballymoe) and Liam Corrigan (Killaderry, Ballyforan). The reception was held in Lough Rynn Castle Hotel.

EASTER JOY

Parades, Fleadh and Roscommon v Mayo

Bumper crowd expected for Monday’s parade

< DAN DOONER

The hard work continues for the Roscommon Easter Parade committee ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest events in recent years on Easter Monday next.

With the Connacht Senior Football Championship quarter-final expected to be a sell-out on Sunday, the decision to move this year’s parade to Monday has proven to be a shrewd move.

Committee secretary JJ Cattigan believes a large crowd will descend on Roscommon town on Easter Monday.

“The work continues this week and we are still in the process of getting floats in for the parade,” he said.

“The army colour party will lead the parade and there will also be a number of marching bands including the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band and the Midfield Pipe Band will also be taking part – and so too will the Garda Mounted Unit.

“We’d be hoping for a very big crowd on the day because the parade doesn’t clash with anything on Easter Monday. We didn’t want to be dividing families by holding it on the same day as the Roscommon-Mayo match. Castlebar is going to be a sell-out on Sunday so it looks like a lot of people from Roscommon will be travelling down. We’re hoping now that the weather will play a part too this weekend”.

A lot of time and effort goes into organising

such an event and JJ says the committee is very thankful for all the help and support from local volunteers and businesses.

“The committee has been very busy erecting bunting and also putting signs out around the town and at all entry points into the town. A lot of hard work goes into it,” he said.

“We are very grateful to Michael and Rita Oates of ETL who are sponsoring each of the prizes this year too. We also have the prize for ‘Best Window’ so we are encouraging people to do up their own windows ahead of Monday. “We’re looking forward now to welcoming everyone to Roscommon town on Easter Monday and hoping we get a good day for it,” he concluded.

Like to have a Role?

If you would like to be involved in one of the biggest days of the year in Roscommon Town, whether that be to enter a float for your community/voluntary group or business, give a donation towards costs, or to help out on the day, please contact any of the executive officers: Larry Brennan on 085-1743871, JJ Cattigan on 0878512503, Patricia Mullaney on 0872117749, or Caitlín McConn on 0860859275.

FLASHBACK: Some of the participants entertaining the crowd at the 2022 Roscommon Easter Parade. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Easter Family Fun (& Football) Weekend

Annual Easter Parade kicks off at 2.30 pm on Monday

Organisers of this

year’s

Roscommon Town Easter Parade have been busy working towards this Easter Monday over recent weeks.

This year’s parade will commence at 2.30 pm on Monday.

As in previous years, the committee is inviting community and voluntary groups and businesses to enter floats in the parade.

There are a number of awards up for grabs on the day, which are generously sponsored again this year by Michael and Rita Oates of ETL.

The prizes include: Best Overall, Best Community/Voluntary, Best Business, and Best ‘Proud Rossie’ themed entry. Keep an eye on Roscommon Easter Parade social media to see details of one more special prize on the day.

Prior to the start of the parade

there will be live music from Lady Betty at 1 pm. There will also be further entertainment including a number of marching bands, the Garda Mounted Support Unit, live performers, children’s amusements, and lots more for the whole family to enjoy.

The parade committee is made up entirely of volunteers and a huge amount of work goes into hosting the event each year.

The Easter Festival this year is part-funded by Roscommon

County Council. This event is also funded by a Roscommon LEADER Partnership grant.

The committee also relies on support and donations made by local businesses in Roscommon town and its environs, which the committee are extremely grateful for. The parade could not run without these supports. Finally, the committee would also like to thank An Garda Síochána and Roscommon County Council for their continued support.

‘Sensory-friendly’ section to feature

This year’s Roscommon Town Easter Parade will feature a ‘sensory-friendly’ silent section for people with autism and their families.

A section of the parade route from the Sacred

Heart Church

Abbey Street will be a noise-free zone to ensure that those on the autism spectrum can enjoy the event without stress or discomfort.

TOWN

on to the Old Courthouse on

Easter Family Fun (& Football) Weekend

Local economy to benefit from Easter Parade

< DAN DOONER

Chairperson of the Roscommon Easter Parade and Town Team committees, Larry Brennan, has said the local economy will be the biggest winner as the 51st parade hits town this Easter Monday.

“In terms of the financial impact, the Easter Parade is one of the biggest days of the year in Roscommon town,” he told the Roscommon People on Tuesday.

“It’s not only a huge family day but it’s a big day for local businesses also, particularly across the hospitality sector. The local pubs, restaurants and hotels all traditionally do well during the Easter parade and I expect it will be no different this year”.

Larry says a Roscom-

Local stars to lead this year’s parade

In keeping with the ‘Proud Rossies’ theme for this year’s event, a number of local sporting stars have been invited to lead this year’s Roscommon Easter Parade.

Confirming a stellar line-up earlier this week, committee member JJ Cattigan said the parade would pay homage to a number of recent sporting successes.

“Leading the parade this year will be the O’Rourke sisters from Castlerea, who have brought real honour and

glory to the county due to their exploits in the boxing ring,” he said.

“We will also welcome Rory Carthy, who recently won an All-Ireland title in handball, and the Convent of Mercy football team which won an All-Ireland schools title just last Thursday”. With plenty of star power on show, visitors to this year’s parade are being encouraged to arrive in Roscommon town early in order to secure a good vantage point.

mon win over Mayo in the Connacht Championship on Sunday would set the parade up nicely!

“This is a bumper weekend with a large volume of people visiting on Easter Monday and on Easter Sunday after the match in Castlebar. If Roscommon can win that one then it will certainly add to the carnival atmosphere for our parade,” he said.

Paying tribute to those who contribute to the running of the parade each year, Larry added: “The parade is primarily funded by the business community and a grant from Roscommon County Council and from Roscommon LEADER Partnership. The vast majority of funding and support comes from businesses who are never found wanting each year.

“Of course, I’d like to thank all those who contribute; the parade wouldn’t be possible without them,” he said. And finally, the committee have issued a special request for motorists in Roscommon and surrounds.

“We would request that there would be no overnight parking on Church Street, Main Street or in The Square on Easter Sunday so that the parade can pass through safely,” Larry said.

“The final preparations are now underway and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Roscommon town on Easter Monday. We also wish the Roscommon senior footballers the very best of luck in Castlebar on Easter Sunday!”

OPW to open newly restored Castle tower

The Office of Public Works has this week confirmed that it will be opening the newly restored tower at Roscommon Castle in conjunction with the town’s Easter parade on Monday.

This is the first time the tower is being opened to the public and it will be open from 11 am to 6 pm. The OPW says that this is a wonderful opportunity for families attending the parade to experience the spectacular view of Roscommon Town from the Castle Tower. Chairperson of the Roscommon Town Easter Parade committee, Larry Brennan, expressed his thanks to the OPW for their cooperation in staging this unique event.

FLASHBACK: Pictured at the 2022 Roscommon Easter Parade were Sam, Mosque, Katie and Eva Coyle. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Easter Family Fun (& Football) Weekend

‘Proud Rossies’ the 2023 theme!

The theme of the 2023 Roscommon Easter Parade will be ‘Proud Rossies’. This was inspired by the decision to switch the parade from Easter Sunday to Easter Monday as a show of solidarity with Roscommon footballers, who are in action on Sunday against Mayo.

The parade committee took the decision to move this year’s

parade to Easter Monday in order to avoid a clash with the Connacht Senior Football Championship game between Roscommon and Mayo in Castlebar on Easter Sunday.

A spokesperson for the committee said the decision had been taken as both events are familyfriendly and as the Easter Parade is one of the biggest family days

of the year in Roscommon town, they did not want families to have to make a choice between either supporting the Rossies or attending the parade.

Further to this and following consultations with An Garda Síochána, it was agreed that it would be in the best interests of all concerned to avoid a clash of two major events in the Roscom-

mon calendar on Easter Sunday. With that in mind, the committee has announced that the theme for this year’s parade will be ‘Proud Rossies’. They believe this theme to be very appropriate this year.

Following on from last year’s parade, the committee are again waiving the fee for any volunteer or community group to enter the parade.

ETL ‘delighted’ to give backing

The Roscommon Easter Parade prizes will be sponsored by ETL, Main Street, Roscommon for the second year running and proprietors Michael and Rita Oates have said they are ‘delighted’ to be associated with such a popular event.

Winners in categories such as Best Overall, Best Community/Voluntary, Best Business, and Best ‘Proud Rossie’ will receive beautiful glassware.

Roscommon Agricultural Show, RosFM, The

Melting Pot and Gannon’s Farm Shop took home the prizes last year with Finn Electrical taking home the ‘Best Window’ award.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Michael Oates, who runs ETL with his wife Rita, paid tribute to the hard-working Easter Parade committee.

“Last year was our first year to sponsor prizes for the Roscommon Easter Parade and we’re delighted to be on board once again this year,“ Michael said.

“We want to support a local voluntary committee that does such great work each year

in organising one of the biggest events in Roscommon.

“The standard of floats was extremely high last year and just looking through some of the entries for Easter Monday we can certainly expect the same this time around”. Looking ahead to Easter Monday, Michael is hoping for clear skies.

“A lot of effort goes into hosting this event and I know there will be many clubs and organisations in attendance this year. Hopefully now we get good weather and a day the whole family will enjoy,” he concluded.

Easter Parade prizes’ sponsors Rita and Michael Oates (third and fourth from left) of ETL Roscommon pictured with committee members Patricia Mullaney, Larry Brennan, JJ Cattigan and Caitlin McConn at the recent launch in Murray’s Bar in Castle Street. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

< DAN DOONER

Easter Family Fun (& Football) Weekend

In-form Mayo have edge Castlebar

Connacht SFC Quarter-Final:

Mayo v Roscommon at Hastings

Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar on Sunday at 4 pm

There is something special about a Connacht SFC

game between Mayo and Roscommon. However, Roscommon diehards will know that our wins in the senior championship in Castlebar are as rare as hens’ teeth, and particularly in recent decades. In fact Fintan Cregg’s winning point in 2019 sealed Roscommon’s first win at MacHale Park in 33 years at that time. Mayo confirmed their status as the best team in the league this spring with a hard-fought win against

Galway in the National League final last Sunday.

Kevin McStay and his heavy duty management team have got a real tune out of the Mayo players since taking over and our neighbours are now being looked at as one of the favourites to win the Sam Maguire Cup this year. I would say that that kind of talk is a bit premature, but there is no doubt that they are going really well at the moment, and last Sunday’s league final win will give

them huge momentum going into this match. Roscommon have momentum too. Finishing third in Division One is a fantastic achievement for Davy Burke and his players. Roscommon have been ultra-competitive in the league this term. There was no more than a kick of the ball between the teams in any match that the Rossies played this year, a testament to the hard work Burke’s players have put in.

Davy Burke will have to re-jig midfield for this Sunday, given the absence of the injured Tadhg O’Rourke. Eddie Nolan is available again, but it may be too soon to risk him. Keith Doyle will probably start, but the big question is who will partner him? Roscommon have a lot of talented attackers and it will be a difficult task to settle on a starting sextet. My choice would be the two Murtaghs, Enda Smith, Ben O’Carroll,

Dylan Ruane (file pic)…likely to start for Roscommon against Mayo this weekend.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

< SEAMUS DUKE

Cian McKeon and Daire Cregg. There are plenty of other options with the likes of Niall Kilroy, Conor Cox, Ciaran Lennon and Donie Smith all chomping at the bit for game time. All are top class players. The options in defence are not as numerous. Brian Stack, Conor Daly and Niall Daly will definitely play, while Davy Murray, Conor Hussey and Dylan Ruane should also start, with Richard Hughes in contention for a recall and Eoin McCormack in the frame too.

While Mayo are strong all over the field, their full-forward line of Aidan O’Shea, James Carr and Ryan O’Donoghue is particularly potent. All three pose a major threat. Mayo are also doing well at midfield where Diarmuid O’Connor and Matthew Ruane have been dominating.

I give Roscommon a

great chance on Sunday given how competitive they have been all season. That said, Mayo have to be favourites.

A loss would not be a disaster for Roscommon as long as they produce a performance. It’s probably heresy to say it, but the provincial championships have been downgraded under this new championship system. At the end of the day one’s championship prospects will have much to do with what other three teams are in the round-robin group in May and June.

The days of the fierce rivalry between Roscommon and Mayo and indeed the other Connacht counties are numbered if the authorities persist with the new format. That said, would Roscommon take a win on Sunday? Absolutely! I fancy Mayo to win by three or four points. Prediction: Mayo.

Last time out! The Roscommon players line up prior to throw-in in their most recent meeting with Mayo, at Hyde Park in the league earlier this year.

‘Davy? We needed someone to come in and develop the team. It was a risk, but he was very enthusiastic’

PAUL HEALY talks to County Board chairperson, Brian Carroll…

‘I WAS NO ALL STAR!’

PH: So Brian, what was your childhood like?

BC: I’m a native of Kilmore, youngest of a family of five. It was very much a farming background, growing up in a rural area. My parents are Anthony and Ethel. They have always been very supportive of me in anything I’ve taken on. I went to Scrabbagh NS, then to Carrick Community School. After Carrick I went straight into Templemore (for Garda training). It was a happy childhood.

PH: Was it a GAA upbringing?

BC: Very much so. My brothers brought me to games from once I was aged four or five. I remember attending the 1989 Connacht final, actually between Roscommon and Mayo, at the Hyde. It was my first game. Gerry Finneran, my brother Daniel’s father-in-law, began bringing me to help do ‘the gate’ at county games.

PH: You played GAA?

BC: Well now Paul…I was no All Star! I played a bit. I played underage and junior with Kilmore. I actually joined the Kilmore executive at the age of 18. I served as chairperson of the Kilmore minor committee and went on to become the senior club chairperson. I’ve been Kilmore PRO for fourteen years. I served as chairperson of the Roscommon GAA Supporters Club. I was chairperson of the GAA National Youth Com-

mittee and I’ve also represented Connacht on the CCCC. After five years as County Board Secretary I was elected County Board Chairperson in December 2020.

PH: You’re steeped in parish life, in rural communities. Do you despair for the future of such areas, or are you more optimistic?

BC: You’d have concerns about the lack of new homes being built in rural areas. People are naturally attracted to bigger towns and cities. I suppose if there was any benefit from Covid, it was the fact that this trend might have turned slightly, due to remote working. A few friends of mine have moved home, but at the same time you’d like to see more homes being built.

PH: You are a serving member of An Garda Síochána, based in Roscommon town…

BC: Yes, I work in the Victims’ Service. I interact with victims of crime in Roscommon-Longford. I deal with a lot of people, a lot of injured parties. I’m also a Garda liaison officer.

‘NO DECISION YOU MAKE WILL KEEP EVERYONE HAPPY’

PH: Is being County Board chairperson a challenging role, in terms of the workload, the time involved?

BC: I love the GAA. I love Roscommon. I love Kilmore. I know there’s always challenges, always difficulties. I get phone calls at 7.30 am in the morning and at 11.30 at night. I may not take every one at the time, but I get back to people. Sometimes there are small problems at a club that we can sort. I know that as chairperson no

decision you make will keep everyone happy and that if it does, well then maybe it’s the wrong decision, or you may be doing it for the wrong reason.

PH: Is there an individual who has been a particular influence on your career as a GAA official?

BC: That’s a very good question. There have been a lot of people in Kilmore GAA that I could bounce problems off, discuss issues or ideas with. I might pass on naming people for fear of leaving someone out!

LET’S TALK MANAGERS…

PH: I wanted to talk to you about Roscommon managers. You were in situ as County Chairperson when Anthony Cunningham called it a day…

BC: Yeah, Anthony was there for four years. It was a difficult time for him. He won a Connacht title with Roscommon in his first year, in 2019. Then Covid disrupted things. Anthony didn’t have a free run. It was very difficult for him for 18 months or so. But he’s a top class manager. He brought huge experience and knowledge to the set-up.

PH: How did it end?

BC: I got a phonecall from Anthony, it would have been last August. I was disappointed when he rang and informed me that he was stepping down as manager. I know how much the Clare defeat hurt him (Clare beat Roscommon in the All-Ireland qualifiers). He was shell-shocked (by the manner of the loss). It was very difficult for him to take.

PH: It’s common knowledge that the process of appointing a successor was a long drawn out one. How did it evolve?

BC: It was a long drawn out process, but not because of lack of effort on our part. Vinnie Glennon and Paul Earley and the officers of the board were brought together at the earliest opportunity. A number of targets were identified and worked on. Some of them (those interactions) dragged on. Much of it had to do with the sheer volume of commitment and work involved in being a manager. There is so, so much involved. I don’t know where we will be in 10 years’ time. They (managers) have to park their life. People we identified and approached could not commit.

PH: Is social media a factor in that regard?

BC: Social media is a concern. I fully accept and understand that County Board officers and managers should be answerable (to supporters)… but the abuse and the content directed on social media at team managers, players and officers is definitely a hindrance towards recruitment.

PH: How did Davy Burke end up being the choice?

BC: We continued working on our shortlist. Davy was one of the candidates we interviewed. We met him in the Mullingar Park Hotel and interviewed him there. We felt Davy was the best person for the job.

PH: How many times did you interview him?

BC: Once.

PH: What was it about him that impressed you?

BC: I liked his attention to detail, it was very impressive. I liked his methods, his way of preparing a team. He wasn’t a guy who came into the room and said ‘I did this and I did that’. He showed us how

A delighted Brian Carroll, Chairperson of Roscommon GAA celebrates Roscommon’s win over Tyrone in the Allianz League last January. Picture: Bernie O’Farrell.

Easter Family Fun (& Football) Weekend

Brian Carroll on Davy Burke: “I liked his attention to detail, it was very impressive. I liked his methods...”

he prepares a team, how he approaches things. He put his words into action.

PH: Some people will point to his relative lack of experience…

BC: We had to look at the bigger picture. We needed someone to come in and develop the team. He had won an All-Ireland U-20 title as manager (with Kildare). It was a risk, but he was very enthusiastic. I rang Davy to inform him. I told him we were offering him the job. He was delighted. So far so good!

PH: We’ve had a very good league campaign. How do you reflect on that?

BC: Very happy. I suppose the general talk before it started was if Roscommon could get four points it would be a massive achievement. But then we beat Tyrone, Galway, Armagh and Donegal. Those victories were impressive. In the other three games, we weren’t far off the pace. A couple of new lads came in. Ben O’Carroll, Daire Cregg, guys like that have come along and they’ve pushed on. That’s good to see. No player will be there forever. Their emergence is a product of excellent work that’s gone on at underage level.

PH: Have you been happy with the response of supporters?

BC: Yes. We’ve been getting more and more support at games…a large number of people travelled to Tralee, which is a long journey. People seem to have bought into Davy Burke and his attitude and positivity. People are behind the team.

MONEY TALKS

Last Christmas, Brian Carroll confirmed that a €4m upgrade was planned for Dr Hyde Park. Carroll indicated that €1m was ring-fenced for the project (through Roscommon GAA fundraising). Roscommon County Board has acquired a loan of €2m. The remaining €1m was to come via a loan from GAA HQ. However, the GAA is not currently in a position to provide that funding, meaning the €2m loan cannot yet be drawn down. Accordingly, the €4m project has to be undertaken in smaller phases. Already, new seating has gone in.

PH: How is Club Rossie going, and how are the County Board finances?

BC: Club Rossie is going very well. As you know, we have a major draw at the moment, with a €200,000 prize. There is massive work going on behind the scenes, with weekly meetings. That draw is crucial, as we need a lot of money to run everything.

PH: How much money?

BC: To run the various teams alone…you’re probably talking about €700k-€800k per year. It varies. The Club Rossie business membership is crucial too. We’re very grateful to all the businesses who have supported us. Of course I’d like to thank our two main sponsors, Sean Mulryan and Tom Hunt, for their unbelievable support. One of the big recent projects has been the development of a new gym, costing €250k. The equipment is top quality. All our teams use it.

PH: In relation to Hyde Park, are there any plans to address the condition of the Hyde Centre?

BC: We don’t own it.

PH: I know, but are there any plans to have the situation dealt with?

BC: We’re continuing to liaise constructively with Roscommon Gaels to try to reach a solution. As I indicated last year, we devised an overall plan for Hyde Park, to the tune of €4m. We have received planning permission for new stiles and a perimeter wall which would run between the Hyde Centre and the rest of the stadium. There are plans for new dressing rooms and toilets.

PH: Will any of that work start this year?

BC: Well, we are waiting on funding. In the meantime, we have to do it in phases. We recently completed a project whereby we put all new seating into the stand. It cost €250,000.

PH: Will the new dressing rooms and toilets start this year?

BC: We’re hopeful we’ll have Government funding this year. We are hoping a Sports Capital Funding programme will be opened. We also have some health and safety issues that we’re addressing. Tenders are gone out. Some of that work will go ahead this summer. There will be catering pods going in on the Sacred Heart Hospital side of the stadium.

PH: What is the up to date position with the Centre of Excellence project?

BC: We have agreed a land purchase, subject to planning permission being granted. We have had some pre-planning meetings with Roscommon County Council. That’s basically the position as of now.

THE FUTURE…

PH: You are sometimes linked with a political run in the future?

BC: (Smiles).

PH: There was speculation in recent years that you might throw your hat into the political ring. Have you ambitions?

BC: I’m very busy with my work with An Garda Síochána and Roscommon County Board. I love doing both jobs; I love working with people. You asked me earlier about my parents being supportive of me. Now you’re asking me about politics…you could say, when there was speculation about me and politics, that one of my parents was very supportive, and the other not quite as supportive!

PH: And further GAA boardroom ambitions?

BC: If the clubs leave me in my position, I’ll have two and a half more years as County Board chairperson!

PH: This Sunday, we play Mayo in Castlebar. Thoughts on it and the new championship format?

BC: We’ve seen Mayo in the league, they are flying. It’s a big challenge for us. As for the new-look championship, there will be group stages, I’m looking forward to them. It’s exciting.

PH: Roscommon will come face to face with Kevin McStay on Sunday. Now the Mayo manager, he’s a man you worked closely with when he was Roscommon manager. Does it add an interesting dynamic?

BC: I worked closely with Kevin for two years when he was Roscommon manager and I was County Board Secretary. I aways got on well with Kevin, he was always courteous. We worked well together. But once we meet at MacHale Park on Sunday, he won’t be wishing me well and I won’t be wishing him well!

Picture: Bernie O’Farrell.

Easter Family Fun (& Football) Weekend

Best of luck to Mayo and Roscommon Football teams on Sunday from The Hatch Bar and Headerz

The Hatch Bar

Vita House

The Skincare & Hair Spa

Castle Street, Roscommon Tel.: (090) 66 26041

Email: info@skincarehairspa.ie Web: skincarehairspa.ie

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter from all at Skincare & Hair Spa

Castle Street Tyres

head on’

Burke ready for next challenge

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon were one of the last counties in the country to appoint a new senior football manager for this current season. When the name Davy Burke was floated as a possible successor to Anthony Cunningham, few local GAA supporters knew who he was. I was one of those who had heard of him as I have plenty of ‘spies’ in County Kildare who were able to tell me that Burke was a young, ambitious coach and would make a very good choice. The rest, as they say, is history.

The youngest team manager in the country set about his task with relish. His first priority was to make Roscommon competitive in Division One – and for the team to shed its ‘yo-yo’ tag after years of being promoted and then relegated at the first opportunity. He has achieved both of those aims, and in style too. Now

ultra-competitive, Roscommon have comfortably retained their Division One status.

Another priority of Davy Burke and his equally youthful coach Mark McHugh was to bring young players into the squad. They have been successful on that note too, with the introduction of lads like Conor Carroll, Daire Cregg, Robbie Dolan, Ben O’Carroll, Colin Walsh and Paul Carey.

The next priority is to challenge with the very best teams in the championship itself. That quest begins on Sunday at MacHale Park in Castlebar against Mayo, the newly-crowned league champions.

When I spoke to Davy Burke at the start of this week he began by briefly looking back on a memorable league campaign.

“It was a great league for us. To finish with eight points on the board was excellent. We would certainly have taken that before we started. It was very important to have beaten Donegal to get back on the winning trail after losing three in a row. It was good for morale”.

Tadhg O’Rourke is now out for the season after suffering an achilles injury against Donegal.

“Unfortunately Tadhg’s season is over. He is a huge loss because he was our vice-captain and a real leader in the group. But Conor Daly and Eddie Nolan are back in full training and are available, and Daire Cregg has recovered from his injury, so that’s all positive”.

Burke agrees that their league win against Galway in Croke Park last Sunday will give Mayo huge momentum ahead of the championship.

“They will be huge favourites on Sunday. They are the Division One champions and were the best team in the league this year. They also have a very strong squad.

You can see the impact that their subs had on Sunday, the likes of Tommy Conroy and others. Mayo have a very exciting team.

Galway had a very good defensive record but Mayo opened them up on Sunday so they will be difficult to beat”.

Despite the fact that Roscommon will be underdogs, Davy Burke says that everyone in the Roscommon camp is relishing

the trip to Castlebar. “Everyone in our group is really looking forward to this clash. Mayo are probably the number one team in the country right now but we will prepare well and go down there and have a cut at them. Our lads will not be taking too many backward steps on Sunday…we are going to meet them head on”.

Burke says that the work ethic of the Roscommon players is top class and is contributing to the great atmosphere in the squad. “The lads are all working hard and that always adds up to a great spirit”.

Roscommon have proven in the league that they can compete with the top teams in the country. Their manager notes that any game Roscommon lost, and almost all they won (bar the Donegal one) involved a tight margin.

“On Sunday it will be the same and hopefully in our favour. Mayo will be the hot favourites after winning the league, and after their overall league campaign. But we are very competitive and we are very hungry and this is a game we want to win”.

‘Our lads will not be taking too many backward steps… we are going to meet them

Roscommon manager Davy Burke says of Mayo: “They will be huge favourites on Sunday. They are the Division One champions and were the best team in the league this year”. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Easter Family Fun (& Football) Weekend

McStay confident Mayo will have no league final hangover!

There are always plenty of subplots surrounding a Mayo v Roscommon senior championship game, and this one is certainly no different. Kevin McStay, who managed Roscommon for four years, is now back on home turf having made a great start to life in charge of his home county. Last Sunday they edged out old rivals Galway to lift the Allianz National Football League title. Mayo deserved it too, because they were the best team in the league and played some great football throughout the campaign. The expectations ahead of the championship are now high again, with the Mayo players responding very well to Kevin and his impressive management team.

We will find out over the next few weeks if Mayo will run out of steam having put in such a big effort in the league, but the facts are that the green and red will carry huge momentum into Sunday’s match.

Speaking to People Sport this week, Kevin McStay started by expressing his delight over Sunday’s league final win.

“We are so pleased to have won it. When the game was on the line in the second half we just showed that little bit more desire to get our hands on the cup. I think that it’s a big moment in the evolution of the team that we can come up here and compete with a side like Galway who are so highly thought of, so we are well satisfied with our day’s work”.

McStay says that with an eye on this Sunday’s match, he was de-

termined that first and foremost, Mayo would be competitive against Galway.

“My concern for the league final was that we would be competitive on the day. It was a big match, there was a big crowd there from Mayo and we wanted to do well. But now that the league final is over my main concern is now the Roscommon game.

“It is very difficult that we have to park our league win immediately and (we) have to turn the boat around and get ready for MacHale Park. But we will do that, we have an experienced team and an experienced management too and we will get it done”.

The Mayo manager is welcoming back a number of players who have been injured. “Cillian O’Connor is fine. He didn’t play

in the league final, but that was just precautionary. The Roscommon game might be a bit early for Enda Hession but he is returning and I am not ruling him out altogether”.

McStay says that Roscommon will present a massive challenge to Mayo on Sunday. “We have a lot of work to get done this week in the run-up to the game. We have to do a tot on where lads are after last Sunday and prepare accordingly. Our focus up to last Sunday was on the league and finishing that competition as best we could. But we are confident that we have the know-how and personnel in the squad and in the backroom team. We think we have developed the squad well during the league and we are ready to give Roscommon a seriously hard challenge on Sunday”.

< SEAMUS DUKE

Current Mayo manager Kevin McStay, pictured when he was in charge of the Roscommon team!

Photo: Andrew Fox

Easter Family Fun Weekend

So, who do you fancy to win?

< DAN DOONER

Live

It’s going to be a very tight game. Ultimately it will come down to whether Mayo come with a big per formance. If so, then it would be hard to see Ro scommon beating them based on what we’ve seen over the last six weeks. However, it will be hard for them to produce another big performance off the back of last Sunday (National Football League Fi nal against Galway). Roscommon on the other hand are coming into this game nicely. They’ve had three full weeks to prepare if you take the Donegal game into account because they were pretty much safe. They’ve been very strong in Division One this year and yet they’ve only played in patches at times. If they have a big, full match performance in them this Sunday then they have every chance.

Shane

(former Roscommon player)

My heart says Roscommon but the head says Mayo. In the long run a competitive defeat might just be as good or even better than a win. This Roscommon team needs time with games coming thick and fast. A rest period may give the management and players time to recover from the league campaign prior to a hectic schedule in the new championship format.

On the evidence we have seen so far and with Mayo’s league win last Sunday, they probably go into this one as favourites. Provided they have the right attitude and are fully grounded, they should have enough to win but it won’t be easy. I am very conscious of the history people keep talking about where Mayo win league titles and then Roscommon are the cause of their (championship) downfall. I think they

Mayo are favourites after winning the National League title but this game will be tight with two Division One teams going at it. I think Davy Burke would have learned a lot more from the league game than Kevin McStay. It’ll be the same Mayo team that we saw at Croke Park last weekend and at the Hyde earlier in the league. We’ve seen it all before; athletic, physical with a good kicking game and a high press. We need to start this game like we’ve played the second half of games this season. The biggest thing is our own kick-out... we need to get the ball beyond their high press and up the field as quickly as possible and we’ll cause them problems. Mayo are a fine team but they give you goals. We need to make sure that when we’re heading down the tunnel at half-time that we’re still in the game. If the game goes down to the wire then I fancy Roscommon to win it.

will be steeled to that. It will be a very physical and keenly contested game in front of a huge crowd. It all depends on how Mayo recover both mentally and physically from last weekend. If they take the mental boot off the pedal in any way then they could be upstaged again. Roscommon had an excellent league campaign and the game in Dr Hyde Park will give them huge incentive to turn the tables.

Cathal Cregg (former Roscommon player)

John O’Mahony (former Mayo manager)

Seanie MacDermott (former Roscommon player)

ALL IRELAND CONFINED DRAMA FINALS 2023

GLENAMADDY, CO. GALWAY THURSDAY 13th - FRIDAY 21st APRIL

Glenamaddy Community Centre, GALA AWARDS - SATURDAY 22nd April

Raftery’s Oakland Glenamaddy ONLINE BOOKING: www.glenamaddydrama.ie/booking

Doors 7.15pm each night, Curtain up @ 8pm.

TEL: 086 2045896 (10am - 5pm Daily)

ADJUDICATOR : MR. GEOFF O’KEEFFE ADA

UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE AMATEUR DR AMA COUNCIL OF IRELAND

GlenamaddyhostsAllIreland(Confined)DramaFinals

‘We were thrilled to be chosen to host the 2023 All Irelands’

Glenamaddy native Coman Keaveny, national chair of Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, welcomes All Ireland finals to town…

<

PAUL HEALY

What a hat-trick for Glenamaddy – and its great tradition of amateur drama!

Not only will Glenamaddy Theatre Festival have the prestigious honour of hosting the 2023 All Ireland Confined Drama Finals this month, there is also the exciting reality that the local group, Glenamaddy Players, is amongst the participants.

Crowning what will be a very exciting ten-day period is the fact that the current chairperson of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI) is Glenamaddy native, Coman Keaveny. Son of Donnie and the late Margaret (nee Mullaney), Coman comes from a family which has strong links with Glenamaddy’s distinguished association with amateur drama.

“A love of stage was passed down through the generations” Coman reflects. “My grandfather Bill Keaveny was involved. I started out by helping with props, then the set, then sound, then lighting. Then I got a shot at directing, and I loved it. I joined the committee of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival in the mid-1990s. I served as vice-chairperson and secretary, and I’ve been Festival Director since 2016”.

He is understandably very proud of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival.

“There’s been a history of theatre and drama in the Glenamaddy area for over 100 years now. It started with the Ballyhard Players. The actual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival was launched in 1960. It has run every year since, with the exception of 2001 (foot and mouth crisis) and during Covid. That’s no mean feat.

“The All Ireland Confined Drama Finals, run under the auspices of the

ADCI, is rotated to each province every four years. Here in Glenamaddy, we’re holding the event for the third time in our history. The last occasion was in 2010, before that it was 1993”.

The fact that the local group, Glenamaddy Players, have actually qualified for the finals when they are being held in the town adds to the excitement around this year’s event.

“It’s a massive achievement by Glenamaddy Players” says Coman. “They didn’t perform a show in 1993, and didn’t qualify in 2010. So it’s extra-spe-

cial that they are involved on their home patch this time”.

Coman may have a track record of staying out of the limelight himself – in the wings, as it were – but he brought honour to his family, to Glenamaddy and to the area’s theatrical tradition when becoming the first Galway person to be elected chairperson of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland. He is currently enjoying a busy two-year term in the role. When that term of office ends this October, he will take over as President.

“It’s been a great experience. The Amateur Drama Council of Ireland run all the theatre festivals on this island. We actually have the second biggest following in the country outside of the GAA! I have a great group of people around me in Glenamaddy. We were thrilled to be chosen to host the 2023 All Irelands. When we were given the green light we said ‘we need €70-80k to run this. We don’t have a purposebuilt theatre…we have a lot to do!’”

As ever, they got to work with enthusiasm. The local community centre

SCHEDULE OF PLAYS

Arising from last Sunday’s draw, the following is the programme of plays for the finals…

Thursday 13th April

Lislea Dramatic Society present ‘See How They Run’ by Philip King

Friday 14th April

The Ray Leonard Players present ‘The Kings of Kilburn High Road’ by Jimmy Murphy

Saturday 15th April

St. Patrick’s Drama Group Westport present ‘Dear Frankie’ by Niamh Gleeson

Sunday 16th April

Wayside Players present ‘The Field’ by John B. Keane

Monday 17th April

Salmon Eile present ‘The Pitchfork Disney’ by Philip Ridley

Tuesday 18th April

Clontarf Players present ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ by Oscar Wilde

Wednesday 19th April

Harvest Moon Theatre Group present ‘God of Carnage’ by Yasmina Reza

Thursday 20th April

Kilmuckridge Drama Group present ‘Sive’ by John B. Keane

Friday 21st April

Glenamaddy Players present ‘Proof’ by David Auburn

is currently being transformed into a state-of-the-art theatre which will have the capacity to seat about 340 people. The spirit of volunteerism has been tremendous. Hotels and B&Bs in the area – stretching to Roscommon and Tuam – are booked out.

“These All Ireland Finals will bring people into the community and they will generate revenue for the community” Coman says.

“We will have nine groups participating. On the day of their performance, each participating group will arrive in Glenamaddy at about 9 am. The process of setting up the stage to their needs is very important. The backstage crew are the unknown heroes.

“Later, they will dine together. Each show will begin at 8 pm. When the curtain comes down, the group members will relax in a local bar. We expect great drama on stage, and full houses every night”.

Coman says the hosts are delighted that Geoff O’Keeffe, who is highly experienced and respected in all elements of drama, will be Adjudicator for the finals.

“I want to pay tribute to everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible” the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival Director said this week. “This event will be a great boost for the local economy, and I know it will be very enjoyable for everyone who attends. I cannot overstate the great work of the whole Glenamaddy Theatre Festival committee”.

When all the competition is over, on Saturday, April 22nd, a Gala Awards Night will be held (for the first time ever at Confined level). The venue is Raftery’s Oakland Hotel. The results of the 2023 All Ireland Finals will be livestreamed on the Internet.

There will be great anticipation as to the results. For the local committee, there will be more adrenaline, but also the sense of winding down, of a memorable journey nearing an end, warm memories formed.

“We’ll all be there…one drama family” Coman Keaveny says. As to the work still to be done between now and then, he adds: “It’s challenging, but we (as a committee) will be ready. We don’t fear anything”.

Glenamaddy native Coman Keaveny

Proud milestone for Glenamaddy Theatre Festival

This week the Roscommon People publishes a special commemorative feature promoting the upcoming hosting by Glenamaddy Theatre Festival of the 2023 Bostik All Ireland Confined Drama Finals.

What an honour this is for the Glenamaddy area, where there is such a long and proud drama tradition, stretching back more than a century Indeed there are a number of causes for celebration. The current chairperson of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI), under whose auspices the All Ireland Finals are held, is Glenamaddy native Coman Keaveny. Furthermore, local group Glenamaddy Players have themselves qualified for this year’s finals, ensuring huge extra local interest.

This is the third occasion on which Glenamaddy has hosted the All Ireland Finals, following on from 1993 and 2010.

The curtain is almost up… Glenamaddy is ready!

The countdown is on in earnest to a major date on the amateur drama calendar in Ireland, with Glenamaddy Theatre Festival proudly hosting the 2023 Bostik All Ireland Confined Drama Finals. The gala event will run from Thursday, 13th of April to Friday, 21st of April inclusive, with an Awards Night wrapping up proceedings on Saturday, April 22nd. This is a tremendous honour for hosts Glenamaddy Theatre Festival. Of particular pride for Glenamaddy Theatre Festival is the fact that their Director,

Coman Keaveny, is currently chairperson of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI), under whose auspices the All Ireland Finals are held.

Nine qualifying groups will participate in the event. Last Sunday, the draw for the finals was held in the Town Hall Theatre in Glenamaddy (see page 36).

The actual performances will be staged in Glenamaddy Community Centre, which is being transformed into a 340-seater venue especially for this event.

The calibre of plays on offer will attract huge interest locally and nationally and all nine nights are expected to be sellouts. Doors will open each night at 7.15 pm, with curtain up at 8 pm. An awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, 22nd of April in Raftery’s Oakland Hotel, Glenamaddy. Adjudicator this year is Geoff O’Keeffe. Geoff is highly experienced in all elements of drama production. For further information please see www.glenamaddydrama.ie

The local committee have spent a number of months in preparation for this big event. Not alone will the Bostik All Ireland Confined Drama Finals be a cultural treat for theatre-goers, they will also provide a significant economic boost for Glenamaddy, and for towns and villages in the region. The Roscommon People understands that most or all hotels and B&Bs spanning from Roscommon town to Tuam are booked out due to demand.

Glenamaddy Theatre Festival has been in existence since 1960, while the Glenamaddy Players celebrated their 50th anniversary just last year The contribution of so many people to the arts in Glenamaddy over the years has been admirable. Indeed it is appropriate at this time to remember those who treaded the boards and/or volunteered behind the scenes over the years and who have since passed on to their eternal reward (RIP).

Here at the Roscommon People, we were delighted to work closely with the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival Committee in producing this commemorative feature. It is timely to congratulate the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival committee on their great voluntary work in preparing for and planning this month’s gala event. In particular, I would like to thank Tracey ComerBurke (PRO) and Coman Keaveny (Festival Director) for their assistance with the production of this feature.

As your locally-owned community newspaper, the Roscommon People takes this opportunity to wish Glenamaddy Theatre Festival every success in hosting the All Irelands. Good luck to all involved!

-Paul Healy (Editor)

Some of the members of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival All Ireland Committee, pictured at the Town Hall Theatre in Glenamaddy last Sunday. Photo: Alan Hunt

GlenamaddyhostsAllIreland(Confined)DramaFinals

Best wishes to Glenamaddy Theatre Festival from

ROSCOMMON Drama Festival

Suspense ends as draw reveals line-up!

The Town Hall Theatre in Glenamaddy was a hive of activity last Sunday as the nine anxious finalists awaited the draw for the Bostik All Ireland Confined Drama Finals 2023 under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI).

Glenamaddy, a town with deep drama roots, is no stranger to hosting the high profile event as this will be the third time the finals have been held there, following on 1993 and 2010.

This opportunity arose again at the beginning of last year and has been met with great approval by the committee, business people, local community groups and the many theatre lovers in Glenamaddy and surrounding areas.

All groups taking part this year were welcomed on Sunday by Coman Keaveny, who is chairperson of the ADCI, and also

Eugene Murphy

contemporary. Get your tickets online now on www.glenamaddydrama.ie. Tickets are priced at €15 plus booking fee which is excellent value for the nightly entertainment on offer. There will be a number of fringe events coinciding with the festival so stay connected on social media platforms for all the latest updates on Facebook and Instagram and www.glenamaddytheatrefestival Enquiries via glenamaddydrama@ gmail.com or 086 2045896.

Glenamaddy Theatre Festival Director.

The draw was conducted by Peter Keaveney, Chairperson, Glenamaddy Theatre Festival, and Mairead Broderick, Secretary of the ADCI. The calibre of plays on offer will attract huge interest locally and nationally and all nine nights are ex-

pected to be sell-outs. The West is definitely awake with four groups from Connacht represented in the All Ireland Finals!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity of seeing these award-winning plays locally in Glenamaddy as there is something to suit everyone’s tastes, from the classics to

The event runs from Thursday, 13th of April to Friday, 21st of April inclusive in Glenamaddy Community Centre (F45 Y030). An awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, 22nd of April in Raftery’s Oakland Hotel, Glenamaddy.

*Doors opening at 7.15 pm on performance nights with curtain up at 8 pm.

Glenamaddy Players to stage ‘Proof’

Glenamaddy Players, who are taking part in the All Ireland Confined Drama Finals in Glenamaddy this month, will stage David Auburn’s award-winning play ‘Proof’. Their involvement in the finals is a notable achievement for the local group and comes hot on the heels of Glenamaddy Players celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2022.

With a team of talented actors and a skilled and dedicated crew, the group has had huge success over the years. They have qualified for the All Ireland Three-Act Confined finals on several occasions, most recently in 2022 with ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’, by Martin McDonagh, which finished in second place at the finals in Ballyshannon.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Tony Award, David Auburn’s play ‘Proof’ is a moving exploration of the nature of genius, women in mathematics, and father-daughter relationships.

The story centres on an enigmatic woman (Anna Flaherty), her brilliant father (John Donlon), an unanticipated suitor (Cian Boyle) and Catherine’s strong-willed sister Claire (Niamh O’Flanagan). After the discovery of a groundbreaking proof, Catherine is confronted with the question of how much of her mathematician father’s brilliance did she inherit – and is that the only thing he passed on to her?

The great cast are served by a very committed crew who are once again determined to present the standard of professionalism the audience has come to expect over many years of drama tradition in Glenamaddy. The Glenamaddy Players’ production is directed by Coman Keaveny.

Pictured at Sunday’s draw in Glenamaddy were back row, left to right: Peter Keaveney (Glenamaddy Theatre Festival Chairperson), Marie Loftus (Connacht Secretary of the ADCI), and Seamus McNulty (Connacht Chairperson of the ADCI); Front row, left to right: Mairead Broderick (National Secretary of the ADCI), Coman Keaveny (Glenamaddy Theatre Festival Director and ADCI Chairperson), and Mary Cox (National Treasurer of the ADCI).

Photo: Alan Hunt

Pictured at the draw in Glenamaddy last Sunday were representatives of groups participating in the upcoming All Ireland Drama Confined Finals: Kilmuckridge Drama Group, Clontarf Players, Glenamaddy Players, The Ray Leonard Players, Lislea Dramatic Society, Harvest Moon Theatre Group, Wayside Players, St. Patrick’s Drama Group and Salmon Eile. Photo: Alan Hunt

Some of the All Ireland awards on display at Sunday’s draw in Glenamaddy.

Photo: Alan Hunt

A proud drama history…

The drama tradition in Glenamaddy dates back at least to the turn of the last century. The late Bishop Fergus, recalling his life and time in Glenamaddy, mentioned a play in the Town Hall during the troubles (War of Independence).

Quite a few of the townlands had their own groups. For example the first Ballyhard Dramatic Society came into prominence around 1933 under PM Garvey. Ardeevin & Ballinastack were also rich in drama with many dedicated players.

One of the many accommodating facets of the town hall was in the refuge it provided for all the visiting ‘fit-up’ companies like the D’Alton Players, The Bohemian Players and the Carrickfords, to name but a few.

The advent of the ESB changed the face of local play productions with a new emphasis on lights and lighting, sets and settings. Fr Jarlath Canny brought the first box set to the town.

In 1959 Fr. Dooley of Kilkerrin commissioned John L Garvey to light his production of All Souls Night in the Town Hall.

John L later wrote that “while the lighting was somewhat restricted, the overall production was splendid”. It was from this visit that locals saw the desirability of building up the nec-

essary stage and equipment that would facilitate inviting in visiting groups and accommodating them. Thus the seeds were sown for the formation

Flashback to some evocative images from the past, including well-known local personnel who were involved with Glenamaddy Theatre Festival over the years, since it was established in 1960. Memorabilia courtesy of Glenamaddy Theatre Festival committee

of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival. Launched in 1960 The Theatre Festival was launched

in 1960 with Athenry’s production of Sive by John B Keane in the Esker Hall.

Founder members listed were Fr.

C. Scahill, Jack Fitzmaurice, Pierce O’Gara, Jim Keaveney, Paul Garvey, Joe O’Neill, Malachy Mooney and John L Garvey.

Their remit was simple – to entertain and to promote a greater awareness of the arts and theatre.

While enthusiasm certainly outweighed funds (the first switchboard was built in John L’s pub), such was the spirit of cooperation at the time that Jim Keaveney (proprietor of the Esker Hall) not only made the hall available, but did so free of charge. This very kind gesture was replicated in later years by Martin Connaughton in the cinema and by Joe O’Neill in the Sound of Music.

Glenamaddy Players executive members Martina Keaveny, Coman Keaveny (Chairperson of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland), Mary Scahill Flynn, Cian Boyle, Patricia Walsh, John Donlon, Tracey Comer-Burke, David Burke and Anna Flaherty pictured at 50th anniversary celebrations for the Glenamaddy Players, held in September 2022. Pic: Mick McCormack

NewsPeople

Letters to the Editor

Send your letters to: Abbey Street, Roscommon Town. Fax: (090) 66 34303 or email: news@roscommonpeople.ie

The day the ‘floodgates of God’s mercy open’

Carrick-on-Shannon

Dear Editor,

Divine Mercy Sunday, which is the first Sunday after Easter Sunday, is again at hand. This is the day when the floodgates of God’s Mercy are open.

Jesus told Sr Faustina Kowalska (a Polish nun) in the early 1900s that whoever goes to Confession, receives Holy Communion, and venerates an image of Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday, will obtain full remission of all the sins of their life and all punishment due. This is an extraordinary promise as it means a person’s soul would go straight to Heaven – regardless of their past life – if they died straight after complying with all of the above.

Jesus said that even if your sins were red like scarlet, they would become white as

Ballaghaderreen bungalow reduced in price for immediate sale

On the market with Bradley Homes is a three-bedroomed bungalow, sitting on approximately 0.29 acres of manicured gardens, located at the end of a row, within walking distance of Ballaghaderreen town and all amenities.

snow. Many souls spend prolonged periods in purgatory before reaching Heaven to make reparation for sins which haven’t been confessed or atoned for in this life.

To that end, these devotions will take place in many Churches throughout the country and indeed the world on the 16th of April this year.

The closest venue to Carrick-on-Shannon and its environs is St Joseph’s Church, Boyle, where Confessions will commence at 2 pm and Holy Mass at 3 pm. There will also be devotions in Knock and possibly Sligo on that day too, so let’s all make a very special effort this Easter to unburden ourselves and slightly alter the phrase “get rid of our aul sins”.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Wynne

Are retrofit scheme revelations tip of the iceberg?

Main Street, Ballygar

Dear Editor,

The coverage of Deputy Denis Naughten’s comments and his criticisms of the SEAI retrofit scheme are quite possibly only the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of the next great Irish building scandal.

On the 11th of October last, at the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action, Deputy Darren O’Rourke asked Mr John Randels of the SEAI why, of 3,200 homes ‘done’ under the Warmer Homes scheme, only 231 achieved a B2 rating? Mr Randels stated that it was not a B2 programme.

Indeed it is not. However, for a grant to be paid out under the retrofit scheme, a minimum of a B2 must be achieved, otherwise the grant will not be paid out by the SEAI. Therefore, while Mr Randels is correct in saying “the scheme is not a B2 programme”, it is rather disappointing to have invested all of your hard-earned

cash in an SEAI trusted and approved ‘one-stop shop’ only to find that the work is substandard, a B2 was not achieved, and no grants are payable.

I wonder how the in excess of three thousand people who were expecting grants but got nothing feel about that? Minister Ryan’s office, which is responsible for the SEAI, stated that it does not become involved in operational matters, so it’s not responsible – neither it appears are the SEAI responsible as they have no contract with the homeowner.

If you do go down the road of a ‘retrofit’ then proceed with caution. While the goals of ‘home energy upgrades’ are admirable, the agendas of some of those involved in their delivery are not. Deputy Naughten was lucky to be out of pocket by so little, and he is correct – serious questions need to be asked of the SEAI and indeed of Minister Ryan.

Yours sincerely,

Glyn Carragher

One would be forgiven for thinking they were in a rural location when on site with this beautiful property. Winding pathways, fully private, flower beds, mature trees, shrubs and bushes, singing garden birds...this garden has it all, with the addition of a large shed (40’ x 17’) to the rear divided into three sections (one with a WC).

The bungalow, which was built in 1986, is decorated to a high standard and has the most wonderful views from every window.

Accommodation is gener-

ous, and consists of a covered entrance porch leading to reception hallway. The large sitting room is located on the right, with a large window overlooking the front gardens. There is wooden flooring, an open fireplace with marble surround and hearth, and the addition of wall and ceiling lighting on dimmer switches.

The kitchen/dining room is located to the rear of the home and is well laid out with two large windows overlooking the rear gardens. The newly fully-fitted kitchen is made of solid wood with ample storage and work surface areas. The dining area has the benefit of a large solid fuel stove, which has capacity for fourteen radiators (currently serving nine) and is positioned nicely on a marble

heart with cream fireplace.

The three bedrooms are off the rear hallway, which also contains the main bathroom.

The sale of this property represents a rare opportunity to reside in an urban area with all the benefits of coun-

try living. The property must be viewed to fully appreciate all that is on offer. For further details, brochures, and additional pictures, contact Deirdre of Bradley Homes on 086-1713417 or email sales@bradleyhomes.ie.

Moat Cottage on the market with Bradley Homes

On the market with Bradley Homes is Moat Cottage, a romantic two-bedroomed cottage on approximately 1.5 acres of land outside the village of Creggs, Co. Galway. The positioning of this wonderful traditional Irish cottage optimises the striking views of the surrounding countryside and landscape. Built in the 1920s, Moat Cottage was purchased as a derelict building before the current owners commenced full renovations from the ground up, with the authenticity of the cottage always kept in consideration. Overflowing with charm and character, the works can be continued on to further ex-

tend if desired. The foundations are laid at the rear of the house and are ready to build a considerable extension of similar size to the cottage with pipe work already in place. There is the addition of an insulated log cabin to the rear, which will be included in the sale.

The village of Creggs is a mere 5kms away with the towns of Glenamaddy and Williamstown 10km and 13km away respectively. The bordering county of Roscommon has the towns of Castlerea and Roscommon town under twenty minutes’ drive away, making the location of this unique stone

cottage ideal for commuting to a range of areas for work, schools, shopping etc.

Currently being resided in, the cottage has benefited from re-wiring, plumbing, and the addition of a solid-fuel stove with back boiler. The roof has been newly insulated and all ground works have been completed. All the stone work to the front and sides of the cottage has been professionally re-pointed, with two beautiful stone pillars, a wall to the front, and a ‘Dutch’ half-door side entrance.

In essence, all the heavy lifting has been done to date, and the cottage can be extended with floor plans drawn up,

which can be provided. This property would suit a buyer who wishes to purchase a unique traditional building languishing peacefully on a large site in a very convenient location.

The addition of the approximate 1.5 acres of land is desirable and ideal for those who may wish to grow their own vegetable or raise chickens or farmyard fowl along with goats, sheep or donkeys. The potential is not to be missed.

The living accommodation includes an open plan living/ kitchen/dining room, a new bathroom with all mod cons and two ample bedrooms. The log cabin to the rear adds value and can be used for a variety of purposes as it is fully insulated. There is the addition of a shed to one side of the log cabin, which has a utility room with full electrics and plumbing installed. A lot of work, thought, and love has been poured into Moat Cottage to date. Viewing comes highly recommended to fully appreciate the time, money and effort that pictures cannot convey. For further information, a copy of the extension plans and to arrange your appointment to view, contact Deirdre of Bradley Homes immediately on 086-1713417 or via sales@bradleyhomes.ie. All offers in excess €116,000 will be considered.

Houses wanted urgently in the Tulsk area

sale, no fee” policy.

and have a “no

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt Roscom-

mon, on 090-6626579, email teamearley@ remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact auctioneer Keith on 0860848590.

FLASHBACK: Spiderman pictured at last year’s 50th Roscommon Easter Parade. See pages 21 - 32. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

PropertyPeople

Impressive semi-detached property new to the market with RE/MAX Team Earley

This week, Cathal Meares of RE/ MAX Team Earley is delighted to present to the market 35A Castle Manor, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, a beautiful and newly built semi-detached property that is sure to impress.

Upon entering this stunning home, you will find a spacious entrance hall that leads into a bright and airy sitting room, perfect for relaxing and entertaining guests. The kitchen/dining room is a modern and stylish space that boasts plenty of natural light, providing the ideal setting for preparing and enjoying meals with family and friends. A utility room and a convenient WC are also located on the ground floor. Moving to the first floor, you will find three well-proportioned bedrooms, one of which features an ensuite bathroom, offering a private and luxurious retreat. The remaining bedrooms share a family bathroom, providing ample space and convenience for all occupants. A hot press completes the first floor.

The property also benefits from a beautiful garden area to the rear, which provides a peaceful and private outdoor space to relax and unwind.

As a first-time buyer or an eligi-

ble home buyer, you can take advantage of the First Time Home Scheme (FHS) and receive up to 30k of your newly built home in a private development.

Located in the highly soughtafter Castle Manor development in County Roscommon, this property is ideally situated within easy reach of local amenities, schools, and transport links. This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a beautiful home in a highly desirable location.

Don’t miss out on the opportu-

nity to make this stunning property your forever home. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and experience the best of modern living in County Roscommon. The BER rating for this property is A3.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090-66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact auctioneer Cathal on 086-1409158.

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

CONNAUGHT

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess)

- Openfire - Stoves - Ranges

Chimney CCTV Inspection

OIL BOILERS SERVICED

Burners Repaired

CARPETS CLEANING

Satellite and Digital TV Installation

All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851

www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

Creighton

Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc.

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

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

Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

Submit your Classified online

Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

CHIROPRACTOR

Kathleen’s Mobile

Footcare

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

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

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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

COUNSELLING

Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

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

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

CONSTRUCTION

Career Guidance & Counselling

Eithne Jarrett

M.Ed. Adult Guidance & Counselling

l Cert. Psychology

l Cert. Assistive Technology

l Cert. Psychometric Assessment

l Member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors

Telephone: 087 1431821

Email: jarretteithne@gmail. com

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

FARMING

GARDENING

GARDENING SERVICES

Including: • Hedge Cutting

• Hedge Planting • Grass

Cutting • Spraying

• Strimming • Weeding

• Garden Tidy-ups

• Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on 087 2860428

• Patios

• General Maintenance

Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

Tommy’s Trees & Hedging

SILAGE FOR SALE: Silage bales for sale in Castlerea area. €25 per bale. Tel: 086 7351912

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

FENCING/GATES

FOR SALE

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

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

Card payment accepted.

Phone: 087 4177148

For all your fencing needs.

l GLAS Fencing l Grant Fencing l Post Rail

• 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

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

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Elphin GAA Club, are applying for Planning Permission for the erection of two advertising signs with all associated site development works at - 1. Advertising Sign 1 at Site Location 1 at Edenan Td, Elphin, Co. Roscommon and 2. Advertising Sign 2 at Site Location 2 at Palace Road, Elphin Mart, Elphin 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Michael and Eilis Tormey are applying to Roscommon County Council for the following:

1. Planning Permission to construct side extension onto existing dwelling house

2. Permission to retain and Complete site boundary’s along with road side boundary wall and entrance, landscaping and all ancillary site development works at Deerpark Td, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. F52 FK85

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I am applying, on behalf of Roscommon Golf Club for planning permission for the demolition of existing derelict dwelling house, and for development of practise area, together with perimeter fencing about the area on golf club grounds at Ballymartin More, Golf Links Road, Roscommon.

Signed: Kate Walshe, Hon. Secretary, Roscommon Golf Club

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Dermot Hynes intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the refurbishment and to extend dwelling house, construct new front boundary wall, upgrade existing septic tank with a new sewerage system and a treatment plant, to provide secondary and tertiary treatment and all associated works at Ballaghabawmore, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I am applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Robert Clarke for full planning permission to construct a dairy parlour and cubicle shed with underground slatted slurry storage and associated site works at Ardkeel, Roscommon.

Signed:

Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors.

Phone: (087) 2222874

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

OPENPLAN Architectural

PODIATRIST

Tullys

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

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

l HSE Trained and Approved

l Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.

Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved

POWERWASHING

Design wishes to apply to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Sonja and Thomas Connolly for planning permission to construct a detached dwelling house and garage on site No. 5 (note: development access entrance/exit onto the public road, ancillary landscaping and footpaths along with connection to public services and sewers including all associated site development works previously granted under PD/21/233) at Barrymore Townland, Kiltoom, 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 relevant planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of € 20 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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

By Appointment Only –Tel: 087 2982214

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon

Physical Therapy Clinic

Movement Matters

20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

Physical Therapy

l Gutter & Facia

Design Consultation Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural 086 3482387

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

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 Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

Signed: Dermot Hynes

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

< ACCOMMODATION

NEEDED: 2nd Year students looking for shared accommodation in Limerick City, near Mary I College, any help or contacts would be greatly appreciated. Tel: 087 7671148

< HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION IN THE ALGARVE: Albufeira, Portugal. Luxury 1 or 2 bed apartments for rent, Sky TV, Shared Pool, long and short stays. Telephone Sean: 087 2371716

Signed: openplan Architectural Design

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

CHAZEY PROPERTIES:

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! facebook.com/moleskinarch

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

CranioSacral Therapy

Medical Dry Needling

Prescription Orthotics

Pilates – Small Classes

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

Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com

1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The

Corlack Mechanical Maintenance Services Ltd

Ballintober, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45Y320

Phone: 086 - 8944363 or 086 - 0872166

l Hydraulic Cylinder Repair and Testing

l Hydraulic Hose Repair

l Oil/Grease

l Tyres - Car, Van and 4x4

l Wheel Balancing

l 4-Wheel Alignment

l Batteries

l Adblue

l Accessories

We are Hiring! Full

Roscommon Town

Requirements:

l A minimum of 2+ years’ experience.

l Must be capable of using a MIG & ARC welder.

l Ability to read drawings, take site measurements correctly and complete fabrication to end.

Documents required:

l Manual Handling, Welding certified.

l Forklift Licence an advantage.

Email CV to: hr@ross-es.com

PART-TIME OFFICE CLEANERS

9am-1pm Monday – Friday Previous experience preferable but training will be provided

For further details please contact: 089 2790156

FULL-TIME & PART-TIME STAFF REQUIRED

For business premises in Roscommon Town

Good wages and conditions

DISHWASHER

OVEN AND

DRYER REPAIRS

Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207

Tar & Chip Driveways

Reply with CV to: PO Box No 3072 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

< HANDYMAN WANTED: For grass cutting and small jobs like painting etc, in Loughglynn area. Call 083 0877842

< PART-TIME STAFF REQUIRED: For village pub, 17 kms from Roscommon Town, weekend work, experience great but not necessary, own transport required. Reply with CV to: PO Box No 3071 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

< FULL TIME & PARTIME STAFF REQUIRED: For busy shop in Roscommon Town. Reply with CV to: PO Box No 3073 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

SITUATIONS WANTED

< PERSON AVAILABLE: In North Roscommon area to do small drylining jobs also person available with mini digger for small jobs, sewage, scattering stones etc in Rooskey/Scramogue area. Call: 086 3142302

KENNY Henry Cloontuskert, Roscommon / Newtowncashel, Longford (3rd Anniversary)

FALLON

Teresa Ballagh, Kilrooskey, Roscommon and formerly of Crossmaglen, Armagh

In loving memory of Teresa who passed away on 7th April 2022 (1st Anniversary)

MANNION

Pat Joe Cloonara, Derrane, Roscommon

Who passed away on 9th April 2015 (8th Anniversary)

6th April 2023.

A day that’s filled with sadness returns to us today. Our hearts are full of memories. With pride we speak your name, though life goes on without you, it will never be the same. Your memories are so special, your presence missed so much. You will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Grandad

Today, tomorrow, our whole life through, we will always love and cherish you.

Deeply cherished, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Mary, sons, daughters, grandchildren and extended family. Henry’s Anniversary Mass will take place in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Saturday, 8th April at 7pm. Mass is streamed on www.churchservices.tv/ballyleague

In our

Hearts

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 and loved by her husband Frank and children Niall, Frank, David, Patrick and Aisling.

First Anniversary Mass will be held on Satuday, 15th of April at 8pm in Ballagh Church.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

PRAYER FOR A SPECIAL REQUEST

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

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE

For urgent need...

Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. M.C.

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. Will those who think of Pat Joe today say a Rosary in his name. Always remembered by his brothers, sisters, brotherin-law, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.

MANNION

Eileen

Castlestrange, Castlecoote, Roscommon

Who passed away on the 26th of April 2014 (9th Anniversary)

Eileen, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure.

Deeply loved and never forgotten by Martin and family.

Eileen’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Donamon Castle at 10am on Sunday, April 16th.

FALLON (née Mooney) Phyllis

Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co.Roscommon

Who passed away good Friday 15th April 2022.

PENNEY

Frances

39 Celtic Ave, Roscommon.

Who passed away on 10 April 2021.

In loving memory of our dear mother, greatly missed by her sons Noel, Padraig and Brendan, daughters in-law Allison and Rosemarie and grandchildren Cathal and Conor.

CRONIN

Margaret

Mote Park, Roscommon 23rd Anniversary6th April 2000

DONNELLAN

William and Kathleen St. Ciaran’s Park, Roscommon

The family of the late Phyllis Fallon would like to thank everyone far and wide who sympathised with them on their loss, including neighbours, relatives, friends carers and the wider community. We are grateful to all those that attended the Funeral Home, Mass and Burial. For those who telephoned, travelled long distances, sent cards and messages of condolences.

We offer heartfelt thanks to all the staff in St. Coman’s Ward RUH where she received exceptional care which we will be forever grateful. A special mention to our GP Dr. Martin Daly, Dr. Sri and the Palliative Care Team especially Geraldine Keane and Caroline Smyth. To Fr. Francis Beirne thank you sincerely for contributing to the celebration of Phyllis’s life with a beautiful Funeral Mass and for the Cunniffe sisters who sang so beautifully

Thanks to those who prepared the grave for Phyllis’s final resting place and to Michael Dempsey for his sensitive and professional handling of funeral arrangements.

A special word of thanks to Liam Gately, Dysart Community Centre, Sean Mulry and the neighbours for catering after the funeral.

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

Phyllis’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Dysart Cemetery at dawn on Easter Sunday, 9th April.

THANKSGIVINGS

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

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

Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same, we have to hide the heartache, when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, silent the tears that fall, living our lives without you, is the hardest thing of all. You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true, and then when we needed someone to talk to, we could always count on you. The special years will not return, when we are all together, but with your love within our hearts, you will walk with us forever.

NANA

No matter how life changes, no matter what we do, a special place within our hearts is always kept for you.

Lovingly remembered by grandchildren Cathal and Conor. Anniversary Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 15th April at 10am.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

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

NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit, You who make me see everything and showed me the way to reach my ideals, You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me, and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I want to thank You for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your Perpetual Glory. Amen. Mention your request. While making the request, promise to either publish this prayer of to circulate the favour. Say prayer for three days. After the third day, the request will be granted. E.L.

A special day, another year, a loving thought, a silent tear. Lovingly remembered by all her family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 15th April at 7pm.

HYNES

Peter Joseph (P.J.)

Jamestown Hill, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

(40th Anniversary)

7th April 1983 (37th Anniversary) 19th March 1986

Their memories are so precious, their presence missed so much, they will always be remembered and loved by all of us. Always in our thoughts and prayers.

Treasured memories, loved and sadly missed by all your family.

GACQUIN

John William Kilderney, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

HEVICAN

Patrick Joseph Lisnamult, Roscommon (26th Anniversary)

Cherished memories of my dear husband who passed away on the 5th April 2018. Time cannot steal the treasures that I carry in my heart, nor even dim the shinning thoughts of our cherished past. You suffered much in silence but your spirit did not bend. You faced each day with courage and smiled right to the end.

Much loved and dearly missed by your loving wife Maureen.

Brother Forever in our thoughts and prayers.

Sadly missed by your sister and brother, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and their families.

PJ’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Church of Christ of the Good Shepherd Church, FourRoads on Sunday, 9th April at 11am.

May P.J. Rest In Peace

In loving memory of John William Gacquin, whose anniversary occurs on 10 April 2023.

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain. To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. So Rest In Peace dear loved one. And thanks for all you’ve done. We pray that God has given you The crown you’ve truly won.

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by his son William, daughter Maureen, daughters-inlaw Rosaleen and Carmel, grandchildren Colm, Suzanna and Raymond.

Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 9th April at 10am.

In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Patrick Joseph, who died on 8th April 1997. (Aged 56 years)

R.I.P. Our hearts are full of memories, with pride we speak your name. Though life goes on without you, it will never be the same. Your memory is very special, your presence missed so much, you will always be remembered and loved by all of us. If we follow your example, we will never go wrong. Remembered and never forgotten by his sister Philomena, niece Roseanne and all the family.

GAA Results

U-20s left to rue disastrous first half

Eirgrid Connacht U-20 Football Championship quarter-final Sligo 0-15

Roscommon 1-8

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s U-20 footballers’ championship campaign was a short one in 2023 as they were deservedly beaten by Sligo on Wednesday night at Dr Hyde Park.

When Noel Dunning and his players look back on this match they can point

Teams and Scorers

Sligo: Ethan Carden; Ross Chambers, Conor Johnston, Luke Casserly (0-1); Dylan Walsh, Dylan Mclaughlin, Rossa Sloyan (01); Conor Sheridan, Canice Mulligan (0-1); Mark McDaniel, James Donlon (0-2), Ross Doherty; Luke Marren (0-10, 5 frees), Daire O’Doyle, Matt Henry.

Subs: Ronan Niland for McDaniel (43), Dillon Walsh for Sloyan (50), Joshua Flynn for Doherty (53), Ciaran O’Reilly for O’Boyle (63).

Roscommon: David Farrell; Daniel Casey, Caelim Keogh, Michael Sugrue; Eoin Ward, Colm Neary, Senan Lambe: Conor Ryan, Darragh O’Beirne; Bobby Nugent, Declan Kenny, Jack Tumulty (0-1); Shane McGinley (1-0), Eoin Colleran (0-6, 4 frees), Cian Kelly.

Subs: Shane Walsh for O’Beirne (22), Conor Harley for Sugrue (29), Oisin Cregg for Kelly (h/t), Conor Hand (0-1) for Tumulty (45), Rory Hester for Kenny (55).

Referee: Christy Ryan (Galway)

at the opening half in which they were totally outclassed. A good second-half comeback reduced the gap but unfortunately the damage had already been done.

Sligo totally dominated the exchanges for most of the first half. With Conor Sheridan and Canice Mulligan on top at midfield and Luke Marren outstanding in attack, the scores mounted up, and by the 25th minute they led by 0-10 to 0-1 with Roscommon’s only point coming from the boot of Jack Tumulty.

But in first-half injury-time, Eoin Colleran converted a free and Shane McGinley drove home a great goal after a good pass

from Eoin Ward to haul Roscommon to within five points. At half-time, the score was Sligo 0-10 Roscommon 1-2, a margin which very much flattered the home side.

Roscommon were much better on the resumption and they took the fight to Sligo. Eoin Colleran kicked five points (one from play) as the home side set about reducing the margin. But Marren was always able to engineer a score for the Sligo men and they kept their noses in front throughout.

Sub Conor Hand drove over a mighty point for Roscommon to reduce the gap

to the bare minimum by the 52nd minute but that was as good as it got for the hosts.

Sligo kicked on again and Marren scored two points (one free) and in injury-time, James Donlon should have wrapped it up with a goal but David Farrell deflected his shot over the crossbar for the insurance point.

So a very disappointing night for Roscommon in Dr Hyde Park while Sligo go on to face Mayo in the Connacht semifinal next Wednesday. Roscommon will surely rue that woeful first-half display as it left them too much to do in the second half.

Gaels. 8 pm

Cora Systems Division Five (Section B)

At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Clann na nGael. 8 pm

Friday, April 7th

5th & Mad - East Side, New York Division One O’Rourke Cup At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v Oran. 6 pm

Leydon Bros London Division Two O’Gara Cup

At Enfield: St Croan’s v Creggs. 5.30 pm

At Kilbride: Kilbride v Éire Óg. 5.30 pm

At Strokestown: Strokestown v Clann na nGael. 8 pm

Atlantis IPS Division Three Tansey Cup

At Ardcarne Park: St Michael’s v Kilglass Gaels. 5 pm

AFL Division Four

At Peadar Earley Memorial Park: Michael Glavey’s v Elphin. 5.30 pm

Cora Systems Division Five (Section A)

At Pairc Naomh Bearra: St Barry’s v Strokestown. 6 pm

Cora Systems Division Five (Section B)

At Ballyforan: St Aidan’s v Roscommon Gaels. 8 pm

Saturday, April 8th

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

At Abbey Park: Boyle v Clann na nGael. 5 pm

IPS Atlantis Division Three Tansey Cup (5 pm)

At Kilteevan: St Joseph’s v St Aidan’s

At Kilronan Park: St Ronan’s v Western Gaels

AFL Division Four (5 pm)

At Mulhern Park: Fuerty v Kilmore

Cora Systems Division Five (Section A) (5 pm)

At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Ballinameen

At Ardcarne Park: St Michael’s v Tulsk Lord Edwards

At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg v Kilglass Gaels

Cora Systems Division Five (Section B)

At Knockcroghery: St Dominic’s v Creggs. 5 pm

At: Rockfield: Oran v Kilbride. 5.30 pm

The victorious Castlerea Cavaliers men’s basketball team which won the Lonleitros Shield recently. The Castlerea Cavaliers Ladies were also victorious in their Shield final. Pic: Sheelin Photography

The Roscommon U-20s football team which was defeated by Sligo in Dr Hyde Park yesterday evening (Wednesday). Pic: Roscommon GAA

All eyes on Fairyhouse for National

Horses for Courses

This week horseracing starts with two meetings today at Clonmel off at 4 pm and the Bellewstown card, lost on Saturday, has been rescheduled, starts at 1.20 pm.

Tomorrow sees a blank day in Ireland with the two three-day Easter meetings at Fairyhouse and Cork starting on Saturday.

The Grand National meeting starts on Saturday and features the RYBO Handicap Hurdle, a Grade A race and the INH Stallion Owners Novice Handicap Hurdle Final, a Grade B race, the first race at 2.10 pm.

Sunday starts at 1.25 pm and features the Fairyhouse Gold Cup, the Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle, both Grade 1 races.

Easter Monday is the Irish Grand National, a Grade A Handicap Chase, backed up by three Grade 2 races, the Juvenile Hurdle, the Rathbarry and Glenview Studs Hurdle, and the Fairyhouse Chase with the first race at 1.25 pm. The meeting in Cork on Saturday starts at 1.15 pm, on Sunday at 1.10 pm and on Monday at 1.10 pm.

The Westmeath Foxhounds are holding a point-to-point meeting at Castletowngeoghan near Mullingar, first race

2 pm.

What’s on TV…

On Friday, ITV features nine races on the all-weather covering six races from Newcastle and three from Lingfield. On Saturday, they are covering seven races, all on the flat, with four from Doncaster including the English Lincolnshire, and three from Kempton. on Bank Holiday Monday four from Kempton on the all-weather. Racing from Fairyhouse is featured on RTÉ 1 on Sunday and RTÉ 2 on Monday.

Racing News

The feature race on Saturday, the Grade A RYBO Handicap Hurdle, has 21 still left in with WP Mullins and Elliott each with four.

Elliott supplies last year’s winner, Glan, off only 3lbs heavier and should take beating. She should not be affected by

Short putts

Athlone

Congratulations to Alice Maher who won the women’s 15-hold competition on March 26th with 29 points. Yvonne Walsh was runner-up with 28. Yvonne went one better in the 97 Club on Thursday last with her score of 23 points giving her victory. Jean McGowan was in second place on 21 points.

Carrick

The club has launched its Masters Challenge for 2023. Sponsorship cards can be collected at the office and you can play online at http://carrickgolf. ie/masters-2023/.

The club will host an Easter Open competition from Good Friday (7th) to Easter Monday (10th). Booking online.

Results from the Seniors’ competition last Thursday: Winner Anthony Noone (41 points); Cat 1 Sean McMonagle (37); Cat 2 Sean Martin (34); Cat 3 Sean Gilmartin (34); Front 9 John Burke KV (18); Back 9 Frank McGrath (17).

Roscommon

Andrew Lawlor was the winner of the Men’s 18-

by Tom Red

the going as she has won on soft.

On Sunday, the Grade 1 Honeysuckle Novice Hurdle looks a match between Mullins’ Ashroe Diamond and Henry de Bromhead’s Magical Zoe. Tony Mullins’ Princess Zoe could upset both of them but the more experienced Ashroe Diamond to win.

In the feature of the meeting on Monday, there are 46 are entries left as I write and they go 7/1 Noel Meade’s Thedevilscoachman in JP McManus’s colours 9/1 bar.

In a race normally won by an outsider but in which novices have a good record, the favourite must have an outstanding chance. Meade’s Lieutenant Command, for Gigginstown, might be the e/w bet at 25/1. There is a maximum of 30 horses allowed run.

Review of the week

A shortage of riders made no difference to Gordon Elliott this day week as he won the opening two races at Limerick and the first race at Naas with three different jockeys.

hole competition last weekend with 42 points. Other results: Cat 1 Tom Donohue (40); Cat 2 Jackie Somers (40); Cat 3 Robert Hill (42); Gross Paul Hoare (30).

Men’s Senior results: Winner Tony McManus; Cat 1 Jackie Somers (36); Cat 2 Charlie McDonnell (35); Cat 3 Sergio Benedetti; Cat 4 Michael Oates (34).

Ladies’ Senior results: 1st Jackie Maxwell; 2nd Nuala McDonagh; 3rd Una Gleeson; 4th Margaret Brennan.

The Junior Drive-in took place on Saturday last. Best of luck to Elliot Grealy and Leah O’Connor ahead of the new season. Winners of the scramble were Josh Reddington, Luke Golden and Abigail Beattie. Second were Elliot Grealy, Leah O’Connor and Dylan Carroll and in third place were Anna Higgins, Nathan Ward and Louis Halliday.

Congratulations to Leah Lennon and Cian Duggan who were presented with their 2022 Junior Golfer of the Year awards.

With the Fourball matches complete, the Ladies’ Spring Matchplay begins with Team B leading the way on 5.5 points. It’s still all to play for with the single matches to take place on Saturday, April 15th April.

Corey McGivern rode Media Naranja

to victory in the first and Denis O’Regan

So Des Naranja in the second at Limerick and Michael O’Sullivan won on By Your Side in the first at Naas.

Better news on the jockey front for Elliott as Jack Kennedy returned to riding out at Cullentra this week and hopes to be back race-riding at Aintree’s Grand National meeting, where Gordon Elliott hopes that Davy Russell will be able to renew his long association with Galvin in the big one.

Elliott would love to give Russell a parting shot in the great race and depending on Kennedy’s progress he could have a

lot more rides with Jordan Gainford and Sam Ewing still on the sidelines.

Kemboy retires

Willie Mullins has announced the retirement of multiple Grade One-winning chaser Kemboy. The 11-year-old won the Savills Chase at Leopardstown and the Aintree Bowl in 2018 and is best remembered for his victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup later that year beating Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning stablemate Al Boum Photo. He goes out on a winning note having won last Month’s Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.

SPORTS DESK With Dan Dooner

Olivia selected for Irish team

Congratulations to Olivia Costello who was recently selected for the Ireland U-16 Quadrangular team taking part in Zandvoort, The Netherlands on April 5th and 6th.

The Ireland team will play Scotland and Wales on April 5th and then The Netherlands on April 6th. We wish Roscommon Golf Club member Olivia and the Ireland team the very best of luck in this tournament.

Mickey Joe is ‘Hurler of the Week’

Congratulations to Roscommon hurler Mickey Joe Egan, who has been voted GAA.ie Hurler of the Week following his fantastic display in last Saturday’s NHL Division 3A final.

The talented forward received 2,732 votes on the GAA’s official Instagram page and finished

ahead of Offaly’s Cillian Kiely (2,261) and Cavan’s Nicky Kenny (1,466).

Egan was Roscommon’s standout attacker in last weekend’s final, scoring 1-5 as they overcame Armagh to win Division 3A.

Tennis returns to Ballyleague!

Tennis coaching is making a welcome return to Ballyleague and Lanesboro, starting on Saturday, April 15th with qualified coach, Ronan Flanagan. This follows renewed interest in the tennis courts at Ballyleague Marina from both local players and Ukrainian residents at Costello’s Care Centre. Ronan will soon be back on Saturday mornings, coaching children and adults from 9 am to 12 noon. There will be a minimal charge of just €5 per child per hour and €10 per adult per hour, depending on the number in attendance.

If you would like to register your child (ages 6 to 16) or an adult (aged 16 up), please email keep-

Ryan McDermott and Cathal Cox are Connacht U-12 Doubles champions after defeating Galway in the final recently.

ballyleaguetidy@gmail.com before Wednesday, April 12th, and include your name, address, and mobile number. It is hoped to start classes on Saturday, April 15th if enough people are interested. It’s also expected that the tennis courts at the marina will be upgraded in May or June of this year with a new synthetic surface and new nets.

Tully and Treacy lose out in Croker

The Croke Park Handball Centre finally hosted its first ever competition last weekend and Fiona Tully pairing up with Siobhan Treacy in the Ladies Open semi-finals. The duo were defeated by the six-in-a-row All-Ireland champions, Catriona Casey and Aishling O’Keeffe from Cork.

Elsewhere, there were Connacht ‘B’ titles for Kilglass’ Niamh Hall (U-12s), Grace Corrigan (U-13), and Ryan McDermott and Cathal Cox (U-12 Doubles).

Eoin Grehan (U-12), Olivia Hussey (U-14), James Dowling and Patrick Farrell (U-11 Doubles), and Sean Carthy (U-11) finished with runners-up medals.

Pictured at the 2023 Junior Drive-in at Roscommon Golf Club recently were (Left to right): Anne Quirke, President Mary Cunningham, Captain PJ Moran, Lady Captain Paula Miley, Aidan Mulvihill. Front: Leah O’Connor, junior girls’ captain and Elliott Grealy, boys’ junior captain.

Castlerea Cavaliers’ Joseph Henry receives his MVP award from Emer Kelly after helping his side secure the Lonleitros Shield recently.

Glan and Mark Walsh win the 2022 RYBO Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs lose out in AIL qualifier

AIL Qualifier: Creggs RFC

11 Richmond RFC 14. Creggs travelled to Coolmine on Saturday where they produced a tremendously spirited display before bowing out of the AllIreland League qualifiers to Limerick side Richmond RFC.

Just a week after their heartbreaking last-minute Connacht Junior Cup final defeat to Westport, Creggs bounced back to produce a wholehearted and skilful display which could easily have resulted in a famous victory.

The experienced Richmond outhalf, Tadgh Bennett, had other ideas however and he kicked two late penalties to steer his team through to the final qualifying game against Ulster champions Clogher Valley.

Creggs had started well and led thanks to a well-worked

Sean Óg Higgins try after just nine minutes. A couple of half chances went astray before Richmond struck back with a Keelan Stephenson try following clever work from Bennett.

A Shane Purcell penalty shortly after half-time edged Creggs ahead once more (8-5) before Bennett once again leveled matters with a 40-metre penalty. Yet another Bennett penalty saw Richmond hit the front for the first time but Creggs responded through a

superb Mark Purcell penalty to leave the game delicately poised at 11-11 going into the closing stages.

Bennett was to have the last laugh, however, when he landed the decisive score with just eight minutes remaining to end Creggs’ involvement in the qualifiers for another year.

Crowned Connacht Junior League champions following a tremendous display against Connemara, Creggs just missed out on a rare double this season when pipped by Westport in the Junior Cup decider.

The management team deserve great credit for their role in preparing the first team during the season while also helping the J1C team to win their first cup competition since 1996.

Youth Rugby

The Boys’ U-12s took part in the end of year Connacht Blitz at Corinthians RFC which involved a number of 12-aside matches. Creggs took on Galway Bay, Loughrea, Sligo and Corinthians, winning two games in the process.

U-16 Connacht Plate Quarter-Final: Corrib 5 Creggs 31. Well done to the U-16 girls who travelled to Headford on Thursday night to play Corrib RFC and came away with an impressive 31-5 win in the Connacht Plate. Creggs’ tries

BUCCANEERS RFC

Another setback for Buccs

Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B: Old Wesley 40 Buccaneers 10. Buccaneers’ setbacks continued at sparsely attended Energia Park on Saturday while Old Wesley have come right back into contention for the final play-off berth by virtue of their 40-10 victory.

Thirds overcome

Portumna

Ard Na Cregg Cup semi-final: Portumna 7 Buccaneers Thirds 47. Buccaneers Thirds proved too streetwise for Portumna, a blistering start by the visitors ensuring their passage to the Ard Na Cregg Cup final would be a trouble-free

C’mon The Town

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

In association with the

came from Mia White, Ellen Jordan, Isabelle Quinn, Ciara Corrigan and Meabh Egan with conversions from Grace O’Shaughnessy (3).

U-15 Connacht Cup: Creggs 35 Galwegians 10. Creggs enjoyed a hugely impressive home win over Galwegians on Wednesday, March 29th to set up a semi-final against Carrickon-Shannon or Galway Bay in two weeks’ time.

The hosts had led 28-0 at halftime following tries from Cian Kiernan (2), Luke Shally and Dan Kelly. All tries were successfully converted by Kaylum Curran.

Kiernan completed his hattrick in the second half, again converted by Curran, before the visitors put some respectability on the scoreboard with two late tries.

Connacht U-13 Cup quarter-final: Creggs 15 Gort 14 Creggs recovered from an early Gort try to edge this absorbing encounter with tries from Tom Óg Reddington, Ryan Halligan, and Cathal Nerney were enough to see the hosts over the line. They will now meet Sligo away in the semi-final.

U-12 Girls: The U-12 girls played at half-time of the TikTok Six Nations match between Ireland and France at Musgrave Park, Cork last weekend.

The senior game didn’t go Ireland’s way but the Irish players were great with the girls

experience. Buccs built up a 22-0 advantage in the opening quarter and they advanced on a 47-7 scoreline at a grassy (and difficult to find) Portumna pitch!

U-15s win in Sligo

U-15 Connacht Cup quarter-final: Sligo 20 Buccaneers 31. Buccaneers U-15s overturned a 13-3 halftime deficit with tries from Senan Nugent, Amoafo Brown, Darragh Glennon and Philip Finnan to advance to the last four.

Buccs face Sligo in senior decider

Best of luck to Buccaneers Firsts as they face an Easter Sunday showdown against Sligo in the Bank

New season…

Competitive games are underway for our teams and we look forward to the season ahead!

On the pitch…

The season commenced on Monday evening last with cup fixtures. Our boys’ U-14 sides kicked off the new season. Our Rovers team were away to Shiven Rovers and progressed to the next round after a comfortable win.

Aaron Miley and Eoin Naughten netted for The Town.

Our young Real side lost out at home to an older and physical Ballaghaderreen side. Town missed two penalties in a courageous display. Our Atlético side are also through to the next round.

At U-12 level, our Tigers team were at home to Kilkerrin while our Lions side were in Ballaghaderreen. Our U-16 girls played neighbours St John’s in Lecarrow on Wednesday evening. This evening (Thursday), our two U-16 boys’ sides are in action. Town 1 are away to Moore while Town 2 host

Soccer D-Day in Premier Division title race!

The destination of the Roscommon and District Football League Premier Division title will be decided this Sunday afternoon when reigning champions Boyle Celtic entertain Moore United at 2 pm in Celtic Park.

The hosts remain just one point clear of title hopefuls Moore and just need a draw to retain their title for 2023. Celtic have lost just one league game all season and go into this decider as firm favourites.

The visitors, meanwhile, are also enjoying a stellar league campaign, having lost just two games all season. The also boast the league’s leading goalscorer in Charles Nevin, who has netted 19 times for the south Roscommon men this term. Josh Lennon and Jack Nevin have also been among the goals and should cause plenty of problems for the Boyle Celtic defence.

The experienced Michael Corrigan will lead the champions’ attack and with Callum Andrews and Shane Battles in support and home advantage, they will be very difficult to stop.

afterwards, signing everything from boots, sliders and jerseys to rugby balls and scrum caps.

Mini Rugby

It was the final day of the season for Creggs Minis who hosted a blitz for U-7s to U-11s with over 200 players taking part from Creggs, Carrick and Ballinasloe. Well done coaches and parents for all your efforts

of Ireland Senior Cup final at the Sportsground in Galway. Kick-off is at 4 pm

Canterbury ‘Give It A Try’

Canterbury ‘Give It A Try’ starts in Buccaneers on Wednesday, April 19th from 7 pm. This is an 8-week programme where girls aged 8-14 can learn to play rugby in a fun environment.

Meanwhile, Buccaneers is hosting a ‘Youth Skills Camp’ at the club for three days during the Easter holidays. Girls and Boys are invited to participate on April 11th, 12th and 13th from 9 am to 1 pm. daily. Register online at https://bit.ly/BuccsEC2023.

Congratulations Anna!

Congratulations to Anna McGann

Ballymoe in Lisnamult.

Nutrition Night…

Chef Atila Tavares will host a nutrition night for club members on Friday, April 14th. The details will be communicated to members via WhatsApp groups.

Online Shop…

We are delighted to announce that our new clothing partner will be KC Sports. Our online club shop will be launched shortly. Watch this space!

Wise Words…

It does not work out unless you work at it.

PS3…

We are asking our players to focus on: Positioning, Passing, and Positivity.

Player Profile…

Name: Yurii Shumyhora

Team: U-14 Roscommon Town Rovers

throughout the season and roll on next season!

Dinner Dance

Creggs RFC are holding a Dinner Dance this Saturday, April 8th in the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon. A limited number of tickets remain and are now on general sale. If you require tickets please contact Aidan Farrell on 087-2428471.

on her call-up to the senior Irish women’s squad for the Tik Tok six Nations fixture against France in Musgrave Park at the weekend.

Prosecco by the pitch!

The Annual Ladies Day in Buccaneers RFC is coming with the ‘Prosecco by the pitch’ event taking place on April 15th. Tickets €45 are available from Geraldine 086-1732711.

Annual Awards event

Buccaneers’ Annual Awards event is coming up shortly so nominations for Senior, Seconds, Thirds and U-20 Player of the Year should be submitted as soon as possible. Also, of course, nominations are welcome for the ‘Clubperson of the Year’.

Position: Striker

Three words that describe me: Purposeful, Communicative, Persistent Skill strength: Passing Skill weakness: Physicality

Favourite team: Barcelona

Favourite player: Messi

Favourite Ukrainian player:

Shevchenko

Best stadium in the world: Camp Nou

Messi or Ronaldo or Neither: Messi

PlayStation or Xbox or Neither:

PlayStation Favourite film: Pirates of the Caribbean

Favourite food: Chicken with rice

Favourite song: Believer - Imagine

Dragons

Favourite book: Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics

What makes me happy: Soccer

Person you admire the most: Messi

Why I play soccer: Because I love the game

Hopes for this season: To win

*We welcome Yurii to our club and community and we are delighted to see him play for The Town this season. A young Andriy Shevchenko in the making.

When the sides met in the Premier Division Cup just a couple of weeks ago, the tie went all the way to a penalty shootout before Boyle advanced.

Sunday’s game will certainly be decided in normal time and while it promises to be another close-fought encounter, the hosts should do enough to retain their title. Prediction: Boyle Celtic

Soccer results

Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup

Ballinasloe Town 0 Shiven Rovers 0 AET (Ballinasloe Town won 4-2 on penalties)

Ballaghaderreen FC 3 Moore United 5 AET

Skyvalley Rovers 4 CP Ajax 3 AET

Moylough ’79 5 Kilkerrin United 0

Cloonfad United 2 St John’s Athletic 0

RDFL Challenge Shield

Rahara Rovers 1 Dunmore Town 3

RDFL First Division

Cam Celtic 0 Ballinagare Manor United 4

RDFL Women’s League

Ballaghaderreen FC 1 Boyle Celtic 6

RDFL Reserve Division

Moore United 3 Ballinagare Manor United 1

Connacht U-14 Girls Semi-Final

Salthill Devon 0 Glen Celtic 1

Fixtures

Friday, April 7th

RDFL Premier Division Cup

Ballinasloe Town v Kilkerrin United. 6.30 pm

RDFL First Division Cup

Ballymoe FC v Roscommon United. 7 pm

Saturday, April 8th

RDFL Reserve League

Shiven Rovers v Ballinagare Manor. 12 pm

Sunday, April 9th

Norio’s RDFL Premier Division (2 pm)

Boyle Celtic v Moore United

CP Ajax v Castlerea Celtic

Kilkerrin United v Moylough ‘79

RDFL First Division (11 am)

Cloonfad United v Shiven Rovers

Cam Celtic v Dunmore Town

Ballymoe FC v Ballinasloe Town B

RDFL Women’s Cup Semi-Final

Ballaghaderreen FC v Shiven Rovers. 2 pm

RDFL Women’s Shield Semi-Final St Cuan’s Ahascragh United v Kilkerrin United. 11 am

Tag team: Jack Walsh and Daniel Fleming team up to defend Creggs’ line during their U-15 Connacht Cup win over Galwegians recently.

All-Ireland glory for Convent of Mercy, Roscommon

Lidl All-Ireland Post Primary Schools

Senior ‘B’ Championship Final  Convent of Mercy, Roscommon 2-11 Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee 2-6

< KEVIN EGAN

A powerful final-quarter surge was enough to secure the Lidl All-Ireland Post Primary

Schools Senior B title for Convent of Mercy from Roscommon, with goals from Siofra Hession and Aisling Hanly the crucial scores at Éire Óg GAA club in Nenagh last Thursday.

It’s a first All-Ireland crown for the Roscommon school since they secured their first national title when they won the Senior ‘A’ crown back in 2009.

The wind-assisted Mercy Mounthawk girls got off to a flying start when good work from

Róisín Rahilly set up Katie Nix on the corner of the large square and the Kerins O’Rahillys attacker didn’t waste her chance, rifling a clinical shot to the bottom corner of the Convent of Mercy net.

The Connacht champions settled well into the game from there on and seemed to offer a much more varied threat up front.

County senior star and team captain Aisling Hanly was flagged as the main threat and she did land some good points, but Mercy Mounthawk couldn’t afford to expend too much defensive energy on the Kilbride player as Ciara Dowd, Niamh Walsh and Shauna Walsh chipped over good points from play in the opening half to help the Roscommon team get to half-time all square at 0-6 to 1-3.

Rahilly and Grace Reidy worked hard in the middle third to win some good turnover ball and when Mercy Mounthawk carried the ball straight through the Convent of Mercy defence, they posed a threat, but excellent defensive work from Lilly and Hannah Murray, as well as a superb performance from Erin McDermott ensured that the Tralee school never built up any significant scoring momentum.

Seven second-half wides from Mercy Mounthawk illustrated the difficulty in shooting into the wind, but it still took time for Convent of Mercy to take control of the game, and going into the final quarter it was still very tightly poised at 0-8 to 1-4.

The game was blown wide open in the space of two minutes however when Siofra Hession and Lilly Murray kicked points either side of a superb goal from Hession, blasted into the roof of the net after some slick handpassing and great pace down the left flank cut open the Mercy Mounthawk defence.

Convent of Mercy continued in the ascendancy and moved nine points clear when Hanly burst through the cover and cleverly

rolled the ball underneath Kelly Fitzgerald, who had made some fine saves in the Mercy Mounthawk goal up to that point, but they had to endure some sticky moments at the end after yellow cards for Hession and Aisling Shanagher left them short-handed in the closing minutes.

With pressure mounting, Róisín Rahilly won a late penalty that Holly O’Brien converted, but outside of that, Convent of Mercy held their discipline to see their way through four minutes of stoppage time for a famous win.

Convent of Mercy: É Dowd; M Lohan, E McDermott, E McNeill; H Murray, L Murray (0-1), A Hussey; A Shanagher, E Biesty; E Tully, N Walsh (0-3, 1 free), S Walsh (0-1); S Hession (1-1), A Hanly (1-2), C Dowd (0-3, 1 free). Subs: Z Fallon for Biesty (45), J Morris for S Walsh (56), M Rogers for McNeill (57), A Mulry for H Murray (59), MA Feeley for Tully (60).

Mercy Mounthawk: K Fitzgerald; R O’Donnell, É O’Connor, L Reilly; O McKenna, G Reidy, K Coffey; N Quinn, C Gannon; R Rahilly (0-1, 1 free), H O’Brien (1-0, 1 pen), K Enright; K Nix (1-0), L Slattery 0-4 (2 frees), A O’Connor McCarthy (0-1). Sub: E Costello for Enright (40). Ref: Ger Canny (Mayo).

Aisling Hanly lifts the trophy for the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon after their Lidl All-Ireland Post Primary School Senior ‘B’ Championship Final win over Mercy Mounthawk, Kerry, at MacDonagh Park in Nenagh last Thursday. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Aisling Hanly, captain of the Convent of Mercy Roscommon receives the trophy from Liam Shinnick after the Lidl All-Ireland Post Primary School Senior ‘B’ Championship Final last Thursday. Pic: David

Aisling Hanly scores the Convent of Mercy Roscommon’s second goal during the Lidl All-Ireland Post Primary School Senior ‘B’ Championship Final against Mercy Mounthawk, Kerry, at MacDonagh Park in Nenagh, Tipperary. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Hurlers transform season with league title win

‘Proud’ Qualter hits back at criticism of players

Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A Final Roscommon 2-17 Armagh 0-15

< SEAMUS DUKE

Team manager Seamus Qualter issued an emotional defence of the Roscommon hurlers of 2023 after they completed a remarkable turnaround in fortunes by winning the Division 3A title last Saturday. Speaking afterwards, a clearly emotional Qualter was critical of anyone who had called the commitment of the Roscommon players into question.

“I want to say one thing to you in the media. The commitment of those lads was questioned but I’m saying here today that there are two sides to every story and you only had one side of that story,” he said, in a clear reference to the previous management’s public questioning of the commitment of the current squad.

“The other side of the story is what you saw out there today on that field and I am proud of them. I would do anything for those lads and they have repaid me with their commitment. Maybe the fault with the team in February was on the other side (management) and not in the dressing room”.

Qualter said the revival in the fortunes of the team was driven by the players themselves.

“We were bottom of the league when we played Fermanagh and we came out of that game with a draw. We wouldn’t be here today if we didn’t get that point,” he said.

“But look, it was a great win today. We played well, the pitch was good and we plugged away all through. We knew that Armagh would give us a good battle. The big win we had against them a few weeks ago in Hyde Park meant nothing today”.

On February 12th last, the Roscommon hurlers were defeated by Louth in the league at Dr Hyde Park, which left them on zero points at the time and led to the resignation of then-manager Francis O’Halloran the following day. Roscommon hurling was at as low a point as at any time in its recent history.

Fast-forward just over six weeks to April 1st, and Pairc Tailteann in Navan, where team captain Brendan Mulry raised the Division 3A league trophy over his head following a 2-17 to 0-15 win against Armagh – completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds seen in Roscommon sport in this or any other era.

Seamus Qualter stepped into the breach to manage the team following O’Halloran’s departure and the county’s hurlers have not looked back since. After this excellent win and promotion they can now look forward to the forthcoming championship with confidence after another thoroughly deserved victory.

In a game played in poor conditions of rain showers and blustery winds, Roscommon got off to a great start and never looked like losing. Conor Mulry rattled in

Teams & scorers

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Thomas Fleming, Mark Ward, Darragh Mullen; Darragh Finn, Conor Cosgrove, Eamon Flanagan; Eoin Fitzgerald (0-2), Eamon Mulry; Naos Connaughton (0-1), Mickey Joe Egan (1-5, 1 free), Paddy Fallon (0-7, 4 frees); Brendan Mulry, Conor Mulry (1-0), Adam Donnelly (0-2). Subs: Padraig Brennan for Fleming (42), Joe Brennan for E Mulry (53), Sean Dowd for Connaughton (55), Jack Dowling for Fitzgerald (66), Jack Naughton for Fallon (77).

Armagh: Fintan Woods; Stefan McPartland, Paudie Lappin, Barry Shortt; Niall Lennon, Tiarnan Nevin (0-1), Odhran McCann; Odhran Curry, Peadar McBride; Fiontain Donnelly (0-9, 7 frees), Cormac Jennings (0-1), Connor Renaghan; Shea Harvey, Tomas Galvin (0-1), Danny Magee. Subs: Eoin McGuinness for Magee (55), Oisin O’Hare for McCann (55), Paddy Garvey for Donnelly (68), Conor Farrell (0-3, frees) for Harvey (69), Tam McKavanagh for Jennings (74).

Referee: James Connors (Donegal).

Stat Attack

Wides: Roscommon 6 (5, first half); Armagh 9 (5, first half)

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Roscommon 2 (Thomas Fleming, Conor Mulry); Armagh 0

Man of the Match: Mickey Joe Egan (Roscommon)

an excellent goal after ten minutes. By the 25th minute they led by 1-7 to 0-2. Paddy Fallon was unerring from frees while Mickey Joe Egan, Mark Ward, Conor Cosgrove and Eoin Fitzgerald were all outstanding.

Goalkeeper Enda Lawless played his part as well with two breathtaking saves in the first half to keep the Orchard County at bay. By half-time Roscommon led by 1-9 to 0-6.

Roscommon could always keep the scoreboard ticking over throughout the second half and the gap between the teams was never any less than six points.

There was a lengthy stoppage when midfielder Eoin Fitzgerald was treated on the field for an injury and Seamus Qualter will be hoping that will not rule him out of the championship. However, Roscommon kicked on towards the end of the match and an excellent display was capped by a superb goal from Mickey Joe Egan in the 70th minute.

Now the focus turns to the Nickey Rackard Cup in two weeks’ time.

Seamus Qualter: “It’s a great game for us in terms of preparing for the championship in two weeks’ time. We are looking forward to that now. I thought we had a chance to win the league after that match in Fermanagh and no one believed me.

“We have momentum now and we have to keep it going. The players have done anything I asked of them. They trained hard and they have got their rewards today and now we can move on”.

Pictured following Roscommon’s National Hurling League Division 3A final win over Armagh in Navan last Saturday were Eamon Mulry, Eamon Flanagan and Conor Mulry. Pic courtesy of Roscommon Hurling Facebook page

Man of the Match Mickey Joe Egan scored Roscommon’s second goal of the afternoon in the 70th minute to seal the victory for Seamus Qualter’s men. File pic: Bernie O’Farrell

6pk Bedding RRP €3.39 only €2.50! l 6pk Fat Balls RRP €2.99 only €1!