10 February 2023 Roscommon People

Turkish earthquake: Locals speak of their heartbreak

‘It is like death followed them’ – Page 10

< DAN DOONER

Syrian people with connections to County Roscommon have spoken of their heartbreak following the devastating earthquake in southern Turkey and Syria which has claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people in those countries this week.

Syrian woman Sabrina Dourmash, who is living at the refugee centre at the former Abbeyfield Hotel in Ballaghaderreen, lost three family members including her mother following the 7.8 magnitude quake on MondaySpeakingmorning. to RTÉ News, Sabrina said her family were trying to escape their apartment in Aleppo when the building collapsed around them. She had been on a video call with her mother Mahdya just hours be-

fore she was killed. Her brother and two of his children survived, but his wife and two-year-old son sadly perished.

Meanwhile, Ghassan Shamet, who fled the war in Syria in 2017 and was among the first refugees to be accommodated at the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre in Ballaghaderreen, travelled to Germany this week to comfort a friend who lost family members in the disaster.

“I flew to Germany on Wednesday morning to be with my friend. His mother and father and two brothers died in Northern Syria. My friend is in shock, he cannot believe this happened”.

Ghassan said the family had fled the fighting in Syria and believed they had finally found sanctuary.

“They were just surviving before they got this house. After 13 years and suffering lots of bad things I can’t believe this happened. It is like death followed them,” he said. More on page 10.

Former Ballaghaderreen EROC resident, Ghassan Shamet, received the devastating news this week that two of his friends had died following the earthquake in Turkey. See page 10.

Lottery Prize Scam

I recently received a letter telling me that I have won a prize with the Spanish Lottery. I have been asked to make contact with a particular phone number to receive instructions on how to claim my prize. I have never been to Spain but my son holidayed there a couple of years ago. My son has told me that this is a scam but I am reluctant to ignore a potential lottery win. I would appreciate your advice.

I am afraid that I agree with your son. This is a common enough scam where you will receive contact by letter, phone or social media advising you that you have won a lot of money or a fantastic prize in a competition or lottery that you don’t recall entering, often an international lottery.

You may be asked to pay a fee to allow you claim your prize. You are likely to be told that these fees are required for insurance costs, government taxes, bank fees etc. The scammers make money by continually collecting these fees from you and stalling the payment of your “winnings”.

You may also be asked to provide personal details to prove that you are the correct winner and to give your bank account details so the prize can be sent to you. Scammers will then use these details to try to steal any money you have in your bank account.

It has been known for scammers to send a cheque for part of your winnings, such as a few thousand euro, to trick you into thinking the offer is legitimate. However this cheque will eventually bounce and you will not receive any real payments.

My advice to you would be to simply bin the letter. If you have already provided your bank account details to the scammer, contact your bank immediately.

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

A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

A day out in Galway – and memories of playing against ‘Frankenstein’…!

What a day we had in Galway on Sunday!

Yeah, great!

I’m so glad we went early!

And I’m so grateful your wife offered to drive us!

And well done to Richard Hughes and all the lads…

Yes…super result!

BEFORE THE GAME

We walked the beach!

We popped into that casino in Salthill, just for old time’s sake!

We had a beer in Lonergan’s!

We met the Roscommon fans…and our fans! I even posed for selfies!

Yeah, with yourself!

AFTER THE GAME

I couldn’t wait to get to that hotel for a pint!

Then you met the editor?

I had three pints by the time I bumped into him in the lobby…

I hope you didn’t waffle on about our contract talks. Leave that stuff to me!

Didn’t even mention them! I just, er, told him how popular our column is!

Did he pass much heed?

He seemed interested, even if his gaze appeared to be elsewhere!

And you LOST him in the lobby?

Not as such! He said he had to pop into the

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

dining room for two minutes, that he’d “see us later”…

And you’re certain that when you passed the dining room window an hour later, you saw the editor eating a steak with Joe Brolly?

Yes! Two steaks! I’m sure it was them!

I’m telling you, they’re up to something!

LATER…

So, while I was chatting to people in the

lobby, you met some former players at the bar?

Yeah…a few guys from a Galway club I played against in the ‘90s. You said that ended up awkward…surely meeting guys you played against is part of the magic of the GAA?

Oh they couldn’t be sounder…until I started talking about Frankenstein.

Huh?

I recognised one of them at the bar. Lovely guy. We shook hands, then he pointed to his three friends. ALL ex-players! Of course I couldn’t put names on them, but I knew we’d clashed on the field in the ‘90s!

You mentioned Frankenstein?

Oh yeah. So after a pint or two, I got carried away and admitted we had put the nickname Frankenstein on their full-back – ‘cos he was big, clumsy, slow…and a bit robotic. You realise the doctor was ‘Frankenstein’ and his monster didn’t have a name? As in Dr Frankenstein?

We took license…

Did they find your story amusing?

Eh…mostly. Go on…

I met one of them in the gents later. We reminisced a bit more. I introduced myself, asked him his name.

Yeah?

He wobbled over, towered over me, his face broke into an eerie grin, then he said: “YOU can call me…FRANK!”

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

The Ireland rugby team, this after Andy Farrell’s in-form side comfortably accounted for Wales to begin their Six Nations campaign impressively, in the process setting up a mouth-watering encounter with France in Dublin this weekend

Roscommon footballers, who are top of the Allianz National Football League Division One, this after a dramatic late win over Galway in Salthill

Wild Youth, who were chosen to represent Ireland in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, with their song ‘We Are One’

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

Manchester City FC, this after the Premier League announced it is charging the club with breaking multiple financial rules (charges which the current title holders deny)

Media personality Laura Whitmore, who was forced to remove social media posts for a gin and vodka brand after the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority determined they could encourage irresponsible drinking

PIC OF THE WEEK: Our pic of the weeks this week shows friends Katie Cummins and Katie-Lee Taylor cheering on the Roscommon football team recently. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Man (20) dies in traffic accident

< DAN DOONER

A man in his 20s has died following a road traffic collision on the N63 near Ballinasloe on Sunday afternoon.

The man, who has been named as James O’Mahony from Cork city, was fatally injured in the single-vehicle collision which occurred in the townland of Creeveroe, Newbridge at around 12.45 pm.

The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, was taken to Portiuncula Hospital for treatment and is said to be recovering.

The road was closed for a lengthy period and Gardaí are now appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them.

Any road users who were travelling on the N63 (the main road between Roscommon and Galway) on Sunday between 12.20 pm and 1 pm and who may have camera (including dash cam) footage, is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090-9631890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Vatslav Haluki, Aston Giblin, Ryan Haluki and Lorcan Flanagan pictured supporting Roscommon senior football team in Dr. Hyde Park recently. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Gospel Reflection

Sunday 12 February

Jesus tells us in the Gospel this week that He has come not to abolish but to “fulfil” the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. His Gospel reveals the deeper meaning and purpose of the Ten Commandments and the moral Law of the Old Testament. But His Gospel also transcends the Law. He demands a morality far greater than that accomplished by the most pious of Jews, the scribes and Pharisees.

Outward observance of the Law is not enough. It is not enough that we do not murder, commit adultery, divorce, or lie.

The law of the New Covenant is a law that God writes on the heart (see Jeremiah 31:31–34). The heart is the seat of our motivations, the place from which our words and actions proceed (see Matthew 6:21; 15:18–20).

Jesus this week calls us to train our hearts, to master our passions and emotions. And Jesus demands the full obedience of our hearts (see Romans 6:17). He calls us to love God with all our hearts and to do His will from the heart (see Matthew 22:37; Ephesians 6:6).

God never demands more than what we are capable of doing. That is the message of this week’s First Reading. It is up to us to choose life over death, to choose the waters of eternal life over the fires of ungodliness and sin.

By His life, death, and Resurrection, Jesus has shown us that it is possible to keep His commandments. In Baptism, He has given us His Spirit, that His Law might be fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4). The wisdom of the Gospel surpasses all the wisdom of this age that is passing away, St. Paul tells us in the Epistle. The revelation of this wisdom fulfils God’s plan from before all ages. Let us trust in this wisdom and live by His kingdom law.

As we do in this week’s Psalm, let us pray that we grow in being better able to live His Gospel and to seek the Father with all our heart.

-Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

Kerrane calls for support for SF mortgage interest relief plan

Deputy Claire Kerrane has called on Government parties to support Sinn Féin proposals to give much-needed mortgage relief for homeowners.

The Sinn Féin TD was speaking ahead of a motion from her party’s Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty, which calls on the Minister for Finance Michael McGrath to introduce targeted and temporary mortgage interest relief to support borrowers struggling with rising interest rates.

“Mortgage holders are seeing a large rise in their interest costs as a result of interest rate hikes by the ECB. Last week’s hike was the fifth since July.

“In the grip of a cost of living crisis, with sharp and significant rises in interest costs, now is the right time to introduce timely, targeted and temporary mortgage interest relief.

“The now Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, while in opposition in 2015, described mortgage relief as ‘a very important support for families’”.

Deputy Kerrane said that what Pearse Doherty is proposing is different to the interest relief that existed in the past.

“Instead, it would provide mortgage interest relief equivalent to 30 per cent of increased interest costs relative to June 2022, up to but not exceeding €1,500 per annum,” she said.

She added that the measure is tem-

porary and targeted and would provide relief on increased costs as a result of interest rate rises.

“We would also work with the Central Bank to enhance the supervision

of vulture funds in the interests of struggling borrowers, and we would examine the taxation of the banking sector including the treatment of corporation tax loss relief,” she said.

“These proposals would absorb a portion of borrowers’ increased interest costs as a result of rate hikes since June. This measure is sensible, affordable and necessary”.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

SATURDAY

French connection

Ireland were at their domineering best from the first whistle against Wales today, their Six Nations opener virtually wrapped up inside the first quarter.

The home team had a fine spell after half-time, but Ireland kept them at bay for the most part, Wales managing just one try before Andy Farrell’s team went through several phases and crossed for a fantastic bonus point win.

The focus now switches to the Aviva Stadium this Saturday, and a potential title decider between Ireland and France.

The French had a tremendous 2022, making them favourites for this year’s World Cup (taking place in France). Their narrow win over Italy last Sunday has halted their gallop, but may also be evidence of the Italians’ progress.

The French, their egos wounded, remain very formidable opponents this weekend. It promises to be a fascinating game between the two form teams of world rugby.

SUNDAY

Rossies on roll…

Arriving in Salthill, the memories of past visits flood back. The resort never really seems to change…the familiar tapestry of bars, restaurants, casinos, takeaways, the scent of the ocean, the cold but irresistible sea breeze, the stunningly beautiful landscape, the distinct atmosphere that makes Salthill quite special.

There was a great crowd at the match, with a sizeable Roscommon contingent. After a bright start, Roscommon began to make a series of rash choices, shooting from difficult positions. Galway led by two at the break. The third quarter was no classic either, and the home side looked to be heading for victory.

That the Roscommon subs would make a positive impact wasn’t surprising, what was surprising was the fact that – in a low-scoring game – the visitors were able to score the final five points, keeping Galway scoreless, and securing a dramatic win with the last play of the game. See pages 38 & 39 for our coverage.

MONDAY

Phonebox Man…

I hadn’t heard of ‘Phonebox Man’ – but I have now.

On Newstalk today, Sean Moncrieff went

into bank holiday mode and presented some highlights of the previous week. And his interview with 58-year-old Paul Murphy was both interesting and nostalgic.

Murphy – aka Phonebox Man – locates and restores old Telefón phoneboxes (or kiosks). For many Irish people, these distinctive landmark structures bring back memories of life before mobile phones, of the days when every town and village had at least one of those green and white phoneboxes, with their coin-

operated phones.

This lovely interview was about more than the joy (and livelihood) Murphy gets these days from restoring the now ‘decommissioned’ phone boxes. This too was a story of how a talented man who was working in the security industry overcame career setbacks and depression by pursuing his love of restoring antiques.

When Paul began restoring an old phonebox in his front garden in Dublin, it opened up a whole new

world to him. People passing would stop and chat to him, enquire about his work, and – perhaps best of all – share their own memories of the public phonebox era.

‘Phonebox Man’ now restores and sells the dwindling stock, with pubs, tidy towns groups, collectors, etc. amongst his customers. His hobby-turned-business has also worked wonders for his mental health. Having turned his back on corporate industry, Paul’s advice to listeners was: It’s never too late to make a career switch.

TUESDAY Absolutely typical!

The word today is that Fawlty Towers is to be revived, over 40 years after the ‘shutters came down’ in the hilariously chaotic hotel.

Naturally, I read the news with the greatest confusion and uncertainty.

The fact that I wasn’t consulted about this should not undermine my status as one of the leading cheerleaders for Fawlty Towers’ claims to be considered the best sitcom in history.

While I have decided to withhold personal comment at this time, a quick glance at the court of public opinion (Twitter) suggests that most people think this completely unexpected announcement, if actually true, points to misguided judgement on the part of John Cleese (all bow).

Reports suggest that Mr Cleese and his daughter Camilla will both be involved in the revival, which will explore how Fawlty – now running a boutique hotel in the new series – “navigates the modern world”.

As one of the original series’ greatest fans –and, let’s face it, part of its magic is that only 12 episodes were ever made – I need time before deciding whether to laugh or cry. I just need time!

I will of course be issuing further statements…

WEDNESDAY Horror and heartbreak

Putting perspective on everything else worldwide this week, is the devastating news from Turkey and Syria. I normally try to keep this column light-hearted, tongue in cheek…but there are weeks when the real world cannot really be ignored.

It is utterly tragic and heartbreaking that so many thousands of people have perished in this disaster, the death toll over 11,000 as I write –and rising. Our prayers and thoughts are with the dead and their loved ones.

Reporting of political donations by elected members

Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999 as amended by the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 (Section 58), the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2002 (Section 5) and the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Fund) Act 2012. Donation Statements submitted by members of Roscommon County Council for the period 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022 in accordance with the above legislation are now available for public inspection.

Statements may be viewed, during opening hours, at the Corporate Services Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F45 VR98.

Tuairisciú síntiús polaitíochta ag comhaltaí tofa

An tAcht um Thoghcháin Áitiúla (Síntiúis agus Caiteachas a Nochtadh) 1999 arna leasú leis an Acht Toghcháin (Leasú) 2001 (Alt 58), an tAcht Toghcháin (Leasú) 2002 (Alt 5) agus an tAcht Toghcháin (Leasú) (Ciste Polaitíochta) 2012.

Tá Ráitis Síntiús a chuir comhaltaí Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin isteach don tréimhse 1ú Eanáir 2022 go 31ú Nollaig 2022, de réir na reachtaíochta thuas, ar fáil anois lena n-iniúchadh ag an bpobal. Is féidir ráitis a fheiceáil, le linn uaireanta oscailte, ag an Rannóg Seirbhísí Corparáideacha, Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin, Áras an Chontae, Ros Comáin, F45 VR98.

Sínithe:

Caitlín Conneely Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin Áras an Chontae Ros Comáin F42 VR98

Public Consultation Event No. 2

Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme 2023

Roscommon County Council is currently accepting online applications under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme 2023.

Applications will be accepted from: Tidy Towns Associations

Local Development Groups Sub-Aqua Groups

The scheme provides funding for eligible small scale capital amenity projects. Full details of the scheme is available on www.roscommoncoco.ie

Applications must be made via My Online Services at: https://roscommon-self.achieveservice.com/ Register for My Online Services at www.roscommoncoco.ie

The closing date for receipt of completed online applications is 5pm on 9th March 2023

Incomplete or late online applications will not be considered

Any queries relating to the scheme may be emailed to amenitygrants@roscommoncoco.ie

Majella Hunt Director of Services

Public Consultation Event No. 2

Public Consultation Event No. 2

Feasibility Study to Establish Potential Future Uses for the Former Garda Station Building in Ballintubber Village

Feasibility Study to Establish Potential Future Uses for the Former Garda Station Building in Ballintubber Village

Why?

Roscommon County Council secured funding under DCRD Town and Village Development Measure to undertake a Feasibility Study for the potential repurposing of 2 no. Former Garda Station Buildings, in the Villages of Tarmonbarry and Ballintubber in Co Roscommon. Both buildings were closed to the public in the recent past and hold strategic locations within the respective Village cores.

Roscommon County Council has engaged Feeney McMahon Architects as the Design Team to undertake this Feasibility Study Report, the outcome of which is aimed at identifying any future sustainable long term uses for the buildings and to inform decision making regarding their future use. These specific use(s) may be related to local heritage/ tourism/ residential/ social/cultural or other community needs.

Why? Roscommon County Council secured funding under DCRD Town and Village Development Measure to undertake a Feasibility Study for the potential repurposing of 2 no. Former Garda Station Buildings, in the Villages of Tarmonbarry and Ballintubber in Co Roscommon. Both buildings were closed to the public in the recent past and hold strategic locations within the respective Village cores.

Note that end-use(s) must be self-sustaining and not dependent on annual funding/ subvention from Roscommon County Council. The ultimate end use(s) will be informed by feedback from You, the local community in conjunction with the Design Team and Roscommon County Council.

How and When?

In Person:

We invite you to our 2nd public meeting with Feeney McMahon Architects where preliminary design proposals, based on the initial community feedback, will be presented. This meeting will be held in the Old School House, Ballintubber, F45 T853, 5:00pm –6:30pm on Thursday February 16th 2022.

Feasibility Study to Establish Potential Future Uses for the Former Garda Station Building in Tarmonbarry Village

Why?

Roscommon County Council secured funding under DCRD Town and Village Development Measure to undertake a Feasibility Study for the potential repurposing of 2 no. Former Garda Station Buildings, in the Villages of Tarmonbarry and Ballintubber in Co Roscommon. Both buildings were closed to the public in the recent past and hold strategic locations within the respective Village cores.

Roscommon County Council has engaged Feeney McMahon Architects as the Design Team to undertake this Feasibility Study Report, the outcome of which is aimed at identifying any future sustainable long term uses for the buildings and to inform decision making regarding their future use. These specific use(s) may be related to local heritage/ tourism/ residential/ social/cultural or other community needs.

Note that end-use(s) must be self-sustaining and not dependent on annual funding/ subvention from Roscommon County Council. The ultimate end use(s) will be informed by feedback from You, the local community in conjunction with the Design Team and Roscommon County Council.

How and When?

In Person:

social/cultural or other community needs.

Note that end-use(s) must be self-sustaining and not dependent on annual funding/subvention from Roscommon County Council. The ultimate end use(s) will be informed by feedback from You the local community in conjunction with the Design Team and Roscommon County Council.

How and When?

In Person:

We invite you to our 2nd public meeting with Feeney McMahon Architects where preliminary design proposals, based on the initial community feedback, will be presented. This meeting will be held in Keenans Hotel, Tarmonbarry, N39 W968, 7:30pm – 9:00pm on Thursday February 16th 2022.

We invite you to our 2nd public meeting with Feeney McMahon Architects where preliminary design proposals, based on the initial community feedback, will be presented. This meeting will be held in Keenans Hotel, Tarmonbarry, N39 W968, 7:30pm – 9:00pm on Thursday February 16th 2022.

Castlerea Drama Group to stage ‘The Field’ next week

Castlerea Drama Group are undertaking final rehearsals ahead of the upcoming staging of their production of John B Keane’s famous play, ‘The Field’.

The group will be performing the play in the Trinity Arts Centre in Castlerea on Thursday the 16th, Friday the 17th, and Saturday the 18th of February.

Curtain is at 8 pm on all nights and tickets can be booked on 089 946 1802. Tickets are selling fast, so to avoid disappointment, call today.

As they say in the ‘busi-

Eugene Collins (‘The Bird’ O’Donnell), Damien Freyne (Tadhg McCabe), Paraic Newman (‘The Bull’ McCabe) and Caolinn Bruen (Maimie Flanagan) pictured on stage in the Trinity Arts Centre in Castlerea during a recent rehearsal for Castlerea Drama Group’s upcoming production of John B. Keane’s ‘The Field’. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Paraic Newman who plays ‘The Bull’ McCabe pictured during rehearsals for Castlerea Drama Group’s upcoming production of John B. Keane’s ‘The Field’. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Damien Freyne (Tadhg McCabe), Eugene Collins (‘The Bird’ O’Donnell) and Paraic Newman (‘The Bull’ McCabe) pictured on stage in the Trinity Arts Centre in Castlerea during a recent rehearsal for the Castlerea Drama Group’s upcoming production of John B. Keane’s ‘The Field’. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Gareth Scahill, who plays the part of Sgt. Tom Leahy, pictured during a recent rehearsal for the Castlerea Drama Group’s upcoming production of John B. Keane’s ‘The Field’. Pic: Kieran Croghan

‘It is like death followed them’

Local Syrians’ heartbreak following Turkish earthquake

< DAN DOONER

Syrian people with connections to County Roscommon have spoken of their heartbreak following the devastating earthquake in southern Turkey and Syria which has claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people in those countries this week.

Syrian woman Sabrina Dourmash, who is living at the refugee centre at the former Abbeyfield Hotel in Ballaghaderreen, lost three family members

including her mother following the 7.8 magnitude quake on Monday morning.

Speaking to RTÉ News, Sabrina said her family were trying to escape their apartment in Aleppo when the building collapsed around them.

She had been on a video call with her mother Mahdya just hours before she was killed. Her brother and two of his children survived, but his wife and twoyear-old son sadly perished.

Sabrina, who lives in Co. Roscommon with her husband Jamil and their oneyear-old daughter Natalie said: “They started to run down the stairs. Unfortunately, some of the family didn’t make it in time. Everything happened very quickly and the whole building collapsed on them.

“I feel lucky that some of my family survived but I wish I could be there for my brother’s children to feed them and

keep them warm. It’s just heartbreaking”.

Meanwhile, Ghassan Shamet, who fled the war in Syria in 2017 and was among the first refugees to be accommodated at the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre in Ballaghaderreen, travelled to Germany this week to comfort a friend who lost family members in the disaster.

“I flew to Germany on Wednesday morning to be with my friend. His mother and father and two brothers died in Northern Syria. They were in their house when the earthquake happened. There was not enough machinery to help them and they were trapped there for 17 hours,” he said.

“My friend is in shock, he cannot believe this happened. He travelled to Germany to work to help his family and they got the house after waiting a long

time living in tents in a refugee camp close to (the Turkish) border”.

Ghassan said the family had fled the fighting in Syria and believed they had finally found sanctuary.

“They were just surviving before they got this house. After 13 years and suffering lots of bad things I can’t believe this happened. It is like death followed them,” he said.

Ghassan, who also received the dreadful news that two of his friends had been killed near the city of Urfa (Şanlıurfa) in Turkey, said Syrian and Turkish people in Ireland were awaiting news of loved ones still unaccounted for following the tragedy.

“Now there are people still missing and to be honest (with) every phone call from Turkey and Syria we put our hand to our heart thinking ‘please God, no more’”.

Local TD Claire Kerrane said the community of Ballaghaderreen has been left shocked by the events in Turkey and Syria.

“The scenes from Turkey and Syria are devastating. People of all ages are literally dying under the rubble. Others are being pulled from the wreckage, some alive, while for others rescue has come too late,” she said.

“We have a number of refugees from Syria at the EROC in Ballaghaderreen and we know that one resident, Sabrina Dourmash, has lost three family members, including her mother. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and heartbreak felt by Sabrina at hearing such news, especially being so far from home.

“I know that others in the EROC are waiting for news from loved ones. This is a really difficult time for them and my thoughts are with them”.

Sabrina Dourmash, who lives at the refugee centre at the former Abbeyfield Hotel in Ballaghaderreen with her husband Jamil and daughter Natalie, lost three family members, including her mother in Aleppo, Syria, following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey on Monday morning. Photo credit: RTE

National study: Portiuncula under most pressure due to lack of beds

A national study has revealed that Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe has the most pressurised Emergency Department in the country due to the lack of available beds.

The anaylsis of available beds across the country shows that there was just an average of eight beds in Portiuncula Hospital for every patient on a trolley last month. Patients in Tullamore were 27 times more likely to get a bed than those in Ballinasloe.

Commenting on the figures, local TD Denis Naughten said that smaller hospitals and staff were under most pressure.

“Even University Hospital Limerick with record trolley numbers was under less severe pressure than Portiuncula Hospital, due to the fact that there were nine beds in Limerick for every patient on a trolley,” he said.

“If we delve down into the numbers of patients waiting on trolleys to date in 2023 and analyse this as a percentage of the number of beds

Murphy ‘in discussions’ on financial aid for Elphin

Senator Eugene Murphy says he has been in discussion with Minister Heather Humphreys, his Government Fianna Fáil colleagues, and Roscommon County Council regarding financial support for the town of Elphin. Senator Murphy says he is also “having conversations” with local councillor Valerie Byrne as to how to speed up the granting of support.

“I have suggested to the Minister and Roscommon County Council that we immediately work on a substantial Enhancement Grant, which, if successful, could be approved this year”, he commented. “This would have an immediate positive effect as we worked towards a more substantial financial package for the town.

“I have also spoken to Cllr Joe Murphy and I know any package would have the full support of the four other councillors in Boyle Municipal District: Cllr Tom Crosby (Cathaoirleach of the Council), Cllr Liam Callaghan, Cllr John Cummins, and Cllr Michael Mulligan, as they have always advocated for support for Elphin.

“The Minister, the Council, and Cllr Byrne would, in my view, support this initial move, but I would still be very insistent on further funding for the town”, Senator Murphy added.

Senator Murphy also stated that with the funding granted for Elphin Community College, which will come to several million euro, he is anxious to work with local councillors and the community to achieve further improvements in the town.

available in each hospital, we get a much better indication of the pressure that each hospital was under last month.

“The reason this is important is because while I have no doubt the HSE will put the hospitals with the big numbers at the top of their agenda, it is feared that the smaller hospitals under the most pressure will be ignored because this is what has happened up to now”.

Deputy Naughten said that Portiuncula Hospital put a proposal to the HSE and Department of Health

three years ago to provide a modular extension to the Emergency Department in a bid to ease overcrowding.

“To date, no decision has been made on this proposal because clearly it is not high enough up the HSE agenda,” he said.

“Other hospitals have put forward simple measures to deal with the challenges that they are facing, which would not only ease pressure on our hospital system but ensure that patients get safer and more timely care”.

A ‘Ballinagare welcome’ for Ukrainian refugees

Ballinagare Health and Leisure Centre are inviting people in the local community to come down to the centre to welcome the group of Ukrainians who have joined our community.

The event is being held this Friday, 10th of February in the Community Centre from 7-10 pm. It would be great if everyone could come to show their support!

Public meeting in Loughglynn

A public meeting will take place in Loughglynn Community Centre on Thursday, February 16th, at 8.30 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the lake, the required repair work to the dam, and the proposed restoration of the Mass Path/The Sandy Lane. Everyone is welcome to attend. The project group is acting under the auspices of Loughglynn & District Angling Club.

Service of Remembrance at Portiuncula Hospital

Portiuncula University Hospital is inviting parents and their families who have experienced bereavement through the death of a child or who have lost a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, still birth or after birth, to a Service of Remembrance which will take place in the hospital on Monday, February 13th.

Deirdre Naughton, Director of Midwifery at the hospital said: “This service offers parents who have experienced bereavement an opportunity to reflect on their grief journey through symbol, music and prayer. Parents who have attended this service in the past have shared with us that they have found it to be a time of healing and comfort”. The service will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday, February 13th in the hospital chapel and families are welcome to join other families for light refreshments afterwards.

Two injured in Roscommon crash

Two people were injured in a road traffic collision in south Roscommon on Saturday evening.

A woman in her 50s and a young adult man in his late teens were injured in the two-vehicle crash which occurred at Kiltoom, Athlone at around 8 pm.

According to Gardaí, both were taken to Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Roscommon Bridge Club: 1st: Chris and John McGrath; 2nd: Phil & Seamus Cooney; Gross: Mary and Pearse Mellett. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club: Club Pairs – 1st: Mary and Pearse Mellett; 2nd: Phil and Seamus Cooney; Gross: Mary and Vincent Brennan. 1st Session: Chris and John McGrath. 2nd Session: Mary Coyle and Kathleen Holmes. St Coman’s Bridge Club: 1st: Kitty Dowd and Celia Ansboro; 2nd: Mary Naughton and Ann Shine; Gross: Nuala Costello and Chris McGrath. Ballymurray Bridge Club: Section A – 1st: Mary Naughton and Kitty Gately; 2nd: Ethel and Brian Keenan; Gross: Pat Pierse and Breege Weir. Section B – 1st: Michael Dolan and Kevin Coyle; 2nd: Valerie and Pat Finneran; Gross: Marion Dolan and Rita Roughneen. Kilbride Bridge Club: 1st: Brid Gillooly and Frances Keane; 2nd: Ann Igoe and Gertie McDermott; 3rd: Mary Kelly and Kitty Burke.

Pictured at the Convent of Mercy All-Ireland Camogie presentation ceremony at the Convent of Mercy were Ellen Biesty, Molly Anne Feeley and Erin McDermott.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Urgent need to address gambling addiction

been in the news over the past few days. This ‘other’ Tony O’Reilly had a gambling addiction that cost him an extraordinary €20 million. A post office manager, he stole €1.75 million from his employer, for which he was sentenced to four years in prison. Having been released after serving 18 months, he now works as an addiction counsellor.

A recent poll of inter-county GAA players revealed some very worrying statistics, with 79% declaring themselves to be current gamblers, and two admitting to having placed single bets of €10,000 or more. Fourteen per cent of those surveyed had placed bets of between €100 and €1,000, while only 14% had never bet at all.

like Tony O’Reilly will serve as a warning to others of the dangers of gambling.

O’Reilly says that the core age of gamblers is definitely coming down, and that, contrary to public opinion, it only takes weeks, not months or years, to become addicted. The Government are due to debate the Gambling Regulation Bill in the near future and Tony hopes that regulation of the industry will bring some accountability. At the moment there is very little scrutiny. In one school, half the pupils of 15-year-olds had an online gambling account.

A man called Tony O’Reilly (namesake of the renowned businessman and one of Ireland’s best ever rugby players) has

Allez Ireland!

One of the great things about sport is that we can never be sure as to how things will turn out in any game or event.

I have to admit that when I heard on Saturday morning that Conor Murray and Finlay Bealham had been late call ups to the Irish rugby team, my heart sank and I feared for our lads in the closed roof cauldron of Cardiff’s Principality stadium.

A few years ago Murray was rightly regarded as the best scrum-half in the world, but his star has fallen so far that he is now only third choice in Munster. Eyes were raised when Irish coach Andy Farrell still had him in the national set-up.

Of course, as is his wont, Murray came up trumps when the chips were down, and along with Connacht player, Bealham, fitted seamlessly into a very impressive Irish team.

When we were younger we were regular visitors to Cardiff on international match day, and while we always had great craic, we seldom experienced many victories. So a 24-point win on Saturday has to be seen as a super result.

This Saturday we take on the French in the Aviva – hopefully the remains of our ageing touring party will be on site to see what I am sure will be a battle royale. No doubt we will do our best to celebrate the result, whether we win or lose.

A bit like Conor Murray, we are not the men we used to be – places like Coppers needn’t worry about any invasion by the free travel brigade.

Before I leave sport I have to congratulate the Rossies on their great start to the league, and well done to Davy Burke and his backroom team on their win in Salthill over a seemingly very poor Galway side.

On our side of the border the injury to Damien Comer is the biggest worry after the weekend. Let’s hope he can make a reasonably quick recovery.

Even as someone who hardly ever has a flutter, I am aware that there are now so many ways to gamble online that it’s almost impossible to ignore the temptation, but it is to be hoped that the experiences of people

Anyway, it all serves to highlight the dangers of gambling, regulated or not, and when an ordinary post office manager can lose €20 million it’s a warning to everyone as to how far a little flutter can go.

All kinds of addictions can be very costly, but gambling addiction can really spiral completely out of control and end up costing millions – as Tony O’Reilly knows well.

Strawberries and cream (of society!)

It’s a dry, although murky, Bank Holiday Monday, and not exactly the sort of day that would have someone thinking of strawberries and cream, and the posh people that always seem to get tickets to the tennis at Wimbledon.

And yet this morning I am thinking of tennis, or more specifically of Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, where there appears to be uproar over the sacking of two of its more senior staff in recent months.

Now obviously I have no idea as to why the two men were dismissed, but allegedly the club had to pay more than €200,000 in settlements to them. However, all of that is in-house matters. What caught my eye was the financial implications of being a member of Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club.

To join, you would have to cough up a once-off fee of €8,000. Thereafter, for the privilege of playing your tennis in Fitzwilliam, you would hand over €2,525 every

single year. It appears that €470 of that fee gives you credit at the bar and restaurant, which seems to be a sneaky way of penalising every member of the club!

After all, if someone only wanted to play tennis and didn’t want to either eat or drink in the clubhouse, they would still be charged €470 each year for something they didn’t use at all. Surely a charge like that should be optional. Still, judging by the breakdown of the 2,319 members, I don’t suppose they are too bothered. It seems that many of Ireland’s most senior business people, lawyers and judges are well represented in the membership list.

Recently a friend of mine who has just relocated to the west expressed an interest in joining a golf club in this particular neck of the woods and was pleasantly surprised to discover that golf club fees have come down quite a bit over the last few years, that after decades of being a

And finally…

game almost solely for the wealthier upper classes, it is now in the reach of ordinary mortals.

Meanwhile, my calculator tells me that if everyone in Fitzwilliam (where billionaire Denis O’Brien is one of the members) stumps up, €5,855,485 is collected each year in membership fees, so I suppose €200,000 or so in settlements is only a drop in the ocean.

I was seriously thinking of sending in my application to join the Ranelagh-based tennis ‘aces’, but on reading the rules it seems that I cannot wear a singlet or display a bare midriff. As someone who likes to play my tennis displaying my ample midriff, I have reluctantly decided to abandon my attempt to become a Fitzwilliam member, and will instead join my friend in going back to golf.

My dream of becoming the next Roger Federer may be over, but I suppose it won’t be too bad to be the next Rory McIlroy!

We often hear about the story of the buses – you wait ages for one to come and then two arrive together! That, in a strange way, sort of sums up the story of this weekend on the social front out here in Creggs. Usually in February there isn’t much happening in the pubs or anywhere else as we wait for Paddy’s Day, although thanks to the Bank Holiday there was a big crowd at ‘The Boogiemen’ in Mikeen’s last Saturday night, but this coming weekend it’s all systems go.

Olivia Harris tells me that, fresh from the success of their recent promotion, bingo returns to the School Hall in Creggs on Friday night, with an 8 pm start. There will be a raffle, with the usual great bingo prizes and a €500 jackpot. Double books are €15, single €10, flyers €2, and all proceeds go to the national school. It’s termed as a Valentine’s Bingo, so it’s your chance to show there’s a bit of romance left in you yet! As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one weekend, on Saturday night our successful Tansey Cup footballers are getting their medals at a ‘do’ in Jackson’s in Roscommon, with the meal at 7 pm and the ‘follow up’ hooley in JJ Harrow’s. Sadly I won’t be at either event as I will be supporting Ireland in the Aviva. As I said…two buses coming together – but I won’t be on either of them!

Our man Frank on how gambling addiction remains a societal concern; Why he won’t be joining Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club; Why he will be going to the Aviva (but not to Coppers)…

Commemoration of Civil War victims held in Arigna

On Sunday last, February 5th, a large crowd gathered in Arigna to honour the memory of three victims of the Civil War who were killed in the conflict one hundred years ago.

A parade formed on the hillside outside Arigna village, where a Colour Party and the Raheen Pipe Band led the march to the Cull/Tymon memorial site on the slope of the Arigna hills. The memorial overlooks the Kilronan mountain valley in this scenic area of north Roscommon.

The memorial was erected in memory of Patrick Tymon and brothers Michael and Seamus Cull, all local to the area. Michael was killed by Free State forces in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan in January 1923, and his brother Seamus was killed along with Patrick Tymon in a secret dug-out when a grenade was tossed into the entrance by Free State soldiers on February 27th, 1923.

Pat McManus (Arigna) chaired last

Sunday’s ceremony. Wreathes were laid at the monument, the 1916 Proclamation was read, as was Roscommon’s Roll of Honour.

The main speaker was Thomas Curran, a Republican Sinn Fein councillor from Barna, Co. Galway. In a stirring oration, Mr Curran outlined the circumstances of how the three men met their deaths.

He also noted that the cause and objectives that motivated the men to take action one hundred

Portiuncula scanner broken as 1,000 remain on waiting list

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Bone density scans suspended at Portiuncula Hospital for over two years, will not recommence until next month with almost 1,000 people now on the waiting list, according to local TD Denis Naughten.

While the waiting list continues to grow, just 90 patients have been referred to other hospitals during the time the scanner has been out of use.

years ago – a united Irish republic – have yet to be realised.

A piper played a lament as the flags were dipped and raised. Mr John Tymon, a nephew of Patrick, spoke briefly and thanked the organisers for their efforts in remembering his uncle and comrades who paid the supreme sacrifice a century ago.

The proceedings ended with the Raheen Pipe Band playing the National Anthem.

In reply to Deputy Naughten, the HSE confirmed that 658 people have been on the waiting list for more than 18 months. The reason given for the suspension of scans was “equipment failure” and the reconfiguration of the fluoroscopy suite.

Speaking on the matter in recent days, Deputy Naughten said he would be raising the issue with the Minister for Health: “I understand the scanner will be replaced next month under the National Equipment Replacement Programme.

“However, it is difficult to understand how people continued to be added to the waiting list for over two years while the scanner was not in operation and why more patients were not referred to other hospitals during this time to ease the backlog”.

John Tymon, Tom Cull, and Finbar Tymon – nephews of the deceased volunteers –pictured at the Civil War memorial held in Arigna on Sunday.

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Time to help teens spot the ‘red flags’ of relationship abuse

Being involved in an unhealthy relationship can take a very serious toll on a young person’s physical and mental health, on their wellbeing, and on their education. In fact, it’s my personal belief that when it comes to abusive relationships, and the trauma they cause to our lives, teens and young people rarely get mentioned in the overall discussion. Would I be right?

We all want what’s best for our kids, especially when it comes to them going on that first date, experiencing that first kiss, and falling in love for the very first time.

I may come across as overly protective, but, when they were teenagers, if my girls told me they had a new boyfriend, I made it my business to, ahem, have a little conversation with the young man. Why? Because one, I wanted to ascertain what type of person this new boyfriend was, and two, I wanted to make sure he understood exactly what type of mammy I am, as in, he’d be one hundred per cent clear how I expected

him to treat my child…or else!

Fast-forward to today, and I’m delighted to say I have the best sons-in-law in Ireland; not only do they treat my girls like princesses, (and rightly so), they also treat me, d’mammy-inlaw, like a queen.

We’re a lucky family; but what happens when your child’s not so lucky? What happens when your daughter falls into the 51 per cent of young women under the age of 18 who experience abuse? What happens when they’re being coercively controlled by this overly-attentive, constantly messaging, excessively demanding, handsome new lad to such an extent, you fear you’re not just losing her, but she’s also losing her own sense of self?

It’s not my intention to place a ‘downer’ on St Valentine’s Day; but, as the rise in relationship abuse was brought into sharp focus during the pandemic years, I’d like to use this occasion to highlight, for teenagers, the difference between a healthy, happy relationship and an abusive one.

While young people may normally associate domestic abuse/violence with images of a poor mother trying desperately hard to cover up black eyes or bruised arms on the school run, it’s my belief that teenagers in the throes of first love, are sadly, albeit innocently, overlooking their own needs. With that in mind, (and while I’m no expert, just a concerned

mammy who’s had to, er, ‘see off’ an unsuitable boyfriend or two in my time), I’d like to place some perspective on what I believe to be the clear warning signs to look out for. A feeling of unease/being unsettled: You may not be able to put your finger on it, and it may not even be one single thing, but something’s not quite right. You’re feeling

controlled, manipulated, you feel your sense of self is being undermined by this person you love and who insists they love you. You imagine you’re going crazy because hey, they’ve never hit you: yet you feel unsafe…strange even. They’re always criticising how you look, how you do your hair, and how you dress. You’ve seen them flip through your phone to see who you’ve been talking to/messaging. You seem to be constantly walking on eggshells and finding yourself apologising to them a lot. They’re bombarding you with messages, and you panic because you can’t reply because you’re in class; but you have to get back, because they get angry when you don’t respond immediately. They’re criticising your friends, (your support mechanism); accusing you of spending too much time with them. You told them it’s time to take a break, but they’ve threatened to harm themselves. At this stage, can I point out to any parent whose teenager is experiencing intimate rela-

tionship abuse (and to the teen themselves), that the law is on your side. Under the Domestic Violence Act 2018, parents can help teens to apply for a Safety Order. For more information, log onto www.citizensinformation.ie, write ‘safety order’ in the search bar and all of the relevant categories and information pops up.

Women’s Aid’s #TooIntoYou campaign running from February 14th to March 8th, provides a guide for young people wishing to obtain a safety order. Log onto www.toointoyou.ie where parents and teens can not only find more ‘red flag’ signs, but teens can also take a quiz to help them understand whether or not their relationship is healthy.

If you’re a teenager/parent who wishes to chat with someone, you can click on the site’s ‘chat now’ button for instant, private and confidential support.

The Women’s Aid 24-hour national freephone helpline is 1800 341 900. In an emergency, please dial 999.

Liam’s right, McGregor does give Ireland a bad name!

This year marks the centenary of our country’s national anthem Amhrán na bhFiann – A Soldier’s Song – being published as Gaeilge.

As a proud Irish woman, it’s my belief that our national anthem, written circa 1909-1910 (some reference it as being written in 1907), as a rebel song by Peader Kearney and Patrick Heeney, forms a hugely important part of our Irish culture. However, as the lads originally composed it as Béarla, it’s Liam Ó Rinn’s 1916 translation, published as Gaeilge in 1923, that we’re celebrating and honouring this year.

On foot of this, a ‘Learn our Anthem’ campaign has been launched by Abair Linn Publishing, the GAA and Schoolbooks.ie in a bid to encourage primary school children to grasp and absorb our nation’s anthem in time for St Patrick’s Day. Maith sibh gach duine.

I’m someone who believes that every time Amhrán na bhFiann is played,

especially when in the presence of our tricolour, all in attendance should not only stand to attention, but should also face our national flag, saluting it until the very last note of the music, as protocol dictates.

Yep, you’ve guessed it, I love our national anthem, and not just the chorus we use as our ‘official’ version, but all three verses; and I totally disagree with those who slam it as being ‘violent’, ‘sexist’, and ‘no longer fit for purpose’!

The cheek!

I actually get annoyed whenever I hear my fellow countrymen and women mumbling through the words of Amhrán na bhFiann; clumsily shouting it out ‘freestyle’! I’m glad that at last, everyone is being encouraged to familiarise themselves with this important song which not only forms a major part of our history, our traditions, and our national identity, but also reflects upon our struggles to maintain them.

Ya gotta love Oscar winner Liam Neeson’s take on Conor McGregor! Well, I do, because, even though I’m a proud Dub, I’m not a fan of the trashtalking, motor-mouth MMA brawler!

Apparently, action hero and, in my opinion the world’s second sexiest man (apologies to d’hubby, but Michael Collins always did, and always will, get my ‘sexiest man’ vote), Liam, when chatting with Men’s Health, launched into a surprising mini-rant branding McGregor ‘a little leprechaun’, whom he claims ‘gives Ireland a bad name’.

McGregor, who describes himself as someone who ’breaks people’s faces for money and bounce’, (classy), has been raising the ire of quite a few high profiles individuals lately. Comedian/ broadcaster PJ Gallagher and former footie player Paul McGrath both spring to mind.

However, if this mini-feud between Liam and the ‘little leprechaun’ ever does come to blows, my money’s firmly on the super-sexy, 70-year-old Taken star who’ll no doubt give that 34-year-old windbag a taste of his ‘particular set of skills’. Skills Liam’s ‘acquired over a very long career’. Skills that make him ‘a nightmare’ for people like McGregor!’ Oooh me nerves.. g’wan ya good thing Liam!

Why I believe we should all learn to sing Amhrán na bhFiann

Support ‘Denim Day for Dementia’ campaign!

Irish model and entrepreneur

Joanna Cooper is calling on Roscommon to support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (ASI’s) annual nationwide ‘Denim Day for Dementia’ fundraising campaign taking place this year on Friday, March 3rd, to raise funds for vital dementia supports and services.

Joanna, who has been named the ASI’s Denim Day for Dementia ambassador, is asking members of the public to don their denims – to the crèche, their school, their place of work or wherever they are – on Friday, March 3rd, and donate to support families impacted by dementia.

Joanna has a personal connection to the condition; her mother Terri was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. And so, she has teamed up with the ASI in the hopes of helping others who the condition has impacted.

This is the sixth year the popular fundraising campaign has been running, having been cancelled in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pan-

demic. To get involved, members of the public are encouraged to order their free Denim Day for Dementia pack by registering online at alzheimer.ie or by contacting the ASI’s Fundraising Team at fundraising@alzheimer.ie or 01 207 3800.

The ASI needs to raise €3.2 million yearly just to maintain muchneeded supports and services, including National Helpline, Day Care, Day Care at Home, Home Care and Family Carer Training to help people with dementia and their struggling families. This campaign aims to raise €30,000 to support families living with dementia nationwide.

An estimated 64,000 people are living with dementia in Ireland, and one in ten people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland today is under the age of 65. Dementia which occurs under the age of 65 is often referred to as young-onset or early-onset dementia. You can help families living with dementia in Ireland by donning your denims on Friday, March 3rd

Spring has arrived!

ALL BEE-KEEPING EQUIPMENT

AVAILABLE ... hives, wax, frames bee suits, extractors, bees ... Ring for our price

VEGETABLES

Just arrived - Early seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots, red onions, vegetable seeds are half the price of pre-packed seeds, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, leeks, and turnips.

POTATOES

FIREARMS

Fully licensed firearms dealer - No longer want to license your firearm? We can store or destroy it for a small fee. Shotgun cartridges, bullets, clay pigeons, and all accessories are available.

ANIMALS

2023 fishing season permitsLarge range of fishing tackle, rods, reels, spinners and spoons. Weak or orphaned lambs, you need Frisky by the bag or by the pound. Bottle tops, biestings, infra-red lamps. Wild-bird care, wide selection of peanuts, wild-bird seed, robin and songbird mix.

SPECIAL OFFER: 25kg peanuts only €49. Bird tables and feeders in stock.

GARDEN

Flower seeds and wild flower seeds - Hayseed acres and ½ acres, lawn seed, sulphate iron, or lawn sand for moss in lawns, all available. Summer flowering bulbs, gladiolus lily, and dahlia available. All

Keycutting service available for all types of keys – cylinder, mortice, padlock, etc. Watch battery and strap replacement service also offered, as well as a photocopying service.

Castlerea. 094 9620028.

Pictured is Irish model and entrepreneur Joanna Cooper, who was named the ASI’s Denim Day for Dementia ambassador for this year.

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

Hothouse Flowers to bloom in Forest Park

FULL LINE-UP FOR NIGHT AND DAY FESTIVAL REVEALED

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Organisers of Roscommon’s Night and Day Festival, due to be held this year on June 24th and 25th at Lough Key Forest Park, have announced its full line-up of music and cultural acts.

The 2022 edition of the two-day camping festival took place on the grounds of Clonalis House in Castlerea and was deemed a major success.

The line-up sees a mix of emerging and established talent across a range of genres with headliners including Hothouse Flowers, Mercury Rev, Anna Calvi and Gruff Rhys.

Last week saw the addition of Irish singersongwriter David Keenan, Irish post-rock band God Is An Astronaut, Berlin-based Irish DJ and multi-instrumentalist Kev Sheridan, Irish DJ The Drifter, Irish duo

Whenyoung as well as Irish rapper JyellowL to the festival.

The festival site at Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, Co. Roscommon features an extensive range of activities such as kayaking, zip lining, bike trails, boat tours, treetop walks and more.

Speaking following confirmation of the line-up, festival director Brendan Hurley said: “Excitement is building ahead of this year’s festival. With one of the most spectacular venues in the country, more great acts, and a significant variety of on-site activities, we know this year’s event will build on the magic and community that was created last year.

“We all know that the acts draw in the music-lovers, but it’s the crowd that makes an event come alive, so we can’t wait to welcome a crowd of people ready to be part of making that happen”.

Night and Day takes place on June 24th and 25th in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The festival is a strictly over-20s event, but U-12s can enter for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Jimmy Crowley and Eve Telford in return to Knockcroghery

As part of a nationwide tour to promote their new album, ‘Hello!

Child Ballads Learned From Irish Travellers’, Jimmy Crowley and Eve Telford make a welcome return to Murray’s in Knockcroghery on Sunday, February 12th.

The Cork folk legend and the Adelaide songstress will present a lively and interesting programme of songs and stories, old and new, from 7.30 pm until 9 pm. This will be followed by a short break and some more songs from the floor. Admission is only €10.

Springtime Talks at Castlerea Library

Castlerea Library is hosting a series of three talks with Martin Curley, Genealogist, starting on Thursday, February 16th at 6.30 pm.

The first talk will concentrate on Tracing Your Family Roots. Martin will be exploring the local and online resources available to enable you to research and share your family story. This talk will be suitable for the newcomers to family history research, giving valuable tips on how to begin your search. It will also be suitable for the more advanced researcher and Martin will be giving information on many new resources which have become available online in recent times.

The second talk on March 9th (again at 6.30 pm) will concentrate on DNA testing and Martin will be explaining the advantages of having a DNA test done. If you have already had a test done and wish to make full use of the data that is obtained, he will go through the various aspects and help you to understand how DNA testing can help you uncover family connections.

The third talk, on April 20th, will explore the links to your local parish and further afield as well as identifying where your ancestors may have settled and locating information on various famous or infamous ancestors who emigrated around the world.

All talks are free, and you can reserve your place by contacting Castlerea Library at 094-9620745 or email at castlerealibrary@roscommoncoco.ie

Coleman Music Centre fundraising concert

The Coleman Music Centre in Gurteen will be hosting their annual fundraising concert on Saturday, February 11th, at 8 pm. A superb line-up of musicians, dancers and singers will be performing on the night, including the group Ceoltoiri Coleman,

Brian Mostyn, Daithi Gormley, Alanna Moore, Junior Davey, Seamus O’Donnell and many more.

For more information or to get your tickets now, call 071 9182599 or visit colemanirishmusic.com.

Members (and management) of the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon Senior Camogie Schools All-Ireland winning team of 2022 pictured at their presentation ceremony at the Convent of Mercy. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Convent of Mercy All-Ireland Camogie presentation ceremony at the Convent of Mercy were Hazel Kelly and Síofra Hession. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Convent of Mercy All-Ireland presentation ceremony at the Convent of Mercy were Ciara O’Dowd and Zara Fallon. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

GOING OUT

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

Images from recent Wedding Fair in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon

Pictured at the recent Convent of Mercy All-Ireland Camogie presentation ceremony at the Convent of Mercy were Miriam Hunt (Principal), special guest Rena Buckley (18-time All-Ireland champion with Cork) and Sinead Tiernan (Deputy Principal). Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Convent of Mercy All-Ireland Camogie presentation ceremony at the Convent of Mercy were Ali Campbell, Anna Campbell, Niamh Fitzgerald, Orla Connolly, Ciara Carr, Sally Bolger and Sinead Mannion. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Convent of Mercy All-Ireland Camogie presentation ceremony at the Convent of Mercy were Eabha Killian, Taylor Kelly, Amy Fitzmaurice, Nicole Reaney and Mella Lawless. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Convent of Mercy All-Ireland Camogie presentation ceremony at the Convent of Mercy were Jenny Flynn, Alison McNamara, Roisin Mahon, Clare McNeill, Ava Mulry, Alanna Corcoran, Eabha O’Dowd and Emma Connaughton.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Photos: Villiam Revtak

ROSCOMMON AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Sheep Switch?

Proposal to put Rossie breed back on county crest

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Sheep, Dogs, etc.

Local councillors Anthony Waldron and Liam Callaghan will support calls to put a depiction of the ‘historic’ Roscommon Sheep breed back on the county council’s crest at the next meeting of the local authority.

The councillors have confirmed this week that they will table a joint

motion supporting a proposal from the Roscommon Sheep Breeders Association to “change the county crest to accurately reflect its Roscommon history and heritage”. The breeders association, first established in 1895 – making it the first of its kind in Ireland – says the renowned Roscommon Sheep were a “large white animal with a small tuft of wool on their forehead”.

The group envisages that Roscommon Sheep, which gained notoriety throughout the world in the mid to late 1800s, will once again be recognised as a pedigree breed by the Department of Agriculture in coming years.

The group said the local breed was recognised on earlier crests and has called on Roscommon County Council to support its

ongoing work by reinstating it.

The breeders’ association have also called for the sheep which have “a very strong historical connection with the county” to be used in any murals or art installations that represent the animal in the county. Cllrs Waldron and Callaghan are expected to table a joint motion at this month’s meeting of Roscommon County Council.

Weanling Bulls and Bullocks

AUTUMN SH/SHX SALE in conjunction with normal sale

Thursday 29th Sep. at 12.00 noon

Sale of Store and Fat Lambs, Breeding Ewes and Rams

SHOWS

MacManus highlights

‘alarming’ decline of North-West region

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus said he would use a series of high-level engagements in the European Commission and Parliament this week to highlight the ‘alarming decline’ of the country’s Northern and Western region.

The MEP was due to meet with Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira as well as Chair of the European Parliament’s Regional Development Committee Younous Omarjee.

The Midlands Northwest MEP has been meeting with key regional stakeholders in recent weeks and intends to bring their proposals to the decision-makers in Europe.

“The decline of our region in recent years has been alarming and points to a lack of understanding of the

challenges we face, both at Government and EU level,” the MEP said.

“The Northern and Western region is unique as the only region in Ireland downgraded to being a region in transition and a moderate innovator region.

“Furthermore, a recent report carried out by the European Parliament confirmed that the region is stuck in a development trap, and has been for many years”.

MEP MacManus said these were worrying indicators and called for urgent action to ensure the decline is reversed.

“In recent weeks I have met with a number of regional stakeholders, including the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, Western Development Commission, Ireland West Airport, Atlantic

Economic Corridor Business Forum, University of Galway and the recently established Atlantic Technological University, to hear their views on how these challenges can be addressed,” he said.

“Many of the same themes emerged from these meetings – the need to address infrastructural deficits, in particular public transport, broadband and renewable energy; the exclusion of the west from the TEN-T Core Network; the lack of autonomy for regional decision-making and finance; Government’s failure to adequately utilise EU funding as well as a number of other specific issues”.

Addressing these issues, he said, would bring investment, opportunity, and high value jobs to the region.

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus

Cllr. Anthony Waldron

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Inland Fisheries to recruit new officers in Roscommon

Inland Fisheries Ireland has launched a recruitment drive aimed at hiring 36 new Seasonal Fisheries Officers across the country.

The six-month posts are divided across 15 counties – including Roscommon – with recruitment getting underway immediately.

Seasonal Fisheries Officers from Roscommon will join teams over the summer months to help protect, conserve and develop fisheries resources. They will work in and around Ireland’s lakes, rivers and coastlines.

Inland Fisheries HR Director, Róisín Bradley said the new officers would carry out patrols by foot, e-bike, vehicle, and boat.

“Our officers working in protection will spend a lot of their time patrolling lakes, rivers and coastlines. Officers working in development will also

spend a lot of their time around lakes and rivers, as they build, repair and maintain structures,” she said.

“Those that enjoy being close to nature and work-

Castlerea MART WATCH

650 animals presented for sale on Thursday last and as we enter spring trade and prices continue to strengthen with extra farmers and strong export demand leading to increased prices.

The weanling trade in particular noticed increased prices with bulls peaking at €4.14 a kilo while heifer weanlings peaked at €3.74. The bullock and heifer rings reported good clearances with bullocks peaking at €2,150 and heifers topped out at €2,180, while the dry cows made up to €2,280.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1,570 to €1,900. Springers made from €1,160 to €2,360. Young calves made from €65 to €330 per head while runners made from €260 to €1,120 for continental lots.

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

All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation.

Sample prices for bullocks: BBx 470kgs €1560, Ch 460kgs €1550, Lm 480kgs €1510, Lmx 425kgs €1430, Lm 520kgs €1860, BA 520kgs €1700, Lm 505kgs €1670, Lm 515kgs €1620, Chx 585kgs €1880, Lm 645kgs €2000, Ch 740kgs €2150, Lmx 725kgs €2130, Ch 675kgs €2000, AA 590kgs €1780.

Heifers: Lmx 415kgs €1390, Ch 425kgs €1350, Lm 390kgs €1270, Chx 490kgs €1520, Ch 485kgs €1500, Lm 485kgs €1500, Ch 705kgs €2180, Ch 760kgs €2140, AA 640kgs €1990, Lm 565kgs €1870, AA 593kgs €1910, AA 635kgs €1950.

Dry cows: Lmx 485kgs €1330, Frx 475kgs €900, Ch 750kgs €2220, Shx 810kgs €2150, Six 810kgs €2100, Sim 765kgs €1990, Fr 660kgs €1460, Sim 520kgs €1580.

Weanling bulls: Ch 260kgs €1060, Ch 265kgs €1060, Lm 265kgs €1010, Ch 270kgs €990, Ch 335kgs €1390, Ch 345kgs €1300, Lm 350kgs €1440, Chx 440kgs €1220.

Weanling heifers: Ch 270kgs €1010, Lm 275kgs €990, Lm 270kgs €950, Lm 295kgs €930, Ch 375kgs €1300, Ch 350kgs €1260, Ch 345kgs €1250, AAx 345kgs €1170, Lm 310kgs €1090, Lm 340kgs €1080, Lm 400kgs €1340, AA 225kgs €620.

ing outdoors, in all types of weather, are likely to find these roles in Roscommon very appealing and rewarding”.

The agency plans to launch a second recruit-

ment drive later in the year for Seasonal Research Assistants.

The seasonal recruitment campaign opened for applications on Saturday last (4th). Those interested in

applying for a six-month Seasonal Fisheries Officer role are encouraged to do so online at www.fisheriesireland.ie/careers, before the deadline of Tuesday, February 21st.

Feighan welcomes €100k funding for North Roscommon

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has welcomed an announcement by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan confirming that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has allocated funds to Ireland’s local authorities with a view to spending €290 million on walking and cycling infrastructure in 2023. Under the scheme Ro-

scommon County Council have received an allocation of €2.5m for 20 projects across the county. The overall investment will fund approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects nationwide.

Deputy Feighan highlighted some of the key investments for his part of the Sligo/Leitrim/North Roscommon/South Don-

egal constituency. They include the Cootehall Footpath link which has been allocated €20,000, the inter-urban Greyway pilot (Drumsna and Jamestown, Leitrim via L3656, Roscommon) which received €25,000, Scoil na Ainegeal on Naofa Carrick Road in Boyle which got €10,000, St Michael’s and St Patrick’s NS in Cootehall which received €15,000, and Scoil Naisiunta Cruachain, which has been allocated €25,000.

“I am thrilled that many of the ‘gaps’ in our footpath and cycleway infrastructure will be dealt with by this funding”, commented Deputy Feighan.

“I want to thank Roscommon County Council staff and officials for including these projects in their submission to the departments headed by Ministers Ryan and (Jack) Chambers”.

Fisheries Officers, L-R Jose Perez, Maureen Byrne, Andrew Crosbie, Christine Meehan.

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan

Climate change? Cows are not the problem!

Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon Dear Editor,

I refer to your article on MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan (Roscommon People, issue dated February 3rd 2023).

I wish to deal with the following statement regarding methane: “MEP Flanagan said that Ireland has massive problems with agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), mainly methane and nitrous oxide”.

This is a common misconception based on only counting the greenhouse gas put into the air by ruminants, and not counting the greenhouse gas pulled out of the air by ruminants. The story says that cows produce methane, and that’s true. Methane is a greenhouse gas, and that’s true. So, the natural conclusion is that cows are a big problem for climate change. This is simply not true.

Ruminant livestock’s methane emissions is virtually irrelevant as a greenhouse gas because it is part of the carbon cycle and no new carbon or methane is created. No cow, sheep, or goat has ever managed to create carbon from nothing. Methane from cattle is part of the biogenic carbon cycle, which has been around since life began. Grass growth pulls carbon dioxide from the air. The cow consumes the grass and some of the carbon is belched from the cow as methane. The methane is rapidly converted back into carbon dioxide and the

cycle continues. The mainstream narrative consistently portray cows as pumping methane into the atmosphere. This is like saying every shower of rain that falls is new water and adds to the volume of water in the sea and that in time we are all going to drown.

The Intergovernmental Pennell on Climate Change (IPCC) report on ‘Climate Change and Land’ (August 2019) states that agriculture and forestry pulls out twice as much GHG from the air as it puts in. What if the pasture was wasted, just left to decompose?

It’s important to note that methane is not released by the cows themselves, but the bacteria in their gut.

Similar bacteria also exist in the environment and produce methane in wetlands, fens decomposing vegetation and landfills. The actual amount of methane released from a single blade of grass wouldn’t change if it wasted and was just left to decompose or if it was eaten by a cow and then digested by the bacteria in their gut.

Additionally, I wish to mention New South Wales grassland beef ranch Wilmot Cattle Co, who concluded a $0.5million deal to sell thousands of tons of sequestered carbon to Microsoft. Bill Gates is now the biggest private owner of farmland in the United States. Why? Possibly be-

cause he sees an opportunity to sell carbon credits while at the same time anticipating an increase in agricultural productivity and revenue.

Grassland farming is a massive opportunity for Ireland, not a problem.

A cow will eat 5000 kg grass dry matter per year.

Grass is 45% carbon, therefore a cow pulls 2250kg of pure carbon out of the air each year. A cow exhales 1000kg carbon in the form of carbon dioxide per year and burps and excretes an additional 110 kg carbon in the form of methane, which makes a total of 1110 kg of carbon returned to the air. Thus a cow pulls 1150 kg of carbon out of the air each

‘Forestry deal not my preferred choice’

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to plant and acquire forests for its national forestry strategy.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has said that the Coillte forestry deal with Gresham House Investments was not his “preferred choice” when it came to increasing forestry cover across the country.

The partnership between the semi-state forestry company and the British investment fund has received widespread criticism.

Coillte has defended the deal, claiming it needs to raise funds

Senator Murphy said that during his discussions with Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue he suggested that any area with over 15 per cent forestation should be off limits to the UK investors.

The Fianna Fáil Senator also expressed concerns that good farming land would be sucked up by the project.

“Farmers themselves should consider planting a few acres of broadleaf forestry which now has

a subsidy of €1100 per hectare which is extended to 20 years,” he said.

“There is also a plantation grant available so as to help the landowner establish the project. I would urge farmers to seriously consider this option rather than selling their land to Gresham House Investments”.

Senator Murphy said the Agricul ture Minister and his Department would be “very supportive” of farmers who consider planting small areas of broadleaf forestry.

year (NET). Carbon dioxide is 27% carbon, therefore 1150kg of pure carbon is equivalent to 4,260kg of carbon dioxide pulled out of the air. Hence, no new methane or carbon is created in this system. Therefore the cow cannot cause any additional warming of the atmosphere. In addition, farmers get no credit for the 680,000km of farm, hedgerows, individual trees and non-forest woodlands, all of which adds up to 450,00 hectares, all pulling greenhouse gas out of the air.

Yours sincerely, Pat

Cummins

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy

Senator Aisling Dolan calls for extra rural bus routes

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan has this week raised the need for a bus route from Athlone to Ballinasloe along the Dublin-Galway road under the Rural Mobility Plan.

Transport For Ireland. People can explore cafés, restaurants, shopping, forest parks and amenities all over the region on the bus”.

8 Tax Saving Tips for 2023

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Dolan said a recently launched service from Castlerea to Ballinasloe is proving successful.

The Fine Gael Senator now wants a further service for those travelling from Athlone to Ballinasloe.

“Recently the new 546 route from Castlerea-Mountbellew-Ballinasloe was launched and this gives people choice with three services a day under the Local Link and

“The bus station in Athlone town centre used to bring people through Summerhill and Moore into Ballinasloe and right outside the door of Portiuncula Hospital,” she said.

people in Athlone and the major maternity hospital in the region – and with thousands of TÚS students travelling to Athlone every day – there is a demand from groups for this service and it is listed under Route 23 in the Connecting Ireland strategy.

We understand that every farmer is different, and there’s no one answer to cover all scenarios. However, there are several tax-saving tips that can reduce taxable income. Farmers should use every available tip because over-looked tax deductions are wasted opportunities.

“As the hospital for over 20,000

“Right now there is no service on this route. Commercial providers bring people from town to town along the motorway, however we need Local Link to connect communities and bring them from

From reducing your income tax to ensuring you qualify for inheritance tax and capital gains tax relief, this Focus supplement is a must-read for all farmers. Use it to work out which tips are applicable to you and how to take advantage of them.

town centre to town centre”. Another proposed route is from Athlone to Roscommon town via Ballyforan, Ballygar and Athleague.

“Again, this would give a choice to people who may not be able to drive or have access to a car,” Senator Dolan said.

In a response, Minister Josepha Madigan said that there is an increase of 25 per cent in rural bus services and that routes are still under review.

8 Tax Saving Tips for 2023

We understand that every farmer is different, and there’s no one answer to cover all scenarios. However, there are several taxsaving tips that can reduce taxable income. Farmers should use every available tip because over-looked tax deductions are wasted opportunities.

From reducing your income tax to ensuring you qualify for inheritance tax and capital gains tax relief, this Focus supplement is a must-read for all farmers. Use it to work out which tips are applicable to you and how to take advantage of them.

1. Tax credits

Ensure you are taking advantage of all the tax credits you are entitled to. See Table 1.

2. Medical bills

Keep receipts for all your medical expenses, and those you pay for your spouse and children, as you can reclaim 20% of the expenses, net of anything you receive from a health insurance policy. You can claim expenses from the past four years. Note that only some expenses relating to nursing home care can get relief at the higher 40% tax rate.

3.

Joint assessment is the tax treatment that best suits most couples (whether married or in a civil partnership), even if one of them is self-employed. Joint assessment allows tax credits to be shared and generally means more money can be earned at the lower 20% tax rate. Speak to a tax professional to find out what is best for your circumstances, as, in some cases, a separate

assessment may be more desirable.

4. Business/Personal Bills

If you spend money on things that are used for both personal and business use, then you can claim a deduction for part of the expense. For bills like a mobile phone, internet and car running costs a portion of the expenses, based on use, can be claimed.

5. Stock relief

In any accounting year, a farmer may reduce their trading income by 25% of the increase in value of their trading stock. For farm partnerships, 50% of the increase in value can be used, while for young farmers, the relief is 100%.

The enhanced benefits for young farmers and partnerships were extended to the end of 2024 in Budget 2023. There is no clawback on the stock relief when animals are sold. Stock relief cannot be large enough to allow a farm to report a loss for the year, and reliefs cannot be carried forward to following years. Stallions are not included in the relief programme. The Revenue’s tax manual on stock relief specifically warns farmers against buying cattle at the end of a year and selling them back once the year as passed in order to create a relief for that year. Revenue labelled this as “tax avoidance” which, if detected, can lead to substantial extra expense.

6. Income averaging

This allows farmers to pay tax based on the average of five years’ farming profits and losses. Generally, you must remain in the

1. Tax credits

Ensure you are taking advantage of all the tax credits you are entitled to. See Table 1.

Table 1: Tax credit comparison for 2022 v 2023

scheme for a minimum of five years, but it is possible to step out for a single year. Note, this scheme is more about cashflow management than making outright tax savings over the longer term.

7. Capital allowances

Large-value items which will be used over several years have their cost written down over several years. It is this writedown that is a deductible expense. In the case of farm buildings and land improvements, they are written down over seven years, while plant and machinery (including tractors) are written down over eight years.

8. Succession Tax Credit

How land is passed through the generations is often a difficult challenge, and decisions around it will rarely be governed by tax allowances. However, in the case of succession planning where there is a farm partnership in place, tax credits of up to €5,000 per year for five years are available for the partnership. In order to qualify, the younger member of the partnership has to be under 40 during each of the five years. For more tax tips see www.ifac.ie or give Tommie Fallon and our Roscommon team a call on (090) 662 6599

2.

Keep receipts for all your medical expenses, and those you pay for your spouse and children, as you can reclaim 20% of the expenses, net of anything you receive from a health insurance policy. You can claim expenses from the past four years. Note that only some expenses relating to nursing home care can get relief at the higher 40% tax rate.

3. Dual income benefit

Joint assessment is the tax treatment that best suits most couples (whether married or in a civil partnership), even if one of them is self-employed. Joint assessment allows tax credits to be shared and generally means more money can be earned at the lower 20% tax rate. Speak to a tax professional to find out what is best for your circumstances, as, in some cases, a separate assessment may be more desirable.

Dual income benefit

Table 1: Tax credit comparison for 2022 v 2023

Cllr. Tony WARD

Tel: (090) 64 88294 or Mobile: (087) 9165226

Email: tonywardmcc@eircom.net

Independent member of Roscommon County Council and a full time public representative.

Roscommon participants sought for free Know Your Locality course

Roscommon County Council Heritage Office is delighted to work with the Irish Archaeology Field School to offer a free hybrid course (online as well as an in-person field trip) over the next five weeks.

AT 11 A.M.

3 RINGS IN OPERATION.

YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. VIEWING AT 10 A.M.

The course will take participants step-by-step through the available online sources that will allow you to paint a picture of the geological, archaeological, and historical events that happened close to where you live.

Course dates and times are scheduled over five evenings, namely on Tuesday February 28th, Thursday March 2nd, Tuesday March 7th, Thursday March 9th, and finally, on Tuesday March 14th. The initiative is organised over two-hour sessions from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, with a field trip taking place on Sunday March 5th.

Participants will need access to the internet and a

device, preferably a laptop or PC. While the course will look at examples from throughout Ireland, it will focus on the geology, archaeology and history of the county of Roscommon.

Speaking ahead of this year’s course, Heritage Officer with Roscommon County Council Nollaig Feeney remarked: “Previ-

ous Roscommon ‘Know Your Locality’ courses have been a great success and the organisers are looking forward to offering another opportunity for people in the county to take part in the free online course.

“We are delighted to work with the Irish Archaeological Field School, who will deliver the

course. Places are limited, so don’t delay!”, said Nollaig. The course is supported by The Heritage Council as an action of the County Roscommon Heritage Plan. The course itself is particularly aimed toward residents of County Roscommon, who will be given preference for available course places, as well

as enthusiasts of Roscommon’s natural and cultural heritage. Know your locality –Roscommon! It is amazing what you can discover about your local area from the snug safety of your home. For further details and to book, please visit iafs.ie/know-your-localityroscommon-februarymarch-2023/.

New suckler programme must be accessible for all – IFA

IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden said the terms and conditions of the new Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme

(SCEP), which is “a vital income support” must not be prohibitive for suckler farmers.

Mr Golden met with

senior Department of Agriculture officials in advance of the scheme being finalised. “IFA has objected from

the outset to the compulsory requirement for farms to be in the Bord Bia QA for the scheme,” he said.

“Quality Assurance is a market requirement and must be rewarded from the market place. It’s neither appropriate nor acceptable that suckler farmers will be forced to become Bord Bia Quality Assured in order to be eligible”.

The Livestock Chair said that the SCEP is due to open in mid-March and all eligibility criteria should only apply from that date.

“Actions or decisions taken by suckler farmers on their farms prior to this date cannot impact on payment levels or eligibility for the scheme,” he said.

“Farmers made these breeding decisions long before any CAP Strategic plans were finalised or accepted by the Commission and before any scheme terms and conditions were available. Therefore, this cannot be used as a mechanism to reduce payments or determine eligibility for

farmers in the scheme”. Mr Golden also identified the high level of ambition set out in the Strategic Plans document for the measures in the scheme and said farmers must be provided with maximum flexibility.

“The genotyping requirement must allow farmers sample calves at the time of tagging to address the issues experienced with this aspect of the BDGP and provide for a more efficient sampling process on farms,” he said.

Brendan Golden added that new entrants must be provided with a rolling reference year to allow for the herd to be built up while participating in the scheme.

“The objective in developing the terms and conditions for this scheme must be to facilitate the maximum number of farmer participants by ensuring the criteria is practical, deliverable on farm and does not involve unnecessary bureaucracy,” he concluded.

IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden

ICMSA: Suspicions grow around fertiliser prices

The President of ICMSA Pat McCormack has claimed the association has been made aware of numerous cases where fertiliser suppliers have refused to quote farmers a current price for a specific volume.

Mr. McCormack said the practice was leading to speculation amongst farmers that – as the international price of fertilisers trended notably lower – the co-ops and other stockists were intent on selling their existing stocks at the previously higher prices.

“ICMSA had received several contacts from members recently where farmers intending to purchase and spread fertiliser in the coming weeks were refused specific quotes on the prices they would have to pay,” he said.

“Farmers were absolutely entitled to know what they would be paying for a

specific amount of fertiliser purchased on a specific date” he said, adding that the refusal of the sellers to confirm a price amounted to what he said was “an unacceptable hedge position being taken at the expense

of the farmer”.

Mr. McCormack said fertiliser stocks would be purchased over the next few weeks and accused sellers of attempting to delay taking new orders until they have old stocks sold at

previously higher prices.

“This is an unacceptable hedge position being taken at the expense of the farmer who must know that his fertiliser order has been taken, will be delivered and that he will be paying an

exact amount,” he said.

“The co-ops and all other fertiliser sellers are much better positioned to play a ‘wait and see’ game with international commodities like fertiliser than are individual farmers”.

Ballaghaderreen Library works to be completed this summer

Refurbishment works at Ballaghaderreen Library are finally expected to be completed this summer following confirmation from Roscommon County Council that construction works are set to go to tender later this month.

The project was delayed last year due to an unsuccessful tendering process for a mechanical and electrical engineer. However, the local authority has since been successful in a second tendering process.

Roscommon MART WATCH

There was a large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special heifer sale with a very strong trade for all classes.

Heifers fetched from an average of €2.93 per kilo up to €3.71 per kilo. Dry cows made an average of €2.51 per kilo up to €3.30 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 €145.

The tops for stag ewes fetched €165. Cast ewes made from €65 to €165 per lot. In-lamb ewes made from €132 up to €150. Ewe with two lambs at foot made up to €230. Ewe with one lamb at foot made up to €210. The next sale of lambs and cast ewes takes place next Wednesday (15th). There will also be a special entry of 60 2nd, 3rd, and 4th crop ewes in-lamb to Suffolk rams due from March 17th onwards.

Sample prices for dry cows: Char

The news comes after Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane sought an update on the reopening from Minister for Community Development Heather Humphreys.

The works had been approved under the Department’s Small Scale Capital Work Scheme.

Speaking this week, Deputy Claire Kerrane said: “The closure of the library continues to have an impact. Many people, all of ages, were regular visitors to the library and relied on it. That is why I

X 715kgs €2360, Char X 745kgs €2260, Lim X 790kgs €2400, Char X 775kgs €2380, Lim X 780kgs €2260, Char X 760kgs €2240, Lim X 760kgs €2200, Lim X 740kgs €2180, Lim X 735kgs €2150, BBX 725kgs €2130, Lim X 655kgs €1910, Lim X 760kgs €2290.

Heifers: Char X 415kgs €1540, Char X 690kgs €2270, Char X 680kgs €2230, Char X 640kgs €2040, SAX 610kgs €2020, Lim X 570kgs €1860, Char X 600kgs €2000, Lim X 560kgs €1810, Lim

have repeatedly raised the impact of it’s closure with the Minister in trying to get works expedited as well as seeking constant updates so I can keep locals updated. They are anxious to see it re-opened as quickly as possible, as am I.

“While, the delay due to the council having to re-tender for works is disappointing, it doesn’t appear to have had a major bearing on its reopening which is to be this summer. I will continue to keep a close eye on this right up until the doors reopen”.

X 555kgs €1720, Lim X 485kgs €1680, Char X 525kgs €1680, Char X 465kgs €1670, Char X 510kgs €1660, Char X 520kgs €1650, Char X 455kgs €1580, Lim X 480kgs €1560, Char 475kgs €1520, Lim X 430kgs €1470, Char X 410kgs €1460, Char X 425kgs €1450. Finished hoggets: 59kgs €145, 54.3kgs €143, 55.5kgs €143, 54.5kgs €142, 49.3kgs €142, 52kgs €142, 51kgs €141, 48.3kgs €136, 47.1kgs €130, 45.8kgs €128.

Also Dry Cows and Bullocks Bookings accepted until Monday, 13th February at 5 p.m. -

Sale of

Notice – Show and Sale of Weanlings on February 28th - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Saturday, 11th February at 12 noon

followed by Dispersal Sale of 4 and 5 Star Organic Breeding Cattle on behalf of Mary Conry–Candler at 1pm 5 - First Calvers with Calves at Foot, 14 - Cows with Calves at Foot, 1 - In Calf Heifer, 11 - In Calf Cows, 6 - Maiden Heifers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lambs & Cast Ewes

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

************

Special Entry of 60 2nd 3rd and 4th crop ewes in lamb to the Suffolk rams due from the 17th of March onwards

************

Note - Sheep Scanning Service takes place each Wednesday from 9 to 10 am

< DAN DOONER

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane

New hope for Ireland’s future drug policy as decriminalisation under consideration

Let’s talk about ...

REFORMING DRUG POLICY

Alannah Ita Healy

Last week saw Tánaiste Micheál Martin signal support for decriminalising drugs in Ireland, the FF leader backing recent calls from fellow politicians for a more health-led approach to this issue. This comes shortly after TDs James Lawless and Paul McAuliffe called for the legalisation of drugs in Ireland, warning that the current ‘war on drugs’ is simply not working. Of course they are not wrong in this observation; the entire relevance of this recent conversation surrounding drug decriminalisation/ legalisation stems directly from the fact that our current drug policy is blatantly failing us – and has been for quite some time. The more judicial-driven process by which we have been operating for so many years (the ‘war on drugs’ as it were) has not led to meaningful positive results long-term. Not only has drug abuse continued to rise, the current policy also fails to properly accommodate those suffering with addiction; we have among the highest rates of overdoses in the EU (over four times the average) and currently there are more than 3,500 people in Ireland waiting for a detox bed.

This is not to mention the other huge fallacy at the heart of our current drug policy, and that is the disproportionate way in which poorer individuals are targeted and disadvantaged by it. Despite drug use occurring at a pretty similar level across social classes, people from poorer and more marginalised communities are far more likely to be convicted due to heavier Garda presences in their areas. Even beyond the inevitable long-term impact such convictions can have on a person’s ability to find employment, to travel, and to maintain stable relationships (even for minor offences), those who’re less well off are further disadvantaged in that they aren’t able to access the same rehabilitation resources that others can afford when trying to tackle their addiction.

If, as the saying suggests, the definition of

insanity is ‘doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results’, then we would be out of our minds to not reform our drug policy, having seen how ineffectual the old one has been. An overly judicial approach is always doomed to fail here, because while there are of course many legal angles to this issue, at its core, drug misuse is a public health problem, not a criminal one. In order to see meaningful progress, we need to recognise addicts not as criminals, but as people struggling to battle a serious illness. Significant changes need to be made, and they need to be made now. And with several TDs (including the Tánaiste) coming forward to speak in favour of moving away from criminalisation and towards a more health-led approach, it would seem that such reform is within reach.

That said, there really doesn’t seem to be enough consensus at the moment on what future drug policy should look like. Though the need for a more health-led approach is well supported, the specifics are where things get murky. In recent weeks, we have seen politicians use the terms ‘decriminalisation’ and ‘legalisation’ with regards to drugs rather interchangeably, despite these terms meaning two completely different things.

Under decriminalisation, drugs and drug use would remain illegal, but possession of a small amount for personal use would no longer be considered a criminal offence; i.e. the person is decriminalised, not the drugs themselves. Not only would decriminalisation encourage more people to feel they can seek help for their addiction, it would also serve to free up Garda resources, and reduce convictions across the board (which in turn could go a long way in reducing social welfare expenditure). These excess resources could then go towards investing in support and recovery systems, tackling the issue at its root.

The efficacy of decriminalisation has been well established, with the most notable example being Portugal, which managed to make a remarkable recovery from a devastating drugs crisis after decriminalising all drugs in 2001 and committing to a health-focused model. Legalisation, on the other hand, represents a different approach. Here we would see legalisation of (some) drugs and drug use itself – most likely restricted to naturally-occurring substances like mushrooms, cannabis, peyote, etc. These drugs would be taxed and regulated within the legal system, similarly to what we do with alcohol and nicotine, and – per recent suggestions by TDs – would be available to buy at some sort of

‘off-license’ equivalent. This approach would not just offer financial benefits for the country in that taxation on these substances would boost government revenue, it would also mean that the substances people access have been properly regulated and controlled, as opposed to the unsafe, illegal options currently available. The other unique benefit of legalisation as opposed to decriminalisation in terms of tackling substance use is that the former would serve to undermine the business of criminal gangs/dealers.

Of course, given how serious an issue this is, overhauling our drug policy is not a task to be taken lightly. The seriousness of this issue is what sparks so much apprehension for those who fear leaning towards decriminalisation/legalisation may lead to some sort of ‘free for all’ that we wouldn’t be able to recover from. However, it is worth looking at the consistent success other countries have had by introducing these measures in tandem with adequate research and investment in recovery supports. Already the HSE has begun opting for evidence-based harm-reduction measures (supervised injection facilities, needle exchanges, substitute treatment for opiods, etc.), and this has been received well. But the contrast between this

evolving approach in the heath sector and the strict prohibition that persists in the legal system is blocking us from achieving the progress that’s possible.

Tackling all the different aspects of this issue requires a combined approach, and in order for any reform to happen successfully, a rigorous and comprehensive framework that prioritises citizens’ health and wellbeing must be developed. There’s a distinct lack of political consensus across parties on whether decriminalisation or legalisation specifically is being advocated for, and a lack of general consensus among the public about whether such a radical policy change is the way to go at all, but surely one thing we can all agree on is that the current system isn’t working and something has to change.

A Citizens’ Assembly on drugs is expected to take place later this year, and will hopefully give the public some clarity and the opportunity to learn more about the different aspects of this growing problem, and the best way to tackle it. We have let this issue become exacerbated due to sticking with an inefficient drug policy for so many years; now the key priority has to be establishing a more progressive system that prioritises this as the public health issue it is.

(A student’s perspective)

The Convent of Mercy All-Ireland Camogie winning management team pictured with special guest Rena Buckley at their recent presentation ceremony. Left to right: Martin McManus, Kate Lavin, Rena Buckley, Teresa Hession and Edel Connolly. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At the recent Convent of Mercy All-Ireland Camogie presentation ceremony, team captains Ali Campbell and Ellen Cafferkey made a presentation to special guest Rena Buckley. Rena presented the girls with their medals. Between 2005 and 2017 she won 18 All-Ireland winning medals, making her one of the most decorated sportspeople in Gaelic games. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

PropertyPeople

RE/MAX Team Earley close sale on quality Tulsk residence 67 new homes built in Roscommon in last quarter

This week, RE/MAX Team Earley are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of a quality four-bedroomed, semi-detached residence, located at 27 Chestnut Grove, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon.

Situated in the attractive Chestnut Grove development within walking distance of Tulsk Village and all local amenities, this property was presented for sale in excellent condition throughout and offered spacious living accommodation together with a generous rear garden area.

Ground floor accommodation comprises briefly of an entrance hallway, living room, kitchen, WC, and playroom/office. Upstairs accommodation comprises of a landing, master bedroom (with ensuite), one double bedroom, two single bedrooms, and a main bathroom. The BER rating for this property is C1.

RE/MAX Team Earley are currently looking for similar properties in the Tulsk area for disappointed underbidders and cash buyers.

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact RE/ MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact auctioneer Cormac directly on 086-3519492 or auctioneer Cathal on 086-1409158.

< DAN DOONER

There was a total of 67 new homes built in County Roscommon in the last quarter of 2022, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. Of those newly-built properties, 36 were single houses, 83 were part of a housing scheme, and just one was an apartment.

Elsewhere, there were 27 new-builds in County Longford, including 19 single houses, six apartments, and two housing scheme developments. Just 25 new houses were built in Leitrim, the lowest number in the country. This figure included nine single houses and 16 dwellings that were part of a scheme. There were just over 9,000 (9,148) new homes developed across the country in the last three months of last year.

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

CONNAUGHT

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess)

- Openfire - Stoves - Ranges

Chimney CCTV Inspection

OIL BOILERS SERVICED

CHIROPRACTOR

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

COUNSELLING

FARMING

< FOR SALE: Round bales of very good quality silage, Castlerea area. Phone: 086 3936725

GARDENING

GARDENING

GARDENING SERVICES

Are

Burners Repaired CARPETS CLEANING

Satellite and Digital TV Installation

All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851

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 Submit

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

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

CHIROPRACTOR

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

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

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

FOR SALE

< FOR SALE: All types of trees and hedging, Laurel, Beech, Whitethorn, Oak, Elder, Birch, Dogrose, Gelder Rose. Suitable for ACRES & GLAS Scheme and REP Scheme. Card paynent accepted. Phone: 087 4177148

< FOR SALE: 5 drawer chest of drawers, 1 bookshelf - 5ft, single bed. Phone: 087 9141128

< FOR SALE: 10 x 6 tipping trailer, tonne bags of timber, 12 x 11 x 25 wheels for tractor also Massey 35 tractor + 5ft transport box. Phone: 087 7733181

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing

Over 20 years in business

All types of fencing supplied and erected Including:

• Cresoted Posts

• Agricultural Fencing

• Site Fencing

• Security Fencing

• Post & Rail Fencing

• Concrete Fencing

• Grant Approved Fencing

No job too big or too small

Just give us a call on 087 2346364

GARDENING

FRANCIS REGAN

FENCING LTD

For all your fencing needs.

l GLAS Fencing

l Grant Fencing

l Post Rail

Tel: 087 2172281

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

• Landscaping

• Timber Decking

• Patios

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

JOE HEALY Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Fully Insured

Phone: 087 2721193

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

CORBETT

• 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

Kerins Plant Ltd

Tree Care & Plant Hire

Residential & Commercial Tree Care

l Tree removal

l Tree crowning

l Site clearance and mulching

l Wood chipping

l Stump grinding

l Fully insured and certified

Telephone: 087-3477546

Email: kerinsplantcivilsltd @gmail.com

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

l General Maintenance

l Dangerous Tree Removal

l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped

l Wood Chipping

l Fully Insured

I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (ADPS, 085 7466211, www. adps.ie ) intend to apply to Roscommon County Council on behalf of my clients

Thomas and Peter Varley.

Permission to construct (i)

Shed over existing roofless cubicles and all associated site works. Permission for retention of roofless cubicle and slatted tank extensions are also required at Emlaghmore House, Emlaghmore, Donamon, Co. Roscommon.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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.

Signed: Aidan Kelly

B.Arch B.sc Arch Tech B.Agr

Agri Design & Planning Services Molough, Newcastle, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary E91 VK64 WEBSITE:www.adps.ie Mobile: 085 7466211, 062 43908 Email: aidan@adps.ie aidankelly2000@yahoo.ie

We, Michael and Paricia Morris intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct extension to side of existing dwelling associated work and services at No 1, The Spinney, Ballypheasan, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449

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

I, Kenneth Myres intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct dwelling house, domestic garage and install waste water treatment unit with polishing filter at Tobermacloughlin Td., Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Kenneth Myres

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Tommy and Joan Furey, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for development at Newtown East TD, Clonown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development consists of the construction of a new extension to the rear and sides of an existing dwelling, including all associated site works.

This 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 planning authority in writing 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 submissions or observations may be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Tommy and Joan Furey

Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural 086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, John Lynch intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect a slatted shed and a general-purpose agricultural shed and to construct all ancillary site works to facilitate same at Sraduff, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: John Lynch

087 2295551

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Full planning permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the construction of a new dwelling on my lands at Hodson’s Bay, Barrymore, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The development will consist of a single new dwelling including a new connection to the public mains, all associated landscaping and earthworks and all associated drainage.

Signed: David Heavey

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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.

Powerwashing

Powerwashing

facebook.com/moleskinarch

l

Hedge Trimming

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED POWERWASHING PLANNINGS

PODIATRIST REFLEXOLOGY

TUITION

PODIATRIST

3rd, 5th & 6th year HL grinds

l Excellent results record l Limited places available For further information

Contact by phone/text: Lorraine 086 3688302

EMAIL:

FIREWOOD

Tel: Donal 086 2721812 (ALL AREAS)

CATTLE & ANIMAL BEDDING AVAILABLE

QUALITY TURF

Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone: 086 2437376

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS < TURF: Good black hopper turf, loads and bags. Phone 086 2544294 or 086 3903120 ROOFING email: roofingcontractors96@gmail.com Phone: 083 1479301 Our Services: • Roof cleaning • Roof repair • New roofs • Lead valleys New pvc gutters fascia soffit Gutter repairs • Chimney repairs NASHVILLE ROOFING Company website nashvilleroofing.ie Contact Liam at ROSCOMMON Driving School Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor Phone

< FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Excellent quality hardwood, Birch, Ash etc. 8x4 car trailer loads, tractor trailer loads and bags also available. Size cut to order. Call after 5pm 085 7848606

MAINTENANCE FITTER

Please

WANTED: Experienced HANDYMAN

Experienced Handyman required immediately to decorate/make good house after longterm tenants. Also tidy-up lawn, hedges, etc. Roscommon Town. Immediate start.

TEXT ONLY to (086) 805 4227

Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090 66 33084

SITUATIONS VACANT

< CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: For school pickup from Fuerty National School until 5.30/6.00p.m. 4 days a week in minder’s or child’s home. Please apply to: PO Box No 3067 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

< MECHANIC WANTED: Full or part time, Elphin area. Tel: 071 9635434

< ASSISTANT HERD MANAGER: Assisting in the care and management of 400 dairy cows, two milking’s per day. The successful candidate will have at least two year’s experience working in a dairy parlour. Candidates MUST have a current full driving licence and speak English. Working hours are varied but with a minimum of 39 hours per week, which will include some weekend work. The commensurate salary will be €30,000 per annum. Shared accommodation available to single person only. Apply with CV to Hanley Dairy Farm, Creggs, Co. Roscommon or email: brianhanley70@gmail.com - for further information telephone: 087 788 1566

SITUATIONS WANTED

< PLASTERER AVAILABLE: In Roscommon Town and surrounding areas. All aspects of plastering carried out. Recently relocated to the area. Call or text Shane for quotes on 085 1477 335.

< LADY AVAILABLE: Home help available, experienced, kind, trustworthy, mature lady available to look after person in their own home. Willing to do day or night duty. Assisting with personal care, cooking, doctors appointments or any other errands required. Reliable, flexible, cheerful and compassionate. Excellent references available on request. Longford - Roscommon Town area. Call: 086 3361111 or 089 2314175

GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal.

CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge

STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding

JJ

l

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

FALLON

Ollie

Kilcash, Rahara

(16th Anniversary)

who passed away on February 16th 2007

Our lives go on without you but nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, silent are the tears that fall living without you is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us your heart was so kind and true and when we needed someone we could always count on you. The special years will not return when we were all together.

But with love in our hearts you walk with us forever.

Always loved and sadly missed by your wife Marion, daughter Olivia, son Enda, daughter-in-law Michelle, son-in-law Aidan, grandchildren Ethan, Emma, Alisha and Robin.

Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday, 17th February at 7pm.

MULLOOLY Nancy

Church St., Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

(1st Anniversary)

Cherished memories of a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother.

R.I.P.

Nancy’s First Anniversary Mass will take place in Strokestown Parish Church on Saturday, 11th February at 12 noon.

WALSH

Anne & Oliver

Ballygar (formerly Cavan, Dublin & Kilkenny)

Who died 11th February 2019 Who died 5th May 1975

MUM & DAD

Always a smile instead of a frown, always a hand when one is down, always true, thoughtful and kind, wonderful memories you left behind.

Loved and sadly missed by all their family. Masses offered.

KEENAN

Patrick Ballymacfrane, Donamon

CUNNIFFE

Sr Maria Goretti

Convent of Mercy, Castlerea

(22nd Anniversary) (8th Anniversary)

DEVANEY

Nora

Convent Court, Roscommon/Tubbercurry, Sligo. (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Nora who died on the 16th February, 2021. Your life was one of thoughtful deeds, a helping hand to other’s needs sincere and true in heart and mind wonderful memories you left behind.

Loved and remembered by your brother Anthony, nieces Sarah, Julie, Laura, Sarah, sisters in law Janette and Nancy.

NORA

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.

Loved and very sadly missed by your dear friend Anne. Also your former colleagues, neighbours and many friends.

Nora’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Moylough, Co. Sligo on Sunday, 19th February 2023 at 10am.

May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace that she so richly deserves.

TRIMBLE

MONTH’S MIND MASS

FINNERTY Martin

Lunerton, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

Will those who think of them today, a little pray to Jesus say.

Remembered by all the family.

Anniversary Mass will be offered in Clooneycolgan Church on Sunday, 12th February at 9.30am.

DUNNE

Padraic

Lisnamult, Roscommon

Who passed away on 12th February 2018

(5th Anniversary)

May the winds of love blow gently and whisper for you to hear, that we still love and miss you, as it dawns another year.

Forever loved and greatly missed by his wife Mary, son Niall, daughters Ursula and Caroline.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 11th February at 11am.

BEATTIE

Eamonn

Knockanyconnor, Lecarrow. (7th Anniversary)

Thomas & David Cloonadra, Lanesboro (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Tommy Trimble (8th Anniversary and his son, David Trimble (43rd Anniversary) whose anniversaries occur at this time

Martin’s wife Grace, daughters Fiona and Emma, sons Conor and Gavin, sisters Margaret and Patty and their families would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on their great loss. We offer heartfelt thanks to our families, relatives, great neighbours and friends who visited our home, attended the wake, mass and burial and who provided emotional and practical support to us at this difficult time, for those who telephoned, travelled long distances, sent floral tributes, cards and messages of condolences and to those who made charitable donations to Galway Hospice, we truly are grateful. A special word of thanks and to whom we will be forever grateful, to Dr. Martin Daly and the staff of Ballygar Medical Centre, to the doctors, nurses, care staff, Pallative Care Team and staff of the Oncology Units in Portiuncula and UCHG Hospitals who gave comfort, dignity and wonderful care to Martin in hospital and his final weeks at home.

To Niamh, Seamus and staff of Murphy’s Medical Hall Ballinasloe, thank you.

Sincere thanks to Fr. John Mahoney for all your visits to Martin and for celebrating Martin’s Funeral Mass. Thank you to the St. Cuan’s Choir and the organist for the beautiful singing and music.

Who passed away on the 13th February 2016

A silent thought, a quiet prayer. for a special person, in God’s care.

Remembered by his wife Bridie, sons David, Ronan, Enda, daughters Geraldine, Fiona, Joanne, sons-inlaw, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 12th February at 11.30am.

They say there is a reason, they say that time will heal but neither time nor reason will change the way we feel. For no one knows the heartache, that lies behind our smiles. No one knows how many times, we’ve broken down and cried. We want to tell you something, so there won’t be any doubt, your’re so wonderful to think of, but so hard to do without.

Sadly missed by his wife Kathleen and family.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday, 12th February at 11am.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (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. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible.

Sincere thanks to Larry Gordon, Funeral Undertaker, for his empathy and professionalism and to the wonderful gravediggers for preparing Martin’s final resting place. To our wonderful neighbours and friends who brought food and refreshments and helped us in every way possible, especially for the lovely Guard of Honour as Martin left Lunerton for the final time, your kind and thoughtful gesture will never be forgotten.

Thanks to Matthew Hughes and staff, and Delicious Catering for providing such wonderful hospitality after the funeral.

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

Martin’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Cuan’s Church, Ahascragh on Saturday evening, 11th of February at 8.30pm.

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

LEOGUE Very Rev. John P.P.

Fuerty and Athleague and formerly of Mohill, Co. Leitrim

In loving memory of Rev. John Leogue who died 24th January, 2016 (7th Anniversary)

Aged 55 years. Rest In Peace.

Garda na n-aingeal os mo chionn, Dia romham agus Dia liom.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 11th February at 7pm and in the Church of the Assumption, Fuerty on Sunday, 12th February at 11.30am.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

BRACKEN LIAM

Grange, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon

(3rd Anniversary)

Who died on the 14th February 2020

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.

Deeply missed and loved always by his children Teresa, James, Tim and Mike and their families.

Liam’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Brigid’s Church, Four-MileHouse on Friday, 10th February at 8pm.

CLOUGHER Kevin

O’Neill Park, Maynooth, Co. Kildare / Dysart, Roscommon

Who passed away on Thursday, 5th January, 2023 R.I.P.

Kevin’s wife Mary, his sister Mary Gately, his nephews, nieces and extended family wish to express our deepest appreciation to all who sympathised with us on Kevin’s sad passing.

Thank you to the staff of James Connolly Memorial Hospital and to the nurses, carers and management of Dunboyne Nursing Home who provided such good care to Kevin over the past number of years.

Thanks to Fr. Francis Beirne and to Fr. Micheal Donnelly for concelebrating Kevin’s Funeral Mass and to Marian and Liam Gately and Maura O’Brien for providing the music. A special word of thanks to Dysart Hall Committee, volunteers who helped on the day and Maureen’s Foodstore for the refreshments after the Funeral.

Thank you also to Micheal Dempsey, Undertaker, for his care and professionalism and to the gravediggers for preparing Kevin’s final resting place. Thanks to our neighbours and friends who helped out in many practical ways providing refreshments and traffic management.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as an expression of our heartfelt gratitude.

Kevin’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Sunday, 12th February in Dysart Church at 10am.

McSHARRY Kathleen

10 Riverside Avenue, Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

With love we remember Kathleen McSharry who sadly passed away on 13th February 2017

Your love continues to light my way, your memory will never leave me. Forever loved and sadly missed by the McSharry family, relatives and friends. Masses offered.

MULHERN

Tom Convent Road, Roscommon Who passed away on the 8th February 2000

HAUGHEY Eileen

Late of Mount Carmel, 108 Abbeyville, Galway Road, Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

FLANAGAN Margaret

Four Mile House, Roscommon

Who passed away on 7th February 2018. R.I.P. (5th Anniversary)

REYNOLDS Sadie & Harry

Clooncullane, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

(6th and 29th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of Sadie, who died on 14th January, 2017, and Harry, who died on 20th February, 1994

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day, no longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Sadly missed by all your family.

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.D.

In loving memory of Eileen Haughey who passed away on 12th February 2018 R.I.P.

We hold you dear within our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. So Rest In Peace dear Eileen and thanks for all you’ve done, we pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won.

Greatly missed by her relatives and friends.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town on Wednesday, 22nd February at 8am.

KELLY

Frank

Strokestown

Who passed away on the 14th February 2002 (21st Anniversary)

GOD’S GARDEN

God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew that your were suffering. He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on Earth again. He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb. So He closed your weary eyelids, and whispered “Peace be Thine”. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home. Loved and remembered by her family. Masses offered.

MONAGHAN

Mary

Quietly today your memories are kept No need for words, we will never forget When thoughts go back, as they always do We treasure the memories we have of you

Always lovingly remembered by their sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and families.

Anniversary Mass will be offered in St. Patrick’s Church, Elphin on Sunday, 12th February at 11.30am.

MONTH’S MIND MASS SILKE

David Ballincurry, Glinsk, Co Galway and formerly of Ballygar, Co Galway. Who passed away on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023

Raise a glass and recall fond memories of a scholar, gentleman and father on this day.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and II took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Remember also his wonderful wife, Anne (nee McCrann) (2002).

You are both still guiding your sons and grandchildren.

Edmond, London and formerly Gallowstown, Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

Who died February 2014

The family of the late David Silke would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on their recent great loss. Thank you to all who travelled distances to support us and to those who attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, those who sent Mass cards, called to the house, sent floral tributes and letters of sympathy. Many thanks to all Dad’s colleagues in the National Parks and Wildlife Service who travelled to extend their sympathies to us. To our kind and generous neighbours and friends who brought food and refreshments to our homes and continue to support us in many ways, we are forever grateful. Special thank you to Fr. Tom Kearney who prayed with Dad during his last weekend with us and concelebrated the Funeral Mass together with Monsignor Roche, Fr. Breslin and Fr. Allman. To Emma McVeigh for the beautiful music and singing and to the members of Glinsk Altar Society who prepared the church so beautifully. We are grateful to those who donated to Glinsk Pioneer Total Abstinence Association in memory of Dad, he was very proud of his gold pin and all it represents.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff in Roscommon University Hospital, Dr. Christy Cunningham G.P. and staff, David Hynes Pharmacy and staff - you all helped Dad to enjoy his life into his 90th year. Thank you to the wonderful staff in Roscommon Palliative Care who helped us to care for Dad at home over his final weekend.

We will be forever indebted to our neighbours who prepared Dad’s grave so beautifully and to those who managed the traffic flow so well in terrible weather conditions. A special word of gratitude to members of our community who formed a Guard of Honour for Dad, it was a lovely tribute to him.

Thanks also to Pat and Gillian Smyth for their guidance and professionalism with all the funeral arrangements and to Aidan Maloney, Delicious Catering for refreshments and Tommie and Dolores Dowd for their hospitality.

A silent thought, a quiet prayer, for a special person in God’s care.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

David’s Month’s Mind Mass will be held in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 12th February at 10am.

Sadly missed by your loving sister Kathleen.

Business

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.

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. M.S.

PRAYER FOR HEALING

Beloved Padre Pio,

Today I come to add my prayer to the thousands of prayers offered to thee every day by those who love and venerate thee. They ask for cures and healings, earthly and spiritual blessings, and peace for body and mind. And because of thy friendship with the Lord, He heals those thou doth ask to be healed, and forgives those thou forgiveth. In thy kindness, please help with my own special request, for the grace of healing and deliverance of my beloved, who’s in pain and suffering at this very moment. And above all, with thy prayer, may God grant me the grace of living in conformity with the death of Jesus, to arrive at the glory of the resurrection. Bless me and my loved ones. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory be to the Father (3x). K.D.

Local businesses impress at Showcase 2023

A number of local businesses met with over 4,000 buyers from across the world at the Local Enterprise Showcase 2023, which took place at the RDS in Dublin recently. Roscommon businesses to feature included Cate Devitt, deDanu Ltd, Naomh Padraig Handcrafts, P&G Cards and Gifts, Rita Oates Artist, The Claypipe Visitor Centre Ltd, Una Burke Leather.

The local companies joined over 100 Local Enterprise Office supported

Dolan hails LEO job creation

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan has hailed Roscommon’s Local Enterprise Office’s “hugely important” role in supporting small businesses as recent figures show 219 new jobs were created in the county in 2022.

“LEOs play a hugely important role in supporting small businesses across the country, from mentorship and advice to providing loans and grants, their support is invaluable,” Senator Dolan said.

“With 219 jobs created in county Roscommon in 2022 by LEO supported businesses, it is clear that the expertise and assistance the LEOs provide to Irish SMEs is working. To acknowledge the work of the team in the Local

businesses, with Longford business ‘Craft Around the Clock’ winning in the Showcase Best Product in the Wellness category at the event.

For the three-day event held in the RDS in Dublin, thousands of buyers from global retailers look to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead. Upwards of €20 million in business was expected to have been transacted at Ireland’s largest tradeshow, which marked its 47th edition this year.

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Dara Calleary TD officially opened Showcase 2023 and said: “It’s great to be here and see some of the incredible products on display. Ireland is globally renowned for its craft and design, and Showcase is the international launchpad for so many Irish makers to achieve this recognition. Craft plays an integral part in Ireland’s economy, and I wish each maker the best of luck during Showcase”.

With

Aengus Oates Financial Services

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

THE BUSINESS BRIEF(S)

Enterprise Office who give help, advice and guidance to start-ups, established businesses as well as entrepreneurs with the genesis of an idea and how to bring it to the next step.

“This marks the ninth consecutive year of job growth for LEO supported businesses and a 10% increase on 2021”.

15% decrease in new domain names

The .IE Domain Profile Report 2022 reveals

that there were 369 .ie domain names registered in Roscommon by the end of last year, a decrease of 15.2 per cent when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The report reveals the reputational strength of a .ie domain, accounting for 53.6 per cent of all domains hosted in Ireland, signalling an opportunity for Roscommon SMEs to invest in digital enterprise.

Now in its eighth year, the .IE Domain Profile Report is an annual exploration of the .ie database and is published by .IE, the national registry for .ie

domain names. The report also outlines key advantages that can be leveraged by Irish enterprise with a .ie domain.

FRS forecasts 15% jobs growth

The number of job opportunities in Roscommon will grow by 15 per cent in the coming year, according to a new forecast by FRS Recruitment. According the recruitment agency, Roscommon experienced the highest year on year growth in the country last year.

Despite a surge in opportunities last year, the number of people applying for jobs decreased. The average response per role was 1.14, down from 1.66 in 2021.

Lynne McCormack, General Manager with FRS Recruitment, said:

“We are confident that we will see further growth in recruitment opportunities in Roscommon for the year ahead.

“We experienced a fantastic year in Roscommon last year, partly due to the strong operational focus we placed on maximising opportunities in the county. Our belief is that this growth will continue over the coming 12 months.

“Both in Roscommon and nationally we believe there will be strong opportunities in the IT, healthcare and construction sectors”.

Robyn Byrne, contemporary dancer and choreographer, and models Ami and Ola feature Irish fashion and textile designs that appeared at the recent Showcase 2023 event at the RDS in Dublin.

Pictured (Left to right) Robyn wears knit dress, shrug jumper and scarf by Linda Wilson - hat by Saraden Designs; and Ami wears tweed waistcoat and trousers by Jack Murphy, hat by Sookyoung Song, earrings by The Silver Loom, bag by Roscommon designer Una Burke.

Pic: Leon Farrell/ Photocall Ireland

Sports PEOPLE

Hurlers refocus ahead of Louth visit

Roscommon’s hurlers will be confident that they can maintain their unbeaten start to the Allianz National Football League Division 3A campaign when they entertain Louth at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday (2 pm).

Having been six points up by the end of the third quarter against Mayo in Castlebar last weekend, Francis O’Halloran and his men will have been disappointed to have allowed Mayo back into the game which ended in a draw at 0-17 each.

Roscommon are without a number of wellestablished players at the moment like Daniel Glynn, Cathal Dolan, Padraig Kelly and Peter Kellehan and it means that several new players are getting their chance to stake a claim for permanent starting positions on the team.

Louth were defeated by Armagh (3-18 to 2-12) last weekend and over the years Roscommon have enjoyed a good record against the Wee County in league and championship and will be expecting to win at home on Sunday.

Roscommon manager Francis O’Halloran told the Roscommon People on Tuesday that

Local ladies ‘Learn to Lead’ with LGFA

Two local ladies football stalwarts are set to take part in the LGFA’s ‘Learn to Lead’ female leadership programme for 2023.

Ursula Kilcoyne, St. Faithleach’s, and Celine Fee, St. Dominic’s, will be among 24 participants announced by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association last week.

Ursula and Celine will be participating in the coaching and administration strands of the programme respectively.

The ‘Learn to Lead’ programme was launched in 2019

and will be supported this year by Women in Sport funding through Sport Ireland. It was devised to develop the next generation of female leaders within ladies football.

LGFA President Mícheál

Naughton commented: “A key area of our Strategic Roadmap 2017-2022 was to define a model to promote Female Leadership across our Association.

“We are incredibly proud to reveal the identities of the participants, who hail from a diverse range of backgrounds

and communities.

“They were already such well rounded and brilliant role models before the ‘Learn to Lead’ programme but they’ll be the first to confirm that they learned so much from it.

“We look forward to getting to know the 2022/2023 participants over the coming months and they will learn from the very best in the business in their respective strands.

“We wish each and every one of the participants the very best of good luck as they embark on their ‘Learn to Lead’ journeys”.

the younger players who have come into the panel are doing well.

“The lads we have are mad to play for the jersey and that’s what we want. Lads like James Dillon, Darragh Finn, Padraig Brennan and Jack Dowling are new to all this and they are doing great,” he said.

“It’s a pity that we are without a number of experienced players but we just have to get on with it. Lads are not able to commit for one reason or another and that’s life.

“We could have won against Mayo and we were not happy with the draw as a group but it’s not the end of the world. We will be concentrating on our home matches and we will be hoping to win those starting with Louth on Sunday,” he concluded.

The Roscommon team who lined out against Mayo last Sunday was: Enda Lawless; Thomas Fleming, James Dillon, Eamon Mulry; Joe Brennan, Conor Cosgrove, Padraig Brennan; Darragh Finn (0-1), Jack Dowling (0-1); Adam Donnelly, Conor Mulry (0-1), Eoin Fitzgerald (0-3); Mickey Joe Egan (0-8, 6 frees), Brendan Mulry (0-1), Michael Brennan (0-1). Subs used Eamon Flanagan and Gearoid Egan.

CBS set for Connacht Final

CBS Roscommon will take on St. Attracta’s, Tubbercurry in the Mezzino Connacht

Post-Primary Schools

Senior ‘B’ Football Final this Saturday following a hugely impressive win over Garbally College in the semi-final played on Wednesday, February 1st.

Early goals from John McGuinness and Tadhg Lyons laid the foundations for a famous win which saw the Roscommon school topple the reigning Connacht champions.

Saturday’s decider, which throws in 12.30 pm at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, will see CBS attempt to repeat the successes of 2011 and 2015

Pictured are Roscommon’s ‘Learn to Lead’ participants Ursula Kilcoyne, St. Faithleach’s, and Celine Fee, St. Dominic’s. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

< SEAMUS DUKE

O’Halloran: ‘Castlebar draw not the end of the world’

Mickey Joe Egan (file pic) scored 0-8 as Roscommon drew with Mayo in the Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A clash in Castlebar last weekend.

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Ladies fall to Tipp as losing streak continues

< DAN DOONER

It’s now three defeats from three for Roscommon in Lidl Ladies National Football League Division Two as they went down 0-6 to 0-4 to Tipperary on the artificial pitch in Fethard last Sunday.

There were, however, a number of reasons for optimism following the low-scoring defeat to the Premier County and manager Ollie Lennon expressed his satisfaction with another competitive performance.

“Each game you play is different and you’ve got to remember that Tipperary are a team with senior championship experience

so we were happy to restrict them to just six points,” Ollie told People Sport this week.

“Obviously we would like to be scoring more than four points but to remain competitive with them for 60-65 minutes was very pleasing”.

Roscommon adapted well to the artificial surface in Fethard, which Ollie says allowed for quicker football.

“It was a faster game but we prepared for that and our girls adapted really well. Of course Tipp had played a few games on that pitch before last weekend so they were well used to it too,” he said.

“Ultimately it had no bearing

on the result though and while it’s probably fair to say our results don’t tell the full picture, three good performances still hasn’t put any points on the board”.

Roscommon have a short break before returning to action on February 19th at home to Westmeath.

“We’ve two big games immediately after the break and the game against Westmeath is hugely important now,” Ollie said.

“It’s not going to get any easier for us because Westmeath have Division One experience but that’s now our focus on this league journey”.

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs keep title hopes alive

Connacht Junior 1A

League: Castlebar 19

Creggs 24. Creggs are into the Connacht J1A League final following a closely contested game at Cloondeash last Saturday.

This was always going to be a difficult test for the visitors and so it proved.

Creggs trailed 19-7 at the break despite taking an early lead through an Eoghan Coyle try. The team dug deep in the second half, however, and a penalty try sparked what was to be an impressive comeback.

Creggs took the lead when Shane Purcell converted a Tom Fetherstone try and sealed the win when Purcell struck a penalty in the closing stages.

The final whistle was greeted with relief by the Creggs team, management and supporters who are, no doubt, well aware that only a much-improved and more clinical display will suffice to win the coveted league title.

Seconds held to draw

Connacht J1C League:

Oughterard 27 Creggs 27. Creggs Seconds were held to a draw in Oughterard last weekend but it could have been worse as two late tries from Luke Divilly and Callum Fahey helped to claw back a 17-5 half-time deficit. The hosts’ outhalf James Deacy, however, popped up with a late penalty to salvage a draw from the jaws of defeat for Oughterard.

On a day when Creggs struggled to hit top gear, a draw was probably a fair result with plenty of room for improvement for both sides who will meet again in the J1C Cup Final next month.

Youth Rugby Creggs U-13s had a busy week, hosting both Dunmore in a challenge on Tuesday last before entertaining Ballinasloe in the league on Friday evening. The challenge match ended in a 19-7 defeat while Ballinasloe won an entertaining league game 38-31.

The U-14s went down 14-7 away to Sligo in the league semi-final, which

BUCCANEERS RFC

brought their campaign to an end. The players and management now look forward to the upcoming cup next month.

Creggs U-16s were 12-7 winners over Galway Bay in the league on Saturday morning. Tries from Cillian Hussey and Leo Anic secured the victory as the team continues its preparations for the cup.

Connacht Girls’ U-18 League semi-final replay: Sligo 14 Creggs 12. The Girls’ Maroon team came up just short in the replay in Sligo last Saturday night

following a 15-15 draw two weeks ago.

The two Creggs scores came from Maryanne Jordan with one conversion from Shauna Walsh.

Schools Blitz

Creggs RFC welcomed 16 local primary schools on Tuesday last for a Tag Rugby blitz involving 3rd and 4th class pupils.

400 children took part under the watchful eyes of match officials from transition year classes in Bal-

Buccs in Bateman Cup final

Bateman Cup semi-final: Buccaneers 45 Queen’s University

21. Buccaneers qualified for their first ever Bateman Cup final following an impressive win over Queen’s University at Dubarry Park last weekend. Tries from Harry Balsiger, Ross MurphySweeney (2), Cian McCann (2), Cian Daly, and Brendan Fagan helped to seal a memorable win.

Buccaneers now advance to face 1A league leaders Terenure College in the final on the weekend of March 11th which will be a much

stiffer test but one that Eddie O’Sullivan and his band of Pirates will surely relish.

Thirds go top!

Connacht Junior 2A League:

Buccaneers 31 Corinthians 14.

Buccs’ Thirds went top of the league following this comprehensive win over Corinthians at Dubarry Park last Sunday. This was a must-win game for the home side to ensure their involvement in the deciding stage of the

campaign and the Pirates did not disappoint. Tries came from Declan Byrne, George Kenny, Martin Lyons, James Downes, and Darren Costello.

This was a quite enjoyable affair and a much more preferable duel to watch in the fresh air than seeing Italy inevitably fall short to France!

The home backs unit always threatened when in possession especially Costello and young Downes. The pack worked solidly throughout although the lineouts

lygar, CBS Roscommon, and Convent of Mercy.

Primary schools in attendance included Ardeevan, Athleague, Ballyleague, Ballygar, Ballaghlea, Ballyfeeney, Caltra, Coman’s Wood, Cloontuskert, Clooneyquinn, the Don, Fuerty, Tarmon, Mount Talbot, and Lisaniskey.

This day was organised by Pat O’Gorman NT and Connacht Rugby Development Officer Michael Glennon. With 40 teams taking part it was a non-stop morning of fun. Congratulations to everyone involved.

need attention but Keith Grehan, Rory Grenham and Kenny will be pleased with their endeavours.

Weekend fixtures

Next weekend is relatively quiet with the first team having a break. The seconds’ Connacht Junior 1A League match away to Westport has been rescheduled for Sunday next, kick-off 2.30 pm at Carrowholly. Buccs’ U-20s have a home match in the JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 when they en-

Soccer results

Norio’s Premier Division

Boyle Celtic 4 St. John’s Athletic 1

Ballaghaderreen FC 4 Skyvalley Rovers 1

RDFL Second Division

St. John’s Athletic 1 Glen Celtic 4

Connacht FA Cup Fourth Round

MCR FC 2 Cloonfad United 3

Ballinasloe Town 0 Athenry FC 4

CP Ajax 1 West United 2

Connacht FA Shield Second Round

Conn Rangers 2 Ballinagare Manor United 2. AET

(Conn Rangers won 8-7 on penalties)

Cam Celtic 1 Maree Oranmore B 4

Skyvalley Rovers v Ballinasloe Town Moore United v Castlerea Celtic

Sunday, February 12th

Norio’s Premier Division (2 pm)

Moylough ’79 v Ballaghaderreen FC CP Ajax v St. John’s Athletic RDFL First Division Dunmore Town v Cloonfad United. 11 am

Roscommon United v Dysart FC. 11 am

Ballinasloe Town B v Ballymoe FC. 2 pm RDFL Second Division St. John’s Athletic v St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United. 11 am Glen Celtic v Rahara Rovers. 2 pm

Women’s Trophy Semi-Final Second Leg (2 pm)

Castlerea Celtic v Ballinasloe Town St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United v Colemanstown

tertain Wanderers at Dubarry Park on Sunday with a 3 pm kick-off.

Monster Auction!

Buccaneers RFC is holding a Monster Auction on Sunday, March 26th. The auction is taking place in the gym at the Marist College. The organising committee invite volunteers to assist with this fundraiser for the club and, of course, will welcome articles for inclusion in the auction. Acts of promise by tradespeople,

hotel/restaurant vouches, memorabilia, VIP or event packages, etc., are ideal items. All support in advance and on the day will be greatly appreciated.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Harry West and Finlay Bealham who played their parts in Ireland’s U-20 and senior victories over Wales last weekend. Hope they continue that winning sequence against France on Saturday

Roscommon Ladies manager Ollie Lennon (pictured second left with backroom prior to recent game against Armagh) believes the upcoming NFL Division Two game against Westmeath is crucial for his team’s survival hopes. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Creggs U-14s who took on Sligo in the league last weekend.

Lennon: ‘Westmeath game is hugely important now’

85 entries for 2023 Aintree Grand National

There are 85 entries in the Grand National, the field dominated by horses trained in Ireland with just 31 British-trained possibles.

Gordon Elliott has a remarkable 21 entries, Willie Mullins has 8, while Irish-trained horses fill the first 4 places in the market with the Emmet Mullins-trained Noble Yeats only 12-1 favourite to repeat last year’s win followed by Sean Mulryan’s Martin Brassil-trained Longhouse Poet and Ted Walsh’s Any Second Now at 14/1 and Willie Mullins’ Gaillard Du Mensil at 16/1.

This weekend

Horseracing this weekend starts today (Thursday) at Thurles, with first race at 1.30 pm. To-

Horses for Courses

morrow, under lights on the all-weather at Dundalk, first race is at 4.25 pm. On Saturday the action is at Naas, starting at 1.05 pm and on Sunday at Navan with 2 Grade 2 races, the Boyne Hurdle and Ten Up Novice Chase (1.40 pm start).

On Saturday ITV is covering 7 races, 4 of from Newbury, including Grade 2 races the Denman Chase and the Game Spirit Chase, with 3 races from Warwick, including the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novice Chase.

Honeysuckle to bypass Champion

Hurdle

Willie Mullins enjoyed a very successful DRF, winning over half the races, 8 out of 15, including 6 Grade 1s. On Saturday he won 3 Grade 1 races, the Juvenile Hurdle with Gala Marceau with nephew Danny Mullins aboard, the Arkle Novice Chase with El Fabiola ridden by Daryl Jacob, and the Irish Gold Cup with Galopin Des Champ ridden with stable jockey Paul Townend.

The 4th Grade 1 went to Barry Connell’s Good Land with Michael O’Connor in the plate. Sunday saw Mullins win 5 of the 8 races including 3 of the Grade 1s, the Dublin Chase with nephew Danny aboard (beating Blue Lord and Townend), the Champion Hurdle with State Man (when Townend got it right), and the Novice Hurdle with outsider Il Etait Temps

Short putts

Athlone

Alice Maher won the women’s weekly 12-hole Stableford, played on Saturday (January 28th), Sunday (29th) and Tuesday (31st) with 26 points. Yvonne Walsh was runner-up with 24 points, and Evelyn Wright was third, also with 24.

It was Evelyn who won the 97 Club competition last week with 21 points. Kay Shevlin (21 points) was second, and Deirdre Connolly (20) was third.

Carrick

Mary Molloy’s Team 12 (93 points) lead the Flynn’s Bar Spring League following the opening round last week. Team 6 (Chris Lowe), Team 13 (Patricia O’Hara) and Team 9 (John Coffey) aren’t too far behind on 90 points. Congratulations to Patricia O’Hara in the Ladies’ section who had a score of 22 points and Cathal Dowd in the Gents’ section who had 25.

Meanwhile, club captains Sheila and Brendan have appointed the inter-club captains for the coming year. Best of luck to all for 2023.

Roscommon

Well done to Simon Walker who won the R&A Student Tour Series at Troia Golf in Portugal recently. Simon led the way after a second round 70 and a very solid back nine saw him shoot a final round of 71 for a level par total as he shook off Switzerland’s Noah Brunner in a pulsating final round battle.

Closer to home, Pat Harrison won the Men’s 15-hole competition last weekend with 37 points while there were also wins for N Sharkey (36 points) and D Cox in the Senior Gents’ and Ladies’ respectively.

Finally, the Ladies’ Winter League has reached the matchplay stages with the following teams still in contention: Team 4 (Jackie Maxwell, June Halliday and Marina Cribbon) will play Team 6 (Sandra Crean, Colette Glynn and Nuala Costello) in the first semi-final. Team 7 (Mary Lalor, Noreen O’Grady and Helen Earley) face Team 2 (Kay Condon, Bernie Maher and Catherine Waldron) in the second semi-final.

by Tom Red

ridden by his nephew when Townend got it wrong again with the very disappointing Facile Vega.

The penultimate handicap hurdle was won by Gaelic Warrior and Townend and the closing bumper by Fun, Fun, Fun ridden by son Patrick. Elliott and Davy Russell won 2 including the other Grade I with Mighty Potter and the handicap chase with The Goffer with Liz Foyle winning the opener with Ballybawn Belter ridden by Simon Torrens.

Henry de Bromhead’s star mare the 9-Y-O Honeysuckle will have one more run (following her second defeat last Sunday) before being retired to stud.

Willie Mullins’ new kid on the block State Man, winner of the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, proved too good for the mare in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown where she was

beaten by 4¾l. Connections have decided she will run in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle and will not attempt to win a 4th Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. State Man will be Mullins’ representative in the Champion Hurdle, according to the trainer.

Jack on way back?

Jack Kennedy is hoping to be fit in time to return before the Cheltenham Festival but admits it will come “down to the wire”. Kerry native Kennedy has been out since breaking a leg in January.

Derek’s milestone

Galwegian Derek O’Connor, all-time leading point to point rider, made history again last weekend by becoming the first person to ride 1,300 winners between the flags aboard the Sam Curling-trained Longhouse Legacy, at Bellharbour.

SPORTS DESK With Dan Dooner

Roscommon ref makes history

24-year-old Roscommon referee Matthew Farrell recently made a little bit of history when he became the youngest ever member of the National Hurling Referees panel.

The Oran clubman was named as part of the 30-person panel selected to officiate at inter-county level this season.

Farrell becomes only the third-ever referee from the county to make the hurling panel and follows in the footsteps of Kevin McGeeney and Anthony Flaherty.

It’s a remarkable rise for the young official who started his refereeing career in 2014 as a Transition Year student. Matthew’s father Kieran is the current chairperson of Cóiste Iomana in the county.

Kilglass duo at Juvenile Nationals

Kilglass Handball Club duo, Alanna Coggeran and Eoin Grehan, took part in the Junior Nationals last weekend. Alanna won her first round in Carlow against Holly Byrne but was beaten in the second round by number one seed Jodie Keeling. Eoin was taking part in his first nationals event and gained valuable experience over four games.

Closer to home, Roscommon Division Three and Four titles were up for grabs at St. Coman’s last Friday evening. Adam Coggeran won the Division Three decider with a 21-9, 21-10 victory over Siobhan Treacy while the Division Four title went to David Coggeran who beat Ross Melvin 21-10, 21-11.

Roxboro NS win Sports Quiz

Congratulations to the very talented Roxboro National School team who won the first Cumann na mBunscoil Sports Quiz since 2019 last Thursday night at The Abbey Hotel.

The team of Jonathan Greene, Charlie Hickey, Dylan Nolan and Max O’Reilly maintained their school’s proud tradition in the event, emerging victorious with 67 points.

Glanduff’s Fionn Cotton, Finn Murphy, Eoin O’Shaughnessy and Siofra Walsh won a play-off against Tarmon NS to secure the runners-up spot after both schools finished on 60 points apiece.

Swimming success!

Take a bow, Donnchadh Duane! The young Ballinasloe swimmer won gold and bronze medals at the 2023 Connacht Minor School Championships at Leisureland, Galway recently.

Representing Newtown National School, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon, Donnchadh finished first in the U-11 Boys’ 50m Butterfly and third in the Boys’ 50m Freestyle. He now goes on to represent his school at the Irish Minor Schools Championships at the National Aquatic Centre on March 25th.

Making waves at Connacht Senior Schools swimming

Coman’s swimmer Jun Hwang took home two silver medals from the Connacht Senior Schools Swimming Championships in Longford last Sunday. Jun was competing in the 100m Backstroke and Freestyle events. He will now represent Roscommon Community College and Coman’s on the Connacht inter-provincial team.

Meanwhile, Annah McCormack claimed two Connacht wristbands for her times in the U-12 100 IM and Freestyle events as Coman’s swimmers impressed at a Future Challengers Gala in Longford last Saturday last.

Coman’s Swimming Club members took part in a Future Challengers Event in Longford last weekend.

Pictured are Swim Ireland Connacht officials presenting medals to Donnchadh Duane at the Connacht Minor School Championships in Galway recently.

State Man and Paul Townend win the Irish Champion Hurdle from the mare Honeysuckle

Jockey Derek O’Connor

GAME ON…

Pass it to…Conor!

When did Roscommon last start a major game with four players with the same first name? (Okay, the previous Sunday). Last Sunday – as against Tyrone in round one – the Rossies had three Conors in defence, and one in attack…‘namely’ Conor Carroll, Conor Daly, Conor Hussey and Conor Cox.

From Irish Echo…

PJ Cunningham in the Irish Echo, based in Manhattan in the United States, reported: “You’d have got big odds on the Rossies leading the top division of the National Football League after two rounds of games but that is precisely where Dave Burke’s side are sitting following impressive wins at home to Tyrone and on Sunday away to Galway in Pearse Stadium. And it was no fluke as they finished like a train to score the final five points of the game to pip last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists in their own backyard”.

Starring sub…

Interestingly, Seamus Duke, covering Sunday’s big game for the Roscommon People, selected Ben O’Carroll as his man of the match…even though the fleet-footed forward only entered the fray on 47 minutes (as a sub).

That’s quite a reflection on the impact made by O’Carroll, who had the Galway defence on edge from the moment he arrived. O’Carroll scored a super point with his very first ‘possession’ – and added a second point during his influential contribution as Roscommon stormed over the line.

How The42 saw it…

Covering the game for popular website The42. ie, John Fallon wrote: “Davy Burke’s reign as Roscommon manager continued its perfect start to the Allianz League when Richard Hughes kicked a dramatic winner four minutes into stoppage time at Pearse Stadium.

“It completed a dramatic comeback for Roscommon who held the All-Ireland finalists scoreless for the closing quarter as they came from four points adrift to shoot five without reply and back up their opening-round win over Tyrone”.

Stat Attack

Wides: Roscommon 8 (3, first half); Galway 2 (1, first half)

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Roscommon 3 (Conor Daly, Eoin McCormack, Diarmuid Murtagh); Galway 1 (Paul Conroy)

Attendance: Approx. 7,500

Man of the Match: Ben O’Carroll (Roscommon)

Roscommon’s

Now Burke welcomes break ahead of visit of Orchard County

Allianz National Football League Division

One

Roscommon 0-9 Galway 0-8

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon manager

Davy Burke says his hardworking panel of players will relish the break ahead of their next league encounter which will see the surprise Division One table-toppers face secondplaced Armagh at Hyde Park on Sunday week. A point from sub Richard Hughes in the 6th minute of injury-time saw Roscommon edge out Galway in a dramatic finish in Salthill last Sunday.

It means Roscommon top Division One with wins from their opening two games.

This was no classic – it was actually a poor game – but manager Burke was an extremely happy man after his charges battled back from four points behind to secure a great win.

Speaking to the Roscommon People at the final whistle, he said: “You have to find a way to win any way you can. It’s not always going to be pretty. Division One football has gone a bit like that at the minute. It’s a tactical affair. The subs made a big

difference and we got two points away on the road. You’d take it, wouldn’t you?”

Take it we most certainly will. While experienced guys like Niall Daly, Brian Stack and Diarmuid Murtagh were excellent on Sunday, substitutes had a major impact –as against Tyrone the previous weekend – as Roscommon kicked five points without reply in the final quarter to beat the Tribesmen to two precious league points. It’s a win which greatly boosts Roscommon’s Division One survival prospects.

Burke acknowledged the role of the bench, and also the challenge of trying to keep so many eager players happy!

“The game is over 80 minutes now (allowing for stoppages). Every week we go out, we’re going to have firepower behind us. There are a lot of sad faces every Friday night when I name the team. That’s the reality”.

The manager welcomed the fact that there is no game this weekend. “We’re in a good position. You would have taken this before the start of the league. Thanks be to God we have a two-week break, because lads need a rest. They’ve worked hard for the last four or five weeks on the bounce. We’ll get that rest and go

Brian Stack…lined out at centre half-back in Roscommon’s excellent win over Galway in Salthill last weekend. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Ben O’Carroll…made an immediate impact when he joined the action against Galway in Salthill last Sunday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

The first half last Sunday was a hard watch as both teams concentrated on holding on to the ball, with much of the play going laterally and backwards. Galway lost talisman Damien Comer in the 6th minute when he fell awkwardly when contesting a high ball with Conor Carroll. Comer

Late Rossie raid elevates mediocre to memorable

PAUL HEALY

View from the Stand

It was rugby titan Moss Keane who famously said of a particularly uninspiring game: “The first half was even; the second half was even worse”.

Under no circumstances would that quip be an entirely fair characterisation of Sunday’s unusually lowscoring contest between Galway and Roscommon. Well, you could say that the first 20 minutes or thereabouts was even, and that the rest of the opening half – from a Roscommon perspective – was even worse. The third quarter was largely dismal too…but the finale was pretty special. A match that had been tedious to watch seemed to be under Galway control; then, boosted by a ‘bench’ that continues to impress, a terrific Roscommon charge elevated this encounter from the mediocre to the memorable. At least for the visitors.

This was a stunning Roscommon win, Davy Burke’s team scoring the last five points of the game to grab the afternoon’s prize from a shell-shocked home side. Overturning a 0-8 to 0-4 deficit in a 20-minute spell represented quite the purple patch, given the paucity of scores up to then.

was stretchered off with a nasty looking knee injury.

Daire Cregg (1st minute) and Ciarán Lennon (11th) pointed early for Roscommon, but it would be 26 minutes before the visitors scored again. Led by Cillian McDaid, Galway forged head with five unanswered points before a Diarmuid Murtagh score brought a forgettable half

Teams & scorers

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Eoghan Kelly, Neil Mulcahy; Dylan McHugh (0-1), John Daly, Seán Kelly; Matthew Tierney (0-1), Paul Conroy; Cillian McDaid (0-1), Damien Comer, Peter Cooke; Paul Kelly, Eoin Finnerty, Johnny Heaney (0-1).

Subs: Dessie Conneely (0-3, 3 frees) for Comer (11), Ian Burke (0-1) for P Kelly (h/t), Owen Gallagher for Finnerty (51), Matthew Barrett for Heaney (65).

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Eoin McCormack, Conor Daly, Conor Hussey; Niall Daly, Brian Stack, Robbie Dolan; Tadhg O’Rourke, Keith Doyle; Dylan Ruane, Enda Smith, Ciarán Lennon (01); Daire Cregg (0-1), Conor Cox, Diarmuid Murtagh (0-3, 1 free).

Subs: Ciaráin Murtagh (0-1) for Cox (half-time), Ben O’Carroll (0-2) for Ruane (47), David Murray for McCormack (47), Richard Hughes (0-1) for Doyle (51), Colin Walsh for Murray (65, blood), Paul Carey for D Murtagh (72).

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan). Dylan

to a close, Galway 0-5 to 0-3 ahead.

That pattern continued in the third quarter, with Roscommon struggling to make any impact on the scoreboard. When sub Ian Burke scored in the 51st minute, Galway were looking good, 0-8 to 0-4 in front. That’s when Roscommon’s bench came up trumps again. Ben

O’Carroll, Davy Murray and Ciaráin Murtagh were all excellent in the final quarter. There was a new energy about Roscommon now. O’Carroll kicked two super points, then Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh (the latter with a 65th minute free) brought the teams level. The final 10 minutes featured frantic stuff as

both sides had chances to get a winning score. With a draw on the cards, Roscommon made one last surge into Galway territory. Niall Daly passed to Richard Hughes and the Roscommon Gaels man steered the ball over from 15 metres. It was over on the kick-out. Roscommon had another superb victory banked.

The large crowd (over 7,000) deserved better than the boring early fare. Roscommon started brightly, but the injury to Galway star Damien Comer cast a shadow over the stadium. Comer received a warm ovation as he was stretchered off after a lengthy stoppage. We wish him a quick recovery.

It was a big blow to Galway. That said, they were the better team in the first half, worth their 0-5 to 0-3 lead, Roscommon grateful that Diarmuid Murtagh’s score before the break ended a long barren period, after early points from Daire Cregg and a lively Ciarán Lennon.

Roscommon had been guilty of some poor shot selection. It was frustrating for visiting supporters to see ambitious shots sail wide, often after good (if laboured) build-up play.

At 0-8 to 0-4 behind, and while they hadn’t been found wanting for spirit and composure, Roscommon were heading for defeat. That’s when those subs ignited Roscommon, instilled new belief.

Ben O’Carroll pirouetted into open spaces with intent from the moment he was called into battle. When O’Carroll got his first ball, he scored with customary brilliance, his marker as baffled as any victim of a three-card trick merchant.

Burke’s men owned the final quarter, slowly, brilliantly, hauling Galway in. Such a transformation had seemed unlikely a short while earlier.

Entering time added on, the visitors were level. The atmosphere was now electric, supporters on edge. Galway were playing their part too. In truth, either side could have won it. A previously ordinary game had unearthed some drama once it reached the business end.

When Galway were dubiously penalised for overcarrying, Roscommon were like a predator sensing blood. The ever-influential Niall Daly timed his handpass to Richard Hughes perfectly, inviting the Gaels man to claim the day. Hughes kept his composure, dissecting the posts and writing an unlikely punchline to this slightly curious story. There had been nothing much between the sides, but Roscommon were superb in that last quarter, when it mattered most.

Ruane lined out in the half-back line as Roscommon maintained their winning ways in the Allianz NFL.

‘

Ciarán Lennon scored an early point for Roscommon on Sunday and was a lively presence in attack. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Salthill swoop!

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

at it again”.