12 March 2021 Roscommon People by RossiePeople

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advertising@roscommonpeople.ie news@roscommonpeople.ie sport@roscommonpeople.ie 12 March 2021

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A fly-over for Fergal!

Fergal Mahon, from Tibohine, Co. Roscommon, recently celebrated his 21st birthday in spectacular style. Fergal, pictured with his extended family, was surprised with a fly-over, a drive-by, and several calls from top country & western music stars! Full story and more photos on page 16. Photograph: Mick McCormack

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MOBILE: 087 1668775  087 435 3834  071 963 3000  090 662 5722 Email:  eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie eugene.murphy@ Working with your local Fianna Fáil team: oireachtas.ie Cllr Michael Connolly, Cllr John Cummins, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cllr John Keogh, Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

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Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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Tree Felling

I would like to cut down some trees on my lands but I am concerned that I will fall foul of the law if I do so. Please explain my rights in relation to cutting trees on my property. Under the Forestry Act, 2014, it is illegal to uproot any tree over ten years old or to cut down any tree of any age (including trees which form part of a hedgerow), unless a notice of intention to fell or uproot trees has been lodged at the Garda Station nearest to the trees at least 21 days before felling commences. T his notice of intention must be given in writing on a form known as a Felling Notice which may be obtained from any Garda Station. Upon receipt of a completed Felling Notice, an Order prohibiting the felling of the trees is issued. This protects the trees in question while consideration is given to the issuing of a Felling Licence. The Act provides for two types of Felling Licence namely a General Felling Licence and a Limited Felling Licence. The requirement for a Felling Licence for the uprooting or cutting down of trees does NOT apply in a number of circumstances including: • A tree in an urban area • A tree uprooted in a nursery for the purpose of transplantation. • A tree of the willow or poplar species planted and maintained solely for fuel under a short rotation coppice. • The tree is standing within 30 metres of any building other than a wall or temporary structure; • A tree less than five years of age that came about through natural regeneration and removed from a field as part of the normal maintenance of agricultural land (but not where the tree is standing in a hedgerow). • Trees outside a forest – within 10 metres of a public road and which, in the opinion of the owner (being an opinion formed on reasonable grounds), is dangerous to persons using the public road on account of its age or condition. • Trees outside a forest – the removal of which is specified in a grant of planning permission. • Trees outside a forest – of the hawthorn or blackthorn species. • Trees outside a forest – in a hedgerow and felled for the purposes of its trimming, provided that the tree does not exceed 20 centimetres in diameter when measured 1.3 metres from the ground.

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

So, can we all agree on the image of the week? It was the image of the week… It was the image of the year! It was some photo! What amazed me was how close together they were! Yeah…that struck me too…but be that as it may…there was something hypnotic about it…peaceful…even spiritual! Yeah…but they were SO close… It was actually lovely to see them together…the sky their limit… It was some image… I believe the photographer was waiting for years to capture them together… I can imagine! And what a location! I actually know Lough Fennell… Huh? Where those starlings rose into the sky…forming that perfect… murmuration, I think they call it. What an image! Stunning, uplifting, spiritual, beautiful! OH! The wee birds coming together in that dramatic moment in Mullingar!? I thought you were on about the two world famous leaders meeting at the weekend…THAT’S the image I was on about… Look, Pep and Ole have often met before! I get that Manchester United and City have huge followings, but… NO! The Pope! The Pope and the Grand Ayatollagh, meeting in Iraq! Oh, THEM! Yes, THEM! THAT’S the image I’VE been talking about! I saw it! Mmnn…two old men sitting in a room with their hands on their knees… Yeah, but it was quite historic! THEY were quite close together…and

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

they weren’t wearing masks! Yeah, I know…but I suppose they were a few feet apart. The body language wasn’t great… Hey, it was just a quick photo opp. The main thing is, they had a meeting. No doubt ‘constructive’…isn’t that what the politicians always say? Anyways, who is he? Well, he’s leader of the world’s Catholic Church and… No, not the Pope! The other guy! He’s Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani! Go on… He’s the leading spiritual leader of Iraqi Shia Muslims, and one of the most senior clerics in Shia Islam… You googled that, didn’t you? Look, he’s a very important leader…

and the main thing is, they both called for peace, and highlighted the sacredness of human life. Good on them, but maybe facemasks next time! (They pause to reflect on the impact a good photo can have, and vow to pose for Mick McCormack in their local when the pubs reopen) That image reminded me of the wonder of God… Yeah, two men of faith and purpose and… No! The starlings! The starlings rising into the sky above Mullingar! Oh yeah…magical. And Pep and Ole? Oh they are stars in their own right, sure thank God for the football during lockdown. Indeed. Anyways, are you keeping well, my friend? I’m good. And you? We’re getting there…and summer is coming! (They pause to imagine a wonderful summer, with long walks, humming lawnmowers, and barbeques in the gardens of Roscommon…) Still, it’s no joke…I mean, obviously he’s done a good job to date, and last weekend was evidence of that…but he has some responsibility, some weight on his shoulders, some job on his hands… Huh? Trying to lead millions of followers towards paradise… Hold it! Which of them? The Pope? The Grand Ayatollah? Eh..no…I meant Ole Gunnar Solskjær!

What we liked…

Confirmation of €350,000 in funding to improve recreational access to Portrun Harbour and Lough Key is very welcome.

What we didn’t like…

The ridiculous furore caused by two privileged, wealthy people (Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex) being interviewed by their billionaire neighbour (Oprah Winfrey).

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

What PEOPLE are talking about…

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

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

PIC OF THE WEEK: Talking horse sense: Two friends catch up on the latest news (in Rooskey on Tuesday). Picture: Paul Healy

The Davy Stockbrokers’ scandal; Manchester United stun Manchester City in the big derby; Harry and Meghan’s tell-all interview with Oprah (go on, admit it, it’s been on your radar…)

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

NewsPeople

Online meeting over BOI closures tonight (Thursday) < DAN DOONER

The meeting has been organised by RoscommonGalway Sinn Féin and relates to the branches in Elphin, Strokestown, Ballygar and Dunmore, which Bank of Ireland announced would be closing in September as part of

Local Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane will host the meetings with Cllr. Michael Mulligan and Cllr. Dermot Connolly to discuss the potential impact of the proposed closures and to ask local people to stand with them to fight to keep the branches open. Deputy Kerrane said: “This issue is far greater than banks closing. It’s the wrong decision at the worst possible time with serious consequences not only customers and staff but also for local economic Rep Contact Details: development. We want to hear from customers of Alan beirne the bank and as well as the many businesses impacted by this announcement”. 090- 6627377 Email claire.kerrane@ oireachtas.ie in advance alan.beirne@roscommonherald.com for a Zoom link for the two meetings.

mmon Herald An online public meeting calling for Bank of Ireland to keep its branches in Roscommon and east Galway open will take place this evening (Thursday, March 11th).

103 such closures nationwide. The meeting regarding the Ballygar and Dunmore branches will take place at 7 pm this evening to be following straight after by the Elphin and Strokestown meeting at 8 pm.

Correction Proof

Order No.: 836743 Copyline: business club Date: 30/11/2020 | Mon 13:17

(Above) Rita Fallon and James Geraghty (MPSI) pictured in Molloys Pharmacy & Health Store in Roscommon Town. Rita is one of the longest serving members of the team at the Molloys Pharmacy group. (Left) Pictured are Catherine Hanly (MPSI) and James Geraghty (MPSI) in Molloys Pharmacy & Health Store. Photographs: Mick McCormack.

Covid cases remain low in Roscommon

2021

021

< DAN DOONER

Class: Home,Interiors,DIY

There were fewer than five new cases of Covid-19Colour: in Roscommon yesterday (Wednesday) as4C the county’s five-day (CMYK) moving average remained the second lowest in the country, at just two. There have been 61 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in Roscommon in the last fourteen days,

meaning that the county’s incidence rate stands at 94.2, significantly lower than the national average of 162.5. Nationally, there were 631 new cases and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has been informed of 47 additional deaths among people with Covid-19 in Ireland. Fourteen of those deaths occurred in March,

eighteen in February, and spite a significant rise in fifteen in January. outbreaks of the disease As of 8 am yesterday last week, no outbreaks (Wednesday), there were were reported in schools. 370 people Advert in hospital Size: An outbreak or cluster is with Covid-19, with 31 defined as two or more additional 12cms hospitalisalinked cases of laboratory x 5cols tions in the previous 24 confirmed Covid-19. hours. There were 92 The Department of people in ICU with the Health also confirmed virus, down three from that as of March 6th, Tuesday. 523,069 doses of CovFigures released yes- id-19 vaccine had been terday showed that de- administered in Ireland.

Man (30s) dies in Strokestown road crash A man in his 30s has died following a road collision near Strokestown, Co. Roscommon on Monday morning. The man was fatally injured when his car collided with a lorry on the N5 at Cloonfree, Strokestown at around 9.30 am on Monday. He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to Roscommon mortuary where a post-mortem took place. A forensic examination also took place at the scene. The driver of the lorry, a man in his late 40s, was uninjured. Gardaí have appealed to witnesses to contact them, including anyone who was driving in the area between 9 am and 9.45 am on Monday morning. The accident victim had not been named by the time we went to press on Wednesday evening. Anyone with any information should contact Strokestown Garda Station on 071-9633002 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

Customer service to be proud of at Molloys Pharmacy & Health Store, Harrison Centre, Roscommon Molloys Pharmacy & Health Store are very proud to be part of the Roscommon community. Molloys pride themselves on their exceptional level of customer service in their dispensary and front of shop. Molloys is conveniently located beside Tesco and Bank of Ireland, with plenty of parking spaces. Their hours of opening are Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. Molloys place great emphasis on reduced prescription waiting times. When you drop in or order your prescription Molloys endeavour to dispense it straight away. Similarly, why not ask your GP surgery to email

Molloys your prescription and they will have it ready for you when you call in. Molloys also offer a FREE Prescription Delivery Service to Roscommon and the surrounding areas. This service has been invaluable during Covid-19, servicing patients most at risk. They are specialists in fertility prescription service, women’s health, post-surgery recovery and sports health. If you have an interest in any of these please call them and they can offer you a one-to-one consultation. Their pharmacy team, including local pharmacists Lorraine Ward and Catherine Hanly, together with James and Tina Geraghty,

Tina Geraghty (MPSI) and Lorraine Ward (MPSI) pictured holding one of Molloys Best Selling products ‘Benevits Bowel Support’. Picture: Mick McCormack

will ensure you have all the correct information to take your medication in a safe manner. They will take time to explain everything to you. If you are thinking of transferring your prescription to Molloys to experience their great customer service, just call them on 090 6637602 or email roscodisp@molloyspharmacy.com and leave the rest to them. Molloys also have one of the largest Pharmacy First Aid, Footcare, and Sports Sections. Both James and Catherine run triathlons and are happy to share their experience and expert advice. Molloys wonderful Health and Nutritional section help with recovery from illness, including Long Covid, cancer recovery, and General Surgery Recovery. Please do not hesitate to ask and one of their highly trained experts will help you with everything. To celebrate Molloys excellent dispensary service for the rest of the month of March and April they would like to give something back to their patients, both old and new. To enter all you have to do is get your prescription dispensed in Molloys and they will automatically include you in the draw to receive a hamper worth €500.

Catherine Hanly, (MPSI), Tina Geraghty (MPSI), James Geraghty (MPSI), and Lorraine Ward (MPSI), pictured in Molloys Pharmacy & Health Store in Roscommon Town. Photograph: Mick McCormack.

Customer review

“I was in your Roscommon store this morning and I must compliment the lady who served me in the Health Section, I can’t remember her name but she was a lady with glasses! She was extremely helpful and patient as I had a list of items from an older, vulnerable person. She was very informative in relation to products because the elderly person whom I was shopping for had a few questions regarding certain things. “I don’t know if you do ‘Employee of the Week or Month’ but this lady in Roscommon deserves a special thank you!”

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor Friday I saw a sign on a shop window in Roscommon today. It read ‘Wanted: Pre-loved furniture’. In fairness, no surprise that the sign was worded as it was – ‘pre-loved furniture’ is now an established phrase. But it’s a silly phrase. God knows who came up with it first. An antique dealer going through a mid-life crisis? Back to ‘pre-loved furniture’. I mean, what does it…mean? It’s not as if we actually fall out of love with our furniture and then ruthlessly turn our back on it. I understand that some people ‘move furniture on’. But why pre-loved? What’s wrong with ‘used’ or ‘second-hand’? It’s not like we see ads for ‘pre-loved cars’… Anyways, I suppose the one thing ‘pre-loved’ furniture would want is…to be ‘wanted’.

Saturday At 6 pm this evening, Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon was like a moving version of the type of illustration you’d see in those old Ladybird books, or in any artist’s drawing of a park. Young couples sauntering. People walking dogs, or is it dogs walking people? When a jogger went by, it really reminded me of the idyllic parks of our imagination/real experience. Then, a young girl on roller blades. The nice stereotypes continued. When I passed the duck pond, there were four or five teenagers congregated at a bench beside a hedge. A mother and father walked past, with three children, two of them on small bikes. Near the new viewing area, an elderly couple stroll. It strikes me that we are all here – up to 50 people – as the latest Covid figures from NPHET are due (usually just before 6 pm every evening). But it appears that nobody here is waiting for the latest update on the pandemic. They are enjoying the fresh air, a beautiful evening, nature. We should not

paul@roscommonpeople.ie understand their frustration (and maybe even anger) over how they were treated. It may well be the case that Meghan wasn’t enthusiastically welcomed from day one. But surely Harry and Meghan knew what to expect before committing to a shared life as a Royal couple? I think they knew what they were getting into, and are simply sore at how it all turned out. There is an element of hypocrisy about their stance too. They made the decision to walk away, while calling for privacy. Then they go and embrace Planet Oprah. They’ve just washed the Royal family’s dirty linen in public, while conveniently availing of the opportunity to reveal – before the world’s media – the gender of baby number two. Anyways, I digress: those neighbours have a lovely garden…

be prisoners to the never-ending Covid-dominated news bulletins, most of them still sobering at best. I need hardly add that Loughnaneane Park is a magnificent facility.

All weekend I cannot join the ‘Anti-Bryson DeChambeau’ Club. Count me out. I presume the American golfing superstar with the much talked about physique is unpopular with some people and divides opinion as much as he does because he’s seen as brash and arrogant…well, that and the fact that his power game is offensive to many traditionalists. Personally, I thought he was a great sport at the weekend. On his way to winning a wonderfully entertaining Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida, the man with the bulging muscles and the monster drive put on a great show. Highlights were his epic drives across the water on the par 5 6th hole – shots that travelled around 380 yards. While every other player was avoiding the water (with good reason) Bryson sensationally missiled the ball directly over it. This was great sporting theatre, DeChambeau as showman, the fans (some were present) loving it. Bryson may be arrogant, and his barnstorming style might be an affront to purists, but he’s exciting to watch, he’s innovative, he’s setting new standards – and this guy showed at the weekend that he has a sense of humour and wants to thrill the crowds. Moreover, he spoke very respectfully and emotionally of how much he has been influenced by Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. He respects the greats in whose footsteps he follows. Knocking Bryson has become a sport in itself. How about enjoying him instead…and welcoming the emergence of a true one-off?

Monday Just as I was about to reach for the Sky remote, that interview came on…and I was transported to a place of wonder. If you didn’t see the garden in which THE INTERVIEW was held, let me put its splendour into perspective: it was so fancy, billionaire Oprah Winfrey and her neighbours (Prince Harry

Tuesday

Charles Touhey Francis and Charlie Francis pictured recently while out for a walk in Lecarrow. Photograph: Mick McCormack

and Duchess Meghan) chose it above their own gardens, ‘borrowing’ it from another neighbour. Imagine having a garden that Royals – and Oprah – look up to? I haven’t seen Oprah in maybe fifteen years (it’s mutual). She’s quite the pro alright. The Queen of broadcasting was fairly forensic in her questioning. It wasn’t the softest interview, but it wasn’t the toughest either. Every time Meghan (on camera much more than Harry) made a serious allegation, I was hoping Oprah would ask for specifics: ‘Who said it to you or Harry? In what environment? In what context? If you can’t tell me who said it, what did they say?’ Oprah looked sceptical at times, but she didn’t press for specifics. Pity. (Also, when Meghan alleged that a member of the family made potentially racist comments, by not naming the person, the effect was

to unfairly tarnish several people, which is hardly fair). Cards (Royal Flush?) on the table, I have little time for the conduct of Harry and Meghan. Of course I am sympathetic on the issue of the Duchess’ mental health. As for the wider thrust of the couple’s complaints, I really think they’re trying to have it both ways. As our old friend Vincent Browne might say, is it remotely credible that Meghan wouldn’t have known what set-up she was marrying into? The idea – as conveyed in this interview – that the Duchess was unprepared for ‘life with the Royals’ is one that lacks credibility. If Meghan didn’t research the Royal family before her wedding, did she not ask her partner what she should expect? I absolutely accept that this couple were unhappy with ‘The Firm’ – and probably with good reason. Most people, me included, will

Given the Covid situation, ongoing lockdown, the vaccine rollout delays, gangland crime, the Davy scandal and other such ‘stories’, it was natural that Liveline would devote all 75 minutes to…Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah. It was good harmless fun, with callers making utterly unsubstantiated claims (“Kate licks up to the Queen”, “Meghan wanted to change the Royal family from day one”, “Diana was murdered”, etc). As ever, Joe excelled with his winning formula – conventional broadcasting skill, occasional curtness, humour, occasional mock anger, and – at all costs – whatever it takes to keep stirring it up!

Finally… ‘Whole world spellbound as two Royals spill beans in dramatic TV chat show appearance’. I know Tommy Tiernan’s good, but I honestly didn’t expect this level of worldwide interest in his chat with fellow Meath Royal Sean Boylan…

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

NewsPeople Letter to the Editor Town enhancement: Reader feels focus should be elsewhere Roscommon Town Dear Sir, Regarding last week’s item on Enhancement works to begin in Roscommon Town, I welcome the planned improvements on the street network, although I have reservations about any possible changes to the traffic flow around The Square. In my opinion, the one-way flow of traffic around The Square works very well – why change it if it’s not broken? The funding would be better spent on constructing a footpath on the stretch of road between Hannon’s Hotel and the Golf Club. This latter project has been promised for years and was given the green light last September, but not a sod has been turned on this very busy road, which is extremely popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists. Since the pandemic began to impact a year or so ago, this popular stretch of road, which I use frequently, has in my view seen a 100% increase in use by locals and those from further afield. I just hope that it doesn’t take a serious incident on this narrow stretch of road to propel the powers-that-be into action to make it a safer and more pleasant experience for all road users. Yours sincerely, John Donohoe

Super draw in aid of St Ronan’s Hall Owing to the extended Covid-19 restrictions, which prohibits indoor and outdoor gatherings, the St. Ronan’s Hall Keadue Super Draw will be held in O’Carolan Heritage Park in Keadue at 5 pm on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, with only a member of An Garda Siochána and one other present. The draw will be streamed live on Keadue Facebook page, and tickets are still available to purchase in local businesses and from members of the community. Online sales will continue, so please share the link on Keadue Facebook page: go.rallyup.com/Keadue. Our sincere thanks go out to everybody that has supported the draw to date.

Fr Dan is new PP for Kilgefin Fr. Daniel Udofia has been appointed as parish priest for Kilgefin parish, and will be based in Ballyleague. The parish would like to welcome Fr. Dan and hope he is very happy during his time here. Fr. Dan had this message for parishioners: “I am a member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria (MSP) and am from

Pictured is Fr. Daniel Udofia, MSP, who was recently appointed parish priest for Kilgefin parish.

a West African country called Nigeria. “I was ordained a missionary priest on the 27th of June, 2009. I also trained as a journalist and was appointed the editor of the Catholic Ambassador Magazine, a mission magazine of the MSP from 2012 until 2020 and am on my Sabbatical leave right now. “I am incredibly happy to be in your midst and to work with you as your brother and friend. So do not hesitate to reach out to me whenever you need prayers and blessings. God bless you all”. Mass is now being streamed from Ballyleague Church each day. You can view mass at 10 am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and at 7 pm on Wednesday and Saturday, by visiting churchservices.tv/Ballyleague.

Pictured taking part in the Jerusalema Challenge are members of staff from Oakwood Nursing Home, Ballaghaderreen. Looking forward to brighter days ahead! Photograph: Mick McCormack.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

NewsPeople

Ballintubber Development Group: Proud of our past, planning for our future Ballintubber is a village and a community which is very proud of its heritage. We celebrate it with Heritage Week every year. However, life in recent months has taught us all to appreciate and value all that our local area has to offer, both in terms of natural amenities and Ballintubber’s unfailing community spirit. As a village and as a community, we want not just to survive, but to thrive. Ballintubber Development Association is the umbrella group working on a number of exciting projects. The original group was formed after a successful draw that raised enough funds to purchase the Old School in 1988. Ballintubber Development Association Limited was registered as a company in 2001. A strategic plan was drawn up to develop the village in key areas such as infrastructure, amenities and heritage. This was to be achieved through the support of Community Employment Schemes, Rural Social Schemes and various other schemes, which helped to provide employment in the area. Since its inception in 1988, Ballintubber Development Association’s achievements include the construction of over 5 km of walls and pathways

throughout the village, the purchase and development of the Old School House, the development and support of an Old School House Museum, the development of Michael Holland Park, PJ Moran’s Garage and The Bawn community park. In addition, the Church carpark was enhanced, including the wall around the church, and – with community donations and support – both St. Bride’s well and the station of the cross in the old graveyard were beautifully constructed. The village has a history of volunteerism, and over the years there have been many committees. We are grateful to all those who have given their time and energy to the development of our village. In the last few months, the Ballintubber Development Association has again reviewed it membership and now has representatives from all the community groups in Ballintubber actively involved on the committee. Its main objective is to be a forum for cohesive planning, focusing on enhancement of the physical, social, sporting, cultural and heritage environments in Ballintubber Village and environs. It also aims to promote the involvement and social inclusion

of all ages and abilities. Having all groups involved eliminates duplication and endeavours to support collaboration in the enhancement of the village and related activities/projects. To this end, the committee have been very busy in the past few months. It began by initiating and engaging in a process of Community Planning for five years with LEADER. One of the goals of this process is to implement the long-held vision of developing Ballintubber as an outdoor recreational destination in the Hidden Heartlands for residents and tourists. Amenities We have many amenities already on our doorstep: we are part of the Suck Valley Way Walking Trail and we recently secured funding to develop the Rambling Looped Walk, which is of significance from a culturally and heritage point of view as the Old Mass Path residents used to follow in days gone by to school or church. This path is approximately 4km and takes you through some fields and county roads. Points of interest along route include a heritage mound, the Round O and the Dream Cottage.

Ballintubber Development Association

Moweerr Powya!! to

We were also successful in securing a grant through the LEADER programme to do a QR coding trail, mapping out local diversity for all those nature enthusiasts on the Rambling Loop and surrounds. Ballintubber has long been famous for its beautiful castle, which is at the centre of our long-standing heritage. In recent years, the ‘Castles in Communities’ project has been involved in an archaeological survey of the castle and the surrounding area. This wonderful project has seen a month of intense work every summer by the students and their supervisors. Using both traditional dig methodology and modern technology, a vast amount of data has been collected. Just recently, the project has gratefully received funding through the National Heritage Council to purchase specialised equipment to collate, archive and centrally store all the information and data collected over the last six years. This will ensure the safe-

ty of the data and the success of the project going forward. Taking advantage of our local resources, the Ballintubber Development Association were successful in securing planning permission to develop a wheelchair accessible fishing point and inlet on the suck river. In preparation to hit the waters, a grant was secured through the Lottery Fund to purchase canoes/kayaks and related equipment. To further our vision, we hope to develop the wheelchair accessible fishing area and inlet and to enhance our walks with information kiosks, water points and picnic benches. We are also working on a new addition to the village by the development of a 12km family-friendly, scenic cycling trail. Despite the gloomy start to 2021, the committee were thrilled to secure €37,000 of CLAR Funding to finish off the street lighting in the village giving pedestrians 5kms of safely lit footpaths to walk on. This was a goal of the GAA

healthy club initiative, the local #iwalkntalk group as well as Tidy Towns. From November to March, we will now have a safe place for everyone to walk/ run. The committee is currently in negotiation with the OPW to secure the Old Garda Barracks for community use as a multipurpose facility to provide for remote working, training in water sports, storage for equipment, changing and shower facilities and a men’s shed project. We want to acknowledge the long-standing history in the village of great collaboration and support from individuals, groups and organisations, and we look forward to this continued support as we endeavour to enhance Ballintubber even further. As always, we welcome suggestions, ideas and comments from those in the locality and environs. As part of finalising our community development plan, we hope to facilitate a public consultation process as soon as possible in 2021.

‘Mower Power to Yah!’

1st Prize:

Ride-On

Supplied by Waldron Lawnmowers

Lawnmower

2 Prize: 3rd Prize:

Two Ewe Lambs His & Hers Hamper (approx €200)

4 Prize:

Drinks Hamper (approx €100)

5 Prize:

€100 Cash Prize

6 Prize:

Food Hamper

th th th

(approx €4,000)

Sponsor Eileen Kenny

Sponsor James Kenny Sponsor Tom Garvey

Sponsor Kenny’s Shop, Ballintubber

Draw on the 4th April 2021 - Easter Sunday Eileen Kenny: 087 2308895 for offline payment options & ticket queries

Ballintubber Development Association

Easter fundraising drive

To support our ambitious development plans, we have launched a fundraising draw: ‘Mower Power to Yah!’ The fundraiser will provide the community’s matching funding to support projects that have been grant-aided. The draw will take place on April 4th (Easter Sunday), and there is a host of great prizes up for grabs: First place is a ride-on Snapper lawnmower worth approximately €4,000 (sponsored by Waldron Lawnmowers), second prize is two ewe lambs, third prize is a ‘His & Hers’ hamper worth approximately €200 (sponsored by Eileen Kenny), fourth prize is a drinks hamper worth approximately €100 (sponsored by James Kenny), fifth prize is a one hundred euro cash prize (sponsored by Tom Garvey), and sixth prize is a food hamper (sponsored by Kenny’s Shop, Ballintubber). Tickets are €20 apiece, three for €50, or seven

for €100, and they can be purchased online at pay.myeasypay.com/myeasypay1.aspx?id=1246, or via Ballintubber Development Association’s Facebook page. Tickets can also be purchased offline by contacting committee members directly. For offline payment options and ticket queries, contact Eileen Kenny on 087 2308895. In addition, we have a limited draw for a €300 voucher for Michael Holland tyres for anyone who buys tickets online from March 1st to March 17th. For more information For additional details about the work of the committee, contact any committee member or follow Ballintubber Development Group on Facebook for news and updates. Committee members are Alan Garvey, Ursula Cunnane, Eileen Kenny, Sean Og Higgins, Niamh Egan, Maggie McCormack, Fiona Thompson, Anthony Waldron, Betty Garvey, Gail Murray, Gary Cunnane and Pat Garvey.

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Brought to book: Frankie reveals all… Former Roscommon and St. Brigid’s footballer, Frankie Dolan, is set to reveal all in his autobiography ‘Outside of the Right’, which is due for release in early May. This week, Roscommon People journalist, Dan Dooner, gives his account of what it was like to work with the controversial star as Frankie opened up about his life and colourful career… Writing a book is a daunting task at the best of times, never mind when the country is in the middle of a full-blown lockdown! But working with Frankie Dolan on his autobiography ‘Outside of the Right’ was an opportunity I just couldn’t turn down when former Meath footballer turned publisher, Liam Hayes, called me out of the blue last April. Before going on to establish Hero Books, Liam had been my editor when I started in journalism with the Lucan Gazette way back in the early 00s. Frankie’s book is being released as part of the company’s popular ‘Legends Series’, and Liam wanted a local journalist to help bring it together. Meeting up may have been out of the question for most of last year, but the fact that Frankie is my local postman meant we could at least get the ball rolling while leaning on my garden wall. In that initial meeting, Frankie told me he wanted to ‘set the record straight’ regarding his reputation as someone who courted trouble and controFormer Roscommon and St. Brigid’s footballer, Frankie Dolan, is due to release his autobiography ‘Outside of the Right’ in May. The book is part of Hero Books’ Legends Series. Pic: Mick McCormack

versy throughout his career. “Stories grow legs, particularly in a small county like Roscommon,” he said. “Being a footballer was like being a wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation, I had this persona on the pitch that wasn’t really me”. Weekly Zoom calls became the norm from then on as Frankie detailed his early life growing up in Athlone and Kiltoom as well as his career on the soccer and football pitches of Athlone, Roscommon and even Germany. Talking about the game of Gaelic football comes naturally to Frankie but he struggled at times to open up about life away from the pitch. The sessions where we discussed his home life in Kiltoom and his own mental health would eventually lead to Frankie providing important insights into some of the issues inter-county footballers face when the floodlights fade. In ‘Outside of the Right’, Frankie talks openly about his on-field success as well as the off-field controversies, some

of which led to dark periods in his life. This is his attempt to give his side of the story and address the public perception that he was a maverick footballer with discipline problems. Of course, the infamous ‘Naked Pool’ episode is recounted but so too is the fall-out which led to him seeking time away from football and Ireland in general. Frankie speaks lovingly of his wife Caroline and two sons, Ryen and Jack, and even provides a detailed account of his not-so-fairytale-like proposal in New York City! The book contains previously untold stories of off-field shenanigans with the Roscommon senior and U-21 teams as well as his beloved St. Brigid’s, and even looks back on an infamous fishing expedition with brother and former teammate, Garvan. When we started this project, I, like most Gaelic football fans, had a preconception of who Frankie Dolan was. It was only by hearing his side of the story that I got to know

“

Roscommon People journalist Dan Dooner has spent lockdown working with former Roscommon and St. Brigid’s footballer, Frankie Dolan, on his autobiography ‘Outside of the Right’, which is due for release in May. Pic: Mick McCormack

‘Stories grow legs, particularly in a small county like Roscommon’

the man behind the footballing persona. With the GAA season set to resume in May, I can only

hope this book provides readers with a humourous and thought-provoking trip down memory lane as well

as a new understanding of the man behind some of Roscommon football’s most infamous headlines.

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Thursday 11th March @ 7pm ELPHIN & STROKESTOWN

Thursday 11th March @ 8pm

 Please email claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie in advance for the Zoom link 

Sinn Féin’s Claire Kerrane TD, Cllr Dermot Connolly and Cllr Michael Mulligan are inviting you to an online public meeting to discuss the impact of the closure of the Bank of Ireland branches in Ballygar, Dunmore, Elphin and Strokestown WORKING HARD FOR YOU

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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Shows and reels this St. Patrick’s Day at Roscommon Arts Centre

This St. Patrick’s Day, Roscommon Arts Centre are presenting a series of works, entitled ‘Show Reels’, to celebrate our national day. A number of digital events will take place throughout the day on the arts centre’s website and Facebook page. The day begins with two free performances, specifically for families and children. Trad Babies, presented in association with The Dock and The Hawks Well Theatre, is a joyful introduction to traditional music for little ones to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! This online concert features a gentle selection of traditional tunes by fiddler Mossie Martin and accordionist Séan Carroll, specifically designed with babies in mind. The performance will be available from 9 am on roscommonartscentre.ie. At 11.30 am, it’s time for some St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans with Kyle Riley and Paul Timoney. The show features a variety of Irish songs,

some to inspire bravery and more to get you moving around the house. There will be snakes, Setanta, Cú Chulainn, puppets and whole lot of fun! Suitable for the whole family, this is a free online performance, but pre-booking is required. The hugely popular trad music series, The Reel Thing: Lunchtime Times, continues with an online performance from Roscommon musician Alan Kelly at 1.15 pm. Alan is a piano accordionist, composer and arranger, and has toured and recorded with artists such as Eddi Reader, Matt Molloy, Arty McGlynn and Nollaig Casey, De Dannan and Lúnasa. This St. Patrick’s Day, Edwina Guckian and her mummers will lead the way in The Mummers Parade, as they take to the highways and byways of Roscommon on behalf of the arts centre, calling on people as they travel the county. They will also be visiting Nursing Homes in Roscom-

mon for a series of outdoor performances and window visits to those less mobile, with this uniquely Irish tradition. St. Patrick’s Day at Roscommon Arts Centre rounds off with a new online performance piece by renowned playwright, poet, actor and author Seamus O’Rourke. ‘The Fairies’ is a newly commissioned short by Seamus, telling the true story of two colourful neighbours. Commissioned by Roscommon Arts Centre and Backstage Theatre Longford, ‘The Fairies’ premieres online as the final short in Tufts Of Seamus O’Rourke, a three-part series screened on the day that will also include O’Rourke’s previously released musings ‘Farming’ and ‘The Drawer’. For more information on all arts centre events, visit roscommonartscentre.ie.

Pictured is renowned playwright, poet, actor and author Seamus O’Rourke, whose performance piece, “The Fairies”, premieres online as part of the various events compiled in celebration of St Patricks Day by Roscommon Arts Centre.

World’s Longest Chip in Castleplunkett? A big thank you to Jessica (5) and her father, Colm Raftery, who got in touch with us this week with some big breaking news from Castleplunkett! Jessica was eating her dinner earlier this week when she found what could possibly be the World’s Longest Chip, measuring a whopping 19.7cm (7.76 inches)!

Following some painstaking research, it was discovered that the previous record for the World’s Longest Chip was just a measly 7.1 inches! Jessica’s giant chip came from a bag of McCain oven chips and after she announced her discovery, dad Colm grabbed his measuring tape. Before he could confirm the record-

Harmac staff raise €16,000 for Castlerea Alzheimer Day Care Everyone from the Castlerea Alzheimer Day Care Centre would like to thank the staff of Harmac Medical Products in Castlerea, who selected them as their charity of choice in 2020. Harmac raised a massive €16,000 with their fundraising events throughout the year, which included a virtual cycle, and the very generous staff also contributed a percentage of their salaries throughout the year. Castlerea Alzheimer Day Care Centre are so proud to be an integral part of this supportive rural community. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland accepted this cheque with grateful appreciation. The Castlerea Day Care Centre is in the process of upgrading the premises and this money will further benefit the upgrade. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week on 1800-341341. It’s open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 Pictured is Marion Murphy (ASI Nurse Manager, Castlerea pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 Alzheimer Day Care Centre) receiving a cheque for €16,000 from Michael McEnroe (Managing Director, Harmac Medical pm. Products).

breaking find, however, Jessica had the chip eaten! Thankfully, quick-thinking Colm captured evidence of the chip on his phone as proof for Roscommon People readers. Jessica, meanwhile, enjoyed all the chips, even the non-record breaking ones and expressed her thanks to her mammy for another lovely dinner.

Alanna Hoare, a student at the Convent of Mercy in Roscommon, recently came fourth place in Mental Health Ireland’s national art and photography competition.

Alanna’s success in national Art & Photography competition! A Roscommon student recently tasted success in a national creative competition promoting young people’s mental health amid Covid-19. Alanna Hoare, a student at the Convent of Mercy in Roscommon, recently came fourth place (Junior Cycle) in the Mental Health Ireland national Art & Photography Competition. The competition invited young people to explore and express their creative talents while encouraging students, teachers and parents to open up the mental health dialogue and encourage mental health championing.

The last year has been a turbulent time for many young people. They have faced new challenges and continued to grow up in a reality very different to the one they were prepared for at the start of the year. With this in mind, the competition’s theme was ‘Reflecting on How I’ve Grown’ – in the face of the uncertainties and challenges of the year. The competition was open to Secondary Schools, Special Education and Youthreach students. The winners were each gifted a ‘One4All’ voucher and will have their pieces featured in a virtual and public exhibition when restrictions are lifted.

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5k fun walk/run fundraiser: Kiltoom Community AED group Kiltoom Community AED Group was formed in 2019 with the objective of supplying and maintaining Automatic Electronic Defibrillators (AEDs) at strategic locations throughout the Kiltoom area. The group currently maintain two AED devices, one of which is located on the Roscommon road outside Collins’ Spar Shop, with the second device located on the exterior wall of Kiltoom Parish Hall, beside the Church of the Risen Christ in Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon. The group are now actively fundraising locally in order to purchase a further four AED devices to place strategically in locations around the Kiltoom area. The five areas currently identified for the initial location of AED

devices are Curramore, Carrownderry, Carnagh, Barrybeg and Barrymore. Thereafter, when funding permits, we hope to provide AEDs in other areas so that there is comprehensive proximity to these devices accessible to all families in the local community. While a number of members of the local community have received training in Basic Life Saving (BLS) techniques, it is hoped that this and future fundraising drives will facilitate the necessary ongoing training of many more people in what are now regarded as fundamental skills: coming to the aid of persons who may need such necessary assistance. The current fundraising drive consists of a Virtual 5K Fun Walk/Run (within

VIRTUAL

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17th - 21st March

TO DONATE FIND US ON gofundme.com/f/aeds-fundraiser-kiltoom-athlone All participants must abide by public health guidelines

current safety guidelines), which will run from March 17th to March 21st, and can be undertaken by family members of all ages. It is envisaged that this will be a fun, family event and all are encour-

aged to engage in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Weekend and spread goodwill so that as much as possible can be raised for this most worthwhile cause. We can all be heart heroes! If you have not

already donated, please visit gofundme.com/f/ aeds-fundraiser-kiltoomathlone. Donations can also be dropped through the letterbox of the Parochial House, clearly marked Kiltoom AED.

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Incredible to hear some people planning St Patrick’s Day parties. Brain dead.

– Yes, Dave Allen was brilliant! People loved last Saturday night’s Dave Allen Love-in on BBC 2 Dr Martin Daly @DrMartinDaly #Davy Is there no criminal legal remedy for the malfeasance of the Executives & Directors. Simply losing jobs & selling shares for great deal of money doesn’t represent justice. We jail ordinary people for a lot lot less. @RadioBrendanRTE #brendanoconnor

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FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

Loaves, fishes and good times: fond memories of ‘The Gunner’ It’s strange to think that it’s been almost a full year since Covid-19 arrived on our shores. Since then, it seems to me that for such a small place like Creggs, we have had to face an unusually large number of the new type of funerals, where we have said goodbye to friends and acquaintances while standing on the side of the road, conveying our sadness and respects from a safe distance. On Friday last we said farewell to David Satchwell, one of the most well-respected and popular members of the local farming community, a great supporter of all things to do with Creggs, a long-time good employer in the parish, and a real gentleman as well. David passed away unexpectedly on Monday week last and he will be greatly missed in Creggs and the surrounding areas. To his wife Violet, his family, and his friends, I offer my sincere and heartfelt sympathy. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Then on Wednesday night of last week, we lost Jim O’Rourke – a friend whom I soldiered with for many a year as a young lad. He was someone that I’d had many a good night with, sowing our wild oats in places like John L. Garvey’s pub in Glenamaddy, before hitting for The Sound of Music to try our luck on the

dance floor. We were regular visitors to The Wagon Wheel in Roscommon, and would occasionally head for the bright lights of Dublin city. On one unforgettable trip, he and I even made our way to the famous matchmaking festival in Lisdoonvarna (with limited success). Back in 1974, when the rugby club in Creggs came into being, Jim was one of the founding members. He, Vincent Canny and I were the first club representatives at the Connacht Branch fixtures meeting in which the top brass finally decided that Creggs could be let into what was then a fairly closed group. We weren’t that successful on that particular night, but nearly 50 years later, we have become one of the most respected clubs in the country. Due to his love of the outdoors and his passion for shooting and fishing, we nicknamed Jim ‘The Gunner’. A few of us used go fishing for bream – with our homemade fishing rods – down on the River Suck in Donamon. The Gunner would feed the fish with loaves of bread for days before we launched our nighttime attacks, and we used to catch loads of the lazy, well fed fish, until Sarah (Jim’s mother) realised she didn’t have as many loaves to sell as she should have. She soon put a stop to Jim’s taking of the

Jim O’Rourke – ‘The Gunner’

lovely, fresh bread. We’d heard, many years earlier, of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, but back then we too had our own version of the miracle. Then The Gunner left us, heading off to start a new chapter in his life by going to Templemore to join the Guards. He spent nearly thirty years as a highly respected member of the force, eventually ending up in the Special Branch, where he took part in many highly dangerous and important events. He retired on medical grounds after being viciously assaulted by a criminal gang while carrying out his Garda duties. Jim then returned to Creggs,

helping out in the family business, where he was a hugely popular member of staff. He and his beloved dog Joey were regular features in the village; Jim took the Red Setter for a walk at least twice daily. To some of us, it looked as if it was Joey who took Jim for the walks, as he seemed to drag The Gunner around the village at breakneck speed. Jim also found time to look after his father Mick in his latter years. He brought him everywhere he needed to go, enabling Mick to have a happy and contented final few years. When Mick passed away, The Gunner hoped to fulfil another

Please support our Tidy Towns’ drive One of the biggest casualties of Covid-19 has been the fundraising sector. Every part of it has suffered greatly. Out in Creggs things are no different, and the good people on the Tidy Towns committee have put their heads together to come up with something to replace the funds that they usually generate through their annual dances and raffles. As a result, over St. Patrick’s weekend you can take part in a Virtual 5k Walk by going on to the Creggs Tidy Towns Go Fund Me page, sign up,

give any size of a contribution from €5 upwards (they have no upper lim-

it), and help the volunteers continue the amazing work that they have carried out over the last few years. Creggs is now one of the prettiest villages around, and it takes a good few bob to keep replacing and adding to the plants, flowers and shrubs, so dig out your trainers, sign up, give them a contribution, do the walk anywhere you like, (or only pretend to do it), but most importantly, help to keep your village in the lovely state it is now in. Creggs Tidy Towns Go Fund Me page is all you need!

life’s dream: purchasing a camper van for Joey and himself, and heading for the sunshine hot-spots of Spain and Portugal. My brother (The Rasher) met him in the Spanish resort of Cabo Roig in November 2019, and told me that, as in Creggs, The Gunner and Joey were hugely popular with all the locals. Sadly he was stricken down with illness, and when he came home before Christmas we all knew he hadn’t a lot of time left. He eventually succumbed to the illness on Wednesday of last week. Once upon a time I headed off on the bus to Bandon to buy a car that, on ‘Buy and Sell’, looked absolutely immaculate, despite being for sale at £500. When I saw it, I couldn’t believe my eyes at the state of it, but immediately realised that I had to buy it as there was no bus going back my way until the Monday (this was Saturday, but no bus ran on Sunday). Anyway, when we eventually got my new purchase started, I hit off from Bandon, and (of course) the car broke down on the motorway somewhere near Cahir. The only thing I could think of was to ring The Gunner, who was stationed in Cahir, and see if he could come to my assistance. Sadly he was on duty, but he said to sit tight, and that he would see

what he could do. About ten minutes later, I saw a squad car, blue lights flashing, coming towards me at enormous speed. At first I wondered if someone had reported me for being parked on the hard shoulder, or if there had been a major incident further up the road. However, it was of course The Gunner, and to my surprise he had brought with him three more Gardaí, all in full uniform, complete with tow ropes, spanners, cans of petrol, and anything else that might be needed to get me on my way. Which of those things did the job, I can’t remember. In the end, my lovely new car and I got away again, and we managed to almost make it home (that’s a story for another time). The true measure of anyone is how they react when someone is in bother, and there was truly no one better to turn to in a time of crisis. He was a larger than life character, great fun and great craic, but he was also a true gentleman who devoted his life to helping others, and who had a huge impact on so many people all over Ireland and beyond. On a personal note, I am proud to have had Jim as a friend, and I will miss him greatly. To all the O’Rourkes, their families and their friends, I extend my sincerest sympathy on their great loss. May he rest in peace.

And finally… As we continue to play a waiting game for the Covid vaccine, seemingly falling behind everyone else in terms of delivery and rollout, once again I ask myself: What would we do without sport? As a Manchester United supporter (I hate being called a fan), the weekend victory over neighbours Manchester City was as welcome as it was unexpected. While it doesn’t hide the fact that we are, in every way (including in terms of points on the board), a long way behind this top quality City team, it did at least provide all of us long-suffering United followers with one great day, and hopefully a glimpse into a more productive and fulfilling future. We also had a wonderful, old-style rugby interpro between Connacht and Munster, which went the way of the southerners but could’ve just as easily gone the other way. It also whetted my appetite for next weekend, when the international rugby resumes. Hopefully Ireland can pull a big performance out of whatever bag they have, and put one over on the eternally over-confident Scots. When all that is done, we will be another week closer to the vaccine, and (please God) a little closer to the resumption of a somewhat normal existence!

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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Naughton’s Kitchens and Appliances – providing a valuable service Naughton’s Kitchens and Appliances, based in Athleague, Co. Roscommon, is a family-run business that has been trading for more than forty years, and one which continues to provide an excellent service in the west of Ireland. Naughton’s caters for all styles and budgets, and have recently rebranded and added appliances, meaning customers have a significant range to choose from. Ovens, hobs, fridges, freezers, coffee machines, and dishwashers are all available to purchase, with high quality help and service supplied. The company also offers a full stockist of exclusive, studio-line products from Siemens, fully Wifi enabled to allow people to control appliances from any connected device, including Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. Naughton’s Kitchens and Appliances sell a wide range of appliances on their website, naughtonskitchens.com, and the user-friendly online shop is proving to be very successful with customers. Throughout the decades,

Naughton’s have placed real pride and emphasis on the ability to offer a topquality product and service. Naughton’s Kitchens have achieved Master Partner status with Neff, and their showroom is considered a connected hub – one of only four in Ireland. With a bespoke manufacturing plant in Athleague, Naughton’s experienced design team remain willing to assist on existing and new projects. Additionally, Naughton’s sales team have extensive experience in creating kitchen designs and optimising space to reflect the needs of your lifestyle. Guidance can also be offered by Naughton’s staff on other aspects relating to kitchens, including appliances, and how to choose suitable worktop material. At Naughton’s Kitchens and Appliances, an expert will take your ideas, add them to their knowledge, and together with transform them into a real-life kitchen. Your heart, your home, your kitchen. Visit naughtonskitchens. com for more.

NAUGHTONMon KITCHENS ATHLEAGUE, ROSCOMMON, F42 to AX71 – Wed : LTD, 10amCLOONEYOURISH, to 4pm. | Thursday : 10am to 5pm | Friday : 10am 6.30pm Tel: (0906) 663555 Email: snaughtonkitchens@gmail.com OPEN THROUGH LUNCH | Phone:Web: 094 -naughtonkitchens.com 962 0910

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

NewsPeople

Miriam’s MUSINGS His name was Morgan and he was only a baby… Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

The so-called ‘Sport of Kings’ is one of our country’s most popular and oldest spectator sports. It could be said that attending a horseracing event or placing a bet on the ‘gee-gees’ is an integral part of our culture; personally I’ve never done either. However, given disgraced trainer Gordon Elliot’s abhorrent and disrespectful behaviour concerning the body of a deceased horse, racing has now become one of our most talked about industries. While enthusiasts and supporters are whimpering and whining that the controversy surrounding the sickening image of Elliot sitting astride a deceased horse has damaged the industry’s reputation, I for one believe it has placed a spotlight on it, and that can only be good. Before we go on, this poor deceased creature had a name – he was called Morgan. Morgan was seven

years old, a baby, and he allegedly passed away due to ‘an aneurysm on Elliot’s gallops in 2019’. As an animal welfare advocate (and former officer working in Dublin and surrounding counties), I’ve lost count of the number of times that colleagues and I attended horrific scenes, where former racehorses that could no longer make money were abused, abandoned and left to starve to death in a field. To this day, I still suffer from acute psychological trauma directly related to the calibre of animal/horse abuse I’ve witnessed. In fact, such is my passion for animals and my zero tolerance for those who treat them cruelly, I refused to attend for an emergency hysterectomy because the date clashed with a court case where I was providing ‘expert witness’ testimony regarding fifteen cases of equine cruelty involving a racehorse owner.

Let me be clear, I’m not suggesting Mr. Elliot is inhumane or abusive to the horses in his care. Neither am I suggesting that all those involved in the horse racing industry are cruel – I’m simply relaying my own personal experiences to you in the context of this scandalous incident. Mind you, I have absolutely no sympathy or compassion for Gordon Elliot. Indeed, I don’t even feel a smidgen of empathy with him; what he did was unpardonable. However, I have to thank him for raising awareness of the plight of many racehorses and racing greyhounds in this country. This one mindless act alone, committed by a high profile trainer (who I’d assume is possibly an otherwise highly intelligent and decent individual) has strangely done more to raise awareness of the need to improve equine welfare than any carefully crafted publicity campaign.

Dear Oprah… my in-laws are driving me nuts How long before Meghan and Harry just go away? We all have in-laws (or at least one) who drive us nuts. Indeed, according to psychologist Terri Apter, ‘three out of four couples experience significant conflict with their in-laws’. However, three out of four of us don’t have a saccharine-sweet, filthy rich auntie Oprah to whinge to in a ‘tell-all’ expose… now do we?

inspector investigating this incident, my conclusion would be that the poor horse was sadly deceased, so technically Elliot’s act was not one of cruelty per se, but rather one of acute callousness and disrespect for the broken body of a beautiful creature. For that, he deserves his comeuppance! I could go one further and say he should’ve been made to donate a substantial sum to a rescue charity that rehabilitates and rehomes abused horses, but hey, that was never going to happen. Nothing will bring Morgan and all of the other deceased horses back, however instead of sullying their memories, Elliot can instead take his punishment, move on, and earn the forgiveness of animal welfare advocates by becoming a future ambassador for the humane, ethical and compassionate treatment of these majestic creatures.

Reliable Rossies to the rescue! In Belgium, it’s known locally as ‘the British gourmet store’, specialising in providing typical ‘English’ fare to the UK’s ex-pats. However, due to delivery problems relating to Brexit, ‘The British supermarket’s’ shelves have lain bare since January, causing it to face an uncertain future.

Meghan and Harry

I’m someone who stops my car to move a deceased animal off the road in an effort to try to provide its remains with dignity and respect. Therefore, I cannot imagine what was going through Mr. Elliot’s head when he decided that sitting astride a beautiful, sentient being’s dead body – essentially stripping the poor creature of his dignity – would make for a great photo-op moment. Neither do I care that due to the fall-out, Mr. Elliot’s world has ‘imploded’, his reputation has been damaged, and his livelihood has been negatively impacted. He made his choice, chose poorly, and is rightly paying for his actions. That being said, if I were Mr. Elliot’s PR person, I’d be advising my client to use his appalling behaviour to turn things around and become the poster boy for equine welfare. In addition, if I were the animal welfare

But not anymore, because, as the old slogan goes, ‘England’s difficulty is Ireland’s opportunity’ and in this case, Roscommon’s opportunity – one which we’ve apparently grabbed with both hands to supply thickcut rashers of bacon to those hungry Brits abroad!

Yes folks, when the chips (and the bacon) were down, and our friends in the EU found themselves faced with two choices – shut up shop or look elsewhere to source a trusted supplier – the reliable Rossies stepped in, delivered on schedule and stocked those shelves!

Give mammy the gift of time this Mother’s Day It has been the longest year of our lives: we’re fed up staying home, fed up sanitising our hands, fed up scrubbing delivery packages, wiping down grocery/cereal boxes and spritzing every surface in the house. We’re tired of working from a cubbyhole, wearing nothing but our ‘lounge wear’. Those of us who have young babies/ toddlers are sick of hopping into the shower to wipe off baby-puke, glitter, jam and chocolate stains, only to have our few seconds of peace, soon interrupted by panicked screaming, eye-poking and hair pulling… and that’s just the hubby! We’re tired of being the home-schooler, the dog-walker, the poo-picker-upper, the

list-maker, the nose wiper, the doctor/dentist appointment scheduler, the food shopper, the meal planner and the cook! In short, we’ve had enough of being the primary point of contact, the ‘glue’ that holds our families together. We’re also weary of being the ones who have

to ‘power through’, even as we’re being pushed to our very limits by this pandemic! Yes kids, you’ve got it – there’s a lot of pressure on your beautiful mammy right now. Therefore, if you haven’t yet bought the angel who gave you life a decent pressie, then please consider giving her the gift of time this Mother’s Day. Allow her to take a breather to have half an hour in the shower; let her sit and paint her toenails, shave her legs, shape her brows and blowdry her hair, because God knows this saint of a woman so richly deserves it! Besides, she’ll love you all the more for it. Happy Mother’s Day ladies!

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

arch Sunday 14th M

Happy

Mother’s Day

Win Win Win with the Abbey Hotel! Abbey Hotel Mother’s Day competitions To celebrate Mother’s Day this coming Sunday, the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, are giving one lucky person a chance to win a voucher for an afternoon tea for two on their Instagram page. The voucher can be redeemed when restrictions ease and the hotel reopens. Simply follow the Abbey Hotel on Instagram and tag a lovely mum who deserves to win to be in the running for the voucher! The winner will be announced on Friday via Abbey Hotel’s Instagram stories. If you are looking for the ideal gift idea for your mum this Sunday, gift vouchers are available to purchase on our website, abbeyhotel.ie.

Make-A-Wish celebrates mothers this Wish Week, March 8th-14th Make-A-Wish is asking the public to come behind their campaign to celebrate all our special Mums this ‘Wish Week’. Supported by SPAR and culminating on Mother’s Day, Wish Week is an appeal to the public to help bring joy to seriously ill children, and their families across Ireland, by making a donation. Last year, Make-A-Wish Ireland experienced significant disruption to both their fundraising activities, and their ability to grant wishes. However, despite the necessary lockdowns and restrictions, they were still able to grant fifty-six wishes to children across the country that are living with lifethreatening illnesses. These wishes ranged from having a garden play tower, to virtually meeting a favourite celebrity, to having a gaming laptop. Unfortunately, there are now over 200 seriously ill children throughout the country who are anxiously waiting for their wishes to be granted. As Make-A-Wish does not receive any government funding, they are asking the public to donate to help make those magical wishes come true. Susan O’Dwyer (Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish Ireland) says: “Our wish mums inspire us every day with their strength and hope. As Wish Week takes place in the run-up to Mother’s Day, we wanted to share some of our incredible wish stories through the eyes of these parents.

“Over the past year, we have all come to recognise the importance of hope in helping us to endure life’s challenges. Our wish families know that better than anyone. That’s why we are committed to granting the wish of every eligible child, giving them the hope of magical moments, and lasting happy memories. But we can’t do it without the help of our supporters, volunteers, partners and the general public”. One of the wishes granted last year was for twelve-year-old Zara Beasley Hennelly from Dublin, who wished for a ‘sensory corner’ in her garden. Zara’s mum Orla

says that Zara’s favourite time spent in the garden is sitting listening to the babbling of the water feature and the gentle ringing of the chimes. “It’s so peaceful, and even on wet days, Zara can sit under the canopy and enjoy it. Zara’s original wish was to take a trip to Disneyland Paris, but due to Covid-19 this wasn’t possible. The sensory area however, will bring so much more joy for her in the months and years ahead”. Make-A-Wish is asking people to help make wishes come true for children like Zara by donating at makeawish.ie.

Mo t h e r ’s Day SP ECIALS

Massive selection of Skincare and Fragrances for Mother’s Day Discount of 20% for that special day

Gift Baskets made to order Gift Vouchers (no expiry date)

Hynes Pharmacy Castle Street, Roscommon.

12-year-old Zara Beasley Hennelly from Dublin, pictured with her mum Orla. Zara’s wish was for a sensory corner in her garden.

Tel. (090) 66 34147

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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The birthday celebrations also included a surprise drive-by by friends, family and well-wishers. Photographs: Mick McCormack

Thanks for a great 21st surprise! Fergal Mahon and the rest of the Mahon family wave goodbye to the helicopter and pilot.

High-flying celebrations for Fergal’s 21st Fergal Mahon, from Tibohine, County Roscommon, recently celebrated his 21st birthday in spectacular style when a surprise celebration was organised for him by family and friends! As he was born on February 29th, Fergal’s actual birthday only occurs every four years. Due to this year’s Covid-19 restrictions, Fergal wasn’t expecting very many frills for the milestone celebration, however his many friends, family and neighbours had other ideas! A massive ‘drive-by’ celebration, attended by the very supportive people of Tibohine, was organised.

Two planes and a helicopter flew over a cavalcade which featured sixty-five cars, two trucks, and a tractor, all of which brought another level of noise and excitement to the 21st birthday celebrations. When all the friends and wellwishers had dispersed, Fergal was treated to another big surprise present when the helicopter landed and the pilot offered him a spin in it! Delighted to accept the offer, Fergal was brought on an aerial tour of the area. After a great flight and a smooth landing, Fergal and Mahon family members went back into the house to cut the birthday cake and had a cup of tea.

Then round two started: yes, more surprises…. Fergal had received lots of calls over the course of the day from many cousins and friends all over Ireland, Australia, USA, England, etc. However, he was in for plenty more surprises when Fergal – an avid music fan – received video calls from some very well-known celebrities, including Mike Denver, Lisa McHugh, Michael English, Nathan Carter, Olivia Douglas, John McNichol, Derek Ryan and Claudia Buckley. These video calls were organised and co-ordinated by Roscommon’s own C&W singer, Carmel McLoughlin.

Fergal Mahon pictured with the rest of the Mahon family.

Pictured is Teresa Morrisroe, who was among those who participated in the drive-by birthday celebrations.

Fergal Mahon pictured sitting in the helicopter during the surprise celebrations for his 21st birthday.

Pictured is Ann Flynn, who was among those who participated in the drive-by birthday celebrations.

Pictured are cousins Conor and Owen Madden, who were among those who participated in the drive-by birthday celebrations.

The birthday celebrations also included a surprise drive-by by friends, family and well-wishers.

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ROSCOMAIN

RoscommonPeople PeopleFriday Friday12 05March March2021 2021 Roscommon

V-DAY Recent vaccinations, in Roscommon Primary Care Centre

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified.

John Tarpey (Castlecoote) pictured at the Roscommon Primary Care Centre. Picture: Mick McCormack

Road to be closed: The L-6097-0 at Ballinafad will be closed for a section of 500 metres between its junction with the L-1425-25 at Ballybeg and its junction with the L-6097-59 at Cornashinnagh. Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted (Signage will be in place). Period of Closure: The 05th of April 2021 until the 30th of April 2021. Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water mains along the public road in the Townland of Ballinafad as part of the Mid-Roscommon Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract. All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan. Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Maps showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www. roscommoncoco.ie Objections may be made in writing to the undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary road closure to arrive not later than 4.00 p.m. on 18th March 2021. Water Services Section Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

newsbriefs Castlerea Musical Society online AGM The AGM of Castlerea Musical Society will be held via Zoom on Monday, March 22nd at 7.45 pm. The society is inviting anyone who has any interest in the Musical Society to attend the meeting. Anyone wishing to join the meeting should email musicalsocietycastlerea@gmail.com in order to get the link and password required for the meeting. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Pieta – ‘Darkness Into Light Sunrise’ Join Pieta and Electric Ireland for a special ‘Darkness into Light Sunrise’ on May 8th, and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. Join in any way you can – walk, swim, cycle or simply share your sunrise moment. Join now by visiting darknessintolight.ie and signing up. The cost is €21 for adults, €16 for jobseekers/students/ seniors, €5 for children, and €52 for family. You can also make a donation via the website, and support Pieta’s lifesaving intervention and bereavement services.

Just vaccinated: Vera Ayres (Fourmilehouse) pictured with Mae Murray (Tulsk) and Dr. Valerie Morris at the Roscommon Primary Care Centre. Picture: Mick McCormack

Dr. Valerie Morris and Dr. David Harrison, pictured at the Roscommon Primary Care Centre. Picture: Mick McCormack

Tidy Towns and amenity grants Roscommon County Council is currently accepting applications under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme 2021. Funding will be made available to Tidy Towns Associations and Local Development Groups to help them to carry out small-scale amenity projects. Roscommon County Council will prioritise the Tidy Towns Associations who enter the National Tidy Towns Competition during 2021 in order to support their ongoing work. Local development groups who carry out small-scale local enhancement or amenity works, but do not enter the National Tidy Towns competition, will also be considered for funding. Due to the limited amount of funding available, large scale capital projects cannot be considered. Applicants should be aware that payment will only be made in respect of eligible, approved projects on receipt of valid vouched expenditure and confirmation that proposed projects have been completed. The maximum grant payable will be either the amount allocated, or 75% of the value of invoices submitted, whichever is lower. Grants will be payable retrospectively. Successful applicants will be required to ensure that they are registered with Roscommon Public Participation Network (PPN), that their tax and insurance affairs are in order and that they hold evidence of same. All applications will be processed through the ‘My Online Services’ portal, accessible on Roscommon County Council’s website at roscommoncoco.ie. Roscommon County Council recognises the benefit of this scheme for local communities, and also recognises the amount of work undertaken by local communities each year. It is important that all applicants make themselves familiar with the terms and conditions of the scheme to ensure their eligibility prior to making an application. The closing date for

completed online applications is 9 pm on Thursday, April 1st, 2021. It is intended that decisions in relation to funding will be made

at the April Meeting of Roscommon County Council and that all groups will be notified thereafter. Any queries relating to the scheme may be emailed to

amenitygrants@roscommoncoco.ie. Communities are advised to follow all Covid-19 HSE and Government guidelines at all times.

TIDY TOWNS AND AMENITY GRANT SCHEME 2021 Roscommon County Council is currently accepting online applications under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme 2021. 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 9.00 pm on Thursday, 1st April 2021. Incomplete or late online applications will not be considered Any queries relating to the scheme may be emailed to amenitygrants@roscommoncoco.ie Fiona ní Chuinn A/Director of Services Community and Enterprise

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

Lifestyle

Colour style tips with Geraldine Grealy Lifestyle blogger Geraldine Grealy, of Geri’s Closet, shares some clothes colour styling advice A consultation with a clothes colour stylist a few years ago armed me with a world of knowledge about colour tones

that suit me. Sallow skinned brunettes like me are lucky in the sense that many colours will suit our skin tone, but I’ve

identified (through trial and error) that certain colours can be equally draining and very unflattering and are best left avoided. Orange-y reds, corals, gold, dark browns and deep forest greens are a terrific compliment to black/brown hair. Brunettes can also look great in a range of greens – mossy to olive and sage tones. Personally, I love teal green. Nature’s best browns and beiges are universally flattering to brunettes and indeed blondes, who can wear dark chocolate and creamy lighter tones, as well as browns that have a hint of red. Rich gold tones are stunning on brunettes and blondes/redheads when they choose deep tones – but avoid lemon-y colours. Rich burgundy reds work great as well. Brown-haired ladies can look fabulous in a range of blues; denim, blueberry and pure navy all work. For blondes, other good choices to compliment your hair colour include a clear turquoise and cobalt. Pastel colour choices, depending on the shade of your hair and indeed your eye colour, can also work very well on both blondes and brunettes. Lighter brunettes may find that certain pastels wash their skin tone out. Always factor seasonality when choosing and matching your clothes, and dare to be adventurous when choosing your wardrobe style. Saturated shades are more flattering,

so personally, I look for deep corals and pinks, bright blues and greens with a yellow undertone. Ruby red, burgundy, plum and claret are all winners for brunettes, and some of my favourite dresses come in these colours. The colour purple has always been a popular and trendy colour, and it’s extremely flattering on women with dark hair. Personally, I go for a purple with blue undertones. The traditional matching of your bag with the same colour gloves and shoes is always a safe style choice, but sometimes it pays to be daring and introduce a pop of colour with a smart neck scarf that matches your shoes and bag and lip colour. A good tip is always wear a smart, nude high heel when trying on a dress/or pants as it can elongate your leg, and the nude colour will match most universal colours. A neutral beige tone foundation and a pop of your favourite red/coral lipstick will really finish off any brunette’s look perfectly. * Geraldine is available for personal styling consultations on 086 3276584. Follow Geri’s Closet on Instagram and Twitter (@ ggrealy). By following Geraldine on Instagram, you will be in with a chance of winning a fab voucher from Paul Byron Shoes in her shoe giveaway.

Pictured is lifestyle blogger Geraldine Grealy of Geri’s Closet.

ADVERTORIAL

Need to get fit? Start with your feet! < CATRIONA BYRNE (MSPRACT, DIPCHFP)

Spring is here, and we are all eager to shed those extra winter pounds. However, before we start on any exercise programme, it is essential that our feet are in peak condition! Common problems treated are ingrown toenails, verrucae, corns, cal-

lus, athlete’s foot, diabetic foot care management, and tendonitis. In addition, leg, lower back, ankle, knee and hip strain can often be attributed to poor posture, arising from poor footwear and foot problems. In addition to a full chiropody service, a biomechanical assessment service is also provided. This assessment analy-

ses walking patterns, and in turn, orthotic supports may be recommended, together with an exercise programme, which can greatly assist with general foot, knee, hip and back pain. The clinic also stocks a range of competitively priced products to assist with other foot problems that may occur, i.e. fallen

arches, ankle pain, hammer toes, calloused feet, painful bunions and ingrown toenails. Many of these orthotics can help realign the foot, and in turn, can help reduce ankle, foot, knee, hip and back pain. Treatment for a range of sports-related injuries (including tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs) is also provided, by combin-

ing exercise plans together with corrective orthotic supportive insoles. * A Foot clinic/chiropody service is provided by Catriona Byrne (MsPract, Dipchfp), located at Molloy’s Pharmacy in Roscommon (phone 087 2982214), Circle of Life in Athlone, and Dr. Loftus’ Surgery in Boyle

Reaching out to mothers and pregnant women

ent had a baby, or are a par If you are pregnant, just you live in the Boyle and and , 0-5 d of children age mmunity Mothers are Ballaghaderreen area, Co this life-changing time. gh there to help you throu scommon volunteers, Community Mothers Ro es, offer a listening who are parents themselv the supports and ear, have knowledge of a, and are kind and are the in le ilab ava nts eve gramme is free and is understanding. The pro land Fund, supported by Ire y alth He funded by the and the Department of the Department of Health , and administered by airs Children and Youth Aff Roscommon CYPSC. w more, please contact If you would like to kno ily Resource Centre) on Fam yle een Marie Shivnen (Bo Saunders (Ballaghaderr 086 0597447 or Colette on 086 0597441. You can Family Resource Centre) health nurse, who will also speak to your public re information on the be happy to give you mo programme.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

NewsPeople

On being Irish….voice of the people Our St Patrick’s Day countdown! Watch out for our St Patrick’s Day ‘Voice of the People’ video on our social media channels over coming days! DAN DOONER asked the people of Roscommon town what makes the Irish unique – and how would they be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year…

Joe Ennis I suppose it means being able to have the craic! We have a good sense of humour and we’re able to mix with people all over the world. We’ll celebrate it but it won’t be the same this year because family won’t be home. But we’ll have the Zoom calls and we’ll make it up for next year. Sophie Leonard

Sophie Leonard

Joe Ennis

Irish people have the craic and we enjoy music and dancing. We’re friendly here in Ireland and especially in Roscommon. I won’t be working so I’ll celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home this year!

Sinéad McDonagh We’re a friendly bunch and we’re recognised and liked wherever we go in the world. I’ll actually be working this year which isn’t too bad because we’re locked down anyway. We might speak cúpla focal Gaeilge in here next Wednesday!

Tom Madden

Faye Reynolds

To me, being Irish means that you’re accepted nearly everywhere in the world. We’re renowned as always having fun. I was over in America a few years ago and as soon as you say you’re Irish, everyone wants to be around you and everyone has Irish relations! We’re a small country but we are out there all over the world. My father always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day so we’ll be celebrating it at home this year.

Sinéad McDonagh

Josephine Somers What makes the Irish unique? I suppose our traditions and our language and all of that. We’ll have a quiet St. Patrick’s Day this year but we’ll make it up for next year in every way. I have a daughter in Dublin – who might as well be across the world because she can’t come home – and another girl further down the country and she won’t be home either!

Faye Reynolds

Tom Madden

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO… Famous birthdays today (March 11 2021)

I think we’re all very friendly and we’re a lovely nation. Everyone loves coming to Ireland so I think that’s the best thing about us. St. Patrick’s Day will definitely be strange this year but in our ‘bubbles’ we’ll try and celebrate it as much as we can. Then next year hopefully next year we’ll hopefully next year we’ll have a big huge celebration.

TAKE A BREAK The column that smiles through lockdown!

Cheryl Lynn (singer, 64)

Mark Stein (musician, 74)

“

Josephine Somers

Oliver Carty keeps Brussels stocked post-Brexit! A Roscommon-based meat company featured on a special RTÉ News report on the effects of Brexit on shoppers in Brussels last Saturday. Reporting from a gourmet store used mainly by British ex-pats, RTÉ

correspondent Tony Connelly said the Roscommon company had supplied ‘thick cut’ rashers after supplies of British products had run out post-Brexit. The rashers are produced by Oliver Carty

Meats in Monksland, who supplies SuperValu. Oliver Carty established his company in the 1950s. The company is now being run by his son, Ted Carty, father of Connacht rugby star, Jack.

The things people say… I’m ready to talk – Meghan Markle (the Duchess of Sussex and wife of Prince Harry), speaking before THAT interview

#RoscommonPeopleTogether

Coming this weekend… Check out our latest video on Roscommon People YouTube channel

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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The War of Independence in Execution, Ambushes and Reprisals Two incidents that happened within three days of each other in early March 1921, one in Leitrim and the other in Dublin, were to set off a train of events that included ambushes, executions and reprisal killings during the War of Independence in north Roscommon and south Leitrim. On March 11, 1921, exactly one hundred years ago to the day, an IRA Flying Column was billeted in a safe house at a place called Selton Hill between Mohill and Fenagh in County Leitrim. The column had arrived at the house in the early hours of the morning and was there to plan military operations against enemy forces in the area. Later that evening, the house was surrounded by British Crown forces and in a subsequent shoot-out, the IRA column was wiped out. Among the dead was a young 31-year-old IRA leader named Sean Connolly, of Ballinalee, Co. Longford. Three days after the Selton Hill massacre, another event took place some ninety miles away in Dublin where Paddy Moran, IRA activist and Crossna native, was hanged in Mountjoy Prison. Moran had been found guilty by court-martial of complicity in the Bloody Sunday assassinations of the previous November. Those two events, the Selton Hill shootings and Moran’s execution, were to have repercussions that led to one of the most violent months of the Troubles in the region.

Scramogue Ambush site

Paddy Moran Paddy Moran was a native of Crossna and had moved to Dublin in his early years where he worked in retail. He joined the Irish Volunteers in the city and took part in the Easter Rising. He was active in the Dublin IRA from the start of the Troubles, and was a captain in the 2nd battalion, Dublin Brigade. On Bloody Sunday, November 21st, 1920, he was in charge of a unit detailed to go to the Gresham Hotel in O’Connell Street and shoot two spies who were lodging there. In the aftermath of the Bloody Sunday assassinations Moran was arrested and charged with complicity in the shooting of castle agents on that day. He was lodged in Kilmainham Jail with other political prisoners pending a court-martial. During his time in the jail an escape attempt was planned by Ernie O’Malley and two other prisoners. Moran decided not to go on the break as he felt he had a perfect alibi and was confident he would be found not guilty at his trial. The escape went ahead, and O’Malley, Simon Donnelly and Frank Teeling were successful in breaking out of Kilmainham. Paddy Moran was later court-martialed and found guilty of complicity in the November 21st assassinations and sentenced to death. He was executed by hanging in Mountjoy Jail on March 14th, 1921 and his body was buried within the grounds of the jail. In 2001, after a lapse of eighty years, his remains, along with nine other prisoners that were executed by the British were exhumed and given a state funeral to Glasnevin Cemetery.

Monument at Selton Hill, in honour of the Flying Column and pictured on right are Sean Connolly and Paddy Moran.

Keadue Ambush Paddy Moran’s execution had generated a lot of anger around his home area, especially in the Crossna and Keadue districts. It was felt by the local volunteers that some action should be taken against the Crown forces around Moran’s home place to avenge his death at the hands of the British hangman. Preparations were laid for an attack on the local RIC and a plan was made to lure the police out of their fortified barracks in Keadue to the open countryside where they could be ambushed. Early on the morning of March 22nd, eight days after Paddy Moran’s execution, a fake robbery was carried out by a few volunteers on Ballyfarnon Post Office. This ruse led to the police emerging from their fortress in Keadue barracks to investigate the ‘raid’. Volunteers from the surrounding companies of Ballyfarnon, Keadue and Arigna were waiting in ambush positions near the foot of the Kilronan Mountains. When the police patrol arrived on bicycles to where the volunteers were waiting, they came under fire from the ambush position. Two RIC members were shot dead, and one other was wounded. The remainder of the RIC men surrendered, and the volunteers succeeded in capturing some badly needed arms and ammunition.

The Black and Tans and military were out and about after the Keadue ambush terrorising the locals and raiding houses looking for the ambush party. On one of their rampages, they were searching the area around Knockvickar when they came upon two young brothers working in a tillage field. One of the teenagers attempted to run away when he saw the military raiders, but he was shot down in the field by one of the Tans. The youngster’s name was Joseph Molloy, of Aughnafinegan, and he was shot on his birthday, March 28th, 1921. He was just 15 years old. The Tans had carried out their reprisal for the Keadue Ambush.

Sean Connolly Sean Connolly, who was killed at Selton Hill, was from Ballinalee, County Longford and had been vice O.C. and later acting O.C. of the Longford IRA Brigade. He was noted to be a very able military tactician and a natural guerrilla leader. Connolly’s organising ability and military prowess had not gone unnoticed by IRA General Headquarters in Dublin and in the autumn of 1920, he had been ordered by Michael Collins to go to County Roscommon and help train volunteers in the art of guerrilla warfare. He had gone first to the north Roscommon brigade area and

had been closely working with volunteers from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th battalions in selecting targets and taking part in operations against the enemy. It was Connolly who first suggested that the sharp bend in the road at Scramogue was an ideal location for an ambush on British forces. In the early spring of 1921 plans on a proposed ambush at this spot were being drawn up when Connolly was ordered to go to organise units in County Leitrim. He was disappointed that he would not be able to partake in the planned ambush and he hoped that he would return again to the area when his term in Leitrim was over. Fate however decided otherwise, for Sean Connolly and five of his comrades were to lose their lives in the tragic circumstances of Selton Hill. The presence of Connolly’s IRA column at their safe house was detected by a local farmer, a member of the Orange Order in Fenagh, who relayed the information to a doctor in Mohill. The doctor, an ex-British army officer, reported the news to the Mohill police. The RIC in turn notified the British army garrison in Carrick-on-Shannon and immediately soldiers of the Bedfordshire regiment were dispatched to the scene. A sentry reported to Connolly of the arrival of the military, but it was too late to make an escape. The British

platoon, armed with machine guns and rifles, had outflanked the IRA position and they suddenly unleashed a vicious assault on the house with withering fire. The men trapped inside were in a desperate situation. Not being in a position to defend the post for very long, Sean Connolly ordered some of his men to retreat through the rear of the house while a rearguard would cover their withdrawal. As the column members tried to escape from the building, they were cut down by machine gun fire. Connolly himself was one of the last to leave and he was hit by gunfire and seriously wounded as he exited through the back door. When the gun battle ceased he was taken with the other wounded men to Carrick Jail, and he died there the next day from his wounds. In total, six members of the column, including Connolly, lost their lives in the battle. One man, Bernard Sweeney, miraculously escaped death. Although severely wounded, he collapsed into a drain and lay there until he was rescued by other volunteers later. The cold water in the drain running over his wounds kept him from bleeding to death. The tragedy of the Selton Hill killings and Sean Connolly’s death at the hands of enemy forces in Leitrim came as devastating news to the volunteers of the north Roscommon Brigade and especially to the men of the 3rd Battalion (Strokestown) where he had spent much time and where he had endeared himself to the local volunteers of the area. The loss of such a courageous leader and five of his comrades had a demoralising and disconsolate effect on the IRA organisation in counties Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon. The officers of the 3rd battalion district then felt that the proposed ambush at Scramogue that the popular commander had been planning before he left for Leitrim should be carried out as soon as possible. It was felt that by staging the ambush at this place it would in effect make amends for the death of the wellliked and popular commander. They also believed that by striking a blow at British forces here it would help to lessen enemy harassment in Leitrim and Longford which had been rife at that time.

Scramogue Ambush The plans for the ambush at Scramogue were finalised at a meeting of officers from the 3rd Battalion Flying Column north and also the 3rd Battalion Flying Column south Roscommon. The date chosen to mount the attack was March 23rd, (Spy Wednesday) 1921, (the day after the Keadue Ambush). From early morning, picked men from the two Flying Columns were in position at the sharp bend in the road at Scramogue. At approximately 7 am a motor vehicle approached from Strokestown. It was an open top lorry with a machine gunner and other armed RIC and British soldiers on board. As soon as it arrived at the ambush position the concealed men opened fire on it. The driver was shot dead, and the lorry crashed into the ditch. The machine gunner was also hit, and a short gun battle ensued. After a period, the remaining soldiers surrendered and the firing ceased. Among the dead were Captain Peake, commander of British forces in Strokestown and his second-in-command, Lieutenant Tennant.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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Roscommon 100 years ago Two other members of the crown forces were killed at the scene. Two Black and Tans, dressed in civilian clothes, were on the lorry when it was attacked, but they were uninjured in the fight. They were taken away from the ambush scene and across Sliabh Ban by the IRA and later both men were executed. Feelings were running high regarding Black and Tan atrocities throughout Roscommon as there had been many killings by this force during the previous few months so the fate of the two prisoners were sealed once their identity was known. A second lorry containing a number of Black and Tans was following a few hundred yards behind the first one when the attack started. It was also fired on by riflemen further up the hill, but the driver quickly turned in a side road that led back to Strokestown and they all escaped injury. The Scramogue ambush was the largest and most successful assault on British Crown forces in County Roscommon and it led to the capture of rifles, ammunition, grenades and a machine gun.

Last message from Patrick Moran to his mother

In the aftermath of the ambush the whole area was descended on by Crown forces searching for the perpetrators. Two men of the North Roscommon Brigade, Brian Nangle and Pat Mullooly, were apprehended at Doughill and taken to Roscommon barracks, where they received a severe

beating by their captors. The next day a large force of RIC and Black and Tans surrounded the home of Michael Mullooly, (Pat’s brother) in Kiltrustan. Michael, aged 24 years, was taken from the house to the back garden by the Tans and shot dead. His death was seen as a reprisal for the ambush.

Michael’s brother, Pat, later made a dramatic escape from Athlone military barracks where he was being held. Mullooly’s endeavour to break out of custody was spurred on by his fear that his fate at the hands of his captors would be the same as that of his brother Michael. He escaped from an upstairs window in the hospital unit of Athlone military barracks while the guard was being changed outside his door. He then succeeded in scaling a number of perimeter walls and got a distance away from the barracks before the alarm was raised. Some days after the Selton Hill massacre, the man who gave information regarding the whereabouts of the IRA column’s safe house was abducted and shot by the Leitrim IRA. The doctor in Mohill who reported the information to the Mohill police fled the country as he felt he would suffer the same fate. Two weeks after the attack at Scramogue an alleged informer was shot dead close to where the ambush took place. (More next month) An Staraí Áitiúil

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As the column members tried to escape from the building, they were cut down by machine gun fire. Connolly himself was one of the last to leave and he was hit by gunfire and seriously wounded as he exited through the back door. When the gun battle ceased he was taken with the other wounded men to Carrick Jail, and he died there the next day from his wounds.

Remembering Paddy Moran, on 100th Anniversary of his execution May Moran, niece of Paddy Moran, reflects on the 100th anniversary of the hanging of the Crossna native in Mountjoy Jail One hundred years ago on March 14, 1921, six men, members of the IRA, were executed by hanging in Mountjoy Jail. Paddy Moran from Crossna, Co. Roscommon went to the gallows at 6 am along with Thomas Whelan of Clifden in Galway. Both were hanged for their alleged involvement in the assassinations of British Military Intelligence Officers on Bloody Sunday, November 21, 1920. At his court martial in February, Paddy was charged with the murder of Ames and Bennett at 38 Upper Mount Street. He was not in Mount Street on Bloody Sunday; he was the officer who took fifteen men to the Gresham Hotel to provide cover for members of the active services unit (ASU) of the IRA who assassinated Captain McCormack and Lieutenant Aidan Wilde. Tommy Whelan was charged with the murder of Captain Bagally in Baggot Street. He was not involved at all on Bloody Sunday and so went to the gallows a completely innocent man. Paddy and Tommy were together in a cell in ‘D’ wing in Mountjoy Jail in the last weeks before their execution and they became good friends. They also befriended the warders guarding them. Photographs taken just days before their execution show them looking relaxed and happy in the company of one of those warders. The warder kept an account of how these two men and the four others who awaited execution with them – Frank Flood, Bernard Ryan, Thomas Bryan and Patrick Doyle – spent some of their last days on earth. They ran competitive sprint races in the prison yard and the warder recorded the results on an envelope addressed to Tommy Whelan. They also recorded placing a bet on a horse that was due to run in the Lincolnshire handicap on the Monday afternoon, when, unless a reprieve came at the last minute, they would already have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Efforts to get a reprieve were made at highest levels in Ireland and in Great Britain. Joe Devlin MP raised the case in the Westminster Parliament. A petition was signed and sent to Lord French, the Lord Lieutenant for Ireland, together with a letter from the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Walsh; representations were made by Paddy’s union, The Barmen’s Union, but all failed to obtain the Royal Prerogative of Mercy. The condemned men were visited for the last time by family members and friends. Paddy’s brother, Jim, spent time with him on Sunday evening and he had one final visit from his girlfriend; they exchanged a locket and a cross. The men wrote their

While Paddy was saying his farewells, the people of his native place, Crossna, were gathered together in prayer for his reprieve in the local church. Paddy loved his native place. He was a frequent visitor and his family, his friends and neighbours were very proud of him. He had fought in Jacobs’s factory in 1916 and was interned in Knutsford Prison and in Frongoch. He had become Captain of D Company, Dublin 2 Brigade in 1919. Apart from his activities in the fight for freedom, he had also been active in his Union and was, at the time of his death, National President of the Grocers, Vintners and Allied Trades Assistants union. Outside Mountjoy, crowds gathered and knelt in prayer as the nearby church bells tolled the hours. Inside the jail the men heard the tolls as they were taken two by two to the gallows at 6 am, 7 am and 8 am. The atmosphere was captured in this poem by Maeve Cavanagh: Mountjoy – 14 March 1921 Forgive us this tense hour, our brother’s brave, If we who stay less courage show than you Who face the lonely highway of the grave Unawed, to all high promptings grandly true. Forgive us, should our anguish break your peace Or darker thoughts our prayers for you disturb; Still fettered we for you the Great Release; Your courage shall our grief ’s fierce tumult curb, What though the felon’s hemp they round you cast: One waits who well knows how the matter passed.

Paddy Moran and Tommie Whelan with warder Lester Collins on eve of execution.

last letters and signed cards for family and friends and for the friendly warders. Paddy’s parents, perhaps pinning their hopes on the expected last-minute reprieve, did not make the journey to Mountjoy. They received his last letter to them in the days following the execution and it must have been painful reading. He said that he prayed that they would view his fight with death and his triumph over it with equanimity, he told them no child ever had better parents, he urged them not to shed tears and always to hold their heads high because he was dying a martyr, not a criminal.

Regrettably, I knew little enough about my uncle when I was growing up, despite him being a very respected figure within the family and outside it. Mention of him evoked a raw emotion in my father that prevented discussion of him. However, his sisters had kept a little brown case which, as his last surviving sister said, held ‘Paddy’s things’ and which she entrusted to me just before her death in her 103rd year in 1997. It contained Paddy’s last letters, the cards he signed for family and friends, a scarf he wore, the collar that he sent out from Kilmainham with a message inside its folds which is now on display in Kilmainham Gaol Museum, the newspaper reports of his trial, and other memorabilia. The book ‘Executed for Ireland. The Patrick Moran Story’ which was published in 2010 was made possible by the contents of the case. It endeavours to put his story on record for this and future generations and to give him his place in Irish history.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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Double-digit jump in dairy markets puts case for farmer price increase “beyond doubt” Speaking following the 15% increase in the GDT, the Chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee said that it placed the recent steady increases recorded ‘in the shade’ and makes overwhelming the case for a farmer price increase for February milk. Ger Quain noted that it also sets up

peak milk supply to be produced at a strong milk price. “Dairy markets are performing well at present and – as ICMSA already predicted – this will manifest itself in a higher milk price for farmer-suppliers. The strong increases of butter by over 13% and WMP by 21% shows where

demand in the dairy products is coming from in this latest GDT. This latest data means that 11 out of the last 12 results have seen positive GDT returns going back to last September. “The other point to note is that while the results are much higher than expected in percentage terms,

they are by no means an outlier or ‘out of sync’ in terms of the trend or direction of milk price. This latest round of results puts the case for farmer price increases next month absolutely beyond a doubt and makes them very likely for the months after that too”, said Mr Quain.

Minister welcomes positive start to TB Implementation Group

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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue

The new Implementation Working Group, which was set up as part of the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum and chaired by Dr. Sean Brady, had its first meeting today beginning with a positive and constructive discussion. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has welcomed the constructive discussions on how to implement the actions in the TB strategy which will reduce the threat of TB to farmers. He said: “The Bovine TB Eradication Programme is

our largest animal health programme with over nine million individual TB tests carried out each year on more than 110,000 farms. Disease levels have been rising since 2016 and also pose a threat to our trade access, with trading partners regularly seeking assurances that our programme is effective. “On a 12-month rolling basis reactor numbers have reached 22,137 and herd incidence has reached 4.19%. This means that in the last 12 months, 4,442 farm families have experienced the hardship and

stress associated with a TB breakdown. “That is why stakeholders must engage with the difficult and serious task of implementing the measures from the renewed TB Strategy as urgently as possible. This will reduce disease levels to the benefit of the farming community. I am pleased with the progress made today and I look forward to seeing the results of this group when they report to the Forum”. A series of follow up meetings are now planned to progress the matters currently under discussion.

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The Chairperson of ICMSA’s Farm Business Committee has called on the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohue, to reverse the decision to increase the VAT rate on milk recording. Shane O’Loughlin said that ICMSA raised the issue last year in 2020 and the association was disappointed that the matter had not yet been addressed given its importance. Mr. O’Loughlin said: “The decision comes at a time when dairy farmers should be incentivised to do milk recording from an animal health, AMR and environment perspective, and the decision by the Revenue

Commissioners is totally contrary to Government policy aimed at increasing the level of milk recording in dairy herds”. As an example, Mr. O’Loughlin cited the move towards a ‘selective dry cow strategy’, which involves a more targeted use of antibiotic treatments as a positive step to address AMR concerns. The ICMSA Chairperson said the use of milk recording on dairy farms was key to that strategy and indeed it was outlined as an action within the current Government roadmap for Climate Change “Ag climatise” which was pub-

lished in December. “Covid-19 has had an impact in terms of technicians travelling to farms and coupled with the introduction of the Veterinary Medicines Directive in 2022 which will prohibit the blanket use of dry cow tubes when drying the herd, it seems that the different pillars of the state are making policies that are contradicting each other. “Many farmers in recent days have received correspondence regarding the increased cost of milk recording and the three-fold increase in the VAT rate in 2020 is a major driver of this increase and is com-

‘Make electronic transfers available to all farmers’ IFA has called on Meat Industry Ireland to provide electronic payment facilities for farmers who are selling livestock. The Chairman of the Livestock Committee, Brendan Golden, and the Chairman of the Sheep Committee, Sean Dennehy, met MII recently to discuss the provision of electronic payments. “Farmers who are selling livestock should have the option of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) if they want to avail of it. It is a standard service that exists across society and we want processors to extend it to farmers,” Mr. Golden said. The exit of Ulster Bank and the branch closures announced by Bank of Ireland will

lead to a further contraction of banking services in rural Ireland, according to the IFA. “Farmers simply won’t have the facility to lodge cheques because they won’t have a bank in their community. The absence of an EFT arrangement will put farmers who don’t have easy access to lodgement facilities at a disadvantage,” Mr. Dennehy said. Brendan Golden and Sean Dennehy have asked processors to give this matter their urgent attention. They said that farmers shouldn’t have to wait for cheques to clear due to cashflow reason. Mr. Golden and Mr. Dennehy said they expect everyone who does business to upgrade their systems as possible.

pletely the wrong decision in terms of stated policy”, said Mr. O’Loughlin. Mr. O’Loughlin questioned the logic of increasing the VAT rate on such a pivotal service at this time and he called on the Minister for Agriculture, Food

& Marine to intervene and ensure that the VAT rate is re-instated to its previous level. “We should be trying to incentivise farmers to do milk recording rather than imposing additional costs on them,” he said.

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Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

Farming/NewsPeople Motion of no confidence inevitable if forestry sector doesn’t improve – Fitzmaurice

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has warned that a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, is inevitable if positive changes do not become apparent in the forestry sector. Speaking on the matter, Deputy Fitzmaurice said: “The forestry sector continues to be hampered by a lack of real progress around delays in dealing with licence applications for afforestation, forest roads and felling. “This is despite all of the measures supposedly

taken by the department – including hiring more ecologists – to date to alleviate these problems, which have come to the fore in recent months. “If you look at our forestry planting targets and where we are at the moment, there is no chance we will even come close to the 8,000ha target. We are on a downward spiral and if swift action isn’t taken, the sector will crumble – as it is already on its knees. “The Minister and his officials need to come out and clarify how the sector has been let slip into such

a state. “We have all heard how more and more ecologists have been hired and progress is slowly being made. But we need to see real results; the future of the sector and people’s livelihoods are at risk. “If stakeholders do not see significant positive changes in the short-term, then a motion of no confidence in the minister and the officials over the sector will be inevitable. “Patience amongst stakeholders has run out; they need to start seeing results,” he concluded.

Department decision to extend Covid-related Bovine TB testing procedures welcomed – ICMSA Lorcan McCabe, Deputy President of the ICMSA, has welcomed the decision of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to continue operating the TB Covid-19 procedures (which have been in place for the last number months) until June 1st. Mr McCabe said that the Department are to be commended on their early decision to extend this

protocol, and thus, avoid uncertainty. Mr McCabe said that the option of not testing calves under 120 days removes a level of worry from farmers. Current Covid procedures mean that calves aged 42-120 days can move to other herds once the herd of origin is not restricted under these protocols. The extension of this measure will be a relief to

dairy farmers who have calves to sell, and it gives a valuable leeway at a very difficult time. However, if calves are not tested in the current test, they will needed to be tested to move to other herds once these protocols lapse. The 28-day testing extension will give breathing space to farmers who may be impacted by Covid, or simply isolating around

Castlerea MART WATCH Numbers of stock presented for sale continue to grow as trade is holding firm this week and in some cases prices were improved by €30-€40 euro per head. The store bullocks and heifers continue to be a firm trade with prices peaking at €2.92 a kilo for the heifers and bullocks reaching €2.71 a kilo. In the weanling rings, demand for the quality weanling heifers was very good with prices peaking at €3.37 a kilo, with a similar tone in the bull weanling ring with demand strongest for the €300 to €350 weanlings with prices peaking at €3.38 a kilo. Breeding stock continues to be in demand with springers reaching €2,000 while the top quality dry cows made up to €1,870. The suck calf trade is holding firm for the quality calves but the plainer dairy Friesian cross and jersey cross calves were a harder sell. Cows with calves at foot made from €890 to €1,650 per head. Springers made from €860 to €2,000. The better quality calves made from €150 to €390 per head. Fr bulls made from €30 to €65 with the plainer jersey crosses making from €2 to €16 per head. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 11th) with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation. Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions are in place. Sample prices for bullocks: Chx 495kgs €1240, Ch 445kgs €1210, Lmx 475kgs €1210, Lm 545kgs €1360, Ch 515kgs €1320, AAx 520kgs €1290, Ch 580kgs €1460, Ch 630kgs €1590, AA 620kgs €1490, AA 720kgs €1650. Heifers: Lm 425kgs €1100, Lm 400kgs €1100, Lm 490kgs €1390, Ch 480kgs €1280, Lmx 445kgs €1300, Lm 710kgs €1530, Sim 510kgs €1420, Sim 530kgs €1390. Dry cows: Lmx 445kgs €870, Lm 935kgs €1870, Lm 810kgs €1770, Fr 495kgs €670, Lm 760kgs €1480, Lm 730kgs €1520, Ch 775kgs €1490. Weanlings heifers: Chx 295kgs €940, Lm 270kgs €860, Ch 265kgs €840, Lm 355kgs €1100, Ch 360kgs €1040, AA 330kgs €990, Lm 370kgs €970. Weanling bulls: Sim 285kgs €940, Lm 285kgs €830, Ch 340kgs €1150, Ch 370kgs €1100, Ch 345kgs €1120, Lm 420kgs €1010.

the time of their expected herd test. “These are still challenging times for all involved, and we have to work together to ensure the safety of our farmers, vets and Department officials; that obviously means adhering to all relevant HSE guidelines. But the fact is, the incidence of Bovine TB is rising again, and we need to ensure that outbreaks

are not made any worse due to delays in testing. “That’s the balance to be struck: protecting farmers, their families and the wider community, while also protecting our herds against TB and not relaxing overall vigilance. In fairness, we think these Covid regulations strike that balance in a clearly defined way”, concluded Mr McCabe.

Roscommon MART WATCH Good numbers on offer this week with strong trade and more customers anxious for stock. Bullocks averaged from €2.43 per kilo up to a maximum of €2.56 per kilo. Heifers fetched from an average of €2.41 per kilo up to €2.95 per kilo. Dry cows made from an average of €1.93 per kilo up to €2.42 per kilo. This Friday (12th), there is a special sale of bullocks as well as heifers and dry cows. On Friday, March 19th, Roscommon Mart will host a special sale of heifers. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm on Monday, March 15th. Please note all customers must wear a facemask or covering. There was a larger entry of sheep on offer at Wednesday’s sale with an improvement in trade for hoggets and cast ewes. Finished hoggets made up to €172 for 57.1kgs. Stag ewes made up to €154. There was also a large entry of in lamb ewes and ewes with lambs at foot. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. There is no sale next Wednesday 17th March (St. Patrick’s Day). Our next Online Sheep Sale for lambs and cast ewes is on Wednes-

day, March 24th at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. The sale can be viewed live on www.livestock-live. com. Sample prices for dry cows: Lim X 705kgs €1700, Lim X 740kgs €1670, Simm X 870kgs €1670, Char X 845kgs €1650, Lim X 725kgs €1620, Lim 690kgs €1530, HEX 790kgs €1550, Char 650kgs €1440, AAX 750kgs €1360, Lim X 655kgs €1260, Lim 600kgs €1160. Heifers: Char X 735kgs €1730, Char X 720kgs €1700, Char X 735kgs €1670, Char X 645kgs €1530, AAX 635kgs €1490, AAX 625kgs €1450, AAX 600kgs €1470, Char X 575kgs €1450, 2 Lim X 557kgs €1330, BAX 480kgs €1300, Char X 495kgs €1310, Simm X 485kgs €1260. Bullocks: Char X 710kgs €1640, Char X 620kgs €1500, Char X 560kgs €1360, Lim X 530kgs €1360, Lim X 540kgs €1350, Char X 490kgs €1180. Finished hoggets: 57.1kgs €172, 62.2kgs €172, 53.2kgs €171, 54.6kgs €171, 53.5kgs €170, 54.7kgs €170, 60kgs €169, 52.8kgs €168, 52 kgs €163, 49kgs €162.

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

Covid 19 Level 5 – Mart Restrictions All sales shall be ONLINE ONLY on our LSL App Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale. Sellers must drop off their livestock and leave. Animals will be sold subject and Sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone. ----------------------

Friday, March 12th at 11 a.m.

Springtime Special Sale of Bullocks – 80 pens on offer Also Heifers & Dry Cows -------------Friday, March 19th at 11 a.m.

Mid Spring Special Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 15th ----------------------

Friday, March 26th at 11 a.m.

Springtime Special Sale of Bullocks – Also Special Sale for Breeding Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 22nd ----------------------

Friday, March 26th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale for Breeding Heifers Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 22nd ----------------------

Tuesday, March 16th at 4 p.m.

Mid Spring Special Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 11th ----------------------

Tuesday, March 23rd at 4 p.m.

Weanlings & Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 18th

----------------

Lambs, Cast Ewes, In Lamb Ewes & Ewes with Lambs at foot Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Please note no Sheep Sale on Wednesday, March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) --------------------Saturday, March 20th at 12 Noon

Irish Simmental Premier Sale 49 bulls and 22 heifers on offer Viewing between 9am & 12 noon By appointment Call 0579324577

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Find us on facebook

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

Business

Design contract in place for Ballaghaderreen Digital Creative Hub The board of Bealach Nua has completed the tendering process and has appointed Collins Boyd as the design consultants to commence the planning for a new-build Digital Creative Hub at the Fairgreen site in Ballaghaderreen. This development marks an exciting phase in the regeneration of Ballaghaderreen Town Centre, and will lead to a total investment in the town of circa €3 million. The project is mainly being funded through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), which is a key measure of the Department of Rural and Community Development for providing capital funding to commence the revival of small rural towns. The generosity of

the Ballaghaderreen Fairs and Markets Committee in providing a significant lease has led to this project now being in a position to commence the construction planning process. Following the appointment of Collins Boyd, the board of Bealach Nua is now working with the firm to develop the final brief for the project. When this is in place, the various aspects of design and planning consultations can then proceed. The project’s overall vision and ambition is to revitalise Ballaghaderreen by stimulating the creative sector in County Roscommon and the wider Western Region, while advancing additional economic and social regeneration in the town and catchment area. When

completed, the key markets envisaged will be working with creative enterprise start-ups and developing existing creative businesses, using and developing digital technologies. The development also incorporates a further social dimension in that while the An Bealach project is focussed on building a creative industries hub, it also includes the development of a social innovation and inclusion laboratory, combined with an integrated Family Resource Centre. The new-build will provide a permanent location for Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, enabling innovation of service provision to occur in line with the needs of the community as identified in interagency research of societal needs in the area.

Two in five employees ‘experiencing frequent stress’ Virtual event to be hosted by laya healthcare today Irish workers working from home have put in 300 million overtime hours since the start of the pandemic, with growing concern over increasing workforce burnout in new research from laya healthcare. As the country faces into further weeks of Level 5 restrictions, laya healthcare’s ‘Resilience Rising: Shaping the Future of Work and Wellbeing’ research, one of the largest research studies among Irish employees and employers during Covid-19, reveals two in five (43%) workers are experiencing frequent stress. The findings show two-thirds (65%) of those working from home feel pressure to stay connected after normal hours, with an average of 22 hours of overtime put in by employees per month over the last year, worth approximately €7 billion. The research, which measures the wellbeing of over 1,000 Irish employees and 180 HR leaders during the pandemic, is the second barometer issued by laya healthcare during Covid-19, and will be unveiled at a free virtual event for HR leaders on March 11th 2021. Commenting on the research, Sinéad Proos (Head of Health and Wellbeing at laya healthcare) said: “We are seeing worrying signs of deteriorating morale among employees, due in part to less social interaction with colleagues, the struggle to self-motivate, and having to be ‘always on’. Our latest barometer shows that employee motivation and maintaining organisational culture are becoming more notable issues compared to six months ago, with a greater number of employees now citing the loss of workplace bonding as their top challenge of working from home. “There is an overwhelming feeling of being stuck in stasis – some say the hopeful start to 2021 has failed to materialise, while almost half of workers feel stuck in their current employment, wanting to change jobs but held back because of

lack of opportunities. Employers also indicated that effective communication is a challenge, and this has a real knock-on effect; if workers aren’t feeling communicated to, and supported, this can lend itself to the feeling of stagnation”. Tackling mental health The Brave New Era research series is part of the commitment by laya healthcare, Ireland’s largest provider of Health & Wellbeing in Ireland, to support employee health and wellbeing during Covid-19. Key areas in the workplace, as identified by laya healthcare, for targeted communication and support include mental wellbeing management, the impact of Covid-19 vaccinations, and work arrangements in the future as we continue to work alongside the virus. The findings reveal a desire among Irish employers and employees to make mental health services within organisations more accessible. Seven in 10 (69%) organisations admit that the biggest challenge to working from home is managing the mental wellbeing of employees, up by almost 10% compared to six months ago. Today’s event The launch event, ‘Resilience Rising: Shaping the Future of Work and Wellbeing’, will include a panel discussion into the findings and the future for employee health and wellbeing, along with practical guidance on implementing health and wellbeing within an organisation. The panel will include Sinéad Proos and other experts in their respective fields, such as Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sarah O’Neill, Occupational Health Specialist and Chief Medical Officer of Cognate Health Professor John Gallagher, Director of Human Resources at Eir Therese Gavin, Founder of Unplug Chris Flack, and Vice President of Global Operations for EMEA at PayPal Annette Hickey. Register at layahealthcare.ie/bravenewera/resilience.

Pictured is Sinéad Proos, Head of Health and Wellbeing at laya healthcare.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

NewsPeople

Online St. Patrick’s Day event celebrates history in Roscommon A St. Patrick’s Day celebration will be streamed online next Wednesday at 7 pm and will feature a talk on the life and times of Roscommon-born Fr. Michael O’Flanagan. Former Minister and current Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cúiv will deliver the talk on the Suck Valley website and Facebook page. A special report previewing the event will be broadcast on TG4 this Sunday from 7.15 pm. This free event is one aspect of a major initiative underway to drive tourism in the area and to highlight the rich history, attractions, and beauty of County Roscommon and the Suck Valley Way. The talk will coincide with input from various communities and will highlight facilities around the county and along the Suck Valley Way, which stretches from Cloonfad to Ballygar. Independent Cllr. Anthony Waldron, who is organising the event, said: “County Roscommon is a hidden gem with regard to tourism facilities, activities and heritage sites. We are committed to highlighting what this county has to

offer and look forward to welcoming visitors to explore the sites and have adventures here when people are free to travel again, post-Covid-19. “The area is steeped in history and heritage with its ringforts, castles and ancient churches and you can’t miss the unique La Tène Stone, an ovoid boulder of granite richly carved and dating from the Iron Age along the route at Castlestrange. “The river and surrounding landscapes are rich in biodiversity; the river is a designated European site for protection of habitats and rare species of birds and wildlife such as deer and red squirrels can be spotted en-route”. Fr. O’Flanagan (1876-1942) was born in Cloonfower, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon and had an extraordinary career as an Irish scholar, inventor, Republican leader, and socialist who had a major role in the Irish struggle for Independence between 1914 and 1923. He was a fluent Irish speaker and had a major influence in the USA where he spent most of his time between 1904 and 1912.

The TG4 crew kindly purchased three tickets for the Ballintubber Development Association Draw while filming in Cloonfower, Castlerea and surrounding areas last Friday. A special report will be broadcast on TG4 this Sunday at 7.15 pm ahead of an online St. Patrick’s Day event next Wednesday.

In 1912, he was appointed curate in Roscommon town and was transferred to Cliffoney, County Sligo in 1914 and later in 1915 to Crossna. He has given a state funeral in 1942, a farewell befitting this extraordinary man of the people.

“The talk about this extraordinary man will be of major interest to people here at home and abroad too, especially in the US, where Fr. O’Flanagan made such an impact over his life. His story is inspirational in so many ways,” concluded Cllr. Waldron.

Impound illegal dumpers’ vehicles! - Naughten Independent TD Denis Naughten has called on the Taoiseach Micheál Martin to strengthen the law to allow for vehicles involved in illegal dumping to be impounded. Raising the issue with the Taoiseach at the Dáil this week, Deputy Naughten said: “Since the start of the pandemic, some local authorities have seen a jump of

up to 30% in illegal dumping of household waste and household clear-outs. “I fully accept there is no single solution to this particular problem, and it requires improved facilities, particularly for bulky goods. “We must improve enforcement of the laws because unless we hit those who carry out this illegal

activity where it hurts - in their pockets - we will never effectively address this growing problem. “The current anomaly in legislation which stops Councils securing convictions with CCTV footage must be addressed urgently. “This loophole needs to be closed off immediately by ensuring that the processing of

personal data, including video evidence, can be carried out by Councils with an objective of trying to stop the scourge of illegal dumping. “But we also need clarity on the implementation of the current law, which allows for the confiscation of vehicles used in this activity,” concluded Denis Naughten.

24/7 ambulance service for Loughglynn Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has announced that Loughglynn Ambulance Service will begin operating on a 24/7 basis, following positive meetings held with the Director of the National Ambulance Service. Deputy Kerrane said: “I was contacted by the Director of the National Ambulance Service on Monday evening. He confirmed that he was implementing a number of interim measures in order to begin 24/7 cover at Loughglynn through the use of overtime

and non-rostered staff. These interim measures will no longer be required once the next cohort of trainee paramedics complete the course and become available for deployment. “After the closure of the A&E in Roscommon in 2011, we were promised a rapid response ambulance service that never came to pass. Instead, we were left with an air ambulance that only flew during the day and a part-time ambulance service. That was never accept-

able to me or to the people of Roscommon. “I want to record my thanks to the Director of the National Ambulance Service, Martin Dunne, for honouring the commitment he made to me last year on making this service 24/7. I also want to commend the Paramedics on the frontline who have worked so incredibly hard in Loughglynn under immense pressure, responding to calls from four different counties and dealing with record numbers of calls”.

amenity improvements to build on the tremendous work of the local development committee. The investment will see the development of a slipway to safely access Lough Ree, and development of an accessible walk/cycleway from Portrunny Harbour to Crith Point. An allocation of just under

€50m support ‘a lifeline’ for artists Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has said that the €50 million suite of measures to support the live entertainment industry during the Covid-19 pandemic will be a welcome lifeline for many artists. “This €50m support scheme for the live entertainment industry includes a new €25 million Live Performance Support Scheme, support for sole traders and music businesses to pay fixed costs, a capital fund to install facilities for live streaming and a new local performance scheme for villages and towns,” he said. A total of €14 million has also been allocated to assist businesses that do not qualify for other business supports. “The Live Performance Support Scheme will open for applications from March 19th until April 14th. “The €50 million funding also included €5 million to local authorities for outdoor live performances, €5 million capital supports and €1 million to the St. Patrick’s Festival,” concluded Senator Murphy.

Arts Centre set to receive €141,000 Roscommon Arts Centre is set to receive capital funding of €141,000 as part of a national investment in arts and culture centres across the country, announced recently by Minister Catherine Martin. Independent TD Denis Naughten said the funding was most welcome. “This investment will not only maintain Roscommon Arts Centre as one of the key regional theatres, but will support the re-establishment of a vibrant cultural sector in our county as we open up after Covid,” he said. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said the funding would keep the facility afloat. “This is a lifeline really for Roscommon Arts Centre and will help keep it afloat during the remaining months of the pandemic, adapt to the changing landscape, and renew their work for the future,” said Senator Murphy.

Paid Parent’s Leave commitment welcomed Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection, Claire Kerrane TD, has welcomed the Government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises on Paid Parent’s Leave but warned that there can be no further delays. Deputy Kerrane said: “I welcome that Minister O’Gorman has said that the additional Paid Parent’s Leave will be paid from next month. “I welcome that this is finally happening, but it does not erase the totally unnecessary stress that this Government has caused families through its inaction. I note that the Minister has said payments will be back-paid. I would urge him to ensure that this money goes into families’ pockets without delay. “This latest commitment cannot be allowed to become yet another broken promise by this Government. “I also want to commend the many parents and campaigners who have been campaigning so passionately on this important issue”.

€136,000 under Historic Towns Initiative

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane

€350k for Portrun and Lough Key amenities Funding of €350,000 to improve recreational access to Portrun Harbour and Lough Key under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has been welcomed locally. Independent TD Denis Naughten said: “Funding of €200,000 has been secured for Portrun for water and land outdoor recreation

newsbriefs

€150,000 has been secured for the Doon Shore Outdoor Amenity area at Lough Key, which will allow for safe access to outdoor water recreation. “These facilities will enhance the visitor experience to our county and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, as well as improving local facilities that we have been

relying on over the last twelve months of lockdown,” Deputy Naughten concluded. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also welcomed the “significant investment” in Portrun. “Portrun is a very scenic and popular area and now its potential can be realised with this major investment,” he said.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the fact that Roscommon Town has been awarded €136,000 under the Historic Towns Initiative. Senator Murphy said: “This is most welcome news for the county town. This project will enhance the approach streets to the historic town centre. “Conservation works will be carried out on a number of historic buildings in the town including Castle Street, Abbey Street Upper and Goff Street which will breathe new life into some of these important buildings”.

ROSCOMMON Driving School Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

PropertyPeople PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS

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

37 Glenview, Galway Road, Roscommon Town

Spacious 4 bedroom family home situated convenient to all amenities in Roscommon Town. Considered to be presented in good condition, the said residence also benefits from a tarmacadam driveway, large and private rear garden with garden shed all set in a convenient and sought after location. Viewing comes highly recommended and enquiries are now invited. Guide Price: €140,000

ROSCOMMON TOWN

Gorteen, Williamstown, Co. Galway

Arm, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Approx. 9.16 acres or thereabouts of agricultural lands conveniently located approximately 5km from the village of Ballymoe. All recently reseeded. Enquiries now invited. Guide Price: €40,000

Quality 3 Bedroom Bungalow with a range of traditional outbuildings set on a large 0.4 acre site overlooking Castlerea Golf Club. The said property is considered to be in good condition and offering excellent potential. Conveniently set in the centre of Castlerea Town opposite Castlerea Golf Club and within walking distance to all amenities in Castlerea Town. Guide Price: €135,000

Property known as

Callaghan’s, Main Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Commercial/Residential Property with substantial yard/garden to rear access from St. Patrick Street. Set in a high-profile location fronting onto Main Street in Castlerea Town. Enquiries now invited. Guide Price: €75,000

T: 090 66 30001 • W: www.reacarthy.ie

PSRA Licence No. 002782

Four-bedroomed dormer bungalow in Creggs

REA Seamus Carthy’s ‘Sale of the Week’ This week, REA Seamus Carthy are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of a quality fourbedroomed bungalow with detached outbuildings, located at Roxborough, Roscommon town.

Ashdale House benefits from 2.3 acres of land, and is situated convenient to Roscommon town, within close proximity to all amenities. If you are considering selling in 2021, REA Seamus Carthy has a number of

under bidders seeking quality family homes throughout the county. Contact the office today on 0906630001, email info@reacarthy.ie, or contact Seamus Carthy directly on 086-8035538.

Historic 19th century Cashlieve House sells for €308,000 – Seamus Carthy Looking to sell? We have buyers! Our services include: • Sales – Sell your home! • Lettings & Rentals • Property Management – We will manage all aspects of your rental property • Valuations – FREE pre-sale valuation No Sale – No Charge Web: www.kleavyauctioneer.com Tel. 071 96 34737

On Wednesday, March 10th, REA Seamus Carthy successfully sold a detached, two-storey coun-

try house with detached stone outbuilding, sitting on approximately 0.55 acres of land at Ballin-

lough, Roscommon. ‘Cashlieve House’ had an AMV of €200,000, and 79 bids later, this impressive period home sold for €308,000. REA Seamus Carthy now urgently requires all types of property for their substantial list of under bidders, based both at home and abroad, who are all seeking a range of property types – detached houses, land, cottages etc. Contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 0906630001/086-8035538, or email info@reacarthy.ie.

On the market with Connaughton Auctioneers, tucked neatly down a country lane just outside the village of Creggs, is this beautiful, four-bedroomed, dormer bungalow with a detached garage, sitting on a corner site of approximately 0.6 acres. The property is in superb condition and is deceivingly large internally. The grounds surrounding the residence are manicured and feature an assortment of fruit trees as well as a port tunnel behind the rear of the garage. Coolroghan, Creggs is an idyllic rural area, which in turn is a mere ten-minute drive from both Roscommon county town and Glenamaddy town, with Ballygar just six miles away. The location is excellent and the property is ideal as a ready to occupy family home. There is an additional corner site of approximately 0.4 acres across the road with four acres of boglands close by in the townland of Carrowkeel included in the sale. The porch to the front of the house leads into the reception hallway, which features wooden flooring, stairs leading to the first floor and a closet with ample storage. The living room is a large, open-plan room with a solid fuel stove and a host of decorative features including wooden flooring and centre rose lighting. A door leads into the kitchen/dining room, which boasts a ‘Rayburn’ solid fuel stove, tiled flooring, fully integrated units, appliances, and storage room off (which could easily be used as a walk-in larder). The utility room has

tiled flooring, is plumbed for washing machine and dryer, and contains ample shelving. There are four bedrooms on the ground floor, all with wooden flooring, and one bedroom fitted with built-in ‘slider-robes’. The main bathroom features tiled flooring, part-tiled walls, a wash hand basin, a bath with shower over and a toilet. On the first floor, the landing area, with Velux window, features wooden flooring and a fully shelved, walk-in closet. There are two large rooms on this floor that can be used for storage or converted into bedrooms subject to planning permission being granted. The exterior of this beautiful home has a lot to offer, from the manicured gardens with mature trees to side boundary and the array of fruit trees, shrubbery and flowers throughout the site. There is raised timber decking area to the side of the property with scenic views from every aspect. The driveway is stoned and kerbed and extends to the rear of the property with traditional stone facing to the front wall. The detached outbuilding on the adjoining corner site is 25’3” x 11’, and also has matured fruit trees on site. The four acres of bogland is close by in the townland of Carrowkeel. For further information, or to request a video of the property, email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie, call the office on 090-6663700, or call Deirdre on 0861713417.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

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

PODIATRIST

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

PODIATRIST

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

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

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

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

Co Galway H53 D7W8

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

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

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Sarah Fleming

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

PHYSICAL THERAPY

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Department of Health Approved

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

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

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

087 2798704

• Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss • CCTV camera inspections • Detailed report and CCTV recording provided for insurance claims • Fully insured Also available for powerwashing and gutter cleaning

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Chimney CCTV Inspection OIL BOILERS SERVICED Burners Repaired CARPETS CLEANING Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851 www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor

BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

VHI and Laya Covered

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

fergalkelly@live.com

Please call Glynis on

Fergal 086 1016899

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey

Construction l

COUNSELLING

l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV Inspections l Chimney Repair - Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

085 2514394

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

COMPUTERS

COUNSELLING

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

Tree Services

Phone:

087 2721193

l l

For all your fencing needs. GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l

FARMING

Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.

< ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715

Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

Paul McStay

DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available

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

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

< FOR SALE: Square bales of hay for sale. Tel: 087 2392729

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

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

DC Computer Services NO FIX NO FEE

GARDENING

JOE HEALY

Tel: 087 2172281

DRIVING LESSONS NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

FENCING/GATES

< FOR SALE: Round bales of hay and silage. Tel: 085 1474861

GARDENING GATELY GARDENING

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

l General Maintenance Dangerous Tree Removal l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped l Wood Chipping l Fully Insured Contact Alan on

087 6558597

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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 SERVICES

Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc. Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428

Telephone:

TREES FOR SALE

Mobile:

All types of trees and hedging for sale. Can be delivered.

094 96 20099 086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

Contact Tommy: 087 4177148

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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

< PROPERTY: Beautiful 3 bed housing association property in Ballymoe Village with all mod cons. Air to Water heating, seeks right to buy council house in Roscommon town or Castlerea Town (near town centre). Phone: 089 2158395

PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Raheely, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon. I, Niall Murray, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to retain and complete dwelling house previously granted under PD/19/554 together with all ancillary site works and services at the above address.

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 at Roscommon County Council, Golf Links Road, Roscommon 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 planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Colette Jordan & Associates, Architectural Engineering & Energy 17 Ashford Court Claremorris, Co. Mayo Mobile: 086 8366944 Email: hello@colettejordan.ie

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Colette and Eddie Gallagher, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct 2 No detached two storey dwelling houses, connection to services, access onto the public road for each dwelling with associated site development works at Cortober Td, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon.

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 authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the planning authority. Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Ltd. Dorrary, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 1701549

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Maurice and Fiona Hamrock to construct an extension to an existing dwelling house, construct a garage, waste water treatment system, close two existing roadside entrances, create new roadside entrance and associated siteworks at Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Ph: (087) 2222874 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We John and Brendan Grehan intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct 3 Bay slatted shed with lie back together with associated site works at Cloonbigny 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: John and Brendan Grehan.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for retention of storage unit at depot of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Clooncah, Ballymurray.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for planning permission on behalf of Hubert Maxwell to construct new straw bedded shed for animal housing with associated underground soiled water storage tank, together with all associated site works at, Gortnagoyne T.d., Ballinagare, 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 hour.s A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy,Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon T: 086 2328484

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for alterations to façade of external walls of existing warehouse unit at Cloonybeirne, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon. The alterations comprise the replacement of five no windows to side wall of the building with roller doors and the installation of two roller doors on the rear wall of the building.

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Egan Mulready and Associates Ltd (Athlone) on behalf of our client, Patrick and Linda Prendergast, intend to apply for retention permission for development at this site: Carrowmurragh, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon. The development consists of the following: (i) Retention of single storey extension to the south east elevation and single storey extension to the north east elevation of existing dwelling (ii) retention of single storey domestic shed and all associated site works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Egan Mulready & Associates Ltd. 27 a Pearse St, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 E207

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for planning permission on behalf of Pascal and Colm Finnerty for: 1. change of use from Public House with first floor accommodation to Cafe with first floor apartment accommodation. 2. Extension to existing building to provide staff room. 3. New Signage on front elevation and to reconnect to public services together with all associated site works at, Elphin T.d., Main Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

USEFUL SERVICES

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE

086 2437376

< TURF FOR SALE: 50 bags of good quality turf for sale, €3 each. Phone: 087 6175160

FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022 TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 < TURF FOR SALE: In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €50. Bag and delivery also included in price. Tel: 086 8534011

< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 < TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011

SITUATIONS VACANT < CHILDCARE PRACTIONER REQUIRED: For full time hours in busy Creche in Carrick on Shannon area. Must have FETAC Level 5 and updated FAR Course. Experience desireable, but not essential. Phone Breda 086 857748

USEFUL SERVICES

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie

Plumbing & Maintenance • Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

PAINTING & DECORATING

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

086 4679798

P’Nuts Powerwashing Service

• Driveways • Cobblestones • Slatted Sheds • Footpaths • Patios • Yards

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Residential, Commercial & Agricultural Call Padraig

086 602 7509

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Call on 091 734122 or 085 2427727 evoroofingandguttering.com

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Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

PAINTING & DECORATING

PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

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Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

Classifieds

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

APPOINTMENTS

Career Opportunity Available Career Opportunity Available Career Opportunity Available Chadwicks Roscommon are currently seeking applications for the position of Chadwicks RoscommonChadwicks are currently seeking applications Roscommon are currently seeking applications for the position of Sam Hire Sales Supervisor/Fitter for the position of Sam Hire Sales Supervisor/Fitter As Sam Hire Sales Supervisor/Fitter you will manage all aspects of the hire operation in your branch including ensuring all plant and tools are serviced and repaired adhering As Sam Hire Sales Supervisor/Fitter you will manage all aspects of to thehigh hirework standards. Also key As Sam Hire Sales Supervisor/Fitter you will manage all aspects of the hire tooperation the role isindriving sales of hire products, developing new business and servicing your branch including ensuring all plant and tools are serviced our existing customer operation in your branch including ensuring all plant and tools are serviced base while also ensuring the smooth running of daily operations. and repaired adhering to high work standars. Also key to the role is driving and repaired adhering to high work standars. Also key to the role is driving Knowledge & Experience required: sales of hire products, developing new business and servicing our existing • Fitter experience preferable sales of hire products, developing new business and servicing our existing customer base while also ensuring the smooth running of daily operations. • Experience in the Hire industry preferable customer base while also ensuring the smooth running of daily operations. • Knowledge & Experience required: • People management experience desirable • Knowledge Experience required: • Fitter • Ability toexperience reach andpreferable exceed sales/margin&targets Fitter experience • Experience in the Hire•industry preferable preferable Key Responsibilities include: • Experience in the Hire industry preferable • People management experience desirable - Managing allreach aspects the hire department • People management experience desirable • Ability to andof exceed sales/margin targets - Occasional on site repairs• and breakdowns Ability to reach and exceed sales/margin targets - Pat for small fleet Keytesting Responsibilities include: - Managing all aspects of -the hire department Key Responsibilities include: - Occasional on site repairs and breakdowns • Maintenance and service plant items to include: - Managing all aspects of of theour hirelarge department - Pat testing for small fleet - Mini Excavators/Dumpers/Road - Occasional on site repairs andCompressors/ breakdowns Vibrating Rollers • Maintenance and service ofinclude; our small plant items to include: • Maintenance and service of our largefor plant items to - Pat testing small fleet - Cement Mixers/ Concrete Power Float/Plate Vibrators - Mini Excavators/Dumpers • Maintenance and service of our largeCompactor/ plant itemsPoker to include; • Maintenance andRollers service of our electrical tools to include: - Road Compressors/ Vibrating - Mini Excavators/Dumpers - Angle Grinders/ Circular Saws/ Hammer Drills - Road Compressors/ Vibrating Rollers • Maintenance and service of our small plant items to include; Essential-competencies required: Cement Mixers/ Concrete Power Float • Maintenance and service of our small plant items to include; - Excellent- interpersonal and customer-facing Plate Compactor/ Poker Vibratorsskills - Cement - Excellent organisation and attention to detailMixers/ Concrete Power Float - Platetools Compactor/ Poker Vibrators -•Effective teamand working Maintenance service of our electrical to include; - The flexibility andGrinders/ willingness to learn - Angle Circular Saws/ Hammer Drills • Maintenance and service of our electrical tools to include; - To enjoy working with people Essential competencies required: - Angle Grinders/ Circular Saws/ Hammer Drills If you are interested in applying for the role please email your CV to - Excellent interpersonal and customer-facing skills Essential competencies required: - Excellent organisation and attention to detail - Effective team working - Excellent interpersonal and customer-facing skills - Excellent organisation and attention to detail - The flexibility and willingness to learn - Effective team working - To enjoy working with people - The flexibility and willingness to learn If you are interested in applying for the role please email your - To enjoy working with people CV to careers@chadwicks.ie

Sam Hire Sales Supervisor/Fitter

Invites applications for the following positions:

Full Time – Manager / Boat Master (Ref: LRAFA1 BMA2021)

Full Time - Bookkeeper / Boat Crew Member, Disability Vessel (Ref: LRAFA 1B2021)

Full Time - Boat Crew Member – Disability Vessel (Ref: LRAFA1C2021)

Full Time - Boat Crew Trainee / Maintenance Caretaker (Ref: LRAFA1D2021)

Full Time - Digital Marketing / Social Media Co-ordinator (Ref: LRAFA1E2021)

Full Time - Receptionist/Marketing assistant, Disability Vessel Centre (Ref: LRAFA1F2021)

All positions will be based at the Lough Ree Access For All boat centre and associated sites at Ballyleague, Lanesborough, county Roscommon. The project is supported by the Department of Rural & Community Development & Pobail through the Community Services Programme. For more information and a summary on these positions go to

www.loughreeboattrips.com/JOBS Compliance with the funder’s requirements regarding eligibility of individuals to hold a CSP supported post is set out in the detailed job descriptions for the above posts which are available from the following email address:

accessforalljobs@gmail.com HOW TO APPLY: please submit a letter of application detailing how you meet the requirements along with your full CV clearly stating the reference number and the position you are applying for, to

accessforalljobs@gmail.com or by post to the following address: FAO The Company Secretary, Lough Ree Access For All CLG, Ballyleague, Lanesborough, County Roscommon. Eircode: N39 E297 Closing date for receipt of applications is 1 pm, Friday 19th March , 2021. Lough Ree Access For All CLG is an Equal Opportunities Employer

careers@chadwicks.ie

Shannon Lodge

If you are interested in applying for the role please email your NURSING HOME CV to careers@chadwicks.ie

Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board (GRETB) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons to form panels in the following specialisms:

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLOR

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in County Roscommon!

MUSICIAN EDUCATOR (MUSIC GENERATION) INSTRUCTOR PANEL FOR TEMPORARY DAY COVER in the following specialisms:

• Cleanroom & Manufacturing Operations • CAD & CNC Milling Turning • Metal Fabrication • Welding

Full-Time & Part-Time positions available

INSTRUCTOR PANEL FOR TEMPORARY EVENING COVER in the following specialisms:

candidates

• Cleanroom & Manufacturing Operations • Payroll & Bookkeeping (Manual & Computerised) • Supervisory Management / Customer Service / Teamwork • Web Design/Digital Imaging • Welding Application forms and further particulars of the posts are available at www.gretb.ie

The local paper!

David Leahy, Chief Executive

Rooskey, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon. N41 YE03 requires

EXPERIENCED

STAFF NURSE Please forward CV with written references to the Director of Nursing. Or email: shannonlodgenh@gmail.com

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

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES BURKE Ultan

McDONNELL Patrick (Sonny) & Mary

Pollalaher, Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Who died on the 16th March, 2017 (4th Anniversary)

Coolegarry, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

McCRANN Frank Kilclare, Co. Leitrim & The Walk, Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

(5th Anniversary)

(4th Anniversary)

Our hearts are full of memories with pride we speak your name. Though life goes on without you it will never be the same. Your memory is so special, your presence missed so much, you will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain. To talk to us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So Rest In Peace dear loved ones, and thanks for all you’ve done. May God grant you the place, you have truly won.

Sadly missed, never forgotten by your wife, Bernadette and family, Sandra, Colm and Ruadhán. Nicola, Dermot, Róise, Neasa and Diarmuid. Alan and Ruth.

Sadly missed by their daughter Marie, her partner Mark, sister, brothers, nieces, nephews and extended family Anniversary Mass will take place on Friday, 12th March at 10am and can be viewed on the Kiltoom Parish Facebook page.

Anniversary Mass for Ultan will be offered on Sunday, 21st March, 2021 at 10am and can be viewed on the Kiltoom Parish Webpage & Facebook page.

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

KELLY Marcella (Cella)

BEIRNE (nee Dowd) Rose Ann Ballymacurley North, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Who died on March 27th, 2019

Cloonara, Derrane, Roscommon 13th Anniversary - 12th March 2008

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

Sadly missed and remembered with love by all your family, relatives and friends. Mass will be offered on Sunday, 28th March at 11am in Ballinaheglish Church.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Dearly loved and missed every day. Your loving wife Margaret, children Caroline, Peter, Lorraine and Sinead. Grandchildren, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and extended family. Masses offered.

DORAN Tommy Golf Links Road, Roscommon. 3rd Anniversary - 13th March 2018

LEONARD William & Ann Creemully, Castlecoote, Co.Roscommon. (28th & 24th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of William, who died on the 8th April, 1993 and Ann who died on the 15th February 1997. Rest In Peace. It’s love that fills each thought of you on this special day.

Lovingly remembered by Anna Mae, Bridie, Liam, Pauline and their grandchildren. Anniversary Mass in the Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, Castlecoote will be celebrated in private on Mother’s Day, Sunday, 14th of March 11.30am.

(100th Anniversary) In proud and loving memory of Paddy Moran, D Company, 2nd Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA. Executed in Mountjoy Jail March 14, 1921.

HIGGINS Walter

MONTH’S MIND

Submit your Classified online

Memories are a gift to treasure, ours of you will last forever.

MORAN Paddy

Rest In Peace.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain. To walk with us throughbout our lives until me meet again. So Rest in Peace dear Mother and thanks for all you’ve done. We pray that God has give you the crown you’ve truly won.

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

McDERMOTT Benny Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon Who passed away on 6th February 2021.

Benny’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated from Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 14th March at 11.30am. Mass will be live streamed from: Churchtv.ie/roscommon

You can only have one Mother, Patient, kind and true, no other friend in all the world, will be the same to you. When other friends forsake you, to Mother you will return, for all her loving kindness, she asks nothing in return. As we look upon her picture, sweet memories we recall, of a face so full of sunshine, and a smile for one and all. Sweet Jesus take this message, to our dear Mother up above, tell her how we miss her, and give her all our love.

Remembered today and always by her sons Noel and Des, daughter Frances, son-in-law, daughters-inlaw, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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

A heart too gentle, a mind too deep a beautiful soul, forever asleep. Eyes full of sparkle, a heart full of love, now shining brightly from Heaven above.

Forever missed, Tina, Jason, Rachael & Jessica.

DORAN Tommy Golf Links Road, Roscommon. 3rd Anniversary In loving memorhy of Tommy who died on 13th March 2018

Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we all miss you until we meet again.

Always loved and remembered by Bernie and Patricia Kearney and family, Four Mile House.

Swords, Co. Dublin and Knockcroghery (7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Walter Higgins, who died on 22nd March 2014 Rest In Peace. Today is your 7th Anniversary, you would not want a fuss, just to be remembered, and prayed for by all of us.

Lovingly remembered by your wife Anna Mae and son Ignatius. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Columcille’s Church, Swords on St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, 17th of March at 10am. Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES CARROLL John Buckfield, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon.

CONNAUGHTON Michael

KELLY Mickie

Curagh, Castlecoote (11th Anniversary)

8 Jubilee Close, Roscommon 13th Anniversary - 6th March

(15th Anniversary)

A silent thought, a quiet prayer, for someone special in God’s care. Those who think of him today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Fondly remembered by his wife Annie, sisters-in-law Margaret and Kathleen, brother-in-law Paddy. Masses offered.

MULLEN Mary Castlestrange, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon. (22nd Anniversary)

We think of you with love each day, the things we used to do and say that brings a smile, sometimes a tear but always a wish that you were here.

Always remembered by Anne Mae, Kay, Marie, Sean and extended family. Masses offered.

KEEGAN Sean

GANNON Stephen

Rushfield, Creggs, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather who died 14 of March 2018 R.I.P.

Carnagh, Kiltoom Athlone, Co. Roscommon. (10th Anniversary)

Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words we will never forget. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Sadly missed by your friend Simon, Ann, Simon Jnr and Shane Doyle.

MONTH’S MIND PARKER Thomas Tuam, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon. Died 10th February 2021

In loving memory of Stephen who died 7th March 2011 No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts, you are always there. Our hearts are full of memories, with pride we speak your name. Though life goes on without you, it will never be the same. Your memories are so special, your presence missed so much, you will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Anniversary Mass for Stephen and deceased members of the Gannon family will be offered in private.

KELLEHER Jim Who died on 10th March 2008 (13th Anniversary)

Sadly missed by her husband Frank, Rebecca, Kieran, Fiona and families. Masses offered.

MONAGHAN Mary Edmond, London and formerly Gallowstown, Roscommon (7th Anniversary) Who died February 2014

We the family of the late Thomas Parker wish to thank all those who sympathised with us on the recent death of Tom. We wish to thank all those who sent messages via RIP.ie, social media, phone calls, letters, mass cards and prayers. We know many of you would have wished to call in person to our house, or attend the funeral but due to current restrictions we appreciate your compliance with Covid-19 Guidelines. Thanks to those who gathered at the crossroads, on route to the church and assembled outside the church to pay their respects to Tom. Thanks to Fr. Larry Behan for the Funeral Mass and words of comfort and kind thoughts regarding Tom’s life. To Michelle Regan for her lovely singing which was praised by many. To Luke Madden for his assistance, to the alter society for cleaning the church, flower arranging and checking the sound system relayed outside. To Dr. Keenan for his care of Tom over the past number of years. To the public health nurses who called regularly, the Palliative Care nurses who supported us in the final days. To the carers Maura Noone and Leonie Gibbons for their excellent care of Tom. A special thanks to Pat McHugh for his help in organising the funeral and arranging all the details in a calm and professional manner. We had no worries with Pat in charge. A sincere thank you to all who came to the graveyard. Lastly, and many thanks to the men who prepared Tom’s final resting place and worked as a team on closing the grave. To anyone who helped in any way your contribution is much appreciated and will be remembered forever. Rest in Peace Tom, until we meet again. Imelda, Angela, Stephen, Breege, Niamh, Leah and Aoife Parker. Tom’s Month’s Memory Mass will be held at 10am on Thursday, 11th March and can be viewed on the churchservices.tv/ballyleague

Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, in our hearts, you will live forever.

Sadly missed by her sister Kathleen.

Cloonmurray, Strokestown

Fondly remembered by their loving family, Michael (died 14th March 1999) and Kathleen (died 11th January 2013), Cloonmurray, Strokestown. Remembrance Mass in Tulsk Church on Sunday, 14th March 2021 at 11.30am.

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

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Sadly missed by his wife Mary and family.

BELTON Basil Just a prayer from those who loved you, just a memory fond and true. In our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you. We have loved her in life let us not forget her in death.

LENNON Michael and Kathleen

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Clogher, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon (16th Anniversary)

Email or call for Sample Pack

Your are missed each and every day. For you were someone very special, who meant more than words can ever say. Rest In Peace Jim.

In loving memory of our beautiful son and brother Basil who died on the 17th of March 2005 R.I.P. Our hearts are full of memories, with pride we speak your name. Although life goes on without you, it will never be the same. Those special days will not return, when we were all together. But with love and memories in our hearts, you will walk with us forever. Always missed Bazz, forever in our hearts.

Love Mammy, Daddy, Edward, Andrew, Michael, Anne-Marie, sisters-inlaw Jacinta, Aoife, Fiona; brother-in-law Brian, nieces and nephews Ciara, Aoife, Darragh, Cillian, Joseph, Aoibhinn and Oran. xxxxxx Private Mass will be offered.

Loved always Mary and family.

ROONEY Brian Lisnagirra, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: anthonymurrayandsons@gmail.com

Remembering Brian who passed away on 11th March 2017 R.I.P. Sadly missed along lifes way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts you are always there.

Loved and missed every day by Ann and extended famlies. Masses offered.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

WINDOWS/DOORS

Chimney Problems

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WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

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PUBLIC NOTICE S.I. No. 566 of 2018 SCHEDULE C O.68, r.1(2) No. 68.5A INTOXICATING LIQUOR (BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES) ACT 2018, Section 1 Notice of Application for a Certificate for a Producer’s Retail Off-Licence District Court Area of Castlerea District No. 4 Richard Siberry as nominee for Black Donkey Brewing Limited Applicant TAKE NOTICE that Richard Siberry as nominee for Black Donkey Brewing Limited, being the holder of a relevant licence (within the meaning of section 1(11) of the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Act 2018), namely a Manufacturer’s Licence-Brewer licence, issued on the 1st day of October 2020 and remaining in force until the 30th day of September 2021, and having in place in respect of the premises particularised below an appropriate mechanism in place to permit the sale of intoxicating liquor to persons who have completed a guided tour (within the meaning of section 1(11) of the said Act of 2018) and to persons within the meaning of Section 1(6) (c) of the Act, of the said premises, namely Black Donkey Brewing Limited, Unit 3 Srah Business Park, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon, intends to apply to the Court at Castlerea on the 16th day of April 2021 at 10.30a.m. for a certificate, in respect of the premises situate at Unit 3 Srah Business Park, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon in court area and district aforesaid, to hold a producer’s retail licence authorising the sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption off the said premises only. Dated this 9th day March of 2021 Signed:_________________________ Liddy Neilan Solicitors Abbey Street, Roscommon Solicitor for Applicant To the Superintendent of the Garda Síochána, Castlerea Garda Station, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon To the District Court Clerk Courts Services, Golf Links Road, Roscommon

Roscommon People Friday12 March 2021

Sports PEOPLE

‘Inter-county players will no longer be strangers in their own clubs’ The newly agreed Split Season will be judged kindly by GAA historians, writes a delighted TOMMIE KENOY GAA Congress has given unanimous approval to the Split Season, an overdue but very welcome competitions structure that will bring fairness, regularity and certainty to the Association’s national games programme. The new structure will end a long and at times acrimonious stand-off between conservative elements in the GAA’s administrative wing and its grassroots members, over a national fixtures programme that had evolved in piecemeal fashion over decades and which lacked a clear strategic plan. It was the subject of numerous reports and recommendations, many of which were never or partly implemented. All this was overseen by individuals and groups, many with deeply vested interests, who put personal ambition and institutional issues at the top of their priority list and well ahead of the best interests of clubs, players, ordinary grassroots members and the long-term good of the Association. These people are the GAA’s power brokers, political animals who are either climbing the administrative ladder or else clinging forcefully to their influential position therein. They rule the roost within a corporate elitist administration, unchallenged by the thousands of volunteers at ground level, some of whom are eager for progressive change but who are skilfully held off by their leaders. Players, both at inter-county and club level, have spent decades mired in frustration as they tried to marry their love of and commitment to Gaelic games with the day to day business of running their social, employment and family lives. County Competitions Control Committees and County Boards were presented with ongoing challenges, as they tried to organise local competitions amidst the movable feast that was titled The Master Fixtures Plan. And then there’s the club. How often have we heard GAA voices laud the club as the foundation stone of the GAA? How often have we wondered why affirmative action was never taken to create a cohesive annual games

calendar, that matched such lofty rhetoric? Instead, the Association continued to career, irrevocably, towards a cliff edge of self-destruction. But two events combined to reverse that destructive conclusion. Firstly, tens of thousands of club players rebelled in 2016 and formed a body to represent them, a volunteer lobby group called the Club Players Association. It was set up with one sole objective; to Fix the Fixtures. Indeed, the arrival of the Split Season has led this group of committed grassroots members to wind up – job done – pointing out that it’s now a matter for GAA administrators to put a suitably designed games structure in place within the designated periods. Roscommon GAA deserves huge credit for keeping the fixtures crises on its agenda all the way through. It even set up a Fixtures Review Committee whose recommendations were unanimously adopted by County Board and resulted in a motion for reform being sent to Central Council. The outcome, a 48 to 4 defeat, was proof, if proof were needed, that our elected representatives at national level tend to treat their electorate with a certain degree of distain. A subsequent motion to Congress, while technically in order, was not accepted on the basis that a review group had been set up and it was therefore unnecessary. They’ll always find a way. Secondly, the world was attacked by a virulent enemy, a virus that led to millions of deaths, caused widespread illness and literally turned life on earth on its head. Thus the GAA was faced with a fixtures conundrum. What to do and how to do it? County or club first? How to organise a games programme in the midst of a national health crisis? The solution, the Split Season, will be judged kindly by GAA historians. It is a structure that nobody in their wildest dreams could have envisaged as 2020 dawned. It is more a product of the law of unintended consequences than any carefully considered GAA strategy.

‘Also of major importance is the fact that club games will become the centrepiece of attention through the autumn and into the winter months’. Action from last season’s club scene in Roscommon. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

It was first put on the table in 2017 by grassroots GAA members through their representative body and was met with stonewall resistance by GAA authorities and the Fixtures Task Force, both of whom listened but rejected. The latter flatly refused to include it in their recommendations. Yet, for a number of reasons, it will go down as an historic and progressive decision that resolved the Association’s fixtures crises and put in place the foundations for a fair and balanced national games programme. The most significant reason is that it introduces clearly designated seasons for 3rd level, club and inter-county competitions. This is the cornerstone of the new system. Also of major importance is the fact that club games will become the centrepiece of attention through the autumn and into the winter months. Inter-county players will no longer be strangers in their own clubs and will be an integral part of local panels as they train and play together in pursuit of club glory. At last the club has been reinstalled as the core unit of the GAA. Greater crowds will attend games and income to County Board coffers will accordingly increase. No longer, as persis-

tently happened in the past, will provincial and national administrators point the finger of blame at local CCCs. Instead, club competitions can be structured to fit neatly within the designated club season. The GAA will be

“

Players, both at inter-county and club level, have spent decades mired in frustration as they tried to marry their love of and commitment to Gaelic games with the day to day business of running their social, employment and family lives

restored to its rightful place as a community-based Gaelic games and culture organisation centred around the club. During their designated period inter-county games will take their rightful and unchallenged place as the Association’s greatest product, its flagship promotional tool and primary source of revenue. Other benefits will include the completion of the GAA’s games programme within the calendar year, an end to the interminable tug o’war over inter-county players, no more uncertainty and irregularity in the national games programme, and hopefully, a reversal of the worrying drop- out rate of players. Some claim that this was a ‘top down’ decision, brought to Congress for truly altruistic reasons by rulers at Central Council and the Task Force and supported by the President and DG. Technically correct, but nonetheless a flawed analysis. In truth that position was arrived at through the hugely positive reaction that grew among grassroots members following the unplanned reactive introduction of the Split Season last autumn. Intensive lobbying by CPA and some progressive officials at club and County Board levels had laid

the foundation, created the script. Events last autumn built on that foundation, as, game by game the infant Split Season grew rapidly to adulthood. A massive force for change grew and ultimately the Association was forced into recognising the Split Season as a glaringly obvious solution to the Association’s endemic fixtures crises. Getting to this point has been a long and at times torturous journey, not untypical of the pace of change in the world of GAA. At last, from 2022 onwards, we can share an Association that will be better, stronger, more community-based. Finally, the GAA’s willingness to recognise and embrace progressive change, in spite of the contradicting stance it has long taken, deserves to be recognised. So too does the final act in office of outgoing GAA President John Horan. More than anyone he was the one who recognised the will of grassroots members, convinced his ruling body to recognise it and bring it to Congress for permanent installation in rule. History will, deservedly, judge him kindly. * Kilmore GAA Club man Tommie Kenoy was Secretary of the now disbanded CPA (Club Players Association)

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

SportsPeople

Texaco Support for Sport Funding for Tremane GAA Club Tremane GAA Club is to receive €5,000 in funding under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative, launched last September by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand. Open to sports clubs across the twenty-six counties, irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender, the initiative saw a fund of €130,000 being made available by Valero for distribution in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful

applicants, chosen on a county-bycounty basis. Congratulating the club on its success, James Twohig (Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited) said: “A feature evident in almost all applications was the pressure felt by clubs in the current circumstances to expand their role within their local communities with increased membership demands and the need for extra equipment and improved facilities. “The purpose of our initiative is

to help clubs to overcome these obstacles so that they can continue to remain active and at the very heart of their local communities”. Overseeing the adjudication process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, acclaimed broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan. Commenting, he described the Tremane club as “a fantastic amenity and a very worthy winner”. Located in the parish of Athleague and Knockcroghery, Tre-

mane GAA Club has a proud 75-year history and was the first non-Galway club to win the Connacht senior club hurling championship (in 1977). The €5,000 award made to the Tremane Club under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative will be used to fund further development of the grounds and the addition of a Portacabin fully equipped with kitchen, toilet, office area and meeting space as an interim step towards the building of a clubhouse.

World recognition for Sportsfile photographer… Sportsfile photographer Stephen McCarthy has recently been chosen as a winner in the prestigious ‘Sports, Singles’ category in the 2021 World Press Photo Contest, with his image, ‘Home Training’. The winning image, taken in May last year, features the then 87-year-old masters athlete Pat Naughton, maintaining his daily training regime in his living room at his home in Nenagh, County Tipperary, during the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. This is the second time Stephen, who hails from Cahersiveen, County Kerry, has been recognised by the World Press Photo Foundation, collecting second prize in the 2018 contest for a photograph entitled ‘Steaming Scrum’, which features the British and Irish Lions and Maori All Blacks packs engaging during a match at the Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand. Reacting to the news, Stephen said: “It’s a privilege to be acknowledged by the World Press Photo

Foundation for a second time. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to capture a unique example of how humans have adapted in these unprecedented times. “I think the photograph has captured the determination of

athletes in particular, in this case Pat, to maintain their training schedules in pursuit of normality in the most abnormal of times”. Sportsfile founder Ray McManus said: “I am really delighted for Stephen, especially as it is his second time to be

honoured in the World Press Photo Awards. He is a dedicated photographer, a great team player and puts his heart and soul into his work every day”. The final award placings will be announced on April 15th at the online awards show.

Local GAA and LGFA clubs in Glenamaddy and Williamstown are doing their bit in supporting a number of worthy causes during lockdown with activities including virtual walks and Online Bingo scheduled for this weekend. Glenamaddy GAA Club is this week calling on local families and other groups to help raise funds for Cancer Care West in memory of clubmate Paul Devlin and in partnership with his home club of Bal-

lymaguigan in Co. Derry. Paul’s birthday falls on March 14th (this Sunday) and to mark it, both clubs are hosting a virtual walk of 450km, which is the distance of a round trip from Glenamaddy to Ballymaguigan. Participants can click on www.idonate.ie/bigredswalk to donate. Please send photographs and distance walked on the day to 087-9767838. Glenamaddy GAA and Glenamaddy-Williamstown LGFC have also hosted successful Bingo nights over the past two Saturday nights, with

(News from local golf clubs) Castlerea Club President Mary, Lady Captain Kathy and Captain Michael are gearing up for the new season, and when the time comes, they will be ready for tee off! The winning bonus ball number in Castlerea Golf Club lotto for March 3rd was number 40, and the winners were Padraic Casey, Gabriel O’Grady, Mary Warde and Joe McElhone. Each winner will receive €100. Congratulations to honorary member Leona Maguire who made a very impressive start to her second season on the LGPA tour with a top 20 finish in Florida last weekend.

Roscommon Special Olympics seeks volunteers

Have you ever thought of becoming a Special Olympics volunteer, or perhaps you have been one in the past and would like to renew it? We are actively recruiting volunteers in Roscommon now and would love to hear from you. If you have an hour to spare each week, we would love to have you. All you need is a willingness to share your time with us. Everybody is welcome. Unfortunately, Covid has moved us all to a virtual platform. We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with IT experience who is proficient in Zoom, etc. We would love to hear from you, regardless of your skillset. This would be a great opportunity to give your time for a rewarding cause. Please contact Jacqueline on 086 1721181 or send a private message to our Facebook: facebook.com/RoscommonSpecialOlympicsClub.

BUCCANEERS Rugby Football Club Eight Buccs players in Connacht squad against Munster

Glenamaddy and Williamstown clubs supporting worthy causes < DAN DOONER

Shor t putts

€3,480 in prize money already given away. The jackpot is now up to €1,000 and can be won on 42 calls or less. As a gesture of the clubs’ appreciation for the tremendous work being done by all frontline healthcare staff, organisers are offering a free bingo book with every purchase for this Saturday’s game (March 13th) at 8 pm. Frontline staff can simply tick a box to claim their free book. The link to purchase Bingo books for Saturday’s game can be found through either club’s Facebook page or on

GlenamaddyGAA/Glan LGFA Online Bingo Facebook page. Books must be purchased by 10 am on Saturday morning for that night’s game. Glenamaddy GAA, Northern Gaels and Glenamaddy/Williamstown LGFA have come together to form the Glenamaddy Youth Football Group with the aim of encouraging children to become members of their local clubs. At the moment, due to restrictions, the club is running a six-week video coaching programme for all children in the

Glenamaddy Parish National Schools. A new skill will be introduced each week and all children will receive an O’Neill’s football, kindly sponsored by PJ and Mary Fahy. For further information, or to get your child involved, please contact glenamaddyyouthgaa@ gmail.com or any of the following members: Thomas Giblin (Glenamaddy GAA) 087-2717000, Patricia Keady (GlenamaddyWilliamstown LGFC) 087-6552327 or Alphy O’Brien (Northern Gaels) 087-2795188.

No less than eight Buccaneers players were named in the Connacht squad that took on Munster in their top of the table Guinness PRO14 clash at Thomond Park on Friday night. Jack Carty and Tiernan O’Halloran lined out in the backline with Paul Boyle, with Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham starting in the pack, and Eoghan Masterson and Shane Delahunt were sprung from the replacements bench, while young Niall Murray was an unused substitute. This was a must-win encounter for Connacht, who trailed the hosts by nine points on the Conference league table, and they got off to a flying start, with a sublime skipped pass by Carty, finished off by Matt Healy for an early try, which the out-half converted from wide on the left. A Carty penalty gave the westerners a 10-7 half-time lead that could have been greater. After Munster forged 17-10 ahead, Connacht responded magnificently to level when they made the most of Chris Cloete’s fifth yellow card in fifty games for Munster. Boyle powered over for a try, which Carty converted to leave the sides level for the third occasion, 17-17. A late penalty gave Munster their narrow victory that secured their PRO14 final slot. Leinster overcame Ulster by double scores 38-19 to also claim their final berth. Overall, the Irish provinces have again been the dominant forces in the PRO14, all four being the only contenders to reach the decider with three rounds remaining. Connacht already have Champions Cup rugby wrapped up for next season and can now concentrate on the European Challenge Cup, a competition in which they have played more games than any other club.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

Today, racing is on at Thurles in Co. Tipperary with a 2.30 pm start for an all-chase card. Tomorrow, racing takes place at Gowran Park at 1.40 pm with an all-hurdle card, and on the flat at the all-weather Polytrack surface in Dundalk, first race at 4.55 pm. On Saturday, they race at Navan featuring the Grade 2 Webester Cup Steeplechase and the Grade B Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Steeplechase Final, first race at 1.40 pm. There are two meetings on Sunday at Limerick with two Grade 3 races The Shannon Spray Mares Hurdle and the EBF Mares Novice Chase away at 1.45 pm and Naas with the Grade A Leinster National Chase backed up with two Grade 3 races, the Directors Plate Novice Chase and the Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle at 1.30 pm. Punchestown race on Monday, away at 1.55 pm. Television coverage this weekend is on TG4 who will be covering six races from Naas on Sunday. ITV4 will be covering Sandown and Wolverhampton on Saturday.

Racing Review Emmet Mullins sent out yet another big-race winner when The Shunter won the valuable £75,000 bet365 Morebattle Hurdle race at Kelso on Saturday.

The 5/2 favourite dug deep in the hands of Alain Cawley to see off Night Edition and Faivoir in a driving finish by 1¼l and 4¾l. The 8-Y-O gelding, who won the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, now qualifies for a £100,000 bonus if he wins any race at Cheltenham. He is entered in four races. Denise Foster turned out her first winner from Cullentra yesterday when Gigginstown Stud’s Defi Blue won the beginners chase at Wexford under Jack Kennedy. The 8-Y-O gelding won by 2½l from Opposites Attract. Only two finished in a four-horse race. It was third time lucky for Foster following Areutheoneiwant third in yesterday’s bumper and Gold Des Bois who was third in an earlier race yesterday.

Racing News Thank God the IHRB got on with the enquiry into Elliottgate and brought the affair to an expeditious end on Friday when the Referrals Committee made a decision. Gordon Elliott had put his hands up making their job easy and the Committee suspended him for twelve months, with six months suspended. The suspension started on Tuesday when Denise Foster took over at Cullentra moving her own yard of horses from Enfield. She had her first runner from the yard on Tuesday when Areyoutheonei-

want finished third in the bumper at Clonmel. The Committee held that there is also a sinister aspect to the case. They were satisfied that the publication of this photograph is part of a concerted attack upon Mr. Elliott, the full circumstances of which are unknown. As expressed last week, whoever took the photograph must be involved in horse racing, given they were on the gallops and having held it for nearly 18 months obviously condoned the action as did the others who witnessed it. The same applies to those who took and witnessed the Rob James video. The IRHB cannot and should not let those, who probably also come under their licencing control, go scotfree. The Rob James hearing into his actions in the video that followed the photograph of Elliott took place yesterday and there was no decision before going to press this week.

Cheltenham News Leading amateur rider Patrick Mullins will miss this year’s Cheltenham Festival after deciding against turning professional. It transpired that he would have to remain professional for a minimum period of twelve months and this he was not prepared to do. Jamie Codd, Derek O’Connor, Barry O’Neill etc. all would have had a good

Dreal Deal skips a hurdle under Maxine O'Sullivan.

book of rides but will miss out as well. Eugene O'Sullivan has booked Richie McLernon to partner It Came To Pass in his bid to retain the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase which he won under his daughter Maxine, who cannot ride him this year due to amateurs not allowed to

ride. Ronan McNally’s Dreal Deal will miss the Supreme Novices' Hurdle hope after a fungus issue from suspected unsatisfactory hay in the yard. The 6-Y-O became doubtful for the meeting's curtain-raiser when the Armagh handler revealed he was dissatisfied with the general health of his string. He gave his

star every chance to recover but on Monday morning decided that the meeting would come too soon for the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle hero. Cheltenham clerk of the course Simon Claisse expects the ground at Prestbury Park to be mainly good to soft for the start of the four-day Festival next Tuesday.

Cheltenham Festival 2021 Starting on Tuesday is the world’s greatest national hunt racing festival, especially in the eyes of national hunt followers in Ireland. For four days every March, the normally silent hills of the Cotswolds will ring out with a cacophony of cheers, song and some, but very few, tears. But with the event taking place behind closed doors this year, things will be very mute.

Day One In the opening Supreme Novices Hurdle there are 18 runners from 97 entries and Willie Mullins provides the favourite, Appreciate It, at 6/4 and this will be one of the Irish bankers. He will be joined by Ballyadam now trained by Henry de Bromhead with Harry Fry’s Metier and Jonjo O’Neill’s Soaring Glory the pick of the home team. The only others in single figures. The next Irish horse in the betting is Henry de Bromhead’s Irascible at 20/1. Very hard to oppose Mullins. The Arkle has 12 runners from 34 with only three in single figures in the ante post betting. Last year’s Nicky Henderson trained winner of the Supreme, Shiskin, heads the betting and is odds on to win again. He is being taken on by Mullins with Energumine and Dan Skelton’s Allmankind. De Bromhead’s Captain Guinness, brought down in last year’s Supreme when in the firing line, could be e/w of place value.

There are 31 in the Ultima Handicap Chase and like most of the big field handicaps here they are a layer’s paradise and best left alone. Denise Foster is trainer for the first of the Cullentra fancied horses in this race, Noel Moran’s Escaria Ten joint favourite with Kim Bailey’s Happygolucky at around 6/1. Try an e/w on Sue Smith’s Vintage Clouds if you must have a bet. The leading home challenge Nicky Henderson’s Epatante, the defending champion, in the 14-runner Champion Hurdle, eight of them trained in Ireland. The main Irish challenger, de Bromhead’s Honeysuckle has gone favourite with Espatante and Goshen next the betting and it would be a brave man to look outside these three. De Bromhead bypassed this race last year with Honeysuckle to win the Mares Hurdle and she has done nothing wrong since. Her best performance to date was in this year’s Irish Champion Hurdle in Leopardstown and connections patience will be repaid with her retaining her unbeaten run of twelve on the track, including six Grade 1 races. Second in last year’s Triumph, de Bromhead’s second string Aspire Tower won’t be far away. There are five of the twelve runners in the Mares Hurdle trained in Ireland with the favourite, Closutton’s Concertista, slightly odds against and looking good. With Honeysuckle opting for the Champion de Brom-

head’s Minella Melody, runnerup on her last three runs must be given consideration. The Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle still has 28 with only 22 allowed to run. The race looks wide open with Mullins’ Saint Sam heading the market from Paul Nichols’ Houx Gris. Balko was third here in November behind the useful Duffle Coat and could be the value of the race. In the National Hunt Handicap Chase 16 of the 59 entered have been declared. Last year’s runner-up Galvin, once of Cullentra Yard but has moved to Ian Ferguson’s Ballymena yard, will try to go one better this year but he has Venettia Williams’ Royal Pigaille, the favourite, to beat. Williams’ horse is bypassing Wednesday’s Broadway Chase where he was set to meet WP Mullins’ banker Monksfield, both horses are owned by Rich and Susanna Ricci. This is one of the races that was for amateur riders and all the top Irish riders used to get early bookings. Sadly, the powers that be, the British Government this time, have ruled this out. My e/w Yankee selection for today is Appreciate It, Captain Guinness, Houx Gris and Royal Pigalle, as banker.

Day Two In the Ballymore Novices Hurdle, there is a large entry of 73 with a maximum of 22 runners allowed. There are 37 from this

island, 14 trained by WP Mullins at Closutton and five trained at Cullentra by Denise Foster. Four horses dominate the market, Gaillard Du Mensil and Appreciate It, entered on Tuesday, from Willie Mullins’, Henry de Bromhead’s Bob Olinger for Ireland and the Paul Nichols Bravemansgame for the home team. Of the 39 entries with a limit of 20 in the Broadway Novice Chase, 16 are trained in Ireland, five are trained at Cullentra and Willie Mullins trains four. Hot favourite Monkfish should win for Mullins with Venetia Williams’ Royale Pigalle, declared for Tuesday, the best of the rest. Both horses run in the colours of Mrs. S. Ricci This race is followed by the Coral Cup, a handicap hurdle, with 109 entries and only 26 runners, this is normally best left alone. The Irish hold the ante post favourite in this race with Cullentra’s Grand Roi hoping to give Denise Foster her first festival winner. You Raised Me Up, trained by Martin Brassil and part owned by Sean Mulryan is 16/1 and might run into a place. This year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase has 24 entered, ten from Ireland and a maximum 20 runners allowed. Another hot shot from Closutton in Chacun Pour Soi runs in this race and should win from the home team’s Altior and Nuba Negra. Chatam Street Lad, Simply The Betts, Magic Spirit and Espirit Du Large are already nonrunners so the 20 still left are

You Raised Me Up and Mark Walsh.

guaranteed a run. The Glenfarclas Cross Country handicap Chase has 22 entries and only 16 runners allowed. There are nine from Ireland but they all will have their work cut out to dethrone last year’s winner Easyland trained in France by David Cottin for JP McManus. This race sees the reappearance of Tiger Roll in what might be his final race, and Shady Operator represents Enda Bolger who could upset the favourite. Hearts will all be with Tiger Roll but the head says Shady Operator to just beat Easyland. The Grand Annual Chase has 47 entries limited to 20 runners is wide open and the advice is to use the old-fashioned method to pick the winner, stick a pin in the paper. Emmet Mullins’ The Shunter seeking the £100,000 bonus holds an entry in this race so

watch out for this. And three further engagements which we will look at next week. There are 28 entered in the Weatherby’s Champion Bumper with a limit of 24, WP Mullins has seven including the favourite Kilcruit and newly acquired Cheveley Park’s Sir Gerhard but Cullentra’s Three Stripe Life, who looked useful in his Navan win, will be all out to beat the Mullins pair. It is 20/1 bar three. My e/w Yankee selection for today is Appreciate It if he misses it out Bob Olinger, Monksfish, Shady Operator and Three Stripe Life for value, if it comes soft. Here’s wishing all punters a successful week and there will be a detailed look at next Thursday and Friday’s racing in next week’s edition when fields will be finalised before assessment unlike this week.

Roscommon People Friday 12 March 2021

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