14 April 2023 Roscommon People

Up da Rossies!

‘Get 12 beds into empty hospital ward’

A state-of-the-art ward currently ‘lying empty’ in Roscommon Hospital should be urgently fitted out with beds as part of a new Government initiative.

That’s the view of Independent TD Denis Naughten who ramped up pressure on the Department of Health and the HSE this week, highlighting the unused status of the ward in question over the past five years.

With the Government having announced plans for 1,500 new hospital beds nationwide, Deputy Naughten placed a focus on the situation in Roscommon.

Calling on the Minister for Health to ensure that the empty surgery ward at Roscommon Hospital is included in the initiative, Deputy Naughten said: “The HSE has issued a tender for 1,500 new hospital beds at 15 sites across the country.

It is imperative that the empty stateof-the-art ward that has been lying idle in Roscommon Hospital since 2018 is now fitted out and staffed as part of these national plans”.

Noting that the HSE intends to provide the beds within 75 weeks by using modular building, the TD said the shell of the ward adjoining the theatres in Roscommon has been completed since 2018 and could immediately provide an increased number of surgical procedures for patients currently on waiting lists.

Deputy Naughten said that the unused ward in question is currently merely storing hospital beds and medical equipment.

Appealing to Minister Stephen Donnelly to act on his call, Deputy Naughten said: “We have a section of the hospital empty for the last five years which could provide 12 additional beds at the stroke of a pen”.

< PAUL HEALY

Picured at the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday were Orla Kilcline, Ava Naughten and Brianna Curran. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Brehon Law and Personal Injuries

On a lighter note for Easter I researched how personal injury matters were dealt with in times past. I discovered some interesting and novel remedies.

Prior to the Norman invasion in 1169, a system of customary law was in place. Customary law was an organic legal system where rules and procedures were decided ad hoc over a period of time. This type of law is now referred to as Brehon Law.

During this time, society was organized in regional units under the leadership of the King of the tribe.

Society was largely inegalitarian and as a result, there was heavy distinction between classes of citizens namely (i) Nemad – Noble/ sacred individuals e.g. Kings, Lords, Professors, Poets, Priests etc; (ii) Doernemed e.g. craftsmen, physicians, druids, judges and advocates; (iii) Fremen (Farmers) and (iv) Doer – slaves.

Although early Irish law recognised a distinction between intentional and unintentional injury, any type of injury was still normally unlawful and required compensation. The legal text Bretha Déin Chécht goes into considerable detail in describing the fines based on the location of the wound and its severity.

According to that text, the payment was decided by a physician after nine days. Prior to that, the victim was cared for by his family and a physician.

Bretha Déin Chécht describes that the wound was measured according to how many grains of a certain plant fit in the wound. The higher status one was, the smaller the grain used. Nine grains were mentioned in the text, from a grain of wheat to a bean. If the wound did not heal, and thus the physical blemish was a problem for the victim’s honour, further payments were required.

If the patient would recover but still needed nursing, the injurer was responsible for his care. This was known as sick maintenance. The injurer also had to pay for food for the victim and was obliged to provide someone to fulfill the victim’s duties while he was incapacitated.

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

A great weekend… now for a one on one with President Biden!

That was such a taxing week! But great! Yeah!

VERY taxing! It left me wrecked!

Mmnn…

‘Cos I was on the fiddle on Friday…

Huh?

Very taxing! On the fiddle!

Hold on! Taxing? And ON THE FIDDLE!

(Editor scrambles to check boyos’ expenses dockets)

So I was on the fiddle in Strokestown!

At the opening of the County Fleadh. I played one or two tunes…

Oh, I see!

Yeah, what a great start to the weekend! Then on Sunday, I believe the parade in Strokestown was very enjoyable.

So I heard!

(They pause to check if they’ve been approved accreditation for President Biden’s visit to Ballina; they haven’t)

Anyways, what a weekend!

Brilliant! Did you see the video of Paddy Joe, the famous barber and renowned Roscommon fan?

Yes!

Talking to his heart’s content, beside his very dapper friend!

Yes, Ryan Tubridy was dapper, and that video of Paddy Joe on the Late Late Show is very good…

No, I meant Cllr. Marty McDermott, he

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

looked very dapper in the video with Paddy Joe in Castlebar!

Oh sorry, that video! Yes, John Corcoran’s finest, no doubt!

(They pause to double-check if their application for VIP access when President Biden arrives in Knock has been successful; it hasn’t)

So, Castlebar was great! Brilliant! Davy Burke is some boyo!

Yes! Roscommon were brilliant. Mayo contributed too. And Kevin McStay was very gracious.

Agreed! Mayo were dignified in defeat. Anyways, it was Roscommon’s day this time!

G’wan the Rossies!

(They pause to savour it all)

A word on the Roscommon Parade too… It was mighty. And what a crowd.

Tremendous! And a fine parade! A credit to the organisers.

The rain couldn’t dampen our spirits, not after Roscommon’s win.

Beautiful rain, to borrow a phrase from a certain barber. Beautiful rain all weekend…

So, no sign of our press passes for President Biden’s visit to Ballina?

Not yet, but the Editor says he has Joe Brolly on the job. Joe has lots of Mayo connections. I know we have concerns that Brolly might be in line to replace us on this page, but the Editor reckons he’ll be in touch with us about access for Biden’s visit…

Great! I want to ask him what it’s like to be such a powerful figure…

ASK HIM A QUESTION?! Look, even if we get to Ballina, we won’t get near President Biden!

I didn’t mean ask that Joe! I meant Joe Brolly!

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

Roscommon football, with a superb win over Mayo propelling Davy Burke’s team into a Connacht Championship semi-final meeting with Galway later this month

New York footballers, this after ‘The Big Apple’ defeated Leitrim in a thrilling Connacht Championship game in The Bronx, the exiles’ first ever win in the competition

Strokestown & Roscommon, with successful Easter parades held in those towns on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday respectively (congratulations to the organising committees)

Spanish golfing superstar Jon Rahm, who overcame the rest of the field and the difficult elements to win the US Masters by four shots

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

Leitrim football, after Andy Moran’s team lost to New York on penalties, thus exiting the All-Ireland series

Fine Gael (if one heeds polls, that is), with the party dropping eight points in the latest Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes poll, from 23% to 15% (Sinn Féin in front on 37%, Fianna Fáil on 21%)

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

PIC OF THE WEEK: Oisin and Sean Fallon celebrating Roscommon’s second goal during last Sunday’s Connacht SFC quarter-final between Mayo and Roscommon in MacHale Park, Castlebar. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

newsbriefs

Car seized after unmarked car overtaken at speed

The Roscommon Roads Policing Unit seized a car on Thursday night last after its driver overtook an unmarked Garda patrol car at high speed on the N5. A subsequent check established that the driver of the car in question was disqualified. Gardaí seized the vehicle and a court date will follow.

Local defibrillator group classes

Loughglynn, Lisacul and Gortaganny Defibrillator Group will run classes on Friday 14th, Saturday 15th, and Sunday, April 16th

If you would like to book your place contact Dympna on 086-0682109, Breege on 087-1268806 or Andre on 087-7425947. All members are now due for renewal certification. New recruits welcome.

Clothes collection in aid of Community Park

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

Registration opens for Ballaghaderreen Darkness Into Light

The Ballaghaderreen Darkness

Into Light Walk takes place at sunrise (4.15 am) on the morning of Saturday, May 6th, starting from St. Nathy’s College. Registration for the walk is now open. Adult €21; Jobseekers €16; Child €5; Families €52.

Registration will take place in Duffy’s SuperValu on Saturday, April 15th and Thursday, April 27th. All support appreciated. More details in future editions

Fitzmaurice calls for urgent N60 works

< DAN DOONER

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice has called for urgent safety works on the N60 at Meelickaduff, Castlerea following a number of near-misses involving lorries in recent weeks.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said that one lorry has already toppled over into a ditch while two more have had ‘very close calls’ recently.

“In the past seven days two lorries have almost left this national route. The road is

All roads lead to BallaghDream Arts Festival this August

All roads lead to Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon later this year for the BallaghDream Arts Festival which takes place from August 5th to 13th.

Everyone needs a break. Let yours begin with Ballaghaderreen Players’ production of John B Keane’s monumental ‘Big Maggie’ at St Nathy’s College on August 5th and end the following Sunday with London’s Pilgrim Players version of Shakespeare’s ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in the open-air at Edmondstown House.

In between, renowned traditional Irish group Lúnasa interrupt an international tour to perform in Trad Night at St Nathy’s Cathedral with Ballaghaderreen man Matt Molloy and Sean Keane of The Chieftains who will be joined by another local man, dancer Ronan Kelly, as well as acclaimed fiddle players, sisters Cora and Breda Smyth who now returning to their mother’s home town.

Thursday, August 10th will be Classical Night at the Cathedral with Ireland’s leading pianist, John O’Conor, accompanied by cellist Ailbhe McDonagh, as well as Chloe Ewing and soprano friends.

Writer Joseph O’Connor will take part in Literary Night at St Nathy’s College, accompanied by St Nathy’s Cathedral Choir.

He will be interviewed by a member of the Ballaghaderreen Book Club. The evening will include awardwinning Galway poet Mary O’Malley performing and reading from her wellreceived collections.

On Friday 11th, GAA pundit, newspaper columnist and barrister, Joe Brolly, will be joined for a discussion on Championship 2023 and Connacht football at St Nathy’s auditorium by local GAA heroes John O’Mahony, Andy Moran and Seanie McDermott.

The Battle of the Bands final will be in Molly’s, Barrack Street on August 10th with Live Electronica from Daithi and Elaine Mai (supported by Death Milkshake) and, to help round things off on Sunday evening, August 13th, Noni Stapleton will explain how her boyfriend fell for a heifer, in ‘Charolais’.

Ticketing details and a full festival programme at: www.ballaghdreamartsfest. ie.

just too narrow for lorries passing and the verge is substandard,” he said.

“I have raised this issue on a number of occasions at this stage and at a special meeting with Transport Infrastructure Ireland in Dublin. I also raised it with TII when they visited the Council a few months ago and it was suggested by one of their officials that these works could be completed through the Minor Works Scheme.

“I want to see this happen as quickly as possible before there is a serious accident.

PERSON

Of those recent near-misses, one of the lorries got caught in the ditch and was very, very lucky it didn’t topple over”.

Cllr Fitzmaurice said that land would need to be purchased along the route and the road would have to be strengthened to accommodate a crash barrier.

“I have spoken to Minister Jack Chambers because I got tired of raising this issue and he has committed to raising this issue once again with TII and visiting the area to see this dangerous stretch of road firsthand,” Cllr Fitzmaurice concluded.

PHOIST MHÚINTEOIREACHTA – 2023/2024

Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna na Gaillimhe agus Ros Comáin Tá 20 Iarbhunscoil agus Coláiste Breisoideachais á reáchtáil ag GRETB sna háiteanna seo a leanas:

• Cathair agus Contae na Gaillimhe –14 scoil (5 Ghaelcholáiste san áireamh)

• Oileáin Árann - 3 scoil

• Contae Ros Comáin – 3 scoil

Tugann GRETB cuireadh anois dóibh siúd atá cáilithe go cuí iarratais a dhéanamh chun áit a fháil ar phainéal do Phoist Mhuinteoireachta a d’fhéadfadh teacht chun cinn i rith na bliana acadúla 2023/2024.

Is féidir tuilleadh sonraí faoi scoileanna GRETB a fháil ar láithreán gréasáin an Bhoird ag www.gretb.ie/schools

Tá gach eolas faoin gcaoi iarratas a dhéanamh ar fáil ar láithreán gréasáin an Bhoird ag www.gretb.ie/jobs

TEACHING POSITIONS – 2023/2024

Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board has 20 Post Primary Schools and Colleges of Further Education under its remit in the following locations:

• Galway City and Galway County –14 schools (including 5 Gaelcholáiste)

• Oileáin Arran - 3 schools

• Roscommon County – 3 schools

GRETB now invites applications from suitably qualified persons to form a panel for Teaching Positions which may arise during the 2023/2024 academic year.

Further details on GRETB schools can be obtained from the Board’s website www.gretb.ie/schools

Further particulars on how to apply are available from the Board’s website www.gretb.ie/jobs

David Leahy, Chief Executive.

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice has called for urgent safety works on the N60 at Meelickaduff, Castlerea following a number of near-misses involving lorries in recent weeks.

Members of BallaghDream Festival Committee pictured at Edmondstown House recently: Patsy McGarry, Neil Sheridan, Julie Sharkey, Tuesday Whitfield, Sean McGarry, Carol Conlon and Wes Pollington. Not present were Anne McGreal and David Ewings.

Picture by Marek Petrovic

tHE eden programme may be for you

The Eden Programme provides a safe space where participants can develop the skills to monitor and manage their own mental health, build a range of supports appropriate to their individual needs and move away from suicide as an option of choice in times of crisis.

Eden Suicide Prevention Programme coming soon to Claremorris ‘Hope for the future’

Suicide is not an easy subject to talk about but that’s all the more reason to do so. Too many of our loved ones are being lost to suicide. We’ve made huge progress but it’s clear so much more is needed to break the stigma and to make support more available and accessible.

Partnership and collaboration is key to this change, as ultimately, we are stronger together. Suicide or Survive developed the Eden Programme in 2003, based on the personal experience of our founder Caroline McGuigan, who attempted suicide and survived.

The HSE partnered with SOS in 2015 to make the programme available to people in Mayo, Roscommon and Galway.

The Eden Programme is for people over the age of 18 years who have attempted or thought about suicide. It runs one morning a week for 26 weeks for up to 16 people at a time. It is a pioneering, innovative, educational programme that offers a welcoming, safe, and supportive space where people can explore their experiences, develop the skills to monitor and manage their mental health, and build a range of supports.

The ultimate aim is to support people to move away from suicide as an option of choice in times of crisis. Eden acknowledges that it may take time for participants to consider life rather than death, recognising that the journey to healing cannot be rushed.

The key to why Eden works is the fact that it empowers people to harness their own strengths and provides them with tools they can use to promote their own mental wellness. The focus on choice is key. Participants are offered a range of tools that they can use or adapt to meet their individual needs. This is central to our ethos of empowerment, respect for lived experience, and meeting people where they are currently at.

This community-based approach to suicide prevention is crucial if we are to continue

Kerrane launches online petition for reopening of Ballaghaderreen swimming pool

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has launched an online petition calling for urgent funding from the Department of Equality to secure the reopening of the swimming pool in Ballaghaderreen.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Deputy Kerrane said she had been inundated with queries about the pool, describing its closure as a huge loss to the town.

“Many parents are now having to travel out of Ballaghaderreen to bring

Have you thought about or attempted suicide?

breaking the silence, ending the stigma, and empowering people to choose life. At the heart of this is empathy and connection, and taking the time to really hear what is going on for people.

Eden operates from the principle that darkness and despair can come to any one of us but space and support like that offered on the Eden Programme can foster hope and empower people to save their own lives.

Eden has been comprehensively evaluated by DCU and is widely regarded as a successful intervention that offers a unique community-based support. It runs in line with the Connecting for Life national strategy to reduce suicide and is funded through the National Office for Suicide Prevention.

The HSE is currently recruiting participants from Mayo and Roscommon for the programme in Claremorris which will start in the coming weeks. Anyone interested in applying for Eden in Claremorris can contact Antoinette at Antoinette.hennessy@ hse.ie, or call 091-528030. More information about the programme is available on the Suicide or Survive website www. suicideorsurvive.ie

tHE eden programme may be for you

The Eden Programme provides a safe space where participants can develop the skills to monitor and manage their own mental health, build a range of supports appropriate to their individual needs and move away from suicide as an option of choice in times of crisis.

Are you struggling with thoughts of suicide? The Eden Programme may be for you. Eden is for people over the age of 18 years and will run on Tuesday mornings in Claremorris. It is an educational programme with a therapeutic element aimed at supporting people to move away from suicide as an option of choice in times of crisis. The HSE is currently recruiting participants for the programme, and there are a few places left.

To apply for the programme, contact Antoinette.hennessy@hse.ie or call her on 091 528030.

For more information visit suicideorsurvive.ie/programmes/eden-programme/

Woman (40s) dies in horse-riding accident

The woman who died in a horseriding accident in Glenamaddy on Thursday, April 6th has been named as Williamstown resident Heather Hewitt (née Campbell). Ms Hewitt, who was in her 40s and originally from East Sussex in

England, was pronounced dead at the scene following the incident at Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre.

It is believed the tragic accident occurred as a horse was being mounted and emergency services attended the scene before Ms Hewitt was taken to Galway University Hospital where a postmortem was conducted.

An investigator from the Health and Safety Authority also attended the scene last week.

Ms Hewitt is survived by her husband Kieran, daughter Beth, stepchildren Conor, Jack and Millie, parents, sister and extended family. Her funeral will take place at a later date in the UK.

their children swimming in other towns. This is not good enough,” she said.

“The swimming pool is a really important amenity in Ballaghaderreen – one of very few amenities – and it needs to be reopened. It had been a success when it opened under excellent management which saw it grow into a really popular amenity.

“The people of Ballaghaderreen played their part when the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre opened

in the town, yet here we are. I am seeking urgent funding from the Department of Equality to secure its reopening”.

The Sinn Féin TD has launched an online petition to assist in making her case to the Department and called on the people of Ballaghaderreen and surrounding areas to sign it through her social media.

“The demand for the pool to be reopened is clear and I will continue to do everything I can to make it happen,” she concluded.

< DAN DOONER

< DAN DOONER

The late Heather Hewitt.

All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals begin in Glenamaddy

Glenamaddy Theatre Festival is proudly hosting the 2023 Bostik

All Ireland Confined Drama Finals, commencing tonight (Thursday).

The All Ireland Confined Drama Finals 2023 are run under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI), of whom Glenamaddy native Coman Keaveny is currently chairperson.

The event will provide a significant economic boost to the area, with hotels & B&Bs in the locality booked our as theatregoers converge on Glenamaddy for the finals.

The drama begins this evening, Thursday, 13th of April, and continues to Friday, 21st of April (inclusive), with an Awards Night wrapping up proceedings on Saturday, April 22nd.

Nine qualifying groups will take part. The following is the schedule:

Thursday 13th April: Lislea

Dramatic Society present

‘See How They Run’ by

Philip King

Friday 14th April: The Ray Leonard Players present ‘The Kings of Kilburn High Road’ by Jimmy Murphy

Saturday 15th April: St. Patrick’s Drama Group Westport present ‘Dear Frankie’ by Niamh Gleeson

Sunday 16th April: Wayside

Players present ‘The Field’ by John B. Keane

Monday 17th April: Salmon

Eile present ‘The Pitchfork Disney’ by Philip Ridley

Tuesday 18th April: Clontarf

Players present ‘The Im-

portance of Being Earnest’ by Oscar Wilde

Wednesday 19th April: Harvest Moon Theatre Group present ‘God of Carnage’ by Yasmina Reza

Thursday 20th April: Kilmuckridge Drama Group present ‘Sive’ by John B. Keane

Friday 21st April: Glenamaddy Players present ‘Proof’ by David Auburn

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

Doors will open each night at 7.15 pm, with curtain up at 8 pm. An awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, 22nd of April in Raftery’s Oakland Hotel, Glenamaddy. Adjudicator this year is Geoff O’Keeffe. Geoff is highly experienced in all elements of drama production.

For further information, please see www.glenamaddydrama.ie

ROLE: CLIENT CARE CO-ORDINATOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

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

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

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

- Coordinating schedules on a daily basis

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

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

- Building great relationships with our clients and CAREGivers

WORKING CONDITIONS AND LOCATION:

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

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

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

- Have exceptional organisational and multi-tasking skills.

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

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

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

- Have proficient excellent IT and data entry skills.

WE ARE OFFERING:

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

- Salary Negotiable DOE

- Free and subsidised training

- Unlimited Access to Home Instead Academy Learning Management System

- 21 days paid holidays to start with, increasing to 25 days per annum.

- Career progression opportunities

…..and much more!

Job Type: Fixed term

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

Schedule: Day shift

Supplemental pay types: Bonus pay

Applications to: jodie.molloy@homeinstead.ie

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY Masters at work…

The Masters – the most glamorous of golf’s four major championships – provides glorious entertainment for TV viewers. We are transported to Augusta National, a golf course of Disney-like beauty. There, the world’s greatest players take on the unique challenges of the course, vying with their peers, pressure, and the shadows of giants who have gone before them. This year’s tournament began today, inviting golf fans to plot marathon sessions in front of the TV. As ever, there are more sub-plots than in the most far-fetched Netflix series.

Can Tiger Woods defy time and his weary, battle-scarred body yet again? Fresh from golf’s civil war, how will the PGA Tour regulars react to the inclusion of the stars who followed the money trail and joined the breakaway LIV series? Will Scottie Scheffler or Jon Rahm or Rory McIllroy – the three jockeying for top spot in the world rankings – claim the famous green jacket? Rory. Nine years and counting since his last major. Can he end the drought?

Let the fun begin…

FRIDAY

Big Apple bites back

Dismay for millions of TV viewers, yours truly included, with play abandoned at the US Masters this evening after the weather turned nasty.

Consolation (for bereft sports’ fans) comes via a GAA thriller in the Bronx, where Andy Moran’s Leitrim team ran into the roadblock that every Connacht county has become increasingly wary of over the past decade or so. After a seesaw battle – followed online with great enthusiasm by GAA fans here – New York won a less than textbook penalty shootout to achieve their first ever win in the Connacht Championship.

As usual, the wags had their say on Twitter. I was reminded of one of Roscommon’s trips to Ruislip to play London in the Connacht Champion-

ship. It was many years ago. As the plane circled above London, a wellknown Roscommon supporter from Rooskey looked down at all the houses in the city suburbs and quipped: “God, we’re up against it… these lads have some pick of players!”

SUNDAY Green machine

The golf? Tiger made the cut, then withdrew, injured. Phil Mickelson (LIV poster boy) finished second and couldn’t stop smiling. Rory sort of imploded (he needs to be a touch less arrogant). Jon Rahm went home wearing green.

ALL WEEKEND Beautiful reign/rain

It was a good week for Roscommon people.

After all these years, with the show teetering over a cliff and another host’s

era soon to close, we finally dispatched our famous barber, Paddy Joe (Burke), to the Late Late Show studio. He sat in the audience in the Roscommon jersey and his trademark bandana. As ever, his message to the world was clear: basically along the lines that Roscommon are on the march, and, come hail (rain in particular) or shine…the Rossies are coming…to Castlebar.

Ryan looked a touch bemused, even confused, but we knew what Paddy Joe meant. We didn’t need anything decoded. We knew how much Castlebar 2023 meant to Roscommon football, irrespective of the fact that there’s a new championship format this year.

On Sunday, there was a great buzz in Strokestown as the town with the famous wide streets and renowned hospitality hosted its annual Easter Parade. The County Fleadh continued there over the weekend too.

In Roscommon town on Monday, the rain took a timely break just prior to the start of the Easter Parade. The event was an excellent showpiece for

our community, enjoyed by a massive crowd.

For many people, all roads led to Castlebar on Sunday. Paddy Joe had said something slightly cryptic about the ‘beautiful rain’ in Castlebar in 2019, when Roscommon stunned the home side, the bridesmaids in primrose and blue storming the altar. Now the beautiful rain fell again. And we dared to hope.

Early on in Sunday’s match, our warriors rode their luck, before settling into magnificent game management.

Enda Smith was a Chieftain. His calm penalty, and a great first-time finish by his brother, Donie, left Roscommon perfectly poised at half-time, 2-2 to 0-4 in front.

Roscommon were men inspired in the second half, emerging from defence time after time, epic turnovers the stunning symbol of this tour de force. When heroic defence transitioned into attack, Diarmuid Murtagh was on hand to sprinkle magic dust.

This was a great win by our men. Mayo probably aren’t that put out by

their Connacht exit. They will regroup, and are just as relevant to the race for Sam Maguire now as they were before throw-in. For Roscommon, it was a superb victory, a coaching masterclass indeed, a performance that leaves Roscommon people everywhere beaming with pride.

Prince sang of Purple Rain, Paddy Joe spoke of Beautiful Rain. Meanwhile, with great exuberance the Church Street philosopher bookended the weekend with a cameo in the stand at MacHale Park, which many people will have seen on social media. On this occasion, Paddy Joe gives a rousing and joyful ‘battle cry’… ‘The Rossies! The Rossies! The Rossies! Football’s coming home!’

There’s a long season ahead. So, perspective is advised. That said, in terms of setting down a marker for where this developing team is at, Roscommon achieved a win for the ages on Sunday, in Beautiful Rain.

RECENTLY… Namechecking Dermot…

At a conference in Roscommon last week, the first person I got speaking to was Independent Senator Tom Clonan, a very affable Dublin native. On hearing that I’m a newspaperman based in Roscommon, Tom went straight to an anecdote about the NUJ (National Union of Journalists) and the late Dermot Earley (Roscommon GAA legend and Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces).

The very next person I spoke to was Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council. I introduced him as the afternoon’s first speaker. Keen to establish some Roscommon link with the audience, Pat began by recalling happy memories of watching Dermot Earley grace the GAA fields of Ireland.

Thirteen years after his untimely death, the great man remains the ‘go to’ person for so many people when they think of Roscommon. What a tribute to him.

The second annual Suck Valley Way Conference, held at two locations in Roscommon town last week, again discussed ways in which the county’s economic, tourism, sporting, cultural and industrial potential might be further realised.

The brainchild of Cllr. Anthony Waldron, the conference’s overall 2023 theme was ‘Inspiring Rural Creativity’.

Day one had a particular focus on how the creative arts – in particular, music therapy – can promote health and wellbeing and help people with disabilities.

Speakers also covered the broader issue of support for citizens with disabilities, with Senator Tom Clonan declaring that Ireland is one of the worst countries in the EU in terms of how we treat people with disabilities and their families.

Guest speakers on day one (held in Gleeson’s) included Independent Senator Clonan, Fabian Joyce (co-founder of Anam Music Thera-

py), Paula Naughton of the Join Our Boys Trust, and Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, current President of the Association of Irish Local Government.

On day two, held in the Abbey Hotel, a number of guest speakers addressed the conference. Topics under discussion included

‘Opportunities for rural tourism’ and ‘Protecting the rural landscape’. Renowned author Michael Harding was amongst those

who spoke last Thursday. The conference was also addressed by Martina Earley, CEO, Roscommon LEADER Partnership.

Pictured on day one of last week’s Suck Valley Way Conference in Gleeson’s, Roscommon were Senator Tom Clonan (guest speaker), Paula Naughton (guest speaker), Cllr. Tony Waldron (event organiser), Paul Healy, Editor of the Roscommon People/ MC on the day, Fabian Joyce (guest speaker), Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, President, AILG (guest speaker) and Derek Campbell (musician). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

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.

Road to be closed: The L-6171-0 at Ballinderry will operate on Stop/Go for 400 metres between its junction with the L-6166-23 at Ballinderry Cross and the L-60974-0 at Dooherty.

The L-6166-23 at Ballinderry & Derrycanan will be closed for 1,200 metres East of its junction with Ballinderry Cross.

The L-61661-0 will be closed for 500 metres from its junction with the L-6166-23.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be facilitated as much as possible for the duration of the works. Any diversions found to be necessary will be communicated to the residents directly.

Period of Closure: May 15th 2023 until June 16th 2023.

Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water mains along the public road in the Townlands of Ballinderry & Derrycanan as part of the Mid Roscommon 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 Friday 21st April 2023.

Water Services Section, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon. F42 VR98

Signed: Caitlin Conneally, Director of Services.

Nominations open for Garda Youth Awards

Once again this year, Roscommon County Council are delighted to support the Roscommon-Longford Garda Division’s fifth Annual Garda Youth Awards in conjunction with Longford County Council. Nominations are open to young people aged between 13 and 21 years of age who by their activities have made their community a better place to live in or who have shown great determination in their lives, often in the face of adversity. Nominations are now open and application forms are now available on www.roscommoncoco.ie or from www.garda.ie or from any local Garda Station. The closing date for receipt of nominations is Wednesday, May 31st.

Mid

Major concert for King House

An exciting performance by Claudia Boyle, soprano, accompanied by Niall O’Sullivan on trumpet and Conor Linehan on piano will take place in King House Boyle on this Sunday, April 16th, beginning at 8pm.

The concert will feature a programme of works which includes Mozart, Handel, Haydn, Donizetti, Kurt Weill, Piazzolla and Gershwin.

Tickets are priced €20 with a concession rate of €18. Bookings are now being taken online at https://roscommonartscentre.ie/event/claudia-boyle-niallosullivan-brian-connor/ or by telephoning 087-1444739.

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.

Road to be closed: Antogher road will be closed for 300 metres from its junction with the L-1812 Golf Links road.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted via L-1812 Golf Links Road on to the Circular Road and left onto the N63 Galway Road and vice versa.

Period of Closure: From 15th May 2023 to 02nd June 2023.

Reason for Road Closure: Laying of sewers along the public road as part of the Roscommon Town Main Drainage Scheme.

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. 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 Friday 21st April 2023.

Water Services Section, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. F42 VR98

Signed: Caitlin Conneally, Director of Services.

Public Consultation Event No. 1 for a proposed GREENWAY

Please

newsbriefs

Suck Valley Beekeeping

celebrating 50 years

Suck Valley Beekeeping Association is celebrating 50 years of beekeeping in 2023. We would like to invite all past members to join us on Monday, April 17th at 8.30 pm in Fallon’s Bar, Ballygar to mark this prestigious occasion. Please contact Rhonda the secretary on 098-4133747 or by email on svbkasecretary@gmail.com for any queries or if you’d like to learn more about beekeeping in the Roscommon and North Galway areas.

Local pupils donate pre-loved shoes to township children

From April 17th to 28th, hundreds of pupils from across Roscommon will take part in a national campaign to collect tens of thousands of gently worn shoes from all over Ireland and send them to underprivileged children in Southern African townships.

Some of the Roscommon national schools who are already registered to take part in the campaign are Cloontuskert National School, Our Lady of Mount Carmel National School (Rooskey, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon), and S N Baile Ui Fhidhne (Scramogue).

For more schools, visit inmyshoescharity.org, click Get involved, then How to donate, and find the Locator Map.

Lorraine and Jessica Lynch from Ballaghaderreen, flying the flag for Roscommon in MacHale Park, Castlebar last Sunday ahead of the Connacht SFC quarter-final against Mayo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Rossie Erin aiming to become ‘England’s Strongest Disabled Women’

< DAN DOONER

A Roscommon woman will be bidding to win the title of ‘England’s Strongest Disabled Woman’ at Fitxpo in Manchester on May 13th and 14th

Erin Harris (28) who hails from Roscommon town and attended Roscommon Community College and Athlone IT before moving to England in 2016, was inspired to enter the competition by threetime World’s Strongest Disabled Man, Mark Tonner.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Erin explained how she was born with a condition called Type 4 Congenital Ulnar Dysplacia.

“I am missing my ulnar bone, half my wrist bones, and two fingers. My bones are also deformed. The best way to describe my arm is that it looks like a T-Rex arm,” she said.

“I didn’t grow up a sporty person at all, quite the opposite actually. But I never let my little arm get in the way of anything I wanted to do”.

Erin’s parents Monica and Paul still live in Roscommon with her three sisters, Mackenzie, Tamzin and Jorja, while aunt Jacqueline McCormack organises the Roscommon Community Challenge each year, and aunt Bernie won a

Letter to the Editor

Healing Mass in Curraghboy

A Healing Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, Athlone (N37 W704) on Friday, April 21st at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr. John Walsh. Confessions will be available from 7 pm and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Individual Blessings for Healing will take place after Mass. All are most welcome. Contact 0864054489 for more information.

Local heritage-style antiques roadshow in Ballinasloe

Might you have an old black and white photograph of workers or a local location, baton, uniform badge, household decoration, catalogue of the 1922 Agriculture Show, 1923 Mikado Musical Production or Schools Calendar from the Emergency? Any other antiques? Would you be willing to have it photographed and digitally archived as part of reimaging our local heritage? Then Gullane’s Hotel in Ballinasloe on Monday, the 17th of April, at 8.30 pm is the place to be!

A small group of passionate and dedicated volunteers have been meeting since the New Year to attempt to establish a new grouping focused on heritage and history in all its guises in the locality. The ad hoc group ran a small pop up Heritage Hub in Greene’s Store (Society Street) during St Patrick’s Day, featuring a lot of lovely dated and mounted black and white photos of times past from the Gerry Devlin Archive.

The group are keen to stress that the elements they wish this new project to embrace are our people, traditions, architecture, archaeology, fairs, music, sports, industry, crafts and art. On the upcoming night in question, they are encouraging as many as possible to come, but also, for those who may have some unseen black and white photos, artefacts, old books, souvenir programmes, equipment, uniforms, or household items associated with East Galway or South Roscommon, to bring them along for an ‘antiques roadshow’ display. Items will be recorded on the night, with the owner and a small video clip made for broadcasting later.

A number of guest panellists have been invited to share their experiences of building a modern history group, relevant to the needs of a rapidly developing changing town and educational landscape.

‘Doctors shouldn’t be forced to perform abortions’

Ráth Ara, Co. Ros Comáin

Dear Editor,

A recent call for the erosion of freedom of conscience for doctors when it comes to performing abortion is deeply alarming. If a doctor, through their knowledge of medicine and science, knows that ending an unborn human life through abortion is deeply unethical, they should not be forced to be involved in this process against their principles.

The medical profession benefits from people who uphold the courage of their convictions. We want to know that our doctors use their own conscience in all actions they take which impact their patients. Nobody wants a doctor who goes against their judgement and performs actions which they themselves know to be wrong.

It should be no different when it comes to the abortion issue.

Many doctors know that abortion is not health care and results in taking a life rather than saving one. Any effort to undermine their freedom of conscience on this issue must be opposed as a wrong and illiberal move.

Yours sincerely, Siobhán Nic Cathail

bronze medal in the 2007 Special Olympics. She has received plenty of encouragement from her family, and husband Jack in particular.

“I moved to England in 2016 when I met my husband Jack at a car show. He also shares a strong passion for the gym and is very supportive of my strongwoman dreams!

“My gym story began in April 2021, as we were coming out of the last lockdown here in the UK. I was ten months away from my wedding and joined the gym as a plus-size girl with the goal of getting as skinny as possible,” Erin said.

“In May of that year, my husband joined the gym and that gave me the confidence to try the weights section. It didn’t take me long to realise that I was pretty strong. Following a polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis I soon found that it would be harder for me to lose fat so I channeled my energy into lifting heavier weights instead.

“I started thinking about entering some sort of ‘strongman’ competition the following year and then when I attended the Arnolds sports event last September I was inspired by the disabled strongmen taking part”.

Erin started to put herself out there by uploading videos and clips on social media platforms such as TikTok. It wasn’t long be-

fore she came to the attention of world-renowned disabled strongman, Mark Tonner, who lost the use of his own right arm while serving in Afghanistan.

“Mark has been coaching me since last November and teaching me all about the life of a strongman, and now I am a GB Disabled Strongman athlete and in less than five weeks I will compete for the title of ‘England’s Strongest Disabled Woman. I will then move on to Britain’s Strongest and hopefully then World’s Strongest!”

Erin’s biggest personal bests include a 175kg deadlift (with a strap to replace her disabled arm), a 155kg squat, and a 37.5kg dumbbell overhead press. Impressive numbers to say the least.

“I’m very humble when it comes to my lifting, but I do want to inspire others, whether it’s to compete in a sport or just in life in general. I really want to inspire others with similar conditions to never hold back on anything,” she said.

Erin will write another chapter in her inspirational story next month in Manchester when she competes against other strong women in events such as 80kg Atlas Stones, squats for reps, and giant dumbbell over head press. You can keep up to date with her training by following her on Instagram and TikTok @erinxharriss.

Roscommon woman Erin Harris will be bidding to win the title of ‘England’s Strongest Disabled Woman’ at Fitxpo in Manchester on May 13th and 14th

Castlerea Musical Society returns to the stage with The Addams Family

Excitement is building ahead of Castlerea Musical Society’s long-awaited return to the stage following a four-year absence due to Covid-19. The group’s triumphant return will see them bringing all the craziness and laughter of The Addams Family to The Hub in Castlerea from Wednesday, April 19th to Saturday 22nd

The Addams Family has been described as a “brilliantly hilarious family show” that centres around young Wednesday Addams, who has grown up and found love, and the chaos that ensues when she decides to invite her new ‘normal’ boyfriend Lucas and his family over to her ‘not so normal’ home for dinner.

Everyone involved in Castlerea Musical Society, in-

cluding the cast and crew and committee, have been working hard over the last number of months in order to make this production a memorable experience for the audience.

The Addams Family will open at 8 pm on Wednesday, April 19th at The Hub, Castlerea and will continue each night at 8 pm up to and including Saturday, April 22nd Tickets, which are selling fast, are still available to purchase online through the following

link: www.gr8events.ie/castlereaaddamsfamily. Tickets cost €20 with a concession on the Wednesday night only of €15 for students. The booking office will also be open from 2 pm to 5 pm on Saturday, April 15th and Monday, April 17th at ‘D Gaff’, Barrack Street, Castlerea (beside Castlerea Garda Station). Tickets can be purchased on those days with both cash and card.

This is a wonderful family show not to be missed so make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Castlerea Musical Society would also like to thank everyone who took part in their ‘Win a trip to New York and €15,000’ competition and to congratulate Michael Kelly from Letterkenny in Co. Donegal, who won the amazing prize last Friday night during the live draw.

Pictured are the boys and girls from Roscommon and Mayo who entertained the crowd at half-time in MacHale Park, Castlebar last Sunday with a great display of football. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Over the hill: Fond memories of rolling corner-forwards and hardy corner-backs!

Our man Frank on a nostalgic trip to the St Croan’s grounds; A night of celebration for Creggs RFC; In praise of the Rossies (honestly!)…

It’s Good Friday evening and we’re heading for Ballintubber, where our football team are playing St Croan’s in an O’Gara Cup League game. Everywhere we pass, I am reminded of the huge changes that have taken place during the course of my lifetime.

As we pass through the few villages that we encounter on our way, one of the first and most obvious changes is that all the pubs are open today. As we all know, for many years pubs in Ireland

could not open at all on Good Friday (it was only in 2018 that the ban was lifted). Funny enough, I have always been happy to abide by a Good Friday ban, and despite the new-found freedom I still haven’t made it to a pub on the day in any of the years since the change came in. Anyway, business seemed to be booming in all the local pubs we passed, and I suppose anything that helps keep our local pubs alive has to be welcomed.

In Ballintubber, the first thing we noticed was the fact that the Croan’s club are developing a second pitch to go with the splendid new one that they opened only a few years ago. The old pitch, which had an infamous hill on which many a corner-forward had a good roll after getting a welcoming shoulder from a corner-back (it is said some of them were never found) is completely dug up. In time there will be another superb playing pitch.

As a few of us oldies reminisced about the old days, a Croan’s club stalwart, Padraig Conama, remembered togging out under a large tree at the side of the pitch, and noted that the only shower the lads had was whatever rain might be falling at the time! We realised that every club now has super pitches, shower facilities that are second to none, and physios and masseuses always on hand to cure whatever pains and aches the players might have.

As we discussed the huge rise in soft tissue injuries like hamstring tears, we wondered why no one ever had any of those injuries back in the day. My own conclusion, although without any scientific proof, is that all our sportspeople are doing too much training and are asking too much of their bodies. Anyway, we concluded that the whole thing has turned full circle – we now have pitches every-

where, and yet a lot of clubs are struggling to get teams on them. Particularly at underage level, clubs are having to amalgamate in order to fulfil their fixtures, so while it’s great to see all the improvements in clubs’ facilities, it is more important to try to keep interest alive in localities, and keep our children playing whatever sport they would like to be involved in.

Croan’s won a high-scoring game by a few points, and as we left their hugely impressive set-up, I looked forward to our next visit to see how the old hilly pitch turns out (although the romantic in me secretly wished they would have left it alone, and let some other corner-forward have the dubious pleasure of having a good roll, compliments of an old-style shoulder from an old-style corner-back). If memory serves me correct, Croan’s always had their share of tough, old-style corner-backs!

And finally…

I can’t let the occasion pass without congratulating the Rossies on a famous and fully deserved win over Mayo on Sunday – despite all the pre-match verdicts in Mayo’s favour, I was not one bit surprised to see the result. I have no doubt that the Rossies will fancy their chances against Galway.

I also must congratulate New York on their first ever Connacht Championship win (beating Leitrim on penalties).

Creggs RFC celebrations

It’s now Sunday evening as I write and I am thinking back to last night’s Creggs Rugby Club Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel. any standards, it was a hugely successful event.

Covid more or less put paid to big social gatherings, so it was great to see a big ‘do’ attended by more than 200 people. There was the added bonus of live music, courtesy of the fabulous Roscommon-based Heebie Jeebies’ band. We were treated to a superb four-course meal, which certainly lived up to the reputation of the Abbey Hotel.

As the event was a celebration of the club’s fantastic season on the playing pitch, it was great to be there to see the players honoured for their achievements this season. Guest of Honour, Connacht Branch president, Padraig Moran, presented the players with their medals.

Our own club president Adrian Leddy was the very eloquent and accomplished MC on the night, and he talked at length about the history of our club and paid tribute to all the people who help in so many ways to keep it afloat.

There were a number of presentations made, including the senior player of the year award to Eoghan

Coyle, the seconds’ team player of the year award to Tommy Devine, the most improved player award to Eoghan Cahill, and the club person of the year award to Shane Fleming. Michael Diffley was presented with a copy of a very special photo which had appeared on the Tuam Herald of his four-year-old son Jack, as he waited for his dad in the immediate aftermath of the cup final defeat to Westport.

There was special mention of Dave Purcell, who was a very worthy recipient of a volunteer’s award from the IRFU. There were also presentations to three of our young ladies who were picked as part of the Irish U-18 squad: Roisin Maher, Jemima Adams Verling and Sarah Purcell. Heartiest congratulations to them all.

Later, we adjourned to the front bar, where a few of us reminisced on the journey from 1974 to now. It’s almost impossible to comprehend how the little village club that started back then has grown into the massive operation that it is today.

However, as we reflected, and as we appreciate how big of an effort it takes to run the club, we all realised that at the end of the day it’s all about the players, and it’s vitally important that the very talented lads

and girls keep up the good work, keep learning from the very good coaches that the club is lucky enough to have, and in the case of our senior men’s teams, build on the success of this year and go even bigger and better next year.

As we talked about all the changes that have taken place in the rugby club since its inception, we all agreed that with four excellent pitches (one of which is the renowned 4G all-weather playing surface), Creggs is the envy of a lot of clubs all over the country. Perhaps nothing sums it up better than the difference in the shower facilities. The new super-building will house a state-of-the-art gym, along with a mindboggling 54 shower units, some contrast from the days when the local parochial hall doubled as our dressing rooms and we had one shower head to do both teams; you had to queue to get your turn under the cold water. Almost 50 years later (in 2024 it will be), it is only right that the modern players have all the comforts that are available, but for all that, pride in the jersey is still the most important ingredient; no amount of rubs, or hot water, or beautiful pitches will make a player play better rugby unless they are prepared to put in the hard work in the first place.

On Friday night, the most famous Rossie on the planet, Paddy Joe Burke, was a guest on the Late Late Show, and he warned everyone that his beloved Rossies were going to Castlebar to win. How right he was – and don’t rule out Sam coming to Roscommon later in the year!

As for Mayo, it may not be a bad thing for them to have lost on Sunday, as it will dampen down expectations that were beginning to spiral out of control.

Everyone was tipping them for All-Ireland success, and they will probably be still there or thereabouts, but for now they can have a few weeks of a break before reappearing at the business end of the championship.

Creggs supporters Anthony Dignam, Sean Brandon, Michael and Mary Kearney and Carmel Smith pictured ahead of the recent Connacht Rugby Junior Cup Final between Creggs and Westport at the Sportsground in Galway. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Council plans 16 new homes in Boyle

Roscommon County Council plan to construct 16 new terrace residential units across four different sites at Abbeytown in Boyle.

According to the planning application, which was received on April 6th, the development has gone to Part 8 and will consist of a variety of different two,

three and four-bedroomed properties at Cnoc na hAbhann.

The works will also include all site development works, footpaths, public and private open spaces, car parking, street lighting and landscaping. A decision is due on May 31st of this year.

Victim of Civil War honoured on Easter Sunday

On Easter Sunday last, a commemoration honouring all that died in the struggle for Irish freedom took place at the IRA monument in Elphin.

Especially commemorated this year was Michael Grealy (Curraghroe), who was executed one hundred years ago by the Free State government. Michael Grealy had been arrested after a bank raid in Oldcastle, Co. Meath in February 1923. Also arrested was his companion, Luke Burke of Keady, Co. Armagh. Both men were charged with the bank raid, court-martialled, and executed in Mullingar military barracks on March 13th, 1923.

Their bodies were interred in the barrack yard, and in 1924 they were disinterred and handed over to their families for a proper burial. Michael Grealy’s remains were returned to Curraghroe and buried with full republican honours.

After the ceremony in Elphin on Sunday, a wreath was laid at Grealy’s grave in Cloontuskert Abbey cemetery.

Community Healthcare West

Are recruiting for a Full Time Fixed Term (until 31st Dec 2023) post of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist

The purpose of this job is to provide a recovery focused supported employment service to people linked with secondary care adult mental health services, using an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, emphasising paid employment based on individuals’ interests, experience, skills and strengths.

The Employment Specialist will be part of the Community Mental Health Team and work directly with businesses and employers in Co. Roscommon to secure employment opportunities and provide ongoing support to both employers and individuals to retain employment.

The Mission of EmployAbility Roscommon is:

To support jobseekers with a disability, health condition, illness or injury to find suitable work and reach their employment potential, and to encourage and support businesses to recruit people with a disability, health condition, illness or injury.

Relevant third level qualification or significant prior employment services experience (Essential) Experience of working with and supporting people who have experienced mental health issues (Essential). Degree or Diploma in Supported Employment, Social Studies, Adult Guidance or Business related studies (Desirable)

To apply: Please send your CV and cover letter to:

EmployAbility Roscommon Roscommon West Business Park, 1st Floor, Tower Block A, Golf Links Road, Roscommon F42 TD98 Or by email to: info@rosemp.ie

Job description is available from: info@rosemp.ie — Tel: 0906628608. Mobile: 087 3745307

Closing date for applications: 5.00 p.m. Monday 24th April 2023.

EMPLOYABILITY ROSCOMMON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

EmployAbility Roscommon is funded by: IPS Programme is funded by:

Roscommon Sinn Féin holds Easter Commemoration

Roscommon Sinn Féin held their annual Easter Commemoration in Ballinlough at the republican monument for Commandant Patrick Glynn, Lieutenant Michael Glavey, and Volunteer Michael Keane, on Holy Saturday, April 8th

Claire Kerrane TD gave the oration at the wellattended event. As part of the commemoration, a piper and colour party paraded from the chapel carpark to the monument.

Rory Williams Doyle read the Proclamation, Seamus O’Brien read the Republican Roll of Honour, and Mary Hanmore said a decade of the Rosary. Cllr. Michael Mulligan laid a wreath on behalf of Roscommon Comhairle Ceantair, Tom Bermingham laid a wreath on behalf of Patrick Conry Sinn Féin Cumann, and Jimmy McGovern laid a wreath on behalf of the Republican movement.

Henry Owens pictured laying a wreath at the grave of Michael Grealy.

A piper and colour party paraded from the chapel carpark to the Republican monument in Ballinlough as part of Holy Saturday’s commemoration ceremony.

Deputy Claire Kerrane delivered the oration at the Easter commemoration held in Ballinlough on Holy Saturday.

Roscommon fans Tighe, Séadna and Senan Burke from Elphin pictured in MacHale Park, Castlebar last Sunday ahead of the Connacht SFC quarter-final against Mayo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Is Biden the only one who can beat Trump?

In order to run for President of the United States of America, the Constitution says that a candidate must be at least 35 years old, a natural born citizen, or a resident of the US for at least fourteen years. It doesn’t say you can’t run while being indicted, or (if my interpretation is correct, because I could be wrong) convicted of a crime. Therefore, unbelievable as it may seem, Donald Trump is still in the race.

Sensationally appearing in a Manhattan courtroom last week, former President Trump entered a plea of not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made in 2016, i.e. during the final days of the then presidential race. The recipient of said ‘hush’ money was adult entertainer Stormy Daniels, whose silence Trump was allegedly buying regarding an alleged affair.

While I’d love to see Trump led away in handcuffs and get his comeuppance, it’s my opinion he’ll never even see the inside of a prison cell. Why? Well folks, we only have to read the United States’ Sixth Amendment guaranteeing all citizens ‘the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed’ to know why.

Charles treated Diana like an expendable ‘hired womb’!

The word ‘impartial’ is key here. Given that Trump is one of America’s – if not the world’s – most divisive individuals, I’m willing to bet it’d be almost impossible to get an unbiased, unprejudiced group of 12 right-thinking people to sit in judgement of him. To that end, it’s highly likely that Trump, despite spewing what I’d describe as a doomsday-style attack, framing his intention to return to the White House as an all-out war – even vowing he’d seek ‘retribution’ for the wrongs he’s suffered – may just get his chance to run again.

As there doesn’t appear to be another Republican candidate in place to topple Trump, we have to hope that current US President Joe Biden (a man whose advancing age appears to be the hot topic of conversation) not only runs against Trump, but beats him hands down!

G’wan Joe!

Anyone who listened to Trump’s inflammatory language when summoning his baying mob (aka the ‘MAGA Martyrs’) to the Capitol on January 6th 2021 will realise that retribution and revenge are the very platforms on which he is running. Sadly, this very manifesto may see those who’re delusional enough to share his extreme beliefs vote to return him to power. How scary is that?

Despite the fact that ‘mummy’ decreed that on the occasion of her eldest son’s coronation as King Charles the third, his wife should be referred to as ‘queen consort’, Charles has reportedly gone against those wishes, paving the way for her to be known as Queen Camilla.

In a move I believe formally and finally signifies that the artist formerly known as Prince Charles might actually have grown a backbone, the future monarch is insisting that stiff-upper-lipped Brits accept Camilla as a so-called respected senior member of the royal family. As a proud Irish woman, I have to ask… is there such a thing as a ‘respected’ British royal?

As a woman, a wife, and a mother, I have to say it’s such a pity this whiny, over-privileged prat, sorry king, didn’t show the same level of respect for his first wife Diana, the mother of his two sons, as opposed to treacherously treating her as an expendable ‘hired womb’!

When will the world ever get to wake from this recurring nightmare scenario whereby a fanatic who seeks to try and overturn another president’s

election, mysteriously manages to emerge as his party’s frontrunner in the next one? All of the above makes me wonder what former First Lady

Melania Trump, who gave birth to the couple’s baby son Barron while her husband allegedly enjoyed a dangerous liaison with Ms Daniels, is thinking about his salacious escapades? She’s put up with a lot from her marriage to this man.

However, while many readers have told me this week how they feel sorry for Melania, I have to say I don’t… not for one minute!

Melania’s a beautiful, intelligent women who I’m sure is capable of living whatever kind of life she chooses… yet she chooses to spend her years devoted to a misogynistic lout who objectifies and disrespects women.

She stayed with Trump when the contents of the now famous Washington Post’s tape were disclosed, revealing him bragging about how he pursues (and treats) women.

Melania Trump is no pushover, and while there’s no actual evidence (it’s only speculation) that the former fashion model renegotiated her prenup with Trump when he became President in 2016, it’s my thinking that this smart lady most likely did! I mean, other than financial gain, what would keep anyone married to this mean, disagreeable, soulless narcissist?

An Easter weekend filled with dental dramas!

Regular readers may know how I have odontophobia – a major fear of going to the dentist, avoiding visits at all costs. However, due to an infected, impacted wisdom tooth, which was shifting my other teeth and causing me intolerable agony, following several doses of antibiotics to clear up the contamination, I had no choice but to give in to my lovely dentist Dr Eleanor Keaveney’s request to have it removed by an oral surgeon.

Due to the level of damage to my tooth, extracting it in the normal manner proved impossible. Yep, it’s safe to say that wisdom teeth are not only a pain in the face, neck, shoulders and head, they’re also (as I found out due to the cost associated with their removal) a pain in the pocket! But hey, having been surgically removed by a procedure performed by a wonderful oral surgeon in Tipperary (recommended

by Dr Keaveney – thank you Eleanor), it’s now out and sitting in a little pill bottle on my dressing table!

However, that wasn’t the end of the drama. Let me explain: even though he-who-mindsme-like-a-baby was, er, minding me like a baby following my ‘procedure’ and not allowing me to lift so much as a finger, I, in my panicked state, managed to fizz everything up.

When leaving my Tipperary appointment, I’m told that due to the combined effects of relief and the anaesthetic, I was ‘high as a kite’, spewing out a stream of non-stop, nonsensical words in a sing-songy voice only dogs could hear. So you could say all went well and I didn’t feel a thing!

However, due to me being a drama queen worthy of a Tony Award, I later experienced what I’m calling my ‘post-traumatic, dental

stress disorder’ (PTDSD), and that night I actually ground my teeth so hard in my sleep, I damaged one of them, rendering me in need of emergency treatment.

Thank God for Eleanor and her lovely staff.

A panicked, tearful phone call first thing Saturday morning had me in her chair that afternoon, and in her no-nonsense manner, I was prepped and numbed and my damaged tooth (on the opposite side of the surgical-extraction site) was expertly filled.

It’s safe to say our Easter weekend didn’t go the way we’d planned. Mind you, hubby’s delighted my wisdom tooth is finally out and says he’s looking forward to the day when I no longer have a reason to complain. Let me know how that works out for you darling!

As for Dr Eleanor, thank you so much for your patience and your professionalism.

President Joe Biden

€160,000 for four Roscommon projects

Four Roscommon projects have been awarded over €160,000 under the Department of Heritage and Electoral Reform’s Community Monuments Fund for 2023.

The core objective of the Community Monuments Fund is to support the conservation, maintenance, protection, and promotion of local monuments and his-

toric sites, in alignment with the aims of the Government’s new heritage plan, Heritage Ireland 2030, and the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan.

The local projects to benefit include: Ballintober Castle (€100,000), Coolshanville Abbey (€28,844), Elphin Cathedral (€18,450), and Oran Ecclesiastical Site (€17,651).

Announcing the funding, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan said: “I am delighted to announce funding for 140 archaeological heritage projects across the country under the Community Monuments Fund to a total of €8 million, an increase of 33 per cent on last year.

“This fund has supported over 330

projects since its establishment in 2020, making a tangible, positive impact to the medieval forts and churches and the historic graveyards and castles into which the lives of our ancestors are woven, along with our own, connecting us to our ancient past.

“It is also, of course, an investment in our future: in the ongoing care, conser-

ICMSA call for a ‘hold’ on milk prices

ICMSA Dairy chairperson, Noel Murphy, has called for a ‘hold’ on milk prices over the next number of purchaser announcements in order to relieve pressure on dairy markets.

“It has been well known and commonly accepted that farmgate prices never reach the highs of the wholesale markets, but the opposite should also be correct: farmgate prices should never go as low as the bottom falling wholesale price,” he said.

“Against that principle, the base price of milk needs to be held at current levels – at a minimum – for the remainder of 2023”.

The Dairy Chair said prices are now approaching a level where costs of production are exceeding base prices.

“ICMSA analysis shows that the cost of production for 2022 was more than 40cpl when fertiliser was purchased at the height of the market,” he said.

“Given that many dairy farmers have paid very significantly for their existing stock, it is likely that these cost levels will prevail for the early part of 2023. This means that February milk price was at or exceeding the cost of production – a figure which we’d stress does not include a

farmer’s own income.

Murphy added that the sector was getting “dangerously close” to a “disastrous crossover point” where costs per litre exceed co-op payments.

“That can’t happen and there’s no need for it to happen if the co-op boards do their work and get after the value that they have always insisted they’ve built into our products,” he said.

He warned that if there is a further cut to the price paid for March milk, it will mean that margins are completely wiped out and Co-op boards simply cannot allow this to happen.

Businesses: Reach your target market!

vation and promotion of these remarkable monuments and historic sites, and in the communities and heritage professionals who expertly manage the effort to conserve, protect and share them. I’d like to thank all of this year’s applicants for their efforts, and wish the successful grantees the very best of luck with their projects”.

Noel Murphy, chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee.

Tracey Hanlon (Portrun Development), Danny McHugh (Roscommon Co. Council), Kathleen Devaney (Portrun Development), Jonathan Jones (Roscommon Co. Council), Sarah Scott (Roscommon Co. Council), Teresa Hanlon (Portrun Development), Cllr Tom Crosby, (Cathaoirleach, Roscommon Co. Council), Pat and Betty Garvey, Joe Cribbin, Liam Dempsey, Shauna and Margaret O’Neill (Rahara Tidy Towns) and Orla Donnelly pictured at the local launch of National Spring Clean Week, which was held in Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon town. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

ICSA welcomes launch of Irish Grown Wool Council

ICSA Sheep Chair Sean McNamara has welcomed the official launch of the Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC).

“ICSA has fought hard to make this a reality since the establishment of our own Wool Steering Group in 2020, which we did in response to the total collapse of wool prices.

“The Wool Feasibility Study that followed recommended that a wool council be established, and this has now been achieved with the launch

of the all-island Irish Grown Wool Council,” he said.

Two ICSA officers have been elected to the council: ICSA Sheep Chair Sean McNamara and ICSA Organics Chair Fergal Byrne.

Following the launch ICSA Organics Chair Fergal Byrne said: “The Council is made up of a broad range of people involved in the wool sector. There are farmer representatives, shearers, merchants, crafters, representatives from industry, from textile manufactur-

ing, as well as those engaged in research and education.

“Together we are focused on breathing life back into the wool sector while at the same time increasing the return to sheep farmers for their wool”.

ICSA Sheep Chair Sean McNamara added: “Irish wool has been underappreciated and undervalued for far too long. I am hopeful that the formation of the Irish Grown Wool Council will signal a reversal of fortune for the sector”.

Mr. McNamara said it remains regrettable that a wool action has not been included in the new the Sheep Improvement Scheme.

“As part of ICSA’s campaign for greater supports for the sheep sector we are seeking a payment for shearing and presenting clean, dry wool for onward use,” he said.

“The payment rate under the Sheep Improvement Scheme needs to be increased significantly and a wool action should form part of that process”.

Applications now open for Pride of Place Awards 2023

Roscommon County Council is currently inviting community groups across County Roscommon to participate in the County Roscommon Pride of Place Competition 2023.

Pride of Place is a prestigious All-Island competition and recognises the vast wealth of community contribution to the local society and the creation of civic pride.

Roscommon County Council will nominate one or more groups to the All-Island Pride of Place Competition, organised by Co-Operation Ireland. This year’s competition promises to showcase some of the vast wealth of

talent and innovation that characterises community groups throughout County Roscommon. The competition is divided into thirteen categories.

Community groups can only enter the AllIsland competition by being nominated by Roscommon County Council. The County Pride of Place competition is open to all communities in County Roscommon with the exception of communities that have been nominated within the last three years.

Applications should be made on a town, village or parish basis. Applications received

from different groups in the same area may be treated as one application. Groups should, where possible, work together and submit one joint application. The closing date for this year’s County Competition is 4 pm on Wednesday, April 26th. For further details, email jkeegan@roscommoncoco.ie.

Last year, three of the county’s community groups represented Roscommon at the national finals, which were held in Dublin in January. They were Lough Ree Access for All, Lisnamult Tidy Towns and Residents Association, and The Melting Pot.

Danny McHugh (Roscommon Co. Council), Tracey Hanlon (Portrun Development), Cllr. Tom Crosby (Cathaoirleach, Roscommon Co. Council), Sarah Scott (Roscommon Co. Council), John Donohoe, Liam Dempsey (Roscommon Tidy Towns), Pat Garvey (Ballintubber Tidy Towns) and Jonathan Jones (Roscommon Co. Council) pictured at the local launch of National Spring Clean Week, which was held in Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon town. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Local TidyTowns groups receive awards

< DAN DOONER

Local groups received their SuperValu TidyTowns awards for 2022 at a prize-giving ceremony in Kilronan Castle, Co.

Roscommon recently.

Among the award winners, which were announced in October of last year, Keadue won the overall regional title as well as the county award for Roscommon, while Castlecoote was ‘highly

commended’, Cloontuskert was ‘commended’ and Moore took home the Endeavour award.

Ballintubber was the national Heritage award winner while Kilteevan was recognised in the Sustainable Development and Waters and Communities categories.

Roscommon joined Keadue as a gold medal winner while Castlecoote took silver, and Ballintubber and Cloontuskert took

home bronze.

The prizes were presented by Deputy Frank Feighan on behalf of Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, and Richard Lennon, regional manager with SuperValu.

Deputy Feighan congratulated the winners and made reference to the recent launch of the 2023 SuperValu TidyTowns competition, which this year celebrates 65 years

of environmental and community initiatives.

Deputy Feighan said: “I am delighted to be in a position to attend the awards on behalf of Minister Humphreys and I encourage committees to avail of the €1.4 million in grant funding that Minister Humphreys announced at the results of the 2022 competition last October.

“In recent years, thousands of individuals have volunteered with Tidy-

Castlerea MART WATCH

Larger numbers of stock presented for sale this week with increased numbers of weanlings for sale. Sellers availed of the strong price on offer with bulls peaking at €4.75 a kilo while the heifer weanlings topped out at €5.90 a kilo. The heifer ring noticed stores making up to €3.88 a kilo while the heavier lots made up to €2,150.

Meanwhile, the cow ring noticed the forward cows making up to €2,350 or €3.11 a kilo with a good number of cows on offer. Breeding stock, with increased numbers on offer, also saw a top price of €2,840 for a Limousin cow and her bull calf at foot. Springer cows made up to €1,790, and calves noticed a good clearance with lots making up to €340 and continentals making up to €410.

There were 150 bullocks on offer at our sale on April 3rd with lots making up to €2,510 and a good clearance taking place.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday, April 13th) when we have our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for heifers: Ch 385kgs €1420, Ch 375kgs €1390, Lm 415kgs €1200, Ch 385kgs €1420, Ch 345kgs €1340, Ch 495kgs €1840, Lm 475kgs €1690, Ch 620kgs €2150, Ch 590kgs €2090, Lm 560kgs €1890.

Dry cows: Ch 755kgs €2350, Lm 710kgs €2130, Lm 670kgs €2030, AA 715kgs €2080, Sim 690kgs €1990, Ch 625kgs €1880, Fr 410kgs €690, Her 545kgs €1420, Fr 590kgs €1360.

Weanling bulls: Ch 275kgs €1260, Lm 295kgs €1160, Lm 285kgs €1110, Ch 375kgs €1500, Ch 345kgs €1470, Ch 385kgs €1490, AA 335kgs €1200, Ch 325kgs €1300, Lm 445kgs €1380.

Weanling heifers: BBx 275kgs €1500, Lm 285kgs €1280, BA 205kgs €1210, AA 290kgs €980, AA 265kgs €930, Lm 350kgs €1720, Ch 330kgs €1380, Lm 368kgs €1230, Ch 315kgs €1150.

Town groups and in doing so have made our country a place that we can all be proud of.

“I have such admiration for the volunteers from the eight counties in the North West and West region and for all the volunteers who have put their shoulder to the wheel in the last 65 years to make our communities more attractive, inclusive and sustainable places for everyone”.

Bullocks: AA 485kgs €1760, Ch 482kgs €1720, AA 535kgs €1920, Lm 530kgs €1830, Lm 580kgs €1950, Lm 690kgs €2510, Ch 675kgs €2480, AA 805kgs €2300, AA 685kgs €1800, AA 660kgs €1760.

Roscommon MART WATCH

There was a good entry of top quality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening last, April 11th, with a strong trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.33 per kilo up to €4.27 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.16 per kilo up to €4.25 There was a very good attendance of customers at the ringside, with online buyers also active.

We had a smaller number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes on Wednesday, April 12th. Prices for finished hoggets peaked at €168 and the tops for stag ewes fetched €200. Cast ewes made from €75 to €200 per lot, ewes with two lambs at foot made up to €260, and ewes with one lamb at

foot made up to €190.

Our next sale of lambs and cast ewes is on Wednesday, April 19th at 11 am. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for weanling heifers: Lim X 200kgs €850 - €4.25 per kg, Char X 275kgs €1,050 - €3.82 per kg, Lim X 360kgs €1,310 - €3.64 per kg, Char X 345kgs €1,230 - €3.57 per kg, Lim X 240kgs €1,200 - €3.51 per kg, Lim X 295kgs €1,100 - €3.73 per kg, Char X 280kgs €1,020 - €3.64 per kg, Lim X 270kgs €1,000 - €3.70 per kg, Char X 285kgs €950€3.33 per kg, Char X 275kgs €940 - €3.42 per kg, Lim X 245kgs €860 - €3.51 per kg, Char

X 300kgs €950 - €3.58 per kg.

Weanling bulls: Char X 270kgs €1,180€4.37 per kg, Char X 320kgs €1,290 - €4.03 per kg, Char X 330kgs €1,240 - €3.76 per kg, Lim X 320kgs €1,280 - €4 per kg, Char X 345kgs €1,440 - €4.17 per kg, Lim X 490kgs €1,610 - €3.79 per kg, Char X 425kgs €1,620 - €3.81 per kg, Char X 387kgs €1,400 - €3.61 per kg, Char X 350kgs €1,300 - €3.71 per kg, Lim X 370kgs €1,430 - €3.86 per kg, Char X 280kgs €1,100 - €3.93 per kg, Lim X 362kgs €1,310 - €3.61 per kg.

Finished hoggets: 53kgs €168, 61kgs €167, 60.2kgs €167, 53kgs €166, 52.1kgs €165, 54.3kgs €162, 52.8kgs €162, 44.4kgs €159, 50.2kgs €155, 52.2kgs €155, 48kgs €153, 49.2kgs €150.

40 pens of Bullocks and 20 pens of Heifers on offer Also Dry Cows - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Friday, April 21st at 11 a.m. Special sale of Bullocks Also Dry Cows & Heifers

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, 17th April - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tuesday, April 25th at 4 p.m.

Sale of Weanlings

Also Springers

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday, 20th April - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lambs & Cast Ewes

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

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

Saturday, 15th April at 12 noon

Organic Sale

Bookings now being accepted

Deputy Frank Feighan and Richard Lennon, SuperValu, present the Co. Roscommon Gold Medal to Mark Kerrigan and Cllr Kathleen Shanagher, Roscommon TidyTowns, at the 2022 SuperValu Tidy Towns North West and West Regional Awards Ceremony at Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon recently.

Photo: James Connolly

Deputy Frank Feighan and Tara Taheny, Department of Rural and Community Development, present the North West and West Regional Award to Keadue TidyTowns at the 2022 SuperValu TidyTowns North West and West Regional Awards Ceremony at Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon recently.

Photo: James Connolly

Deputy Frank Feighan and Richard Lennon, SuperValu, present the Co. Roscommon Gold Medal to Christine Grey and Terry Leydon, Keadue TidyTowns, at the 2022 SuperValu TidyTowns North West and West Regional Awards Ceremony at Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon recently.

Photo: James Connolly

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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Roscommon artists go undercover for Incognito 2023

Roscommon artists have once again illustrated their hearts of gold, with 14 local artists taking part in Incognito 2023, Ireland’s most mysterious online art sale,

taking place on Wednesday, April 26th in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

What makes Incognito so special is that prospective

buyers have absolutely no idea who the artist is behind their favourite postcard-sized artwork, until the collection has sold out and the artists are revealed.

Almost 3,000 original pieces of postcard-sized art from over 1,000 artists will be sold as part of this year’s Incognito secret art sale, held in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

Among the Roscommon artists participating this year are Stacey Mulligan from Castlerea, and Mary Rush and Mary Shannon, both from Roscommon town. They join a galaxy of superstars taking part, including rock legend Ronnie Wood, Westlife’s Mark Feehily, singer Brian Kennedy, fashion designers Don O’Neill and Paul and William Costelloe, folk singer Mary Black, actress Norma Sheahan, and Eimear Quinn of ‘The Voice’ renown.

The Incognito 2023 col-

lection of almost 3,000 original pieces of postcardsized art by over 1,000 artists, is available to view at incognito.ie. Interested purchasers are being strongly advised to register, view the collection, and create their Wish List of their top ten artworks in order of preference ahead of the sale, so as not to miss out on securing their favourites.

Now in its seventh year, Incognito has raised over €860,000 to date in providing in-home nursing care and respite support to Jack and Jill families, including thirteen families living in Roscommon.

For more, visit incognito.ie or facebook. com/2023incognito.

New book on trailblazing Athleague vet Aleen

Niamh Ní Chróinín, TG4’s newly-appointed ambassador for children and presenter of the dedicated children’s channel Cula4, together with Cllr. Michael ‘Moegie’ Maher, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, will launch a bilingual workbook on the life of Aleen Cust.

The book launch will take place at Mountbellew Agricultural College ATU Campus (H53WE00), on Friday, April 21st. at 11 am.

Entitled ‘Ever and Always: The Marvellous Story of Aleen Cust – Britain And Ireland’s First Female Vet’, the publication is a bilingual Primary School workbook.

Ms. Cust was the first female veterinary surgeon to work in Ireland, or indeed the world, in 1900. Her life has been documented by RTÉ radio and television and also in drama by the Roscommon Amateur Society in a work written by Tommy Murray.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Nollaig Feeney, Heritage Office, Roscommon County Council, said there is great pride around Athleague in the story of Aleen Cust, adding: “The Heritage Office is delighted to support the ongoing Aleen Cust celebrations and I hope schools all around Co.

Roscommon enjoy this wonderful workbook”.

This workbook was funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Decade of Centenaries Local Authority Funding); Galway County Council, Roscommon County Council and Tipperary County Council.

Aleen Cust was born at Cordangan Manor, close to Tipperary town in 1868 to Leopold and Lady Cust, a land agent for the Smith-Barry estate. After Leopold’s untimely death in 1878 at forty-six years of age, the family moved back to England and Aleen became a ward of the Widdrington family of Newton Hall, Northumberland, close to the Scottish border.

Aleen’s ambition was to be a vet and despite being disowned by her family she went to the New Veterinary College in Edinburgh and graduated with merit in 1900. The Royal College in London refused her permission to sit their final examinations because she was a woman.

Undeterred, Aleen returned to Ireland and took a position assisting a well-known veterinary surgeon in Athleague, William Augustine Byrne.

RosFM shortlisted for Media Literacy award

There was good news for RosFM recently after it was announced that the local community radio station has been shortlisted for a Media Literacy Ireland award for 2023.

RosFM has been nominated in the ‘Best Media Intervention’ category for its radio training programme for the members of the Afghan, Syrian and Ukrainian communities.

The citation read as follows: “This initiative was designed to integrate members of new communities in Ireland with the Irish media scene. Developed by RosFM, this QQI level 3 course was created for members of the Afghan, Syrian and Ukrainian communities.

“On this project the judges were impressed with the model used to provide access and media skills to new and minority communities in Ireland emphasising the essential contribution that community media makes to the promotion of media literacy in Ireland”. Reacting to the news, RosFM station manager Seamus Duke said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award. It has been a superb experience for us to engage with the people who are now living in our community from other countries and cultures and that work is continuing every week at the station. My thanks to our trainer Deirdre Hunt for her great work and expertise in delivering the programme”.

Regional artists to showcase work in new exhibition

Roscommon Arts Centre will unveil a new exhibition in their gallery on Friday, April 14th.

The exhibition is titled ‘Hashtag WIP’, and was curated by Naomi Draper.

The work employs a collaborative, process-based method of exhibition-making, where three regional artists –Anna Spearman, Kian Benson Bailes and Orla McHardy – come together and use the gallery as a studio and test space. Following a series of visits to one another’s studios, the artists will present a range of works in progress.

This exhibition offers the artists

involved the opportunity to share work and work practices, and to develop and evolve works collectively. It considers the gallery as a place to re-evaluate the direction of a work, and become a space where works gather a sense of independence. This project attempts to publicly articulate the essence and energy of the studio space, and to encapsulate the life, potential, transitions and transformation of artworks. ‘Hashtag WIP’ opens at 6 pm on Friday, April 14th, and continues until June 2nd. All are welcome to attend.

Pictured is Castlerea native Stacey Mulligan, one of the fourteen Roscommon artists participating in this year’s Incognito secret art sale, held in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

Members of the public are invited to attend this launch in Mountbellew to remember one of the region’s trailblazing

women. For further information please contact Ita Gordon, Galway County Council by email to igordon@galwaycoco.ie.

GOING OUT

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Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday were Grace and Mary Dwyer. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Molly Ann Feeley, Ellen Beisty and Aisling Hanly from the Convent of Mercy Roscommon’s All-Ireland winning football team pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday were Ava, Olivia and Alan Glynn. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Hi Paula! Paula Keane waves to the camera as the Convent of Mercy Roscommon’s All-Ireland winning football team takes part in the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday. Other Convent sporting successes were celebrated too. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday were Leah Kellehan, Ella Gilmore, Isabelly Sussurana and Iga Krupinske. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday were Caitlin McConn (Roscommon Easter Parade committee), Superintendent Fran Nicholson, Garda Sergeant Ronan O’Meara, Patricia Mullaney (Roscommon Easter Parade committee), and Cllr. Tom Crosby, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Ruari Gately, Nicole Dowd, Saoirse McNamara and Emily Gately pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh Coman’s Swimming Club taking part in the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday were Jayne Catherine, Conor and Ronan Tighe and Ciaran Leydon. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Creggs RFC being represented in the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Trisha, Michelle and Olivia Fleming pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade on Monday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

PropertyPeople

PropertyPeople

Business

Roscommon woman named bridal MUA of the year for 2023

A County Roscommon woman has been named as the Bridal Makeup Artist of the Year for the second time at the 2023 Weddings Online Awards, which took place at the Mullingar Park Hotel.

Audrey O’Connor from

Glinsk

cottage-style

residence new to the market with RE/MAX

This week, Cathal Meares of RE/MAX Team Earley is proud to present to the market a fantastic opportunity to acquire a detached, four-roomed property in need of renovation and modernisation.

Located in an ideal location, this property boasts immense potential and is sure to appeal to those seeking a property with plenty of scope for improvement.

With a BER rating of G, this property is set on approximately 0.75 of an acre, and is ideally located just a short five-minute drive from the charming villages of Ballymoe and Glinsk. The surrounding area is steeped in natural beauty and boasts breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal location for those seeking peace and tranquillity.

In addition to its idyllic location, this property benefits from being just

Team Earley

a short walking distance from the Smalghrean River, which dissects the counties of Roscommon and Galway respectively. This proximity to the river will undoubtedly appeal to those who enjoy fishing or water-based activities.

The property is in need of modernisation and renovation, but with some work, it has the potential to be transformed into a stunning family home. This is an ideal opportunity for those who want to put their own stamp on a property and create a home that is uniquely theirs. It also benefits from storage sheds to rear.

One additional benefit in purchasing this property is that it is eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, subject to terms and conditions, which could provide between €30,000 and €50,000 towards the cost of renovating the property.

This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to renovate a property and receive some financial assistance in doing so.

Overall, this represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a property with fantastic potential in an idyllic location. We invite offers and viewings from all interested parties and would be delighted to show you around this charming property.

The location and potential of this property makes this a very attractive opportunity to come to market. The auctioneer highly recommends viewing of this ready-to-go property.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact auctioneer Cathal on 086-1409158.

Workers in northwest have lowest access to flexitime

People working in Connacht and Ulster are less likely than their counterparts in Leinster and Munster to have access to flexitime policy at work, according to the latest Reflecting Ireland research from Permanent TSB.

Just over a third (35 per cent) of workers in the northwest provinces have a degree of control over when they start and finish their workday compared to 56 per cent of those in Dublin, 52 per cent in the rest of Leinster and 50 per cent of those in Munster.

The findings are part of Permanent TSB’s look at the changing lives of people in Ireland since the pandemic. Nationally, the research found there has been an increase in the number of people with a more positive view of the economy over recent months. The research was undertaken by Core Research in March 2023 amongst 1,000 adults.

It continues to show public concern about the

Togher, Taughmaconnell runs Essence of Beauty, a makeup and beauty studio based at Riverview, Main Street, Ballinasloe.

Audrey had previously won the award in 2019 and this year’s citation described her as “a multi-

award winning makeup artist with over 100 years’ experience in the bridal industry. Audrey is known for her professionalism, while maintaining a friendly and relaxed nature, making her the perfect addition to any bride’s wedding preparations”.

Audrey has trained with leading makeup artists including Paula Callan, James Molloy and Derrick Carberry and has attended workshops with celebrity Mario Dedivanovic, who is most famous for his work

with Kim Kardashian. Her reputation as a professional makeup artist has also allowed here to work with Gok Wan and Danielle Mahon on their Fashion & Beauty Collective Road Show, as a brand ambassador for the leading cosmetic brand Shiseido and more recently as the makeup artist for ‘Confetti Live’, Confetti magazine’s annual bridal event held in the K Club.

Audrey’s work has also been featured in magazines such as VIP and Confetti.

Aengus Oates Financial Services

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

With over 30 years’ experience, Aengus Oates Financial Services provides expert financial advice and bespoke financial solutions to our highly valued clients For a confidential chat, ring Aengus on (086) 2573358

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THE BUSINESS BRIEF(S)

economy but also finds an increase in the number of people who express optimism across several key areas.

Company insolvencies increase by 70%

The number of company insolvencies increased by 70 per cent year-on-year in the first three months of 2023, part of a trend seen across key sectors, according to the latest figures from credit risk analyst CRIFVision-Net.

The data for January, February and March suggest that inflationary pressures have added further concern for businesses, with a rise in insolvencies in ten counties.

Economic bellweather sectors such as hospitality (767 per cent), manufacturing (375 per cent), retail (167 per cent), computers (125 per cent), construction (117 per cent) and leasing (67 per cent) all recorded significant

increases in this avenue of closure for businesses.

Insolvencies are up in 12 out of the 16 sectors analysed, with only legal, accounting and business, real estate, electricity, gas and water supply and mining decreasing compared with 2022.

Kildare, Wicklow, Mayo, Meath, Sligo and Clare recorded the highest year-on-year increase for insolvencies in Q1.

Ireland West Airport welcomes ‘historic’

President Biden visit

A spokesperson for Ireland

West Airport said it was ‘delighted’ to confirm that the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden would arrive and depart the airport on the afternoon and evening of Friday, April 14th. The first time ever a US President will have landed at the airport.

Passengers are advised that normal operations will continue at Ireland West

Airport at all times, however travelling members of the public should allow additional time to arrive at the airport due to possible rolling road closures.

Only those who are travelling on flights or collecting incoming passengers will be permitted access to the airport as the approach roads into the airport will be closed to the general public this Friday.

Lakeland Dairies reports increased revenues

Lakeland Dairies, the largest cross-border dairy processing co-operative on the island of Ireland, has announced an increase in revenues to €1.9 billion for 2022.

The farmer-owned coop, which collects two billion litres in milk from over 3,000 farm families in Ireland, saw a 45 per cent increase from 2021 across its four operating divisions.

This yielded an operating profit of €32.5 million, up by €4.3 million (15%) and EBITDA of €60.2 million, which increased by €4.8 million.

Audrey O’Connor was named Bridal Makeup Artist of the Year 2023.

ACCOUNTS

McGOWAN

ACCOUNTANCY

SERVICES CPA

Catering for:

• Individuals

• Sole Traders, Partnerships

• VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns

First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting.

Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’

Contact Nuala 090 66 25818 086 0352849

Email: mcgacco@gmail.com

Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

< ALCOHOLICS ANONY -

MOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor). Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CONNAUGHT

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess)

- Openfire - Stoves - Ranges

Chimney CCTV Inspection

OIL BOILERS SERVICED

Burners Repaired

CARPETS CLEANING

Satellite and Digital TV Installation

All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851

www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

Creighton

Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc.

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

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

Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

CHIROPRACTOR

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

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

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

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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

Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

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

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

Stephen Casey Construction

l General Building

l Extensions & Roofing

l Groundworks

l Renovations

l Chimney CCTV Inspections

l Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

FARMING

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

• Sprayers tested on owners premises

• Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.

• Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers

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

Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

Career Guidance & Counselling

Eithne Jarrett

M.Ed. Adult Guidance & Counselling

l Cert. Psychology

l Cert. Assistive Technology

l Cert. Psychometric Assessment

l Member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors

Telephone: 087 1431821

Email: jarretteithne@gmail. com

GARDENING

GARDENING

GARDENING SERVICES

Including: • Hedge Cutting

• Hedge Planting • Grass

Cutting • Spraying

• Strimming • Weeding

• Garden Tidy-ups

• Planting • Gutter

Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

• Landscaping

• Timber Decking

•

Phone John on 087 2860428

• Patios

General Maintenance

Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

Tommy’s Trees & Hedging

SILAGE FOR SALE: 12 Round bales of Silage for sale in Lanesboro/ Roscommon area. Tel: 086 3199776

FOR SALE: 50 bales of Silage/Haylage, Roscommon area. Tel: 086 2580950

FENCING/GATES

FOR SALE

We supply all types of trees and hedging, Laurel, Beech, Whitethorn, Oak, Elder Birch, Dog Rose, Gelder Rose, Crab Apple, Wild Cherry and Holly.

Suitable for ACRES & GLAS Scheme and REPS Scheme. Can be delivered

Card payment accepted.

Phone: 087 4177148

GARDENING

Mop & Mow

Ballaghaderreen

Garden & Property Services

l Grasscutting

l Strimming/ Brushcutting

l Hedge cutting

l Weeding/spraying

l Light chainsaw work

l Cleaning

l Pressure washing

Husband and wife team offering the help you need at a price you can afford

Email: mopandmow@ icloud.com

Telephone:

085 868 4169

GF Ground Works

l Landscaping

l Paving & Kerbing

l Foundations Footpaths

l Drainage & Septic tanks

l Driveways

Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I Catriona Hanmore, of Carrickmore, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52T18, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission for:

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

(B) rebuilding part of front elevation due to structural defects, convert garage to habitable space and replace garage door with window, and internal modifications including windows and (C) remove rear aluminium sun room.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during the public opening hours of 9.30 – 16.30 Monday - Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Roscommon County Council of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Vincent Durkin (Agent).

www.DurkinDesign.ie

Architectural Designs

Tel: 086 83 72 933

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

We, Niall and Chantelle McGinley intend to apply for Retention Permission and Planning Permission at Creggan Townland, Cornafulla, Co. Roscommon. The Development will consist of: Retention Permission is sought for the following:

1. Existing mobile home as a family residence sited on the subject site for a further 5 years.

2. The existing Tigín facilities situated within the existing agricultural shed for a further 5 years. Planning Permission is sought for:

1. The installation of a new temporary wastewater treatment system and percolation area for a period of 5 years.

2. New vehicular entrance, and

3. All related ancillary site development works at Creggan Townland, Cornafulla, 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. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Niall and Chantelle McGinley

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Cornaveagh, Oldtown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

I hereby apply to the above authority on behalf of John Kenny for planning permission to construct extension to existing slatted shed to accommodate loose housing area and feed passage and to construct manure pit to include concrete aprons and all associated works at the above location. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the 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: Ruane Survey, Design and Planning Ltd. Phone: (087) 8188596. www.oliverruane.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Julie Radford, am applying for Retention Planning Permission for a single storey extension to the side of the existing dwelling house with all associated site development works at 45 Meadowbrook, Carrownageelaun Td, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd.

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

Tel: (090) 66 28184

Mobile: (086) 8167365

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

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

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

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

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We Brendan and Caoimhe Keyes intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct 5 Bay slatted shed with creep, silage slab, Dung sted and cattle pen with crush together with associated site works at Knock 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 the public opening hours of 9.30 – 16.30 Monday - Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Roscommon County Council of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Brendan & Caoimhe Keyes.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Colm Manning am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for a change of house design from that previously granted under PD/21/730 along with all site ancillary development works at Clooncoran, 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:

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

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

< HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION IN THE ALGARVE: Albufeira, Portugal. Luxury 1 or 2 bed apartments for rent, Sky TV, Shared Pool, long and short stays. Telephone Sean: 087 2371716

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Carnagh West, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

I hereby apply to the above authority on behalf of Martin Harney for planning permission to demolish existing extension and porch, reconstruct and extend existing dwelling house, construct new porch and install a new waste water treatment system to include all associated site works at the above location. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the 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: Ruane Survey, Design and Planning Ltd. Phone: (087) 8188596. www.oliverruane.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

I, Orla Nicholson, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for (a) Permission consequent on the grant of outline permission Ref PD/20/401 for construction of a dwelling house, onsite wastewater treatment system, access onto the public road, connection to services and associated site development works and (b) Full planning permission to construct domestic garage at Aghacarra Td, Corrigeenroe, Boyle, 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 15A North West Business & Technology Park, Castlecarra Road, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim Tel: 086 1701549

PODIATRIST

Tullys

Podiatrist/Chiropodist Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

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

l HSE Trained and Approved

l Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.

Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment:

Phone: (089) 4142233

• Home visits

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK • 20 years experience

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

O’GRADY Margaret (Gretta) & Thomas

Doorty, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon

Margaret who died 12th April 2014 and Thomas who died on 7th December 1980

KELLY Thomas

Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

WHITE Bridie

Feevaghmore, Dysart, Co.Roscommon

Who passed away on 5th April , 2022

They were parents so very rare, content in their home and always there, on Earth they toiled, in Heaven they rest, God bless our parents they were the best.

Sadly missed by their loving family.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 16th April at 11am in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House, Roscommon.

Will those who think of Thomas today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Loved and missed by his wife Kitty and family.

KELLY Thomas (Tom)

Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

Your memories are precious, your presence is missed. You will fondly be remembered by all of us. Phil and family.

Anniversary Mass on Friday, 14th of April in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow at 7pm.

MURRAY

Anthony

Scrine, Athleague Who passed away on 14th April 2020 (3rd Anniversary)

You always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke and time to care, A wonderful nature warm and true, those are the memories we have of you.

Always remembered by your wife, sons, daughter, daughter-in-law, son-in-law and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass on Friday, 14th of April in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague at 7pm.

On this, the First Anniversary of Bridie’s unexpected and untimely passing, we, the White family, would like to sincerely thank all those who have supported us in the past year. We were greatly touched by the thoughtful visits, conversations, Mass cards, floral tributes, condolences, advice and words of encouragement offered by relatives, neighbours, colleagues and friends. All of you brought some comfort to us in our time of grief.

We wish to acknowledge everyone who visited our home and who attended Bridie’s Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial. We were deeply touched by the many mourners who travelled long distances and thank you for your understanding, given the Covid 19 restrictions still evident this time last year.

To our wonderful neighbours who prepared our mother’s final resting place, thank you. Thank you also to Fr. Francis Beirne for his help, support and kind and consoling words during the Funeral Mass. To Ms. Bernie Moran, church singer, thank you for adding to the Liturgy with your beautiful music and hymns. We wish to thank Michael Dempsey, Funeral Director for his guidance and professional service.

To the community who prepared refreshments in Dysart Community Centre after the service, we thank you all.

Since our Mum died, we have been encouraged and empowered by the level of kindness, support and neighbourly spirit shown to all of us, her children and grandchildren. It may be a brief conversation, a fond memory shared or a casual cup of tea coupled with sage advice. These moments have been invaluable to our continued life journey without our parents.

We wish to acknowledge our mother Bridie for the hard working, warm, loving mother and grandmother that she was. She enriched our lives and celebrated our every achievement with great pride. We miss her spirit, her smile and her wonderful friendship. She was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. We thank God for her presence in our lives.

It is impossible to thank everyone individually, so please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our thanks and appreciation. The Holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

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

Bridie’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart on Saturday, April 15th at 7.30pm.

THANKSGIVINGS

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE

For urgent need...

Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. M.C.

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

CONNAUGHTON

Brodie & Catherine

Athleague, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of our father, Brodie Connaughton, who died on 26th June, 2003 and our mother, Catherine Connaughton, who died on 13th April, 2008.

RAFTERY

Fionán

Hyde Court, Roscommon

Who passed away on the 18th of April, 2011

(12th Anniversary)

KIERNAN Seamus

(12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of my darling husband Seamus Kiernan, who passed away on the 16th of April, 2011. R.I.P.

COYNE

John James

Memory drifts to scenes long past, time rolls on, but memories last.

Sunshine passes, shadows fall, love’s remembrance outlasts all.

Greatly missed by your family and your beloved grandchildren, Emily, Abbi, Evan, Mila and Luca.

Anniversary Mass for our parents will take place on Sunday, 14th May at 10am in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague.

SHEERIN Michael

Tulsk, Co. Roscommon May 7th 1979 – April 18th 2022

The Sheerin family wish to thank most sincerely all those who offered support following the untimely death of our beloved Michael at University Hospital Galway on April 18th 2022.

Thanks to the Medical Teams In Helsinki and Galway who attended to Michael during his illness before and after Christmas 2021.

A special thanks to those who took time out to be in attendance at the funeral. There were so many messages of sympathy from friends and acquaintances who highlighted how deeply touched they were by Michael’s kindness throughout his short life. Thanks to those who supplied refreshments and catered for those who called to our home during those very difficult days. We are also greatly indebted to our relatives, wonderful neighbours and friends who spent time with us in the presence of Michael during his final hours at the family home.

Thanks to Fr. John Gannon for his support to us as a family and for ensuring that the Requiem Mass and Burial Ceremony were a fitting tribute to Michael. Thanks to the Tulsk Choir and the other participants who enhanced the ceremony so well.

Thanks to Tulsk GAA Club for organising a Guard of Honour. Our gratitude also to An Garda Siochána and local volunteers for assisting with traffic management. Thanks also to those who attended the Month’s Mind Mass, some of whom were unable to be present during the funeral. Their kindness too is very much appreciated by the family.

Our heartfelt thanks to Eugene and Cynthia O’Connor for their professionalism in carrying out the undertaking duties. Their kindness and consideration at all times were much appreciated.

Finally a special thanks to the numerous volunteers who helped with the tasteful preparation of Michael’s final resting place in the local cemetery.

Michael is now at peace. We love him and miss him dearly. We are blessed to still have in our presence a legacy of his artistic genius. His adored niece Sadhbh and nephew Teddy will no doubt be able to reciprocate in time the love he had for them.

It is worth noting also the great comfort that Michael experienced from his interactions with the family pet, Ralph, whom he adored.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude for the support we received since Michael’s passing. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Michael’s First Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, April 23rd 2023 at 11.30am in St’s Eithne & Fidelma Church, Tulsk.

We Miss You

Sometimes when we first awake, we think that you’re still here, and for a fleeting moment the clouds all disappear. For you brought endless sunshine, until you went away and now we miss you desperately each minute of the day. You would not like to see us sad, so what we try to do, is live a bright and happy life in memory of you. For though we always miss you and it’s dreadful being apart, we haven’t really lost you, you’re still here in our hearts.

Loved and sadly missed by your wife Helen, children Claire, Sean, Niamh and Jack. Masses offered.

HARRINGTON

Patrick (Paddy)

Cloverhill, Roscommon

Who passed away on the 17th April, 2015.

(8th Anniversary)

Just a prayer from the family who loved you just a memory fond and true, in our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you. Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Deeply loved and missed by Eileen, Colette, Peter, Neil, Fergal, Martina and their extended family. Masses offered.

I love you very much and always did, those special memories of you will always bring a smile. If only I could have you back for just a little while, then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do. You always meant so very much and always will do too. The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain but you’re forever in my heart until we meet again. When the nights are cold and the stars are few, I close my eyes and think of you. A silent hope, a silent tear, a silent wish that you were here. It’s been a long 12 years without you my darling you have been a good husband and father, I love you so much.

From your loving wife Bridie, son James, daughter-in-law Joanne and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass on Friday, 21st April in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 11am.

THANKSGIVINGS

THREE DAYS MIRACLE PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRT Holy Spirit, you who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideals. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen. You must say the prayer for 3 days consecutively without saying your wish. You will receive your wish after the 3rd day. Though how difficult it is. A promise to publish the prayer after your favour is granted. H.B.

often spoken, our thoughts are with you still, you haven’t been forgotten what’s more you never will. We cannot stop the hands of time or live again the past, but we will love and pray for you as long as life will last. Time may hide the sadness like a smile can hide a tear, but memories last forever of the one we loved so dear. May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you as time unfolds another year.

Remembered with love and prayers always by your sister Margaret, family and friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart on Saturday, 22nd April at 7.30pm.

DONLON

Michael (Mickey)

Moher , Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on the 16th April, 2020.

(3rd Anniversary)

KELLY Michael Anthony

The Retreat, Ballygar, Co. Galway (First Anniversary)

In loving memory of Michael Anthony who passed away on 15th April 2022

Loving thoughts of times together, memories that will last forever. Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day.

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by his wife Kathleen and family.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday, April 16th at 11am.

On the First Anniversary of his passing, we the family of Michael Anthony wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following the great loss of our beloved husband and father, adored grandpa, treasured brother and uncle.

We wish to offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours and well-wishers who visited our home during his Repose and to all who attended Michael Anthony’s Funeral Mass and Burial.

Thank you to everyone who brought food to our home.

Thank you to our relatives, friends, and work colleagues, some who travelled long distances to be with us.

Thank you to Garda Pat Regan for traffic management during Michael Anthony’s Repose and Funeral. Thank you to all those who sent floral tributes, cards, phone calls and messages.

We are very grateful for all your support during this very difficult time.

Special thanks to Michael Anthony’s three wonderful carers, Anna, Pat and Anne, who took excellent care of him (and us), always with kindness, warmth and humour allowing him to remain at home, as was his lifetime wish. We will be forever indebted to you. Sincere thanks also to the doctors, nurses and reception staff at Ballygar Health Centre for their excellent care and kindness and to the staff of The Medical Hall, Ballygar for their care.

To David Moran, Funeral Director, for his professionalism in handling the arrangements and to the gravediggers who prepared Michael Anthony’s final resting place so beautifully. To Signature Flowers, Roscommon for the wonderful floral arrangements for our home, the church and Michael Anthony’s grave.

Thank you most sincerely to Fr. Michael Breslin for celebrating Michael Anthony’s life during Mass and to all who contributed, especially Ursula, Tomás and Bernie for the beautiful traditional Irish church music and singing.

Thank you to John and Noleen Fallon and their efficient staff who provided a wonderful meal and refreshments.

To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable.

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

Michael Anthony’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, the 16th of April at 10.30am in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar.

(15th Anniversary) (20th Anniversary)

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

DONNELLY Frank

Mount Prospect, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away 27th February 2023

MURRAY

Lawrence Kilclough, Newbridge (12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Lawrence (Larry) Murray Who passed away on April 14th 2011.

CONWAY

Margaret (Peggy) and James Racecourse Road, Roscommon (5th and 18th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of our parents Peggy who passed away on April 4th 2018 and James who passed away on April 15th 2005, late of Racecourse Road, Roscommon.

NewsPeople

Pauleen O’Callaghan the partner of the late Frank Donnelly and his family would like to thank everyone far and wide who sympathised with us on our sad loss, including our neighbours, relatives and friends. We are grateful to all those that attended the Funeral Home, Mass and Cremation and for those who telephoned, travelled, sent cards and messages of condolences, thank you.

We offer a heartfelt thanks to all the staff in Cloverhill Nursing Home where Frank received exceptional care. A special mention to our G.P. Dr. Donegan and Dr. Aoife Debruen.

To Fr. Christopher, thank you sincerely for contributing to the celebration of Frank’s life with a beautiful Funeral Mass and for the musician who sang beautifully.

A special thanks to Pat Smyth for his sensitive and professional handling of Frank’s Funeral arrangements.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of my appreciation and gratitude.

CURLEY

Michael Scrine, Rahara. 16th of April, 2005. (18th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear brother.

A special day. Out of our lives you have gone, but in our hearts you will always belong.

Very sadly missed, loved and remembered always by your sisters Mary, Ann, Veronica and brothers-in-law. xxx

R.I.P.

THANKSGIVINGS

I once had someone special, that money couldn’t buy. I had a special person but I had to say goodbye. If I were asked one question, why I thought the world of you, I could give a million answers and they all would be true.

Those we love must some day pass beyond our present sight must leave us and the world we know without their radiant light. But we know that like a candle their lovely light will surely shine to brighten up another place more perfect, more divine. And in the realm of Heaven where they shine so warm and bright. Our loved ones live forever more in God’s eternal light. Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by your daughters, Maureen and Sinéad, sons Gerard, Carl, James, Cormac and John, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 29th April in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 10am.

Over 4,000 children need eye exams locally – TD

Deputy Denis Naughten has revealed that over 4,000 children in Roscommon and Galway are currently on waiting lists for public eye examinations. Of those, almost 2,796 have been waiting over a year for an appointment.

Figures released to Deputy Naughten show that 226 children are on the waiting list in Roscommon, 163 of whom have been waiting more than a year for an appointment. There are also 3,782 children on the waiting list in Galway, with 2,633 of those waiting for more than a year.

“These waiting lists are completely unacceptable and could potentially have huge implications for our children,” the Independent TD stated.

MONTH’S MIND MASS JUDGE

Tom Antogher Road, Roscommon Town (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Tom who passed away on 21st April 2020.

The heartache and the sadness may not always show, people say it lessens, but little do they know. Meet me in my dreams and talk to me once more and ease this everlasting pain that makes my heart so sore.

The road without you is so long, a tear for every mile, but I know one day when I reach the end, you will be waiting for me with a smile.

CUNNINGHAM

Mary (Maura)

Galey, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 3rd March 2023

“These are children who may be experiencing difficulties in school in, for example, being able to see the board in class due to the fact that they cannot obtain an eye test”.

Deputy Naughten said it was “just the latest in a long line” of services and therapies with unprecedented waiting lists. “We need to have these addressed as a matter of urgency or our children will lose out as a result,” Naughten concluded.

Gospel Reflection

Sunday 16 April

We are children of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. Through this wondrous sign of His great mercy, the Father of Jesus has given us new birth, as we hear in today’s Epistle.

You went away so suddenly no time to say goodbye.

In our hearts lie memories of a beloved husband and father we loved so much and will never forget.

Always loved and sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughters Siobhán and Deirdre.

Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Thursday, 20th April at 11am.

PRAYER FOR A SPECIAL REQUEST

The beautiful thing about love you see is that death need not stop life. If you carry someone in your heart you can take them with you anywhere you like.

Forever loved and dearly missed by his loving wife Anne, daughters Noreen and Martina, son John, sonsin-law Seamus and Shane, grandchildren Larry, Patrick, Eleanor, Lily and Daithi.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Newbridge on Sunday, April 16th at 11.30am.

Pray for 3 days. Publish on the 3rd day. See what will happen on the 4th day. Oh! Dear Mother of God, Our Lady of Conception Aparecida! Oh! Saint Rita of Cassia and Saint Jude worker of miracles and helper of impossible causes pray for me. Saint Expedite, Saint of urgent causes. Saint Edwiges the Saint of the needy, you know how desperate I feel, please ask Jesus to help me. (Here mention your request). May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and glorified for ever. Pray 1 Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. H.B.

The Family of Maura Cunningham would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the extended family, neighbours and friends, for all the kindness and support that we received at the time of our sad loss. We thank all those who attended the house and Requiem Mass, sent heartfelt cards, flowers and those who travelled long distances.

Our sincere gratitude to Fr. Ray Milton and Fr. Ali Joe for their Hospital visits to Maura during her illness and for concelebrating a beautiful Funeral Mass for Maura.

Thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and staff of St. Teresa’s Ward at Roscommon University Hospital and St. Claires Ward at Ballinasloe University Hospital for their care of Maura during her stay at the Hospitals.

A special thanks to Dr. Wojciech and the staff at the Medical Centre, Roscommon for taking such good care of Maura during her later years. Thanks also to the staff at Roscommon Home Services for their excellent home care of Maura.

Thanks also to Jean the Community Nurse who was so good to Maura.

Thanks to Pat Smyth of Smyth’s Funeral Directors for his excellent service, those of the local community who prepared Maura’s final resting place, Aileen for her beautiful hymns and music at the Requiem Mass. Thanks also to the ladies who prepared food and the Committee of Knockcroghery Community Centre for their facilities to the grave diggers.

As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation and gratitude.

Maura’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 15th April at 11am.

Today’s First Reading sketches the “family life” of our first ancestors in the household of God (see 1 Peter 4:17). We see them doing what we still do – devoting themselves to the Apostles’ teaching, meeting daily to pray and celebrate “the breaking of the bread”.

The Apostles saw the Lord. He stood in their midst, He showed them His hands and sides. They heard His blessing and received His commission: to extend the Father’s mercy to all peoples through the power and Spirit He conferred upon them.

We must walk by faith and not by sight – we must believe and love what we have not seen (see 2 Corinthians 5:7). Yet, the invisible realities are made present for us through the devotions the Apostles handed on.

Notice the experience of the risen Lord in today’s Gospel is described in a way that evokes the Mass.

Both appearances take place on a Sunday. The Lord comes to be with His disciples. They rejoice, listen to His Word, and receive the gift of His forgiveness and peace. He offers His wounded body to them in remembrance of His Passion. And they know and worship Him as their Lord and their God.

Thomas’ confession is a vow of faith in the new covenant. As promised long before, in the blood of Jesus we can now know the Lord as our God and be known as His people (see Hosea 2:20–25).

This confession is sung in the heavenly liturgy (see Revelation 4:11). And in every Mass on earth we renew our covenant and receive the blessings Jesus promised for those who have not seen but have believed.

In the Mass, God’s mercy endures forever, as we sing in today’s Psalm. This is the day the Lord has made – when the victory of Easter is again made wonderful in our eyes.

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

Sports PEOPLE

Hurlers face old foes in Nickey Rackard opener

Nickey Rackard Cup: Roscommon v Armagh on Sunday at Dr Hyde Park at 2 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon face Armagh for the third time in just five weeks on Sunday for the start of this year’s Nickey Rackard Cup, and after victories by 20 points and eight points respectively, it would be a major shock if Armagh were

to win on Sunday.

The players who won promotion and the league Division 3A title will once again be in the frame and there won’t be too many changes from the team that beat the Orchard County in the final in Navan just two weeks ago. However, Eoin Fitzgerald is definitely out and he will be a big loss as he was a considerable presence in the middle of the field during the league campaign. Roscommon have a very impressive spine and Enda Lawless, Mark Ward, Conor Cosgrove, Mickey Joe Egan and Conor Mulry have all been playing very well. With Paddy Fallon a top-class free taker, it looks a fairly straightforward

task for Roscommon on Sunday.

Donegal, Louth, Fermanagh and Wicklow are also in the competition this year with the top two teams meeting in the final.

Prediction: Roscommon.

The Roscommon U-20 hurlers will face Down in the AllIreland ‘B’ semi-final on Saturday at Dowdallshill, Co. Louth at 2 pm. Thomas Fleming, Paddy Fallon and Sean Dowd from the senior panel are all eligible and will be lining out. Down beat Roscommon by 2-15 to 0-15 in last year’s final and will be slight favourites to advance.

GAA Results

Minors host Mayo at The Hyde

Electric Ireland U-17 Connacht FC (First Round): Roscommon v Mayo at Dr Hyde Park on Friday night at 6.30 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

The Connacht Minor Football Championship round robin competition begins this Friday night. Roscommon have Mayo at home in round one and Galway away

in round two so a good start is vital if this team wants to qualify for a place in the playoff stages.

Roscommon are managed by James Duignan again this year and are led by joint captains in Ryan Hanley and

Jamie Betts. Mayo were AllIreland finalists last year but most of that side are now over age this year.

The hosts will be looking to the likes of Eoghan Carthy and Eoghan Murray to lead the side this year as both are

experienced at this level having been on the panel last year. A total of 15 clubs are represented on the panel. Roscommon have been training hard and will be hoping to get off to a winning start on Friday evening. They

then face Galway away on Friday week, Leitrim at home on Friday 28th, and Sligo away on Friday, May 5th. The top team goes straight into the final while the second and third-placed teams play in a semi-final.

Shannon Gaels 2-8 Ballinameen 1-5

Tulsk Lord Edwards 2-15 St Michael’s 3-9

Cora Systems Division Five (Section B)

Pádraig Pearses W/O Clann na nGael St Dominic’s 5-9 Creggs 2-8 Oran 1-10 Kilbride 1-5

Junior Hurling Championship (Group A)

Four Roads 2-19 Pádraig Pearses 1-7 St Dominic’s 1-11 Roscommon Gaels 1-9

Junior Hurling Championship (Group B) Oran 0-20 Tremane 0-12

Fixtures

Friday, April 14th

5th & Mad - East Side, New York

Division One O’Rourke Cup (8 pm)

At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v St Dominic’s Leydon Bros London

Division Two O’Gara Cup (8 pm)

At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Kilbride

At Strokestown: Strokestown v Michael Glavey’s

Saturday, April 15th

5th & Mad - East Side, New York

Division One O’Rourke Cup (5 pm unless stated)

At Orchard Park: Elphin v Pádraig Pearses

At Ballyleague: St Faithleach’s v Boyle

At Rockfield: Oran v Fuerty

At Nash Park: Western Gaels v Tulsk Lord Edwards

At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Roscommon Gaels (7 pm) Leydon Bros London

Division Two O’Gara Cup (5 pm)

At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Kilmore

At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Éire Óg

Atlantis IPS Division Three Tansey Cup

At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Strokestown. 5 pm

At Ballyforan: St Aidan’s v St Dominic’s. 7 pm

Sunday, April 16th

Leydon Bros London Division Two O’Gara Cup

At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v Pádraig Pearses. 1 pm

Atlantis IPS Division Three Tansey Cup

At Rockfield: Oran v St Michael’s. 12 pm

At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Ballinameen.

Rossie roadblock: Diarmuid Murtagh and Ben O’Carroll prevent Mayo’s Jack Coyne getting through during last Sunday’s Connacht SFC quarter-final in

Paul Townend wins his first Irish National

Horses for Courses

The Fairyhouse Easter Grand National meeting got off to a good start for punters with the favourite, Risk Belle, getting the feature in the steward’s room on Saturday for trainer Willie Mullins, owner JP McManus and jockey Mark Walsh at 7/2. The winner was interfered with on the run in by Moonbeg Park.

In Sunday’s Gold Cup, Mullins saddled six of the eight runners. Gordon Elliott’s Mighty Potter suffered a fatal fall and Bride’s Hill pulled up giving Mullins a clean sweep, winning with 17/2 shot Flame Bearer with Sean O’Keeffe riding.

The other Grade 1 on the card was also trained by Mullins as Ashroe Diamond under Paul Townend beat Whatcouldhavebeen.

On Monday, the Irish Grand National winner was again trained

by Mullins as I Am Maximus was brought with a late run by Townend to beat the Elliot trained pair Gevrey and Defi Blue. Townend was filling a blank on his CV in winning the race for the first time. Mullins had 11 winners from 23 races and had another four winners in Cork over the weekend.

Weekend action…

This week starts with a day of rest in Ireland and tomorrow (Friday) there is racing on two fronts, national hunt in the west at Ballinrobe, away at 4.50 pm, and on the all-weather at Dundalk at 5.10 pm. No racing in Ireland on Saturday with the Grand National at Aintree the main focus of the day for punters. Sunday is again a double venue day on the flat in the Cur-

by Tom Red

ragh at 1.25 pm with two Group 3 races, the Alleged Stakes and the Gladness Stakes with racing over the jumps at Tramore at 2.15 pm. Tramore race again on Monday evening.

Early racing coverage this week with ITV and Virgin Media 1 covering Aintree on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with five races each day. There are three Grade 1 races Thursday and Friday with two more on Saturday and the feature of the meeting the Grand National.

The weather is still affecting racing with yesterday’s flat meeting at Gowran Park falling to an early morning inspection with a waterlogged track. The going at Ballinrobe for Friday is soft to heavy, heavy in places, and soft at Tramore for Sunday and Monday. Gowran Park has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, April 18th.

Aintree Grand National

There are 50 left in the Grand National with 27 of the 40 guaranteed a run trained in Ireland, as are seven of the ten reserves, if there are any withdrawals.

They will all be at the pin of their collars to beat Linda Russell’s Corach Rambler who beat Fastorslow in Cheltenham. Local interest stems with Sean Mulryan’s Longhouse Poet at 16/1, Galvin runs and could be ridden by Davy Russell and will carry all Irish hopes and a good bit of cash if they do take their place. Dunboyne from Gordon Elliott’s at 50/1 looks a reasonable small e/w bet on foot of his second in the Thyestes Chase, an Irish National trial, following up on a win at the same track earlier. The best tip of all for this race as usual is stick a pin in the field and you will have as good a chance as any.

Competition Corner

Competition time again with tickets for the two-day meeting at Kilbeggan on April 20th and 21st on top of us. To win a pair of tickets for both days please tell us what horse won the Irish Grand National on Sunday?

Answers as usual please to The Roscommon People, Ab-

bey Street, Roscommon or by e-mail to tomred17@gmail. com by 5 pm on Wednesday, April 19th and don’t forget to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries. Tickets will have to be collected on Thursday at the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Short putts

Athlone

SPORTS DESK With Dan Dooner

(News from local golf clubs)

Patricia O’Meara was the winner of the recent Women’s 97 Club competition with 29 points while Kay Shevlin (25) and Jean McGowan (23) were second and third respectively.

The Women’s Get Into Golf programme will commence on Thursday, April 27th at 7 pm and will run for six weeks.

The programme caters for women new to the game or who may have played before but drifted away. For further information, please contact Chris on 087-3613961.

Carrick

The following were the Senior winners in Carrick last Thursday: Overall Gerry Emmett (44); Cat 1 PJ Sharkey (39); Cat 2 Tom Martin (38); Cat 3 Gerrard Fitzgerald (35); Front 9: Leo Mulvey (20); Back 9: Reggie Carroll (21). We welcome our new member Damien Duignan. The next outing will be to Athlone on April 24th. Golf as usual next Thursday.

Castlerea

‘Get into Golf’ is returning to Castlerea Golf Club with a registration evening taking place at 6.30 pm on Monday, April 24th.

The programme includes five lessons with a PGA Professional at a cost of €60. There is an optional €100 joining rate offered on completion of the course. Golf clubs are supplied for lessons and mentoring by members for the year.

For more information or to book your spot, call or text Paul on 087-3515991 or Dympna on 086-0682109.

Roscommon

The following are the results of the Men’s 18-hole competition last weekend: Winner Frank Flanagan (37 points); Cat 1 John Paul O’Gara (36); Cat 2 David Flynn (35); Cat 3 James Reilly (35); Gross Francis Grehan (31).

The Men’s Open competition last Friday was won by Paraic Conlon with 36 points, with Kevin Glynn (35) runner-up, and Michael McHale (35) third. Alan Craven took the Gross prize with 31 points.

The Ladies’ 18-hole competition was won by Noreen O’Grady (35 points) while the 9-hole competition went to Patricia Finneran (17).

The results of the Senior Men’s competition: Winner G Finn (39 points); Cat 1 K Glynn (37); Cat 2 F Grehan (37); Cat 3 C Doherty (37); Cat 4 L Doyle (32).

The Senior Ladies’ competition last Thursday was won by J Connaughton with S Kelly second, B Maher third and K Ruane fourth.

The final of the Ladies’ Spring Matchplay competition will take place on Saturday, April 15th. Time of matches are available on BRS system. Presentation of prizes will take place directly after all single matches are completed.

Smith is ‘Footballer of the Week’

Congratulations to Roscommon star Enda Smith whose barnstorming, man of the match performance in last Sunday’s Connacht SFC quarter-final against Mayo in Castlebar has secured him this week’s Gaa.ie ‘Footballer of the Week’ accolade. Roscommon supporters will be hoping for more of the same against Galway in the semi-final next Sunday week!

Cunningham ready for Ring Masters!

Roscommon boxer Sarah Cunningham, who has featured in People Sport a number of times over the last few years, is preparing for the National Golden Gloves qualifiers at Madison Square Garden on April 20th.

Sarah has participated at the so-called ‘Ring Masters’ event before and said she was looking forward to stepping through the ropes once more.

“It takes a lot of hard work, commitment and discipline

from more than just the fighter in preparation for these moments, and I am forever grateful to everyone who has helped me on this journey,” she said on social media this week.

Cunningham has looked sharp in training and will be hoping that her previous experience will stand to her next Thursday night with the action starting at 11 pm Irish time.

All-Ireland heartbreak for handballers

There was more heartbreak for local athletes at the semi-finals stage of the AllIreland handball series last Saturday at Croke Park.

Alanna Coggeran and Shauna Corrigan were defeated by Kilkenny’s Emer Barron and Una Duggan (21-17, 21-11) in the Ladies’ Minor championship.

Meanwhile, Carragh Kennedy and Siobhan Treacy were also defeated by Kilkenny representatives in the form of Dearbhail O’Keeffe and Roisin O’Keeffe in the Ladies’ Junior ‘B’ semi on

a scoreline of 21-13, 21-14.

Young hurlers suffer Tyrone defeat Roscommon’s U-17 hurlers travelled to the Tyrone Centre of Excellence in Garvaghy last Saturday to commence their 2023 Celtic Challenge campaign but unfortunately suffered a 3-14 to 1-16 defeat.

The first half was very evenly balanced and Roscommon were probably the happier of the two teams as they went in level at nine points apiece.

The visitors were quicker out of the blocks on the restart too, scoring a goal after just two minutes. But this seemed to light a fire under Tyrone and they responded with three goals and four points to lead 3-13 to 1-11 with 22 minutes played in the second period.

The Rossies squandered a few goal chances to haul themselves back into contention but can take heart from their strong finish to the match.

Michael Fallon’s charges will now take on Kildare’s

Lilywhites in round two next weekend.

Cregg set for Freemantle in AFLW

Former Roscommon Ladies

footballer Joanne Cregg will be joining Jenny Higgins in the Women’s Australian Football League next season after agreeing terms with Freemantle Dockers. The former county and Mi-

chael Glavey’s player is currently in her first season of the West Australian Football League where she has been a stand out for Subiaco. Cregg, who has been working as a doctor in a children’s hospital in Perth for the past year, commenced her football career Down Under with Premiership winners Wembley (Perth Football League) before making the step up to Subiaco.

Shauna Corrigan and Alanna Coggeran were defeated in the All-Ireland semi-final played in Croke Park last Saturday.

Dunboyne and Jack Kennedy win at Gowran Park.

Roscommon’s U-17 hurlers travelled to the Tyrone Centre of Excellence in Garvaghy last Saturday to commence their 2023 Celtic Challenge campaign but unfortunately suffered a 3-14 to 1-16 defeat.

Moore end Premier Division title famine!

Moore United were crowned Roscommon & District Football League Premier Division champions in dramatic circumstances last Sunday as they deposed 2022 champions Boyle Celtic with a 1-0 win in Boyle. The decider couldn’t have been more finely poised with hosts Boyle only requiring a draw to retain their title, while Moore needed all three points.

The visitors kept it tight in the first half with Adam McManus and Graham Pettit both outstanding, and while Boyle creat-

ed a number of chances they were unable to break a well-drilled Moore defence.

Moore grew in confidence as the game went on and pushed further up the pitch after the restart, pressing Boyle right from the off. Jack Nevin and brother and team captain Charles caused a number of problems for the Celtic rearguard and the Moore pressure was to pay off on 52 minutes.

A Shane Pettit corner was headed on by Jason Ryan and Rian Carpenter swooped in to chest the ball into the back of the net

BUCCANEERS RFC

Buccs on the double!

Bank of Ireland Connacht Senior Cup Final: Buccaneers 15 Sligo 8. Buccaneers retained their Connacht Senior Cup crown by virtue of a hard-earned 15-8 victory over Sligo in Galway on Easter Sunday, thus completing a provincial league and cup double. Buccs’ tries came from Frankie Hopkins and Stephen Mannion with Michael Hanley kicking a conversion and a penalty.

U-20s bow out of Purcell Cup

Purcell Cup Semi-Final: Corinthians 24 Buccaneers 17. Buccaneers U-20s bowed out of the Leinster Rugby Purcell Cup at the semifinal stage to a 78th minute well-worked Corinthians try that earned the Tribesmen a 24-17 home victory at Clounacauneen. Congratulations to Corinthians and best of luck in the final as they strive to become the first ever Connacht club to win the Purcell Cup.

C’mon The Town

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

In association with the

to open Moore’s account.

The hosts, with their league title on the line, swept forward in search of an equaliser and while Michael Corrigan came within a whisker of rescuing them, Moore remained composed and held out for a famous win.

There were wonderful scenes at the full-time whistle and when the victorious United team arrived back in Moore with the league trophy for the first time in over 20 years. A day to remember for all involved with the club.

Buccs face champions on final day

Buccaneers take on new Division 1B champions City of Armagh in their final Energia All-Ireland League fixture of the season at Dubarry Park on Saturday, kick-off 2.30 pm. The Ulster side have been among the pacesetters all season and secured promotion for the first time to the top-flight when defeating UCC last time out. They have lost just four matches to date and will be keen to finish on a winning note.

Ard Na Cregg final Buccaneers Thirds square up to their Galwegians counterparts in a high noon showdown to decide the Ard Na Cregg Cup winners for 2023. The final which takes place at Corinthian Park, Galway on Saturday with the 12 noon kick-off, means it will be very difficult for Pirates supporters to take in both this much

On the Pitch…

Our U-16 girls played neighbours St John’s Athletic in Lecarrow.

Daniella Kerr (2) and Paige Caslin scored for The Town in a thrilling game with Town eventually progressing on penalties.

Our two U-16 boys’ sides were also in action. Town 1 were comfortable winners away to Moore while Town 2 lost out to Ballymoe in Lisnamult.

The girls’ U-11 CL team lost out away to Dunmore with Sophia da Silva scoring for the Town.

Our boys’ U-18 side hosted Strokestown. The victory was secured on the stroke of full-time with two quickfire goals to send the lads through to the next round where they will face St John’s in Lecarrow on Saturday evening at 6 pm.

On Monday next, two U-14 Town teams will take to the field. Rovers are in Lecarrow while Atlético host Ballaghaderreen. This evening (Thursday), Town 1 welcome Glen Celtic in the boys’ U-16 cup quarter-final at 6.30 pm.

On Friday, in the boys’ U-11

Soccer results

Norio’s Premier Division

Boyle Celtic 0 Moore United 1

(Moore United are Premier Division champions)

Kilkerrin United 1 Moylough ’79 2

CP Ajax 0 Castlerea Celtic 1

RDFL First Division

Cloonfad United 2 Shiven Rovers 2

Ballymoe FC 2 Ballinasloe Town B 1

Cam Celtic 3 Dunmore Town 3

RDFL First Division Cup

Ballymoe FC 5 Roscommon United 1

Joe Concannon Women’s Challenge Cup Semi-Final

Ballaghaderreen 0 Shiven Rovers 2

RDFL Women’s Shield Semi-Final

St Cuan’s Ahascragh United 1 Kilkerrin United 4 Fixtures

Friday, April 14th

Norio’s Premier Division Cup

Ballinasloe Town v Kilkerrin United. 6 pm

anticipated duel and the AIL game v City of Armagh.

McCormack Cup decider

At time of writing it is hoped that Buccaneers will face Nenagh Ormonde to decide this year’s winners of the John McCormack Cup. Buccs are current holders, winning at Dubarry Park last season, so this year’s match is scheduled to be played in Nenagh possibly this weekend.

Thirds into cup semi-final

Ard Na Cregg Cup Quarter-Final: Buccaneers 41 Westport 10. Buccaneers Thirds continued on their merry way in the Bank of Ireland Ard Na Cregg Cup when they cruised past Westport Seconds in a floodlit quarter-final played at Dubarry Park on Wednesday with the midlanders coming out on top by 41-10.

section, Town 1 are away to Dunmore while Town 2 and 3 host Skyvalley and Lough Harps respectively.

Futebol, Amigos e Comida

Last weekend, Nations Futebol Club played a friendly match against one of our U-14 teams. The efforts, energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment was clear for all to see among the healthy attendance on Saturday morning last. After the goal-filled game,

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs RFC Report

U-15s book final spot

Connacht Boys U-15 Cup

Semi-Final: Carrick-onShannon 10 Creggs 24. Creggs travelled to Carrick for a cup showdown last weekend with a place in the Connacht final the prize on offer.

The hosts then took control in the second half, dominating possession without adding to their ten points.

That was until another stolen Gort lineout resulted in Cathal Nerney touching down in the corner for what proved to be the winning try.

players and parents enjoyed some nice food in the clubhouse. Thanks to everyone for a memorable morning and our Brazilian friends are always welcome to Lisnamult. Muito obrigado até logo.

Wise Words…

If everyone does a little, a lot will get done.

TAP!

When passing, think TAP - Timing, Accuracy, Power.

It was the hosts who struck first with a try in the 15th minute as Creggs struggled to get to grips with the occasion. The visitors did eventually grow into the game and a Dan Kelly try sent the sides in level at 5-5 at the break.

Creggs picked up where the left off after the break and it wasn’t long before they hit the front through a Cian Kiernan try which was converted by Kaylum Curran.

Carrick weren’t willing to lie down however, and were right back in the tie with their second try to make it a two-point game.

It was tit-for-tat after that with Kaylum Curran stretching Creggs’ lead before Carrick were unlucky to have a try ruled out for a knock on. Daniel Fleming then put his body on the line to prevent Carrick from retaking the lead.

The game was eventually made safe late on when a Conor Diffley try was expertly converted by Kaylum Curran as Creggs secured their place in the Connacht Cup Final at the end of this month.

U-13s through to last four

Connacht Boys U-13 Cup

Quarter-Final: Creggs 15

Creggs now progress to meet Sligo away in the semi-final of this competition.

Girls bow out in Ballina

Connacht Girls U-16 Plate

Semi-Final: Ballina 47 Creggs 19. The season came to an end for the Girls’ U-16 team last Saturday morning as they were swept aside by an impressive Ballina side in Co Mayo. The hosts were dominant in the first half and were 33-0 up before Creggs finally got going midway through the second period.

Creggs’ try scorers on the day were Olivia Kelly, Fiona Duda and Ciara Corrigan with Grace O’Shaughnessy adding two conversions.

Successful Dinner Dance

RDFL First Division

Roscommon United v Ballinasloe Town B. 6 pm

Saturday, April 15th

RDFL Reserve League

Moore United v Ballinagare Manor United. 12 pm

Sunday, April 16th

RDFL First Division Cup (11 am)

Ballinagare Manor United v Ballinasloe Town B

Shiven Rovers v Ballymoe FC

FAI Women’s Amateur Shield Round One (2 pm)

Mullingar Athletic v Ballaghaderreen FC

Athenry FC v Kilkerrin United

Connacht Cup Men’s Quarter-Final (2 pm)

Cloonfad United v Strand Celtic

Connacht Cup Women’s Semi-Final (2 pm)

Corrib Celtic v Salthill Devon

Connacht Shield Women’s Semi-Final (2 pm)

Shiven Rovers v Castlerea Celtic

Norio’s Premier Division Cup (2 pm)

Ballaghaderreen FC v Boyle Celtic

St. John’s Athletic v Ballinasloe/Kilkerrin United

Gort 14. Creggs edged past Gort in a thriller under the lights last Monday evening to seal their spot in the Connacht Cup semi-finals.

The visitors got off to a flying start with a converted try in the first ten minutes but Tom Óg Reddington stole a Gort lineout and powered over to bring Creggs back into contention.

Gort stretched their lead to 14-5 with another converted try, which would prove to be their final score of the evening.

From then on it was all Creggs and Ryan Halligan’s try brought them back to within four points by the half-time break.

Creggs Dinner Dance and awards night took place last Sunday night at the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon and proved to be a great success. Over 220 people attended on the night where special guests included Padraig Moran, President of Connacht Rugby; Mary Healy, former captain of Connacht Women’s Rugby, and Sue Carty, board member of the IRFU and World Rugby.

Presentations were made to the first team on winning the Junior 1A League and finishing runners-up in the Junior Cup and the Second team, who won the Connacht J1C Cup.

Other presentations went to players Eoghan Cahill, voted ‘Most Improved Player’, Eoghan Coyle as ‘Player of the Year on the first team and Tommy Devine for ‘Player of the Year’ on the second team. ‘Club Person of the Year’ was presented to Shane Fleming, our Mini coordinator who has done Trojan work over a number of years.

Roscommon Town U-18s will take on St. John’s Athletic this Saturday in Lecarrow.

Moore United players celebrate winning the RDFL Premier Division last Sunday in Boyle. Pic: Moore United Facebook page

THE SPORTS STUDIO

Occasional sporting musings with Paul Healy Paddy Joe’s early call on Late Late Show!

Rory? A little less conversation, a little more action, please!

< PAUL HEALY

Having failed (so far) to set the golfing world alight myself, I’m probably not best placed to offer advice to majorsmisfiring Rory McIllroy, who tamely exited from the Masters last Friday after failing to make the cut.

But the sight of Rory giving an interview during his first round in Augusta was, for this viewer at least, utterly infuriating.

In an interesting, relatively recent innovation, some of the world’s top golfers have agreed to give ‘in-play’ interviews while competing on the course. Mic’d up, the selected player chats away to one or two of the commentators/pundits in between taking their shots. It’s quite a coup for the media, arguably for viewers too, although it’s debatable whether many of the participating players are really focussed enough on the interaction to offer genuinely interesting ‘content’. Back to Rory…last Thursday, the man who was trying to end a nine-year majors’ drought, agreed to be mic’d up dur-

ing the US Masters for a few minutes.

And so we have the sight of a man who is regularly world number one – a superstar who’s under pressure to rediscover his winning touch in the majors – chatting away to the media while lining up his shots on the ninth hole.

Bad decision, Rory. And frankly, it’s part of the ‘Rory problem’. I like the guy, he’s box office when in full flow, but his ego really is becoming a problem. Quite simply, Rory talks too much, embraces his ‘media darling’ status too willingly.

After that opening round (he shot a level par 72), McIllroy – who was never going to admit that doing the in-play chat might have been a mistake – said: “I thought it would be a cool thing to do. I did it in Austin and didn’t feel like it took me out of my rhythm in any way or made me think about things too much… so it’s nice to provide the audience at home (with) a little bit more insight into what’s going on out here”. Note Rory positioning himself as the heroic provider of insight to the audience! Even more revealing was his answer when the interviewer in that live chat on Thursday noted that Rory was the first player to do it at the Masters. Rory’s response? “Pleasure! I’m happy to be the first one to do it…” Priorities, Rory! We all want to see this charismatic superstar return to major-winning. I think Rory needs to rein himself in, and stop the gimmicks. Small margins can make big differences. As Elvis said, “A little less conversation, a little more action, please!”

< DAN DOONER

Famous Roscommon barber and Rossies super fan, Paddy Joe Burke, was in fine form on last Friday’s Late Late Show ahead of Sunday’s Connacht Senior Football Championship quarter-final between Mayo and Roscommon in Castlebar.

Hinting at the Roscommon ambush that was to come, Paddy Joe warned host Ryan Tubridy that the Primrose and Blue always enjoy their trips to MacHale Park.

“I love going to MacHale Park… we went down in ’72, we were down in ’78, were there in 2010, 2019, a magnificent night when the rain was beautiful…Roscommon we won” Paddy Joe said.

“You couldn’t play bad football in Castlebar, it is one of the nicest stadiums in the country, and the Rossies are going there on Sunday. Nobody gives us a chance. Ryan don’t tell anyone…the Rossies on tour this Sunday!”

Not surprisingly, the Rossie ‘super fan’ was in flying form again on Sunday as he watched on from the terraces.

He even went viral once again later that evening as he celebrated Roscommon’s sensational win over the much-fancied hosts.

Paddy Joe Burke meets Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy.

GAME ON…

Burke: ‘We were disrespected’

Roscommon manager Davy Burke revealed that the players were frustrated by the pre-match analysis, which – broadly speaking – had conveyed a narrative that Mayo would definitely win.

Making a mockery of county teams’ insistence that they don’t pay much – or any – heed to media coverage before a big game, Burke indicated that the players had closely observed the analysis in the build-up to Sunday’s Connacht quarter-final in Castlebar. And it turns out they weren’t impressed with what they read and heard.

“I thought there was a lot of disrespect during the week,” Burke told RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Sport. “We finished third in Division One. On merit. And we were completely written off. You’d swear we were a lower level team altogether. I’m sure our boys were frustrated by that and I’m glad they put it right”.

No excuses from Kevin!

Mayo manager and former Roscommon team boss Kevin McStay gave a very honest assessment of the game after the match.

“I absolutely wouldn’t use the league final last week (as an excuse). We’re not in the excuses business. That’s not where we operate.

“We knew this was going to be a tough game. It is a tough schedule but we’ve known for a long time (that) it was a tough schedule. We put all our chips out on the table there today and we have no complaints.

“I’m happy with my team that we fought so hard to the end. We nearly just got our noses ahead at a vital time. But it didn’t happen for us. Congrats to Roscommon, they were deserving winners” Kevin concluded.

On Tweet Street…

Joe Brolly on Twitter, moments after the final whistle on Sunday: ‘Welcome to championship football. Roscommon have the stuff’

Author/former journalist Ewan MacKenna on Twitter: ‘There’s something so likeable about this Roscommon. People always quote Monaghan as smaller county potential but these lads are feral. Would love to see them and their fans late in year, in last four, packing it out. Pure guts. (Get it’s too early and calm needed etc)’.

‘Game plan perfectly executed. Brilliant defence from Roscommon and had Diarmuid Murtagh to shoot them over the line at the other end. His brilliant 66th minute score epitomised the game. Mayo with work to do on their attack for later in the summer’

-Tweet by multiple All-Ireland winner with Dublin, Paddy Andrews

More reaction…

‘Roscommon rattled off three of the final four points with Smith capping a man of the match performance with a fisted point before the final whistle. When it sounded, their fans stormed the field and their manager danced out in front of them. This bold new format has left many wondering who cares about the provincial championship? Roscommon certainly do’

-Maurice Brosnan (Irish Examiner)

Stat Attack

Wides: Roscommon 7 (2, first half); Mayo 7 (5, first half)

Red cards: 0

Black cards: Roscommon 1 (Diarmuid Murtagh, 71); Mayo 0

Yellow cards: Roscommon 3 (Conor Daly, Dylan Ruane, Conor Cox); Mayo 1 (Aidan O’Shea)

Attendance: 19,361

Man of the

Match: Enda Smith

Roscommon’s Easter Rising

Connacht SFC quarter-final Roscommon 2-8 Mayo 0-10

< SEAMUS DUKE

This Roscommon senior football team is the gift that keeps on giving in 2023. Last Sunday at MacHale Park in Castlebar Davy Burke’s men produced one of Roscommon’s greatest championship wins in many decades when they deservedly knocked the hot favourites and newly-crowned league champions Mayo out of this year’s Connacht Championship.

One man who wasn’t particularly surprised was Roscommon manager Burke, who voiced some frustration after the game with what he considered to be a disrespectful narrative around his team’s chances during the build-up.

Alluding to media commentary, he said: “I thought there was a lot of disrespect to us during the week. We finished third in Divi-

sion One on merit. And we were completely written off.

“You’d swear we were a lower level team altogether. I’m sure our boys were frustrated by that and I’m glad they put it right today”.

This was one of the best battling performances that I have witnessed in my time attending Roscommon matches. I say that as someone who was raised on the deeds of men like Harry Keegan, Pat Lindsay, Dermot Earley and Tony McManus. This was as good if not better than any of the wins that those men were involved in – I cannot give our team of ’23 any higher praise than that.

On a foul day weather-wise, it was clear from the opening seconds that Roscommon were on a mission. In the match preview in last week’s Roscommon People, Davy Burke said that the Roscommon players were not going to take any backward steps against Mayo. Boy was he true to his word.

All over the field Roscommon harried and

hassled, and tackled like tigers, denying Mayo space and time on the ball. Then, when the counter-attack was on, there were men like Diarmuid Murtagh and Enda Smith who could carry the game to Mayo and get the scores that were needed. Every single Roscommon player contributed to this spectacular victory, one of the sweetest in many a long day.

Playing against the strong wind and squally showers in the first half it was clear Roscommon would need to restrict the Mayo attack. They did that brilliantly, with Niall and Conor Daly, Davy Murray, Brian Stack and Conor Hussey all outstanding.

Roscommon had some luck too. In the 7th minute Stephen Coen burst through the visitors’ defence, his shot coming back off the underside of the crossbar. Still, Roscommon were dictating the pace of the game and Mayo became more frustrated as the action unfolded.

In the 23rd minute Dylan Ruane’s shot was blocked by the Mayo defence. Davy Murray

Smith hails system

Enda Smith spoke to the Roscommon People after the game while holding the man of the match trophy which he had just been presented with.

“I know that it wasn’t pretty at times out there but we stuck to our system and were disciplined. We knew if we did that we would be

right in the game and that’s the way it panned out”.

Needless to say he considered the timely Roscommon goals to have been crucial.

“We hadn’t been creating too many goal chances but we got two today and those were absolutely vital. Our defensive display was

awesome today. Brian Stack, Davy Murray and the lads were just tremendous – but everyone played their part”.

Enda is now looking forward to the clash with Galway. “It’s another huge game but we are going to enjoy this first and we will get ready for that later on in the week” he said on Sunday.

Roscommon’s Enda Smith rises highest to secure the ball during the Connacht SFC quarter-final last Sunday in MacHale Park, Castlebar. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

picked up the loose ball but was upended in the large square. Enda Smith blasted the resultant penalty to the Mayo net. Now Roscommon led by 1-2 to 0-1. Mayo replied with three unanswered points, but just before half-time Roscommon struck again. Niall Daly sent Ciaran Lennon away and when his shot rebounded to Donie Smith, the Boyle man pulled low and hard to the net. At half-time Roscommon led by four, 2-2 to 0-4.

The second half was a fierce battle. Mayo upped the ante, but Roscommon were ready. While it certainly wasn’t a great game in terms of quality football, the exchanges were fiercely contested. Three Mayo scores in a row saw the margin down to a single point by the 50th minute, but Roscommon dug in.

Diarmuid Murtagh kicked three points – which included two magnificent efforts from play –as the defiant Rossies pulled away again. Sub Conor Cox and man of the match Enda Smith (with a fisted effort) closed out the win. And what a win it was.

In terms of the forthcoming All-Ireland football championship, this result may soon be forgotten by the rest of the country, but any Roscommon person who was there on Sunday (and those watching on TV or listening on radio too) will remember it for a long, long time to come.

Another massive game against Galway awaits on Sunday week in Dr Hyde Park. In the form they’re in, the Roscommon players will relish that challenge.

Davy Burke certainly enjoyed the intensity of the exchanges.

“It was a brilliant, hugely intense game of football. Unbelievable. Fair play to the lads. The first time I met them, they said ‘Easter Sunday, we’ll be ready’. They were ready”.

And Galway in two weeks’ time? “A home semi-final. It’s brilliant. Where else would you want to be? And another 50/50 game against Galway. Happy days” the manager concluded. Happy days indeed.

Masterclass by Roscommon

PAUL HEALY View from the TV

This was a triumph of coaching on the training field and spectacularly effective execution on the battlefield.

The first 20 minutes in Castlebar on Sunday may have been a hard watch, but a battlefield is rarely party central. Plus, the conditions were a big factor in the lack of early fluency.

Roscommon have had bad days in MacHale Park, days when Mayo’s greater physicality and sheer power play left the visitors demoralised. That pattern has been broken in recent times, Roscommon’s 2019 win particularly memorable. Last Sunday, a performance of tremendous discipline by a magnificent Roscommon created one of our great championship triumphs. In the 7th minute, an underhit Roscommon pass threatened to prove costly. Mayo broke at pace, an inviting diagonal pass fell from the sky, Aidan O’Shea re-directed the ball to Stephen Coen, and his shot for goal shook the crossbar.

Already, Enda Smith was everywhere…deep in defence, patrolling the midfield area, looking to thread attacks together. He would go on to produce one of his finest displays.

Davy Burke says most teams are playing the same way – and that’s indisputable. With that template established, game management, composure, skill too, become vital. From early on, Roscommon’s patient play was effective. Every minute that passed in that first half without Mayo scoring was – given the home team’s wind advantage – a boost to Roscommon’s chances.

A sparky sideline sideshow involving Diarmuid Murtagh and Aidan O’Shea was evidence of how getting the better of the big Mayo man seemed to be a motivational aim for Roscommon. In the 24th minute, Roscommon’s disciplined start was rewarded, a penalty the outcome of a penetrating attack. A calm Enda Smith struck a dagger into Mayo hearts.

Teams & scorers

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Conor Hussey, Conor Daly, Davy Murray; Niall Daly, Brian Stack, Eoin McCormack; Dylan Ruane, Keith Doyle; Ciaráin Murtagh, Ciaran Lennon, Enda Smith (1-1, 1-0 pen); Donie Smith (1-0), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-6, 4 frees), Ben O’Carroll. Subs: Cian McKeon for Lennon (54); Conor Cox (0-1) for D Smith (59); Richard Hughes for Daly (66); Niall Kilroy for Ruane (70); Cian Connolly for O’Carroll (72).

Mayo: Colm Reape (0-2, 1 free, 1 ‘45); Jack Coyne, Stephen Coen, Donnacha McHugh (0-1); Eoin McLaughlin, Conor Loftus, Paddy Durcan (0-1); Matthew Ruane (0-1), Diarmuid O’Connor; Fionn McDonagh, Jack Carney, Jordan Flynn; Aidan O’Shea (0-1), Tommy Conroy (0-1), Ryan O’Donoghue (0-2, frees). Subs: Darren McHale for McDonagh (46, temporary); Cillian O’Connor (0-1) for McHale (47); Jason Doherty for McLaughlin (61); Conor McStay for Flynn (61); Darren McHale for Ruane (70).

Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan).

The lion prodded, Mayo were now dangerous, floating over three points. Respite came. Roscommon’s game wasn’t just about excellent defence. Another dangerous attack promised a dividend. Several passes had Mayo backpeddling. The overlapping Ciaran Lennon’s shot for goal was blocked, but the ball fell invitingly to Donie Smith, who side-footed home. Roscommon 2-2 to 0-4 in front at half-time.

Mayo began the second half well, closing the gap to one by the 50th minute. Roscommon were magnificent in the last 25 minutes, first steadying the ship, then producing a defensive masterclass, with some great turnovers. Once they transitioned into attack, there were fabulous pressure-relieving scores from the magnificent Diarmuid Murtagh. Glorious stuff. In the 65th minute, sub Conor Cox turned Mayo over brilliantly. When the ball was played up to Diarmuid (again), he fired over another sensational point, a hefty down payment on ‘purchasing’ this win. There was still time for Cox to score a beauty, and for the heroic Enda Smith to run close to half the length of the pitch and punch the ball over.

The Roscommon defence was magnificent, led by Brian Stack and Niall Daly. Ben O’Carroll was a superbly effective lone ranger at times in attack, Diarmuid Murtagh brilliant. Enda Smith’s performance was one for the ages. All Roscommon players were superb, this win marked by great game management, energy, will to win and composure.

At the final whistle, Davy Burke did a jig, while also punching the air. Mission accomplished, with a pep in our collective step.

fired over another sensational point, a hefty down payment on ‘purchasing’ this win.

When the ball was played up to Diarmuid (again), he

The Roscommon team pictured ahead of their victory over Mayo in the Connacht SFC quarter-final in MacHale Park, Castlebar last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon players celebrate as Donie Smith scores Roscommon’s second goal from a rebound during last Sunday’s Connacht SFC quarter-final against Mayo in MacHale Park, Castlebar. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon’s Niall Daly and Enda Smith combine to dispossess Mayo’s Tommy Conroy during the Connacht SFC quarter-final last Sunday in MacHale Park, Castlebar. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell