14 June 2024 Roscommon People

‘Ming’ and Mullooly to land Euro double?

As the Roscommon People goes to press on Wednesday night, the strong possibility remains that two of the five MEPs who will be elected in the MidlandsNorth-West constituency will be County Roscommon-based.

The latest count updates from Castlebar in the European Parliament Elections indicate that the poll-topper, Independent MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan (Castlerea) is a racing certainty to retain his seat.

County Roscommon may well be on course see a second local MEP elected, with Independent Ireland’s Ciaran Mullooly (Ballyleague) holding the fifth position in the 5-seat constituency since counting began on Sunday.

If Michelle Gildernew (SF) receives a very heavy transfer (50%+) from current MEP Chris McManus (SF), who is set to be eliminated over the coming

range of

counts, she may outpace Mullooly for a count or two, but with a substantial number (based on sample tallies up to 10%) of Aontu’s Peader Toibin’s votes set to transfer to Mullooly, the former RTE Midlands Correspondent turned aspiring politician should regain the lead, if he loses it at all.

As we went to press, Count 4 had Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan on 89,660, with Nina Carberry of Fine Gael on 78,717, Maria Walsh of Fine Gael on 78,204, Barry Cowen (FF) on 76,545, and Ciaran Mullooly on 65,619, followed by Gildernew (SF): 50,151; Chambers (FF): 47,416; Toibin (Aontu): 50,735; McManus (SF): 32,889; Blaney (FF): 32,205; and McHugh (IND): 29,928.

Counting will continue into today (Thursday) with a final result possible by Thursday night.

(090)

Planning Permission

I would like to build an extension to my house but I am unsure if I need to apply for planning permission. I understand some extensions may not require planning permission provided they are under a particular size, is this correct? Are there any other restrictions?

Whether the proposed extension to your property requires planning permission or not will depend on a number of factors. Generally, small domestic extensions will not require planning permission if it does not exceed 40 square metres in size. However, any previous extension must also be considered so that the combined area of all extensions may not exceed 40 square metres.

For terraced or semi-detached houses, the floor area of any extension above ground level may not exceed 12 square metres. Also, the extension may not exceed the height of the house and the extension may not reduce the area of private open space to less than 25 square metres.

Specific rules also apply regarding height. For example, if the rear wall of your house does not include a gable, the height of the walls of the extension must not exceed the height of the rear wall of your house. If the rear wall of your house has a gable, the walls of the extension shall not be higher than the side walls of your house. In the case of a flat roofed extension, the height of the highest part of the roof may not exceed the height of the eaves or parapet. In any other case, no part of the new roof may exceed the highest part of the roof of the house.

It is strongly advisable to speak with your architect or engineer regarding your specific plans prior to commencing works. Your Local Authority can take action if a development does not have the required permission, or where terms of permission have not been met. The Local Authority may require you to take whatever steps they deem necessary in order to regularise the development.

With PAUL HEALY

So, how exactly did you get into the Hyde last weekend? Oh it was never in doubt!

Huh!

I am very emotionally attached to the Hyde… when I need to be there, I get there!

Mmnn…

Remember during Covid, that ladder I… Yes, yes! We said we wouldn’t mention that ‘ladder in the cemetery’ episode!

(Editor: Oh dear! I asked these bozos, I mean boyos, to write an informed review of the local elections in Roscommon!)

So, did you have a media pass? Don’t tell me you went to the Editor behind my back… I wouldn’t do that! I’m barely talking to the Editor these days, except to discuss that renewal of our contract… and I must say he’s being quite slow about responding!

Eh… three years out of contract, and counting, I’d say! Anyways, how did you get into the count centre?

Oh there was no drama! A friend kindly gave me their pass. I’m surprised I didn’t see you there!

So, any craic at the count?

It was a wonderful demonstration of democracy in action! And I got a great opportunity to network, which, as you can imagine, will greatly boost my campaign…

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

Boost YOUR campaign?

Look, you know we’re going to start our own political party! But let’s keep it hush hush for now! I got several good ideas last weekend!

Okay! Is it true the count went on until almost 4 am on Sunday morning?

Yes! It was a long weekend!

WATCHING People

Election candidates (and heroic Irish athletes) push for finishing line!

I heard a few people down the back fell asleep at one point…

Well yes, but that was because the pub bore came in… and started – uninvited –to explain the intricacies of proportional representation!

(They pause to savour online footage of the remarkable performances by Irish athletes at the European Athletics Championships)

You know, my friend, those Irish athletes are incredible!

Brilliant!

Let’s also give credit this week to ALL who put their name forward for election! Well done to all the winners, and well done also to those who didn’t get over the line this time!

Speaking of getting over the line, I say our athletes were the heroes of the week!

Indeed!

And to use athletics’ parlance, we need to be under starter’s orders if we’re going to launch a political party. Okay! I guess we need to be limbering up for a race to the finish… will we launch the party in the Roscommon People next week?

No! Let’s keep it a secret for the moment. Timing will be key. I’ve been studying Michael Fitz’s model. After all, the General Election is a marathon, not a sprint!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Irish athletics, with a series of brilliant medal-winning performances at the European Athletics Championships

Hundreds of election candidates nationwide, following their success in the local/European elections

Irish golfing great Padraig Harrington, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame on Monday night

Limerick hurlers, who became the first county to win six Munster senior hurling titles in a row

It’s been a BAD week for…

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who faced huge criticism after returning early from D-Day commemorations in Normandy to pre-record a TV interview back in Britain

PIC OF THE WEEK: Karl Nerney of St Faithleach’s celebrates his goal against Western Gaels during their O’Rourke Cup game at Nash Park last Friday evening. The game ended in a draw, 1-14 to 2-11.

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Sajjad Hussain hits out at

‘abuse’

and ‘dirty tricks’

Second-time independent candidate Sajjad (Saj) Hussain (Ballaghaderreen) has told the Roscommon People that his experience of running for election this time was exceptionally more challenging than in 2019.

Mr Hussain, who is originally from Pakistan, has been living in Ballaghaderreen for 22 years, and runs a barber shop in the town. He says the level of abuse and ‘dirty tricks’ he was subjected to throughout the campaign represented a significant escalation since his last run.

“Friends contacted me to say they had heard all sorts of terrible rumours about me, that I was a criminal… it was all lies”.

Contesting for a seat in the Boyle Local Electoral Area (LEA) last weekend, Mr Hussain claims that during the campaign an anonymous call was made to An Garda Síochána alleging that one of his children was missing and had re-

turned home. Mr Hussain says he explained to An Garda Síochána that not only were the allegations untrue, but he also intends to pursue all available recourse to identify the individual who allegedly made the sinister threat about his family.

Visibly upset, Mr Hussain expressed his frustration that his family had been dragged into the election campaign: “I am a man. If you have a problem with me, come to me. If you have a problem with me, I stand here and I will take it. But don’t come after my family. Even the mafia have boundaries. Even the mafia don’t come after your family”.

The candidate claimed that An Garda Síochána advised him to ensure his children did not answer the door if unsupervised “for their own safety”.

Polling 411 first preference votes, Mr Hussain was eliminated after the 5th count. He has pledged to continue to represent his community at every opportunity.

JUNE 2024 FOSTERING AWARNESS MONTH

Start Your Journey Today

Tusla urgently need more foster carers like you – people who are willing to open their hearts and homes to make a positive impact in their community.

Tusla foster carers are diverse and come from all walks of life. Whether you work full-time, are single, married or have your own children, your unique journey is what makes your experience so valuable. You possess the qualities and skills that can make a real difference to a child’s life, giving them the safe and loving home they deserve.

Fostering Awareness Local Fostering Information Events

To celebrate Fostering Awareness Month, Tusla Fostering Roscommon have scheduled two separate events as follows:

1. Fostering Information Session in Gleeson's Townhouse, Roscommon Town on 27th June 2024 from 11 am to 2 pm, refreshments provided. Please come along and meet foster carers and members of the Fostering Team.

2. Fostering Information Stand at the Connacht Fleadh, Strokestown Co Roscommon on 6th and 7th July 2024, located in the Gig Rig area. Please come along and meet the Fostering Team

Sajjad (Saj) Hussain (Ballaghaderreen) pictured on right with a supporter at the Election 2024 Count, Hyde Park Centre, Roscommon town last weekend. Picture: Kieran Croghan.

Galway & Roscommon ETB participates in historic France-Ireland Symposium

More than 80 participants from 15 French academic regions and 15 Irish Education and Training boards recently came together over four days to reinforce the links between France and Ireland in the field of Further Education and Training and increase the mobility of Irish and French students and staff from Colleges of Further Education or Training Centres.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Occitanie Academic Region and City of Dublin Education and Training Board, on June 4th at the French Residence, marks the first step to-

wards stronger and deeper cooperation.

Speaking at the signing, H.E. Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland, declared: “The links that unite France and Ireland are particularly strong in the field of education”.

Through the four-day event, the aim of the Symposium on Vocational Education Training was to offer participants a better understanding of each other’s vocational training systems and to provide an opportunity to reflect on cooperation opportunities through workshops, presentations,

networking sessions and field visits all over Ireland.

It was composed of senior members of the Irish Ministry of Further and Higher Education, the French Ministry of Education, ETB Chief Executives, Directors of Further Education and Training and staff, French directors and international relations advisers from the various academic regions.

Paddy Lavelle, General Secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland, extended a warm welcome to guests from across the breadth of the FET sector in France and Ireland.

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the 12th promise of Jesus to St Margaret Mary Alocoque was…

‘I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment’.

In June 1917, Our Lady asked us all to pray the Rosary every day, and St Michael the Archangel asked us to pray the Chaplet of St Michael every day and he promised to those who recite this Chaplet his continual assistance and that of all the Holy Angels during life and after death, deliverance from purgatory for themselves and their relations.

Yours faithfully, Chris O’Gara

Left to right: Chief Executive of Galway & Roscommon ETB David Leahy and Director of Further Education & Training Sinead Morgan pictured with Paddy Lavelle, General Secretary, ETBI at the French Ambassador’s residence for a reception to launch the rst France-Ireland Symposium on Vocational Education. Photograph: Maxwell Photography (Conor O’Mearain)

Roscommon artists pictured at the recent ATU graduation exhibition.

THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT

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WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.

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Minister to turn sod for new 50-bed unit at Sacred Heart Hospital today

Local Fianna Fáil senator Eugene Murphy has confirmed that Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD, will visit Roscommon on Thursday, 13th of June (today) to turn the sod for the new 50-bed replacement unit at the Sacred Heart Hospital.

“Planning permission for the proposed development was granted in 2023 and since then a tender process for the works has been undertaken” Senator Murphy said.

“I am delighted that Minister Butler is now in a position to formally announce the commencement of the project which will involve the provi-

sion of a new 50-bed unit at a cost of approximately €35m,” he added.

Speaking in advance of her visit, Minister Butler said: “Delivering healthcare for everyone is a cornerstone of Fianna Fáil’s approach in government and this Government remains committed to developing all aspects of services for older people.

“Significant progress has been achieved to ensure our health and social care services are treating more patients than ever before. The considerable public investment, including in our community and primary services, means that more people

are being treated at home and in the community while this is appropriate to their needs.

“The fact that we are living longer than ever is a really good reflection of our health services, but as we live longer we will require more healthcare and so we must plan for that. Giving individuals, along with their carers and families, the choice to be cared for in their community is a priority in our healthcare planning,” concluded Minister Butler. Senator Murphy noted that the project at the Sacred Heart Hospital will involve a multi-phased delivery to minimise disruption to current operations and occupancy numbers.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Sharon and Shauna Mannion. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Six new councillors elected after election count marathon

ELECTION

24: Pages 13-29

< PAUL HEALY

After a marathon three-day count in the Dr Hyde Centre from Saturday through to Monday night, six new councillors were elected to Roscommon County Council in what proved

to be a fascinating local election.

Far from being the low-ley poll many had predicted – there were just 37 candidates vying for the 18 Council seats available – the election proved to be fiercely competitive, with lots of drama, tension and heartbreak at the count centre as the fate of candidates was determined.

While the Roscommon Municipal LEA contest was fairly straightforward – still,

two new councillors were elected, and there were some very impressive performances – there were epic battles in Athlone and Boyle, the two remaining local electoral areas in the county.

Each of the three electoral areas returns six councillors. Last weekend’s results means Fianna Fáil will return to the Council chamber as the largest party, with five councillors elected (down from six); Fine Gael will return with

four councillors (a gain of two); Sinn Féin has one, and there will be eight independent councillors.

The newly-elected councillors are Leah Cull, Micheál Frain and Sean Moylan (Boyle); Larry Brennan and Gareth Scahill (Roscommon); and Domnick Connolly (Athlone). Five of these are first-time councillors, while Connolly –who had a stunning comeback success after his cause seemed lost earlier in the

count – is a veteran councillor who had lost his seat in 2019.

‘Control’ of the new Council will now almost certainly fall to a coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and one or more from the Independents/Sinn Féin block. Negotiations with a view to putting together a majority grouping on the 18-strong Council (i.e. a block of at least ten councillors) are already informally underway.

SIPTU members strike in Roscommon ‘to save National Advocacy Service’

SIPTU members employed in the National Advocacy Service took to the picket lines across the country on Wednesday, 12th of June as part of a strike which they say is aimed at protecting the vital assistance they provide to disabled citizens.

SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King, said: “The failure to maintain the pay and conditions of National Advocacy Service staff in line with those doing similar jobs is threatening the future of the service due to an inability to recruit new workers and experienced staff leaving.

“The workers took their case to have similar pay and conditions as people carrying out similar work to the Labour Court in January. They were given a favourable recommendation but their employer has not implemented it. This has left them with no option but to take strike action”.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan Carr, said: “National Advocacy Service staff carry out vital and confidential work with some of our most vulnerable citizens.

“The service works with more than 1500 disabled people each year providing in-person advocacy interventions in areas including housing, access to justice, health care, safeguarding and supporting in decision-making. This work includes accompanying clients to meetings with state agencies, helping advise them in court cases and

working with them in hospitals and long-care settings”.

SIPTU Activist and National Advocacy Service staff member, Martina Kilgallon, on the picket line outside the Roscommon Citizens Information Service office in Roscommon West Business Park, County Roscommon, said: “Many clients are in institutions, inappropriately accommodated or living in the community with no supports at all and the National

Advocacy Service is essential to supporting them to have their human rights respected as they should be under national and international law”.

She added: “The unfortunate impact strike action will have on service clients is deeply regretted by the staff. However, it is the outcome of intransigence by those who control the service and the Government. The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Hum-

phreys, has allowed a situation to arise where a government-funded body refuses to recognise a Labour Court recommendation, leaving us with no option but strike action”. Pickets have been placed outside National Advocacy Service offices in Dublin 7, Tallaght, Bray, County Wicklow, Athlone, County Westmeath, Tullamore, County Offaly, Limerick City, County Roscommon, Waterford City, Cork City and Kilkenny.

SIPTU members on the picket line outside the Roscommon Citizens Information Service office in Roscommon West Business Park, Roscommon on Wednesday.

Kenny pictured selling sunflowers that he grew to raise money for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

Newly-elected councillor, Larry Brennan, pictured with family members, friends and supporters. Pic: Kieran Croghan

newsbriefs

Jubilee of Marriages in Fourmilehouse

Couples celebrating their silver, ruby, golden or diamond anniversaries are invited to attend a Jubilee Mass along with their families and friends at 2 pm on Sunday, September 22nd, in St Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House, or at 2.30 pm on Sunday, October 6th, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo. Light refreshments will be served for all in attendance after both Masses. As each couple that’s celebrating an anniversary will receive a certi cate from Bishop Kevin Doran, they are asked to register their details via elphindiocese. ie/jubilee2024.

Kilbride Active Age

The Kilbride Active Age group meets every Tuesday at 2 pm. New members are always welcome. On the 14th and 15th of June, the group are o to the Allingham Arms in Bundoran for a 2-night music break with Mick Flavin and Jimmy Buckley.

Music-lovers to descend on Roscommon for ‘Day with Stars’

TOP ENTERTAINERS FOR RACECOURSE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 23

On Sunday, June 23rd, thousands of music-lovers will descend on Roscommon Town for the annual Day with the Stars, which will see some of Ireland’s top country entertainers perform at Roscommon Racecourse, which has become a favourite for fans of live music from all over Ireland and abroad. The event, which is presented by Shannonside Northern Sound Radio, will feature some of the best known names in Irish country music, including Derek Ryan, Mike Denver, Jimmy Buckley and Cliona Hagan, along with many more. Joe Finnegan from Shannonside Northern Sound stated this week that the event will welcome visitors from right across Ireland and the UK.

“This year we will also see visitors coming into Roscommon from across the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain. Our aim is to give the festival international recognition and I feel we have succeeded in doing that”.

Roscommon native Brendan

like superstar Michael English, Patrick Feeney, Claudia Buckley, and Robert Mizzell, Brendan Jermyn, David James, and Olivia Douglas.

The world renowned Shannonside Northern Sound Orchestra will come together on the day to entertain the crowds.

Tickets are currently on sale at local outlets including Fleming’s SuperValu, Roscommon Town; Mace, Castlerea; Corrib Oil, Boyle; Towey’s, Castlerea; Mulvey’s, Carrick-on-Shannon; Joe O’Brien’s, Lanesboro; Golden Discs Athlone, and Ticketmaster.ie.

On the actual day itself, a limited number of tickets will be available at the main gate. These will be sold on a first come first served basis.

Children aged under 12 who are accompanied by their parent or guardian will be admitted free of charge. Free car parking is available on site, including self-contained camper vans. However, camping on site with tents will not be permitted.

The event will also see full bar and catering facilities being provided on site. Gates open at 12 midday. Show commences at 2 pm.

The place to be on Sunday, June 23rd is Roscommon Town!

MS Ireland Church Gate collections

On the weekend of 15th/16th of June 2024, Multiple Sclerosis Ireland is holding its Annual Church Gate Collection at Mass times at the following churches: Ballinamore Bridge/Toghergar, Ballygar, Ballymoe, Glinsk and Newbridge. They would like to extend a word of gratitude to each and every supporter and also to the loyal Church Gate collectors and their helpers.

Shine, who has taken his music all over the world to massive acclaim, will join a cast of stars on the day

Mike Denver

Jimmy Buckley

Exploring Men’s Health

Join us for a Men’s Health Morning in Roscommon Library (F42 RP49) on this Friday, June 14th for a day of free events. Special guest on the day will be Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador, Paddy Joe Burke. A wide range of events will take place on the day.

Free blood pressure checks and lifestyle advice will also be given as the Irish Heart Foundation Mobile Health Unit will be parked outside the library from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Drop-ins are welcome – no appointment necessary.

Proceedings begin at 10.15am with a session of Chair Yoga by Marese Cregg which will be followed at 11.20am by the launch of the new Activator Poles lending service, provided by Roscommon Library in association with Roscommon Sports Partnership. This will

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL BRIEFS

be followed by a demonstration and a health and well-being talk with Louise Tully.

The Men’s Health Morning is delivered as an initiative through Healthy Ireland and Healthy Roscommon, Roscommon Library services, the Roscommon Age Friendly Network and Roscommon Sports Partnership.

Celebrating children’s creativity

Cruinniú na nÓg a children’s festival of creativity, self-expression, and inspiration takes place this Saturday, June 15th. All children are invited with their families to escape into a wonderland of fun. Activities on the day include Dance Parties, Puppet Shows, Storytelling, Nature Crafts, Robotics Workshop, Science, Sports, Circus Performers, Face

Painting, Balloon Modelling, Sensory Play, Baby Bopping and more!

Among the many highlights of the day are a Carers Connect Exhibition taking place from 1pm to 3pm. Roscommon Young Carers exhibit their mural project, created with artist Emily Cuddy Beninghove. The event takes place in The Square, Roscommon Town. No booking is required.

for the small grant scheme, please email heritage@roscommoncoco.ie or phone 090 6637136 by Friday, June 28th. Alternatively, visit www.heritageweek.ie for more information or follow #heritageweek2024 on social media.

Children’s storytime will also form a feature of the day. At 10.30am and 12pm author Helen McSharry reads from her latest children’s book ‘The Return of The Tuatha Dé Danann’ in Castlerea and Boyle Libraries respectively. Later from 2pm to 3pm author and illustrator Lucy Kelly Desmond reads from her book ‘The Horse, the Stars and the Road’ in Strokestown Library. No booking is required.

Full details of all projects and events

are available via the Cruinniu na nÓg website. Cruinniú na nÓg is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme at The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and is presented in partnership with RTÉ, Roscommon County Council and Roscommon Local Creative Youth Partnership.

Register now for National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week, one of Ireland’s largest cultural events, will run from Saturday 17th August to Sunday 25th August. This year celebrates the theme of ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’.

If you are interested in organising an event, have an event idea one would like to discuss, or would like to apply

Roscommon Field Names Seminar

If you are interested in finding out about place names and field names, come along to Roscommon Field Names Project Seminar in Hannon’s Hotel Roscommon on Friday 5th July from 10am to 1. A light lunch will be provided. This event is free but booking is required by phone on 090 6637136 or by email to heritage@roscommoncoco.ie. This project is supported by The Heritage Council as an action of Co. Roscommon Heritage Plan.

Eanna makes splash at National Water Awards ceremony

The artistic Eanna Loughnane, Newtown National School National, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon, was among the inspirational prize-winners at the annual An Taisce Green Schools Water Awards. Eanna was the regional winner of the poster competition at the Dublin ceremony.

Uisce Éireann’s Geoffrey Bourke, who presented the awards alongside An Taisce’s Cathy Baxer, was in awe of the students’ creativity and imagination.

He said: “Those of us lucky enough to be in attendance could not help but be inspired by the children’s stories of how they worked together to protect the valuable water resource and how they inspired their communities to use less water. They are a great example to us all”.

The annual event marks the eleventh year of Uisce Éireann’s sponsorship of An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme which supports schools working to gain a Green Flag under the water theme.

Throughout the current academic year, An Taisce has been engaging directly with 519 schools on the Water Flag, working with 142,820 students and 12,857 teachers across the country.

F42 P440

manager

Special Family Tree Healing Mass

A Special Family Tree Healing Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy on Monday, 17th of June, commencing at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr John Walsh from Limerick. 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. Refreshments will be available afterwards. All are most welcome. Eircode is N37W704.

Is proud to be the first law firm in Ireland to join the four-day working week

Roscommon

Davy Burke’s wife Shauna and son Shay pictured at the recent All-Ireland Football Championship Group Two match against Mayo at Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Pictured are Cathy Baxter of An Taisce, Eanna Loughnane, a pupil of Newtown National School, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon, and Geo rey Bourke, Uisce Éireann.

End of Year Success

Coláiste an Chreagáin, Mountbellew leading the way in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)

ROBOTICS CLUB: 2024 was the second year, Coláiste an Chreagáin’s Science and Engineering students were involved in the VEX Robotics school’s competition (hosted by ATU and sponsored by Boston Scientific) The competition is the culmination of months of hard work by students designing, building, trouble-shooting and coding their robot – “Louise”, pictured above middle. The school’s robotic club ran by Ms O’Dea, Science Teacher, encourages and supports the development of future engineers and scientists.

Coláiste an Chreagáin Students Partner with University of Galway in Research Project using AI Software

Students from Coláiste an Chreagáin have joined forces with the University of Galway to participate in the Crowd4Access project, an innovative citizen science initiative to enhance pedestrian accessibility on footpaths. This collaborative effort seeks to create more inclusive urban environments by meticulously mapping footpath accessibility using free, open-sourced AI software. Students from Coláiste an Chreagáin are proud to contribute to this initiative, recognising that everyone will face challenges navigating urban footpaths at some point. Whether it’s a wheelchair user requiring access ramps, a parent

with a buggy, a runner seeking an even surface, or a visually impaired individual needing tactile pavement. The research carried out by

Smaller Class Sizes and Extra Supports for Students

Smaller class sizes in Coláiste an Chreagáin means that students get extra support from their teachers and time for one to one support when needed. Practical Life Skills are part of the curriculum delivery in Coláiste an Chreagáin. Pictured below are TY students who learned how to dig a foundation, lay blocks and roof a small structure

students from Coláiste an Chreagáin strengthens the request from local authorities for safe pedestrian crossings in the town.

Students attended GRETB Celebration of the Arts awards ceremony recently with Principal, Teresa Silke where they accepted awards for Solo Singing and Drama. Pictured is CEO of GRETB David Leahy presenting the awards to 3rd Year Students.

State of the art Science Laboratory at Coláiste an Chreagáin

Coláiste an Chreagáin situated 1km from the centre of Mountbellew has extensive grounds and outdoor sports facilities, including a state of the art new Science Laboratory. A new Multi-Media and Woodwork Building will commence in Autumn 2024.

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE FOR 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR

Another year of exceptional achievements for Construction, Engineering &

Wood Technology Students

High marks achieved in State Exams

The Construction Federation Industry advises that “In the coming weeks, the Government will announce an investment programme worth €115b that will mean the construction industry will provide career security for the next decade. In addition, the Government has unveiled a plan to produce 35,000 houses per year for the next five years. So there will be an abundance of work for young people starting their careers. Overall, it is estimated that the industry needs at least 110,000 new workers over the next three years to keep pace with the demand for activity. The industry now provides technology-driven careers in addition to engineering roles and of course traditional trades.

Working with a Pillar Drill in Engineering Lab

Working with the Laser Printer in Engineering Class Planning and Designing using Graphics Software

Working with a Wood Sander in Wood Technology Lab

Examples of Completed Projects in 2024

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

‘Blue moon over all our worlds’ after passing of a special man

Our columnist Frank Brandon pays tribute to his late brother, Peadar. Elsewhere in his column this week, Frank reflects on some of last weekend’s sporting highlights, from the Munster hurling final to sensational European Championship success for Irish athletes…

Last Saturday week, shortly after 8 am, I got a phone call from my brother Kieran, to tell me that our eldest brother, Peadar, had passed away. Now for the previous few days or so, we had been expecting the worst; the medical prognosis wasn’t good. But up until then, while having treatment for a form of cancer, Peadar was in good form – so much so that he had just bought himself a new car and had his turf cut… definitely not the actions of a man who thought his time on earth was up.

On the Sunday evening we had a family get-together out in his house in Clonberne, where we reminisced on many aspects of his life, and got to say our goodbyes in private. On the Monday afternoon, he reposed in the community centre, where people could come to sympathise with the family and say their own goodbyes. At 5.20, after prayers, the public started to file past, and for more than three hours several hundreds of them paid their respects and conveyed their sympathies to Peadar’s children – Liam, Raymond, Gareth, and Edel – and

to all other members of his family, including his remaining four brothers.

The huge numbers really brought home to us all the enormous love, respect, and goodwill so many people had for Peadar, reflecting so many different aspects of his life. There were representatives there from several bridge clubs; he was an avid bridge player, and himself and his (very) long-time friend and bridge partner Bert Curley were known and hugely respected throughout the entire card-playing community. Loads of rugby clubs came to pay their respects, as well, of course, as Mountbellew Golf Club, of which he was a member nearly all his life. And all the school children from Clonberne lined the roads each day in a very impressive Guard of Honour. Creggs GAA and rugby clubs were heavily represented, as well as Clonberne GAA Club, and if I have missed anyone out, I apologise sincerely as it was impossible to take note of everyone.

As it happened, after about two hours of shaking hands and meeting people, I began to feel a bit unwell, and by all accounts turned as white as a sheet and almost fainted. So many people came to my aid that I cannot thank them all individually, but special thanks to paramedics Tony Finnegan and Darren Kearney and nurse Stella Grogan, who went out of their way to attend to me. Thanks as well to my nephews Colm and James, who got me loads of crunchie bars and cans of Cidona to get my sugar levels up (both must have been so traumatised that James is now in Peru, while Colm is in London! Only joking – James is on holidays and Colm is working), and also to everyone who got water for me to drink and a chair to sit on. Jimmy

Gannon, his wife Carmel (from Creggs), and their daughter Tracey, also helped me greatly.

In the heel of the hunt, after (in my opinion) recovering quickly, I found myself being landed down to Castlebar Hospital by my daughter, Tara. I spent the night there, where after extensive tests, I got the all-clear the next morning. Well, more or less all-clear… to go with my other extensive lists of ailments, they need to have another look at my gallbladder. It was my first time to be in Castlebar, and once again I couldn’t speak highly enough of hospital staff – the care I got was top class. And so it was back to Clonberne for the funeral Mass on Tuesday, where Peadar’s son, Raymond paid tribute to his father by delivering as fine a eulogy as I have ever heard, and where the local church choir provided some lovely singing. A song that I have liked for a few years

now, ‘There’s a Blue Moon over my World Without You’ was beautifully sung by Mrs Rabbitte, and I just thought how appropriate it was as there will be a lot of blue moons over a lot of worlds without Peadar. Fr Tommy Gibbons, Fr Michael O’Brien, and Fr Paddy Mooney presided over the lovely funeral Mass, after which we headed for the wonderfully laid out graveyard, where we laid Peadar to rest beside the love of his life, Teresa.

When all that was done, a big number of us headed back to The Country Inn, where the fantastically talented Maloney brothers – Aidan and Declan – and their staff at Delicious Catering treated us to a really top class meal. Afterwards, we chatted and reminisced about Peadar and his late wife Teresa, and in keeping with Irish tradition we had a few quiet pints, a few recitations, and a few songs, all before home time arrived around seven o’clock… for me at least. I imagine it may have been a bit later for some others. As so many people have said to me since, “Peadar got a great send-off”.

Many times over the last eighteen years or so I have written tributes to parishioners and friends who have passed on, but I have to admit it’s so much harder to do it about my brother. However, over the last week, I have learned so much about Peadar that even I didn’t know! In his younger days he was a champion shot-putter, a county hurler and footballer with Roscommon, a brilliant out-half for Creggs Rugby Club, and a great club footballer, also for Creggs. He was always a good golfer, and no matter how ‘Duff’ and I tried – irrespective of how many shots he gave us – we could never beat him. And of course as a bridge player he was up there with the best.

However, it seems to have been as a community man and as a principal/school teacher that he left his biggest mark. As a community man, he helped out in lots of ways, including being a bingo caller on Monday nights. And judging by the many tributes paid to him by his former pupils, as a principal/school teacher he played a huge part in developing the lives and interests of so many people. It is obvious that his weekly quizzes, as well as his interest in sports, were greatly appreciated by everyone he taught, and obviously he was never averse to spending extra time after school helping pupils in whatever way he could. Peadar started out in his teaching career in Meelick school near Loughglynn way back in the 1960s, and it is a tribute to him as a teacher that the family received messages of sympathy from former pupils in Meelick, as they also did from former pupils of Leitra and Lehrin.

He was also a great family man. There is no doubt that as a husband, father, grandfather, and brother, he was among the very best. But if ever a man wanted no public accolades or kudos for anything he achieved, that man was Peadar. Modesty and humility were part and parcel of his make-up, and for him, it was always about other people – never about himself.

A friend of his said to me over the last few days that if he could ever have been someone else, he would like to have been Peadar, “because he was such a kind man, who always saw the good in everyone and everything”.

As we bid farewell to Peadar, I want to extend my sincerest sympathies to his children and grandchildren – there really is a blue moon over all our worlds without him. May he rest in peace.

Success stories from the sporting week And finally…

It’s Sunday evening now as I write, and the dust is settling on yet another Munster hurling final victory for the all-conquering Limerick hurlers, and there is little doubt that they are the hottest of favourites to win what would be a fifth All-Ireland in a row.

However for me, with regards to sporting matters, the highlight of this week (for many, a long week) has to be the re-emergence of our athletes as a force on the world stage. The performance of our mixed 4 x 400 metres relay team, winning gold at the European Championships in Rome, was absolutely fantastic. Chris O’Donnell, Thomas Barr, Rhasidat

Adeleke and Sharlene Mawdsley won the gold medal with a championship record time of 3.09.92, and in so doing, followed Sonia O’Sullivan as the only Irish athletes to have (by then) won European Gold medals. Sonia won hers in 1995, so it’s taken 29 years to emulate her achievement!

As I write, I have just watched the semi-finals of the women’s 400-metres semi-final, and two of our gold medal-winning relay team – Rhasidat Adeleke and Sharlene Mawdsley – have qualified for the final, which, for a little country like Ireland, is an almost unbelievable achievement. It’s been a long time since the likes of Sonia O’Sullivan,

Catherina McKiernan, John Treacy, and Eamonn Coghlan were flying the flag on the world stage, and hopefully now the likes of those two ladies will keep producing at the highest level and inspire future generations of Irish athletes to perform on the international stage. By the time you read this we will know how the ladies got on in their final – here’s hoping for another medal at least!

*Editor’s note: Ireland’s great European Championship ‘run’ continued since Frank last put pen to paper, with multiple medal wins as the week went on.

This last week history was made, as for the very first time since the Roscommon People was first published almost 18 years ago, I had no column in the paper. I am well aware that no one else will have noticed, so I decided I’d better tell ye! Anyway, the good news is I’m back – and I hope you didn’t miss me too much!

The late Peader Brandon. May he Rest in Peace.

18 councillors, one Honorary Consul, and lots of drama!

 SEAMUS DUKE

What is it with Roscommon and elections? Some people were predicting that the local elections of 2024 would be very humdrum, with not too much excitement to report. Those people were wrong (again) as some incredible stories emerged over the course of what was a marathon weekend at the Hyde Centre.

You knew that something big was in the offing when the new Honorary Consul for the Republic of Azerbaijan (Terry Leyden) was in attendance to ‘preside’ over the proceedings!

One wag asked: “What do we call you now Terry in your new position?” Terry just laughed it off as the serious business continued all around us.

There were stories of joy and heartbreak in all three local electoral areas.

In the Athlone Municipal District, Emer Kelly, who was standing in her first election (she was co-opted during the lifetime of the last council after Ivan Connaughton stepped down) turned in a stunning performance with almost 2,000 first preference votes. It’s really refreshing to see a young female politician making such a name for herself.

The beaming Emer arrived into the count centre on Sunday along with family and friends. There too were fellow candidates and serious vote-getters, Tony Ward and John Naughten. Between the three of them they clocked up 5,482 first preference votes. Some achievement for all three.

Sitting councillors Larry Fallon and John Keogh also polled well and were elected in later counts, but one of the most dramatic stories of the 2024 local election would come in this electoral area. But not until 3.30 am on Monday morning. More on that later.

Probably the most predictable electoral area was the Roscommon Municipal District. Most forecasts were that it would be ‘seven for six’ and this assessment was proven to be spot

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on as it became evident early on that Robbie McConn, even though he polled very well, was slightly behind the ‘big six’.

Sitting councillors Paschal Fitzmaurice, Nigel Dineen, Marty McDermott and Tony Waldron polled very well and looked home and dry from early on Saturday evening. The Castlerea area votes stayed local too. First-time candidate Gareth Scahill attracted a great vote and he was always going to be elected, with long-estabished councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice doing very well too. The Castlerea votes stayed in Castlerea. Then we come to Larry Brennan, who was running for the third time. He tried his luck again on this occasion after Orla Leyden decided not to run. It turned out to be a good decision. Larry is a great community man and popular around the county town and beyond. He gets his chance now after a number of disappointments.

Robbie McConn (a good

personal friend of mine) was just squeezed out. Although he got a very good vote, it indicated once again that there is not a big Fine Gael vote in the Roscommon town area currently. A number of Fine Gael candidates over the years have found that out. Robbie put in a huge effort but just fell short. The cruelty of it all. In the Boyle area, there were always going to be changes, and we ended up with a cliffhanger. At the top of the poll Valerie Byrne came up trumps once again with a very strong showing. ‘Mr Ballaghaderreen’ himself Micheal Frain finally gets his chance on the council after a number of disappointments, and he will be delighted with his personal vote. One of the new rising stars of Roscommon politics is Sinn Féin’s Leah Cull, who bucked the national trend for her party with a superb showing.

But back to the Athlone Municipal District. When I left the count centre at 11.30 pm on

Sunday night, all the political analysts, tally people, party personnel and various observers were calling the final seat as being a battle between young candidates James Murray of Fianna Fáil and Sam Brooks of Sinn Féin, with veteran Domnick Connolly (now back in the Fine Gael fold) a distant third. Not one person I spoke to gave Domnick a serious chance. To be honest I didn’t think he had a hope either.

When I woke early on Monday morning and looked at my phone I couldn’t believe my eyes. He had made it! Domnick hung in there until the very end and the fact that James Murray (from his local area) was eliminated pushed him over the line. It was an incredible victory.

When preparing for this article I looked up the history of local elections in Roscommon. The first local election that I covered officially was in 1991. On that occasion Domnick took the last seat in the Roscommon

area after a battle with Seamus McDermott. Now 33 years later the Fuerty man is back on the council again, having missed out in the last election.

I know Domnick for over 30 years. He is a mighty character. I rang him on Monday. We both laughed heartily first at the good of what had happened. I then said to him: “I thought you had no chance when I was here last night”. He replied: “I didn’t think I had a chance either”.

As one experienced political observer remarked to me on Monday – ‘Lazarus Connolly’.

But the drama wasn’t over.

In fact it played out right until 10.20 pm on Monday night. The contest in the Boyle area was so close that only three votes separated two candidates at one stage. No surprise then that a recount was called.

On Sunday evening another widely-held view was that sitting councillor Liam Callaghan was set to lose his seat. However, similar to the Domnick

Connolly fightback, Liam hung in there and emerged victorious alongside newcomer Sean Moylan and veteran Tom Crosby, thus signalling the completion of the count. It had been a long weekend and the longest local election count here that I can remember.

It was a gruelling marathon for count staff, security personel, the tally people, the candidates and their families, and the media too, but when you have stories unfolding like the ones we saw over the weekend it’s a timely reminder that there is something special about how we go about elections in this country. Another weekend of drama had finally concluded. That’s Roscommon elections for you. It’s never over until it’s over.

*A word of thanks to Brian Carroll who provided a wonderful service on WhatsApp over the weekend with up to the minute tallies, counts and all the developments from the Hyde Centre.

THE PEOPLE DECIDED… an assessment of Election 2024

Solid Fianna Fáil performance

Fianna Fáil performed well in last Friday’s local elections in County Roscommon, taking 7,600 votes and five of the 18 seats on Roscommon County Council.

Party bosses will be satisfied to have lost just one of the six seats won in 2019, considering the absences of three A-lister surnames who have led the Fianna Fáil tickets locally for decades: Leyden, Roscommon Town (50 years); Murphy, Strokestown (40 years); and Cummins, Boyle (25 years).

Central to this success was its sweep of three seats in the Roscommon-Castlerea area, with dominant performances from Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice and Cllr Marty McDermott. Larry Brennan and Cllr John Keogh (Athlone EA) were both elected comfortably, and in the Boyle EA newcomer Seán Moylan had a superb performance. New Athleague candidate James Murray came close also.

Fianna Fáil’s task now is to meld these positives into a coherent platform for the General Election. With the right strategy, they will be in a strong position to win a Dáil seat in Roscommon.

Fine Gael makes progress – and gains

Fine Gael made significant progress, doubling its

Council seats from two to four – its best result in Roscommon in fifteen years – and polling 6,000 first preference votes in the process. A new beginning for the party after a difficult decade, and a positive footing ahead of the General Election.

FG will be very proud of Castlerea-based Gareth Scahill’s success. West Roscommon is the county’s most competitive political environment – stomping ground of Cllrs Paschal Fitzmaurice, Tony Waldron and Nigel Dineen. Yet Scahill created a new seat among those ‘big beasts’.

The icing on the FG cake is the stunning success of Domnick Connolly in the Athlone EA. Struggling after the first count, his lifetime of activism and an extensive canvass around the district yielded big transfers. A veteran of seven elections stretching back to 1991, politics has been a long and winding road for him. Out of politics altogether for five years and out of both the Athlone EA and Fine Gael for a decade, he showed courage to put his name forward and to win.

Fine Gael will be pleased too with the very strong vote for Drum-based Cllr John Naughten, the re-election of Cllr Liam Callaghan in the Boyle EA, and the competitive performances of Arigna’s Dympna Daly-Finn and Roscommon Town’s Robert McConn. And Creagh-based solicitor Alan Harney won a Galway County Council seat in Ballinasloe, winning on the first count with 1,784 No. 1s, despite being unable to vote for himself!

Incumbency + Independence = winning formula

It’s fair to say, in a county with two of three TDs sitting as Independents, that Roscommon voters like non-party candidates. Local tallies from the European Parliament elections showed Ciaran Mullooly and Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP dominating in every voting station in Roscommon. Today it’s clear that poll-topper Flanagan will retain his seat. With votes still being counted, Mullooly is looking like a winner too. With 15 counties in the Midlands-North-West 5-seat constituency, having two Independent MEPs in the Roscommon region would be remarkable.

The Council results show that Roscommon voters like to vote Independent in the local elections also. Eight of the 18 newly-elected councillors are Independents, including new Ballaghaderreenbased Micheál Frain, who amassed 1,355 No 1s. And incumbency is a decisive advantage in Roscommon Council elections: 12 outgoing councillors sought re-election; all 12 were re-elected. Incumbency + Independence is the winning formula.

There were some big performances – Ballyforan’s Emer Kelly stormed to the top of the poll in the Athlone EA, slightly ahead of usual poll-topper Tony Ward and also Cllr Laurence Fallon, who polled strongly. Popular Independents Cllr Tony

locality.

scored across all of the sprawling Roscommon/Castlerea EA – remarkably topping the poll in two polling stations that are 50kms apart – Cloonfad and Ballymurray.

Leah Cull a bright star on a day of disappointment for Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin put forward six candidates – one less than FF and the same as FG – polling 4,000 votes and winning one seat.

SF’s Leah Cull (Boyle EA) shares first prize with Emer Kelly (Ind, Athlone EA) for outstanding performance in these Roscommon elections. Cllr Cull pulled a big vote, despite the wind against her party and a crowded 3-candidate SF ticket in the Boyle EA. She also had to contend with a strong local FG candidate in Arigna, Dympna Daly-Finn, who lost out on election by just three votes.

SF newcomer Sam Brooks performed well from his Taughmaconnell base, narrowly missing out on victory.

Sinn Féin will be disappointed with the results in Roscommon and throughout the country. But local elections are not predictors of General Elections: all parties and Independent candidates have a lot of work to do between now and the General Election. The people will decide.

Waldron and Cllr Valerie Byrne won huge votes again, and veteran Cllr Tom Crosby dominated in his

Cllr Nigel Dineen

THE RESULTS

After quiet start, count delivered drama, joy and disappointment

PAUL HEALY

On a weekend of significant election drama in County Roscommon, the most dramatic battle was in Boyle Municipal LEA where a recount called on Sunday night ultimately culminated in sitting councillor Liam Callaghan (Fine Gael) edging our fellow party representative and first-time candidate, Dympna DalyFinn.

For most of the weekend, Cllr Callaghan’s seat looked in great peril, and his success and that of former Fine Gael councillor Domnick Connolly – who dramatically edged out Sinn Féin’s Sam Brooks (Athlone LEA) – were two of the highlights of the local elections of 2024 in Roscommon.

Perhaps the most stunning performances of the weekend were those of Leah Cull and Emer Kelly. Cull, a first-time candidate (Sinn Féin), stormed into the Council in the Boyle area, having polled a sensational 1416 number ones. Kelly, a sitting councillor who was going before the electorate for the first time (she was co-opted on to the Council in 2021, to replace Ivan

Connaughton) received a spectacular mandate in Athlone (South Roscommon), topping the poll with almost 2000 votes. Indeed Cllr Kelly’s 1946 first count haul made her the top vote-puller in the entire county.

Cllr Callaghan’s dramatic rescue act came at the expense of Dympna Daly-Finn in the most heartbreaking of fashion for the latter candidate.

After the ninth count, with three candidates already elected, Cllr Callaghan had moved just three votes ahead of his party colleague, Ms Daly-Finn (995 to 992). Independent candidate Paul Forde, who had a very impressive first electoral outing, was actually ahead of the Fine Gael duo, on 1053 votes. Ms DalyFinn called a recount on Sunday night, which proceeded on Monday. When the results of that recount were announced, the gap of three remained, meaning Daly-Finn was eliminated, her transfers predictably benefitting her Fine Gael colleague and electing Callaghan (over Forde). Sean Moylan and Tom Crosby were also elected on that final count.

There had been huge drama in Athlone too, in the battle for the final seat. With five sitting councillors elected earlier, that battle

came down to a three-way contest between Sam Brooks (Sinn Féin), James Murray (Fianna Fáil) and Domnick Connolly, the latter now back in the Fine Gael fold after leaving the party in 2011 over the closure of Roscommon A&E unit. With Connolly back in eighth place after the first count declaration – having polled a disappointing 482 first preferences – his prospects of completing a comeback (he lost his seat in 2019) seemed extremely slim. As eliminations and the distribution of votes continued in this LEA, it seemed increasingly likely that Brooks, an 18-year-old first-time candidate, would take a seat. Meanwhile, in the battle for bragging rights out Athleague way, Murray was consistently ahead of Connolly, and still in with a shout. By count 7, Brooks held an apparently decisive 250 vote lead over Connolly, who had edged ahead of Murray by virtue of a series of small timely head-to-head wins on the distribution of (a) Tony Ward surplus, (b) John Naughten surplus, (c) Laurence Fallon surplus, (d) Dominic Naughton vote, and (e) Joe Harney vote. Murray recovered ground on Connolly on foot of John

Keogh’s surplus, but not by enough. With Brooks on 1002, Connolly on 743 and Murray on 728, the latter candidate was eliminated. It was a very solid performance by Murray. While Connolly had managed to stay in the race longer than Murray, he still had a much bigger mountain to climb. Count 9 would see the distribution of Murray’s 728 votes. Connolly needed to win at least 260 more of them than Brooks. As it transpired, Brooks received 76 transfers, bringing his total to 1078; that meant Connolly needed a massive 336 to win. While Murray is geographically close to Connolly, they are representing different parties. Connolly’s enormous transfer gain – plus 373 – propelled him to a sensational win. It was a crushing way for Brooks to lose out, but a remarkable comeback by Connolly. Kelly and Cull were big winners over the weekend, as was Domnick Connolly. Liam Callaghan retained his seat in the most tense fashion. But there were other stand-out performances. In Boyle LEA, Micheál Frain was elected, securing a very impressive 1335 first preferences. In Roscommon, Larry Brennan’s long journey to

the Council was finally completed, the well-known community activist comfortably being elected (polling 1198 on the first count). Also in Castlerea, Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael) became a first-time councillor in style on the back of 1168 first preference votes. Sean Moylan of Fianna Fáil was another of the big winners over the weekend, a superb outing for him (1278 on first count) securing a seat.

One of the most impressive performances of the weekend came from Cllr Marty McDermott in Roscommon, who increased his first preference vote from 1173 in 2019 to 1626, a rise which will add to speculation that the Oran native might consider a General Election run in the near future.

There were impressive vote tallies by Anthony Waldron (1390) and Nigel Dineen (1298) in Roscommon, and by Laurence Fallon (1202) in Athlone, and by serial ‘big-hitters’ Paschal Fitzmaurice (1853), Valerie Byrne (1565), John Naughten (1750) and Tony Ward (1786).

Poll-topping honours went to Emer Kelly (1946) in Athlone; Valerie Byrne (1565) in Boyle, and Paschal Fitzmaurice (1853) in Roscommon.



Byrne and Cull dominant, Callaghan prevails after recount drama

BOYLE MUNICIPAL AREA

BOYLE ANALYSIS

< EMMETT CORCORAN

The Boyle Local Electoral Area (LEA) has been one of the hardest LEAs to predict since both outgoing Fianna Fáil councillors have stepped away from politics. Between them, Cllr

John Cummins (Boyle) and Cllr Joe Murphy (Strokestown) earned 2,927 first preferences in 2019.

Sean Moylan (FF, Tulsk) and Aidan Sampey (FF, Frenchpark) polled 1278 and 429 first preferences, respectively. A marked decrease in the party’s vote from 2019, but with the exit of two huge names from the political arena this was anticipated for Fianna Fáil. Of course Moylan’s first preference vote was a very significant one.

Fine Gael adopted a cautious two-candidate strategy also, with Cllr Liam Callaghan (Tulsk) and Dympna Daly-Finn (Arigna) managing a very tight vote; it resulted in an approximate 55%/45% split in first preferences, in favour of DalyFinn.

Despite early indications from the count floor that the next preference votes were breaking slightly in Daly-Finn’s favour, a shock 8th count result pushed Cllr Callaghan ahead of the newcomer by just three votes. This prompted a request from Daly-Finn for a recount which was granted by Returning Officer Caitlin Conneely shortly after 3 am on Monday.

The recount found no material change in the results of the poll with both Callaghan and Daly-Finn having two votes (each) excluded due to them not having been properly stamped.

This meant the margin between the two candidates remained the same and Daly-Finn was subsequently eliminated. Her elimination and transfer of votes ultimately went on to elect Cllr Callaghan without him reaching the quota. Sean Moylan and Tom Crosby were also elected at this point.

The truly stand-out performance in this LEA was that of Leah Cull. The soon-to-be councillor Cull amassed a stag-

gering 1416 first preferences. Sinn Féin has held a seat in this LEA for some time but the future for the party became uncertain with the unexpected retirement of Cllr Micheal Mulligan (Ballaghaderreen).

Ms Cull along with her two running mates, Rory Williams Doyle (Strokestown, 426 FP) and Angela Beirne (Ballaghaderreen, 589 FP), secured 2431 first preferences in this LEA. Ms Cull was elected on the fifth count having reached 1638 votes, 10 votes above the quota of 1628. These votes came into play in later counts as the margin between candidates shrunk and their distribution ultimately prompted the recount request by Fine Gael’s Daly-Finn.

As was always going to be the case, full-time councillor Valerie Byrne performed very well. She topped the poll in this LEA with 1565 first preferences and was elected on the third count having reached 1663 votes.

After previous close but ultimately unsuccessful runs, Ballaghaderreen’s Michéal Frain roared into ‘poll position’ with 1355 first preferences. Mr Frain was deemed elected on the seventh count having accumulated a massive 1837 votes. He was put over the quota with a huge block of votes (290) that were transferred from Angela Beirne (SF) following her elimination and the redistribution of her 745 votes.

The senior member of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Tom Crosby (first elected to Roscommon County Council 33 years ago) looked safe from the first count with 1065 first preferences and had transferred up to 1338 votes when he was elected on the tenth and final count. At the time the recount was requested, Cllr Crosby was on 1254 votes and was never in any danger of losing his seat.

Independent Ireland candidate Paul Forde (Boyle) out-performed all expectations. A postmaster in Boyle, Mr Forde was the only candidate running in the largest urban centre in the LEA. As a first-time candidate for a new political party, Mr Forde secured a respectable 830 first preference votes. Sajjad (Saj) Hussain, a second-time independent candidate in this LEA secured 411 first preferences before his elimination on the 5th count with 480 votes for redistribution.

Independent councillor Valerie Byrne celebrates with family and friends after her re-election last weekend. Pic: Kieran Croghan

THE RESULTS

BOYLE MUNICIPAL AREA

Electorate: 19,159

Total poll: 11,528

Invalid ballots: 135

Valid poll: 11,393

Quota: 1,628

Seats: 6

FIRST COUNT

Ali, Majid (NP): 95

Alsani, Fayiz (AON): 140

Beirne, Angela (SF): 589

Byrne, Valerie (NP): 1565

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 748

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1065

Cull, Leah (SF): 1416

Daly-Finn, Dympna (FG): 877

Forde, Paul (II): 830

Frain, Micheál (IND): 1355

Hussain, Saj (NP): 411

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1278

Ó Miadh, Caoimhín (IND): 46

Sampey, Aidan (FF): 429

Shanahan, Edmund (IND): 123

Williams Doyle, Rory (SF): 426

No candidate met the quota after the rst count so Majid Ali, Fayiz Alsani, Caoimhín Ó’Miadh and Edmund Shanahan have been eliminated and their combined votes of 404 will now be distributed.

SECOND COUNT

The distribution of Majid Ali, Fayiz Alsani, Caoimhín Ó’Miadh and Edmund Shanahan’s combined votes of 404.

Beirne, Angela (SF): 589 +15 604

Byrne, Valerie (NP): 1565 +47 1612

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 748 +16 764

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1065 +23 1088

Cull, Leah (SF): 1416 +30 1446

Daly-Finn, Dympna (FG): 877 +13 890

Forde, Paul (II): 830 +90 920

Frain, Micheál (IND): 1355 +31 1386

Hussain, Saj (NP): 411 +49 460

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1278 +13 1291

Sampey, Aidan (FF): 429 +6 435

Williams Doyle, Rory (SF): 426 +6 432

No candidate met the quota after the second count so Rory Williams-Doyle has been eliminated and his 432 votes will now be distributed.

THIRD COUNT

The distribution of Rory Williams-Doyle’s 432 votes.

Beirne, Angela (SF): 604 +44 648

Byrne, Valerie (NP): 1612 +51 1663

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 764 +7 771

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1 088 +68 1156

Cull, Leah (SF): 1446 +163 1609

Daly-Finn, Dympna (FG): 890 +8 898

Forde, Paul (II): 920 +4 924

Frain, Micheál (IND): 1386 +5 1391

Hussain, Saj (NP): 460 +11 471

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1291 +45 1336

Sampey, Aidan (FF): 435 +5 440

Valerie Byrne becomes the rst candidate elected for this area. Her surplus of 35 votes will now be distributed.

FOURTH COUNT

The distribution of Valerie Byrne’s surplus of 35 votes.

Beirne, Angela (SF): 648 +5 653

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 771 +5 776

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1156 +8 1164

Cull, Leah (SF): 1609 +5 1614

Daly-Finn, Dympna (FG): 898 +0 898

Forde, Paul (II): 924 +1 925

Frain, Micheál (IND): 1391 +1 1392

Hussain, Saj (NP): 471 +4 475

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1336 +6 1342

Sampey, Aidan (FF): 440 +0 440

Aidan Sampey has now been eliminated and his 440 votes will now be distributed.

FIFTH COUNT

The distribution of Aidan Sampey’s 440 votes.

Beirne, Angela (SF): 653 + 38 691

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 776 + 43 819

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1164 + 17 1181

Cull, Leah (SF): 1614 + 24 1638

Daly-Finn, Dympna (FG): 898 + 24 922

Forde, Paul (II): 925 + 23 948

Frain, Micheál (IND): 1392 + 91 1483

Hussain, Saj (NP): 475 + 5 480

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1342 + 148 1490

Leah Cull becomes the second candidate elected in this area. Saj Hussain has now been eliminated and his 480 votes will now be distributed.

SIXTH COUNT

The distribution of Saj Hussain’s 480 votes.

Beirne, Angela (SF): 691 +54 745

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 819 +26 845

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1181 +21 1202

Daly-Finn, Dympna (FG): 922 +34 956

Forde, Paul (II): 48 +21 969

Frain, Micheál (IND): 1483 +64 1547

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1490 +14 1504

Angela Beirne has been eliminated and her 745 votes will now be distributed.

SEVENTH COUNT

The distribution of Angela Beirne’s 745 votes.

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 845 +89 934

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1202 +33 235

Daly-Finn, Dympna (FG): 956 +21 977

Forde, Paul (II): 969 +50 1019

Frain, Micheál (IND): 1547 +290 1837

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1504 +53 1557

Micheál Frain becomes the third candidate elected in this area. His surplus of 209 will now be distributed.

EIGHTH COUNT

The distribution of Micheál Frain’s surplus of 209 votes.

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 934 +60 994

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1235 +19 1254

Daly-Finn, Dympna (FG): 977 +14 991

Forde, Paul (II): 1019 +32 1051

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1557 +20 1577

No candidate was elected on this count. A previous surplus of 10 votes from Leah Cull will now be distributed.

NINTH COUNT

The distribution of Leah Cull’s surplus of 10 votes.

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 994 +1 995

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1254 +2 1256

Daly-Finn, Dympna (FG): 991 +1 992

Forde, Paul (II): 1051 +2 1053

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1577 +4 1581

Dympna Daly-Finn called for a recount as there was only three votes between herself and Liam Callaghan. Both Dympna Daly-Finn and Liam Callaghan lost two votes as a result of the recount due to papers not being stamped, therefore Dympna Daly-Finn is eliminated and her 990 votes will be distributed.

TENTH AND FINAL COUNT

The distribution of Dympna Daly-Finn’s 990 votes.

Callaghan, Liam (FG): 993 +384 1377

Crosby, Tom (NP): 1256 +82 1338

Forde, Paul (II): 1053 +143 1196

Moylan, Sean (FF): 1581 +177 1758

Sean Moylan, Liam Callaghan and Tom Crosby have all been elected. The six seats for this area are now lled.

“I’m absolutely honoured to have got the rst preferences I did, and I also realise there’s 1416 people behind those votes that put their faith in me”. Leah Cull celebrates her election success. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Connolly wins cliffhanger, Emer Kelly in stunning performance

ATHLONE ANALYSIS

EMMETT CORCORAN

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One of the more nail-biting local electoral areas over the weekend’s count was the Athlone Local Electoral Area (LEA). In this six-seat area, three councillors were elected on the first count. In order of their election, they were: Emer Kelly (Independent), John Naughten (Fine Gael) and Tony Ward (Independent).

Later, as the counts continued, the margin between three candidates in contention for the last seat – Fianna Fáil’s James Murray, Fine Gael’s Domnick Connolly, and Sinn Féin’s Sam Brooks – remained too close to call right up until the final count was revealed.

Following the sixth count, which consisted of the distribution of John Naughten’s surplus, Sinn Féin’s Brooks was on 712 votes, Fine Gael’s Connolly on 721 votes, and Fianna Fáil’s Murray on 701 votes. The spread between these three candidates at this advanced stage was just 20 votes.

Following James Murray’s elimination on the eighth count, his transfers were going to decide whether Fine Gael’s Connolly or Sinn Féin’s Brooks took the final seat. Brooks, an 18-yearold man from Taughmaconnell in the south of the county, finished the election on a very respectable 1,078 votes.

Shortly before 3.30 am on Monday morning, Brooks conceded the election to Connolly when tallies of the transfers coming into the ninth count

revealed that Murray’s transfers were breaking heavily in favour of Connolly and would push him narrowly ahead of Brooks on the final count.

Following that tense redistribution of Murray’s votes, Returning Officer Caitlin Conneely declared the results of the Athlone LEA’s ninth count. Brooks gained 76 votes from Murray’s elimination, bringing him to 1,078; however, Fine Gael’s Connolly, who was trailing Brooks by 150 votes on the seventh count, received an influx of 373 transfers, pushing him ahead of Brooks and seeing him elected with 1,116 votes without reaching the quota.

Domnick Connolly’s return to electoral politics was described by senior Fine Gael party representatives as a “Lazarus moment” – comparing Connolly’s political comeback to that of a miracle. Earlier in the proceedings, Cllr Laurence Fallon had secured 1202 first preferences. He was subsequently elected on the third count following the distribution of Tony Ward’s surplus and surpassing the quota of 1403 votes, finishing up with 1497 votes. Meanwhile, John Keogh was the fifth candidate to be elected (seventh count). The current Council Cathaoirleach polled 931 number ones.

Sinn Fein’s Joe Harney, another first-time contender, polled a respectable 405 first preferences and considering the landslide victories of Kelly, Ward and Naughten in this LEA, it was always going to be an uphill battle for him to get elected, particularly when his running mate Sam Brooks was ahead of him by a decent margin of 110 from the outset. Mr Harney was eliminated on the sixth count, having reached 493 votes.

Friendly rivalry between Domnick Connolly and James Murray in this photograph, taken at the height of the tense count! Pic: Kieran Croghan

THE RESULTS

ATHLONE MUNICIPAL AREA

Electorate: 15,862

Total poll: 9,903

Invalid ballots: 85

Valid poll: 9,818

Quota: 1,403

Seats: 6

FIRST COUNT

Brooks, Sam (SF): 515

Connolly, Domnick (FG): 482

Fallon, Laurence (IND): 1202

Harney, Joe (SF): 405

Kelly, Emer (IND): 1946

Keogh, John (FF): 931

Murray, James (FF): 547

Naughten, John (FG): 1750

Naughton, Dominic (IND): 254

Ward, Tony (IND): 1786

Emer Kelly, John Naughten and Tony Ward all elected. Emer Kelly’s surplus of 543 votes will now be distributed.

SECOND COUNT

The distribution of Emer Kelly’s surplus of 543 votes

Brooks, Sam (SF) 515 +64 579

Connolly, Domnick (FG) 482 +65 547

Fallon, Laurence (IND) 1202 +168 1370

Harney, Joe (SF) 405 +25 430

Keogh, John (FF) 931 +76 1007

Murray, James (FF) 547 +74 621

Naughton, Dominic (IND) 254 +71 325

The surplus of Tony Ward’s 383 votes will now be distributed.

THIRD COUNT

The distribution of Tony Ward’s surplus of 383 votes

Brooks, Sam (SF) 579 +30 609

Connolly, Domnick (FG) 547 +34 581

Fallon, Laurence (IND) 1370 +127 1497

Harney, Joe (SF) 430 +28 458

Keogh, John (FF) 1007 +89 1096

Murray, James (FF) 621 +32 653

Naughton, Dominic (IND) 325 + 43 368

Laurence Fallon becomes the forth candidate to be elected. The surplus of John Naughten’s 347 votes will now be distributed.

FOURTH COUNT

The distribution of John Naughten’s surplus of 347 votes.

Brooks, Sam (SF) 609 +33 642

Connolly, Domnick (FG) 581 +73 654

Harney, Joe (SF) 458 +28 486

Keogh, John (FF) 1096 +152 1248

Murray, James (FF) 653 +7 660

Naughton, Dominic (IND) 368 +54 422

The surplus of Laurence Fallon’s 94 votes will now be distributed.

FIFTH COUNT

The distribution of Laurence Fallon’s surplus of 94 votes.

Brooks, Sam (SF) 642 +5 647

Connolly, Domnick (FG) 654 +29 683

Harney, Joe (SF) 486 +7 493

Keogh, John (FF) 1248 +19 1267

Murray, James (FF) 660 +23 683

Naughton, Dominic (IND) 422 +11 433

Dominic Naughton has been eliminated and his 433 votes will now be distributed.

SIXTH COUNT

The distribution of Dominic Naughton’s 433 votes.

Brooks, Sam (SF) 647 +65 712

Connolly, Domnick (FG) 683 +38 721

Harney, Joe (SF) 493 +43 536

Keogh, John (FF) 1267 +72 1339

Murray, James (FF) 683 +18 701

Joe Harney has now been eliminated and his 536 votes will now be distributed.

SEVENTH COUNT

The distribution of Joe Harney’s 536 votes.

Brooks, Sam (SF) 712 +275 987

Connolly, Domnick (FG) 721 +16 737

Keogh, John (FF) 1339 +103 1442

Murray, James (FF) 701 +9 710

John Keogh becomes the fth candidate elected and his surplus of 39 votes will now be distributed

EIGHTH COUNT

The distribution of John Keogh’s surplus of 39 votes.

Brooks, Sam (SF) 987 +15 1002

Connolly, Domnick (FG) 737 +6 743

Murray, James (FF) 710 +18 728

James Murray has been eliminated and his 728 votes will now be distributed.

NINTH AND FINAL COUNT

Distribution of James Murray’s 728 votes following his elimination.

Brooks, Sam (SF) 1002 +76 1078

Connolly, Domnick (FG) 743 +373 1116 Due to the fact that there are only two candidates remaining Domnick Connolly becomes the sixth, and nal, candidate to be elected without reaching the quota. All 6 seats have now been lled.

Cllr Emer Kelly celebrates with family and friends after her stunning performance. Pic: Kieran Croghan

THE RESULTS ELECTIONS

Third time lucky for Brennan, breakthrough for Fine Gael

ROSCOMMON MUNICIPAL AREA

Electorate: 17,969

Total poll: 10,536

Invalid ballots: 102

Valid poll: 10,434

Quota: 1,491

Seats: 6

FIRST COUNT

Brennan, Larry (FF): 1198

Dineen, Nigel (II): 1298

Finnegan, Cathal (IP): 76

Fitzmaurice, Paschal (FF): 1853

Hester, Paul (GP): 151

McConn, Robert (FG): 743

McDermott, Marty (FF): 1626

McDonagh, Christine (SF): 659

Scahill, Gareth (FG): 1168

Slamen, Justin (IFP): 272

Waldron, Anthony (IND): 1390

Paschal Fitzmaurice and Marty McDermott have both been elected. Paschal Fitzmaurice’s surplus of 362 votes will now be distributed.

SECOND COUNT

The distribution of Paschal Fitzmaurice’s surplus of 362 votes.

Brennan, Larry (FF): 1198 +25 1223

Dineen, Nigel (II): 1298 +63 1361

Finnegan, Cathal (IP): 76 +2 78

Hester, Paul (GP): 151 +3 154

McConn, Robert (FG): 743 +4 747

McDonagh, Christine (SF): 659 +25 684

Scahill, Gareth (FG): 1168 +164 1332

Slamen, Justin (IFP): 272 +4 276

Waldron, Anthony (IND): 1390 +72 1462

Marty McDermott’s surplus of 135 votes will now be distributed.

THIRD COUNT

The distribution of Marty McDermott’s surplus of 135 votes.

Brennan, Larry (FF): 1223 +56 1279

Dineen, Nigel (II): 1361 +20 1381

Finnegan, Cathal (IP): 78 +2 80

Hester, Paul (GP): 154 +1 155

McConn, Robert (FG): 747 +22 769

McDonagh, Christine (SF): 684 +5 689

Scahill, Gareth (FG): 1332 +5 1337

Slamen, Justin (IFP): 276 +1 277

Waldron, Anthony (IND): 1462 +23 1485

Cathal Finnegan, Paul Hester and Justin

ROSCOMMON ANALYSIS

Probably the most predictable Local Electoral Area from the time the tallies were completed on Saturday morning, the Roscommon LEA threw up no great surprises as the counting started and continued throughout Sunday. By 1 am on Monday (Sunday night), the sixth and final count saw all six seats filled. This was the first of Roscommon’s three LEAs to formally declare its count completed and councillors elected.

Two councillors were returned to the chamber on the first count, Fianna Fáil’s Marty McDermott with 1626 first preferences and Paschal Fitzmaurice with 1853. Fitzmaurice topped the poll, as he has done consistently. McDermott increased his vote since 2019 and was “delighted” with the result. The quota was 1491 which resulted first in the redistribution of Fitzmaurice’s surplus and then with the redistribution of McDermott’s. On the third count, the three lowest polling candidates were eliminated. These were Justin Slamen (IFP), Paul Hester (GP), and Cathal Finnegan (IPP). Their combined votes of 512 were then redistributed. This redistribution saw Independent councillor Tony Waldron re-elected by surpassing the quota with 1645 votes and Independent Ireland councillor Nigel Dineen re-elected with 1492 votes. The redistribution of Cllr Waldron’s surplus resulted in Sinn Féin’s Christine McDonagh being eliminated on the fifth count having reached 768 votes. The sixth and final count saw the remaining two seats filled, Fine Gael’s Gareth Scahill (Castlerea) exceeding the quota by reaching 1625 votes and Fianna Fail’s Larry Brennan being elected without reaching the quota but having amassed 1312 votes. This was Scahill’s first outing and saw Fine Gael regain a seat in the LEA having been unable to retain the seat following the last-minute retirement of Michael Creaton in 2019. For Larry Brennan, it third time lucky. Having not contested the 2019 election, the newly-elected Cllr Brennan took up the Fianna Fáil torch from Cllr Orla Leyden who had chosen to not contest this year’s election.

Losing out on the last count but having put up a valiant effort under difficult circumstances in Roscommon Town was Robert McConn of Fine Gael. McConn faced stiff, seasoned competition on every side both geographically and politically and was eliminated on the final count having taken 806 votes.

Slamen have all been eliminated and their combined votes of 512 will now be distributed.

FOURTH COUNT

The distribution of Cathal Finnegan, Paul Hester and Justin Slamen’s combined 512 votes.

Brennan, Larry (FF): 1279 +26 1305

Dineen, Nigel (II): 1381 +111 1492

McConn, Robert (FG): 769 +30 799

McDonagh, Christine (SF): 689 +52 741

Scahill, Gareth (FG): 1337 +48 1385

Waldron, Anthony (IND): 1485 +160 1645

Anthony Waldron and Nigel Dineen have become the third and fourth candidates to be elected. Tony Waldron’s surplus of 154 votes will now be distributed.

FIFTH COUNT

The distribution of Tony Waldron’s surplus of 154 votes

Brennan, Larry (FF): 1305 +7 1312

McConn, Robert (FG): 799 +7 806

McDonagh, Christine (SF): 741 +27 768

Scahill, Gareth (FG): 1385 +25 1410

Christine McDonagh has now been eliminated and her 768 votes will now be distributed.

SIXTH AND FINAL COUNT

The distribution of Christine McDonagh’s 768 votes.

Brennan, Larry (FF) 1312 +81 1393

McConn, Robert (FG) 806 +36 842

Scahill, Gareth (FG) 1410 +215 1625 Larry Brennan and Gareth Scahill have both been elected. The six seats have now been lled.

 EMMETT CORCORAN

Re-elected councillors Marty McDermott (second from left) and Paschal Fitzmaurice (third from left) celebrate with key strategists. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Two new councillors: Larry Brennan and Gareth Scahill share a great personal achievement for each of them. Pic: Kieran Croghan

‘I always kept door open’

Brennan makes breakthrough

< PAUL HEALY

Fianna Fáil’s Larry Brennan, who was elected to Roscommon County Council for the first time last weekend, says he is “delighted and humbled” to have received such a big vote.

Newly-elected Cllr Brennan attracted 1198 number ones and it was apparent from that point on that he would be elected to the Council on this, his third attempt.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported me. My thanks to Ned Gilligan, my Director of Elections, for his hard work and perseverance, and to our small but loyal and hard-working election team.

“I now look forward to serving the people who put their faith in me and to doing my very best for the entire Roscommon Municipal LEA”.

Cllr Brennan had lost out in a very competitive arena in the past. Did the popular community activist ever despair of enjoying electoral success?

“There are obviously times when you

question things, but I always kept the door open. My approach has always been to leave the door open in politics, because you never know what scenario can develop.

“You never know if an opportunity will come, and that’s what happened here, when outgoing councillor Orla Leyden decided to take a break from politics”.

Cllr Brennan said that a number of issues had been raised with him during the campaign, chief of which was ongoing concerns about safety issues on the popular stretch of road between Roscommon Golf Club and Hannon’s Hotel.

“People also raised a number of dangerous junctions, the need for footpaths, etc, while the need for greater accessibility for people with disabilities and lack of childcare facilities were also brought to my attention”.

Cllr Brennan said he is now looking forward to serving the electorate over the next five years for the betterment of the local community.

Emer emerges as county’s top vote-puller

< ALANNAH ITA HEALY

Undoubtedly one of the biggest stories coming out of this year’s local elections in Roscommon is the phenomenal success of independent candidate Emer Kelly, who topped the poll in the Athlone Local Electoral Area (LEA), receiving the most number one votes of any candidate in the three local LEAs.

With 1946 first preference votes, Cllr Kelly surpassed her LEA’s 1403-vote quota to be elected on the first count, along with Cllr Tony Ward (1786) and John Naughten (1750).

Although this was the Ballyforan native’s first time running for election, Cllr Kelly has been a member of the council since being co-opted after former councillor Ivan Connaughton stepped down in 2021. Aged just 21 at the time, that elevation made her one of the youngest councillors in the country. Her election last weekend marked another new record set by the councillor, as it makes Emer the first female candidate to ever be elected in the Athlone LEA.

Speaking to the Roscommon People on Sunday, Cllr Kelly explained the achievement is

bittersweet, pointing out that the fact the area had never had an elected female representative before her is a “sad statistic really”, and noting, “We’re a little behind in society; we should be seeing a better representation of women right across the board”.

“But it’s also a good day”, she continued, “A sign we’re making progress in our area. And I would encourage more women, and people in general, to get involved”.

As to the campaign, she said: “I knew coming into this that it was going to be a tough few months ahead. Being co-opted

is one thing, but to actually put yourself in front of people for an election is huge, and it can be quite daunting.

“Luckily, I had a massive team of supporters behind me. We were canvassing right from the start and we must have knocked on almost every door in the constituency. We really put ourselves out there and tried to talk to as many people as possible, and just spoke honestly (conveying) that we were going to try our best to represent them”.

Cllr Kelly said that the profile she’s built from her time on the council was a positive for her campaign.

“I really value that over the last couple of years since I’ve been sat on the council, I’ve had the opportunity to work with both community groups and individuals. They’ve seen that I am dedicated to my role as a councillor, that I am able to perform for them, and that I try my best to achieve goals and secure funding to improve the way things are.

“People have put their faith in me now and they’ve shown up in huge numbers, and I’m really grateful for everyone who came out and supported me”, she told the Roscommon People. “That support will not be lost on me going forward”.

Callaghan knew race would be tight!

Fine Gael’s Liam Callaghan has retained his council seat in the Boyle Local Electoral Area, having been re-elected following a recount which led to the re-distribution of votes from fellow party candidate Dympna Daly-Finn.

Speaking about the highly competitive nature of the area’s election this year, Cllr Callaghan told the Roscommon People a lot of this came back to the “significant number of candidates on the ballot for Boyle”.

“From my point of view, I would have a rural focus and a rural base supporting me”, he said, noting that with the introduction of so many candidates in his area also advocating for similar issues he knew going into the election that the vote would be close.

Cllr Callaghan commented that he found canvassing and campaigning to have been “very good” this year: “People were

very engaged, and had a good grasp on the issues and the work I’ve done on the council”, he said, suggesting that people’s knowledge of his experience, and faith in him in this regard, helped him gain the transfers he did.

He complimented and commended candidate Dympna Daly-Finn for running a “fantastic campaign” and receiving a “strong first-preference backing”, especially for a first-time candidate. Going into the next five-year term, Cllr Callaghan has a firm grasp on where his focus will be going forward, referring to a number of projects he is eager to return to: “These would be projects I was involved in the commencement of, and ones I want to ensure get the proper funding and planning needed”.

In a more general sense, he also mentioned that he is eager to continue his role representing his constituents: “To represent the people of Boyle is a great honour”, he told the People

< ALANNAH ITA HEALY

Cllr Liam Callaghan pictured with Pat Towey. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Larry Brennan is hoisted high in the Hyde Centre after his success and (above) celebrating with his sisters Catherine and Majella. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Cllr Emer Kelly (second from right) poses for a selfie with some supporters. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Thanks to a the people who voted for me. Thanks to my wife, Mary, and a my family for their wonderful support. Thanks also to the Canva ing Team and Council sta for a their hard work. Delivering for Our Community

Tel.: 087 245 1267

Email: connollydomnick3@gmail.com

Naughten delight at vote rise

Fine Gael councillor John Naughten has thanked the electorate in Athlone LEA for returning him to Roscommon County Council with another increase in his first preference vote.

“I am delighted to have increased my vote on a second occasion in the Athlone area, and I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me, my great canvass team and my

family for all their support”.

Cllr Naughten was very pleased with the Fine Gael performance in Roscommon.

“We went into the election with two councillors… we ran six candidates, all of them excellent candidates, and have returned with four councillors” he said, paying tribute to the fine campaigns of Dympna Daly-Finn

and Robert McConn, both of whom contested well but didn’t gain election. Cllr Naughten noted that all six Fine Gael candidates had attracted significant votes and that the party has now doubled its representation on Roscommon County Council.

On the power-broking aspect of the incoming Council, Cllr Naughten was asked if another

FF/FG-led alliance is now inevitable.

“There’s always negotiations after Council elections. We had an excellent working group on the last Council involving Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independents.

There’s quite a number of days to the first meeting of the new Council and I have no doubt that negotiations will take place”.

Cllr John Naughten celebrates his re-election with family and friends. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Frain’s train has finally come in

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Ballaghaderreen’s Micheál Frain, a newly-elected Independent councillor, has been a Council candidate before. On Monday evening, the businessman, community activist, and retained firefighter landed the council seat he has long pursued. And according to attendees at the count, it is well deserved. As a driving force of commu-

nity development in Ballaghaderreen, Cllr Frain spoke to the Roscommon People over the weekend.

Micheál said of his election:

“It’s hard work and it’s been a hard few years. I thought I’d put this (going for election) all behind me, and I probably had.

But I was approached to run, and I gave it everything. I put in the five, six hard weeks of it (for the campaign). Thankfully, it worked out, and the people of

Ballaghaderreen came out, and they spoke.

“As I said earlier on there to somebody else, I think the political establishment is going to have to start listening to real people, and get their heads away from focus groups, because you’ll hear from people what the real issues are out there”.

A well-known bridge-builder in his community, Cllr Frain said he works with everybody because he thinks that Roscommon is a county with good potential.

“I think it hasn’t reached its full potential, from a lot of aspects. You know, industrial development is one that really comes to mind. Business, too. We hear regularly about the IDA, Enterprise Ireland. I think there’s an awful lot that can be done for tourism, industrial development and job creation in the county”.

Quipping that he’s “an overnight success now after 30 years”, the newly-elected councillor ruled out running in a General Election: “I’m here to be a councillor. It is what it says on the tin. The people of Ballaghaderreen have put their support in me and I’m going to work for the people of Ballaghaderreen”.

Ward: Independents ‘have

a

duty to take control of Council’

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Re-elected to Roscommon County Council for a fifth consecutive term, having first been elected in 2004, Cllr Tony Ward took the second highest number of preferences in the Athlone LEA and was elected on the first count. A traditional poll-topper, Cllr Ward is a stalwart of independent politics in South Roscommon and has consistently polled exceptionally well.

EC: Tony, congrats, what is the agenda for the next five years?

TW: Well, the agenda is similar to the agenda that I had for the last 20 years, that is to continue working for the people, all the people of South Roscommon. I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of South Roscommon for re-electing me.

I have worked continuously with the people since 2004. When I got elected in 2004, I resigned from my job as a technician with Eircom to do the job for the people of South Roscommon on a full-time basis. Being a full-time councillor and topping the poll seems to be a trend in Roscommon with Cllr Valerie Byrne (IND, Boyle LEA) and others, also being full-time councillors and amassing staggeringly high votes.

Byrne grateful for ‘real vote of confidence’

< ALANNAH ITA HEALY

Independent councillor Valerie Byrne topped the poll in the Boyle Area with 1565 first preference votes. It was another impressive electoral outing for Cllr Byrne, who was elected on the third count, retaining her long-standing position on the council.

Speaking to the Roscommon People over the weekend, the Elphin resident described the phenomenal backing she received from voters as a “real vote of confidence” following the work she has done over the past twenty-two years in her role as councillor. Cllr Byrne thanked all those who supported her in Friday’s election.

Cllr Byrne commented that her approach has

McDermott

always been to act as “a bridge between the community and the council”, saying that it is her priority to make sure people’s needs are at the forefront when deciding what issues to tackle –and how.

As to the recent canvass, Cllr Byrne said an enormous amount of work had gone into the campaign.

“Of course it’s impossible to call to every single house”, she noted. “But it was important to us to engage with people and cover a large area, and we did manage to do that”.

Cllr Byrne thanked everyone on her team for their work over the last number of years, and expressed that she is eager to focus now on the new Council term and on continuing to serve the community.

‘humbled’ by support

Now two-time councillor Marty McDermott, who substantially increased his personal vote in last weekend’s local elections, says he hasn’t really given any thought to seeking a nomination to contest the next General Election.

The Fianna Fáil councillor, who polled 1656 number ones, said: “I wasn’t considering a General Election run before Friday…

EC: In terms of the formation of the next council, you have a very strong independent councillor after coming out of the woodwork in your own municipal district in Emer Kelly. It’s her first election. She’s clearly putting in the work on the ground. Do you think the independents will pull it off this time and be able to form a coalition without the parties?

TW: Well, I’d be hopeful they will, or at least that they will try. I was very disappointed the last time as an independent and someone who had topped the poll that there was a deal done with Fianna Fáil, with some of the independents, and with Fine Gael. And there were enough independents there to form a council.

And I think it’s a pity if some independents feel different than I feel. I believe when you have a majority of independents that you should try and form a council based on the independents. The people came out on Friday and voted for independents. So the independents really have a mandate. So if some independents feel that they can’t be part of an independent group and an independent council, I think that would be a pity and a sad day for democ-

it’s not something I’ve thought about. I am happy to represent the local people locally. So it’s not something that I’ve considered, but you never know… I can’t say what might happen in the future.

“There are other fine candidates out there for the party. Whoever is selected to run for Fianna Fáil, we’ll be united in support of them”.

As to his re-election at the weekend, Cllr McDermott said he was delighted and humbled to have received such a big mandate.

“I am blown away by this level of support… delighted with my vote, and humbled to be honest by the faith shown in me. Throughout the canvass, people promised me their vote because they said I had done the work. That is humbling. I pledge to continue to work very hard in return for the support I have received. I really want to acknowledge the courtesy and generosity of people”.

Cllr McDermott paid tribute to his Director of Elections, Bernie Kearney, thanking him for his “wisdom and calmness”.

“Bernie has so much experience and wisdom, he did a magnificent job. I also want to thank my close-knit campaign team for their great work. A special thank you to my wife Deirdre and our daughters Emily and Grace for their exceptional love and support”.

Cllr McDermott also acknowledged the success of fellow Fianna Fáil candidates and said that the party’s winning of three seats in the six-seat Roscommon Municipal LEA was a great result.

racy in County Roscommon.

Independent councillor Micheál Frain celebrates with friends after being elected in the Boyle LEA. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Cllr Valerie Byrne pictured with members of her family after becoming the first candidate elected for the Boyle LEA. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Cllr Marty McDermott and his wife Deirdre, pictured at the count. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Cllr Tony Ward celebrates with family members and supporters. Pic: Kieran Croghan

THE RESULTS ELECTIONS 2024

‘When you make a promise, you don’t renege’ – Waldron

ALANNAH ITA HEALY

Independent councillor Tony Waldron was re-elected on the fourth count in the Hyde Centre on Sunday after receiving an impressive 1390 first-preference votes, the third highest in the area.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Cllr Waldron said that “people were particularly engaged” during the campaign. They knew what was going on, what I had done for them over the last few years, and were

very ready to talk on the things they want addressed”, he said, citing housing and planning as being among the most common concerns raised by those he spoke to, as well as a general sense of concern about the need to support rural areas.

Another issue he spoke passionately about was the local fire service: “It’s a number one priority for me, the fire services across the county. The fire station in Castlerea was promised to the people in 2019 and it wasn’t delivered.

“And then politicians wonder why there’s not more confidence in them”, he quipped. “When you make a promise, you fulfil that promise – you don’t renege on it”.

The Ballintubber-based councillor also touched on tourism, an issue he consistently raised over recent years. Commending the progress that’s been made to enhance the county’s attractions, Cllr Waldron said he will continue to campaign on issues such as the need to commemorate Bully’s Acre (where many victims of the Great Famine were buried), as well as remaining very focussed on the continued realisation of the potential of the Suck Valley Way.

Cllr Waldron said that he has a lot of hope and enthusiasm going forward: “I think there are very exciting times ahead for our county and that we can create a Roscommon with more opportunity and more prosperity for everyone. And I look forward to working with the various local agencies and individuals in an effort to achieve that”.

Cllr Anthony Waldron pictured making a call during the weekend count. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Crosby reiterates support for Strokestown plan

EMMETT CORCORAN



Speaking to the Roscommon People this week following his re-election to Roscommon County Council, Councillor Tom Crosby began by thanking his wife Pauline, his two daughters, Vicki and Pearl, their families, his team of supporters, and all his voters.

“I especially and sincerely want to thank everyone who came out and voted for me over my 33 years in politics. My local vote in the Rooskey, Tarmonbarry, Slatta, Whitehall, Scramogue, Strokestown and surrounds, has rarely faltered”.

Crosby highlighted his consistent local support, noting: “By my calculations, about 60% of the local vote has consistently turned out for me at each election, and I must thank them for that”.

Throughout his campaign, Councillor Crosby emphasised that he was and is the most experienced candidate and councillor in the county. Notably, the long-serving councillor had his posters up before dawn on the first day of the official election cycle. Issues in Strokestown have arisen in recent months regarding the now-funded €8 million public realm enhancement works. Councillor Crosby noted that opposition to this plan has certainly cost

Unlucky Brooks plans to run again

ALANNAH ITA HEALY



First-time candidate Sam Brooks (Sinn Féin) lost out narrowly on the last seat in the Athlone Electoral Area on Sunday night, having been neck and neck with Fine Gael’s Domnick Connolly and Fianna Fáil’s James Murray over several counts.

Indeed Brooks pulled ahead by a significant margin on the seventh and eighth count before coming in just shy of Connolly in the ninth and final count after substantial transfers went to the latter candidate

from the distribution of the then-eliminated Murray’s vote.

Brooks’ performance in the polls is particularly impressive. A first-time candidate, he is only eighteen years of age. However, despite his youthfulness, Brooks’ interest in politics is an established one.

“I was chairperson of Comhairle na nÓg last year, and we would’ve been invited to a lot of events and accessed opportunities to engage with the council and with politics in general. So that was very helpful in terms of easing

into that world” he told the Roscommon People

“I’ve spoken in Leinster House and in the council chamber about issues such as public transport, rural decline, and youth mental health – all issues which are incredibly important to tackle and which I don’t think have been tackled properly at all, especially in this county.

“That’s what sort of led me to the campaign, because I felt the need for more young people to get involved, for fresh voices and for change”, he said, adding that he feels there’s an appetite for younger candidates from voters too – citing the success of Emer Kelly, who topped the poll in Athlone Municipal District last weekend.

Sam’s narrow defeat has not quelled his determination. He told the Roscommon People: “I’ll be putting my name forward for it again. I think the result has proved the support within my community, and I’m very grateful for it.

“It was a hard-fought campaign. I had a great team of people behind me and we did everything we could so I’m very happy about that”.

him votes in the Strokestown area, but he could not in good conscience see an €8 million investment in the town be turned down.

“I don’t run with the hare and hunt with the hound. Myself and other councillors fought very hard for investment for Strokestown, and the reality is the council will not be able to go through another part eight planning process without losing the central government funding”.

Cllr Crosby said estimates that parking would be reduced by 80-90% were “simply untrue” and claimed that there would be 279 delineated parking spaces throughout the town under the current plan.

Citing his support for the development of the Roscommon County Council Civic buildings in 2014, Crosby said that while he faced stern opposition from those with vested interests at the time, he believes the people of Roscommon are thankful to him and those who supported the Civic building project. The project has consolidated costs, reducing the €800,000 per year in rent to one building that cost €18 million to build. “A similar building today would cost €42 million to put in place”. He added: “I think, in the fullness of time, the people of Strokestown will thank their councillors, too”.

Paschal: ‘Next council must reflect on issues raised during campaign’

 ALANNAH ITA HEALY

Castlerea’s Paschal Fitzmaurice (FF) topped the poll in the Roscommon Local Electoral Area (LEA). Comfortably electing three councillors and holding their power position within the LEA, Fianna Fáil managed their vote well.

Cllr Fitzmaurice said: “I’m delighted with the fantastic turnout on polling day and humbled by all the people who came out and put their faith in me again.

“Honestly, I am humbled with the fact my vote held up well, despite the emergence of some really strong candidates in LEA”.

Cllr Fitzmaurice added: “On the campaign trail, constituents highlighted a variety of issues and it is important that we as elected representatives listen to them and ensure their needs are catered to in the most efficient way possible”.

Cllr Fitzmaurice says that he intends to be proactive in addressing the issues raised such as town, village and road safety concerns, the need for playgrounds and civic spaces in towns and villages that are currently lacking and in delivering these services.

He said: “It is vital we are considerate of children and adults with disabilities and ensuring the facilities we develop for communities are accessible for all”.

Before concluding his conversation with the Roscommon People, Cllr Fitzmaurice said: “I want to congratulate all my colleagues who got elected but I also want to say to those who were unsuccessful ‘well done’, it takes a lot to put your name before the people and anyone who does so for the right reasons is to be commended”.

Cllr. Laurence Fallon and Fine Gael candidate Robbie McConn pictured during the Election Count at the Hyde Centre over the weekend. Picture: Kieran Croghan.

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice is held aloft by supporters following his re-election. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Sinn Féin candidate Sam Brooks pictured with Seamus O’Brien at the election count in the Hyde Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

candidate Laurence Fallon was elected on the third count in the Athlone Local Electoral Area (LEA) on 1,497 votes.

Cllr Fallon explained that while his experience as a councillor and the knowledge he’s gained over the years obviously left him well prepared coming into the election, in general he found this year’s campaign “quite different from previous years, in that there were many issues at the forefront that weren’t there before – things like immigration, planning, housing.

“Of course, we had the usual issues as well with village enhancement, services, roads, agriculture, things like that,” he clarified, “but we also had a lot of these new issues becoming very dominant”.

He particularly highlighted the “much greater demand for more local transport services” that he picked up on from voters. “A lot of people would like to have a bus from the significant villages in the area to the major towns”, he said, noting this would be an advantage not just in terms of accessibility,

Fallon energised by engagement of youth

but also the environment.

Cllr Fallon also discussed the flooding at Lough Funshinagh, a prominent local issue that he has been very vocal about, commenting that he’s “extremely heartened by the level of anger that’s out there from people who are up to date with the environmental destruction

that’s going on, who are annoyed it hasn’t been rectified, and who are aware of and fed up with the level of bureaucracy and red tape that’s there”.

Cllr Fallon expressed thanks to the “fantastic team” that’s behind him.

“We had some new canvassers,

young people who’d never canvassed before”, he said, “and I must say my view that politics will survive has been energised because of just how many young people have keen interest – you can see it in the election candidates here in our own locality. My hope for the future is very much strengthened”.

Cllr Laurence Fallon celebrates with supporters. Pic: Kieran Croghan

THE RESULTS ELECTIONS 2024

Dineen proudly flies flag for new party

With terms as an independent councillor under his belt, Cllr Nigel Dineen says he is “proud to be flying the flag for Independent Ireland” in the county. Dineen, who was first elected in 2014 is now heading into his third term in the council. A well-known GAA man, auctioneer and media commentator, Cllr Dineen increased his first preference vote by almost 300 since 2019, securing 1298 first preferences. Independent Ireland’s TD for RoscommonGalway, Michael Fitzmaurice, commented that Cllr Dineen and Paul Forde (Boyle LEA) had performed “brilliantly” for the fledgling

party, despite Mr Forde narrowly missing out on a seat.

Cllr Dineen thanked everyone who came out to support him, especially his wife and family:

“I want to start by thanking all the people who came out and gave me a vote, without them I wouldn’t be able to continue the work I’ve been doing for the last ten years on Roscommon County Council.

“But in particular, I would like to thank my supportive wife Aisling; my Director of Elections Liam Ryan, who has supported me at every election; my family; friends and campaign team. It was a team effort for me to be returned to Roscommon County Council and

COUNCILLOR FOR THE BOYLE AREA

Thank you everyone who voted and supported me Thanks, too, to my loyal Canvassing Team

Looking forward to working with you all for the next five years

Contact me with any issues on 086 3325839 or cllrlcallaghan@roscommoncoco.ie

Councillor

John Naughten

ARDKEENAN, DRUM, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON (090) 6437928 / (087) 9019334 E.: cllrjnaughten@roscommoncoco.ie

I would like to thank all who voted for me in the Local Elections

Special thanks also to my family, my supporters and my hard-working campaign team.

I am very proud of everyone who has made that possible”.

Commiserating with those who were unsuccessful in getting elected, Cllr Dineen paid particular tribute to his party colleague (Paul Forde) in the Boyle LEA: “Paul did amazingly as a first-time candidate and hopefully there will be a future for him in politics. He’s a lovely man and truly cares about his community.

“Those of us who were elected now have a duty to deliver for the people who put us where we are and I intend to hit the ground running coming into this new and exciting council term”.

Moylan is ready to hit ground running

EMMETT CORCORAN



After the tallies were counted on Saturday, when it was clear that he was going to take a seat, the now Cllr Sean Moylan spoke to the Roscommon People, although he had to wait until Monday evening before officially being deemed elected.

Emmett Corcoran (EC): Were you expecting to see such a massive vote turnout for you on your first outing?

SM: I suppose we had targeted around a thousand votes. As a first-time candidate, it was always going to be difficult, I felt, to get my footprint out there. But I got the thousand and I had them got with seven or eight boxes

still to open. So, I was very happy with the turnout.

EC: You now have a very strong mandate from the people of the Boyle Municipal District. What’s going to be top of the agenda?

SM: I suppose at the moment recreation and sports. I would be very strong on that, and I’d be hoping to help out with any areas that might be putting forward sports and recreation projects and (feel) that I could help out with those as best I can.

I suppose in terms of one big project, I’ve been looking at an alternative heritage route for the soon-to-be-bypassed Scramogue to Ballaghaderreen Road. But I’m going to operate like I al-

ways do, which is I’m a great man to learn, so I’d be operating a learning process off the peers or off the people that are in the council for longer than I have been.

EC: Do you fancy being part of the governing group of the next council?

SM: I think straight away that Fianna Fáil always believed in leading out from the front, that they were never a party to sit on the sidelines and try and dictate from the sidelines.

*The (clearly) popular Tulsk man appears set to hit the ground running and as a first-time councillor, Moylan looks like he is going to bring a new type of thinking and a new air of good humour and energy to the council chamber.

Keogh: ‘It would be prudent to hold FF Convention soon’

 EMMETT CORCORAN

Speaking to the Roscommon People following confirmation of his re-election on Sunday night, Cllr John Keogh said it would be prudent to hold the Fianna Fáil selection convention for RoscommonGalway constituency sooner rather than later.

In comments that will fuel speculation that Cllr Keogh will contest the convention and seek to be a candidate in the next General Election, he said: “I think, in preparation for a General Election, it would be prudent that a convention would be held sooner rather than later… so that whoever is selected will have the opportunity to get a campaign up

and running and operating well in advance of it. That would be my own view.

“Would I like to contest a General Election at some point in the future, whether that’s on this occasion or perhaps on another occasion? I don’t think anyone that goes into… seeks election at any point in time, doesn’t seek to rise to the top of the political ladder”.

Cllr Keogh refused to be drawn on his intentions around seeking a General Election nomination bid, but also didn’t rule out the possibility. The Athlone LEA councillor was returned on the 7th count, having accumulated 1442 votes.

Explaining the dip in his first preference vote from 2019, Cllr Keogh said that the reasons were multifaceted. As current Cathaoirleach

of the Council, he maintained that he had been disadvantaged on the campaign trail, noting that some of his competitors have been canvassing since before Christmas.

Cllr Keogh, while complimenting their performances, said that the fact that there were two new,

young candidates in his area – in Cllr Emer Kelly (Ind) and 18-yearold Sam Brooks (SF) – was always going to affect his vote. He reaffirmed that his hope was always to see his running mate James Murray elected but “unfortunately that did not happen on this occasion”.

Cllr Nigel Dineen pictured with Liam Ryan (Director of Elections). Pic: Kieran Croghan

Newly-elected Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Moylan pictured with his family, from left, Roxanne, Ruby-Jane Sean, his wife Rita, John and Romona during the election count. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Outgoing councillor Orla Leyden pictured with Cllr John Keogh (centre) and outgoing councillor John Cummins. Pic: Kieran Croghan

THE RESULTS

‘I can’t promise to fix everything

–

but I promise to do my best’

 ALANNAH ITA HEALY

First-time candidate Sinn Féin’s Leah Cull was elected on the fifth count for the Boyle Local Electoral Area on Sunday, taking the area’s second seat on 1638 votes.

The level of support for the Arigna native could be seen even earlier however, with the newly-elected councillor racking 1416 first preference votes in the first count.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Cllr Cull acknowledged this massive backing she received: “I’m absolutely honoured to have got the first preferences I did, and I also realise there’s 1416 people behind those votes that put their faith in me; I know I’ve a lot to do”. Cllr Cull’s experience canvassing and campaigning over the past months has served to bolster her commitment and enthusiasm for the role.

“I think any candidate, especially first-time ones, would have this fear that they’d agree to run and then once things kicked off, wonder ‘What have I done?’, because it’s such an intense process”, she said. “So, I was happy to find that I actually really enjoyed it. I had a great team behind me, and it was a really valuable experience”.

She noted speaking to the public reinforced her awareness that

“people are really struggling, and the country’s very dark at the moment”, but stressed that although “people are upset”, “canvassing would restore a lot of faith; 99% of people are really good people who just want the changes they deserve”.

The new councillor mentioned how she has studied counselling and psychotherapy, and how some skills were transferable: “I believe we need to listen to people, to really listen. It is the only way to understand and learn what’s needed most. I wasn’t trying to go to doors with a ‘sales pitch’ – I wanted to make sure

everyone’s voice was heard”. Cllr Cull canvassed for fellow Sinn Féin member Clare Kerrane (currently a TD for RoscommonGalway) in 2016 and noted, “I don’t know if I would be here if not for that”. She said in terms of entering politics as a woman and the additional challenges associated with that, “having one person there, an example to look to, can totally change things… I feel I’ve a duty to do the same now”. She expressed that while it was “empowering” to have been successful as a female candidate, she’s cognisant of not having to deal with barriers a lot of other women

Connolly ‘overawed’ by dramatic success

 PAUL HEALY

Domnick Connolly, who dramatically regained a seat on Roscommon County Council last weekend – five years after the loss of his seat in 2019 appeared to signal the end of his political career – says he could barely believe it when his election was confirmed at around 3.30 on Monday morning.

Cllr Connolly had trailed James Murray (Fianna Fáil) and Sam Brooks (Sinn Féin) over the course of a series of counts, and after polling just 482 first preferences, the prospects of him leap-frogging either or both of those challengers seemed extremely slim.

“I didn’t think I’d get a seat throughout the course of Saturday

and Sunday” he said, reflecting this week on last weekend’s count.

“I had been hoping for a bigger first preference vote, but I suppose the fact that it was smaller than I’d hoped for explains why I did so well on transfers. I proved to be very transfer-friendly”. Key to his success was the fact that a bigger than expected transfer from the distribution of Dominic Naughton’s vote finally propelled him above Murray. When his neighbour was eliminated, Connolly still had huge ground to make up on Brooks.

“My team were very closely watching where James’ transfers were going, so I had a strong indication (before the formal announcement) that I

might face; “I don’t have children, for example”.

Mental health is another focus for Cllr Cull, who explained that experiencing the loss of two family members bysuicide prompted her to engage in a lot of activism on the subject, saying it’s an issue that’s “high on the agenda” for her going forward.

“Nearly everyone has lost someone to suicide”, she said, commenting that when she was grieving, “I remember being so angry at the state of the mental health service”.

“There’s obviously frustrations and failings within the current system that need to be addressed”, she said. She noted that while there’s generally been progress in making mental illness “less taboo”, a deeper understanding and better approach is needed.

Agriculture is another key issue for Cllr Cull, with her own farming background having given her a good understanding of what that sector needs.

“I want to be able to represent everyone, to push what they need forward. If I can do that for anyone, from any part of the community, I will.

“I can’t promise to fix everything”, she said. “But I promise to do my best”.

From community man to councillor

 ALANNAH ITA HEALY

Fine Gael’s Gareth Scahill was elected on the sixth count in the Roscommon Municipal District on Sunday. The newly-elected councillor was a first-time candidate, but comes to the role with an established reputation as a dedicated activist within his community.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, the Castlerea native explained that his involvement within the local community extends back “12odd years”, having sat on a number of different committees and participated in various different local groups, such as Castlerea Town Team, LCDC Roscommon, and the council’s Planning, Environment, Corporate and Governance SPC.

He hopes that these experiences will enable him to “hit the ground running” in his new role.

Cllr Scahill told the People that the campaign

was actually closing in on Sam Brooks and likely to make it.

“Still, when it was announced that I had passed him and been elected, I could barely believe it. It had gone on so long, and had been seesawing so much. It was a phenomenal feeling. I was overawed”.

Cllr Connolly said he was particularly delighted for his wife Mary, his family, his canvassers and all who had voted for him.

The successful candidate says he felt very sorry for both Sam Brooks and James Murray.

“They are two young candidates, and it was their first time out. I know how they are feeling, as I lost a seat in 2019. So I absolutely felt for them… I wish them both the very best in the future”.

itself was “an experience and a half; you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into until you’re in it”.

He added: “Thankfully I was absolutely blessed with my team – family members, friends… all came together to support and help out”.

As for the electorate, he said: “People were very engaged, and as a first-time candidate, it was important to get out there and listen to people and really get to know their concerns. I’m delighted with the vote and with the mandate I received from voters, so I thank them for that.

“There’s a lot of potential in Roscommon – we live in one of the best counties in the country and I think we need to shout a lot more about it. Of course, we need to make sure the services are there for the people living here, but we also need to be a lot prouder of where we come from, because we do come from a great place”.

An emotional milestone for newly-elected councillor, Leah Cull. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Cllr Leah Cull awaits the o cial announcement (with Deputy Claire Kerrane on left). Pic: Kieran Croghan

John Connolly, Domnick Connolly, Seamus McHugh and Paul Hickey pictured during the election count. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Newly-elected councillor, Gareth Scahill (centre, red tie) with supporters. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Revenue Commissioners guidance on VAT issue ‘very disappointing’ says IFA

IFA Farm Business chairperson Bill O’Keeffe has said the latest guidance from the Revenue on VAT refunds is very disappointing.

“Farmers had previously qualified for a range of items, but this is no longer the case. We have always said that we must have consistency,” he said.

Last month, IFA hosted a visit on the farm of former Deputy President Brian Rushe in Kildare to view items which IFA believe should still be eligible for a VAT 58 refund.

“The Revenue officials were shown items such as meal bins, calf feeders, water piping/troughs, cubicle/slat mats and bulk tanks that are an intrinsic part of farm in-

frastructure and should continue to qualify for a VAT refund,” he said.

“IFA had met the Revenue Commissioners in February and made a detailed written submission, setting out why we believed certain structures should be included.

Bill O’Keeffe said that IFA would continue to lobby politicians and engage with the Revenue Commissioners.

“The Revenue have consistently said that they have not changed their interpretation of the current Statutory Instrument that governs the exemption. If that is the case, we believe that the items we focused upon during the farm visit should continue to be included for VAT refunds,” he said.

Sale on 6th of June: Over 350 lots presented for sale on Thursday last. Trade and prices remained strong for all categories on o er, with bullocks hitting €2300 while the heifers topped out at €1960.

Dry cows peaked at €2470 while breeding stock recorded €2500 for a limousin cow and heifer calf at foot. The weanling rings with smaller numbers on o er recorded excellent demand with the bulls peaking at €4.24 a kilo while the heifers recorded a top price of €4.88 a kilo for a 305kgs BBX weanling heifer.

The calf ring with similar numbers on o er as last week recorded a good clearance with increased farmer activity. Sample prices

BULLOCKS: Ch 420kgs €1390 AA 410kgs €1360 Lm 545kgs €1740 AA 530kgs €1650 Ch 505kgs €1610 Lm 560kgs €1840 Ch 570kgs €1710 Ch 635kgs €1900 AA 610kgs €1860 Fr 630kgs €1510 AA 765kgs €2300 AA 705kgs €2000. HEIFERS: Lm 420kgs

€1830 Ch 590kgs €1800 Her 605kgs €1620 Lm 540kgs €1580. DRY COWS: Ch 475kgs €1440 Fr 410kgs €6100 Lm 475kgs €1230 Ch 920kgs €2470 Ch

the ringside at both sales with online bidders also active. We had a large number of sheep on o er at our weekly Sale of Sheep. Prices for spring lambs made up to €239 while hoggets topped out at €148. The tops for stag ewes fetched €257. Ewes with lambs topped out at €378. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Yard opens at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www.livestock-live.com. Sample prices of dry cows: 1X LMX - 865KG - €2,500,

Richard Farrell, designer of the Rathcroghan Ogham Alphabet Garden, receives a Silver Medal from Jim O’Toole, CEO, Bord Bia and Kerrie Gardiner, Bloom Show Gardens & Horticulture Content Manager during the recent Bord Bia Bloom Show Garden Medal Presentations 2024.

Kerrie Gardiner, Show Garden & Horticultural Content Manager for Bord Bia Bloom, presents a Silver Medal to Little Green Growers Louis Merceron, Denise Rocks and Lyra (eight months) during the recent Bord Bia Bloom Nursery Village Awards presentations.

Unique local furniture restoration project ongoing

A unique collaboration between the Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Roscommon County Council, Strokestown Men’s Shed and the Brothers of Charity service in Strokestown has recently been unveiled.

This collaboration first emerged as part of advance works associated with the N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge Road project, which is funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland through Roscommon County Council.

Initial works on the project included test trenching of the entire route and archaeological excavation of the 101 sites or dwellings discovered on the route. Following this, built Heritage surveys of dwellings to be demolished along the route of the new road also took place.

As the aforementioned surveys were ongoing, it was discovered within some of these surveyed dwellings that many locally-made pieces of vernacular furniture suitable for restoration and reuse were identified.

The discovered pieces of furniture were carefully stored, following which members of the Strokestown Men’s Shed expressed their interest in restoring the discovered items, using their considerable skill and know-how.

To the immense credit of the Men’s Shed, members approached the project with huge enthusiasm, determined to give the vernacular furniture pieces a new lease of life. During the work, it was discovered that many of the original furniture pieces were made in Roscommon over the course of one hundred years or more, ensuring a continuous link with history to the present day.

The discovered pieces have been lovingly restored with many of the items made into beautiful tables and chairs. These items are being donated to the Strokestown Brothers of Charity service for use in their centre and cafe.

A short ceremony took place recently at the Brothers of Charity Midway Centre in Bridge Street, Strokestown during which the furniture was formally handed over by the aforementioned local Men’s Shed group.

Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS), who were the archaeological consultants on the project and helped to salvage the furniture, donated €1,000 to the Strokestown Men’s Shed which they will use to create a relaxation room in their centre.

The group intend to use this donation to help fund a defibrillator for their building.

A further €500 will also be donated by AMS to the Brothers of Charity to support their ongoing services. The Men’s Shed will also carry out further restoration of other furniture pieces to further enhance this unique initiative.

Pictured are workers making the original discoveries of old furniture in a derelict premises on the route of the new N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge

Members of the Strokestown Men’s Shed and representatives of the Brothers of Charity pictured receiving a donation of €1,500 from Archaeological Management Solutions during a presentation ceremony recently.

Members of the Strokestown Men’s Shed taking a short break from their restoration project.

Members of the Strokestown Men’s Shed at work restoring the old furniture which was found in a derelict premises on the route of the new N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge Road project.

Rosco on FARM SHOP

The Square, Roscommon Town. Tel. 087 2526195

Large selection of fresh free range and organic products

Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9.30am - 5.30pm.

Donal Keigher and Co. SOLICITORS

Castle Street, Roscommon (by appointment). Tel/Fax: 090 66 26124

Northgate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Tel/Fax: 090 64 77707 Donal Keigher, Solicitor Town Agents, Pearts, 24/26 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7 • Wills and Probate • Conveyancing •

Register now for National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week, one of Ireland’s largest cultural events, will run from Saturday, August 17th, to Sunday, August 25th. This year we will celebrate the theme of ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’. Groups are invited to explore how people are connected to each other both through physical routes and cultural connections.

If you are interested in organising an event, have an event idea one would like to discuss, or would like to apply for the small grant scheme, please email heritage@roscommoncoco.ie or phone 090 6637136 by Friday, June 28th Alternatively, visit heritageweek.ie for more information or follow #heritageweek2024 on social media.

Organising an event for National Heritage Week may seem daunting at first, but is a straightforward process. Whether you’re an individual, a community group, or an organisa-

tion, National Heritage Week encourages your participation.

A small National Heritage Week Grant Scheme is being trialled this year to assist groups with associated costs such as speakers’ fees, venue hire, refreshments, etc. Closing date for applications is Friday, June 28th. Contact the Roscommon County Council Heritage Office by email heritage@roscommoncoco.ie or by phoning 090 6637136, for grant information and an application form.

National Heritage Week provides an excellent platform to showcase and celebrate heritage, allowing you to contribute to a nationwide event with your unique project or event. Events and digital projects can now be registered on heritageweek.ie.

One of the most exciting aspects of National Heritage Week is that anyone can become an event organiser. You don’t need to be a heritage

expert or have prior experience in event planning. If you need some inspiration, look at the 2024 Event Ideas guide for some great suggestions.

Speaking ahead of this year’s event, Heritage Officer with Roscommon County Council, Nollaig Feeney, is encouraging community groups to support this year’s National Heritage Week: “Last year community groups and individuals organised over 50 events and projects all around Roscommon to celebrate National Heritage Week”, he explained.

“These included guided walks, tours, talks, exhibitions and kids activities. This is a great opportunity for groups to showcase their work and let people know what they have been working on over the past year. The Heritage Office can help publicise all events registered in the county and provide flags and bunting for one’s event”, he concluded.

Forest Ramble at Lough Key Forest Park in aid of autism work

AsIAm, Ireland’s autism charity, is thrilled to announce the inaugural AsIAm Forest Ramble is taking place in Lough Key

Forest Park, Co Roscommon in association with Coillte on Sunday, 23rd June. This unique event is part

of six picturesque Coillte forest parks across the country on that day, providing participants with an opportunity to experience the

sensory benefits of walking in nature while supporting the autism community.

Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, commented on the event: “The AsIAm Forest Ramble is a fantastic opportunity to come together and enjoy the natural beauty of our Irish forests.

“Our forests provide a calm space in nature which can be a supportive environment for many autistic people, and indeed can provide a beautiful backdrop to bring together whole communities to show their support and solidarity with the at least 1 in 27 people in Ireland who are autistic.

“Autistic people and families too often face barriers to participating in community events and activities and our Forest Ramble will provide an accepting environment in which autistic people, family friends and supporters can walk together to remove the barriers to participation so that

everyone in the community has the same chance.

“We look forward to seeing families and individuals join us for a day of connection, reflection, and enjoyment”.

All are encouraged to bring along snacks and be mindful of safety precautions while enjoying the serene forest environment. Activity packs will be given to all who register and the chance to participate in an art competition will ensure a fun and engaging experience for all ages. Participants can arrive between 9 am and 11.45 am. Each registered participant will receive a pack that includes a social story, an activity pack for the walk, and a sketchpad for an art competition inspired by their hike.

Adult tickets are priced €15, family tickets are €35 and children’s are €5 and can be purchased at www. asiam.ie

National Heritage Week celebrations in Tulsk.

County Council supports ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ for Strokestown

With some opposition to the proposed €8 million re-development of Strokestown continuing, Roscommon County Council have released a statement welcoming the funding and supporting the planned works for the town.

The statement says: “Roscommon County Council welcomes the announcement by Minister Humphries of the allocation of €5.9 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) towards the €7.9 million Rejuvenating Strokestown’s Potential project”.

Recently, some locals who are opposed to aspects of the new plan met to voice their concerns, while a low-key protest march was held in Strokestown, with a follow-up march outside the Council’s HQ in Roscommon Town.

The Council described this as a “once in a lifetime transformational opportunity” to deliver an enhanced public realm for the town centre creating pedestrian space, improved connectivity, places for people to congregate and dwell and event space.

“Strokestown is County Roscommon’s first Town Centre First Town. The Town Centre First policy aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the business, service, social, cultural

and recreational hub for the local community.

“The Strokestown 2040 – Town Centre First Plan was developed during 2022 and 2023 through extensive consultation with the local community, community groups and other stakeholders.

“The Plan outlines eight transformational proposals, the first two of which are a connected public realm improvement scheme and an integrated Strokestown Park House & Gardens.

“The Rejuvenating Strokestown’s Potential project, which will help address these proposals, was developed by the Council’s Regeneration Team assisted by some of the foremost expert consultants in the field.

“The current unstructured parking regime has resulted in an unknown number of parking spaces in the town. Thanks to the proposed public realm works, there will be provision of a structured 270 parking

spaces which its felt is more than sufficient to meet the normal daily business needs of the community on the Bawn Street and Church Street areas.

“The project was informed by extensive public consultation that culminated in the statutory planning consent process known as the Part 8 planning process.

“As with all planning permissions, the project must be delivered in accordance with the plans and other particulars publicly presented.

“Works include the provision of event space and street furniture throughout the scheme to include benches, seating, picnic tables, bollards and cycle stands. Soft landscaping work will include the provision of trees, shrubs and greenspace throughout.

“Other planned works include alterations to the existing road carriageway and roundabout, the provision of footpaths, along with shared pedestrian and cycle routes

as well as controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossing facilities.

“Further features include the relocation of the Bus Stop provision; the alteration to existing parking provision to include the provision of disabled parking spaces and the provision of new road and wayfinding signage, road marking and public lighting.

“These public realm improvement works are in accordance with current standards, best practice and current policy regarding planning, rural development, town centre and active travel policy.

“Following the completion of the Rejuvenating Strokestown’s Potential project and the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project, which provides a bypass of the town, the Council is confident that Strokestown will be better positioned to function as a viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit”.

GOING OUT

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Liz and Tom Paulsberg and Rena Smyth. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were John Cryan and John Kelly. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Aaron Aughney and Niamh Carroll. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Carrien Roberts and Michael Mullen. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Ivan Connaughton (third from right) making a presentation to the Spice of Life syndicate after their horse ‘Golden Temple’ won the Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Rate Novice Hurdle at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Noah, Sean, Donal, Jane and Elaine Flynn. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

The winner of the big race at Roscommon Races on Monday was local owner Gerry Duke (from Fuerty), who also bred the horse. The winning horse ‘Paidi’s Passion’ won the Tote Connacht National. Pictured are connections of the horse. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

GOING OUT

Padraig McNamara pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were James Farrell and Alan Connaughton. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Darragh Walsh, Kyle Connolly and Seamus Lynch pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Sponsor of the best turned out horse at Roscommon Races on Monday evening was Aidan Gately of J&A Gately Building Stone. Pictured is Michael Finneran (Roscommon Races’ Manager), Aidan Gately and Shane Fleming (Roscommon Races’ committee). Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Gary Martin and Rachel Tarmey pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Martin Conroy, Dixie Thompson and Gary Cauneen. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Tracey Shanagher (second from right) making the presentation to owner James Guilfoyle (second from left) after his horse ‘Baltinglass Hill’ won the Shanagher Hearing Handicap Hurdle at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening. Also pictured were Padraic Troy (left) and Martin Shanagher (right). Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Own Centre

FINAL OFFERS

Friaryland, Creggs, Co. Galway. Lands c. 53.75 acres For Sale By Private Treaty

Friaryland

c. 14.9 acres of lands.

Gorteenfada

c. 33.5 acres of lands.

Leha

c. 5.5 acres of turbary

Auctioneers & Estate Agents

Main Street, Ballygar. Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664

Email info@moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472 moranandco.ie

Cloonakilleg, Mount Talbot, F42 K761

Charming Bungalow Residence standing on c. 0.5 acres NEW TO MARKET

Excellent opportunity to acquire a holding of lands in the area some of which are suitable for forestry. Full details from David Moran. 7 Castlelawn, Glinsk, F45 WK46 New 4 Bed. Two Storey NEW TO MARKET

This charming two bedroom residence c. 108 sq. mts has a delightful rural location close to the rich heritage of Mount Talbot. With a small amount of work, it can be a very attractive home for a family or retirement Large garden, yard and sheds. Inspection recommended. Full details from David Moran.

Spacious 4 Bed. Detached c. 160.5 sq. mts.

Excellent level of accommodation Prime residential location. Viewing highly recommended

Full details from David Moran

New to the market at Remax Team Earley… two-bedroomed residence in Roscommon Town

Keith McLoughlin of RE/MAX Team Earley is delighted to present to the market, for sale by private treaty, 12 Thornfield Drive, Lisnamult, Roscommon.

Nestled on a corner site in a mature housing development, this delightful two-bedroomed, one-bathroom residence offers an excellent opportunity to secure a home in the heart of Roscommon Town.

Conveniently situated next to both primary and secondary schools, it is an ideal location for families with school-going children. Sports enthusiasts and active families will appreciate the proximity to Roscommon Gaels GAA Club and Roscommon Town Soccer Club.

A 5-minute walk brings you to the vibrant town centre, where you will find a variety of shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, and essential local amenities. Excellent local transport connections, including the Dublin to Westport train station, ensure smooth and easy commuting.

The property features two spacious and bright bedrooms, providing a comfortable and restful living space, and one wellappointed bathroom with modern fixtures and fittings. The cosy and inviting living areas are designed for comfort and practicality. The house is heated via oil-fired central heating (OFCH) and is wheelchair-accessible, making it suitable for all.

Positioned on a desirable corner site, the residence offers additional privacy and a larger outdoor space. To the rear, there is a large storage shed, perfect for additional storage needs. Located in a serene and established community, it provides a safe and welcoming environment for all residents. BER F.

This property is perfect for first-time buyers, small families, or those looking to downsize without compromising on location or convenience.

For more details or to arrange a viewing of this charming property, please contact the auctioneer. Don’t miss out on the chance to make 12 Thornfield Drive your new home!

Viewings by appointment only. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Keith on 086 0848590 or Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie or log onto www. teamearley.ie

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC & ON LINE AUCTION

4-BEDROOMED DETACHED TWO-STOREY RESIDENCE

CORRACREIGH,

ELPHIN, CO. ROSCOMMON

COMPRISED IN FOLIOS RN24920, RN870, RN27570 & RN12188F (Being the Estate of the late Christopher Breslin)

AVAILABLE IN LOTS:

• LOT 1: 71 acres approx. with the benefit of 28.20 entitlements, farm yard & outbuildings

• LOT 2: 4 Bedroom Residence on 1 acre approx. with storage sheds

• LOT 3: Entire Property - 72 acres approx with the benefit of 28.20 entitlements:

o Includes a four-bedroom residence

o Storage sheds, 3 bay hay barn, 5 bay lean tos, yard, silage slab, crush and pen

o Services - Water & ESB

The sale of these said lands must offer all farmers a great opportunity to acquire a residential farm in this regarded farming district of Tulsk & Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

Note: Residence and lands can be sold independently should market interest dictate

Legals: Joan Harrington Solicitor, Strokestown - 071 963 4608

€300,000

€325,000

PRICE ON APPLICATION 40 Acres approx Strokestown area. Apply the office

Classifieds

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS 

ANONYMOUS: 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,

8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and ues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Chimney cowls and crow guards tted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone: 087 2798704

CHIROPRACTOR

Stephen Casey Construction

●

●

● Renovations

● Chimney CCTV Inspections

● Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

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

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

FENCING/GATES

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

For all your fencing needs.

● GLAS Fencing ● Grant Fencing ● Post Rail Tel: 087 2172281

087 7496459

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Are you a ected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Con dence/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

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 tted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2020/2021 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

treeservices.com

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

I, Cáit Gleeson intend to apply for Permission for the following:

(i) Demolition of an existing storage building and shed,

(ii) Alterations to the roof of an existing car-port structure granted under PD22/156 and

(iii) The construction of an accessible 3 bedroom stand-alone single-storey guest block extension to the rear of the existing premise, together with connections to services and all associated site works, the works will occur within the curtilage of a protected structure RPS Ref 03900236 and within Roscommon ACA at: Gleeson’s Townhouse, Ardnanagh Td, Market Square, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 WA22

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 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: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd., Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph (090)6634421 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Lisagallon Construction Ltd intend to apply for planning permission for development at Lissagallan, Cloverhill, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a machinery shed & associated siteworks at an existing farmyard.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. 2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon. Ph- (087) 2222874.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Silvio Rosic, am applying to Roscommon County Council for retention permission to retain advertisement signage at Circular Road, Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Mark and Paula Shine, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for development at Cornafulla TD, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development consists of the construction of a new dwelling with a wastewater treatment system and all associated site works.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the Planning Authority, during its public opening hours.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Simon Beale & Associates, are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Colin Flanagan, for Full planning permission for the following (1) Change of house type from that as previously granted under PD ref.19/266, together with connection to services and all associated site works at Knockarush Td, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

SIGNED: - Simon Beale & Associates, Old School House, Casement Street, Ballina, Co.Mayo F26N9Y4. 096 60070 www.sbassociates.ie

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Vantage Towers Limited, intend to apply for permission to erect a 24-metre-high monopole telecommunications support structure together with antennas, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment including pitch oodlighting and associated ground works, including a 0.3 metre high concrete plinth resulting in a total development height of 24.3 metres, all enclosed in security fencing and to remove an existing 18m high oodlight structure with associated telecommunications equipment attached at St. Barry’s GFC Club, Ballytoohey (Td), Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and ll me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen. M. & O.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

facebook.com/moleskinarch

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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: 090 6634365 Mob: 085 1299470 E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

I, Joe Murray intend to apply for planning permission for a change of use for development at Athleague Td, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the change of use of part of an existing joinery workshop (Protected Structure Ref- 04100530) to a ground oor o ce & alterations to the facade of the building consisting of replacing windows & doors & internal alterations consisting of removing and raising of both the ground and rst oor & associated siteworks.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. 2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon. Ph- (087) 2222874. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

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

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

I, John O Shea, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for retention for development at Garrynagowna TD, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development consists of retention permission for a front porch, a septic tank and percolation area, two sheds, a new site boundary and boundary wall.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the Planning Authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of ve weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations may be considered by the Planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission

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

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Paul Beirne intend to apply for planning permission to Roscommon County Council for the following development: To Construct a New 4 Bay Slatted Cattle Shed, together with all Associated Site Works at Faws Td., Croghan, Boyle, Co Roscommon.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 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 condition, or may refuse to grant permission

Signed: P Durkan & Associates

Telephone: 071-9630037

Mobile: 086-1600385

Email: padraic.durkan1@gmail.com

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

3 DAY NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

O, most beautiful ower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in my necessity (your request). There are none that can withstand your power. O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands, after each prayer, say 9 Hail Marys. You must publish and it will be granted to you. G.

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and ll me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen. C.S.

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.

● HSE Trained and Approved ● 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

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK • 20 years experience

GARDENING

www.westsidegardening.ie

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

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

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal

STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available C2 Registered & Insured. Free Quotations

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

DOWD

John

Corspark, Glinsk, via Castlerea, Co. Galway

Our beloved John passed away on 6th May, 2024 and we will be eternally grateful for the kindness, support and sympathy shown to us on the passing of a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, relative and friend to all who knew him.

During his nine weeks in hospital John recevied numerous Get Well cards and messages from well wishers, and although it wasn’t in God’s plan for him to get better, they were a great source of comfort and hope to John. Thanks to you all. The respect and regard in which John was held was demonstrated in the number of people who stood outside their houses and lined the road on his nal journey home.

He would have very much appreciated the Guard of Honour from his beloved GAA club members and others who escorted him to his home, as did we, his family.

Words cannot express the gratitude we have for our amazing neighbours, friends and families who were with us constantly and took over the organising of everything in our home. We would like to thank everyone who sent Mass Cards, Messages of Sympathy, owers and those who called personally to our home from near and far to pay their respects, especially John’s relatives from the UK. John would have appreciated it. To all who brought food and refreshments to our home. To Lily and John Murphy who delivered breakfast on both mornings, we thank you all so much. We are also indebted to the people who took on the task of stewarding and tra c management, ensuring that everything went smoothly.

Thanks to Dr. Marc McCa erty and his sta and Tully’s Pharmacy for looking after John’s health needs over the years; to the sta of Shannon Ward, UCHG, for looking after John during his time there and to the sta of Roscommon Hospice for their kindness and care during his nal days of his life.

Sincere thanks to Fr. Donal Morris for his support and visits during those di cult days and especially for his lovely ceremony and kind words. At this time we would like to thank Annette Gri n and John Staunton for adding to the Ceremony with their selection of beautiful hymns and also the people who did the Readings and Prayers of the Faithful.

Thanks to Sean, Donal and Michael who looked after the Funeral arrangements and ensured that every detail was carried out. Your uncle and cousin, John, would have been proud of your e orts. We would also like to thank Paul Gaynor, Castlerea for his input into the Funeral arrangements.

Thank you so much to the grave diggers who prepared John’s nal resting place with such respect and care and to Jenny who supplied the beautiful ower arrangements.

Thanks to all who made themselves available to carry John’s co n from his home to the Church on the morning of the Funeral. We would also like to thank the Guard of Honour that accompanied John’s remains to the Cemetery and especially the Guard of Honour of children and teachers of Glinsk N.S. that lined the path inside the Cemetery. He would have been honoured by their presence.

We would like to thank ‘Delicious Catering’ and sta for providing a lovely meal in their usual professional manner.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a token of our gratitude for your kindness and support.

John’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on 16th June at 10.00 am in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk.

MURRAY

Pat

Derrinlerrig, Mount Talbot, Co Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

On the First Anniversary of Pat’s passing, his wife Orla, daughters, Lauren, Ciara, Rachel, and the extended Murray family wish to thank everyone who expressed sympathy on our great loss and supported us this past year.

We would like to thank Dr Daly, the Medical and Palliative Care Teams who took such great care of Pat during his illness, bravely borne, and enabled us to care for Pat in his home.

A Special thanks to neighbours and friends who formed a guard of honour en route to the Church and for their support during this di cult time. Also thanks to Pat’s colleagues and all who travelled long distances to be with us.

Thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism and guidance with the funeral arrangements and the gravediggers who prepared Pat’s nal resting place so thoughtfully.

A special word of appreciation to both Fr Francis Beirne who celebrated the Funeral Mass and the accompanying Choir.

As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, we acknowledge and appreciate all the expressions of sympathy, support and kindness shown to us. The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass will be o ered for your intentions.

Pat’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Dysart Church, Dysart at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday 22nd June 2024.

LOHAN

Jack & Teresa

Caggle, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (30th & 10th Anniversary)

Treasured memories of our loving parents, Jack who passed away on 3rd February 1994 and Teresa who passed away on 16th June 2014 R.I.P.

The beauty of a memory is that it’s always there, like a penny in your pocket, you can take it anywhere. And when your heart is heavy, and your eyes are filled with tears, you can focus on a memory and travel through the years. Your heart can visit happy times, when laughter filled the air, and the presence of your loved ones will lessen your despair. So as you travel on in life, take comfort as you go, in a lifetime of sweet memories of ones who loved you so. Lovingly remebered and sadly missed by their loving family.

Anniversary Mass will be in Four Mile House Church on Sunday, 16th June at 11am.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

McGOVERN

(nee COYNE)

Bridget (Baby)

Curraghrevagh, Creggs, Co. Galway. (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother, who passed away on the 17th June 2016 R.I.P.

A special day, another year a loving thought, a silent tear A little prayer to keep in touch with someone loved and missed so much.

Lovingly remembered by her daughters Mary, Ann, Sheila, Biddy, Claire and Michelle and sons-in-law.

--- oOo ---

To us you were so special what more is there to say? We only wish with all hearts that you were here today.

Fondly remembered by her fourteen grandchildren and six great grandhcildrens.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 16th June in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet at 11.30am.

FINNERAN

Joe Lisgobbin, Roscommon Who passed away on 15th June 2021 (3rd Anniversary)

Joe, remembering you is easy, we do it every day. Missing you is heartbreak that never goes away, you are missed and will never be forgotten.

Sadly missed by Maureen, Olivia, Trevor, Shauna and Niall and your beloved grandchildren Niall, Emma, Abbie and Danny.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane on Saturday, 15th June at 7pm.

www.brianmurraystone.com

On the First Anniversary of the late Josie (Joe) Flynn, we, Josie’s family, wish to express our sincere gratitude for all the sympathy and kindness shown to us following our sad and sudden loss.

A special thanks to all our extended family, kind neigbours and friends, to all who called to our home, brought food and refreshments and helped in any way. Many thanks for your Letters of Sympathy, Mass Cards, phonecalls and online condolences. Thanks to Josie (Joe’s) kind neighbours in Athleague.

A heartfelt thanks to all who attended his Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial and to those who travelled long distances to support us.

A special thanks to Fr. Francis Beirne who celebrated a lovely Mass and for his eulogy. Thanks to Gerry Dowd and Grace Hevihan for their beautiful music and singing at his Funeral Mass and also to all the readers. Thanks to the Funeral Director, Henry Hamrock, for his professional and helpful guidance in all the Funeral arrangements.

Thanks to the grave diggers for the preparation, with care and respect, of Josie’s nal resting place.

Thanks to ‘Delicious Catering’ who provided a lovely meal after the Funeral.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude and appreciation.

A Mass will be o ered for your intentions. Josie’s First Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 16th June, in the Church of Christ the Good Shepherd, Four Roads at 11.00 am.

FLYNN Josie (Joe)

Mount Talbot and Athleague, Co. Roscommon who passed away on 17th June, 2023 (1st Anniversary)

Leo & Kathleen (Kay) Goff Street, Roscommon town

those who think of them today, a little

KELLY

Marie & Mickey

Carroward, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of our dear Mum, who died on June 20th, 1999, R.I.P.

Also remembering our Dad, Mickey, who died on December 12th, 2018, R.I.P.

Mum and Dad

If every single person who liked you in your lifetime were to light up on a map, it would create the most beautiful network one could imagine. Throw in the strangers you were kind to, the people you made laugh, or those who you inspired along the way, and that star-bright web would be an impressive sight to behold. You were so much more than you ever thought you were. You did so much without expectation of reward, paving a bright pathway for so many of us.

Lovingly remembered by all your family. Masses o ered. (Verse: Inspired by You, Donna Ashworth)

MADDEN

Benny

Camogue, Elphin (16th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our devoted Daddy Benny, who left us on the 15th June 2008.

A wonderful Daddy we had in you. You thought the world of us Dad, as we did you. You left us so sudden it shattered our hearts, all these years without you still breaks our hearts. We were blessed to have you Daddy, the loss doesn’t go away. We hope we’ll be reunited together again one day.

Treasured and missed forever Daddy, love Donna, Derek and families. XXX

TARPEY Delia

Buckfield, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary, 22nd June)

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.

Sadly missed by her husband John, son John, daughters Helen and Anne Marie, son-inlaw and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass for Delia on Sunday, 23rd June at 11.30am in the Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote.

HAGAN

Jerry

Drinagh, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Died on the 19th June 2021

never said I’m

you

You were gone before we

it and only God

why. A million times I needed you, a million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still.

In my heart I hold a place that only you can fill.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his heartbroken mother, father, sisters, brothers and extended family.

Jerry’s Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe on Sunday, the 16th of June at 10am.

KELLY

Peggy

The Walk, Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 13th June, 2015

Your memories are so precious, your presence missed so much. You will always be remembered and missed by all of us. Our thoughts are always with you in a very special way, not just on your Anniversary but every single day. You always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke and time to care. A kindly nature warm and true many lovely memories we have of you.

Always remembered and forever loved by your husband Adrian and sons Enda and Seamus; your daughter-in-law Gillian and your granddaughter Margaret.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 15th June at 10 am.

MULHERN

Tom & Ann

Convent Court, Roscommon (24th & 4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear parents Tom and Ann R.I.P.

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

Sadly missed by their loving family. Anniversary Mass has been o ered in Knock Shrine.

GUNNING John

Oran, Donamon, Co. Roscommon (18th Anniversary)

In loving memory of John, who passed away on the 15th June, 2006

R.I.P.

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

Lovingly remembered by his family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, June 15th at 7pm in Cloverhill Church.

MACKLIN Eoin

New Road, Farbreagues, Knockcroghery (32nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Eoin, late of New Road, Farbreagues, Knockcroghery, who went to Heaven June 13th 1992 (aged 3 years and 4 months).

We held his hand for a while We will hold him in our hearts forever.

Always remembered by his heartbroken Mom and Dad, and sisters Patricia and Helen and brother Damien.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patricks Church, Knockcroghery on June 15 at 7.00 pm.

(25th Anniversary)(6th Anniversary)

Brothers of Charity Services Ireland – West region

Clonard Services is a community based, person centred service focusing on the needs and abilities of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Permanent Full-Time

Brothers of Charity Services Ireland – West region

Senior Community Facilitator – Ref:103/2024R

Permanent Full-Time

Clonard Services is a community based, person centred service focusing on the needs and abilities of adults with intellectual disabilities.

The closing date for receipt of all applications on-line by 5pm Thursday 20th June 2024

The closing date for receipt of all applications on-line by 5pm Thursday 20th June 2024

Temporary Full-Time Team Manager Ref: 104/2024R

Senior Community Facilitator – Ref:103/2024R

Location: Clonard Services

Temporary Full-Time Team Manager Ref: 104/2024R

Castlerea, Ballintubber, Ballinlough, Cloonfad areas

Location: Clonard Services

Castlerea, Ballintubber, Ballinlough, Cloonfad areas

Informal Enquires to: Liz Hunt, Area Manager on 086-8824638

Informal Enquires to: Liz Hunt, Area Manager on 086-8824638

• Competitive rates of pay and excellent working conditions, including family friendly leave arrangements & flexible working hours.

• Competitive rates of pay and excellent working conditions, including family friendly leave arrangements & flexible working hours.

• Opportunities for further career development.

• Opportunities for further career development.

• Exceptional Training and Development.

• Exceptional Training and Development.

• Pension Scheme. Employee Assistance Program.

• Pension Scheme. Employee Assistance Program.

ROOM LEADER & EARLY YEARS EDUCATOR

(FULL TIME POSITIONS)

Green elds Childcare are looking to recruit 2 full time sta members to join their team. The candidates should have the following criteria:

Essential:

• A minimum of QQI/FETAC Level 6 for the room leader position, and QQI/Level 5 for the Early Years Educator position

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Knowledge of the childcare regulations

• Knowledge of Síolta & Aistear

• Garda Vetting & reference checks

DESIRABLE, BUT NOT ESSENTIAL:

• First Aid (FAR) training

• Child protection training

• Experience working in a childcare setting in a similar role

• Manual handling training

BENEFITS:

• 22- 24 days annual leave

• Starting salary from €15 - €16.50 per hour

• Uniforms provided

• Annual Christmas bonus

• Continuous professional development provided, and time in lieu given

• High sta – child ratio’s in all rooms

• Flexibility

For further info & How to apply, log onto the BOCSI Careers page at careers.brothersofcharity.ie

www.brothersofcharity.ie/recruitment.php

For further info & How to apply, log onto the BOCSI Careers page at careers.brothersofcharity.ie

Tel: 021 4556221/ 4556222/4556223/4556218

www.brothersofcharity.ie/recruitment.php Tel: 021 4556221/ 4556222/4556223/4556218

Interested applicants should send in their CV & a cover letter to manager@green eldschildcare.com or by post to Lisa O’ Neill, Manager, Green elds Childcare, Lisnamult, Co. Roscommon

Green elds Childcare is an equal opportunities employer

Complete the on-line Application Form and submit an updated CV.

Closing date is June 21st at 5pm

Complete the on-line Application Form and submit an updated CV.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Michael Gannon Landscaping Ltd T/A Temple Nurseries has vacancies for 5 Horticulture Workers at Carrown Temple, Four Roads, Co Roscommon. All horticulture related duties including planting, seed & plant care, fruit picking, grass and lawn care, customer advice. Salary €30k p.a. 39 hour week. 2 years experience. CV’s to: temple.nurseries@gmail.com.

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

Position- BOOKKEEPER

Qualified Accounts Technician with minimum 2-3 years experience in Practice required

Qualifications

• Prior experience in Accountancy Practice as an Accounts Assistant / Bookkeeper

• Strong knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles

• Proficient in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Sage)

• Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Please apply to Box no. 3109, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

SportsPeople

POSITION: Member Services Officer

REPORTING TO: CEO

CONTRACT: PERMANENT/FULL TIME

Roscommon Credit Union is a community credit union with 4 offices, located in Roscommon, Elphin, Strokestown and Ballaghaderreen. Our values are to serve our members and the community with the highest professional standards and service.

The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out a range of operational and administrative duties that will contribute to the effective running of the day-today operations of the credit union. They will be required to work primarily from our Roscommon office but work in our other branches will be necessary from time to time.

Key Responsibilities:

• To provide a quality service to members at the counter to enable them to make lodgements, withdrawals, loan issues and repayments, Foreign exchange handling

• Process direct debits. Standing orders, EFT’s and amend mandates

• Accurately and diligently handle cash, reconcile balances and account for any inconsistencies

• Through training, develop excellence in dealing with member queries to the highest levels of service across diverse areas such as advising of credit union products, services & complaints etc.

• Ensure compliance with existing systems & controls, and policies & procedures.

• Complete other duties as required by the CEO

• Undertake relevant training as deemed necessary

The successful candidate must have the following attributes, experience and qualification:

• QFA, APA or actively working towards a qualification or willing to work towards either is preferable,

• Strong Communication skills and the ability to demonstrate ‘member service’ credentials and an ability and desire to enhance member service at every opportunity

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and also as a team player

• Cash handling experience

• Good Microsoft Office skills

• An appreciation and an awareness of the credit union ethos

• Full clean driving licence

• Previous Credit union experience desirable but not essential

Closing Date for receipt of applications: Wednesday 19th June 2024

Short listing will apply and assessment will be done on the basis of the information provided in the application.

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

Locally-owned Paidi’s Passion wins in Roscommon

Racing took place in Roscommon on Monday in beautiful sunshine but there was no joy for favourite backers as no favourite won.

Noel Meade won the opener, The Ivan Connaughton Novice Hurdle, with Golden Temple ridden by Liam McKenna. Going Live was second 8½ lengths back and the favourite, Le Coq Hardi, third.

The Castlerea Novice Chase was won by Je T’Ai Porte, trained by Gavin Cromwell with Shane Fitzgerald aboard.

The feature Connaught National Chase was won by Paidi’s Passion having her first run for Longford trainer Paul Flynn and ridden by Kevin Sexton for local owner Gerard Duke with Hascoeur Clermont second and the favourite Gold Bullion third.

PJ Rothwell and PJ O’Hanlon won Division

One of the Shanagher Hearing Hurdle with Baltinglass Hill from the favourite Rightfolksplease and Kiss My Lucky Egg.

The Opportunity Hurdle went to the 16/1 outsider Lord Maher trained by Sam Curling and ridden by Liam Quinlan.

In Division Two of the Shanagher Hearing Hurdle a 12/1 shot, Dark Image, won by ¾ lengths and ½ length from Steps In The Sand and Tipp For Mac.

The winner is trained by Eoin McCarthy and was ridden by Gary Noonan and survived a steward’s enquiry.

Victory in the penultimate handicap hurdle went to the John McConnell-trained West Away with Champella second and Ring O Roses third.

The bumper was won sassily by Minella Hollow, trained by John Nallen and ridden by Jack Barry who beat the favourite, the Willie Mullins’ trained Churchfield Sunset.

Next meeting in Roscommon is on the 2nd of July and features the Listed EBF Lenebane Stakes.

This weekend’s racing

Irish racing this week starts this evening (Thursday) with a flat card at Leopardstown off at 4.45 pm and featuring the Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes.

There is a meeting on the flat at Fairyhouse tomorrow, Friday. Stall for the first is opening at 4.30 pm. There is a national hunt card at Cork, outside Mallow, away at 4.50 pm.

Racing on Saturday sees the first of a 2-day national hunt meeting at Downpatrick away at 1.40 pm, and tomorrow at 2 pm. There is also

flat racing at Gowran Park on Sunday with stall for the first opening at 2.15 pm.

On Monday there is afternoon racing on the flat at Gowran Park at 2.35 pm and racing in County Westmeath with a national hunt card at Kilbeggan away at 5.15 pm and featuring the Paul and Carmel Fay Memorial Hurdle.

On TV

ITV coverage this week starts on Saturday with four flat races from York, two from Sandown, including the Ebor, and one from Chester, featuring the Oaks and the Coronation Cup. They cover five more from Epsom on Saturday, including the Derby.

On Sunday ITV cover eight races, six from Thirsk and two from Salisbury.

ITV and Virgin Media One are covering Royal Ascot next week starting on Tuesday with four races.

Racing News

Bryony Frost, who switched to France to ride for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, broke her collarbone in a fall at Angers on Sunday. She switched to France to ride in the ‘double green’ colours at the start of May.

Willie Mullins hopes to win his first Ascot Gold Cup next week and is likely to be doubly represented in Flat racing’s staying showpiece with Vauban and Absurde, winner and runnerup in the Copper House Handicap over 1m 6f last year. In 2013 he trained Simenon to finish second to Estimate, beaten by a neck.

Competition Corner

Winners of the tickets to Kilbeggan on Sunday are Daryl Miley, Knockcroghery, Mick McGarry, Roscommon and John Egan, Ballinlough. Don’t forget to collect your tickets in the office. This week there’s a chance to win tickets for Roscommon on the 2nd of July. To enter, please tell us which locally-owned horse won the Connaught National Chase at Roscommon on the 10th of June?

Answers as usual please on a postcard to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 5 pm on Wednesday, 26th of June. Don’t forget to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries.

Tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Paidi’s Passion and Kevin Sexton clear the last in Roscommon.

Sports PEOPLE

It’s all or nothing for Roscommon on Saturday

Can Burke’s team rediscover

winning ways?

All-Ireland SFC Round Robin

(Group B): Roscommon v Cavan at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford on Saturday at 5 pm

 SEAMUS DUKE

Much of the criticism of the new championship format over the past two years is that there is no ‘jeopardy’ and that the absence of knockout matches has been a major flaw. Well, that criticism cannot be applied to this fixture in Longford on Saturday evening because one of Cavan or Roscommon will progress and the other side will be eliminated.

The two teams will go into this game with the belief that they can win. From a Roscommon point of view the facts are that they have lost their last five championship matches (this season and last combined) and that cannot be good for momentum or confidence. Losing becomes a habit that is hard to break. At least from a Cavan perspective they defeated neighbours Monaghan in the Ulster Championship in April.

Both sides have shown poor form in this round robin element to the All-Ireland series. Both struggled against Dublin, and while Roscommon ran Mayo to two points, they never looked likely to win. Cavan struggled against Mayo in Castlebar. That brings us to this battle of the bottom two teams in the group, with an All-Ireland

preliminary quarter-final position still available. Enda Smith is rated 50-50 to start for Roscommon after limping off against Mayo. Ben O’Carroll is very unlikely to be included in the match-day panel. Either or both would be serious losses for Davy Burke’s side.

In Cavan’s case, ace attacker Paddy Lynch is out for the rest of the year after suffering a serious cruciate injury in training. He was by far the most influential Cavan player in 2024 and his absence is huge for Raymond Galligan’s men. The fact that veterans Conor Moynagh and Gearoid McKiernan are not on the Cavan panel this year is also a blow to them.

Cavan have a number of experienced players who will have to step up to the plate if they are to win this match. Killian Brady, Padraig Faulkner, Ciaran Brady and Gerard Smith are all well seasoned inter-county players capable of spearheading a winning performance. However, this Cavan side is certainly in transition this year.

Surely an attack containing Donie Smith, Conor Cox, Daire Cregg and Diarmuid Murtagh is capable of supplying the scores needed to win this championship game.

Roscommon’s issue all year has not been the quality of their attack. The midfield area has been a problem. Meanwhile, a very tentative and conservative style of play has cost them dearly in many games this season.

A defeat this Saturday would be a disaster and a massive setback for football in the county. In contrast, a win would be a big lift ahead of a preliminary quarter-final the following week. It’s time to throw off the shackles and go for it. Despite all the mediocre displays this year, surely there is at least one good winning performance in Davy Burke’s men?

Prediction: Roscommon.



It is probably safe to say that we are now at crunch time in the tenure of Davy Burke as Roscommon manager. The season so far has been marked by a league campaign that ended in relegation, and three championship losses, a sequence of games which has brought us to this Saturday’s final ‘round robin’ fixture, versus Cavan at a neutral venue, and a game that unquestionably falls into the ‘must win’ category from a Roscommon perspective.

Earlier this week I caught up with Roscommon manager Davy Burke, who will be under pressure to deliver an

overdue win in this critical final game of Group B. I first raised the injuries to key players

Ben O’Carroll and Enda Smith.

Davy Burke: “Neither of them have trained since the Mayo match. Our medical team is working away with them and we won’t know (if they are available to play) until the last minute, but I’d say it is probably 50-50 at this stage for both. We will give them every chance ahead of the match this weekend”.

The manager stayed true to his comments after the recent two-point defeat to Mayo, stating that his team haven’t had many breaks in big games this season.

“We have been playing well enough this year in all our games and we came back well against Mayo the last day. Some of the (refereeing) calls went against us, but look, we have plenty of work to do ourselves and we have been doing that. The defeat against Mayo was disappointing but we just have to move on now.

“Since I began my tenure with Roscommon we have played Cavan three or four times in challenge games and any time we play there is never much between the teams. But now it’s a knockout championship game. There will probably be only a kick of a ball between the teams and hopefully that will come down on our side”.

The manager knows full well that this is the last chance saloon for Roscommon this season.

“There is no back door or side door now – this is the real championship. We have to turn up in Longford on Saturday and win the game. Nothing else matters now.

“Pearse Park is a tight ground and there is always a good atmosphere there with the crowd very close to the pitch. Our lads are hungry for a win. It’s been a while since we tasted victory.

“We are a decent side and if we work hard and get the bounce of the ball on the day we can win this. We want as many Rossies to come out and follow us as possible” he concluded.

Roscommon’s Niall Daly (in action during the All-Ireland SFC round one match against Dublin) will be a key player for Davy Burke’s team in their crunch round three game against Cavan this Saturday.

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

SportsPeople

Short putts

BALLAGHADERREEN

Congratulations to Eithne McGarry, the ladies winner of last weekend’s 18-hole stroke competition with 61 pts.

The men’s winner was Conor Sweeney on 65 pts. Thanks to Derek Phillips Garage for sponsoring.

BOYLE

Hard luck to the Boyle Seniors team who had a narrow loss to Ballinamore Golf Club in the Connacht Seniors Tournament.

Attention turns now to our Jimmy Bruen team, who play their first round match against Co Sligo Golf Club next Sunday, June 16th Well done to Lochlann Conboy and Michael McHale who won the Men’s Fourball Betterball Bank Holiday Competition with 49 pts. Next Sunday, June 16th, there will be an 18hole stableford competition for the men and the men’s Thursday evening 12-hole competitions also continue.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

The Club held its Annual Golf Classic over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Yet again it was a very successful weekend. The club would like to thank our main sponsor, the Landmark Hotel, for their very generous sponsorship.

Congratulations to the winning team of Cathal Dowd, Cillian Doyle, John Hardiman and Gerard McGonigle, with an excellent score of 115 pts.

Euro 2024 Tenner winner

In our Tenner Winner fundraiser, we are asking you to choose the team that you think will win Euro 2024.

There will be €100 for the winner and €50 for the losing finalist. Entries close on Friday evening, June 14th at 8 pm.

Further details can be viewed on our club website and social media channels – Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Pay a tenner and select your winner! Thank you.

Euro Vision

Aidan Mulvihill

Who will win Euro 2024? Portugal

Player to watch: Jude Bellingham

Best Euro moment: Ray Houghton v England at Euro ‘88

Best Euro goal: Van Basten v Soviet Union

Austin Kirwan

Who will win Euro 2024? England

Player to watch: Jude Bellingham

Best Euro moment: Greece winning Euro 2004

Best Euro goal: Patrick Schick v Scotland

Mike Ryan

Who will win Euro 2024? France

Player to watch: Anthony Gordon

The club would like to congratulate Siobhan McElgunn Hartley on winning €500 in the last 50/50 draw.

The club would like to thank Neary Accountants for their very generous sponsorship of the recent competition. This was also the second of the O.B.N. Series. Well done to the winner Damien Quigley with a score of 40 pts. The Carrick-on-Shannon junior cup team were

C’mon The Town

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

Best Euro moment: Paul Gascoigne stretching every sinew in vain in Euro ‘96

Best Euro goal: Robbie Brady v Italy at Euro 2016

Olímpia Mihalcea Who will win Euro 2024?

England Player to watch: Luka Modric

Best Euro moment: When Iceland beat England in the last 16

Best Euro goal: Patrick Schick v Scotland

Supporting our sponsors: Roscommon Tyre Centre

Located on Circular Road in the town, Roscommon

Tyre Centre sponsors our boys U-12 Town 2 team. They offer a wide range of services including: tyre replacement and repair, battery replacement, tracking and more. A friendly and professional service, Roscommon Tyre Centre won’t leave you deflated! Call on 087 6501611 or reception (09066 26626). Support them as they support us.

Green Green Grass!

Roscommon Community Sports Park is looking great at this time of the year. Let’s continue to keep it

narrowly beaten last weekend in the second round against Castlebar.

CASTLEREA

Congratulations to Seamus Stenson, Giles McDonagh, Cian Gilmore and James Mannion who won the recent Castlerea Golf Club Classic. Well done to Matt Griffin who won the Devine Claims Consultants men’s competition recently

Neither: Messi

In association with the

clean and green.

Player Profile

Name: Meabh McNeela Team: U-12

Position: Striker

Three words that describe me: Fast, sporty, happy

Skill Strength: Speed

Skill Weakness: Shooting off right foot

Favourite Team: Liverpool

Favourite Player: Mo

Salah

Favourite Irish Players: Katie McCabe/Caoimhin

Kelleher

Best stadium in the World: Anfield Messi or Ronaldo or

PlayStation or Xbox or Neither: Xbox

Favourite Film: The Sea Beast

Favourite Food: Chicken nuggets

Favourite Song: Try (Pink)

Favourite Book: The Creakers

What makes me happy: Playing soccer

Person I admire the most: Katie McCabe

Why I play soccer: Because it’s fun and competitive Hopes for the season: To win the league

Wise Words

Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality – Abraham Lincoln

with 65 nett. Mary O’Gara won the ladies competition with 69 nett.

ROSCOMMON

Both the ladies and men’s president prize competitions took place recently at Roscommon Golf Club. The club would like to thank Tom Costello for being Club President for 2024. Well done to all our winners.

Roscommon Darts meeting on Friday

A meeting for all associated with Roscommon Darts to plan for the year ahead will take place this Friday, June 14th in Hannon’s Hotel at 8.30 pm. It is requested all teams present (or future) be represented, and that as many players from both league and county present as possible. All welcome.

Creggs RFC AGM

The Creggs RFC AGM takes place this Friday, June 14th in the clubhouse at 8 pm. All are welcome.

Roscommon Tyre Centre, sponsors of the boys U-12 Town 2 team.

Pictured is Senan Grogan, who plays with Roscommon Town Soccer Club at U-14 level, and who was recently selected to represent the Roscommon & District Youth Soccer League Academy in the Kennedy Cup at University of Limerick this week. Best of luck to Senan and his teammates.

(News from local golf clubs)

Pictured are Loretta Boland, Patricia Callaghan, Mary Kenny and Dympna McGarry who took part in Castlerea Golf Club’s Golf Classic which was held over the 7th, 8th, and 9th of June. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Pictured are Patrick O’Connor, Maura Kelly, Valerie and Andrew Callaghan who took part in Castlerea Golf Club’s Golf Classic which was held over the 7th, 8th and 9th of June. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

President’s prize winners at Roscommon Golf Club, (back row, l-r) Linda Maxwell, Laura Gri th, Paula Quinn, Marie McManus, Jackie Maxwell (winner), Noreen O’Grady, Joan Hannon, Lady Captain Phil Murray O’Brien, Claire Keane and Kay Condon; (front row l-r) President Tom Costello and Captain Seamus Duke.

President’s Prize winners at Roscommon Golf Club, (back row, l-r) Enda Daly, Kevin Glynn, Jamie Granahan, Seamus Duke, Captain; Noel Sharkey, winner; Seamus Byrne, Peter Brady and Paul Hoare; (front row, l-r) Tom Costello, President; and Phil Murray O’Brien, Lady Captain.

Classy Kerry rout Rossies

Stephen Tighe scored a point against Kerry in Ennis last weekend, where the Munster side proved far too strong for a gallant Roscommon team.

Electric Ireland All-Ireland MFC quarter-final Kerry 3-18 Roscommon 2-3

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After a very encouraging Connacht campaign, there were valid grounds for believing that Roscommon minors had legitimate hopes of travelling to Ennis last Saturday and upsetting the odds by beating Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final. However, such hopes were dashed early into this match as ‘the Kingdom’ brushed Roscommon aside with ease. In the end, they had 18 points to spare in a very one-sided game, the outcome of which was not in doubt from long before even the half-time whistle.

Roscommon started with a pointed free from Dean Casey in the second minute, but Kerry set about settling the issue as fast as possible with some devastating football in that first half. Ben Murphy and Killian Dennehy were totally dominant in the middle of the park, driving their team on relentlessly.

The scores began to mount up and by the end of the first quarter the Munster champions led by 0-6 to 0-1. It didn’t get any better for Roscommon after that as brilliant Kerry full-forward Ronan Carroll ran riot with four points on the trot.

In the 29th minute Joe McCarthy’s effort for a point dipped in under Patrick Gaynor’s crossbar for a goal, a score that helped Kerry to a 1-11 to 0-1 half-time lead. In truth, the game was over as a contest at that stage. Roscommon were living on crumbs of possession. When they did get a chance to score, they were off target from play and from frees. Their cause was not helped when Eoin Collins received a black card five minutes into the second half.

By then, Kerry were already home and dry, and they weren’t exactly easing up. Roscommon, to their credit, kept battling away, putting in a huge effort in

that second half, albeit to no avail in terms of the final outcome.

At least there were two consolation goals for the young Rossies, both netted by Collins after the break. For their part, Kerry ran up another two goals and seven points, both goals coming from impressive substitute Ryan O’Driscoll.

It was a day to forget for Roscommon, who were out of their depth against what looks an exceptional Kerry team. A measure of how one-sided this was is the fact that Roscommon only scored one point from play (apart from the goals).

Liam Finneran, Eoin Collins and Shay McGuinness were prominent for James Duignan’s side on the day, but it was a disappointing end to the team’s All-Ireland campaign after what was a good provincial campaign by Roscommon.

Teams & scorers

Kerry: Kacpar Robak; Fionan Ryan, Michael Lynch, Ruadhan Donovan; Sean O’Cuinn (0-2), Aoshna O Beaglaoich, Gavin O’Keeffe (0-1); Ben Murphy (01), Killian Dennehy; Gearoid White (0-4, 3 f), Joe McCarthy (1-1), Eanna Murphy (0-2); Jack Joy (0-1), Ronan Carroll (0-5, 3f), Michael Horan. Subs used: Cian Mac Gerailt for Horan (41), Eoin O’Flaherty for Murphy (41), David Sargent for Ó Cuinn (47), Ryan O’Driscoll (2-1) for Joy (47), Gavin Casey for White (50 mins).

Roscommon: Patrick Gaynor; Liam Finneran, Gordon Casey, Colin Murray; Eoin Collins (2-0), Keelan Kelly, Declan Kennedy; Darragh Devaney, Cathal Enright; Joe McKeon, Dara Curran, Sean McDonnell; Stephen Tighe (0-1), Shay McGuinness, Dean Casey (0-1f). Subs used: Alan Conroy for McKeon (26), Anthony Cox (0-1) for D Casey (36), Jeffrey Oates for McGuinness (42), Martin Connaughton for Murray (45), Ciaran Mulry for Kennedy (46). Referee: C. Maguire (Clare).

File photo: Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Five-star ladies into last eight

TG4 All-Ireland Ladies IFC Roscommon 5-11 Antrim 0-4

A five-star performance by Roscommon ladies – featuring five goals – has propelled them into the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland Intermediate Football Championship after a comprehensive and clinical win over Antrim at Pairc an Piarsiagh on Sunday last.

Ollie Lennon’s team dominated from start to finish, although it took them a while to make that dominance count on the scoreboard. Most of Roscommon’s first-half scoring was done in the final 10 minutes before the break with the opening goal of the game coming from the boot of Lauren Shanagher. Roscommon led by 1-7 to 0-1 at half-time.

Goal number two arrived in the 46th minute from Aisling Hanly and Niamh Feeney followed

that up with an excellent goal in the 51st minute. Further goals followed from sub Aoife Gavin and Aisling Hanly (penalty).

It was very much a case of ‘job done’ but the manager and the players will know that there are much tougher tests ahead.

Niamh Feeney, Shauna Fleming, Aisling Hanly, Aimee O’Connor and Caoimhe Cregg were most prominent for Roscommon on the day.

Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Aoife McGrath, Ellen Irwin, Shauna Fleming; Judy McDermott, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Caoimhe Cregg (0-1); Kate Nolan, Lisa O’Rourke; Ella Thompson, Lauren Shanagher (1-0), Laura Fleming (0-3, 1 free); Aisling Hanly (2-2, 1-0 pen), Aimee O’Connor (0-4), Niamh Feeney (1-0). Subs: Saoirse Wynne for Cregg (37), Aisling MacAuliffe for McDermott (37 mins), Aoife Gavin (1-1) for L Shanagher (50), Niamh Fleming for Fitzmaurice (54), Megan McKeon for Thompson (54).

D-Day for Derry, Dubs and Mayo for Hyde

Championship Watch

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It’s a big weekend for a number of teams in the All-Ireland SFC with round three of the group games taking place at neutral venues.

In Group One, there is a huge game in Newry on Saturday as Derry take on Westmeath. If you had said about two months ago that Derry would be facing the possibility of elimination from the championship in this game you would most likely have been laughed at heartily. Not now. Westmeath can give Derry plenty of problems, but surely Mickey Harte’s men are good enough to get over the line in this one. But it may be close.

Roscommon and Cavan clash in Longford. The game is previewed in detail elsewhere in this edition. Roscommon might just have enough in their armoury to advance.

Donegal will be hot favourites to beat Clare in Castlebar and they should win with a bit to spare.

The clash of Tyrone and Cork in Tullamore promises to be very interesting. Cork surprised Donegal and will be looking for another good performance. There is not a lot at stake here. I take Tyrone to edge it.

The meeting of Galway and Armagh in Sligo on Sunday will be fascinating. Galway would like to top the group but Armagh were excellent against Derry and they are a safer bet to win this one, especially if Galway have a few players missing through injury.

Biggest crowd of the day will be at

Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon which is hosting Dublin v Mayo. The Dubs will want to finish on top of the group and they should be able to account for a Mayo team who have not been impressive thus far.

Kerry and Louth face off in Portlaoise and Jack O’Connor’s side should have too much firepower for the Wee County.

Monaghan play Meath in Cavan. Meath were poor against Kerry and Monaghan look the better bet in this one.

In the Tailteann Cup, there should be wins for Fermanagh, Down, Kildare and Sligo.

There are two preliminary quarterfinals taking place in the hurling championship. Cork look too strong for Offaly, while Wexford should have a bit to spare against Laois.

Ella Thompson (pictured in action for Roscommon against Wexford in the NFL) lined out against Antrim last weekend. File pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Boyle’s Mark O’Connor tries to get past Castlerea’s Thomas Callaghan and Donal Brennan during their O’Rourke Cup game in Abbey Park last Friday evening. Castlerea won 0-11 to 1-7. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell