14 October 2022 Roscommon People

DOLAN WANTS HEALTH MINISTER TO RESPOND

Fine Gael Senator is demanding

her Government

for

Stephen Don

nelly, prioritises the expansion of the Westdoc service in the greater Ballinasloe area. Senator Aisling Dolan was speaking after GPs met on Monday night to highlight

what she has called a “crisis” sit uation.

The meeting, held at The Shear water Hotel in Ballinasloe, was called to address the expansion of

services in Ballydangan, Taughma connell and surrounding areas.

Senator Dolan said local GPs were coming under increased pressure to provide night-time weekend call-outs alongside normal daytime services. At the meeting, GPs spoke of having to work excessive hours which is causing them stress and anxiety.

Senator Dolan, whose party, Fine Gael, are in Coalition with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, called on the Minister for Health to take ac tion.

“Community Healthcare West have made submissions to the HSE for additional funding to expand the Westdoc Scheme, however no funding has been allocated.

“These GPs are at the end of their tether, they cannot continue to work these types of hours which will put patients at risk as well as their own safety driving all hours of the night”.

See full story on page 8.

Sculpted by Aimee Connolly

Ecstasy at the final whistle for these Boyle players as the club reaches a first Roscommon SFC final since 1927 with victory over St Brigid’s. Photo: Mick McCormack

Family Home

My husband has a gambling problem, and I am afraid that he will sell our home behind my back to pay off gambling debts. My name is not on the deeds as he had bought the house before we got married. I have always paid 50% of the mortgage. Can he sell our home without telling me or can I stop him from sell ing it? Please help, this worry is keeping me awake at night.

No, your husband may not legally sell your home without your consent. The family home of a mar ried couple is protected by specific legislation, namely, the Family Home Protection Act, 1976. Similar protection is provided for the shared home of civil partners by the civil partnership legislation.

The Family Home Protection Act prevents one spouse or civil partner from selling, mortgag ing, leasing or transferring the family home without the consent of the other spouse or civil partner. This applies regardless of whether the home is owned jointly by the married couple or civil partners or where the home is owned by just one party.

Consent of a spouse or civil partner must be secured prior to any sale, lease, mortgage or transfer. Such consent must be in writing.

If you remain very concerned you may inform the Property Registration Authority that you are a spouse of the registered owner of the property. A notice to that effect will then be registered against the property. However, you are not obliged to enter such a registration and not doing so will not affect your rights, it will simply offer you peace of mind.

WATCHINGPeople

With PAUL HEALY

Flying pigs, cricket, and…Irish dancing

So, any word on our contract talks?

Huh?

Is the Editor going to renew our contract for this column?

Well…I’m actually STILL in talks with him…

Those talks are going on longer than…I dunno…the Northern Ireland protocol controversy!

The talks have been constructive, I’m confi dent there will be a breakthrough soon… That’s exactly what the politicians say about the protocol talks!

Trust me…

They say that too! I presume there’s no more talk of the Editor drafting in Joe Brolly, even when we’re on holidays?

Eh…

You do realise that pigs will fly before I’ll allow Brolly to take my place?

Pigs will fly? Not very original!

Okay, so…King Charles will convert to Catholicism before…

That’s better!

….or cricket will be played in Hyde Park before I’ll allow Brolly to take my place…

Eh…

(They pause to check if Liz Truss is still in office; she is)

Hey, did you read about that dancing scandal?

Huh?

Absolutely scandalous! A joke!

Is Dancing with the Stars back? I had no

Endangered Species Thebarstoolboyos

Wow! Irish dancing just got interesting! That’s a low blow…it’s always been interesting!

Only joking…

And this is no fun for competitors, or their parents…

Agreed!

Anyways, there’s only one winner in this scandal…

I assumed there’s been multiple winners, but some of them dubious?

No, just ONE winner on this one…

I don’t understand…

JOE DUFFY and Liveline!

(They pause to check online for the latest revelations concerning the Irish dancing scandal)

Now can you kindly put my mind at ease about our contract talks…as soon as possible!

Leave it with me!

This HAS to be a Brolly-free zone, I mean it!

Mmnn…

idea! Is it Marty? Is he going for it again?

Give him a break…

NO! The IRISH DANCING scandal!

Huh?

Apparently there’s been cheating going on!

Really?

Yes! Well, allegedly!

No way! Go on…

There are allegations of competition fixing…

I’ll say it again, there will be cricket played in Hyde Park before I give way to him on this page!

Well…a lot depends on how it goes at The Lough/St Coman’s Park.

Huh?

Did you not see last week’s People?

Cricket IS starting …at St Coman’s Park!

REALLY? I guess I’d better keep an eye out for flying pigs!

PEOPLE writing headlines…

Ales Bialiatski

The human rights advocate from Belar us, who is currently in prison, was named joint winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, sharing this huge honour with two human rights organisations, namely the Russian group Memorial and Ukraine’s Center for Civil Liberties

Sinead O’Connor

A major documentary (by Belfast direc tor Kathryn Ferguson) on the sometimes controversial but much-loved singer opened in Irish cinemas last weekend. Early reviews of ‘Nothing Compares’ have been extremely positive

Doireann Garrihy

It was confirmed that the radio/TV broadcaster will be the new co-presenter of Dancing with the Stars when the new series begins in January. She will join Jennifer Zamparelli (and replaces Nicky Byrne)

Leo Varadkar

The Tánaiste said he cannot rule out the possibility that there will be prolonged power blackouts facing Irish homes and businesses this winter

PIC

Photo from last Friday night’s soccer match between Roscommon Special Olympics Club and Roscommon Gardaí at the Community Sports Park in Lisnamult. Pic courtesy of Mick Byrne

Thursday

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

On Question Time (BBC 1) tonight, after the panel had finished discussing the cur rent political woes of Britain’s new Prime Minister, they got down to more important matters.

An audience member – an elderly wom an with a very furrowed brow – got to ask her question. Will the lights be switched off this winter, she asked, her face creased with worry.

(It’s the same in Ireland. People are wor ried. There is fear about opening energy bills this winter, fear too that power blackouts could be a reality in the coming months, a prospect which Tánaiste Leo Varadkar refused to rule out when speak ing earlier today).

In the Question Time studio, the Govern ment Minister on the panel spent half his contribution massaging his own ego (“I chair the committee that…” and “When I was in the US…”) while others – includ ing Piers Morgan – admitted they were concerned. There was much talk of the need to build up our reserves of energy supplies, to invest more in renewable energy too. There was a sense that, while blackouts – which would pose such chal lenges to households, businesses, schools, etc. – may still be unlikely, on this one, our fate is not in our own hands. Some panel members advised that we should be saving on energy now.

At various points across the hour, the programme featured the usual weak quips that pass for humour on such shows, but the woman with the furrowed brow just looked sad. She wasn’t enjoying Question Time, and she is scared about the winter that’s coming.

Friday

He hasn’t gone away, you know… Today’s Irish Independent rather breath lessly reports on audacious efforts to get outspoken and ever so slightly egotistical Sligo-Leitrim TD Marc MacSharry back into the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party. What’s going on? Marc only walked out on the party a mere 12 months ago! The former FF rebel is now an Independent, but it seems he may be on the way back. This is after our old friend Barry Cowen – described by the Indo as the ‘Midlands Machiavelli’ – tabled a proposal to have Marc readmitted to Fianna Fáil. Presum ably this proposed return is to make it easier for Barry (a Laois-Offaly TD) and Marc to work closely on trying to plot Micheál Martin’s downfall. For some unexplained reason Deputy Cowen appar

ently views himself as leadership material. If I was the Taoiseach, I wouldn’t be too complacent, but neither would I be losing too much sleep over this. Meanwhile, I wonder if the lads have been in touch with Willie O’Dea?

Saturday

The nation wakes with a sense of shock, disbelief and grief, as the enormity of yes terday’s tragedy in Donegal begins to sink in. Ten people are now confirmed to have died due to an explosion at a service sta tion in Creeslough. Our hearts go out to the devastated local community, and to all in this beautiful county.

May those who lost their lives in this unimaginable tragedy rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, with those who are injured and traumatised, and also with the members of the emergency services.

Sunday

We went to the Hyde today, armed with coats, hats, umbrella and expectations. The weather was poor on the way in, and worse was to come.

It turned out to be a wonderful day for Strokestown and Boyle, who’ve set up an all-northern county senior final after excel lent wins against Roscommon Gaels and St Brigid’s respectively.

I’ve a few thoughts on the StrokestownRoscommon Gaels match on page 43 this week, while Seamus Duke’s reports on both semi-finals (and Mick McCormack’s photos) are also in our sports section, and online.

On a very busy weekend for Roscommon GAA, St Dominic’s and Éire Óg qualified for the county intermediate final, while St Ronan’s and Padraig Pearses are through to the junior decider. Boyle won the Ladies intermediate final while St Croan’s edged past Michael Glavey’s to take the junior honours.

Back to the Hyde on Sunday…yes, we got soaked. It was just like ‘old’ times…but the bitterly cold hands/feet often encountered on National League/FBD excursions is still to come (and to be savoured when it happens). It really is great to be back at club games, after that unwelcome intervention by the pandemic.

Monday

But seriously…why the recent increase in membership of the NADWGW club?

NADWGW is – of course – the ‘Not ac knowledging drivers who give way’ club.

You know the drill. You’re on the road and there’s a turn-off for a supermarket or some such place. There’s a motorist inching along, hop ing they get the nod. You give the nod/flash the lights. You’re giving way…you’re just dripping in humanity. A regular spot is opposite the arts centre and mart in Roscommon town. Or the turn into Dunnes or Topline Wards.

Anyway, those of us who belong to the HTGW club – the ‘Happy to give way’ club, that is – don’t expect a lot. But the traditional acknowledgement has always been appreci ated. A nod/wave/thumbs up, etc. are all options available to the driver who is the recipient of the thoughtful gesture.

Now, while it’s not a full-blown crisis yet, sadly I must officially report this week that there is at least a slight increase in instances of said drivers simply availing of the gen erosity without giving the remotest sign of appreciation.

It is still the case that most people courte ously acknowledge the HTGW club, but the NADWGW – the ‘Not acknowledging drivers who give way’ club – is regrettably growing in membership.

Those of us who belong to the HTGW club (‘Happy to give way’ – please, keep up!) are a bit miffed. We are now seriously consider ing abandoning our policy of occasionally giving way to two cars in a row, while our special offer – giving way to three or more cars at junctions near schools between the times of 8.35 and 8.50 on weekday mornings – is in serious peril.

A spokesperson for our group said: “We don’t want to make a big issue of this. We realise people are stressed. But it can be frustrating to see people availing of our gen erosity and then very rudely just ploughing straight ahead without any acknowledge ment…as if we didn’t exist. We’d like to see the traditional courtesies – which are still being extended by most drivers – being ap plied by all”.

*Next week: Why do some pedestrians crossing the street not acknowledge it when motorists give way to them?

Tuesday

An ordinary evening has been lit up by a magnificent victory by the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup play-off against Scotland in Hampden Park. Ireland went into this game as underdogs but a bril liantly taken goal by substitute Amber Barrett secured a historic win, sending Ireland into the 2023 World Cup.

The fact that Barrett, who is from Donegal and has close family links with Creeslough, so movingly dedicated her goal to the victims of Friday’s tragedy was deeply emotional.

As for the progress of this Irish team, manager Vera Pauw came with a big reputation and she and her players have certainly delivered. Ireland’s qualification is a huge boost for the game here and for women’s sport in general. Congratulations to all involved.

Sophia and Rachel Gately pictured at Saturday’s Roscommon IFC semi-final between St. Dominic’s and Fuerty.

Photo: Mick McCormack

Trial of man accused of murder of Castlerea Garda continues

The trail of a man accused of murdering Detec tive Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea two years ago is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Stephen Silver (46), a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, Co. Mayo, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murdering the 49-year-old Detective.

The trial has heard that Detective Garda Horkan was shot a total of 11 times with his own standard issue firearm near Main Street in Castlerea just before midnight on June 17th, 2020.

The trial continues in front of a jury of seven men and five women at the Central Criminal Court.

Boyle supporters Richard Kennedy, John Cummins and Paul Beirne pictured in Ballyleague on Saturday

for the

Intermediate Football Final between Boyle and St. Ciaran’s. Photo: Mick McCormack

Dolan calls for urgent expansion of Westdoc

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan has called for an urgent expansion of the Westdoc GP service covering Ballinasloe and surrounding areas following a meeting with the SouthEast Galway GP network on Mon day night.

The meeting, which took place at The Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe, was called by the network to address the expansion of services in Bally dangan, Taughmaconnell and sur rounding areas.

Senator Dolan said local GPs were coming under increased pressure to provide night-time weekend callouts alongside normal daytime ser vices.

“Ten GPs came together in this meeting and spoke of their experi ences, the workload, the burden and stress of working excessive hours. There is no EU Working Time Di rective for GPs and yet this puts such

a risk for patient safety,” she said.

“Westdoc provides an Out of Hours Urgent GP service from 6 pm to 9 am the following day as well as over weekends and Bank Holidays in the Galway, Roscommon and Mayo re gions. It is part-funded by the HSE and there has been expansion, how ever not in the Ballinasloe-SouthEast Galway area or in the Moycul len area west of Galway city”.

The senator said the situation had reached “crisis level” and she called on the Minister for Health to priori tise the expansion of services in the area.

“Community Healthcare West have made submissions to the HSE for ad ditional funding to expand the West doc Scheme, however no funding has been allocated. CHO2 represent atives stated their support and noted the funding requests submitted over the past number of years and said the

cost to fund an Out of Hours Service from midnight to 9 am in this region is roughly €500,000,” she said.

“These GPs are at the end of their tether, they cannot continue to work these types of hours which will put pa tients at risk as well as their own safety driving all hours of the night.

“The shocking part is that one GP has already left the Kilconnell area due to the incredible workload which makes it one of the worst regions in the coun try to be a GP. And it has been impos sible to replace the position because of the difficult working conditions”.

Kerrane: Residents ‘sidelined’ over Frenchpark works

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Residents in Frenchpark have criti cised Roscommon County Council over ongoing roadworks in the village, claiming there had been no consulta tion with local stakeholders prior to the works commencing. One local resident, who asked not to be named, said there was considerable anger in the area and the works would only serve to make the village more dangerous.

“Not one house on the street was consulted prior to these works starting. It’s made the street dangerous and they have taken away six or seven parking spaces around Higgins’ Pub which we are also not happy about. There are elderly residents on the street who have no parking outside their homes now. Where can they go?”

“The size of this structure is just ridiculous. It juts out onto the street and it’s dangerous because two cars can’t meet there now. Cars are beeping at each other all the time because they don’t know where to go when they reach that spot and we are just waiting for an accident to happen”.

Residents claim they only became aware of the works when lines ap peared on the street.

“There wasn’t a phone call or a letter, no one was consulted. Yes, put down ramps or something to slow traffic, but the size of this is just too much.

“When there are GAA matches on there will be no parking. Frenchpark is only a village and cars build up on Saturdays when the kids have football.

This is dangerous”.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane recently visited the west Roscommon village and described the works as “a mon strosity”.

“I have visited the works in French park and witnessed the impact these works are having on incoming vehi cles coming into the village from the Boyle direction. I do not believe that what is being put in place will work, I do not believe it will slow traffic

down, in fact I think it may lead to further incidents at what is already an accident blackspot,” she said.

“If I believed that the structure being erected on the Boyle Road would be beneficial, I would support it. I’ve made the need for safety works in Frenchpark a priority since being elected but the Council is not getting this right.

“I’ve engaged with residents who have been sidelined as regards these works. They were not consulted, they have seen no plans yet they are having parking outside their homes taken away. This is unacceptable”.

Deputy Kerrane and her party col league Cllr. Michael Mulligan have formally requested for the works to be paused and called on Roscom mon County Council to consult with residents.

“This should have been done in the first place, at the very least, out of courtesy for those who live in the area. Michael and I want to see the plans, we want to know what alter natives to slow down traffic were examined by the Council and we want residents involved in this process from start to finish,” she concluded.

Over €700k in community centre funding for Roscommon

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Community groups and sports clubs in Roscommon are set to receive a finan cial boost of over €700,000 in Commu nity Centre Investment funding aimed at assisting with the refurbishment and improvements of community facilities.

A number of local groups or com mittees will receive grants of up to €25,000 towards the improvement of community centres, GAA clubs, parish halls, youth centres, Men’s Sheds and other facilities.

Some of the groups set to benefit include Ardcarne Park Development Committee (€24,892), Athleague Community Centre (€23,676), Bal laghaderreen Men’s Shed (€25,000), Knockcroghery Community Asso ciation (€25,000), and Tulsk Action Group (€23,289).

Welcoming the announcement this

week, Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said the funding represents the “largest single investment in com munity centres in decades”.

He added: “I want to congratulate all of the successful groups who are receiving funding, which I know will benefit local communities for years to come”.

Local Minister of State Frank Feighan also welcomed the news, while Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said:

“The Community Centres Investment fund is a fantastic initiative and part of ‘Our Rural Future’ strategy to support investment in our towns and villages. I look forward to visiting our centres and halls to see this welcome progress in the next number of months”.

Local councillors including Kathleen Shanagher and Anthony Waldron have also welcomed the announcement this week.

Community centres to receive funding

Deputy Claire Kerrane.

Senator Aisling Dolan

NewsG DThe page

Gardaí pay the penalty as Special Olympics Club makes it two in a row!

The Roscommon Spe cial Olympics soccer team emerged victorious over the Roscommon Gardaí for the second year running following a dramatic penalty shootout at the Community Sports Park in

Lisnamult last Friday night.

The Special Olympics play ers held their nerve to win the shootout 7-5 and will now be aiming to complete a three-ina-row in 2023.

Congratulating the team on

their success, Chairperson of Roscommon Special Olym pics, Jacqueline McCormack paid tribute to all those who made the event possible.

“To our wonderful bunch of athletes who never give up,

who showed up at every train ing session and who do eve rything that is asked of them without complaining and most importantly, who light up our club by just being themselves, thank you every single one of you. We are going for three in a row in 2003!”

The Special Olympics Chair person also paid tribute to Ro scommon Gardaí, who came up just short on the night.

“Roscommon Gardaí are a wonderful bunch of people who really get into the spirit of this event and add so much to the joy and enthusiasm the Special Olympics players get from the occasion. We are very grateful to you. A special mention to Sgt. Ronan O’Meara and In spector David Cryan for your help in organising,” she said. Jacqueline went on to thank all volunteers on the night includ

ing Kathleen Carr, Ash Galway, as well as Jim and Marie Casey (Supermac’s), Patricia Mor ris and Comhaltas, Dealz, Ro scommon Community Sports Park committee, Una, Jacinta and Mick for photographs, Ro scommon Town youth soccer coaches Paul Duignan, Olym pia Michaela and John Hannon, Friday night’s referee Brian, and Special Olympics volun teers Anne, Ursula, David, Ra chel, Clodagh, Caoimhe, Lor raine, Olympia, Maura, Bob, and Marie.

“You are the backbone of the club and no events would ever be possible without your sup port. Thank you to the parents and care workers who bring our athletes to their sessions. It was heart-warming to see all the supporters that came out on Friday to cheer both teams on,” she concluded.

Harvest café raises funds for Hospice

The team at Harvest Home made Café, in Sheraton Hotel, Athlone were delighted with the huge support received at their Bewley’s Big Coffee

Morning Social for Hospice recently. All funds raised are going directly to South West meath Hospice with the morn ing being a huge success and

very generously supported by all who attended.

There was a super atmos phere with locals, past team members and friends enjoying

catching up and indeed fondly remembering lost loved ones.

A big thanks to the local com munity for the fantastic support received on the day.

Pic courtesy of Mick Byrne

Three local schools to join Creative Schools initiative

The Arts Council has announced that Gorthaganny, Lismoil and Scoil Micheál Naofa National Schools in Roscommon have been invited to take part in the Creative Schools initiative.

Participation in the in the initiative allows schools to develop, implement and evaluate arts and creative activity and stimulate additional ways of working which reinforce the impact of creativity on children’s learning, development and well-being.

Participation empowers children and young people to develop, implement and evaluate arts and creative activity throughout their schools/centres and stimulate additional ways of working which reinforce the impact of creativity on children and young people’s learning, development and well-being.

Minister for Education Norma Foley welcomed the new schools to the initiative.

“I would like to welcome these new schools into this exciting initiative, and I look forward to seeing how these creative, colourful and captivating projects develop over the coming two years. Through Creative Schools, the Department of Education supports critical thinking, cognitive and emotional wellbeing, encouraging a creative environment, without boundaries within the educational space,” she said.

October is Children’s Month at Roscommon Arts Centre

The annual Lollipops festival gets underway this month at Roscom mon Arts Centre and this year’s pro gramme boasts something for every one aged 12 and under.

From early years’ activities to shows suitable for pre-schoolers and up wards, the festival opened with the premiere of a brand new children’s show ‘An Ant Called Amy’ which has been written by a well-known Ro scommon actress Julie Sharkey, who also stars in the show.

Also to coincide with the annual Lol lipops festival, the arts centre will have

Anna Newell Theatre Adventures with ‘Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This’ for very young audiences with complex needs and the ever-popular Branar Theatre Company return with both school and family performances of their new play ‘Grand Soft Day’.

‘Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This’ is a gentle adventure for younger chil dren with complex needs performed inside a dreamy blue tent with a limit ed capacity to enhance the experience. It drifts its audience off to a gentle magical place of dancing lights, curi ous mice, and giant moons.

Family show ‘Grand Soft Day’ is a beautiful show of all seasons from splashing in puddles, wind whipping your hair, dripping on your nose to crunching frost under your feet. A playful show about always being pre pared even though you don’t know what the day will bring – a great first show for pre-schoolers and junior/ senior infant primary school children.

For music lovers, on October 21st, the arts centre hosts the amazing Kakatsitsi, a group of traditional drummers, dancers, and singers from the Ga tribe of Southern Ghana, with

their roots in the fishing community of Jamestown. And our showcase of young Roscommon musicians contin ues in association with Music Genera tion, with a festival ‘Sunday Sounds’ on October 16th.

Our gallery space remains open until October 22nd with ‘The Playroom’, an exhibition by artists Jane Fogarty, Maree Hensey and Celing Sheridan exploring ‘play’ as a means to engage, develop and learn by doing and play ing through ‘hands on’ experiences.

Artist Maree Hensey is hosting baby and toddler groups ‘WonderPools’ to

coincide with the exhibition on the 20th.

The brilliant Marian Balfe will be of fering primary schools the chance to participate in a tour of the exhibition and complimentary workshop via the ‘Primary Colours’ programme and plans are also underway for a Family Day in the gallery with Marian as part of the festival.

Interested in finding out more, or coming along? Then check out the website: www.roscommonartscentre. ie or contact the Box Office on 0906625824.

Roscommon Special Olympics soccer players celebrate their big win last Friday night at the Community Sports Park in Lisnamult. Pic: Mick Byrne

Eyes on the prize: Lauren McNamara collects the cup for the Special Olympics soccer team following their penalty shootout win against Roscommon Garda at the Community Sports Park in Lisnamult last Friday night.

Indoor market in Greenfields Centre

Greenfields Childcare Centre in Lisnamult, Roscommon town will host an indoor market on Sunday, October 23rd from 10 am to 12 pm. All welcome. All support greatly appreciated.

Gardaí investigate jeep theft in Strokestown

Roscommon Gardaí are investigating the theft of a vehicle from outside a premises in Strokestown last week.

Investigating Gardaí are seeking information after a black Toyota jeep was stolen at 7.30 pm on Wednesday, 5th of October.

Gardaí said it was as yet unclear what direction the vehicle may have travelled in. CCTV is being analysed in a bid to assist their investigations.

Anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious or who may have dashcam or other footage is being asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094-9620019.

Ballygar community in mourning as popular teenager laid to rest

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There was an outpouring of grief across Ballygar and surrounding areas last week following the death of a popular local teenager who passed away at Portiuncula Hospital following a short illness.

Seamus ‘Seamie’ Langan from Aughrane, Ballygar died in the care of staff at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballina sloe on Wednesday (5th) and was laid to rest on Sunday following Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church.

The former Coláiste Mhuire student is sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, Pat and Mary Frances, lov ing brother Conor, sisters Sinead and Niamh, uncles, aunt, relatives, neigh bours and his many close friends.

Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar paid tribute to Seamie, saying his passing was a great loss for his family, friends and the entire community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Seamie’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time. May Seamie’s gentle soul rest in peace,” the school said.

St. Brendan’s Ladies Football Club said Seamie’s sisters, Sinead and Niamh, were members of the club and that he was a “great friend to many members”.

“Our hearts are very heavy as we mourn the loss of Seamus, fondly known by most who knew him as Seamie,” the club said.

Posting on Facebook, Ballygar

Badminton Club said it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news of Seamie’s untimely passing.

“He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed by family and friends alike, also in the wider community of Ballygar and surrounding areas,” the post read.

Ballygar Hurling Club said “words cannot describe the shock and sadness” the entire community is experienc ing following Seamie’s sudden and untimely passing and offered sincere condolences to the young man’s family and friends.

Northern Gaels GAA Club, who Seamie played with in 2019, also paid tribute on social media: “Seamus played with Northern Gaels along with a few other St. Brendan’s lads back in 2019 on a permission to play basis. Sea mus was a gentle, good-natured young lad. Loved his native sport.

“No words can take away from the heartbreak and loss his family, friends, neighbours and the whole community in Ballygar is feeling right now”.

St. Brendan’s GAA Club said the com munity had been “shook to its core”.

“When life should only be beginning to take off for Seamie, it was taken from him without him ever getting to say goodbye to family and friends”. The statement described him as a strong, young lad with a love for life.

Roscommon

Cooke,

with

Bus and Railway Union conference at the Maryborough Hotel in Cork on Monday.

Seamus ‘Seamie’ Langan from Aughrane, Ballygar, R.I.P.

FRANK BRANDON

BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Football and foxtrots on a ‘super Saturday’

Our man Frank on a busy Saturday… cheering on St Ciaran’s ladies, attending Paddy Lally’s birthday bash, and finishing up in Mikeen’s!

Last Saturday afternoon I found myself heading off to St Faith leach’s football pitch, where the ladies from St Ciaran’s were facing Boyle in the Intermediate county final.

Boyle were very worthy winners in a game that was marred by an injury in the very first minute to Niamh Farrell of St Ciaran’s, from which I hope she makes a full and speedy recovery.

However, for me the most eye-catching feature of the whole occasion, which was very well organised by the host club, was the superb match programme that the Ladies’ GFA produced.

Many times I have been critical of different aspects of the GAA –I am still annoyed at the sudden removal of pensioners’ match fee reductions, which I have written to Croke Park about (I have, of course, been ignored). But in this case I must give credit where it is due, so congratulations to all who were involved in the programme’s production. Usually such booklets are both expensive to produce and to buy, so to get a booklet that was informative,

interesting and in full colour at €3 was a steal!

So well done ladies, you have set a standard that I hope the men will emulate when their county finals are played in the very near future.

Paddy’s party

So that was Saturday afternoon done with, but there was no rest for the

wicked, as later in the evening I was on the road again, this time heading off to Dowd’s in Glinsk, where Paddy Lally’s 80th birthday party was in full swing.

The Lancers had the large crowd out on the floor doing foxtrots and waltzes and quicksteps, and I have to say –nearly for the first time – things were very much back to normal. It was al most as if Covid had never happened.

I had no idea what dances people were doing, but Carol filled me in.

I wondered how I could have got this far without ever learning any dance step, but I couldn’t say the same about the man of the moment

– Paddy looked more like 18 than 80 as he danced around the floor. I have to say it was great to see the whole place hopping.

All proceeds of the night are going

Early start led to a clean sweep…

It’s a well known fact that some people, upon their retirement from work, find it hard to adjust to their new less structured lives, and can often struggle to adapt to their new circumstances. Thank fully, I had no such problems when I retired – although there are people out there who say I never did a proper day’s work anyway. The reality is I have fitted seamlessly into my new world of total relaxation.

However, I did make one rule when my working life came to an end, and that was not to get into the habit of lying on in bed in the morning. An extra half hour can easily become an hour and before you know it you can

be sleeping half the day.

Now I don’t claim to be a ‘crack of dawn’ man, but most days you will find me up and about somewhere between 8 am and 8.30 am – except for an odd Saturday when I might sneak in the extra half hour. However, on last Saturday, there was no such luxury, as Damien McDonnell (from Complete Chimney Services) had told me he would be com ing to me at about twenty past seven to clean two chimneys here.

Oftentimes when lads say seven, it could be eight, but not with Damien.

Right on time he pulled up outside the door, and by the time I would normally be getting up, he had all done and was

ready to head off. One of the chimneys had been closed up for a number of years and had become a home for nest ing crows and other types of birds, and he took out a huge amount of sticks and other stuff that birds use to make their nests. I have to say that both chimneys were in a bad way, but Damien gave them a thorough cleaning, and now we can look forward to a winter in which hopefully we won’t need to call the fire brigade.

At this time of year, all chimney sweeps are very busy, so I was probably lucky to get one at all, but if you need to get your chimney cleaned, give Damien a call!

And finally…

to Cancer Care West, so well done Paddy and happy birthday to you.

To retire or not?

We weren’t done yet. After an hour or so in Dowd’s, we head ed to Mikeen’s (Carol being my designated driver), where Shaun Donoghue was playing to an other large crowd. There was a private party on in O’Rourke’s, which I thought was to celebrate Enda O’Rourke’s retirement (his fifth) from the football team, but it turned out to be for a more uplifting occasion – celebrating good news for a very popular young lady. I have to say the atmosphere and craic was 90.

In an exclusive interview, Enda, who has been a stalwart midfielder for a good few years for Creggs, confirmed his inten tion to retire this year, citing personal reasons, but I think he will be back for another crack at it next year. He can’t go now anyway as he told me if he got his name in the paper (he’s got it twice now), he’d play on for an other year, so we look forward to seeing his celebrated left foot next year.

Anyway, that brought the curtain down on a very interest ing and enjoyable Saturday. As I used to always write in my national school essays, we headed home tired but happy after a long, long day.

This Friday and Saturday night sees the long-awaited return to the School Hall in Creggs of the Lip Sync fun events, with doors open ing at 7 pm on both nights.

Friday night is a family night so feel free to bring the children along, but Saturday night is for the adults – who can bring their own drinks with them and have a real live Lip Sync party. There are ten wonderful acts, performing as a variety of wellknown top international artists. Whoever gets the most votes from the public (and the judges) will be the winner.

It’s all to raise funds for the school, so bring loads of money with you to vote for whatever acts appeal to you. There will be a raf fle for great prizes each night, so come along to help the school – which has to be amongst the best in the country – and also to enjoy the craic. We all deserve a good night or two after two long, miserable years. See you there both nights in my very well-earned judging capacity!

A group of young St. Ciaran’s fans pictured at the Ladies Intermediate Football Final between Boyle and St. Ciaran’s in Ballyleague on Saturday. Photo: Mick McCormack

National Famine Way traces Daniel Tighe, original famine way walker

The National Famine Way is based on a forced walk by evicted tenants at the height of the great potato famine in 1847. The free app and core story is based on the life of one of the younger emigrants, a 12-year-old boy called Daniel Tighe. He survived the appalling journey and went on to establish himself in Canada, settling down, marry ing and having a family. Through his descendants, some remarkable photographs have come to light, showing Daniel in his later years along with his wife, Marie Virginie.

Daniel Tighe was one of the 1,490 tenants of the Mahon estate in Strokestown who were evicted and forced to march to Dublin where their pas sage was paid on four of the worst ‘coffin ships’ which crossed the Atlantic during the famine years. The National Famine Way app, which is free for walkers to download, is based on Daniel’s story. It comprises a digital storybook in 32 sec tions, each linked to a pair of bronze shoes, used to mark the trail route. The narrative is written by award-winning author, Marita Conlon-McKenna.

Daniel Tighe’s mother was a widow with five children who, in a deperate attempt to save her family, availed of the ‘Assisted Emigra tion Scheme’ offered by Major Denis Mahon of Strokestown Park House. Only two of the fam ily, Daniel and his nine-year-old sister Catherine, survived the voyage on the ‘Naomi’ which sailed from Liverpool to Quebec.

In later years, Daniel recounted the horror of watching the bodies of his mother and brothers being thrown overboard and buried at sea.

The ‘Naomi’ has appalling statistics from that voyage which began with 421 passengers and was an eight-week nightmare. Comfort and hygiene were non-existent, drinking water ran low and food was reduced to one meal a day. Typhus broke out on board, and the ship was ordered to stop at Grosse Isle. Almost half of those who embarked died aboard or in the ‘fever sheds’ at Grosse Isle when they arrived in Quebec.

Against the odds, Daniel and Catherine survived and were moved to a Catholic Orphanage from where they were adopted by a French-Canadian couple, Mr and Mrs Fran Coulombe. They found themselves on a 168-acre farm in Lotbinière, Quebec, a far cry from half an acre in Lisonuffy, and were treated well by their new family. In time Daniel inherited the farm which is still in the fam ily, now known as ‘Tye’. Daniel and his wife Ma rie Virginie had eight children. Catherine died in her mid-30s of appendicitis.

About National Famine Way

Strokestown Park House contains a full and fascinating treasury of over 55,000 documents and is of international significance in relation to the famine period.

It includes a full handwritten list of the 1,490 emigrants which was the starting point for tracing them. The search is led by Profes sor Mark McGowan from the University of Toronto.

They have also traced the children who were left orphans from the 1,490 famine emigrants and located where many of them were adopted by French-Canadian families.

This led to Daniel’s great-grandson, Richard Tye visiting Strokestown, completing a nostal gic circle from the original starting point.

Launched in September 2020, the 165km National Famine Way starts at the National Famine Museum/Strokestown Park in Ro scommon and ends at EPIC The Irish Emigra tion Museum in Dublin’s Docklands.

It mainly follows the Royal Canal towpath and is both flat and accessible, suiting all age groups. It can be done as a non-stop pilgrim age, Camino-style, or walked in sections.

LADY

John’s of Doughill

Sinn

LEFT: Daniel Tighe, who the free Famine Way app and core story is based on. Daniel was one of the original Famine Way walkers from the Mahon estate in Strokestown following the great potato famine in 1847. He later went on to establish himself in Canada.

Above: Daniel Tighe pictured in later life with his wife, Marie Virginie.

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Does social media misrepresent mental health illness by ‘glamorising’ it?

Earlier this month, an inquest ruled social media had contributed to British teenager Molly Russell’s tragic death. In what has been hailed a ‘landmark ruling’, senior UK coro ner Andrew Walker stopped short of describing this beautiful child’s death as suicide, instead finding the 14-year-old had ‘died from an act of self-harm while suffering depression in 2017’. This, he concluded, was due to the ‘negative effects of online con tent’ Molly had viewed on sites such as ‘Instagram and Pinterest’, which, according to Mr Walker ‘shouldn’t have been available for a child to see’.

It has been widely reported that, in the months prior to her death, school girl Molly had ‘liked’ videos of people jumping in front of trains and people falling off buildings; footage which her family believed ‘encour aged’ suicide, but which a Meta Ex ecutive (Instagram and Facebook’s

parent company) reportedly said she believed was ‘safe’.

I don’t know about you readers, but I personally believe society has a duty to normalise mental health concerns as opposed to disparaging them. However, given the disturbing rise in the number of children and teens dying by suicide, (according to men talhealthireland.ie ‘Ireland has one of the highest rates of mental health ill ness in Europe’), these difficulties ap pear to have phenomenally escalated from historically being stigmatised to now becoming outrageously glamo rised.

In the world of social media, suicide has often been portrayed in a manner than raises a red flag with me, causing me to worry about how some vulner able people might perceive suicidali ty. Some may feel it will garner them lots of attention, publicity and notori ety. I don’t mind telling you readers,

I’m not someone who scares easily, but such a theory terrifies me.

You see, as a parent and grandparent, even as I know there’s a huge amount of positive and educational informa tion available to our kids online, I must acknowledge there’s also a heck of a lot of damaging stuff, all of it up for grabs at just the mere click of a mouse.

However, while the vast majority of those viewing what would realistical ly be construed as being destructive and damaging content online would never, in a million years, wish to act on, or even imitate it, for others, i.e. the vulnerable, (albeit a minority), the impact of such material could prove extremely harmful. Indeed, as our kids are becoming increasingly more active online at a younger, more in fluential age, the probability of them viewing or hearing something inap propriate is growing on a daily basis.

I’m sure any social media site which appears to promote and glamorise self-harm and/or suicide doesn’t do so intentionally. On the other hand, as damaging content is freely avail able for anyone who wishes to view information around destructive acts – whatever their age or level of vul nerability – I’m glad the UK coroner took these tech giants to task. However, even as this landmark rul ing has raised the regulatory pressure on social media companies, I have no doubt our kids or vulnerable adults will still find themselves exposed to explicit material across a variety of networking and gaming sites, many of which could potentially lead to se rious risk and exploitation. It’s for that reason I would urge all parents to not just educate their kids, but to become active to the point of being OCD-esque in scanning and super vising what their kids/teens are view

ing online. Why? Because, what may appear to be a pop-up for a free game, which, due to the shrewd algorithms employed by social media organ isations could depict their favourite cartoon character, it’s important to know those characters may well be promoting acts which are drastically and terrifyingly different in real life situations. To put it bluntly, if you don’t set strict boundaries regarding your child’s/teen’s/vulnerable adult’s viewing time and content, before you know it, they could potentially find themselves helplessly sucked into a vortex of sexual content, self-harm, etc.

For anyone who is experiencing mental health issues, please know that help is available by chatting with your family doctor, or by logging on to www.hse.ie for a list of local services.

Creeslough: an entire nation mourns

It was while out walking, listening to Classic Hits Ra dio on my phone, that I first heard the breaking news story regarding the horrific explosion in Donegal which has quite literally plunged our entire nation into a state of shock and grief.

The phrase ‘there are sim ply no words’ may seem like a cliché; however, nev er has it been more apt than this week.

On a busy Friday evening, as the community of Crees lough, Donegal went about its business, their peace, tranquillity, and their en tire lives were shattered by a single blast that ripped through the popular, busy local Applegreen Service Station, shop and overhead apartments, resulting in ten people losing their lives and leaving many more injured.

I cannot imagine the depths of grief and horror being experienced by the poor families directly impacted by this unconscionable oc currence on an individual

level; however I do know the collective psychological impact has spread, not just throughout

the soul of this community and County Donegal, but through out our entire nation.

During this week, wherever I travelled across this particular county, I noticed an almost pal

pable and collective trauma and sense of grief and heartbreak being felt by the good people

of Roscommon. This was something which for me, highlighted a true sense, a true compassion, and a true grit regarding the type of societal solidarity which can only be felt and fully under stood by rural communities.

On behalf of this county, and my own native county of Dublin, I’d like to offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved, to the people of Donegal; to the amaz ing, courageous emergency and rescue workers and volunteers; and especially to those whose lives have been changed forever by this tragedy.

I’d like to acknowledge the response of the emergency services across the border who immediately leapt to help their first responder colleagues; it was not just a neighbourly gesture, it was also a wonderfully humane gesture which I’m sure no doubt contributed to the sav ing of many lives. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace.

The

Athleague Apostolic Workers’ fundraiser

Athleague Apostolic Workers are having a fundraiser in aid of the Missions on Sunday, October 23rd after 10 am Mass. The event will take place in the Church grounds.

First prize is a hamper sponsored by Martin and Bridie Conneally. This beautiful hamper is in Keane’s Centra in Athleague. Lines cost €2 each or €5 for three. Second prize is €100 cash and there are a number of other prizes.

All monies raised will go to Missionaries working in third world countries which,   on top of war and famine, are now having to cope with the difficulties relating to Covid-19.

If you cannot purchase lines but would like to contribute to the voluntary work of Athleague Apostolic Workers, you may do so by contacting 090-6623455. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Mobile Library monthly services resume

Roscommon Mobile Library will restart monthly visits to Keadue, Ballyfarnon, Rooskey and Tarmonbarry in the com ing weeks.

The monthly stop will resume on Main Street, Keadue on Thursday, October 13th from 1 pm to 1.30 pm and continue every fourth Thursday thereafter.

The Mobile Library will visit the church in Ballyfarnon on Thursday, October 13th from 2 pm to 3 pm and every fourth Thursday thereafter.

The service will return to Rooskey (opposite the church) on Thursday, October 27th from 1.30 pm to 2 pm and continue every fourth Thursday thereafter.

The library will also resume at Barry’s Court, Tarmonbarry on Thursday, October 27th from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm and every fourth Thursday thereafter.

Talk on Christian faith in today’s world

A talk on the topic of Christian faith in today’s world, entitled ‘What do the Gospels have to say to our world today?’, will take place in St Coman’s Wood Primary School, Roscommon (junior site) on Wednesday, October 19th.

The speaker is Very Rev. Michael Drumm, PP, Rosses Point, Sligo. There will be tea/coffee at 7.15 pm and the talk will follow from 7.30 pm to 8.45 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Roscommon Historical Society meeting

A meeting of the County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society (CRHAS) will take place in the projection room at the rear of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk on next Tuesday, October 18th at 8 pm.

This month’s lecture will be given by Dr. Kieran O’Conor of the Archaeology Department of NUI Galway on recent excavations at the Moygara archaeological complex. All members are invited to attend, while new members are welcome. For non-members, there is a nominal cover charge of €5.

Members of the CRHAS would like to extend their sympathies to Society President Mary O’Connell on the recent passing of her husband Paddy and to the family of Anthony Tuohy, Castlerea, whose death occurred recently.

Evening

& Bistro Menu

& Bistro Menu

Roscommon delegates attend GRETB conference

Delegates from Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board attended the annual ETBI education conference in Car low last week. This year’s conference ‘An Open Door to Excellence: Why Diversity Matters’ focused on equality, diversity and inclusion across the sector.

The two-day conference brought together over 200 delegates to find solutions to make the ETB sector more inclusive and diverse, and heard from ETB staff, learners and public figures from non-traditional back grounds.

Staff of Galway and Roscommon ETB also featured on the conference line-up, with Da vid Leahy, Chief Executive at Galway and Roscommon ETB, responding to the Minis terial Address by Norma Foley TD, Minister for Education.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris opened the conference, while

Minister for Education Norma Foley gave the official Ministerial conference address.

Results from a survey of the ETB work force by the Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) were presented at the confer ence. The survey found that most staff and management are white, Irish, heterosexual, Catholic, and neurotypical with no physical disability, while ETB learners are increas ingly diverse.

Findings from the survey also indicated that over 90 per cent of ETB staff rate the promo tion of EDI as ‘extremely important’.

The inaugural ETBI Diversity Survey is the first time that data on diversity in terms of ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability and religion amongst the ETB workforce has been collected. The survey also assessed the equality, diversity and in clusion (EDI) practices in ETBs across the country.

Pictured at the Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) education conference in Mount Wolseley, Carlow, were David Leahy, Chief Executive of Galway and Roscommon ETB; Simon Harris, TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education; and new incoming President of ETBI, Cllr. Michael Maher.

Coffee break: A GAA supporter pictured at Dr Hyde Park recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

CIARAN MULLOOLY

On The Back Benches

It’s time for a public inquiry on the Covid-19 pandemic

When I retired from RTE just over a year ago, I wrote a column in this newspaper explaining the part the Covid-19 pandemic had played in my coming to that decision. I explained about the challenging impact the pandemic had on me and others in the media as we tried to cover the abso lutely appalling events that unfolded around the country from March of 2020 right up to the day I left RTE News.

The main point of that article was not just to highlight again some of the shocking circum stances that led to hundreds of deaths in this coun try during that terrible time, but to call on the au thorities here to set out a plan to investigate what went right – and what went very wrong during our state’s entire handling of the virus. In particu lar, I felt we needed to look into the cirumstances relating to those deaths that occurred while people were in the care of the state and private nursing centres.

My thoughts at that stage were first and fore mostly with the relatives of the people who died in the pandemic (and they still are today). I think, in a subsequent radio interview, I admitted to being on the verge of depression some of those weeks when reporting on the multiples deaths night after night on the TV News. It was a groundhog day-type nightmare that nobody would ever want to experience, but at the end of the day I was just a third party in all of this. One must still remem ber that for the people who had lost a mother or a father, a grandad or a granny – often someone who had been in relatively good health when the whole nightmare began – this was heartbreak day after day, an episode that will undoubtedly go down as one of the darkest days we have ever seen in the history of this state.

Hospital admissions

I am thinking in particular of people like the woman from County Laois who rang me repeat edly about the fate of her father in those terrible times. This was a man who went into a nursing care centre with no major physical ailments be fore the pandemic began, but who subsequently contracted Covid and died there. This poor wom an used to be on the verge of tears on the phone to me as she spoke of her family’s repeated efforts to get that relatively young man out of the home where he was staying and into an acute hospital where he could receive intensive care treatment for the virus. The begging and heartbreaking phone calls were made by the family day after day as their Dad’s condition deteriorated – yet the hos pital authorities said they were unable to admit the man into their emergency department because he had contracted the virus. The fear was obviously that, if he was admitted, he would then spread it to dozens of other people who were not sick in that hospital at the time.

I wrote in that article 12 months ago that I felt very strongly that a full independent legal inquiry

was the only way to deal with cases like this (and other concerns) when the pandemic was over.

Rather than spend millions of euro on barristers and lawyers looking at thousands of specific cases, it might be better to go and look at the hos pitals and units where the highest level of fatali ties actually occurred, and try and learn from the mistakes that were made there and throughout the

“

state. This was so that, if – God forbid – we ever encounter another worldwide pandemic of this na ture, we might have learned something from this horrible experience which could perhaps help us to save lives the next time.

In this country, that appeal of mine for a public inquiry seems to have largely fallen on deaf ears. After some initial talk about a tribunal, I haven’t heard any mention of such a move in months. Yet three months ago, across on the other side of the Irish Sea, the then British Prime Minister – the much-maligned Boris Johnson – set out the terms of reference for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry and ap pointed Baroness Heather Hallett as chair. She has now begun the process and is actually taking evidence in an inquiry that has already led to pub lic consultation with over 20,000 people on what unfolded.

Cutting to the chase

In fairness to Baroness Hallet and our British neighbours, they seem to have cut to the chase and already got their priorities right as they set out on this fact-finding review of what happened. She said on day one that people who have suffered during the pandemic will be at the heart of the in quiry’s work and that the inquiry team is commit ted to listening to people’s experiences.

The chairperson has reinforced the strong position that the inquiry will be firmly independent and has already said publicly that she will not tolerate any attempt to mislead the inquiry, or to undermine its integrity or independence. If she encounters any such attempt she will make her views known in a public hearing and therefore publicly expose any third party bids by government or anyone else to try and twist the truth of what happened.

Interestingly, the British inquiry is not just going to focus on only the capital city or parliament area. The inquiry team has said they will travel around the UK to ensure they hear from as many people as possible, and Baroness Hallett has already told the BBC she is acutely aware that experiences were different in different care centres across the UK – as no doubt they would also have been here in Ireland – based on the number of fatalities one witnessed in each corner of the country.

Care centres

What I particularly like about the British inquiry is the clear focus they already have on where the key questions MUST be answered. The chairper son will have the discretion to explore issues in more depth as part of the inquiry’s scope. They have prioritised their investigation into the role of primary care settings such as general practice, the management of the pandemic in hospitals, in cluding infection prevention and control, triage, critical care capacity, the discharge of patients, the controversial use of ‘Do not attempt cardio pulmonary resuscitation’ (DNACPR) decisions, the approach to palliative care, workforce testing, changes to inspections, and the impact on staff and staffing levels.

All of these issues are absolutely critical here too and had an effect on the number of deaths in this country. I honestly believe that health care work ers in all these areas will be the first group to come forward and put up their hand to testify about what happened so that they explain it from their unique point of view – isolated and abandoned as they were behind the screens in care centres all over the country in those desperate days.

I believe it is absolutely essential that an Irish public inquiry MUST follow the lead of the UK model and examine the management of the pandemic in care homes and other care settings, including infection prevention and control, the transfer (and failure to transfer) of residents to or from homes, treatment and care of residents, re strictions on visiting, workforce testing and the controversial procurement and distribution of key equipment and supplies, including PPE and ven tilators, and all those key areas where millions of euro were spent in a very short period.

It is still not too late for the state to stand up and admit that a public inquiry of this nature is badly needed. If this Government does not do it, I think the next one may well do so. It is the only way we will ever learn from what happened in this tragic era of our history.

Information fair for young people with disabilities

An information fair for young people with a disability and/ or their families is taking place on Wednesday, October 19th from 12 pm to 3 pm. The venue is the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon (F42 F992). Contact Deborah Brady on 0874515961. All welcome.

Coláiste Seosaimh Class of ’72 reunion

Members of the Coláiste Seosaimh, Glenamaddy Leaving Certificate Class of 1972 are having a class reunion at 7 pm in Gleeson’s Restaurant, Roscommon on November 19th. All class members are invited to attend on the night. SPCA’s Castlerea street collection

Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will hold their annual street collection in Castlerea this Friday and Saturday, October 14th and 15th. All support greatly appreciated.

The Bridge Club

ROSCOMMON BRIDGE CLUB: October 4th – 1st: Valerie and Pat Finneran; 2nd: Larry Shine and Larry Curley; Gross: Phil and Seamus Cooney. September 27th – 1st: Celia Ansboro and Ann Kilduff; 2nd: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe; Gross: Phil and Seamus Cooney.

HAPPY ’71 BRIDGE CLUB: 1st: Mary and Vincent Brennan; 2nd: Larry Shine and Tresina Smyth; Gross: Phil and Seamus Cooney.

ST. COMAN’S BRIDGE CLUB: 1st: Josephine Devaney and Gertie Spillane; 2nd: Ann Flynn and Peggie Kelly; Gross: Pat Pierse and Breege Weir.

BALLYMURRAY BRIDGE CLUB: North/South – 1st: Kitty Blighe and Fiona Neilan; 2nd: Patricia Callaghan and Peggie Kelly; Gross: Marion Byrne and Paula Whyte. East/West –1st: Bernie Maher and Evelyn Curley; 2nd – Pat Lyons and Jill Farrell; Gross: Gertie Spillane and Josephine Devaney. New members welcome in all clubs. Players to be seated at 7.45 pm. Roscommon Bridge Club, Happy ‘71 Bridge Club and St. Coman’s Bridge Club meet in Hannon’s Hotel. Ballymurray Bridge Club meets in the Abbey Hotel. For information on Bridge classes contact 0861607913.

Tractor and Car Drive in Strokestown

A big Tractor and Car Drive will take place on Sunday, October 23rd from Church Street in Strokestown.

The drive is being organised by Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club and the funds raised are in aid of the Kilglass-based Sick Children’s Fund Committee. Entry fee is €20 and registration will take place from 10.30 am. Please support this worthy cause. More details next week regarding the route, etc.

Gospel Reflection

Sunday 16 October

The Lord is our guardian, beside us at our right hand, interceding for us in all our spiritual battles.

In today’s Psalm we’re told to lift our eyes to the mountains, that our help will come from Mount Zion and the Temple – the dwelling of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Joshua and the Israelites, in today’s First Reading, are also told to look to the hilltops. They are to find their help there – through the intercession of Moses – as they defend themselves against their mortal foes, the Amalekites.

Notice the image: Aaron and Hur standing on each side of Moses, holding his weary arms so that he can raise the staff of God above his head. Moses is being shown here as a figure of Jesus, who also climbed a hilltop, and on Mount Calvary stretched out His hands between heaven and earth to intercede for us against the final enemy – sin and death (see 1 Corinthians 15:26).

By the staff of God, Moses bested Israel’s enemies (see Exodus 7:8–12; 8:1–2), parted the Red Sea (see Exodus 14:16) and brought water from the Rock (see Exodus 17:6).

The Cross of Jesus is the new staff of God, bringing about a new liberation from sin, bringing forth living waters from the body of Christ, the new Temple of God (see John 2:19–21; 7:37–39; 19:34; 1 Corinthians 10:4).

Like the Israelites and the widow in today’s Gospel, we face opposition and injustice – at times from godless and pitiless adversaries.

We, too, must lift our eyes to the mountains – to Calvary and the God who will guard us from all evil.

We must pray always and not be wearied by our trials, Jesus tells us today. As Paul exhorts in today’s Epistle, we need to remain faithful, to turn to the inspired Scriptures – given by God to train us in righteousness.

We must persist, so that when the Son of Man comes again in kingly power, He will indeed find faith on earth.

Castlerea Credit Union celebrates International Credit Union Day

Castlerea & District Credit Union will be join ing credit union members around the world to celebrate International Credit Union Day (ICU Day) on the 20th of October, 2022.

This year marks the 74th anniversary of ICU day, where credit unions around the world re flect on the movement’s history, promote its achievements, recognise its hard work and share member experiences.

The theme for this year’s ICU day is ‘Empow er Your Financial Future with a Credit Union’, which aims to encourage and inspire people to plan for their future. Credit unions such as Cas tlerea & District Credit Union are there for their members to assist them to build and maintain a brighter financial future for themselves and their families.

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by, and operated for, the benefit of members they serve. Strong credit

unions make strong communities. As bank branches continue to close in cities, towns and villages, credit unions are committed to main taining their services within their local commu nities, and offering that personal, face to face service.

To mark ICU Day, Castlerea & District Credit Union is inviting its members and the local community to attend our office for a coffee morning on Thursday, the 20th of October, from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be tea, coffee, cupcakes and sweets and treats in the offices at Barracks St, along with bal loons and a children’s colouring competi tion. Check out castlereacu.ie for further details.

Martin Lonergan (CEO of Castlerea & District Credit Union) said: “Our members and com munity are our backbone and we are so proud here at Castlerea and District Credit Union for

the part we play in sustaining that community. We genuinely care about our members, and put them at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to remain a cornerstone of our community by continuing to go above and beyond for our members.

“With the cost of living crisis becoming more and more prevalent, credit unions remain vital and accessible providers of affordable and ethi cal financial services across the country. Our doors here at Castlerea & District Credit Union are always open.

“We believe that Castlerea & District Credit Union makes a real, positive impact on the lives of people in the Castlerea area and we want to remind people that we are open to help with their personal financial needs. We look forward to celebrating with our members, and indeed the whole community, on ICU Day”, he concluded.

Michelle and fellow entrepreneurs on US trip

More than 100 of Ireland’s best and brightest en trepreneurs travelled to Austin, Texas, and New York City for the annual EY Entrepreneur Of The Year CEO Retreat. The retreat took place from the 11th to the 17th of September and is the island of Ireland’s largest unofficial trade mis sion, specifically focused on fostering entrepre neurship.

Roscommon’s Michelle Daly of P&G Cards is a finalist in this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme and attended the event in the US.

The aim of the retreat was to support, inform, and challenge the entrepreneurs – a cohort that includes a mix of this year’s 25 EY Entrepre neur Of The Year finalists and alumni – through inspirational talks from international, political, and thought leaders. The entrepreneurs spent the week between Austin and New York City, where they participated in an agenda of execu tive coaching and education, as well as sessions with the leaders of some of America’s most suc cessful businesses.

Since its inception, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year community has grown to a tight-knit net work of more than 585 alumni who harness each other’s wealth of experience, with three-quarters (75%) conducting business with one another. Together, the EOY alumni community generates revenues of €21 billion, and employs more than 170,000 people across the island of Ireland.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland programme is supported by Premium Corporate Sponsor Julius Baer International, and Govern ment sponsors Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland. For further information, please visit eoy.ie.

Roscommon/Athlone PTAA Annual General Meeting

The Roscommon/Athlone Region PTAA held its AGM in St. Coman’s Club, Roscommon recently. This was the first meeting since the onset of Covid-19.

In his opening address, Regional President James Shevlin said it was wonderful to be back and paid tribute to all members who had kept the association alive during the trying Covid years.

He also remembered those who had passed away both in the Regional Committee and in the centres during the past three years. He expressed sympathy and support for all the

families of the faithful departed and families of those suffering illness at this time.

Secretary Brenda Reynolds gave a thorough account of the last AGM while Treasurer Ann Henehan gave a comprehensive financial re port.

James Shevlin presented to the meeting an ac count of the many changes and developments that have occurred in the PTAA in recent years. He thanked all officers, committee members, delegates and all the centres for their contri bution to the PTAA. He paid special tribute to Secretary Brenda Reynolds and Treasurer Ann

Henehan for their sterling work.

Arrangements were made for the Christmas raffle and tickets will be distributed at the next meeting.

Officers elected for the coming year were –President: James Shevlin, Vice Presidents: John Dwyer and Enda Kilcommons, Secretary: Brenda Reynolds, Treasurers: Ann Henehan and Michael Lohan, PRO: James Shevlin, Youth and Safeguarding Officer: Enda Kilcom mons, and Spiritual Director: Brenda Reynolds. The meeting closed with prayers for those who have passed on and those who are ill.

Pictured at the EOY CEO Retreat are Alison McHugh (EY Ireland Tax Partner and Head of Private Client Services), Mairead Mackle (CEO of TARASIS ENTERPRISES), Aine Reidy (Assurance Partner at EY Ireland), Evelyn Kelly (Orphan Drug Consulting), Caroline Dunlea (Core Optimisation) and Michelle Daly (P&G Cards).

Glenamaddy Show…

Bobby, Chloe and Jack Morgan from Glinsk pictured with one of the Minions at the Glenamaddy Agricultural Show recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Denis and Bridie Sloyan enjoying the Glenamaddy Agricultural Show recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Volunteers Aoife Collins, Marie Keaveney and Bernie Murray pictured at the Glenamaddy Agricultural Show recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Oisin, Odhran and Alan Egan from Ballintubber having a great day at Glenamaddy Agricultural Show recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Jennifer, Ella and Niamh Doherty pictured at the Glenamaddy Agricultural Show recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Geraldine Howard and Kevin Ryan pictured outside The Old Bog Cottage at the Glenamaddy Agricultural Show recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pat Griffin and Johnny Howard relax in The Old Bog Cottage at the recent Glenamaddy Agricultural Show. Pic: Mick McCormack

Noreen and Jimmy Gillon pictured in The Old Bog Cottage at the Glenamaddy Agricultural Show recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Visitors pictured relaxing in front of The Old Bog Cottage at the recent Glenamaddy Agricultural Show. Pic: Mick McCormack

Anthony, Stephanie, Kelsie, Jason and Teagan Fleming having a great day at the Glenamaddy Agricultural Show recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured enjoying the Glenamaddy Agricultural Show recently were Johnny Glynn and Mike, Michelle and Mickey McDermott. Pic: Mick McCormack

Twins Ruth and Allanah McLoughlin and friend Holly O’Connor pictured having a great day at the recent Glenamaddy Agricultural Show. Pic: Mick McCormack

All talk: we’re overdue a shift in how we approach mental wellness

Let’s talk about ...

TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEATH (A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

World Mental Health Day 2022 occurred this week, on Monday, October 10th. In a way, it is fitting for a day fo cused on mental health aware ness to be held at this time of the year, as the autumn and winter months tend to be tough for a lot of people. No doubt this is especially true at the moment, as with a cold winter ahead of us amid high energy prices and an already dire cost of living crisis, the pressure is bound to affect people’s mental wellbeing.

Indeed, given the state of the world the past couple of years, a message like that of World Mental Health Day is badly needed; a message of advo cating for mental wellbeing, and against social stigma. And this week saw an outpouring of positive sentiment regard ing mental wellbeing being shared. After all, though it remains a pressing issue, men tal health is something which we’ve grown to talk about much more openly in the past few years. We’ve all become increasingly cognisant of the

importance of safeguarding our mental wellbeing, and are much more open when it comes to approaching the topic in conversation.

However, while such open ness is undeniably welcomed, sometimes it seems like we have reached a stagnancy in how we approach mental health. A lot of it has to do with how so much mental health discourse is done on line, and how oftentimes this leads to oversimplification or sugar-coating of what mental illness actually looks like, and how to deal with it, but the same is true of mental health discourse offline too. Yes, we talk about mental health open ly now – but not always very deeply.

Too often, public discourse on mental health feels like it’s on a loop, repeating the same buzzwords and advice over and over. Mental health discourse has become very di gestible, which is a good thing in that it makes raising aware ness easier, but it has also had the unfortunate side-effect of

misrepresenting the full extent of mental health struggles and how to deal with them.

The oversimplification of mental illness that was done to push the topic into public discourse has meant that peo ple have a very narrow view of what mental illness looks like, and this in turn can feed into stereotypes and indeed trivialise the mental illnesses themselves. Similarly, it often means that the solutions and

advice offered to people suf fering are overly generalised too.

After all, advice like ‘start practicing mindfulness’ and ‘go for a walk in the evenings’, while perfectly beneficial things to do for one’s mental health, cannot be expected to tackle the problem entirely. Because the fact is people need better supports than self-care.

For example, anecdotally, I’ll often hear students complain

that colleges’ go-to mental health efforts are always ‘well ness workshops’, despite stu dents routinely citing a lack of counselling services or aca demic supports as their main pressures. We need to recog nise that for most people, a lack of self-care isn’t the main burden on their mental health, that most people are struggling mentally because of wider eco nomic, societal, and systemic issues. In our oversimplifica

tion of mental health issues, we seem to have become all talk, disinterested in digging deeper to address the roots of the issue, and this approach needs to change.

We need not just to continue talking about mental health openly, but to talk about it in a more in-depth way. We need to think about the wider pressures that influence mental health and how to address them if we want to see real change.

‘Up’ for helping out: Upcycling ladies of RWN donate 250 bags to Crosscause charity

The Roscommon Women’s Network UpCycle social enterprise this week donated 250 upcycled bags to Crosscause, a voluntary charity which provides agricultural, household and other prod ucts to some of the poorest areas in Ghana and Romania.

The bags, which were made out of donated mate rials including men’s ties, cushion and duvet cov ers, will be filled with toiletries and other items by Crosscause volunteers and shipped to women in disadvantaged areas of Romania.

Speaking at the Riverside Centre in Athleague as the bags were presented to Crosscause, UpCycle co-ordinator Martina Hourigan said the group was delighted to be involved.

“Marion (Coughlan) from Crosscause had been familiar with the work of the Roscommon Wom en’s Network and she made contact with Nora Fahy (RWN manager) and explained how Cross cause have a similar initiative to the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal but wanted to make it more sustainable,” she said.

“We were very fortunate that we had just com pleted an upcycling training course here in Ath league with ten ladies and they were very inter ested in continuing on with us every Tuesday and this gave them a purpose. It also allowed them to

further their skills and training and it gave them the opportunity to see if they wanted to continue with us in a more formal way.

“We were bowled over by their commitment and dedication to the project. They agreed on a design for the bag and received donations from Crosscause. We reused cushions, ties, duvet cov ers, etc. and they turned out really nice and colour ful. All those involved here commented that they really enjoyed doing the work and that they felt they were helping other women elsewhere in the world. Women helping women…there’s some thing about it that resonates with us”.

Martina said the bags, which were produced between March and July of this year, are sustain able, and can be used as shopping bags by recipi ents in Romania. The UpCycle coordinator added that the project had also provided an important platform for the social enterprise as it continues its growth in the circular economy.

Castlerea native Marion Coughlan is a Cross cause volunteer and she said the charity was deep ly grateful to the Roscommon Women’s Network for their work in producing the bags.

“For Romania, we will create a bag for each lady using these upcycled bags and put the basics into it such as soap, facecloths…hand creme, Sudo creme and Vaseline and things like that never go astray either. We also send food which is stored

then at a warehouse there before going out to the different families,” she said.

“With so many materials thrown out we got the idea to make bags…we did make some ourselves, but it wasn’t easy. When we heard the RWN was doing upcycling projects we contacted Martina and she told us to bring up whatever materials we

had. Each woman will now get a bag with their items in it and the bags themselves can then be reused for shopping.

“This will make a difference to them and I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Roscommon Women’s Network for all their work and for the beautiful bags they have produced”.

Pictured at the presentation of upcycled bags from Roscommon Women’s Network to the Crosscause charity at the Riverside Centre in Athleague on Tuesday were Ann Kelly, Kitty Phelan, Martina Hourigan (RWN CycleUp co-ordinator), Marion Coughlan (Crosscause charity), Phyllis Jordan, Christina Waldron, Mary Glennon, Bridie Regan, Mary Frances Loftus, and Margaret Browning.

< DAN DOONER

TAKE A BREAK

It’s been a GOOD week for…

The footballers of Boyle and Strokestown, who defeated St Brigid’s and Roscommon Gaels respec tively to set up a unique county senior football final

The city of Liverpool, which has been confirmed as the host city for the 2023 Eurovision Song Con test, this after it was decided that the UK would pre sent the show as 2022 winners Ukraine are unable to do so because of the Russian invasion

Connacht, who ended a poor run of form with a great win over Munster on Friday night as they un veiled their new all-weather pitch. Andy Friend’s team were again led by Roscommon’s Jack Carty, who captained the side to a stirring 20-11 win in this United Rugby Championship encounter

Brendan Gleeson, after the great Irish actor made a well-received appearance as guest host on Satur day Night Live on US TV, during which he was ac companied by his friend Colin Farrell, who co-stars with Brendan in their new movie ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’

People in Ipswich in the UK, as singing superstar Ed Sheeran performed an unscheduled open-air gig outside the town hall (Sheeran is an Ipswich Town FC supporter)

Dogs Trust Ireland mark World Mental Health Day

To mark ‘World Mental Health Day’, which was last Monday, Dogs Trust Ire land hosted a complementary ‘puppy meditation’ class for their employees by workplace wellness provider, Umbrella Wellness. The class took place at the char ity’s rehoming centre in Finglas, Dublin, accompanied by an adorable litter of eightweek-old crossbreed puppies.

Pet ownership has been associated with several positive health outcomes, includ ing less loneliness, greater social support, and emotional closeness.

Laura Farrington (CEO of Umbrella Wellness and Meditation Teacher) said: “As huge dog lovers, we were delighted to

offer a specially tailored meditation class to the team at Dogs Trust Ireland as part of their employee mindfulness programme. The class focused on tips for better mental health, breathing exercises and the small changes we can all incorporate into our life for a clearer mindset”.

With no shortage of dogs available for adoption, Dogs Trust Ireland is encour aging anyone who feels they may benefit from having a dog in their life, to contact them to discuss adopting, or fostering. The puppies from this week’s meditation class are available for adoption. For more information on how to adopt a dog or pup py, please visit DogsTrust.ie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It’s been a BAD week for…

The reputation of Irish dancing, with the global governing body under pressure after allegations of competition fixing and cheating

The DUP, who were sufficiently narrow-minded to ban journalists from a ‘Going forward together’ conference because they had covered last week’s Ireland’s Future conference

Four Roads to Tayto Park!

The Four Roads U-16 and U-14 Ladies foot ball teams and man agement rolled into Tayto Park aboard the Club Rossie bus recently following a hectic eight months of football.

The club is thankful to the girls for their dedication throughout the year and expressed sincere gratitude to lo cal families and busi nesses for their spon sorship.

Famous birthdays ... this week

Usher (American singer, will be 44 on Friday)

Davina McCall (English television presenter best known for presenting Big Brother, will be 55 on Sunday)

Steve Coogan (English actor and comedian, celebrates 57th birthday on Friday)

Caleb McLaughlin (American actor, turns 21 on Thursday)

“ The things people say…

“Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday” -Dale Carnegie

Staff at Dogs Trust Ireland pictured at a complementary ‘puppy meditation’ class by Laura Farrington (CEO of Umbrella Wellness) in honour of World Mental Health Day (October 10th).

Young Boyle supporters pictured in Hyde Park last Sunday where their team defeated St Brigid’s to reach the county senior football final for the first time since 1927. Photo: Mick McCormack

Young GAA supporters pictured at Dr Hyde Park on Saturday.

Photo: Mick McCormack

National recognition for Molloy’s

There was double cause for cel ebration at Molloys Bakery and Fine Food Emporium recently as the Abbeytown, Roscommon business received a Bord Bia gold standard for its commitment to sustainability practices and was also recognised by the Irish Res taurant Awards as a ‘Local Food Hero’.

Posting on Facebook, the bak ery said: “We have made huge strides over the years reducing our energy consumption, changes to recyclable/compostable packag ing, etc.

“This achievement wouldn’t be possible without our team imple menting changes and following through. As the saying goes ‘a lot done, more to do’”.

The bakery added: “Molloy’s was recognised by the Irish Res taurant Awards as a ‘Local Food Hero’. We are thrilled to be rec ognised for our dedication to pro ducing quality products and serv ing the local community”.

Roscommon companies required for Food Works 2023

Early-stage food and drink companies from County Roscommon are being en couraged to apply for Food Works 2023, Ireland’s lead ing accelerator programme which has helped raise over €6.5 million in funding for participants in the last 10 years.

Niamh and Ruairi Dooley, Biasol, Conor Sweeny, Leamhain and Gráinne Mullins, GRÁ Chocolates are all currently taking part in Food Works, Ireland’s leading accelerator programme for early-stage food and drink companies delivered by Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc. Food Works is currently recruiting for participants in its 2023 programme. Pic: Chris Bellew, Fennells

Established in 2012, the programme, which com bines the resources of three Government agenciesBord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc - has been a fundamental driver of in novation and entrepreneur ship in the sector in the last decade.

Food Works is currently seeking applications from high-potential, ambitious start-up food and drink businesses to take part in the 2023 programme.

The programme runs an nually over ten months from February to Decem ber. Participating start-ups

are supported to get inves tor ready by developing a comprehensive business plan focussed on scaling in ternationally.

Successful applicants take part in workshops with national and international industry experts across various disciplines such as strategy, finance, product development and market ing. They also receive customised support from business advisors, facili tated peer-to-peer learning, and networking opportuni ties across the industry - at home and abroad.

The closing date for ap plications for the 2023 programme is December 2nd December. Full details and an application form are available at FoodWorksIre land.ie

Roscommon applications invited for

Texaco ‘Support for Sport’ funding

Applications from sports clubs in Co. Roscommon and beyond are now invited under the third Texaco Sup port for Sport initiative in which a fund of €130,000 will be divided in €5,000 amounts and distributed to successful applicants in each of the twenty-six coun ties.

Over the past two years, a gross figure of €260,000 has been divided amongst 52 sports clubs across Ire land, of which €5,000 each went to two successful Co. Roscommon clubs: Trem ane GAA Club (2021) and Boyle GAA Club (2022).

Open to all sports clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, member ship, age, cultural appeal or gender (including clubs that may have made an

unsuccessful application previously), the initiative is one that ‘recognises and supports the valuable con tribution that sports clubs make to communities and throughout Irish society’.

Following lines similar to that which proved suc cessful over the past two years, clubs wishing to ap ply should first register their interest on www.Texaco SupportforSport.com, fol lowed, before closing date, by a completed application that should include details of their sporting activity, the importance of the club in their local community, the purpose for which the fund ing is sought, and the use to which the funds will be put. A sole qualifying require ment is that clubs must be properly constituted and

supply confirmation of a valid Games & Sports Ex emption number (GS num ber) issued by the Office of the Revenue Commission ers.

Closing date for applica tions is January 31st 2023

with adjudication taking place thereafter.

Leading the process once again is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broad caster and former Irish rug by international, Donncha O’Callaghan.

Great Taste and Blás na hÉireann awards for Aurivo

Aurivo has taken home four prestigious awards for food excellence at the Great Taste Awards 2022 and Blas na hÉireann 2022. Both awards celebrate the very best in food and drink products available across retail and wholesale.

Building on Aurivo’s suc cess of previous years, the renowned Connacht Gold Softer Butter, Connacht Gold Garlic and Herb But ter and Organic For Us Low Fat Milk won the renowned Gold Star Awards at the Great Taste Awards. Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. Connacht Gold also con tinued its winning streakat the Blas na hÉireann Awards, winning silver for Connacht Gold Pure Irish Butter. Now, in its 15th year, Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. The awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the

country and are recognised as an international industry standard.

Stephen Blewitt, General Manager of Dairy at Aurivo said: “We are delighted that Aurivo Consumer Foods products have once again been honoured at the pres tigious Great Taste Awardsand also at Blas na hÉire ann. We are very proud of the quality of our Connacht Gold Butter products and Organic For Us Milk.

“Products across our entire range have been recognised

by an esteemed group of judges. We are particularly delighted that our Connacht Gold Butter range received three awards, highlighting the exceptional standard of our products.

“We take great pride from the Organic For Us Great Taste Award, as Ireland’s largest supplier of organic milk products and the grow ing interest in the organic sector nationally, this award further strengthens Aurivo’s number one position in or ganic milk”.

Stephen Blewitt General Manager Aurivo Dairy, Niamh Jinks Communications and Brand Manager Aurivo Dairy, and Seamus Hannon National Sales Manager Aurivo Consumer Foods.

Former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan, Texaco Support for Sport ambassador.

Molloy’s Bakery and Fine Food Emporium staff Karen, Niamh, Zhenia, Angie, Katelynn, Lisa and Emma pictured with Molloy’s’ Local Food Hero award.

Minister of State Martin Heydon, Molloy’s Bakery proprietor Declan Molloy, Deirdre Ryan (Bord Bia) and Dan MacSweeney (Bord Bia Chair) pictured in Dublin as Molloy’s Bakery and Fine Food Emporium received the Bord Bia gold standard for sustainability.

Invitation to take Covid booster vaccinations

All healthcare workers and those who are aged over 50 and people who are more than 16 weeks pregnant are invited to book their next booster at a HSE vaccination centre or from participating GPs and pharmacies.

The new adapted bivalent MRNA Covid-19 vaccines are now available for booster vac cination, as recommended for use by NIAC, following approval by

the European Medicines Agency.

People who have long-term health conditions, for example diabetes, asthma or heart disease, should now come forward for this booster. More information on who is eligible is available at www.hse.ie

To book your next booster, you can:

Book a booster appointment online at HSE vaccination clinics –this is an easy and convenient way

to get your booster by selecting a time and date that suits you. Check with participating GPs and pharma cies.

The following are the details for County Roscommon: Sunday, 16th of October – Outpatients Department, Roscommon Univer sity Hospital (10 am-1 pm); Sunday, 23rd of October – Outpatients De partment, Roscommon University Hospital (10 am-1 pm).

Roy Keane launches Irish Guide Dogs for Blind’s 2023 car raffle

raffle, which will see the winner driving away in

a 2023 Citroën C4. The draw will take place at the charity’s National Training Centre in Cork on Friday, January 27th 2023.

The car raffle is being supported by Citroën dealership P.G. Duffy & Sons from Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Tickets can be purchased online at shop.guidedogs. ie/products/car-raffleticket, or they can also be purchased directly from volunteers at Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind branches, who will be selling tickets at numer ous events throughout the country

Rules apply and can be viewed at guidedogs.ie/ news-resources/car-rafflerules.

New appointment at Roscommon Injury Unit

Roscommon University Hospital has an nounced that Patricia Larkin has recently been appointed as a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) in Emergen cy Nursing at Roscommon Injury Unit.

RANPs are the highest level of clinical experts in the nursing profession in Ire land today, and are transforming services for patients through an expanded scope of practice, greater clinical autonomy and decision-making.

Patricia undertook her Bachelor of Nurs ing Degree at University of Galway. After qualifying in 2001, she worked in Merlin Park University Hospital, and in 2002, returned home to begin a 20-year career in the Midland Regional Hospital Tullam ore. During this time, Patricia gained vast experience in general medical and surgi cal nursing, and worked as an Arthro plasty Nurse Specialist and Clinical Nurse

Specialist in the Orthopaedic Pre-Opera tive Assessment Clinic before taking up her post as a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Roscommon Injury Unit. The attendance at Roscommon Injury Unit has been growing consistently year on year. In 2021, the unit treated 10,500 patients – an increase of 39 per cent on 2020. At the end of August 2022, staff in the unit had treated 9,719 patients – an increase of 45 per cent on the same time last year.

Hospital Manager Mary Garvey said: “I am delighted to welcome Patricia to her new role in the Injury Unit. Advanced Nurse Practitioners are transforming ser vices for patients”.

Roscommon Injury Unit is open 365 days a year from 8 am to 8 pm, treating a range of injuries in both adults and chil dren over the age of five.

Local woman helping special needs families

Ballaghaderreen social entrepre neur, Vika Gailite, and her cofounder Alina Barone, founders of Shamrock Squad and graduates of the SEI Ideas Academy, have created a platform for families of children with special needs.

One in 65 school-going chil dren have an Autism diagnosis (ac cording to autism.ie). People with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a broad range of sensory percep tions. When out and about, family members need to anticipate what may trigger sensory overloads and prepare accordingly.

Yet, there is very little to no informa tion on reviews, leaflets or websites of destination points about these issues. Shamrock Squad’s new platform fea tures up to date information regarding accessibility, sensory triggers, layout, signage and other relevant data about outdoor excursions in Ireland, submit ted first-hand by their focus group.

The SEI Ideas Academy is a

three-month programme provid ing social entrepreneurs like Vika and Alina with the support and direction they need to help them kick-start their idea and take the initial steps to tackle the problem at hand.

The graduating social entrepre neurs now have the opportunity to pitch for seed funding from a total pot of €40,000 to pilot their idea. They will pitch to a panel of judges comprising of sector experts, leading entrepreneurs and SEI staff for up to €5,000.

Ballaghaderreen social entrepreneur, Vika Gailite, and her co-founder Alina Barone,  founders of Shamrock Squad and graduates of the SEI Ideas Academy, have created a platform for families of children with special needs.

Pictured is Patricia Larkin, who has recently been appointed as a RANP (Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner) in emergency nursing at the Roscommon Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital.

Soccer legend Roy Keane has launched the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s annual car

Roy Keane pictured with guide dog Elf launching the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s 2023 car raffle. Pic: John Ryan Photography

& Arts

Magical theatre for St Michael’s School in Castlerea

Anna Newell is a Tonic Theatre Award winner (2017) for ‘women who are changing the face of theatre and the performing arts’ and a finalist of the Ellen Stewart International Award 2016 for ‘theatre makers whose work with/for young people has a major social impact’. Her work for little growing minds has been groundbreaking. This autumn she tours another new theatre adventure, her new show, ‘Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This’. This tiny gentle escapade for younger children with complex/profound needs tours schools and venues all over Ireland until October 15th, and comes to Castlerea’s St Michael’s School in (an off-site) partnership with Roscommon Arts Centre, from Thursday 13-Saturday 15 October.

Performed inside a dreamy blue tent to just three children at a time, Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This drifts its audience off to a gentle magical place of dancing lights, curious mice and giant moons. It features live harmony singing composed especially for the show by award-winning composer, David Goodall and costumes created by Irish fashion designer, Rebecca Marsden.

Presented as part of the touring programme for The Network For Extraordinary Audiences in 2022 and funded by Arts Council Ireland, Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This will play theatre venues, special schools and early years settings for children with complex needs across Ireland. To book to see the show, contact the Roscommon Arts Centre Box Office on 0906 625 824 or visit roscommonartscentre.ie/whats-on/. For more information on the tour, visit annanewell.com.

Centenary of ‘Noble Six’ remembered in new book

Tuesday, 20th of September marked the 100-year anniversary of the execution of six anti-Treaty IRA men on the mountains north of Sligo. A new book about the men was recently launched.

The book, titled ‘The Six: the Lives and Memorialisation of Sligo’s Noble Six’ was written by Dr James Bonsall (Fourth Dimen sion Prospection Ltd), Dr Marion Dowd (Atlantic Technological

University) and Robert Mulraney (Independent archaeologist). The team decided to write the book earlier this year when they realised how little was known about the six men.

In September 1922, the Free State Army began to close in on the headquarters of the North Sligo IRA at Rahelly House 12km to the north of Sligo town. The IRA were forced to evacuate the house and retreated to Benbulben Mountain and safe houses in the vicinity. The army followed in close pursuit.

On 20th of September 1922, Brig adier General Seamus Devins, Di visional Adjutant Brian Mac Néill, Lieutenant Paddy Carroll and Vol unteer Joseph Banks were captured on King’s Mountain and executed. A few hours later, Captain Harry Benson and Volunteer Tommy Langan were killed on Benwiskin Mountain. In time, the six men became known as ‘Sligo’s Noble Six’.

The new book explores the lives of the six men based on contem porary newspapers, intelligence reports, military archives, audio recordings and interviews with relatives. The book was launched by noted historian Dr Michael Farry in Liber Bookshop in Sligo town, with entertainment supplied by Carmel Gunning who sang a song written decades ago about the Noble Six.

Swinging into song and comedy at Arts Centre

From comedian Conal Gallen’s wedding of the year to Luke Thomas and The Swing Cats, Roscommon Arts Centre has something for everyone this October to ward off this early autumn long nights and darker skies. Are you ready for the wedding of the year? It’s taking place on Friday, 21st of October, as Roscommon Arts Centre hosts comedian Conal Gallen’s hilarious brand new comedy play ‘Knot Again’ written by Conal and his son Rory. Don’t miss out, make sure to catch the show (8 pm start). Tickets are €27.50.

They’re back! After a hugely successful show in 2020 the arts centre are thrilled to welcome back Ireland’s King of Swing Luke Thomas and his band ‘The Swing Cats’. It’s another great night of music as they perform a very special ‘Prohibition Edition’ of their hit show ‘The Story of Swing’.

Don’t miss this theatrical and energetic show performed by one of the most popular bands in the country. The per formance takes place on Saturday, 22nd of October at 8 pm. Tickets are €26. Tickets are on sale now from Box Office on 09066 25824/www.roscommonartscentre.ie.

A concert to savour at Coleman Centre

The Coleman Music Centre Gurteen, Co. Sligo will hosta concert with Liam Ó Maonlaí who will be joined by Kathleen MacInnes (vocals) and Alana MacInnes (pipes and flute) from the Outer Hebrides of Scotland for this special Cuairt nan Òran performance.

This trio will give and take from both sides of the Irish Sea to compare and celebrate the Gaelic cultures, music, and songs which make up our great celtic cultures of Scot land and Ireland. The show starts at 8.30 pm on Thursday, October 27th.

Tickets for this wonderful concert are now on sale. Call the ticket line 071 9182599 or visit www.colemanirish music.com

Songs for Samhain at Trinity Arts Centre

Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea, are delighted to announce that they will be presenting an evening of enchanting mu sic and song on Saturday, October 29th, at 8 pm.

The centre is delighted to welcome acclaimed soprano Emer Barry, who will be accompanied by harpist Teresa O’Donnell and Mary McCague on piano and violin.

There will also be a special guest appearance by accom plished flute player and songwriter Fr Kevin Fallon, and by vocalist Chloe Donnellan.

Tickets are €12, on Eventbrite. This event is funded by Roscommon County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme.

Liam O Maonlaí

The book, titled ‘The Six: the Lives and Memorialisation of Sligo’s Noble Six’ was written by Robert Mulraney (Independent archaeologist), Dr Marion Dowd (Atlantic Technological University) and Dr James Bonsall (Fourth

GOING

Peader and Eileen Gill pictured with family members who gathered to celebrate their 65th Wedding Anniversary recently.

Peader and Eileen Gill pictured cutting the cake in celebration of their 65th Wedding Anniversary recently.

Martina Crotty, Niamh Tighe, Hannah Knight and Kayte O’Malley pictured at the recent Night and Day Festival in Castlerea. Pic: Mick McCormack

David Conlon, Carol Conlon and Lorna Duffy pictured at the recent Night and Day Festival in Castlerea. Pic: Mick McCormack

Bronagh Lee, Lorna Duffy, Ian Corcoran and Kevin Duffy pictured enjoying a drink at the recent Night and Day Festival in Castlerea. Pic: Mick McCormack

A group from Castlerea pictured at the recent Night and Day Festival, held in the grounds of Clonalis House, Castlerea.

Mick McCormack

Jenny Byron and Michaela Dillon pictured at the recent Night and Day Festival in Castlerea. Pic: Mick McCormack

Aoife Murray, Valerie Murray and Claire Towey pictured at the recent Night and Day Festival in Castlerea.

Mick McCormack

Macra to deliver pilot Mental Health training programme

Macra has confirmed that it will deliver training to students in agricultural colleges across the country in the coming weeks through its mental health pro gramme ‘Make the Moove’.

The training is funded by Mental Health Ireland and supported and facilitated by Teagasc, and will run on a pilot basis between now and Christmas.

“This training programme has been developed

in conjunction with Mental Health Ireland and in formed by the issues identified by young rural people as affecting their mental wellbeing,” Macra Presi dent John Keane explained.

“The issues identified included financial pressures, succession on farm, social media and also the nega tive perception of farming in the general public”.

This programme is said to be the first of its kind as

it was developed specifically to meet the needs of the students and is tailored to address the factors affect ing their mental wellbeing.

“We hope to deliver this pilot training programme to around 150 students over three separate sessions before the end of November. We have also planned over the next number of months to expand the pro gramme, to develop specific training programmes

for older age groups working in and supporting agri culture,” Mr. Keane said.

“As Monday was World Mental Health Day, it is important that this topic is highlighted and spoken about in rural communities across the country. We all have a role to play in breaking down the stigma and addressing the challenges that face us all,” concluded John Keane.

Anger growing as processors ignore inflated production costs - ICSA

ICSA Beef chair Edmund Graham has said current factory prices for cattle in no way reflect the stark re ality facing farmers trying to finish castle over the winter.

“Winter finishers have received no support whatsoever, not from the Government and certainly not from the processors who appear to be hell bent on driving their sup pliers out of business,” he said.

“The additional costs associated with finishing cattle in sheds over the winter months should be ob vious to all. This year there is no getting away from the fact that our costs have gone up astronomi

cally and farmers are getting more and more angry that these inflated production costs are simply being ignored by the factories”.

Mr. Graham said that at the recent Beef Vision meeting, Meat Indus try Ireland spoke about supporting suppliers.

“All we’ve got since are the same old excuses about why we must accept less. It’s just not washing with farmers who cannot see any justification for feeding cattle over the winter as they see prices being slashed again this week. We are now way back from prices being paid for cattle coming off grass

in early summer which makes no sense at all,” he said.

“Our beef industry is worth bil lions, yet - according to Teagasc this week - annual incomes for beef producers are set to be the lowest of any farming sector in 2022. The fact that these same farmers are also expected to shoul der 100 per cent of the risk associ ated with producing beef just adds insult to injury.

“The direness of the situation is plain to see and unless the newly established Office for Fairness and Transparency in the Agri-Food Supply Chain has the teeth to deal

CAP measures important to address gender balance

SALE OF

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Alice Doyle said the measures in the next CAP to improve women’s participation in farming are an important development that will hopefully address gender imbal ance and support more women to farm.

“Ireland is lagging far behind our EU counterparts when it comes to the share of farms being managed or passed on to women. The most recent CSO figures showing that 13 per cent of the agricul tural workforce are women, compared with an EU average of 35 per cent,” said Alice Doyle.

The package of measures in the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan to support more women to get involved in farming in cludes: Increased rate of grant aid of 60 per cent for women aged 18-66 years

under Targeted Agriculture Modernisa tion Schemes (TAMS); Establishment of women-only Knowledge Transfer Groups, based on the need to address shared challenges; A call for proposals to incentivise women’s participation in agriculture under European Innovation Partnerships (EIP); Improved recording, collection, and reporting on gender data across all CAP schemes; and The Na tional CAP Network will be leveraged to increase the involvement of all women in the implementation of CAP. This will include events and support for women to lead such activities.

Alice Doyle said that addressing gender inequality and increasing the opportu nities for women to farm is essential to achieving sustainability in agriculture.

Cullinan: CAP plan will drive down food production

IFA President Tim Cul linan said the CAP strategic plan recently approved by Cabinet and announced for at least the third time, will undermine food production and contains unrealistic tar gets.

“The impact of the Eco schemes along with further convergence, front loading and greater conditionality will hit a cohort of our most productive farmers the hard est,” he said.

“A number of the new

schemes including the suck ler cow, sheep and environ mental schemes are under funded. Last week’s Budget was a missed opportunity to rectify this.

“The environmental scheme ACRES needs sig nificant changes to ensure it is workable for farmers”.

The IFA President said Minister Hackett’s predic tion of a fivefold increase in organic production in just five years was not realistic.

“The capacity for the mar

ket to deliver a sustainable income for organic farmers is not currently there,” he said.

“As we have seen over the past 12 months, the land scape of farming and the economy can drastically change, and it continues to do so. This plan needs to have flexibility and be adapt able to any future changes, this is something that Com missioner Wojciechowski also reiterated when he ad dressed IFA back in May”.

Castlerea

with this blatant lack of fair play the consequences will be even more dire”.

Mr. Graham said the meat indus try needs to recognise the hardship facing farmers and get on board with offering guaranteed mini mum prices for winter finishing.

“This is something ICSA has been looking for as no farmer can operate a business on the basis of feeding cattle just to lose money. It’s completely unsustainable and the days of factories thinking it’s reasonable to keep beef prices for next spring a total mystery must come to an end,” he concluded.

Castlerea Mart held its annual show and sale of Ab erdeen Angus heifers on Thursday last (October 6th). A good entry of stock met a steady trade with stores in strong demand while the heavier lots made up to €1,930.

The weanling rings reported good clearances also with bulls making up to €3.64 a kilo and heifer wean lings topped out at €3.84 a kilo. Breeding stock and runners witnessed strong farmer activity this week while the dry cows topped out at €2,270.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1,450 to €1,580, springers made from €900 to €1,700, and runners made from €270 to €1,000 for continental lots.

There were 300 bullocks on offer at Monday’s sale including some excellent AA bullocks and demand re mained very strong especially for the top quality lots while heavier lots made up to €1,950.

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

All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for Aberdeen Angus Heifers: AA 585kgs €1440, 555kgs €1380, AA 530kgs €1390, AA 520kgs €1330, AA 525kgs €1240, AA 535kgs €1370.

Commercial heifers: Ch 390kgs €1180, Lm 490kgs €1550, Lm 475kgs €1460, AA 750kgs €1930, Ch 610kgs €1740, Ch 545kgs €1680.

Dry cows: Ch 875kgs €2270, Sim 825kgs €2070, Lm 805kgs €2070, AAx 780kgs €1950, Hex 735kgs €1760, Ch 810kgs €2050, Lm 575kgs €1250, Hex 615kgs €1170, Hex 775kgs €1750.

Weanling bulls: Ch 280kgs €1020, Lm 285kgs €990, Ch 275kgs €970, Lm 265kgs €960, Lm 480kgs €1480, Ch 350kgs €1200, Ch 360kgs €1220, Ch 370kgs €1270.

Weanling heifers: Ch 295kgs €1050, Lm 260kgs €1000, Ch 275kgs €980, Ch 230kgs €850, Lm 220kgs €700, AA 230kgs €640, Ch 410kgs €1120, Lm 335kgs €940.

Bullocks: Lm 480kgs €1500, AA 470kgs €1480, AA 475kgs €1480, Lm 440kgs €1400, AA 515kgs €1590, AA 530kgs €1580, AA 550kgs €1660, AA 615kgs €1640, Ch 775kgs €1950, Ch 675kgs €1900, Ch 665kgs €1700.

FarmingPeople MIDWEST LANDSCAPERS

Telephone 083 2070158

IFA Rural Development

Chairman Michael Big gins has acknowledged confirmation from the De partment of Agriculture of changes to specifications of the ACRES scheme.

“The changes to the ex tensively grazed pasture measure now means farm ers will receive €250 per hectare instead of €200 under this measure and can claim €2,000, with eight hectares of land in stead of 10 hectares,” he said.

“This will help farm ers with smaller hold ings qualify for a higher payment under ACRES, which is a positive devel opment and something we have been pressing strong ly for months now”.

The changes to the ex tensively grazed pasture measure follows numer ous engagements on this

issue between the IFA and the Department.

Michael Biggins also noted confirmation that the area that can qualify for the riparian zone measure will remain at two hectares.

“It was vital this measure remained at two hectares to ensure farmers can build a decent ACRES payment on their farms. The mooted reduction to one hectare was something IFA made clear we could not accept, particularly given that many farmers had already plans drafted up based on two hectares of a riparian zone,” he said.

IFA Hill Chairman Caillin Conneely said it’s vital that changes are seen for farm ers in Co-operation areas.

“€7,000 is currently ringfenced for results-based and general measures be fore adding non-produc tive investments and land

Roscommon MART WATCH

There was a large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s general sale with a steady trade for all classes. Bullocks averaged from €2.14 per kilo up to €2.62 per kilo, Heifers fetched from an av erage of €1.77 per kilo up to €3.70 per kilo. Dry Cows made an aver age of €1.35 per kilo up to €2.60 per kilo. There was a good attend ance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

This Friday (14th), the mart will host a Special Sale of Bullocks as well as heifers and dry cows.

There was a very good entry of top-quality weanlings on offer at our show and sale held on Tues day evening last with a steady trade for both bulls and heifers.

Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €2.90 per kilo up to €4.25 per kilo, while heifer wean lings made from an average of €2.86 per kilo up to €4.15. There was a good attendance of custom

scape actions. Flexibility is needed for those who may not meet that €7,000 ceiling in order for them to maximise their payment,” he said.

Under Budget 2023, the Minister for Agricul ture announced 30,000 places under Tranche 1 of ACRES. With contracts under GLAS and REAP set to finish at the end of this year, combined with expressions of interest for ACRES, it is expected that over 60,000 farmers may wish to participate in an agri-environment scheme.

Michael Biggins con cluded: “It’s essential that all farmers eligible for an environmental scheme re ceive a payment in 2023. This can be done by of fering a bridging payment to farmers who are not successful in tranche 1 of ACRES that matches their

ers ringside with online buyers also active.

Our next sale of weanlings is next Tuesday (18th) at 4 pm. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (13th).

We had a smaller number of sheep on offer at this week’s sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for finished lambs peaked at €145 for 57.9kgs, store lambs fetched up to €111, and ewe lambs made up to €150 for 46.3kgs. The tops for stag ewes fetched €150.

Next sale of lambs and cast ewes is next Wednesday (19th) at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www. livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for dry cows: Char X 905kgs €2260, AAX 895kgs €2070, SHX 880kgs €2030, Lim X 745kgs €1920, Char X 815kgs €1860, SIX 775kgs €1980, Char X 785kgs €1740, AAX 895kgs €1800, LIM X 640kgs €1590,

Lim X 720kgs €1520.

Heifers: Char X 620kgs €1850, BBX X 610kgs €1850, BBX X 645kgs €1800, Char X 660kgs €1800, LIM X 625kgs €1700, Char X 635kgs €1760, Char X 725kgs €1760, BBX X 165kgs €1725, Lim X 605kgs €1720, Char X 620kgs €1750, Lim X 540kgs €1600, Char X 575kgs €1600, Lim X 535kgs €1570, Lim X 505kgs €1550, Char X 475kgs €1410, Char X 460kgs €1450.

Bullocks: Lim X 610kgs €1600, SIX X 655kgs €1400, SIX X 545kgs €1320, Char X 405kgs €1000.

Weanling heifers: Char X 480kgs €1760 - €3.66 per kilo, Char X 405kgs €1680 - €4.14 per kilo, BBX X 385kgs €1390 - €3.61 per kilo, Lim X 330kgs €1370 - €4.15 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €1100 - €3.54 per kilo, Char X 290kgs €1070 - €3.68 per kilo, Lim X

255kgs €890 - €3.49 per kilo, Lim X 240kgs €720 - €3 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Lim X 485kgs €1460 - €3.01 per kilo, Char X 405kgs €1410 - €3.48 per kilo, Char X 330kgs €1310 - €3.96 per kilo, Char X 325kgs €1360 - €4.18 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €1370 - €4.42 per kilo, LIM X 365kgs €1380 - €3.78 per kilo, LIM X 355kgs €1080 - €3.04 per kilo, Char X 255kgs €860 - €3.37 per kilo.

Ewe lambs: 46.3kgs €150, 58.8kgs €146, 54.6kgs €146, 50.7kgs €146, 55.9kgs €145, 42.3kgs €130, 42.5kgs €130.

Finished lambs: 57.9kgs €145, 53.2kgs €144, 52.2kgs €142, 51kgs €136, 50.2kgs €136, 49.7kgs €135, 48.9kgs €132, 47kgs €130.

Store lambs: 39.4kgs €111, 39.1kgs €110, 40.4kgs €105, 36kgs €104, 31.3kgs €103, 39.2kgs €103, 33.1kgs €85.

(Proudly

Property Services Providers

Friday, October 14th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

150 Pens on offer

Yard opens at 7 a.m.

Viewing 10.15 a.m. to 10.45 a.m.

Also Dry Cows and Heifers

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

Friday, October 21st at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers and Breeding Heifers

Also Bullocks & Dry Cows

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, 17th October.

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

Tuesday, 18th October at 4 p.m.

Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, 13th October.

Also

Sale of Springers

13 Excellent Quality

LMX/SIX Heifers

scanned in calf to AI LM (ZAG and IVOR)

Due October to December - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m.

– Gates closes at 10 a.m.

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

Saturday, October 22nd Irish Simmental

Cattle Society

Premier Show & Sale

Show at 8 a.m. Sale at 12 Noon

45 Bulls & 92 Heifers on Offer

IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins

Changes to ACRES a practical move - IFA previous agri-environmen tal scheme payment, or alternatively by paying an upfront payment in 2023

for Tranche 2 ACRES participants, similar to the way REPS payments were in the past”.

Attractive 4 bedroom bungalow located in Roscommon’s premier mature residential location adjacent to the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Railway Station and all Town amenities. Recently renovated and presented for sale in turn key condition, this property comprises entrance porch, reception hallway, open plan kitchen/ dining/living room, 4 double bedrooms and family bathroom. A unique feature of this property is a large office/playroom with separate toilet facilities and rear access.

uses including working from home.

NEW TO THE MARKET

Charming 3 bedroom residence situated in the picturesque village of Kilteevan adjacent to local school, church, pub, GAA fields etc. The Old School House comprises Victorian style residence which has been tastefully renovated and modernised by its present owners. The property lies on c. 0.5 acres of manicured grounds with large fully serviced work sheds to the rear. Roscommon town is 3 miles away and Athlone Town 20 minutes drive. This property offers a real sense of old world charm.

Viewing is a must.

Price Region: €260,000

NEW TO THE MARKET

C. 16 acres of top-quality agricultural lands comprising folio SL31569F laid out in one block with excellent road frontage. The lands are serviced by mains water and shock proof electric fencing. There are extensive farm buildings comprising 4 bay slatted shed, 3 bay loose shed/calving shed with calving gate fitted, 2 bay cubicle shed partly slatted. The sheds are fitted with calving cameras and are suitable for a variety of enterprises.

Outside secure loading area, silage slab, cattle handling facilities and cattle crush. A unique feature of this property is a traditional stone granary which has the potential to be converted into residential

NEW TO THE MARKET

shed.

Viewing is recommended.

Price Region: €350,000 BER Rating: C2

Church Street, Roscommon Town, CO. ROSCOMMON

TEL:

6627878

info@oates.ie

6627877

www.oates.ie

The Manse, Northgate Street,

TEL:

CO. WESTMEATH

Oates: Just four houses remaining in Abbeyville development

Oates Auctioneers are pleased to report that just four houses now remain following the recent new launch of properties in the Abbeyville Develop ment, Galway Road, Roscommon.

Viewings and sales have been brisk with many of the houses qualifying for 10 per cent Tax Re bate via the ‘Help to Buy’ Scheme for First Time Buyers.

Abbeyville has proved to be a very popular resi

dential development on the Galway Road within walking distance to all town amenities including schools, shops etc.

Remaining houses include detached fourbedroomed two-storey, semi-detached fourbedroomed two-storey and one semi-detached three-bedroomed bungalow. All houses are fully finished in turn-key condition. Prices start at €270,000.

RE/MAX Team Earley close sale on Bunageddy Equestrian Centre

This week, RE/MAX Team Earley are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of an eques trian centre, located at Strokestown, Co. Roscom mon (F42 YE93).

This property represented a most impressive and substantial equestrian facility of approximately 32,000 square feet, all under one roof and stand ing on a site area of approximately 9.02 acres. The property offered a vast array of facilities such as a substantial sand arena, approximately 30 horse

boxes, offices, stores, sales ring etc.

RE/MAX Team Earley are currently looking for similar properties in all areas for disappointed un derbidders.

For further details or to arrange a free consul tation, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie or log onto teamearley.ie.

Contact auctioneers Cormac and Cathal directly on 086-3519492 and 086-1409158 respectively.

sq ft comprising briefly of reception/hallway, k itchen, sitting room, 2 bedrooms and bathroom set in one of the best locations in The Green development in the Shannonside Village of Lanesborough. Located to the rear of the development, No 42 The Green offers wonderful privacy and potential. The property has mains sewerage and mains water supply, central heating and is located within walking distance of all amenities to include schools, church, supermarket etc. The auctioneer now invites viewings and all offers to sell

PRICE ON APPLICATION

This magnificent town Bar furnished to an excellent standard.

Comprising of functioning public house with front and large back bar with toilets and outside area

The premises enjoys enormous character with a front bar and back lounge which offers an ideal opportunity for a quality “hands on” operator to acquire a ready to go business

There is ample amount of patron seating areas in a warm and inviting surrounding. The front Bar offers a comfortable pub atmosphere with a warm traditional interior.

The auctioneer now invites viewings.

Boyle law firm named one of the best in Ireland

Callan Tansey Solicitors, who have an office in Boyle, has been named as one of the best law firms in Ireland after a re cent survey was completed by thousands of legal experts across the country.

The survey was carried out by Statista on behalf of Mediahuis and it included a peer-to-peer survey of solicitors working in

law firms and a survey of busi ness clients. Those surveyed were asked to nominate law firms in a range of different spe cialist areas of practice.

In the survey, Callan Tansey Solicitors was named as one of Ireland’s top law firms in the ar eas of Medical Negligence and Personal Injuries. It was one of only a handful of law firms to

have its expertise in this area of law recognised.

Callan Tansey Solicitors was one of the few law firms outside Dublin to be named on this list of best law firms in Ireland.

Niamh Ní Mhurchú, Joint Man aging Partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors said: “This is a won derful endorsement of Callan Tansey’s hard work and particu

larly of our Medical Negligence and Personal Injuries teams. It follows Callan Tansey Solici tors being named Law Firm of the Year for Medical Negligence and Personal Injuries at the 2021 Irish Law Awards. We are proud of the work we do for clients nationwide and we are looking forward to what’s to come in the future”.

Callan Tansey Solicitors, who have an office in Boyle, has been named as one of the best law firms in Ireland after a recent survey was completed by thousands of legal experts across the country.

Juliette Gately and Aoibheann Miley pictured at Dr Hyde Park on Saturday. Photo: Mick McCormack

Young GAA supporters pictured at Dr Hyde Park on Saturday.

Photo: Mick McCormack

GAA GALLERY

Supporters’ special

Supporters pictured in Dr Hyde Park recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Strokestown supporters pictured at Dr Hyde Park recently.

Supporters pictured in Dr Hyde Park recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Young supporters pictured at Dr Hyde Park recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

An unofficial Roscommon Gaels-Oran amalgamation! Four friends pictured at the Hyde recently. Photo: Mick McCormack

Young GAA supporters pictured at Hyde Park earlier this month. Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured in Hyde Park were Barbara Morris and Valerie Murray. Photo: Mick McCormack

Thumbs up from these young supporters at Hyde Park. Photo: Mick McCormack

Liam Kerins (Boyle) keeping a close eye on proceedings in Hyde Park recently. Photo: Mick McCormack

Two happy young GAA fans at Hyde Park, home of Roscommon GAA. Photo: Mick McCormack

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Stephen Casey

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

FARMING

GARDENING

Des Kelly

GARDENING

DOG FOUND

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I am applying on behalf of St. Dominic’s G.A.A. Club for planning permission for the following development works at the club grounds at Gailey, Knockcroghery:

A. Relocation and replacement of perimeter fence to main pitch.

B. Realignment of bottom steps on Spectator Stand.

C. Provision of additional on site car parking spaces.

D. Provision of flood lighting to training pitch.

E. Provision of tertiary sewerage treatment plant together with percolation system for dispersal of treated effluent.

F. Revised layout details at existing entrance gates to grounds.

G. All other ancillary development works associated with proposed development.

Signed: Michael O’Connor, Chairperson St. Domininc’s GAA Club

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Shane Morris and Sinead McDermott are applying to Roscommon County Council for the following:

1. Planning permission to demolish front porch, rear extension along with domestic garage

2. Planning permission to construct new extension to rear of existing house with alterations to existing house

3. Permission to construct new domestic garage to rear of dwelling and all site ancillary development works at Racecourse Road Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 T042

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road

Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529

E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie

Web:www.jlce.ie

Architectural

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Fergal and Rebecca Beattie, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission, to construct a new 1.5 storey rear extension to an existing dwelling, alterations to the existing front and side elevations, removal of 2 existing chimneys, a new roof along with internal layout changes to the existing dwelling, new side and rear boundary fences; decommissioning of an existing septic tank and installation of a new waste water treatment system with percolation area and all associated site works at, Knockadangan, [Townland Tromaun] Athleague, Co. Roscommon, F42 VH74.

Signed: JN Jacqueline Naughton, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

M: 087 403 7803

Email: jacquelinenaughton@outlook.com

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Douglas Bligh am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a new 4 bay slatted cattle shed, to include underground slurry storage tank along with feed passages, open loose house area, and all site ancillary development works at Gortboy Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon. F45 A322

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

Signed:

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Eugene Kiernan, intend applying for planning permission to Roscommon County Council for permission to demolish and dispose of existing structures on site consisting of 21 no. Mushroom Houses and an office building and store rooms and full planning permission is sought to construct 26 no. houses, (consisting of 10no semi-detached 3 bed houses, 16no terraced units made up of 10no 2 bed houses and 6no 3 bed houses) construct service road and connect water and sewage (the sewage will be connected to a pumping unit) to existing mains supply and ancillary site works at Ballyleague Td., Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours, and 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 planning authority of the application and such submission or observations will 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 the application.

Signed: Michael Hetherton

Arch & Eng. Services Ltd, Cogan Street, Oldcastle, Co. Meath

Phone: 049 8542911

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Kathleen Morgan, am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new treatment system and percolation area, new domestic well and all ancillary site development works at Cloonycolgan, Donamon, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529

E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie

Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I am applying for planning permission for erection of extension to existing dwelling house on site at Ballinagard Td., Galway Road, Roscommon.

Signed: Jonathan Larkin

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

PLANNINGS

Gerry Hynes

MRIAI

Registered Architect

Qualified registered architect with experience in domestic new build and extensions, commercial, agricultural and building reports.

also Planning Applications and Ancillary Certifier for larger projects.

Gerry Hynes

M.R.I.A.I. White Cottage, Doon, Strokestown, Roscommon F42 DF10

Phone: 087 2527290

Web: www.gerryhyne sarchitect.com

Email: gerryhynes01@ gmail.com

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

CHAZEY PROPERTIES:

We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange ref erences, read meters, set up tenancy agree ments and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable.

Jacqueline Naughton

PLANNING

APPLICATIONS

BUILDS, RENOVATIONS & EXTENSIONS

Lighting Design Schemes

Mobile:

< ROOM TO RENT: In shared house, Fuerty area, 3 km from Roscom mon Town, O.F.C.H. and bills shared. Tel: 086 8115339

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apply to: PO Box No 3054 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Ro scommon

< BAR STAFF REQUIRED: For pub in Roscommon Town, must be available for week end work. Experience desirable. Apply with CV to: doorly196@gmail.com

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< CLEANER REQUIRED: 4-5 hours weekly in Ro scommon Town. Refer ences and good english essential.

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of

OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

O’CONNOR McGEENEY

Teresa

Late of Auchcloggeen, Claregalway, Co. Galway

Who passed away on 22nd September 2022

Teresa’s husband Kevin, sisters Ann, Mary and Philomena and brothers Michael James, Tom and Luke, Nora and JP McGeeney and all her extended family would like to thank all who sympathised and supported them in their recent bereavement. Thank you to all who travelled long distances to be with us in Galway and Fuerty, all those who attended Teresa’s Removal in Athleague, Funeral Mass and Burial in Cregg Cemetery, Galway. The family would also like to acknowledge all those who kindly sent mass and sympathy cards, phoned, brought food, shared memories or offered comfort through online condolences or made donations to Galway Hospice Foundation. Special mention to Teresa’s nieces Dara, Stella, Rebecca and nephews Kevin, Luke and Padraic who sent messages of condolences and were with us in spirit despite not been able to travel.

Heartfelt thanks to Chief Celebrant, Fr. Christopher, Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin and all concelebrating clergy. Special thanks to Fr. Joe Delaney and Fr. John Gannon who prayed with Teresa before her death and delivered the Homily at her Requiem. This spiritual nourishment was a true blessing to Teresa in her life and to the family at this time of loss.

Thank you to the Parish communities of Athleague and Fuerty. To Sacristan Teresa Murray, Athleague Choir led by Margaret and Sean Kirwan and St. Cuan’s College Choir and students led by Mary Melody and Ruth Dempsey who played such beautiful music and sang at Teresa’s Funeral Mass. To Cathy and Desmond for their singing and all those family members who participated in the Funeral Liturgy. All prayers greatly enriched the service.

To all staff, students and parents of students from Athleague National School, St. Cuan’s and St. Aloysius College who supported the family in this time of grief. Special thanks to Principal, Collette Walsh, Vice Principal, Cathal Jordan and Justin Harkin of the School Board of Management.

Heartfelt appreciation to the Community Association in Athleague which served refreshments to all those who travelled to the Removal on Sunday. Special thanks to Athleague Hurling Club Executive and players who carried Teresa’s remains through the village of Athleague to the Church. Thanks to Ronan Conneally and Anthony Flaherty and all those who coordinated this wonderful response by the whole community which brought great comfort to the family. Teresa loved her nursing career and the family would like to acknowledge and offer sincere appreciation to Teresa’s nursing colleagues who were a wonderful source of love and friendship to her in her nursing career. To all those who visited the house to pay respects and form a Guard of Honour at the Church co-ordinated by Helen, Mona and Kathleen. Teresa received wonderful medical care throughout her illness from Consultant Blaskova and her team at Ballinasloe and University Hospital Galway. To the staff of St. Joseph’s Ward UCHG. To Galway Hospice Foundation and Breda and Public Health Nurses in Corandulla Lorna and Julie. To Dr. Martin Daly and the medical team at Ballygar. To Louis Conlon Chemist in Athleague.

Special thanks to Henry Hamrock, Athleague for his professionalism and kindness in arranging the funeral of Teresa. Thanks to Francis Collins Caretaker of Cregg Graveyard for his assistance and to Tom Murphy who dug the grave. To Nora and all the staff of Claregalway Hotel for refreshments after the Burial.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our sincere gratitude.

Month’s Mind Mass will take place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Curry on Saturday, 22nd October at 8pm.

RYAN

Willie and Josie Beechwood (10th and 24th Anniversaries)

MULRY Mary Teresa

(neé Egan)

Rahara, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

Who passed away on the 22nd October 2020 (2nd Anniversary)

In remembrance of our loving parents, Willie and Josie.

They are not gone from us but gone before us.

Ní imithe uainn atá siad Ach

romhainn

Remembrance Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Sunday, 16th October at 10am.

DEEHAN

Tony and Beaty Scramogue, Co. Roscommon.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

Your life was love and labour, you love for family true. You did your best for all of us, we will always remember you.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her son Vincent.

(Tony 30th Anniversary) (Beaty 3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Tony who passed away on October 24th, 1992 and Beaty who passed away on October 7th, 2019

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

You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

Remembered always by their loving family. Anniversary Mass in St. Anne’s Church, Scramogue, on Sunday, October 16th at 10am.

GERAGHTY

Margaret & Sean

Cloonara, Derrane, Roscommon (5th Anniversary & 12th Anniversary)

Anniversary Mass for Mary Teresa will be held in Rahara Church, Rahara on Sunday, 16th October at 10am.

O’DONOVAN Seamus

“Parkhead”, Celtic Avenue, Roscommon 31st Anniversary occurs on 10th October

We, the family of the late Mary Quinn, sincerely thank all those who sympathised with and supported us on our sad loss. To all who attended the Removal and Funeral Mass and Burial, sent mass cards, sympathy messages, posted condolences on RIP.ie and all who stood by the roadside as Mary made her final journey to St. John’s Church, Lecarrow, we thank you.

Thanks to all the staff at Sonas Nursing Home, in both Cloverhill and Athlone who provided excellent care during her final few months and to Mary Watson for her dedicated home help.

A special word of thanks to Fr. Michael McManus for attending to Mary’s spiritual needs and celebrating her Funeral Mass and attending at the graveside, your support was a source of great consolation to us.

A special thank you to Pat and Gillian Smyth, Smyths Funeral Directors, Roscommon for your professionalism and courtesy in conducting the funeral arrangements. To the grave diggers, who prepared her final resting place with such care and attention, we greatly appreciate and thank you for all your work.

Thanks also, to Hannons Hotel, Roscommon and the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone for their excellent catering.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest thanks and appreciation.

May the winds of Heaven blow softly, and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.

Always sadly missed by Anne, Paul, Simon, Eoin, Tara, Mary and John.

In loving memory of Margaret who died on 18th October 2017 and her husband Sean who died 21st September 2010.

Deep are the memories, precious they stay. No passing of time, can take them away.

Loved and remembered every day by your daughter Mary. Anniversary Mass for both Margaret and Sean will be held in Derrane Church on Saturday, 15th October at 7pm. Eternal peace we wish on you.

Mary’s First Anniversary Mass will take placein St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 16th October 2022 at 11.30am.

HANLY (née Byrne) Irene

Cuilmore, Strokestown, Roscommon

Who passed away 21st October 2021 (1st Anniversary)

O’GRADY

Helen

Ballyleague, Lanesborough, Co. Roscommon (32nd Anniversary)

FLANAGAN

(nee Kelly)

Philomena

Creevy Road, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

MYERS Liam

Turloughmore, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (12th Anniversary)

Irene was called by God before her time, but she is finally at peace with her belated and loving husband Vincent. Forever in our thoughts, deeply missed and loving remembered by her family.

Bobby, Colin, Niall and Jacqueline would like to thank our extended family and friends, Doctors and Nurses in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dermot and Yvonne Foley Undertakers for all the help and support for Irene in her last days.

Thank you to all who helped with the Funeral proceedings, Fr. Gannon, Fr. Stephen, choir, readers and all our friends who gave great support, we will be forever grateful.

May you and Dad Rest in Peace.

To my family and all my friends, my last breath does not say “Goodbye”, for my love for all of you is timeless beyond the touch of death. I leave myself to your memory with love, I leave my thoughts, my laughter, my dreams to you whom I have treasured.

I give you what no thief can steal, the memories of our time together.

The tender, love-filled moment, the successes we have shared, the hard times that brought us closer together and the roads we have walked side by side.

I also leave you a solemn promise, I will still be present whenever and wherever you call on me. My energy will be drawn to you by the magnet of love.

Whenever you are in need call me, I will come to you with my arms full of wisdom and light to open up your blocked paths, to untangle your knots.

And all I take with me as I leave is your love and the memories of all that we have shared.

Irene’s First Anniversary Mass will take place at Kiltrustan Church on Saturday, 15th October at 12 o’clock followed by blessing over Irene’s Ashes at Strokestown Cemetery.

THANKSGIVINGS

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

Oh Holy St. Anthony, gen tlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may re quire a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’.

O gentle and loving St. An thony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Je sus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the grati tude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received.

A.M.K.

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

Oh Holy St. Anthony, gen tlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may re quire a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’.

O gentle and loving St. An thony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Je sus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the grati tude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received.

A.M.K.

In loving memory of Helen who died on 15th October 1990

Always a smile, instead of a frown.

Always a hand when one was down.

Always true, thoughtful and kind, wonderful memories you left behind.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Always remembered by Donal and family.

In loving memory of a dear sister Helen, who died on the 15th October 1990.

God has you in His keeping, We have you in our hearts.

Remembered always with love Kay, Maura, Nuala and extended families.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 15th October at 7pm in the Holy Rosary Church, Ballyleague.

KELLY

Paul Carrowdangan, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away on the 15th October 2014 R.I.P. (8th Anniversary)

Each one of us thought the world of you, for us you always did your best, God grant your soul eternal rest.

Quickly and quietly came the call, without farewell you left us all. A sudden call from God on high, you had no chance to say goodbye. Without farewell you fell asleep, but memories of you we’ll always keep.

We did not know that morning, what sorrow the day would bring, when a heart of gold stopped beating, and we couldn’t do a thing.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. We never fail to think of you, we never cease to care, we only wish we could go home, and find you waiting there.

Forever loved and missed by her family.

Mass offered.

Who died on the 4th of October 2010.

R.l.P.

BROTHER

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Always remembered and sadly missed by your brothers and sister, nieces and nephews and brother-in-law.

MYERS

Bridget

Dundonnell, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary)

Who died on the 19th of October 2011.

R.l.P. MOTHER

We miss you from your fireside chair, your loving smile and gentle air. Your vacant place, no one can fill, we miss you Mother, and always will. Always remembered and sadly missed by your sons and daughters, grandchildren and son-in-law

Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Ronan’s Church, Taughmaconnell on Friday, 14th October at 9am.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Always remembered and sadly missed by his parents Pat and Mary, sisters Grace and Sandra, brothers-in-law Chris and Aaron, nieces Kara and Elina and extended family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish on Sunday, 16th October at 11am.

In loving memory of our dear mother Philomena A loving mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother too.

ENNIS JOYCE

Barbara

Formerly of Carrarmore, Connemara, Co. Galway and Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

QUIGLEY

Bridget (Bridie)

Ballybride, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 17th October 2020

SHANAGHER MARTIN

Tonlagee, Roscommon. (14th Anniversary)

MOFFITT Paddy

(2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Paddy Moffitt, Toomona House, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon, who died on 15th October 2020.

NELSON Thomas

Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon

(8th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 20th October 2014

MONTH’S MIND MASS

ACTON James (Jim)

Who passed away 15th September 2022

In loving memory of Martin who died 28th September, 2008.

Always a smile, instead of a frown.

Always a hand when one was down. Always true, thoughtful and kind, wonderful memories you left behind. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Lovingly remembered by her partner Kevin Casey.

Masses offered.

You gave us years of happiness, then sorrow came with tears, You left us lovely memories, we will treasure through the years. Always remembered by your husband Bernie.

We miss you from your fireside chair, your loving smile and gentle air. Your vacant place no one can fill, we miss you mother and always will. Loved and missed by your daughter Bernadette.

She was a mother so very rare, content in her home and always there God bless you mother you were one of the best Loved and remembered by your daughter Jacqueline, son-in-law Derry, grandchildren Eleanor and Emer.

Anniversary Mass on Monday, 17th October at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

THANKSGIVINGS

3 DAY NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splen dour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immacu late 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 neces sity (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. M.C.

3 DAY NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splen dour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immacu late 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 neces sity (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. M.C.

R.I.P.

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.

Lovingly remembered by your wife Teresa and all the family.

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

McKEAGUE Kathleen

Gurrane, Creggs, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away on the 16th of October 2020. (2nd Anniversary)

Those special memories of you will always bring a smile if only we could have you back for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do you always meant so very much and always will do too. The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause us pain but you’re forever in our hearts until we meet again.

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

Sadly missed and always remembered by all your family and many good friends.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 16th October at 11.30am in the Church of Sts Eithne and Fidelma, Tulsk.

BEIRNE Johnny

Ballymacurley South, Four Mile House (25th Anniversary)

May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.

Loved and sadly missed by your heartbroken family, husband James, Lorraine, Stephen, Padraig, Claire, Maria and James, grandchildren, Jake, Clodagh and Eamon and her mother Nora.

Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, 16th October at 11.30 am in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet.

THANKSGIVINGS

In loving memory of our brother Johnny, who died on 17th October 1997

R.I.P.

To us he has not gone away, nor has he travelled far, just entered God’s eternal home and left the gate ajar.

Remembered by Patsy and Maureen.

Mass offered.

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. I.W.

Just a prayer from the family that loved you. Just a memory fond and true, in our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you.

Always remembered by Mary and family. Mass offered.

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

Jim’s wife Mary, sons Declan and Brian, daughter Caroline and extended family wish to express their sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation to all of those who sympathised with them and supported them in their recent bereavement.

Thanks to all of those who called to our home, attended Jim’s Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial. Thanks also to those who telephoned, travelled long distances, sent mass cards and messages of condolences, we are truly grateful.

A special thank you to our kind neighbours who helped us in such a special way at this difficult time, we know how truly blessed we are to have you all.

To the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Coman’s Ward in Roscommon University Hospital, thank you for your kindness, help and compassion shown to Jim and to us all, we really appreciate it.

Our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Eugene O’Boyle for your support, kind words and for celebrating Jim’s Funeral Mass in such a beautiful way. Thank you to Fr. John D. Flannery and Fr. Seamus Flannery who concelebrated the Mass. Thank you to Martin and Jean of Feeney’s Funeral Directors for your professionalism, compassion and guidance in helping us to make funeral arrangements. To Eoin Kenny and the Williamstown Choir, thank you so much for the music and singing, it was heartfelt and beautiful. Thank you to the gravediggers who prepared Jim’s final resting place.

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

Jim’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Sunday, 16th October at 10.30am in St. Therese’s Church, Williamstown.

Notice

Derryvode, Williamstown, Co. Galway

Sports PEOPLE

GAA Results

Hodson Bay Hotel SFC

Semi-Finals

Strokestown 2-8

Roscommon Gaels 0-11

Boyle 1-12 St. Brigid’s 0-12

Callington Ltd IFC Semi-Finals

St. Dominic’s 1-12

Fuerty 1-9

Éire Óg 1-10

St. Croan’s 0-12

Dermot Hughes Cars U-20 FC Division Three Kilbride 3-16

Western Gaels 1-12

King and Moffat JAFC Semi-Finals

Pádraig Pearses 1-9

Strokestown 1-8 St. Ronan’s 3-9 Ballinameen 2-5

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group A)

Castlerea St. Kevin’s 1-13 St. Aidan’s 1-9

Pádraig Pearses 2-9 St. Aidan’s 1-9

Castlerea St. Kevin’s 2-12 St. Dominic’s 0-8

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd

JBFC (Group B)

Kilmore W/O St. Faithleach’s St. Brigid’s 2-10 Elphin 0-5

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group C) Michael Glavey’s 0-7 Éire Óg 1-3

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group D) Oran 2-13

Clann na nGael 0-9

Fixtures

Feast of football last weekend!

< DAN DOONER

Spectators enjoyed a real feast of football across the county last weekend with the final pairings confirmed in the men’s sen ior and intermediate championships and ladies’ intermediate and junior champions crowned (see reports elsewhere in People Sport).

Elsewhere, the final pairing for the Ab bey Hotel Ladies’ senior championship was also confirmed and will see reign ing champions Clann na nGael facing off against one of Roscommon’s most suc cessful clubs in recent years, Kilbride.

Clann enjoyed a comprehensive victo ry over St. Dominic’s in their semi-final last Sunday as they ran out 4-15 to 0-3 winners. Ruth Lennon scored 1-5 for the champions while Caoimhe Lennon chipped in with 1-3 and Jenny Shine was on target with six points.

Manager Finbar Egan says the Johnstown club are being rewarded for the hard graft they’ve been putting in since returning to training last January.

“We’re very lucky to have a super back room team here and the girls are very well looked after. We’ve been going since Janu ary 31st, training four times a week and the girls have been phenomenal. I think we’re peaking at the right time,” he said.

Finbar says the disappointment of losing out to Kilkerrin/Clonberne in last year’s Connacht semi-final has brought a new focus this term.

“We have an awful lot to prove. We didn’t show up against Kilkerrin last year and we were annihilated but we’re a better team this year and a number of players have re ally stepped up,” he said.

Despite the strong favourites’ tag ahead of the final on October 22nd, the Clann man ager was adamant that nothing would be taken for granted.

“Nothing will be easy against Kilbride, who are a great club and only recently won five county titles in a row,” he said.

“If we work hard and play to what we are capable of then we will give a good ac count of ourselves. Last year, we got the county title monkey off our backs but I’ve

no doubt Kilbride would love nothing bet ter than to knock us off our pedestal this year”.

Kilbride manager, Tony Brennan, was pleased with his side’s performance in their dramatic win over St. Brigid’s (3-5 to 3-3).

A late Aisling Hanly goal secured victory for the former champions to set up a repeat of last year’s final.

“We were delighted to win on Sunday. Our aim all along has been to reach the final and have another tilt at Clann na nGael,” he said.

“I felt we dominated the match on Sun day but left it very late to secure the win in tough conditions”.

Looking ahead to the final on Saturday week, the Kilbride manager said his side would relish the challenge.

“It’s going to be very difficult against Clann. They haven’t been defeated in a couple of years and are putting up good scores in every game. They’re out ahead in Roscommon at the moment and they are the target for everyone,” he said.

“Energy levels will be important now be cause it’s a quick enough turnaround but the mood in the camp is good and we are looking forward to it.

“Clann will be the favourites and under standably so but we feel we have the expe rience and know-how and it will all come down to what happens on the day”.

Elsewhere, St. Ronan’s are back in a county final for the first time in 26 years after they had seven points to spare (3-9 to 2-5) against Ballinameen in the King and Moffatt Junior ‘A’ Football Championship last weekend.

They’ll meet Pádraig Pearses in this year’s decider after they edged Strokes town by a point (1-9 to 1-8) in Ballyforan.

Pearses looked comfortable when they led 1-9 to 0-7 in the latter stages but Strokes town came with a late rally that came up just short.

The Abbey Hotel Ladies’ SFC Final will take place in Ballyforan at 4 pm on Saturday, October 22nd while St. Ronan’s and Pádraig

Pearses meet in the King and Moffatt JAFC decider on Saturday, October 29th.

Friday, October 14th

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd

JBFC (Group A)

At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Castlerea St. Kevin’s. 8 pm

Saturday, October 15th

Tansey Cup Promotion Play-off

At Ballyforan: Pádraig Pearses v St. Barry’s. 7 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group A) (4 pm)

At St. Dominic’s: St. Dominic’s v St. Aidan’s RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group B) (4 pm)

At Kilmore: Kilmore

v Tulsk Lord Edwards

At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v Elphin

Get in! Eddie Noone celebrates his goal with John Keaveny during the King and Moffatt JAFC semifinal between St. Ronan’s and Ballinameen in Croghan last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Horse racing starts this weekend today (Thursday) over the jumps at Tramore in the sunny southeast, off at 1.50 pm and on the flat at the Curragh from 1.25 pm.

Tomorrow (Friday), there is meeting under lights over the all-weather at Dundalk, first race at 5.30 pm. On Sat urday, racing is on the level at Leopardstown featuring the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes for 2-Y-O’s and the Listed Trigo Stakes, first away at 1.30 pm. Sunday has flat racing at Naas featuring the Irish EBF Auction Series Final worth €120,000 at 1.10 pm, and over the sticks, with the Grade B Kinsale Handicap Chase, at Cork outside Mal low, off at 1.55 pm. Monday

Horses for Courses

and Tuesday are a blank days on the Irish racing schedule.

There is cross channel racing on ITV4 and Virgin Media 1 on Saturday with six races from Ascot’s Cham pion’s Day including four Group 1 races.

The Charles Byrnestrained Run For Oscar eas ily won the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket last week under David Egan by 3¼l and a length from the Hughie Mor rison trained pair Vino Ventrix and Not So Sleepy.

Racing News

Irish jockey Robbie Dunne made a winning return from

by Tom Red

a 10-month suspension as he steered Ernesto to victory at Hereford on yesterday. Dunne was banned in December for 18 months, with three months suspended, having been found to have bullied and harassed fellow jockey Bryony Frost. It was reduced to 10 months and hence his return yesterday.

Peter Fahey’s Peregrine Run recorded the twentieth career success at Chepstow on Saturday afternoon under Sam Ewing landing the valu able Native River Handicap Chase. This great servant to Peter Fahey and owner/breed er Vincent Byrne recorded his first victory way back in August of 2015, claiming a bumper at Killarney under

Katie Walsh.

The Joseph O’Brientrained Busselton heads a team of four in the 37 entries for the JT McNamara Lad brokes Munster National at Limerick on Sunday week.

Gordon Elliott has 14 en tered headed by Frontal As sault who won in Galway last week. Noel Meade and Eric McNamara have three each, Henry de Bromhead has two, Willie Mullins relies on El Barra who beat Busselton at the Punchestown Festival and Padraig Roche has the recent Ballinrobe winner Walking On Glass. Shark Hanlon’s Hewick is in America for their Grand National.

The Galway based Flooring

Porter Syndicate are on the road back to Cheltenham with the Gavin Cromwell trained Flooring Porter who will be geared towards landing the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival for a third successive year having beat Thyme Hill and Paisley Park last year.

Point to Point News Racing this weekend is on at Portrush in Co Derry on Saturday at 1.30 pm and on Sunday in Tinahely in Wick low on Sunday at 2 pm. The Galway Blazers meeting at Dartfield Equestrian Centre outside Loughrea last Sunday was abandoned.

Short putts

Athlone

Athlone Golf Club has received plenty of positive feedback from clubs following the All-Ireland finals which took place at the club recently. Participants have contacted the club praising the course, clubhouse and the warm welcome they received from club members. The Club Presi dent, Chairperson, Lady and Gents’ Captains and manage ment committee thank all vol unteers for their hard work over the weekend. Well done to all involved.

The Women’s Christmas Ham per was played on Tuesday with results to follow and there was also an alternative 9-hole com petition on the same day.

Lady Captain’s away day takes place this Saturday (15th) at Birr Golf Club.

Recent winners – ’97 Club: Paula McClean (21 points); AWGS: Brendan Connolly (28); Men’s 18-hole Strokeplay: Adri an Kelly (67 nett).

Boyle

Our monthly draw has been an

important source of income for the club, however the number of subscribers has declined consid erably in recent times. The club may need to stop the draw in ear ly 2023 if new subscribers don’t sign up. Please consider signing up if you haven’t done so already for monthly cost €10 or €120 for the year. The bank account number for debits is IBAN: IE59 BOFI90532822439700.

In the King Harmon Cup quali fying competitions, Adam Daly and Mark Feehan gave them selves a strong chance of making the final 16 with scores of 45 and 43 respectively. Gabriel Lavin finished third with 38.

Boyle Golf Club congratulates the Boyle senior football team on reaching their first county final since 1927. The panel consists of several golf club members and is managed by another member, Cian Smith. We wish them every success against Strokestown on October 23rd.

Congratulations also to the Boyle Ladies Intermediate team on their county final win over St. Ciaran’s.

Captain Gabriel Lavin invites members to play in the club’s

from local golf clubs)

relaunched annual outing which takes place on Saturday, No vember 5th at Claremorris Golf Club. Green fees €20, and food at clubhouse €15.

The Men’s AGM takes place on Sunday, November 13th while the overall AGM takes place on November 27th. Both meetings are at 5 pm in the clubhouse.

Castlerea

Castlerea Ladies finished the year in style with club member Teresa Meaney coming first in the All-Ireland Silver Medal competition in Headfort Golf Club, Co. Meath on October 5th. Teresa finished with an impres sive score of 71.

Kathy Burke represented the club in the Bronze Medal com petition, finishing in 10th place just four shots off the winner. Congratulations and well done to both ladies.

Club President Tony Brophy’s competition was played recently and the Ladies’ section was won by Kathy Burke with Valerie Callaghan in second place and Ruth Sullivan in third. Mamie Creaton took the gross prize.

The Audrey O’Donoghue Me morial Cup was won by Mamie Creaton (42 points) with Marga ret Waters (42) second.

Roscommon

The Men’s 18-hole competition was cancelled last Sunday due to the poor weather while Bernie Maher (39 points) won the La dies’ competition on October 4th.

Nuala Costello (17 points) won the Ladies’ 9-hole competi tion on October 4th. The Men’s Senior competition was won by C. McDonnell (39 points). Cat 1: G. Finn (37); Cat 2 P. Walsh (33); Cat 3 O. Hannon (34); Cat 4 S Brennan (33).

Our Bronze and Silver Medal winners, Marina Dolan and Ma rie McManus, represented the club last week at Headfort Golf Club. Well done to both ladies.

Well done also to Olivia Costel lo on her selection for the Ireland U-16 Girls’ team as they took on England at Royal Birkdale on October 8th and 9th. Another

The Lady Captain’s outing takes place this Friday (14th) at Castle Dargan Golf Club, Co. Sligo. It’s great to see this

event back after a few years and thanks to Sheila Fallon and Joan O’Gara for organising. Thanks again to Ruth Kilduff for being a great Lady Captain of our club in 2022.

First and second 18 went to Dympna McGarry and Deirdre Hawshaw respectively.

Pictured is Teresa Meaney being presented with her All-Ireland winning Silver Medal by President of Golf Ireland Kay O’Loughlin, also a member of Castlerea Golf Club. wonderful achievement for our young golfer.

Run For Oscar and David Egan is an easy winner of the English Cesarewitch.

Hewick (left) unseats Jordan Gainford at the last and leave Busselton to win the Kerry National.

GAIN LINE

Youth Rugby

Creggs U-16 Boys travelled to Ballina RFC on Saturday for their opening league game of the season. Creggs held a 12-8 half-time lead but were narrowly beaten in the end on a scoreline of 20-17.

The Girls’ U-16 team produced a stunning comeback in their league game at home to Galwegians. Trailing 14-12 at the break with the tries coming from Grace O’Shaughnessy and Ciara Downey, Gal wegians were kept scoreless in the second half and further tries from O’Shaughnessy (2) and Ellen Jordan gave Creggs a 29-14 win.

The Boys’ U-13 team played out a very entertaining 24-24 draw at home to Buccaneers last Sunday in heavy rain.

The hosts had led 17-10 at half-time but Buccaneers finished the stronger of the two teams for a well-earned draw.

The U-18 Girls’ Maroon team travelled to Corrib in the league on Sunday and came away with a well deserved victory thanks to tries from Shauna McDermott, Katie O’Connor, Jemima Adams Verling, Megan Donoghue and Maryann Jordan.

The U-15 Boys earned a narrow 19-17 win away to Galwegians in their friendly last weekend. Tries from Conor Timon and Cian Trim ble (2), who also converted two.

Finally, the Girls’ U-14 team lost out 29-12 away to Sligo with Emi ly Kelly scoring both tries.

C’mon

SFAI Cup Saturday

On Saturday, Roscommon Town Youth Soccer Club is hosting two SFAI Cup games in Lisnamult.

At 1 pm, our U-12 side play Knocknacarra FC. Then, our U-14 side welcomes Castlebar Celtic at 3 pm. Best of luck to both teams. Your support for the lads would be very welcome.

Town (Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

In association with the

Last weekend, our Boys’ U-11 CL 1 side couldn’t put Moylough away and were pipped in extratime while our Boys’ U-16 team lost out to Glen Celtic. Tommy Naughton scored for the Town but Glen Celtic progressed to the final 5-4 on aggregate.

Irish women heading to World Cup!

Congratulations to Heather Payne of Creagh, south Roscommon and the Irish Women’s soccer team, who made history on Tuesday night as they booked their place at next year’s Word Cup following a dra matic 1-0 over Scotland at Hamp den Park.

Fittingly, it was Donegal player, Am ber Barrett, who toe-poked the winner in the 72nd minute before paying trib ute to those who lost their lives in the Creeslough tragedy last week.

Heather, whose brother Conor plays senior football for Pádraig Pearses, started the match up front before being replaced by Barrett on 66 minutes after picking up an injury.

Vera Pauw’s charges fought a rear guard action following Barrett’s clever finish to secure their spot at next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, a first ever major finals appearance for the Girls in Green.

Darts League meeting this Friday

A Roscommon Darts meeting will take place this Friday at 9 pm in Hannon’s Hotel to final ise both the Roscommon Darts League and county set-up ahead of the new season.

All teams must be represented on the night and new teams are welcome. For further informa tion, contact David on 0860823180.

Soccer results

Connacht Cup Round One Cloonfad United 3 Craughwell United 2 AET

Norio’s Premier Division Castlerea Celtic 2 Ballinasloe Town 1 St. John’s Athletic 4 Boyle Celtic 2 CP Ajax 5 Ballaghaderreen FC 4 Kilkerrin United 2 Skyvalley Rovers 1 Moore United 6 Moylough ’79 0

RDFL First Division

Dysart FC v Roscommon United, postponed.

Dunmore Town 0 Shiven Rovers 2

RDFL Second Division Skyvalley Rovers B 2 St. John’s Athletic B 2 Women’s Connacht Cup Athenry 6 Ballaghaderreen 3 Conn Rangers 0 Shiven Rovers 3

RDFL Women’s League Castlerea Celtic 2 Colemanstown United 1

Fixtures

Friday, October 14th

RDFL First Division Shiven Rovers v Ballinagare Manor United. 8 pm

Sunday, October 16th

FAI Junior Cup Round Two (2 pm)

Boyle Celtic v Castlebar Celtic Ballinasloe Town v Ballina Town Conn Rangers v St. John’s Athletic

Norio’s Premier Division (2 pm)

Ballaghaderreen FC v Castlerea Celtic Moylough ’79 v Kilkerrin United

RDFL First Division

Dunmore Town v Ballinasloe Town. 11 am

Dysart FC v Cam Celtic. 2 pm

RDFL Second Division Skyvalley Rovers B v Glen Celtic. 11 am

RDFL Women’s League (2 pm)

Castlerea Celtic v Ballaghaderreen

Cam Celtic v Ballinasloe Town Kilkerrin United v Shiven Rovers

Colemanstown

Republic of Ireland Women’s national team coach, Vera Pauw, celebrates with her players including Creagh’s Heather Payne (14) following their historic win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.

Another busy weekend at Creggs RFC began with Mini Rugby train ing on Saturday morning last with great numbers in attendance.

Roscommon Town’s U-14 I team, who reached the Premier Division Cup

Creggs U-18 Girls had a good win away to Corrib last weekend.

The Roscommon Town team which beat Mervue United in the Connacht Cup recently.

Fab Feely leads Boyle to glory

their second goal, a well-taken effort from sub Rachel Murray, but Boyle took over again and by the 45th minute it was 3-9 to 2-2, with Aisling Feely converting their second penalty of the game after a foul on Shannon Kerins.

Boyle were the impressive winners of the intermediate title at Ballyleague on Saturday last. While St Ciaran’s were able to stay in contention due to their goal threat, Boyle thoroughly deserved to win. Inspired by a brilliant display by Aisling Feely, who scored an in credible total of 2-8, Boyle were in control all the way through and were comfortable seven-point winners in the end.

On a perfect day for football there was drama inside the first minute when St Ciaran’s’ Niamh Farrell fell awkwardly and sustained what ap peared to be a nasty leg injury. The game was stopped for 24 minutes as Niamh was treated and brought away by ambulance.

When play resumed it was Boyle who dominated. By the 18th minute they led by 2-4 to 0-1. Aisling Feely con verted a penalty in the 17th minute and a minute later Kate Harrington blasted home from close-range. A well-taken goal from Rebecca Brennan gave Ci aran’s some hope. At half-time Boyle were 2-5 to 1-2 ahead.

In the 34th minute Ciaran’s scored

In fairness to St Ciaran’s they never gave up and Ciara Dowd grabbed their third goal in the 47th minute. A minute later a superb solo effort from the lionhearted Laura Fleming saw the margin down to four points again (3-9 to 4-2).

Boyle flexed their muscles in the final ten minutes, outscoring Ciaran’s by 0-5 to 0-2 with Aisling Feely on target with two of those points.

Aisling Feely was the best player on the field and was an inspiration for Boyle

throughout. Roisin Wynne, Saoirse Wynne, Micheala Ward and Shannon Kerins were also impressive for the winners.

For St Ciaran’s, Ciara Dowd, Laura Fleming (who was carrying an injury), Shauna Fitzmaurice and sub Rachel Murray were most prominent. Boyle: Shauna Moran; Niamh Beirne, Isabelle King, Shannon Kerins (01); Suzie Keenehan, Roisin Wynne, Saoirse Wynne; Ruth Cox, Caoimhe Cregg; Natasha Regan (0-1), Michaela Ward (0-3), Grace Flanagan; Aisling Feely (2-8, 2-0 pens), Kate Harrington (1-0), Heather Kerins (0-1). Subs: Megan McKeon for H Kerins (50). St Ciaran’s: Eabha Dowd; Niamh Brandon, Shauna Fitzmaurice, Jen ny Flynn; Niamh O’Rourke, Tara Naughton, Ciara Carr; Meabh Tiernan, Rachel Fitzmaurice; Anna Murray, Laura Fleming (1-1), Rebecca Brennan (1-0); Niamh Farrell, Ciara Dowd (1-3, two frees), Eala Coyle. Subs: Sheena Kilroe for Farrell (1), Rachel Murray (1-0) for Murray (h/t), Sadbh Connolly for O’Rourke (41), Aideen O’Brien for Coyle (54), Emma O’Rourke for Flynn (59).

Croan’s crowned champions

Survived late scare!

Roscommon LGFA Junior A

St Croan’s 1-10 Michael

< SEAMUS DUKE

St Croan’s withstood a late rally from Michael Glavey’s to land the county junior A title at Ballyleague last Satur day. It was the proverbial

‘game of two halves’ with St Croan’s dominating the first half only for a Sheila Bradyinspired Glavey’s to come back into the game late on.

A complacent St Croan’s just about hung on.

St Croan’s totally dominated for 29 minutes of the opening half and led by 1-6 to no score at that stage. Their goal arrived in the 7th minute when the impressive Grainne Tarmey did the spadework and Leah Malone applied the finish.

Points from Tarmey, Malone, Sinead Kenny, Sharon Ryan and Ella Thompson saw their

side nine points to the good and coasting.

Then just before half-time Joann Daly’s shot beat Chloe Egan for a goal against the run of play. When sub Sheila Brady pointed in injury-time, the margin was down to five at the break (1-6 to 1-1).

In the second half Croan’s stayed on top despite some excellent point-scoring from Sheila Brady. With eight minutes to go they were 1-10 to 1-4 to the good.

Then Glavey’s made a late surge. Points from Niamh Coyne and Maedhbh Hanley,

and two more from Sheila Brady, reduced the margin to just two going into injury-time.

Yellow cards for Amy Malone and Aine Ward in quick suc cession reduced Croan’s to just 13 players (sin binned), and when Shannon Hibbitt pointed in the third minute of injurytime the gap was just one. St Croan’s held on to claim the title.

Best for the winners were Aine Ward, Olga Kenny, Amy Malone, Sinead Kenny and Leah Malone, while for Mi chael Glavey’s, Sheila Brady was outstanding and Shauna

Fleming, Colette Keane and Joann Daly were the pick of the rest.

St Croan’s: Chloe Egan; Molly Cunnane, Aine Ward, Ellie May Coen; Eimear Collins, Olga Kenny, Aoibhinn Collins; Amy Malone, Ella Thompson (0-1); Sharon Ryan (0-1), Sinead Kenny (0-2), Aisling Tarmey (0-2); Aoife Collins, Leah Malone (1-3, 2 frees), Grainne Tarmey (0-1). Subs: Anna Gooney for Aoife Col lins (34), Ava Malone for Cun nane (43), Abby Collins for A Tarmey (58), Karla Collins for Ryan (61).

Michael Glavey’s: Helena Cummins; Niamh Coyne (0-1), Maria Gormally, Roisin Hus sey; Shauna Fleming, Barbara Hannon, Mia Ronane; Shan non Hibbitt (0-1), Maedhbh Hanley (0-1); Colette Keane, Maggie Fox, Isobel Coggins; Amy Fleming, Joann Daly (1-0), Niamh Fleming. Sub: Sheila Brady (0-6, 2 frees) for Coggins (25). Referee: Allan Cox.

Player of the Match Sheila Brady (Michael Glavey’s)

Roscommon LGFA IFC Final Boyle 3-14 St Ciaran’s 4-4

< SEAMUS DUKE

Boyle player Aisling Feely in action against St. Ciaran’s during the Ladies Intermediate Football Final in Ballyleague on Saturday. Photo. Mick McCormack

Referee: Paul Fahy.

Player of the Match Aisling Feely (Boyle)

Action from the Ladies Intermediate Football Final between Boyle and St. Ciaran’s on Saturday evening. Photo: Mick McCormack

THE SPORTS STUDIO

Occasional sporting musings with Paul Healy

Brogan’s beauty seals it for Strokestown

< PAUL HEALY

I have a soft spot for Strokestown GAA, ever since my family lived in the town for a couple of years in the late 1980s. At the time, Strokes town had some brilliant players, a group that realised its potential with a historic senior title win in 1992.

Nowadays, I live and work in the Roscom mon town area, so I have an affinity with Ro scommon Gaels. Therefore, I arrived in Hyde Park on Sunday as a very interested observer!

A small crowd of supporters were huddled tight against the wall of the old stand. It was a stinker of a day in the Hyde. At one point in the first half a bird flew over us to have a peek at the action; it didn’t stay around for long, re turning to a place of shelter.

Strokestown settled better than the Gaels, moving the ball with greater purpose, Cathal Compton orchestrating much of their play.

Three wides in quick succession underlined their superiority. At the other end, the Gaels were surviving on scraps. Peter Gillooly’s reliable free-taking kept them in touch, but glossed over a lack of penetration in their at tack.

Midway through the first half, Strokestown scored a fine goal, courtesy of Colm Neary. In such miserable rainy conditions, finding a goal during cagey exchanges was almost as precious as suddenly discovering a packed picnic basket in a desert. Strokestown led 1-5 to 0-6 when the half-time whistle sounded. Whatever Gaels’ manager Frankie Dolan said during the break had an immediate impact, as his team upped their game significantly. The Gaels were excellent in the opening ten min utes of the second half, by far their best spell. A more intense ‘in your face’ approach began

to yield turnovers. With Mark Purcell arrow ing over superb long-range frees, the Gaels moved a point clear, before the game’s turning point came.

Caught in possession way out of goal, Gaels’ goalkeeper James Fetherstone appeared to have recovered, but with bodies every where and panic spreading, the ball spun into the path of Paddy Brogan. As support ers held their breath, he guided a remarkable

long-range lob into the empty Gaels’ net. Strokestown’s composure in the closing stag es was admirable. The insurance score came from Cathal Lavin, whose sidestep, before calmly pointing, might not have been out of place on Dancing with the Stars. With time their enemy, the Gaels went direct, signing up to the lottery of high balls into the goalmouth. Strokestown held firm for an ex cellent – and well deserved – victory.

More new chapters for colourful Collins

< PAUL HEALY

Roddy Collins, former journeyman footballer turned successful man ager, gave a rollicking interview to Brendan O’Connor on RTE Ra dio on Sunday. This was vintage Collins, the true blue Dub at times typi cally brash and confident, while also reflective, fun ny and emotional. He was on the show to promote his autobiography – ‘The Rodfather’ – which is now in shops.

A larger than life char acter, Collins is one of the most colourful per sonalities in Irish football.

His rollercoaster management ride – with various League of Ireland clubs, at Carlisle and in Malta too – featured fall-outs and controversies as well as some success. Collins brims with self-confidence, but is self-deprecating too. He’s outspoken, brash, funny…and ultimately a like able character. Observing him, it’s hard not to have visions of Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, not least because Collins and the sitcom character share the admirable trait of eternal optimism. Behind the ‘Rodfather’ persona is a man with great passion for the game, with a love of family and his native Dublin too.

In the interview on Sunday, Roddy Collins came across as a decent man, and his emotion when speaking about his late father was very moving. ‘The Rodfather’ – written with journalist Paul Howard – is described as ‘a hilarious memoir from the funniest man in football’. Collins has had numer ous escapades in life, both inside and outside football. It sounds like a book for the Christmas list.

50 years on…from when

Alex stormed snooker world

< PAUL HEALY

I’m not sure if any sportsperson has ever thrilled me like that man did. That man was Alex.

I didn’t see George Best at his peak, and while I consider Muhammad Ali to be the most charismatic sportsperson who ever lived, for any fan invested in the Belfast man’s fate, watching snooker star Alex Higgins play live on TV was the most nerve-wracking and tantalising experience. He was mesmerising.

It dawned on me this week that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Higgins’ first world title win, in 1972. It’s also the 40th anniversary of his second world championship, won in such memorable style against Ray Reardon in 1982. Higgins, who died in 2010, won’t top too many ‘Greatest of all time’ polls, but Alex was almost certainly the most entertaining and compelling player to ever lift a cue. He changed the sport,

dragging it from smoky halls into the TV age, into the hearts of millions of people.

Even if he’s not the greatest player of all time –Ronnie O’Sullivan probably deserves that accolade – Higgins was one of the best ever, a genius who revolutionised the game. In that sense, he is probably the biggest star snooker has ever seen.

Before Higgins exploded on to the scene, snooker was a gentleman’s game played in (mostly) dingy halls, the outside world oblivious. From Belfast came a Hurricane. Higgins’ jerky body movements and amazing speed around the table electrified snooker halls. He potted balls with startling pace and power, displaying brilliantly inventive shot-making that introduced a now wide-eyed old guard to new possibilities. Nobody had ever seen snooker played this way.

The public loved the brash kid from Belfast, this moody entertainer who played with such extraordinary flair and style. In 1972, competing

in the World Championship for the first time, he won it outright. Crowds followed Higgins everywhere, while the other players flocked to see him – and learn from him. The TV companies soon got in on the act. Snooker would never be the same again.

‘Hurricane Higgins’ – also known as ‘The People’s Champion’ – was also compelling because of his often outrageous behaviour. There were many scrapes with other players and officials, and his not very private life was often a sorry mess. Shadowed by personal demons, the man who made snooker the mass appeal sport it became could not save himself.

On the 40th and 50th anniversaries of his two world title wins, I fondly remember the controversial and brilliant Alex Higgins. While he was certainly volatile and wayward, he was a unique sportsman who gave pleasure to millions of people. *There’s some great footage of Higgins on YouTube.

‘The ball spun into the path of Paddy Brogan…as supporters held their breath, he guided a remarkable long-range lob into the empty Gaels’ net’. Photo: Mick McCormack

St Dominic’s earn another title shot

Callington Ltd IFC semi-final St Dominic’s 1-12 Fuerty 1-9

< ELLIOT GREALY

Fuerty and St. Dominic’s went toe to toe at Hyde Park on Saturday with a place in the Callington Ltd Interme diate Football Championship final at stake. It was St. Dominic’s who pre vailed by a three-point margin, mean ing they now have an opportunity to banish memories of narrow final de feats over the last two seasons.

On a bright (but breezy) afternoon in Dr. Hyde Park Darragh Mullen scored the opening point of the game after just 18 seconds, settling any early nerves there may have been in the Fuerty ranks. St. Dominic’s hit back with a point courtesy of full-forward Tommy Hurley. The Knockcroghery men then went two clear but Fuerty sharpshooter Niall Kilroy levelled the scores.

On 20 minutes, Fuerty lit up the game. Centre-back Eoin Ward drove at the heart of the Dominic’s defence before offloading to Aengus Lyons who rattled the back of Mark Miley’s net to give Fuerty a three-point advan tage. St Dominic’s responded well but, boosted by that goal, Fuerty were very nicely placed leading 1-5 to 0-6 to at half-time.

As the game remained close, a key score in the second half came when St Dominic’s were awarded a penalty, which Darren Donnelly confidently converted, putting them right back in the game. Dominic’s were soon on

top, adding a fine point from Kyran Dockery.

The Knockcroghery men might even have pulled away, but they failed to convert a couple of goal chances, Fuerty ‘keeper Joe Fallon tipping over a shot from Darren Donnelly. His op posite number Mark Miley somehow managed to keep the ball out of his net after Aengus Lyons’ palmed effort was on target.

Impact sub Conor Fallon kicked two brilliant points to put the game out of reach late on. In the end, the Fuerty men just fell short and St. Dominic’s deservedly advanced to the final in two weeks’ time.

St. Dominic’s: M. Miley; E. Con naughton, E. McCormack, M. Byrne; M. O’Malley, J. Lohan, B. O’Meara; K. Dockery (0-1), P. Fallon; T. Ap pleby, C. Kelly (0-1, free), K. Doyle

(0-1); D. Donnelly (1-5, 4 frees, 1 pen), D. Keenan (0-1), T. Hurley (01). Subs: K. Feerick for T. Appleby (half-time), C. Fallon (0-2, 1 free) for K. Dockery (45 mins), J. O’Beirne for B. O’Meara (57 mins), D. Gately for E. Connaughton (61 mins).

Fuerty: J. Fallon; A. Whyte, T. Ban non, J. Brennan; P. Neilan (0-3), E. Ward, M. Ward; D. Mullen (0-1), E. Bannon; C. Lavin (0-1), B. McGahon,

A. Lyons (1-1); C. Murray, N. Kilroy (0-2), J. McGahon. Subs: T. Lyons for J. McGahon (16 mins), D. Heavey for B. McGahon (45 mins), N. Keenan for C. Lavin (50 mins), C. Crehan (0-1 free) for D. Mullen (55 mins). Referee: Brendan Healy.

Man of the Match Michéal Byrne (St. Dominic’s)

Darren Donnelly’s superb second-half penalty finally set St Dominic’s on course for another County Intermediate football final appearance. Photo: Mick McCormack

We did it! Celebrations at the final whistle for St Dominic’s after they defeated Fuerty at Hyde Park on Saturday to reach the County IFC final.

Photo: Mick McCormack

Action from last Saturday’s Roscommon IFC semi-final between St. Dominic’s and Fuerty at Dr Hyde Park. Photo: Mick McCormack

Super sub Ronan the Éire Óg hero

Callington Ltd IFC semi-finalÉire Óg

< ELLIOT GREALY

A dramatic late goal from substituteRonan Cahill gave Éire Óg a onepoint win in this Intermediate FC semi-final on Saturday in Dr Hyde Park.

After a nail-biting penalty shootout win over St. Brigid’s theprevious weekend, Éire Óg were hoping to carry on their momentum and defeat favourites St Croan’s.

It was St. Croan’s who had the upperhand early on. This was cour tesy of some great points by Dan Malone, Cathal Connelly and Adam Bracken. Liam Creaton responded for Éire Óg. Their star man, Conor Cox, then found his range and began to work the scoreboard op erator, the Kerry native displaying his excellent range of scoring skills. Cox also linked up well with Liam Creaton and Ross Nolan, with the latter scoring a great point midway through the first half to put the underdogs in front.

For St Croan’s, Richie Thompson commanded the midfield third, and when he found some space 45m out, he made no mistake to score a fine point. Philip Leech was shown a black card by referee Ian Mona ghan a minute before half-time. Both sides had registered six points apiece at the break with the game there to be won by either team.

The second half began with Éire Óg hungry to lay down a marker

as they had an extra man during the sin bin period. James McGreal found himself free on the edge of the box, but his shot rattled the post, much to the relief of St. Croan’s.

Fortunes swung forward and back in a close encounter. Greg Grogan put St. Croan’s back in the lead

before Conor Cox levelled with a trademark score off the outside of his right boot. Kevin Lambert then made an in stant impact off the Croan’s bench, scoring as the game went into injury-time, Croan’s now ahead. However, it was one of Éire Óg’s

substitutes who would produce the game’s decisive score. Enda Crawley – who had a brilliant game in midfield – surged forward, and when the ball eventually came to that sub, Ronan Cahill, he buried it in the net to spark wild celebrations deep into injury-time.

The score stunned St. Croan’s, now two behind in injury-time. They drove forward, closing the gap to one, then winning a score able free that would have taken the game into extra-time. Instead, St. Croan’s decided to go for the jugular and played the ball short.It was turned over by Éire Óg who held on for a great victory. After all the thrills of their last two outings, what can we expect when they face St. Dominic’s in the final? What a journey Éire Óg are on! St. Croan’s: M. Holland; P. Leech, G. Grogan (0-1), C. Pacey; B. Pacey, G. Connaughton, A. Collins; A. Bracken (0-1), A. Hurley; R. Timothy, O. Egan, R. Thompson (0-1); C. Connelly (0-3), D. Malone (0-3, 1 mark), K. Smyth (0-2, 2 frees). Subs: K. Lambert (0-1) for A. Hurley (42 mins), A. Garvey for P. Leech (62 mins).

Éire Óg: I. Burke; J. Hester, C. Lavin, A. McDonagh; E. Flanagan, T. Greene, E. Walsh; E. Crawley (0-1), J. Greene; D. Flanagan, L. Creaton (0-1), J. McGreal; C. Cox (0-6, 2 frees), R. Nolan (0-2, 1 mark, 1 free), J. Doory. Subs: M. O’Brien for J. Doory (45 mins), R. Cahill (1-0) for J. Greene (50 mins), C. Dunne for R. Nolan (53 mins), J. Mitchell for D. Flanagan (60 mins), F. Nolan for E. Flanagan (62 mins).

Referee: I. Monaghan.

Man of the Match Conor Cox (Éire Óg)

Action from last Saturday’s Roscommon IFC semi-final between Éire Óg and St Croan’s at Dr Hyde Park. Photo: Mick McCormack

Action from last Saturday’s Roscommon IFC semi-final between Éire Óg and St Croan’s at Dr Hyde Park. Photo: Mick McCormack

Croan’s

Super Strokestown’s amber warning!

‘Black and amber’ master off-key Gaels

Hodson Bay Hotel Roscommon

SFC semi-final

Strokestown 2-8

Roscommon Gaels 0-11

< SEAMUS DUKE

Strokestown are preparing for their first senior football final in 20 years af ter a dramatic three-point win against the pre-match favourites Roscommon Gaels at Dr Hyde Park last Sunday.

On the balance of play John Rogers’ men deserved their win, but Roscom mon Gaels will point to a disastrous goal given away in the 43rd minute as the score that changed the game. Hav ing been second best for most of the opening half, the Gaels played their best football at the start of the second half and had turned a two-point halftime deficit into a one-point advantage when they conceded that goal.

Goalkeeper James Fetherstone came to collect the ball 25 metres from goal on the Eastern Terrace side of the ground. However, he lost possession and the ball spilled to Paddy Brogan who expertly lofted it over the head of the retreating Gaels goalkeeper and into the empty net. Strokestown had regained the momentum and they pro ceeded to close out the win in the final quarter.

In a match which was played in ter rible conditions – with strong wind and driving rain – it was Strokestown who were much the better side in the opening half. They were totally on top at midfield, while Colm Neary, Colin Compton and Diarmuid McGann

were winning their individual duels around the field.

The sides shared six points in the opening 20 minutes with Peter Gil looly and Mark Purcell keeping the Gaels in the game with their accurate free-taking.

In the 15th minute Diarmuid Mc Gann took full advantage when the Gaels failed to clear their lines and Colm Neary was on hand to volley the loose ball past James Fetherstone. It was no more than Strokestown de served as the Gaels were struggling to get a foothold in the game.

Points from Peter Gillooly (two frees) and another from Richard Hughes kept the Gaels ticking over, but scores from Colin Compton and a Kevin Finn free meant that there was two between the teams at half-time, 1-5 to 0-6 in favour of Strokestown.

The Gaels brought Mark Healy out the field on the resumption and they played their best football of the match after the break. Points from Gillooly and Purcell (frees) and a fine effort from Richard Hughes saw them ahead and looking good.

Then that well-taken goal from Pad

dy Brogan arrived out of the blue and Strokestown were in control again.

Another long-range free from Mark Purcell narrowed the gap in the 45th minute but Strokestown finished with a flourish and tacked on three super points from Diarmuid McGann, Keith Murphy and sub Cathal Lavin to seal the win. Gaels’ sub Brian Kelly point ed in injury-time but it was of consola tion value only.

So, after not winning any game in their group, Strokestown have come good in the knockout stages to reach the final. They will go into that decider

THE CLOCK!

15m

Strokestown were on top but had kicked three wides when Diar muid McGann’s goal – at the end of a fine move – rewarded their bright first-half play

43m

It was definitely a turning point when Paddy Brogan lobbed the Roscommon Gaels goalkeeper for Strokestown’s second goal – just when the Gaels were argu ably in the driving seat

58m

Cathal Lavin was cool as a cu cumber when he scored a delight ful late insurance point

with huge confidence and belief after this superb win.

Sean Mullooly, David Neary, Colm Neary, Cathal Compton, David Butler and Diarmuid McGann were excellent for the winners. For a shell-shocked Roscommon Gaels, whose wait for a senior title will now go into a 19th year at least, Mark Healy, John McManus, Peter Gillooly and Scott Oates played well. They were far too reliant on the free-taking of Gillooly and Mark Pur cell and the enterprising and attacking play that was seen against Michael Glavey’s and Padraig Pearses was strangely absent.

Strokestown: Niall Curley; Timmy Gibbons, Sean Mullooly, David Neary; Keith Murphy (0-1), Colm Neary (1-0), Cathal Brogan; David Butler, Cathal Compton; Kevin Finn (0-2, frees), Paddy Brogan (1-0), Cath al Lavin (0-1); Shane McGinley, Colin Compton (0-2), Diarmuid McGann (02, 1 mark). Subs: Mikey Kavanagh for Cathal Lavin (temp. 42 mins), Cathal Lavin for Kevin Finn for (52).

Roscommon Gaels: James Fether stone; Senan Lambe, Kieran Kilcline, Cathal Dineen; Tim Lambe, Mark Healy, John McManus; James McDer mott, Mark Purcell (0-3, frees); Scott Oates, Cian Connolly, James Connol ly; Peter Gillooly (0-5, frees), Richard Walsh, Richard Hughes (0-2). Subs: Brian Kelly (0-1) for Dineen (h/t), Ryan Conlon for Walsh (40), Conor McNamara for S Lambe (55). Referee: Dermot Lyons.

Stat Attack

Red cards:

Match

Strokestown’s first goal against Roscommon Gaels on Sunday was scored by Colm Neary.

Photo: Mick McCormack

Man

Action from Sunday’s Roscommon SFC semi-final between Roscommon Gaels and Strokestown.

Photo: Mick McCormack

Hungry Boyle aiming to end 95-year famine

Dynamic Donie fires Boyle to dramatic win

Hodson Bay Hotel

< SEAMUS DUKE

Boyle kicked three precious points in the final five minutes of this Roscom mon SFC semi-final to seal their first county senior final place in almost a cen tury following a thrilling battle against St Brigid’s.

It’s hard to believe that it is actually 95 years (1927) since Boyle were in a sen ior final. On the balance of play they just about deserved their victory on Sunday. However, St Brigid’s will point to a controversial incident in the 49th min ute when referee Paddy Neilan pointed to the spot after Boyle defender Daniel Casey appeared to pick the ball off the ground in the small square. After con sulting his umpires Neilan changed his mind and awarded a ‘throw-up’ on the 20-metre line (which was cleared). Giv en the closeness of the match, it was a crucial call.

That disputed incident doesn’t take away from a super Boyle performance, led by captain Donie Smith who was tremendous on the day and who inspired his side to this historic victory. The coun ty star led by example, scoring 1-6 of his side’s total.

With the strong wind aiding St Brigid’s, the Kiltoom men opened strongly and built up a 0-5 to 0-0 lead by the 11th min ute with points from Shane Cunnane (2),

Ben O’Carroll (2) and Conor Gleeson. Boyle slowly got into the match. After they got on the scoreboard with a Cian McKeon free and a fine score from Daire Cregg, a vital goal arrived in the 20th minute. Daire Cregg was clearly fouled on his way toward goal and Donie Smith expertly tucked away the resultant spotkick. All of a sudden, the sides were level.

St. Brigid’s finished the half strongest with points from Robbie Dolan, the ex cellent Ben O’Carroll, and a Shane Cun nane ’45. At the break it was St Brigid’s 0-9 Boyle 1-3.

The wind and rain had almost disap

peared for the second half which proved to be a thrilling spectacle as fortunes swayed one way and then the other. Points from Donie Smith (two frees) and a fine Daire Cregg score levelled the scores by the 38th minute. The contest was now set for a nail-biting conclu sion. Another McKeon free edged Boyle ahead, but Brigid’s were not going to lie down.

Ben O’Carroll and sub Brian Derwin nudged their side ahead with ten minutes to go. Then that controversial non-pen alty call came. You got the sense that it was just going to be Boyle’s day, and so it proved.

With the sides level at 0-12 to 1-9, Boyle kicked on for a famous victory. Donie Smith pointed a free in the 55th minute and a minute later he drove over a brilliant score from play from 50 me tres.

When Cian McKeon added another pointed free in the second minute of injury-time the Boyle supporters could celebrate a truly historic day for the club. Now they can prepare to meet Strokes town in what will be a unique final on October 23rd.

Apart from the outstanding Donie Smith, Luke Glennon, Tadhg McKenna, Evan McGrath, Cian McKeon and Enda Smith (second half) were very promi nent for Boyle.

For a St Brigid’s side who can count themselves unlucky on the day, Ben O’Carroll was their best player, while Eddie Nolan, Peter Domican, Paul McGrath and Robbie Dolan all played well.

Boyle: Robert Kearney; Donal Casey, Conor Flanagan, Luke Glennon; Killian Cox, Sean Purcell, Tadhg McKenna; Roch Hanmore, Enda Smith; Cathal Feely, Evan McGrath, Dylan East; Daire Cregg (0-2), D. Smith (1-6, 1-0 pen, 4 frees), Cian McKeon (0-4, three frees). Subs: Eden Kerins for Flanagan (43), Colin Goldrick for Feely (45), Mark O’Connor for Hanmore (60).

St. Brigid’s: James Martin; Peter Domi can, Brian Stack, Sean Trundle; Alan Daly, Pearse Frost, Paul McGrath (01); Mark Daly, Eddie Nolan; Robbie Dolan (0-1), Shane Cunnane (0-3, 2 45s, 1 free), Conor Gleeson (0-1); Ben O’Carroll (0-4), Bobby Nugent, Ciaran Sugrue (0-1). Subs: Padraig Kelly for M. Daly (39), Brian Derwin (0-1) for Nu gent (42), Conor Hand for Gleeson (43), Martin Nolan for Frost (52).

Referee: Paddy Neilan.

49m

55m

Stat Attack

Man of the Match

Ecstasy at the final whistle for Boyle as the club reaches a first Roscommon SFC final since 1927 with victory over St Brigid’s. Photo: Mick McCormack

Action from Sunday’s Roscommon SFC semi-final between Boyle and St Brigid’s.

Photo: Mick McCormack