16 December 2022 Roscommon People

Met Éireann has issued a renewed orange weather warning for ice and low temperatures which will remain in place for County Roscommon and much of the rest of the country until noon today (Thursday).

A further orange alert from 6 pm tonight until noon on Friday has been issued for Connacht, Leinster, Munster, Cavan and Monaghan.

The warnings come as temperatures fell to as low as -7.5 degrees at Mount Dillon in Co. Roscommon on Tuesday night – the lowest in the country.

The national forecaster warned of extreme cold into this morning, with widespread temperatures below -5 degrees, which has led to further severe frost and ice in many areas of the county.

A nationwide yellow warning for low temperatures and ice will remain in place until noon tomorrow (Friday) making driving conditions hazardous. For more, see page 4.

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Carmel Mullaney and her son, Conor, out enjoying the frosty sunshine in Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon Town on Wednesday afternoon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Personal Injury

I was injured in a car accident recently, but I am nervous about bringing a claim as I do not know what to do. Please explain the procedure to me.

Claims involving personal injuries can be a lengthy but not necessarily complicated procedure. A good Solicitor will guide you through the process and help you secure the maximum award you can achieve.

Your solicitor will require details of all your injuries and symptoms (physical, psychological or emotional). Medical reports from your GP, medical consultants etc. will form an essential component in determining the extent and implications of your injuries.

All out of pocket expenses must be calculated including loss of earnings if you were out of work as a result of your injuries, medical expenses, travelling expenses etc.

It is not enough to show that you were involved in an accident or to have suffered injury in order to obtain compensation. You must demonstrate that the party or parties you are suing were to blame for the accident and the injuries that you have suffered.

Under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act anyone seeking compensation for a personal injury must make an application to a body called The Injuries Board before legal proceedings may be issued. However, the alleged negligent party must agree to have the matter assessed before the Injuries Board.

The Injuries Board does not determine liability (who is at fault) and will not make any finding regarding fault or negligence. Its role is limited to valuing claims and making awards. If the award is rejected by either party, then the injured party may issue legal proceedings. Your case will then proceed in the normal way. It may go to a full hearing before a Court, or it may settle prior to this stage.

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Don’t let roundabouts stress you …enjoy the festive atmosphere!

Well, that was some experience!

Huh?

I did some early Christmas shopping today!

Great!

Boy(o), town was busy!

I’m glad to hear it! Roscommon is a super shopping town!

Agreed! I’ll tell you one thing, there was some traffic…I was a while getting on to the roundabouts!

Oh that’s a great sign of a busy town!

I guess so!

I hope you were pleasant to the other drivers…

I was quite civil!

Well, I’m sure it will all get less stressful…

LESS STRESSFUL? Christmas Week is coming!

Oh cheer up…it’s all part of the fun of Christmas!

(They pause to check how many days are left before the World Cup is over, leading to glum faces)

So yeah…the traffic can be a challenge!

Are you still going on about that? You’re SO miserable!

I’m NEVER miserable!

NEVER MISERABLE? You make the Grinch look like Graham Norton! Huh!

It’s a wonder you didn’t say ‘Bah,

humbug!’

It’s not too late yet…

One good thing about being in the car at Christmas is you get to listen to all the seasonal classics on the radio!

I suppose that’s true…

I heard Fairytale of New York in Church Street the other day…

Yeah, and I heard it in Lanesboro Street, and Main Street, and out the Castlerea Road…it’s constantly on… ALREADY!

Next time you feel your patience being tested when you’re trying to join the

traffic on a roundabout, just imagine Perry Como or Bing Crosby sitting on an armchair, in a knitted sweater of course, surrounded by smiling children, snow falling outside…and try to live in the moment! De-stress!

(Editor: Perry Como or Bing Crosby? For God’s sake guys, it’s hard enough to hold on to younger readers!)

Perry Como! Bing Crosby! I’m more of a Slade man myself!

Ah yes, Slade! ‘Merry Christmas Everybody!’ Love it!

I must say, the shops in town are fantastic. There’s a brilliant buzz in the town, and a wonderful range of goods and services on offer!

That’s more like it! Not to mention the free parking!

I guess I just have to accept there’s going to be a lot of traffic…and I need to chill!

Exactly! You can cope with this slight increase in traffic volumes at Christmas! Just relax, and turn up that music! Okay! Will do!

Yeah, and if you get into a brief traffic jam in town, you can always phone me for a chat. In the meantime, I’ve another Christmas classic for you…which is very apt!

Huh?

Chris Rea…‘Driving Home For Christmas’!

Leo Varadkar & Micheál Martin

Harry Kane

There was high drama at the World Cup on Saturday evening as England talisman Harry Kane missed a late penalty (he had scored one earlier) which ended his team’s prospects of advancing to the semi-finals (France winning 2-1)

Ronan Collins

The veteran broadcaster and musician announced that the popular Ronan Collins Show on RTÉ Radio 1 will wrap up for good on the 23rd of December. That signals the end of a great 37-year run (Ronan says he’s not fully retiring, and is looking forward to new broadcasting challenges in 2023)

Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar begins his second term as Taoiseach on Saturday, succeeding Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin who has served in the role since the formation of the three-party coalition following the 2022 general election

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

County Roscommon confirmed as coldest place in Ireland on Tuesday night!

Met Éireann has issued a renewed orange weather warning for ice and low temperatures which will remain in place for County Roscommon and much of the rest of the country until noon today (Thursday).

A further orange alert from 6 pm tonight until noon on Friday has been issued for Connacht, Leinster, Munster, Cavan and Monaghan.

The warnings come as temperatures fell to as low as -7.5 degrees at Mount Dillon in Co. Roscommon on Tuesday night – the lowest in the country.

The national forecaster warned of extreme cold into this morning, with widespread temperatures below -5 degrees, which has led to further severe frost and ice in many areas of the county.

A nationwide yellow warning for low temperatures and ice will remain in place until noon tomorrow (Friday) making driving conditions hazardous.

Residents on the outskirts of Roscommon town have recently raised serious concerns regarding dangerous driving conditions at Gallowstown and the L1802, just off the main Roscommon to Boyle route.

Local Independent councillor Anthony Waldron,

who raised the gritting of local roads at a recent meeting of Roscommon County Council, said the routes, along with The Walk in Roscommon town, were under review.

“My understanding is that Pavement Management Services in Galway have been asked to survey these roads and Roscommon County Council are currently waiting on that report,” he said.

Cllr. Waldron said consideration was also being given to alternative safety measures.

“I understand that extreme difficulty in gritting and salting every road in the county but I have been pushing for sandbanks in villages and other areas so that local communities could grit if needed”.

Roscommon County Council says its Winter Service Plan is in effect which, the local authority says, will prioritise strategic routes in order to use available resources to the greatest benefit.

According to the Council’s website, Priority One roads include motorways, national primary and secondary roads, regional and local roads of strategic importance, and regional and local roads providing access to essential services.

Priority Two roads include sections of regional and local roads of regional importance.

Roscommon Castle basking in the winter sunshine during the recent cold snap that gripped the country.

Pic: Kieran Croghan

A winter wonderland from the air. Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon Town looks like a winter wonderland while covered in frost and ice during the extreme cold snap that Roscommon, and the rest of the country, experienced this week. Pic: Kieran Croghan

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the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre at the old Abbeyfield Hotel in Ballaghaderreen.

Sinn

TD Claire Kerrane has met with Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman to make the case for additional resources for Ballaghaderreen following confirmation that 18 families will come to the town under International Protection.

These families will join Syrian, Ukrainian and Afghani refugees already accommodated in the west Roscommon town.

Speaking following her meeting with Minister O’Gorman, Deputy Kerrane said she was mindful of the extremely difficult circumstances the families were fleeing from but added that additional Government supports have not been

forthcoming for Ballaghaderreen.

“Few need to be reminded that Ballaghaderreen welcomed refugees as far back as 2017 and that generosity was not matched by Government action. The additional resources that were needed were not provided. I recall a commitment made at the time that a healthcare professional would be on site at the EROC in Ballaghaderreen. This did

not happen. People here haven’t forgotten that,” she said.

Deputy Kerrane said she had made it clear to the Minister the “very real challenges” faced by people currently living in Ballaghaderreen.

“The impact of the 2008 recession is still being felt and in many ways, the town is yet to recover. It is important that the Minister understands this context.

“I also made it clear that

additional resources for the town, particularly around healthcare, are needed –and needed urgently,” she said.

“The needs of those arriving and who have already arrived in terms of those residing in the EROC should be met but equally, so too must the needs of the town”.

The Sinn Féin TD called for a healthcare professional and a community nurse to be installed at

“I want to see additional funding for the Family Resource Centre who are on the front-line in supporting many families in the town and surrounding areas”.

Deputy Kerrane added that schools outside the town accommodating new enrolments must be consulted on additional supports needed and “not expected to cater for more children out of existing (limited) resources”.

“We also need to see the return of the Community Welfare Officer to the Health Centre and the possibility of funding (with consultation) for sports and community groups for the provision of greater amenities for everyone in the town,” she said.

Deputy Kerrane said she will remain in direct communication with Minister O’Gorman and will “accept nothing less” than delivery on what is required.

Connaught Rangers project

Roscommon

The Connaught Rangers were one of the most revered fighting units in the British Army with many men from Roscommon enlisting, particularly during WWI.

The animation will be part of the ‘Devil’s Own’ exhibition which takes place at King House in Boyle. The closing date for receipt of applications is this Monday, December 19th at 4 p.m.

For further information, contact Mary Smyth, Public Art and Engagement Coordinator, Roscommon County Council by emailing msmyth@roscommoncoco.ie.

County Council invites animators, be they individuals or companies) to submit applications to create an animation which gives viewers a formative knowledge of the Connaught Ranges from their formation, to their disbandment in 1922.

DOONER

Deputy Claire Kerrane.

Deputy Roderic O’Gorman.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY

Pat & Luke (again)

On his Newstalk morning show, Pat Kenny has just indicated that Professor Luke O’Neill will be joining him after the ad break to discuss ‘Covid in Japan’. Pat is obviously hinting that we should stay tuned, that we won’t want to miss this!

No disrespect to either man, but I’m going to switch channels at record speed. Unless Luke is coming on with his guitar, I’m not waiting around for more of that which we once lived with (in a grim Groundhog Day way), i.e. Pat Kenny and Professor Luke O’Neill endlessly talking Covid infections, injections and reflections. As teasers for what’s coming up after the break go, this leaves quite a bit to be desired!

I’d rather be stuck in a lift with Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy.

FRIDAY

Need the kettle?

It’s bitterly cold. At 8.25 am, our car engine was spluttering like a veteran smoker who has shuffled from the bar counter to the doorway of his local to light another cigarette…while sagely pondering on life.

Earlier, I had opted for the windscreen defrosting technique which I gather is not recommended by experts, i.e. we boiled the kettle for a minute and then poured the hot water on the car windows. The words “Do we need the kettle?” are synonymous with frosty mornings. We’ve all done it!

It’s interesting how small things trigger memories of those who are no longer with us…how thawing the windscreen with water from the kettle brought back nostalgic memories of seeing my dad doing the same thing on frosty mornings long ago.

Finally, we joined the tapestry of cars on the school run. At Casey’s roundabout, a van driver impatiently beeped another van driver, just as ‘Do They Know It’s Christ-

mas?’ was belting out on Today FM, courtesy of the unceasingly chirpy Ian Dempsey.

That then was morning one of what we are assured will be a bitterly cold spell. Taking refuge in the office, I note that Mount Dillon in County Roscommon is yet again claiming headlines when it comes to weather news: at -7C, it had the lowest temperature in the country at 8 am this morning.

SATURDAY

Kane’s strain

The pressure got to Harry. I could see it in his eyes. He had too long to think, the world (well, all of England at least) on his shoulders. A World Cup quarterfinal, world champions France 2-1 up on the latest English ‘golden generation’. Incredible tension. Could England take the game to extra-time and possibly navigate their way one step closer to finally emulating the heroes of 1966?

England had played very well, particularly in the second half. Now, after a VAR check, a second penalty, a chance to make it 2-2. All eyes on Harry. Harry Kane, so often clinical for England and Spurs. His earlier penalty had been perfection. But the stakes felt so much higher…four minutes to go, the world in his ears, his head, his mind.

The pressure won, Harry’s strike sailed over the bar. Where does it leave England? They have some superb young players, but their story is one of decades-long underachievement. Or maybe it’s an epic story of misplaced confidence/arrogance. It’s compelling, this drama of twists, turns and no silverware. We Irish, of course, have a complex relationship with this epic story. Personally, if the arrogance dial was turned down a little, I think I could live with our neighbours – the players we support in the Premier League every week – winning a tournament. For now, the quest to ‘bring football home’ goes on.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

Market movers…

Congratulations to all involved with this weekend’s Christmas Festival in Roscommon. There was a lovely atmosphere in the beautiful new Square, with enticing, colourful stalls showcasing some fabulous local products. The festival/market brought a nice buzz to the town centre, and it was great to see so many people out and about.

MONDAY

A glow blow…

This ‘cold spell’ is really bearing its teeth now. Minus 7 was recorded overnight again – and it’s forecast to get colder.

On RTE’s Morning Ireland, Met Éireann’s Gerry Murphy wasn’t sparing the verys: “It’s very foggy, very frosty, very icy” he revealed. Very true. At 10.30 am, I went for a short walk,

and it was absolutely freezing! “It’s lovely” a friend said on the phone, and he’s right on one level, because it’s dry, crisp, and very atmospheric for this time of year. But the freezing temperatures can lead to burst pipes, traffic chaos and further hardship for people.

I’ve avoided using the kettle to defrost the car in recent days (see ‘Friday’). Mind you, our car wouldn’t start at all at one stage, not even when I administered the full jump leads treatment. Luckily, my brother-in-law visited last night, and worked some magic, after establishing that one or two glow plugs were on the blink. This was very educational for me, in that I now know what a glow plug is.

By the way, all credit to Santa Claus, who got to Ballyleague and Roscommon (on his sleigh) over the weekend, this despite the extremely frosty weather. It augurs well for Christmas Eve!

TUESDAY

Avoiding the score!

I had to take on the dreaded ‘Record the match and try to avoid the score’ challenge this evening. It’s not easy. The game was the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia. The trick, to have any hope of watching the recording of the game after it has ended – without the experience being largely spoilt by someone or something revealing the score to you – is to avoid all devices while it’s on live…and all humans too.

But I had to meet a friendly tradesman at the office at 8.30 pm (the game now into the second half). Obviously I wouldn’t be making any World Cup small talk. He breezed in. Then I heard Darragh Maloney’s voice… commentating on the game. It was coming from the tradesman’s phone (in his pocket). Disaster. But then he stooped down to check the item we needed him to check… bumped into something, and miraculously that switched the commentary off!

A close call. Later, unaware of the final score, I enjoyed the recording… and watched Messi lead Argentina into this Sunday’s World Cup Final.

CE Supervisor ‘resigned over pay and recruitment issues’

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane says a CE Supervisor who contacted her has had to resign due to “ongoing employment issues”.

Calling for urgent government action to address “long-running concerns” relating to pay which have been raised by Community Employment (CE) Supervisors & Assistant Supervisors, Deputy Kerrane said it’s a State-wide problem.

In response, Minister Joe O’Brien confirmed that the Department for Social Protection requires sanction from the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) to allow them to enter talks legitimately at the

Workplace Relations Commission.

Deputy Kerrane said: “It is clear that urgent action is needed to address the employment concerns of CE Supervisors”.

She went on to tell the Dáil about the experience of a CE Supervisor who “has been left with no option but to resign due to the ongoing employment issues she has been facing”.

This individual, the TD said, was running a scheme with over 30 participants supporting 20 sponsors and which spanned an area of 85km. However, she didn’t have an Assistant Supervisor because, says Deputy Kerrane, nobody

could be recruited for the role due to the low levels of pay on offer.

“CE schemes provide incredibly valuable community services and supports in every county across the State, and we must make sure that those running the schemes are provided with adequate pay and working conditions.

“If we do not, we will lose more good people and it is communities that will suffer”.

Minister O’Brien said the Department for Social Protection are willing to engage with CE Supervisors on pay, an update which Deputy Kerrane welcomed.

Roscommon Credit Union Member Only Christmas Draw

Roscommon Credit Union’s Member Only Cash Prize Christmas Draw takes place on Thursday, December 15th 2022. First prize

is €10,000, with 10 cash prizes in total. Details from the Roscommon office on 090 66 26657/Ballaghaderreen office on 094 98 60522. Alter-

natively, email info@roscommoncu. ie Please note this is a not for profit draw. Only members of Roscommon Credit Union are eligible to enter.

5pm

Monday 26th – Thurs 29th Closed

Friday, December 30th 10am – 5pm

Monday, January 2nd 2023 Closed Tuesday, January 3rd 2023 Business as normal

Large Range of Shoe or Fabric Dyes. Cotton Work Shirts only €16.99. Rainwear, Socks, Waders, Wellingtons and Hats.

ARCHERY: Childrens and adults Archery Bows, Targets Arrows and Strings.

Honey (Limited Amount).

Try our new season Castlerea local Honey (Limited Amount). Also try our Special Cough Bottle & Woodwards Gripe Water.

Bird Feed: Chicken, Duck, Hen feed etc, bird seed in bulk, Canary, Budgie, Wildbird etc. Peanuts 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Hamster etc. Wildbird Feeders, Moth Balls (Old Time) Golden Frisky by the Bag or by the Pound IDEAL GIFTS

Also try our Special Cough Bottle & Woodwards Gripe Water.

Large Range of Shoe & Fabric Dyes Camouflage Jackets, Jumpers, Cotton Work Shirts Only €16.99, Rainwear, Socks, Boot Socks, Waders, Wellingtons, Hats.

Large Range of Shoe & Fabric Dyes Camouflage Jackets, Jumpers, Cotton Work Shirts Only €16.99, Rainwear, Socks, Boot Socks, Waders, Wellingtons, Hats.

ARCHERY: Childrens and Adults Archery Bows, Targets, Arrows and Strings Chicken Duck Hen Feed etc. Bird Seed in bulk, Canary, Budgie, Wildbird, etc. Peanuts, 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Hamster etc. Fox Repellent, Wildbird Feeders, Moth Balls (Old Time), Golden Frisky Maverick by the bag or by the Pound

ARCHERY: Childrens and Adults Archery Bows, Targets, Arrows and Strings Chicken Duck Hen Feed etc. Bird Seed in bulk, Canary, Budgie, Wildbird, etc. Peanuts, 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Hamster etc. Fox Repellent, Wildbird Feeders, Moth Balls (Old Time), Golden Frisky Maverick by the bag or by the Pound

Aquariums, Fishing Rods, Rechargeable Lamps, Peterson Pipes, Binoculars etc, Victorinox Knives, LED Lensor, Indur ladies and gents wallets, Old Moores Almanac, 100% Cotton Shirts only €14.99, Pyjamas, Tights (buy 2 get one free), watches at reasonable prices Fiddles and Violins (half), three quarter and full size Ideal present for children.

IDEAL GIFTS

Aquariums, Fishing

Full selection of Blue Willow Delph. Epsom Salts for feet or baths (€1.99 per pound).

Briquettes, Firelogs and coal.

Bicycle Tyres, Tubes, Pumps and Repair Kits in store. Adult bicycle €250.

Real leather mens belts, tin whistles, stanley flasks (lifetime warranty).

SOME UNWELCOME CHRISTMAS VISITORS?

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday were Catherine Neilan, Katie Kelly, Faye McCormack, Sinead Neilan Kelly, Jack Kelly and Aisling Neilan McCormack. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday were Michael, Mary, Daniel and Thomas Byrne. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Caution urged as cold snap persists

Roscommon County Council are advising the public that cold weather conditions are likely to persist over coming days, owing to ongoing severe frosts.

There is the possibility of some showers of hail, sleet or snow, but these are likely to be isolated. Freezing fog will continue to occur, reducing visibility, particularly for motorists.

Road users and pedestrians are advised to be aware of treacherous conditions on roads and paths with the possibility of some traffic disruption.

Householders are also advised to be conscious of the potential of burst water pipes and to reach out to neighbours, particularly those who may be vulnerable.

Businesses are also advised to ensure footpaths and access points to their premises are properly maintained and kept safe for members of the public. Motorists are particularly advised to reduce their speed, use their fog lamps where necessary and to remain vigilant at all times.

SCHEME FOR THE FUNDING OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO NON-PUBLIC ROADS EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Grant aid under the Local Improvement Scheme is subject to the availability of funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development. Applications are invited from residents/users of non-public roads who wish to participate in a scheme. Roscommon County Council proposes to compile a prioritised list of Local Improvement Schemes which it is hoped will commence in 2023, subject to the availability of funding. Roscommon County Council’s grant aid for 2023 has not yet been announced.

• The scheme is subject to strict criteria and conditions as set down by the Department of Rural and Community Development

• The guidelines specify the local contribution from the landowners/local residents of between 10% and 15% of the overall cost must be paid before work commences

Eligible road projects are as follows:

• Road projects which provide access to parcels of land of which two or more are owned or occupied by different persons engaged in separate agricultural activities; or

• Road projects which provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons; or

• Road projects which provide access to at least one parcel of land owned or occupied by a person engaged in agricultural activities and which separately provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for at least one other person

• In addition, works can be carried out on Amenity roads such as non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards or other tourist/heritage sites

Greg

The O’Rourke sisters from Castlerea received the Freedom of Roscommon last Thursday. They are pictured with Roscommon councillors and Shane Tiernan (Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council) at last Thursday’s ceremony which was hosted by Roscommon County Council in Áras an Chontae. See report and more photos in this issue. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Roscommon County Council hosted a successful Roscommon Christmas Festival/Market in the county town over the weekend, in collaboration with Roscommon Town Team and Roscommon Chamber of Commerce. Pictured at the Christmas Market on Sunday were Helen McGinty, Annette Donlon and Sandra Kenny. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Kerrane raises Garda numbers with Taoiseach

Local Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has raised what she says is a lack of Garda presence in rural towns. Raising the issue with An Taoiseach in the Dáil, Deputy Kerrane said: “We know from recent data released by my colleague Deputy Martin Kenny that Garda membership across the State has fallen since 2009, while the population has grown by over 11% in that time.

“Since 2009, Galway have seen nineteen additional Gardaí join. In

the same period, the Garda Division of Mayo, Roscommon and Longford has received just seventeen additional Gardaí.

“Meanwhile, crime is on the rise. A report published this week shows burglaries are up 47% in Roscommon and Longford, which is a really frightening statistic. Anti-social behaviour is also on the rise, which is not just an issue in our cities, but in our rural communities also.

“We need a deliverable policing plan in conjunction with our communities, and it needs to include additional Gardaí on the beat, especially in rural towns. Will the Taoiseach commit to that policing plan?”

Speaking afterwards, Deputy Kerrane said: “In his reply, the Taoiseach stated that an additional 1,000 Gardaí will be recruited next year. That is welcome, however it’s the question of where they will be allocated I am interested in”.

Payments to farmers welcomed

Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the issuing of Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme balancing payments.

He said: “The total paid to date under the 2022 ANC Scheme amounts to some €239 million paid to 95,000 farmers.

In the region of €1m will issue to farmers as

part of this balancing run of payments.

“The timely processing of scheme payments reflects the importance of this scheme to farmers in many areas of the country.

“These payments can be crucial to farming communities, especially at this time of the year. I

urge any farmer with outstanding queries to respond to the Department as soon as possible to facilitate payment”.

Farmers wishing to contact the Department regarding their ANC payment can ring the Direct Payments Helpline at (057) 8674422.

Pictured are Joanne Beattie and Shauna Keenan at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards, held at the Abbey Hotel. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday were Mary Fallon and Alice Mulligan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

page

Three Roscommon schools selected for Safe Routes to School Programme

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD, joined the National Transport Authority and Santa Claus this week to announce that 108 schools will be included in the Safe Routes to School Programme.

The Safe Routes to School Programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing improvements to walking and cycling facilities.

The launch of the second round of the programme will see over 37,000 students across Ireland benefit from safer

infrastructure and encourage them to cycle, walk and wheel to school.

Three schools in Roscommon were selected for round two of the Safe Routes to School Programme, including Scoil na nAingeal Naofa in Boyle, St Attracta’s National School in Ballaghaderreen, and St Michael’s and St Patrick’s National School in Clegna.

Speaking from her home county of Galway at the launch of the second round of the programme, Minister Naughton TD said: “I am delighted to be able to bring some festive cheer to schools nationwide by confirming that thousands more children nationwide will soon benefit from safer infrastructure which

will allow them to walk, cycle and scoot to school every day.

“In recent months, I have had the privilege of visiting schools across the country and have seen first-hand the positive impact that Safe Routes to School projects are having on our children’s daily lives.

During these visits, the message was loud and clear that there is a huge appetite for the continued rollout of the programme in our villages, towns, and cities across the country.

“Now, having secured the necessary funding as part of Budget 2023, it is great to see the programme continue to go from strength to strength”.

Croí Night Run raises €82,000

This essential funding also supports The Croí Courtyard Apartments; accommodation that is provided free to families in need, while their loved ones receive lifesaving heart or stroke care. Save the date for next year: Friday October 6th, 2023! For more information, visit www.croi.ie

Proud parents!

Presenting a cheque for €82,000 from the 8th Annual Croí Night Run, is Edel McDermott, Key Account Manager, Irish Life Health to Christine Flanagan, Croí’s Director of Fundraising. With special thanks to Croí’s Night Run sponsor Irish Life Health, 100 per cent of the proceeds will go directly to supporting Croí’s significant programme of work, across prevention and community support initiatives for patients and carers.

Pictured is John Rattigan from Elphin, who graduated recently with an Honours Degree in Engineering at NUI Galway. John’s parents Mary and David were also present for the ceremony.

Minister of State at the Department of Transpor Hildegarde Naughton and Santa Claus pictured with national school students from Scoil Fursa in Galway City for the launch of round two of the Safe Routes to School Programme.

Minister Naughton pictured with national school students from Scoil Fursa in Galway City for the launch of round two of the Safe Routes to School Programme.

6% of adults in Ireland living with symptoms of long Covid – Naughten

New data released this week has found that 6% of adults in Ireland are living with self-reported symptoms of long Covid. The data is based on a survey carried out by leading polling company, Ireland Thinks, and was commissioned by Independent TD Denis Naughten.

Deputy Naughten recently called for long Covid to be recognised as an occupational hazard for frontline workers, and urged the Government to treat patients presenting with ongoing symptoms with the same urgency as the initial wave of infections.

Symptoms of long Covid include fatigue and brain fog, which are experienced at least twelve weeks after the initial infection for significant periods of time, in some cases over two years.

The HSE has recognised the need to treat patients with long Covid with plans in place since September 2021 to establish fourteen specialist long Covid centres across the country, but to date just one-third of the required staff have been recruited.

84% of those with symptoms of long Covid report that their ability to conduct daily activities has been reduced as a result. The most commonly reported symptom is fatigue (84%) followed by

shortness of breath (59%), sleep problems (44%), memory problems (43%) and muscle ache (39%). Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom among all age groups, bar 18-24, where shortness of breath is most frequently reported.

Commenting on the research, Deputy Denis Naughten said: “The findings released this week from the first comprehensive survey on the prevalence of long Covid in Ireland show the need to urgently address the care requirements of those who are suffering with this illness.

“We need to take a full-scale approach to treating long Covid – multidisciplinary clinics with involvement from respiratory specialists, infectious disease physicians, neurologists, cardiologists and psychologists who can provide patients with a comprehensive assessment and a holistic treatment plan.

“We know that recovery from long Covid is possible, but the Government must now step up and deploy every available resource promptly and without delay”, concluded Deputy Naughten.

Tá Oifigigh Chléireachais Shealadacha ag teastáil ó Choimisiún na Scrúduithe Stáit (CSS) san oifig i mBaile Átha Luain chun déileáil leis na tráthanna is mó brú oibre agus próiseála i ndáil leis na scrúduithe teistiméireachta.

Athraíonn na téarmaí agus coinníollacha a ghabhann leis an obair seo, lena n-áirítear fad na gconarthaí sealadacha a thairgtear, de réir chineál an phoist.

Achoimre ar an bPost:

• Obair chléireachais ghinearálta;

• Ag obair mar chuid d’fhoireann chun seirbhísí a chur ar fáil;

• Ag tacú le bainisteoirí líne agus le comhghleacaithe;

• Ag déanamh cumarsáide agus ag déileáil leis an bpobal/le custaiméirí;

• Beidh gné den obair a bhaineann le láimhsiú i gceist leis an bpost freisin;

• Fostófar na hiarrthóirí a n-éiríonn leo ar conradh téarma seasta;

• Ní bheidh na huaireanta tinrimh níos lú ná 41.25 uair an chloig chomhlán sa tseachtain agus, de ghnáth: Dé Luain – Déardaoin 9.12 - 5.00 Dé hAoine 9.12 - 4.45

• Beidh sé riachtanach uaireanta oibre breise a dhéanamh le linn na tréimhse is gnóthaí de na scrúduithe.

• Beidh an bunráta pá de réir scála pá Oifigeach Cléireachais agus de réir mar a chinneann rialacháin na Roinne Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe.

Conas iarratas a dhéanamh: Ní ghlacfar ach le hiarratais a dhéantar ar líne. Beidh an tsaoráid iarratas ar líne ar fáil ó 9.00 r.n. Dé Céadaoin an 14 Nollaig, 2022 go dtí 5.00 i.n. Dé hAoine an 6 Eanáir, 2023.

Chun an Iarrthóir Leabhrán Eolais a léamh agus chun an iarratas a dhéanamh cliceáil ar an nasc seo a leanas:

https://www.examinations.ie/recruitment/temp-staff/ Ba chóir oideachas ginearálta maith a bheith ar na hiarrthóirí a chuireann suim sa phost agus Béarla maith, idir scríofa agus labhartha, a bheith acu freisin. Cuirfear painéal d’iarrthóirí oiriúnacha ar bun chun na poist shealadacha a líonadh a thagann chun cinn le haghaidh scrúduithe 2023. Is féidir go gcuirfear bliain eile leis an tréimhse sin faoi rogha an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh.

Is cóir d’iarrthóirí a thabhairt dá n-aire gur cúis dícháilithe í an stocaireacht. Is fostóir comhdheise é Coimisiúin na Scrúduithe Stáit.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) require Temporary Clerical Officers, for its office in Athlone, to meet the peak processing needs of the certificate examinations. The terms and conditions, including the duration of temporary contracts offered will vary from post to post.

Summary of the Job:

• General clerical work;

• Working as part of a team in delivering services;

• Supporting line-managers and colleagues;

• Communicating and dealing with the public/customers;

• The job will also involve an element of manual handling;

• Successful applicants will be employed on a fixed term contract;

• The hours of attendance will be not less than 41.25 hours gross per week and generally: Monday – Thursday 9.12 - 5.00 Friday 9.12 - 4.45

• There will be a requirement to work additional hours during peak examination period.

• The basic rate of pay will be in accordance with the Clerical Officer pay scale and as determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations.

How to apply:

Applications will be taken on-line only.

The on-line applications facility will be available from 9.00am, Wednesday 14 December, 2022 until 5.00pm, Friday 6 January, 2023.

To read the Candidate Information Booklet and to apply please follow this link: https://www.examinations.ie/recruitment/temp-staff/

Interested applicants should have a good general education and also have a good command of English both written and oral.

A panel of suitable candidates will be established to fill temporary positions arising for the 2023 examinations. This may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the CEO.

Applicants should note that canvassing will disqualify.

The State Examinations Commission is an equal opportunities employer.

Independent TD Denis Naughten.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Making a Bingo comeback… but it was tougher than rugby!

Our man Frank with an exclusive report on his Bingo comeback; Some ‘self-assessment’ on why he doesn’t cheer on England’s footballers or Leinster Rugby… and the return of the famous St Stephen’s Day Walk in Creggs

It’s a beautiful but very cold Friday night, and Carol and myself are heading to the local Creggs National School Hall to partake in the

Bingo Night that is being held as a fundraiser for the school itself.

Having been warned about freezing fog and black ice and all kinds of treacherous road conditions, we are wondering will anyone turn up at all, or will it instead be a ‘washout’. However, we needn’t have worried as the hall was well and truly filled, proving once and for all that bingo players are made of stern stuff. On our way in we bought our bingo books and, not knowing much about what we were letting ourselves in for, we decided to buy two double books – but that was a huge mistake. While regular players on our table had no problem keeping up with the numbers, given that we had to mark double books, we found it very difficult to stay in touch and were constantly trying to catch up.

I know you won’t believe me, but by the time we had played three of the eleven games, we were completely shattered and ready for bed. I played rugby and football for many years and don’t think I was ever as tired after any game as I was on Friday night! If anyone ever told me bingo was a tougher game than rugby I would have never believed them.

However, the good news is that we were definitely on the most successful table in the place, as between us all we had at least six ‘checks’ – although sadly neither Carol or I struck gold. But one of my tickets came out in the raffle and I won myself a bottle of white wine. During the night we got an insight into the popularity of bingo. Some of our table companions told us they can play up to four times a week. Apparently there is bingo in Cas-

tlerea, Moylough, Ballinasloe, Athleague, and Athlone – among other places – on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Our fellow players told us they are regular players at some or all of those places every week. I don’t think we will be joining them any time soon, as we would have to bring our bed with us, given how demanding it was.

However, I will say it was a good night’s fun, it was a great chance to meet friends and neighbours, and as a fundraiser and as a night out I would say it was a great success.

If it’s repeated next year, and if my pacemaker keeps me ticking over, I will definitely buy single books and bring a proper marker, and maybe that way I might just get through a night at the bingo without wilting to the point that I almost fall asleep!

Welcome return of St Stephen’s Day Walk

For the best part of 30 years St. Stephen’s Day in Creggs was associated with the iconic Barrie Harris Memorial Walk. Over the years hundreds of thousands of euro were raised for many different charities.

Offside! Musings on not supporting England (or Leinster)

On Saturday evening, two players who I support all the time when they play for Manchester United – Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire – were playing for England in the quarter-final of the World Cup. Well, the truth is that despite only ever having been in France for a weekend (in 2016), I was hoping for a French victory.

And on this desperately cold Monday morning, two days after France eliminated England, I am struggling to understand exactly why I can only support players when they wear a particular jersey. In case you think this strange phenomenon only occurs when England are playing, you would be very wrong. To the eternal annoyance of my son, Mark, it also applies to Leinster Rugby. In truth, I am a little ashamed at my

dislike of the hugely successful Irish provincial side.

To be anti-England – purely in sporting terms – is nearly an automatic Irish reaction, but why do I not support a local team, packed with Irish international players – who I absolutely love when they wear the green jerseys of Ireland? When they line out in the blue of Leinster, I cannot cheer for them.

I suppose the anti-English thing is political – and understandable, considering our long mutual history – but when I reflect on my anti-Leinster stance, the best I can come up with is the perceived notion that they are predominantly a ‘Dublin 4’ outfit. Of course when I think of that, it also doesn’t hold up to scrutiny, as quite a number of the team hail from other counties – in-

cluding Athlone’s Robbie Henshaw, Wexford’s Tadhg Furlong, Wicklow’s Jack Conan, and Mayo’s Caelan Doris – so I now wonder if I am simply jealous of their huge recent successes.

Anyway, I have decided that from now on, while it may take me a while to actually support them, I will no longer hope they lose (unless they are playing Munster or Connacht), especially when playing against the money-rich French teams.

England, however, is a little different, and while I understand that English money kept this country going for many, many years, I have to admit that on this Monday morning, I am still happy that Mbappé and his teammates managed to – rather luckily – get past the English challenge. Allez la France!

A few years ago the Harris family felt they could no longer stay involved to the huge extent that they had been, and so the Creggs Charities Walk was born, although the unwelcome arrival of Covid didn’t do the new event any favours. This year, however, it is back in all its glory, and at 12.30 on Stephen’s Day everyone is invited to come to O’Roarke’s in Creggs, meet up with your friends and neighbours, and head off for the beautiful healthy walk up over and down the mountain.

From day one, the halfway house of Mary Devaney has been open for all kinds of festive treats, and once again Mary D and her willing group of family members and friends will be on hand to revitalise your spirits and keep you fully fuelled for the second half of the walk.

This year, four charities will benefit from the proceeds of your efforts – ACT for Meningitis, Galway Hospice, MayoRoscommon Hospice, and the Sunshine Room in Creggs National School. Sponsorship cards are available in Mikeen O’Roarke’s, so try and get them as soon as you can.

I have missed out on the last couple of years due to various health problems (hangovers not included) but this year I hope to be fully

fit and rearing to go and am looking forward to another enjoyable, uplifting Stephen’s Day.

The good news is that if your muscles are still functioning, Mikeen has music on that evening so you can dance your aches away to Sean Donoghue, with his show kicking off at 5 pm. Don’t ask him for the Green and Red of Mayo.

Looking forward to seeing you all and I won’t be annoyed when you all pass me out on my way ‘round lovely Mount Mary.

And finally…

Finally for this week, over the road in Castlecoote Lodge, Terry Leyden tells me that this Saturday night is ‘Customers Night’ – and after going down so well a couple of weeks ago, young Kenneth McCormack is back again to provide the entertainment.

Sadly, I won’t be there as I have a prior appointment (that sounds very important) in Dublin at our daughter’s place, but I have no doubt it will be a great night’s fun. There might even be another singsong – the proprietor himself might even do a turn. Anyway, all are welcome, and if you’re not a regular you can tell Terry I sent you – hopefully that won’t get you barred!

Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw

€740,000 for community halls and centres across County Roscommon

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister Heather Humphreys have announced €740,000 in funding for community centres in County Roscommon as part of an overall €33 million allocation to upgrade 280 such facilities’ nationwide.

In Roscommon, the South Roscommon Family Resource Centre at Vita House will receive €38,000, Drum Community Centre has been allocated €100,000, Elphin Community Centre group have received €285,000, Kilbride Community and Leisure Centre is being awarded over €46,000, St Ronan’s Hall in Keadue has been allocated €146,000, Roscommon Gaels have received €25,000, and Boyle Family Resource Centre has been allocated €100,000.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan welcomed the announcement, stating: “This is incredible funding to be announced as part of the new Community Centres Fund, set up this year by my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys. It represents Government’s commitment under the ‘Our Rural Future’ strategy to invest in community halls and centres across Roscommon.

“This news will have communities around Roscommon jumping for joy at much-needed investment to renovate older buildings and help deal with rising costs”.

Senator Eugene Murphy said:

“This announcement represents the largest ever capital investment from the Government to upgrade community centres, parish halls, scouts clubs, youth hubs, family resource centres and sports complexes, and will see grants of between €25,000 to €300,000 provided to successful projects.

“This funding will provide for improvements such as extensions to

existing centres, energy-efficiency upgrades and improved access for people with disabilities, and will have really practical impacts at the heart of our communities”.

Minister Frank Feighan also welcomed the announcement, stating: “I am delighted for the hardworking committees associated with the management and running of local community centres and

halls who put in a lot of voluntary hours, fundraising and much more to ensure parishes and communities can have a vital piece of infrastructure to host sports, meetings and gatherings.

“Once again, Minister Humphreys and the Tánaiste in government have recognised this and secured funding that will have a deep impact in rural Ireland”.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from RICHARD F. GORMLEY

President Michael D Higgins pictured with Richard F. Gormley, Mayor of Roxbury, Boston, Mass., USA

President of the Boston Irish Social Club President of the County Roscommon Association of Boston Mayor of West Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Minister Heather Humphreys and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar being welcomed to Hartstown Community Centre where they announced €33 million in funding for 278 community centres across Ireland.

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Steps that can help in prioritising your safety this Christmas season

It’s that time of year again, a time when it’s perfectly acceptable to let everyone know you’re in festive party-ready form by wearing that hilarious, (and often questionable), Santa jumper into the office!

Good for you! After all, given the restrictions imposed on us over the past two years, (which, let’s face it, ruined Christmas), it’s great to see how this year, everyone is well and truly dedicated to ‘simply having a wonderful Christmas time’.

Forget about the Grinch readers, it was actually Covid who stole Christmas!

Nevertheless, even though the World Health Organisation, (WHO), has declared that the end of the pandemic ‘is in sight’, we must still be mind-

ful and take care of ourselves and those who’re vulnerable.

That doesn’t mean we can’t make this Christmas count by availing of the opportunity to relax, catch up with friends and family, and use the spirit of the season (i.e. the dopamine high that comes with the smell of mulled wine and streets bustling with shoppers), to treat ourselves!

I don’t want to be a killjoy, but I have to add that even as Christmas is the time for party nights, for many women, the season of goodwill is dampened considerably by the stresses and strains of trying to stay safe and get home without incident.

Yes ladies, I’m willing to bet that while many of us are selecting our glitzy bits, and

matching up our shoes with our sequins in anticipation of a fun night out, the thing that’s lingering most on our minds is how to plot a safe route home to our own front doors.

These safety dilemmas are nothing new. I always worried about how I’d get to and from the extravagant Christmas parties and social events I used to attend when I worked in Dublin at RTE and the Evening Herald. Those concerns were removed once I married my extremely protective second husband, who, no matter what the location or the hour, makes sure I’m safe by dropping me off and picking me up. He’s a keeper.

These issues and anxieties we women have regarding our safety are heightened even

I’m glad Gardaí have resources to deal with trauma

I would imagine the job of being a Garda must be an intensely stressful one. It’s for that reason I’m not surprised to read reports that Gardaí have spent ‘almost €2.3 million to provide psychological support to officers and staff dealing with trauma or distressing evidence’.

As a former animal welfare officer involved in the seizure, rescue, investigation and evidence-gathering which lead to prosecutions, I’ve worked with many fantastic Gardaí in my time, and I’m glad they’re at

least being given the resources to help them deal and heal with their trauma.

I worked for a charitable organisation, therefore the scenes, the video footage, the abuse and the horrors myself and my colleagues came across involving animals, young children and entire families, perpetrated by individuals, as well as by gangs involved in organised crime, were not just traumatic; in many instances, they emotionally broke us.

However, as all of our financial resources went into rehabilitating those poor abused animals, we had zero left in the reserves for helping us, the rescuers.

In those days, the best we could hope for when we finished our shifts, removed our stab vests and filed our paperwork was that someone would be in the staff canteen ready to make us a cup of tea and hold our hands while we cried our hearts out. Believe me, I could have won an Olympic gold for Ireland for the amount of tears I shed over those poor abused animals and the families who suffered at the hands of the perpetrators who caused their suffering.

I’m glad our Gardaí have the help and support they so richly deserve. Thank you for your service.

more by the horrific murder of 23-year-old teacher Ashling Murphy while she was out jogging in broad daylight at the beginning of this year.

There has also been a rise in instances of drink spiking, with statistics showing how ‘40 people have reported being spiked so far this year’, and Garda figures revealing that ‘24 people reported being spiked with a needle in the first nine months of 2022’.

While so-called ‘needle spiking’ is a new occurrence in Ireland, it’s extremely dangerous and could cause major health issues, both physically and psychologically, for victims. Drink spiking (or needle spiking) can happen in any venue, in any location, even at a house party. Therefore, in

order to make sure your party experience is merry, bright and safe, I’ve put together just a few of the prevention strategies and telltale signs I’ve made my own daughters aware of:

Before going anywhere, even if it’s a friend’s house, tell someone where you’re heading, and what time to expect you home at.

Always buy your own drinks, as in, never accept a drink from a stranger.

If you’re at a house party, avoid drinking from punch bowls or jugs of cocktail mixes.

Never, ever leave your drink unattended to get up on the dance floor, or to go into the loo. Finish it off, or leave it and buy a fresh one.

It’s highly unlikely your drink will look, smell or taste any different if it has been spiked. However, if a drug called gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is present, you may be able to identify it by its salty taste. GHB is available in a clear liquid form, and is notorious for being a ‘date rape’ drug.

If you suddenly feel very drunk, incapacitated, experience blurred vision, or become confused or begin to vomit, stop drinking immediately, tell a trusted friend and call an ambulance and the Gardaí.

If you’re heading abroad this Christmas, please make yourself aware of your local area, make a list of where you can find help, and keep it with you at all times.

A politician’s private life is none of our business

As most readers will be aware, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, who’s set to become our Taoiseach this Saturday, was videoed last week in a nightclub socialising with a person many claim is not his partner. So what? Whose business is it other than Leo’s, his partner’s and the person with whom he (Varadkar) was videoed?

I’m not a fan of Leo’s (or of Micheál Martin’s for that matter), but as this is a personal issue, one which allegedly occurred while the Tánaiste was

off-duty and on his own private time, and one which doesn’t in any way affect matters of State, we should move on!

While it’s not illegal to take a picture or to video someone in a public place, it’s pretty nasty; especially if it’s done with malice, or with the intention of trying to ruin someone’s career or personal relationship.

None of us are party to the intricacies of Leo and his partner’s relationship. It’s nobody’s business but theirs. To that end, for me, the real

villain in this scenario is the sneaky, creepy sod who took the footage and posted it on social media. Unless a TD, Minister, Tánaiste or Taoiseach, etc., is doing something illegal, their ‘private time’ has got nothing whatsoever to do with us.

Personally, I’m more interested in Leo’s famous 2019 ‘leaking of a confidential draft GP contract’ to one of his medical friends. However, as the ethics watchdog has decided not to carry out an investigation, I suppose that’s the end of the matter…or is it?

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris

newsbriefs

Local GAA clubs urged to apply for funding

GAA clubs across Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon will be more accessible to the community due to a funding boost from Healthy Ireland, Minister Frank Feighan has stated.

Minister Feighan was speaking in relation to the funding of €800,000 which will be focused on enhancing walking tracks to ensure they are more accessible to those with mobility issues, older persons, and wheelchair users.

He said: “This grant is transformative and will encourage people to utilise the fantastic facilities right on their doorstep. I encourage all GAA clubs across Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo to apply if eligible.

“As Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drugs Strategy, I believe this will have a positive impact in our communities.

“The boost will also allow for the upgrading or installation of lighting, designed to prolong the hours of usage which will prove essential during this cold and dark winter”.

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Roscommon Bridge Club

1st: Joan Donnellan and June Halliday; 2nd: Ann Flynn and Marie McSharry; Gross: Carmel Plunkett and Joan O’Shea.

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club

Scratch Cup: 1st: Mary and Vincent Brennan; 2nd: Olive Fahy and Judy Adamson; 3rd: Tresina Smyth and Larry Shine.

Ballymurry

Bridge Club

North/South – 1st: Gertie Spillane and Marion Dolan; 2nd: Margaret Clarke and Fred Kelly Henry; Gross: Evelyn Curley and Judy Adamson.

East/West – 1st: George Bannon and John O’Gara; 2nd: Rita Roughneen and Maria Hickey; Gross: Valerie and Pat Finneran.

Kilbride Bridge Club

1st: Moira Farrell and Eileen Dowling; 2nd: Ann Igoe and Gertie McDermott; 3rd: Bridie and Tom Moran.

Anita Heviken and Rachel Heviken pictured with Mrs. Claus at Bliss Beauty, Nutrition and Health Clinic, Castlerea recently.

Sandra Cunningham pictured with Mrs. Claus during her recent visit to Bliss Beauty, Nutrition and Health Clinic, Castlerea.

Proud Castlerea Town Team members (and community activists): Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Breege Callaghan, Gareth Scahill, Aoife O’Rourke, Benny O’Connell, Lisa O’Rourke, Brian Stenson and Marie Stenson pictured at last Thursday’s ‘Freedom of Roscommon’ ceremony.

Gerard O’Loughlin

O’Rourke sisters awarded ‘Freedom of Roscommon’

< DAN DOONER

Champion boxers Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke were awarded the ‘Freedom of Roscommon’ at a special ceremony at Roscommon County Council on Thursday evening last.

The sisters from Tarmon, Castlerea were joined by their parents, Kevin and Ann O’Rourke and their family as members of Roscommon County Council including Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Crosby and Chief Executive Shane Tiernan paid tribute.

Both women have already enjoyed glittering careers in the ring. Aoife, a two-time European champion, famously qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, while Lisa was crowned world champion in Istanbul in May.

Paying tribute to the O’Rourke family including the girls’ great-grandfather Dan O’Rourke and grandfather Donie, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Crosby said the siblings were only the second and third women to be awarded the honour, following in the footsteps of Mary McAleese.

“As boxers, both of you have shown remarkable fortitude and excellence in your chosen sport, a sport that offers wonderful attributes to its practitioners who learn the values of patience, respect, resilience and resolve,” he said.

“These attributes are a perfect marriage of skills for both Aoife and Lisa, who have been brought up in an environment when they have remained grounded, true to their

roots and have a loyal appreciation of home. These are qualities that have endeared both girls to the wider public and their community of Castlerea”.

Cllr. Crosby said there was huge pride throughout County Roscommon for what Aoife and Lisa have achieved in recent years, describing them as an inspiration to younger people.

The Cathaoirleach also paid tribute to the girls’ coaches and mentors including Castlerea Boxing Club and coach Paddy Sharkey, Galway Olympic Club and Sport Ireland’s High Performance Unit.

“To be a successful sportsperson leaves a legacy that can never be erased.

Those who excel in whatever sport they play are remembered for immortal-

ity; their names spoken of in hushed tones of awe by the communities in which they come from, for generations to come,” he said.

“I salute your achievements Aoife and Lisa of which there will be many more to come. I wish you both continued success and the goodwill of all Roscommon people, both at home and abroad, on your exciting journeys ahead of you. Go raibh maith agat go léir”.

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan said the O’Rourke sisters had brought honour to the county and that their sporting journey was far from complete.

“I think it is fair to say that both your respective sporting journeys promise to be long and full of achievement, not least the opportunity to compete

in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and become the first set of sisters from Ireland to compete at the same Olympic Games,” he said.

“Tonight’s award is not just a recognition of what you’ve both achieved as twice European champion and Olympian, as

in the case of Aoife, and World Champion in the case of Lisa. But it’s also the case that we are honouring the great potential you both have for further success”.

The O’Rourke sisters join former President of Ireland Mary McAleese and her husband, former

member of Seanad Éireann, Martin McAleese, the late acclaimed artist Brian O’Doherty, the late Roscommon football legend Dermot Earley, actor Chris O’Dowd, singer Brendan Shine, and businessman Jim Callery in receiving the Freedom of Roscommon.

The O’Rourke sisters pictured with Cllr Orla Leyden and Cllr Kathleen Shanagher at last Thursday’s ‘Freedom of Roscommon’ ceremony. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Megan Keavaney, Breege Callaghan, Megan Kelly, Aoife O’Rourke, Ciarreí Harkin, Stephanie Keane, Lisa O’Rourke, Ann O’Rourke, Martina Henry, Ailish O’Rourke and Ann O’Rourke pictured at last Thursday’s ‘Freedom of Roscommon’ ceremony.

Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Damien Nolan, Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke, and Sylvester Zwierczky pictured at last Thursday’s ‘Freedom of Roscommon’ ceremony. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

The O’Rourke sisters pictured (with guests) after receiving their ‘Freedom of Roscommon’ recognition at last Thursday’s ceremony in Áras an Chontae. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

TAKE A BREAK

hams), who became Ulster Senior Football champions for the first time in their history, and did so in style – by defeating reigning AllIreland champions, Kilcoo.

Roscommon, with a very successful Christmas Festival being held in the county town last weekend, an event that attracted large crowds, created a great festive atmosphere, and boosted local businesses

Irish athletics, with the Irish women’s team winning a record-breaking five medals at the European Cross Country Championships at La Mandria Park in Italy on Sunday

Derry’s Glen (Watty Gra-

HAPPY

for…

The public (arguably), because while the weather has certainly created a Christmas atmosphere, frost and snow has proven hazardous for motorists and presented challenges for householders

England at the World Cup, with Gareth Southgate’s team exiting at the quarter-final

stage after being defeated 2-1 by holders France in a thrilling encounter

Members of the Legislative Assembly at Stormont (MLAs), this after Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris confirmed their salaries will be cut by 27.5% from the 1st of January…in response to the failure thus far to commence power-sharing

The FAI, this after the governing body for Irish football was fined €20,000 by UEFA over the national team’s controversial singing of a Wolfe Tones song when celebrating qualifying for the World Cup (UEFA said this had violated the rules of decent conduct)

Animal Haven receive generous donation form Angie’s Attic

The volunteers at Animal Haven Ireland would like to thank Angie and all her staff at Angie’s Attic in Roscommon for donating the very generous sum of €4,500. The money will go towards Animal Haven Ireland’s continuing work in saving and helping animals in need in County Roscommon and the greater Roscommon area.

Pictured at Angie’s Attic in Roscommon on Saturday were Catherine Kelly, Orla Dillon, Dympna Kelly, Billy Gallagher, Martina Dillon, and Mary Gallagher.

It’s been a GOOD week for…

It’s been a BAD week

Brad Pitt (American actor, turns 59 on Sunday)

Steven Spielberg (American director, will turn 76 on Sunday)

Christina Aguilera (American singersongwriter, celebrates 42nd birthday on Sunday)

Sarah Paulson (American actress, will be 48 on Saturday)

“ The things people say…

“The world has grown weary through the years, but at Christmas, it is young”

-Phillips Brooks

Pictured enjoying Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday were Emer Giblin and Matt Calvert. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

A frost-covered Loughnaneane Park on Wednesday during the extreme cold snap that gripped the country and county this week. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

Frankie Gavin and Catherine McHugh for Arts Centre

Following a bout of illness, virtuoso Irish fiddler Frankie Gavin is out and about again, playing as well as ever, with the accomplished musician set to perform at Roscommon Arts Centre early in the New Year.

In recent times, Frankie has played and recorded with the Roaring 20s Irish Orchestra and The Monte Carlo Philharmonic in Monaco. He is also putting together an exciting new Frankie Gavin and De Dannan line-up.

Currently, Frankie is working with musician Catherine McHugh. Catherine is widely regarded as Ireland’s foremost piano accompanist and is featured on Frankie’s new album Port Eireann. She has also recently toured the USA with Cherish the Ladies.

As a duo, they are currently tour-

ing Ireland to promote this excellent eighteen-track recording of traditional music. Wherever they have appeared, they have been greeted with rapturous applause and standing ovations.

Frankie’s new album Port Eireann, which Catherine features on, is available at live gigs and via frankiegavin-dedannan.irish, where you can also find out more information about Frankie and the groups/ musicians he performs with.

Frankie and Catherine will perform in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday, January 13th, 2023. The show kicks off at 8 pm, and tickets cost €20. For more information or to book your ticket now, visit roscommonartscentre.ie, email artscentre@roscommoncoco.ie, or phone 090 6625824.

Historic step for Irish film industry

An Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the French Republic on Cinematographic CoProduction was signed in Paris this week.

The signing of this Agreement is an exciting development which will combine the long and illustrious history of French cinema, which has a majestic film tradition, together with Ireland’s establishment as a global production hub in recent years.

If a project is certified as an official coproduction, it is effectively regarded as a national production in each of the co-producing territories. Under this Agreement, the Irish production will be eligible to benefit from local territory benefits in France (for example, access to tax incentives, re-

gional subsidies and the local distribution market).

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D. said: “The signing of this Co-Production Agreement will lead to benefits for the industry in Ireland and will incentivise work between our two film industries.

“The bilateral basis of the Agreement allows for cultural stories to be told across both territories, recognising our shared values and opening up access to a wider talent pool based in both France and Ireland. There is great potential now to deepen the cultural conversation between Ireland and France further and create further employment opportunities”.

Backstage Theatre unveils season of events

Backstage Theatre in Longford has just announced a jam-packed season of events along with a brand new user-friendly website.

As well as a host of new shows, the revamped backstage.

ie offers improved functionality and navigation, enhancing the online experience for customers.

Audiences can look forward to outrageous comedies such as Danti Dan from Livin Dred, How to Get The Menopause and Enjoy It with Ann Gildea of The Nuala’s fame, Jon Kenny and Norma

Some

Backstage Youth Theatre spreading some joy this January, Kyle Riley returns with his music concert for kids 8 and under, and RTE Junior’s Joe Daly will wow with his magical illusion show.

Michael Harding is proving as popular as ever with tickets already moving fast. Music lovers have lots to choose from with Gina & the Champions kicking off the season and Pilgrim Street, Jack L, Mattie Fox, Patrick Feeney, Declan Nerney and Philomena Begley all taking to the stage throughout spring. This is just a little taster of what’s in store. The full-line is available on backstage.ie

John B. Keane’s ‘The Matchmaker’ featuring Jon Kenny and Norma Sheahan will be coming to the Backstage Theatre.

Michael Harding will present ‘All the things left unsaid’.

Niamh McGrath’s ‘GomBean’ directed by Seamus O’Rourke, will be staged at the Backstage Theatre.

< DANIEL TIERNAN

Sheahan’s production of The Matchmaker, and GomBean, directed by Seamus O’Rourke.

of Ireland’s leading theatre companies will be visiting, including Rough Magic’s Tonic,

Fishambles, King by Pat Kinevane, and Decadent with Donal Ryan’s From a Low and Quiet Sea.

On top of that Backstage Theatre Group and Mostrim Players shine a light on local talents with

Sive and Tom Foolery at the Folly respectively.

Families are in for a treat with Peter Panto from

Pictured at the recent launch of ‘Roscommon’s Republican Dead’ at the Percy French Hotel were Patsy Hanly and Anthony Scanlon. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured is pianist Catherine McHugh, who will be performing with Frankie Gavin in the Roscommon Arts Centre in the New Year.

Pictured is Irish fiddler Frankie Gavin, who will be performing with Catherine McHugh in the Roscommon Arts Centre in the New Year.

GOING OUT

Pictured in Kenny’s of Ballintubber on Saturday night were Brendan Burke, John Feeley and Brendan Keegan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at Eamon Towey’s 40th birthday party in Kenny’s of Ballintubber on Saturday night were Joseph and Emer Towey. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured in Kenny’s of Ballintubber on Saturday night were Lena Conlon and John Bubb. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured in Kenny’s of Ballintubber on Saturday night were Michael Mulryan, John Burke and Yvonne Burke. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at Eamon Towey’s 40th birthday party in Kenny’s of Ballintubber on Saturday night were Patricia Towey, Michael Holland and Emer Towey. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at Eamon Towey’s 40th birthday party in Kenny’s of Ballintubber on Saturday night were Emma and Eamon Towey.  Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at Eamon Towey’s 40th birthday party in Kenny’s of Ballintubber on Saturday night were Conor McDermott and Tanya Dillon. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at Eamon Towey’s 40th birthday party in Kenny’s of Ballintubber on Saturday night were Sean and Bernie Kelly. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

‘Snow’ big deal – why we should try not to get bogged down over the frosty weather

Let’s talk about ...

THE COLD SNAP

(A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

Earlier this year in Ireland, we experienced the highest recorded temperature for the country since the 1800’s, with Phoenix Park reaching 33C in July. Now, as we move towards the end of the year, it appears we’re shooting for records on the other side of the spectrum, with the coldest day since 2010 encountered in this country earlier this week, and Met Eireann warning that temperatures could drop to -11C in the coming days as the cold snap continues across most of Ireland.

This recent (much) cooler weather seems to have been hitting different parts of the country differently; heading into Roscommon from Galway on the bus this week, I couldn’t help but notice the rolling trees and fields ‘flying past the window’ getting progressively whiter and frostier the further we headed from the coast. When we reached Roscommon an hour and a half after departing a very-coldbut-not-visibly-frosty Galway

city, it was a surprise to arrive and see the town looking comparatively like the picture of a ‘winter wonderland’, with a thin sheen of frost covering every surface, tree, and building.

Of course that’s not to say that Galway has managed to escape the frosty weather either, not by any means. However, where Roscommon seems to have at least got some winter wonderland aesthetics from the current weather, the cold snap’s effects on the coastal city for the past while have been mostly confined to the occasional slippery footpath, the unavoidable biting coldness in the air, and a thick fog that settles over the city some evenings and makes the place look like something out of a Tim Burton movie. Any visible frost that does pop up has, so far at least, not lasted very long.

In any case, whether it’s frost, fog or freezing temperatures in general, one thing the cold weather seems to always de-

liver on is making people a bit curmudgeonly. Admittedly of course, the cooler season does indeed cause a bit of bother, bringing about a daily inconvenience or two for us all – from all the layering up that’s done before you leave the house only to still feel frozen when you nip to the shop, to having to wake up that wee bit earlier each morning so that you’ve time to defrost the windscreen, etc.

When the weather’s like this, there’s an almost palpable shared disdain for the bitter cold that you pick up on from people as you pass them on the street, both parties wrapped up to the nines with hands in coat pockets and chins buried under coat collars, eyes tracked on the ground and making quick purposeful steps across the icy footpaths so you can get into somewhere warm as quickly as possible. You can see it clear as day up in Galway in the shawled-up students trudging over to campus to complete the last of their winter exams, no doubt eager to get them over with once and for all so they can celebrate before heading home for the holidays.

Indeed, for many of us, the imminence of the approaching holidays is perhaps the biggest silver lining to look forward to amid the recent cold weather. Not just as a distraction to get excited for either – after all, who doesn’t dream of a “white Christmas”?

The sheet of frost covering

seemingly every nook and cranny at the moment does at least pair well with the decorations and lights strung about the place, and it’s somewhat fitting that our first restrictionfree festive season since Covid is aligning with a traditional idea of what the holidays look like. With the festive season so near, soon the little inconveniences of going about our daily responsibilities in freezing temperatures will let up, and we’ll get to spend a few days staying in and gorging on leftovers and Cadbury Roses by the fire until the holiday break ends and we all face back into reality.

Because as much as a nui-

sance as the cooler temperatures can be for us all, we are fortunate in that for most of us, it is only that – a nuisance. The festive season is one heavily associated with recognising what you have – and being grateful for it – and in light of the freezing temperatures being experienced all over the country, one can’t help but think about the impact that’s having on the homeless and indeed on those struggling to heat their homes this winter. The cold weather and all its impacts, for many of us, largely stops at the front door. Others are not as fortunate.

While I imagine no one

among us has managed to escape being inconvenienced or irritated by the recent colder weather, I think it’s worth taking the time to look on the bright side, appreciate what we do have, and if possible, donate or do our bit to support those who’re less well off this holiday season.

We Irish love to complain about the weather – and will no doubt continue to as this cold snap plays out – but there’s no merit to getting too bogged down by it either, not when there’s so much else to be grateful for.

Stay safe, and remember to wrap up when out and about!

Join Our Boys Trust launches annual Christmas Present Day in Archie’s memory

Roscommon mum Paula Naughton and her husband Padraic have issued a heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the 2021 Christmas Present Day in support of Join Our Boys Trust and asked for their support for a second year to support the completion of the garden and external areas of the house as well as funding the ongoing search for a cure for DMD. The support from this fundraising campaign in 2021 finally enabled the Naughton family to move into their purpose-built home in Roscommon town. Now the focus is on finding a cure for this terrible disease for George, Isaac and all children suffering from DMD. George and Isaac’s brother Archie passed away from DMD this year on July 7th, aged just sixteen, and his dying wish was to find a cure to save his younger brothers.

In 2012, when Archie was six and the twins George and Isaac were two and

a half, all three boys were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a catastrophic muscle wasting disease which has already impacted on the boys’ ability to walk, use their limbs, or even hug the people they love. Those who live until their late teens are likely to become totally paralysed. DMD eventually proves fatal due to respiratory and/ or heart failure. George and Isaac are paralysed and in wheelchairs. They are now struggling to use their arms. The Join Our Boys Trust was set up in 2014. The aim of the Trust is twofold: to fund research into finding a cure for DMD disease, and to complete a purpose-built house that will accommodate the family for as long as they require it

Since the Trust was established, enough money has been raised to build the house, which is in Roscommon town. The proceeds from this fundraiser will hopefully help find a

treatment, ideally a cure for DMD, and support the ongoing objectives of the Trust. The funds will also help complete the garden and external areas of the house to a comfortable level for George and Isaac to enjoy.

Everyone can help find a cure for DMD and fulfil Archie’s dying wish by donating a ‘Christmas Present’ to the boys at joinourboys.org.

A person out for a stroll in the frost-covered Loughnaneane Park on Wednesday afternoon as the county, and country, were gripped by a week-long cold snap. Pic: Kieran Croghan

# Roscommon Together

Christmas all wrapped up for you at the Abbey Hotel

Carvery and lounge food is served daily, as well as a delightful festive à la carte menu, serving festive Christmas puddings and mince pies.

Why not experience the culinary delights of the Multi-Award Winning Chefs at the 4* Abbey Hotel Roscommon, for a dining experience where casual elegance and sophistication meets in a timeless relaxed atmosphere. County Winners of the RAI Best Chef & Best Hotel Restaurant Award 2019.

The 4* Abbey Hotel in Roscommon offers a varied range of dishes prepared from only the freshest of locally sourced produce and served with great care and attention to detail, therefore making it the perfect setting, whether dining in Roscommon for business or pleasure. The hotel offers an extensive Seasonal Bar Food Menu for those wishing for a less formal experience. Lounge Food is served daily from 4.30 - 9.00 p.m. Afternoon Tea is available and cost is €28.50 pp (with prior booking essential) there is also a takeaway Afternoon tea option.

It is advisable to make dinner reservations as our restaurant and lounge areas can be very busy at weekends and during the busy peak seasons especially with busy mid terms coming up.

After dinner guests can relax by the open fire in the luxurious newly refurbished lounge areas or in the Abbey Hotel Bar.

There is an extensive drinks and ‘Wines of the World’ menu to choose from and a large range of Cocktails are also served. We also serve an extensive range of craft beers, whiskeys, and liquors.

The Abbey Hotel is renowned for it’s Sunday Lunch with Carvery Lunch served

from 12.00pm - 4.00pm. We also serve a Four-Course Lunch Menu in our award-winning Restaurant.

Dinner is served from 6pm - 9pm each evening with Seasonal Bar Food served from 4.30 - 9.00 p.m daily. Samples of our menus are all available to view on our website.

Looking for gift ideas this festive season? Gift vouchers from the Abbey Hotel or Abbey Health & fitness make the perfect stocking filler.

Tickets are on sale at hotel reception for the “Remembering Joe Dolan Show” with members of the original Joe Dolan band live in hotel on January 27th.

The Abbey Hotel are now taking bookings for Pre Christmas Lunches in our restaurant.

Don’t forget to book your December 10th/17th Christmas party night at the Abbey Hotel with a festive mulled wine reception, four course Christmas themed meal, live band with music from the White Cakes band followed by disco and late bar. Price is €55. Special B&B rates on both nights when you book direct by phone with the hotel. Tel 090 6626240 email events@abbeyhotel.ie Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook Instagram and Twitter.

Enjoy the build-up to the festive season in style at the Abbey.

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Declan Hoare, Mike Crean, Ronnie McSharry, Fergal O’Gara and Donal Harlow. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

# RoscommonTogether

Western Alzheimer’s Coffee Morning raised over €3,000

Western Alzheimer’s Voluntary Committee are delighted to report that they had a very successful coffee morning on Friday, the 25th of November, at Roscommon Golf Club.

It was wonderful to see old and indeed new friends supporting such a worthy cause after a two-year break due to the pandemic. The committee would like

to sincerely thank all who attended and donated and purchased items on the day. We are particularly grateful to Roscommon-based artist Ian Marks, who donated some wonderful paintings, the proceeds of which all went in support of Western Alzheimer’s.

The coffee morning raised in excess of €3,000, all of which will go towards

Lisa O’Rourke to start St Stephen’s Day Walk!

supporting the continuing provision of services in Roscommon.

With Christmas almost upon us, the committee is encouraging as many people as possible to attend the annual St Stephen’s Day Charity Walk. The walk will begin at 12 noon on the 26th of December, departing from Hannon’s Hotel. Entry is €10 per person

or €20 per family, and the committee is delighted to announce that world champion boxer Lisa O’Rourke will cut the ribbon to start the walk.

This would be an excellent way to work off the Christmas turkey, or indeed the nut roast, all while supporting an extremely worthy charity. See you there!

Last chance to be in annual Christmas Raffle in Lisnamult!

The Lisnamult Residents’ and Tenants’ Association Annual Christmas Raffle will take place on Thursday, 15th of December, with great prizes up for grabs.

Prize list: 1st prize: €500 voucher sponsored by Fleming’s SuperValu; 2nd prize: €150 voucher sponsored by Time Pieces; 3rd prize: €100 voucher sponsored by McGuinness’ Pharmacy; 4th prize: €100 cash sponsored by Liam Stephens/Klassic Cleaners; 5th prize: €100 cash sponsored by Ivan and Martin Connaughton; 6th prize: €100 cash sponsored by John Gaynor; 7th prize: €100 Voucher sponsored by Gleeson’s; 8th prize: €100 cash sponsored by Lisnamult Tenants & Residents Association.

A book of three tickets is just €5. A sincere thanks to all local businesses for sponsoring prizes. To purchase tickets, please contact 090-6626152, Anthony on 0872125684 or Una on 086-8033503. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday were Dympna and Willie Hegarty. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Cian Connolly, Scottie Oates, William O’Doherty and James O’Gara. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Shane Purcell, Senan Lambe, Jack Fleming and Ethan Reilly. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Philip Mullen (club chairperson), John Donnellan (secretary), and Paula Donnellan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

# RoscommonTogether

Christmas People

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My name is Juwon Hwang. I am from Korea and have been living in Roscommon for the past seven years.

I am an associate pastor at the River of Life Athlone. I am volunteering to coach at the Coman’s Swimming Club in Roscommon town.

How will you spend Christmas this year?

I will spend it with my family.

One Christmas present you’ll never forget…

One present I’ll never forget is my brand new Kia electric car!

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year? I have lots of swimmers on my Nice list this year…they have been swimming beautifully and wonderfully this year. I am looking forward to coaching them in 2023.

All I want for Christmas is… All I want for Christmas is lots of family time while enjoying delicious food and lots of laughter.

with Juwon Hwang

Nuala and Dermot Hughes pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday were Tom Hogan and Alexander Lopez. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday were Yazmin and Kim Mulligan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

# RoscommonTogether

Discussing STEM in education

< SARAH KING

My name is Sarah King and I am a 5th class student of St Comán’s Wood Primary School, Roscommon. I am also a member of the Student Council. On the 15th of November I went to the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone to represent my school at a discussion group that was being held about STEM in education (Science/ Technology/Engineering/Maths) by the NCCA (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment). There were several other schools there that day.

My fellow 5th and 6th class Student Council members and I travelled by minibus to Athlone. When we arrived at the hotel we were directed to a room upstairs where the discussion group was to be held. We were made up of seven student council members, two parent representatives, and two teachers. The NCCA designed it this way as they wanted to get the views of all of these different people involved in our education.

The discussion was based around the importance of STEM in education and what we understood each element to mean. There was

a host of the event who asked us questions. He wanted to get the views of everyone in the room so he went around to everyone asking them to say their name and choose one word that summed up education.

I said ‘inclusive’ as my word, but there were others like ‘empowering’ and ‘fun’. We were also asked to take part in a walking debate. Each corner of the room was given an area, i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. We had to walk to the area that we felt was the most important and be able to say why. We were also free to be halfway between areas if we couldn’t decide, but had to be able to say why we felt that both were important. I went to the science corner and the reason I gave was that science helps us to discover things about our world. We then had lunch in the restaurant, which was delicious. After lunch we went back into the room for the closing session and evaluation of the event. They did this by using a ‘Graffiti Wall’ where we wrote our answers down on a post-it note and then placed the notes on the wall. It was 2.30 pm when the meeting ended and we made our way home to Roscommon on the minibus again.

I really enjoyed the day and am glad that my voice got heard and that I had that experience. Other Student Council representatives from 5th and 6th class were: Isabelle Daly, Nichita Girleanu, Mia Russell, Marcus Mahon, Ciarra Keane and Safira De Araujo Dos Santos. Thank you to the parents’ representatives Margaret King and Mairéad Clogher, and to teachers Ms. Dolan and Ms. Greene, who accompanied us on the day.

Christmas People

Tell us a bit about yourself… I am Chairperson of both Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Community Sports Park, and long-time board member of Roscommon Sports Partnership.

Roscommon Special Olympics are a wonderful group of people; it’s a privilege to be involved with the fabulous athletes and brilliant volunteers and coaches. The relationship that exists between volunteers and athletes is truly transformative and built on the celebration of diversity and inclusion.

Roscommon Community Sports Park Committee are an industrious bunch who look after the sports park and AstroTurf pitch. This is a fantastic venue that hosts a range of activities and sports and is home to the superb changing places bathroom facility, the first of its kind in Roscommon and indeed Connacht, and a huge credit to all in Lisnamult.

Roscommon Sports Partnership aims to increase participation in sports and physical activity for everyone through all their life stages. Noel Feeley and his staff and Development Officers there provide an excellent range of programmes to cater for everyone.

How will you spend Christmas this year?

I will spend Christmas with my family and friends and also finalising plans for the 2023 Roscommon Community Challenge. This is an extremely popular community event which brings participants from ‘Couch to 5k’ and beyond. Training starts on Wednesday, January 4th…so get the runners ready!

forget…

Possibly a Child of

Don’t ask, it’s a long story!

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year?

Definitely my husband Bob, providing he keeps cooking dinner.

All I want for Christmas 2022 is… For my wonderful athletes and volunteers and their families to have a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I’m looking forward to meeting up with them all again in early January.

with Jacqui McCormack

Prague statue.

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday were Therese and Philip Tierney. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market on Sunday were Anthony and Colette Tarmey. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Members of the St Comán’s Wood Primary School Student Council pictured taking part in the STEM discussion at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m a volunteer radio presenter with RosFM. You will most likely hear me on the ‘Lunchtime Shift’ show Monday and Friday from 1 to 2 pm, bringing you great tunes on your lunch hour! You could say I’m part of the furniture there, as I’ve been involved with the station for over 10 years. The radio gig is a nice change to my actual day job in the Civil Service in Dublin. I’ve been fortunate to avail of blended working so can work from home a few days a week. Being a proud Rossie can always stir up some friendly banter in the Dublin office, especially during the GAA season!

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

At home with the family and catching up with friends.

One Christmas present you’ll never forget?

I was nine years old and I asked Santa for a ‘surprise’ present. They are always the best type of presents. Santa didn’t disappoint as I think he had heard I had dreams of being a fashion designer at that age! The present was a ‘Whats her face’ doll and you could design her clothes.

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year? It would be easier to say who is on the Naughty list…but I’ll keep that between myself and Santa!

All I want for Christmas 2022 is... Good health! Given the past few years, I think we all can appreciate the simple things in life! As long as you have your health, I think you are winning at life!

Make your Christmas special by creating your own fun, festive family traditions!

Nearly every family has their Christmas traditions, and, even when kids grow up, move away and have their own families, they tend to carry on those traditions, adding new ones.

For lots of reasons, I didn’t enjoy Christmas as a child. Put simply, the festive season was an extremely unhappy and stressful one in our house. However, as soon as I was old enough to take control of my life, so determined was I that my little family would always have the very best of Christmas memories, I immediately set about organising happy and joyful events for my own girls to experience and enjoy.

Due to that, our family has many traditions, one of which is to all gather together to enjoy Christmas breakfast at one of our homes. Then, if we’re not all having dinner together later that day, (because we’re now a ‘blended family’ scattered around with lots of relatives to see), we all meet up as a gang, to enjoy a big modern-family-style gathering at a hotel before New Year’s Day!

The reason we’ve kept

these traditions going, (even though my girls’ Dad and I are longdivorced and living with new partners), is because, as a family, they give us a time to reflect, remember and laugh. They also add a familiar meaning to our celebrations, something which we missed dearly during the Covid restrictions; and they show our grandchildren that Nana and Grandad, and their partners, can all have a healthy and respectful

relationship, free from hostility and tension.

Another family tradition – shared only by my youngest daughter and me because older daughter can’t stand ‘cheesy’ Christmas tunes – is to blast radio station Christmas FM the second it goes live on air. Daughter number two and I also watch, discuss and review Christmas movies, our favourite one being National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Die Hard

one and two – and yes, despite what Bruce Willis says, they are Christmas movies… Yippee Ki-Yay!

In our family, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without all the sentimentality, the nostalgia and the silly jumpers. The yule wouldn’t be cool without Nana’s vegan stuffing which everyone, (carnivores included) devour; and without my honeybaked, cider-infused ham, which the vegans ignore.

The Nollaig wouldn’t be

shona without Megan’s (daughter number two) vegan Christmas pudding and Gillian’s (daughter number one) salted caramel cheesecake – she does a vegan version for me and her sister.

So, if you’re sitting down to your very first family Christmas this year, why not kick-start the traditions for future festive gatherings my making your own magical Christmas memories.

Enjoy!

< MIRIAM KERINS

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m a 38-year-old mother of one, Grace, who’s 13. I am a serving member of the Irish Defence Forces for the last 18 years. I have been involved with many youth organisations over the years and have recently joined St. John’s Athletic Football Club, completing a PDP 3 coaching course with the FAI.

I am currently a mentor/coach with the U-14/U-16 girls’ group.

How will you spend Christmas this year?

Christmas will be spent in Laois with my brother’s family. Grace enjoys preparing for Santa with her younger cousins on Christmas Eve.

One Christmas present you’ll never forget…

I received a singing mermaid doll when I was 7 and I never left her down. My brothers used to taunt me by hiding her and making her sing and when I couldn’t find her I would go crazy!

I still have her to this day.

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year?

My fellow St. John’s Athletic coaches are definitely on my nice list this year. We have a great coaching bond and also have a lot of fun and laughs on and off the pitch!

All I want for Christmas is…

All I want for Christmas is a

Christmas People with Michelle Tarpey

pair of new football boots because Grace has stolen mine! (laughs).

The lights are on! A beautiful Christmas scene in Roscommon Town. Photo: Kieran Croghan

My five top tips for a relaxing festive feast!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…that is, Christmas before Covid restrictions and before lockdowns where families could look forward to safely gathering together, exchanging their gifts and enjoying group outings and dinners.

However, due to last year’s rising Covid cases and requests for us to limit contact with each other, many people who wouldn’t even know how to use a tin opener, had to pull up their big girl/boy panties, tie on an apron, knuckle down, and learn to cook an entire festive feast!

Well done! We all know that hosting Christmas dinner, whether you’re a novice or a veteran, can be a daunting task. Therefore, if you’re worried your roast potatoes won’t be crispy enough or your trifle may fall flat, stop fretting, because I’ve got you covered with my own five top tips for serving up a stress-free

Christmas feast.

Pre-plan: As someone who lives in a tiny cottage, my top tip is this: Before you even decide on your menu, look at your kitchen, your oven size and the amount of utensils and space you’ve got! If you normally only cook for one or two, and you’ve got a gang arriving, it’s likely your roasting trays won’t be large enough to cater for that giant turkey; or in my case, a turkey and a baked

ham for the carnivores, and a chestnut and lentil roulade for me.

Prepare: Prepare your meats on Christmas Eve, and immediately pop them into the fridge; then set your alarm for a ridiculously early hour on Christmas morning to get up and roast them.

Veggies: Peel, chop, slice and dice your veg, pop them into pots of cold water and leave them ready for Christmas morning. Enjoy a glass of wine

Christmas People with Maria Hourigan

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am a single mom and my two boys are now adults. I moved to Roscommon when my marriage ended 18 years ago. I went to college at 35 and got my Honours Degree at 39. I then became a carer for my own mom.

I have been volunteering with Roscommon Women’s Network since 2013. During the first lockdown, I started with the CycleUp Social Enterprise and have since done training to become a tutor. I now tutor textile upcycling and sewing.

How will you spend Christmas this year?

I will spend Christmas with my two boys at home. We usually have dinner and then play board games. Over Christmas and New Year, I usually go up to Dublin to spend time with my mom, brothers, and sisters.

One Christmas present you’ll never forget…

It has to be the nine-foot projector screen my youngest son got me last year. It gets used all the time!

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year?

My two boys are on my Nice list. They spoil me rotten! They tell me that since they’re adults, it’s now their time to look after me.

All I want for Christmas is…

All I want for Christmas is a nice, quiet time and plenty of sleep!

and make your stuffing. I make two lots of stuffing – traditional sausage meat for the family, and a vegan version for me.

As both take a lot of prep time, I usually make and bake them on Christmas Eve. When they’ve cooled, I put them into the fridge to sit overnight where the herbs infuse into the breadcrumbs, making them taste even nicer.

Swallow your pride: If your guests offer to bring

a side-dish or a dessert, accept their kind offer and thank them.

The big day: When you’ve cooked your meats (and vegan roulade or whatever vegan option you’re having), don’t serve them immediately. Remove them from their trays, pop them onto a large serving plate, cover with greaseproof paper (or parchment paper), and gently drape a clean tea towel over the top to keep them moist.

Christmas 25 Card Game

Christmas Trad Session

< MIRIAM KERINS

Maria Hourigan (left) and Mary Glennon hard at work as part of Roscommon Women’s Network’s UpCycle Social Enterprise.

Christmas People with Olímpia Mihalcea

I volunteer with Roscommon Town Youth Soccer where I coach many teams – boys and girls. I’m originally from Romania and live in Roscommon town. I’m an optimistic person who enjoys listening to music. I love sport and helping other people.

How will you spend Christmas this year?

For me, the meaning of Christmas is family. So, I’ll spend the festive period with my family in my sister’s house.

One Christmas present you’ll never forget...

A Steaua Bucharest jersey. It was Christmas 1991 and my favourite team. I was ten.

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year?

My husband, Cristian!

All I want for Christmas 2022 is... Good health for everyone!

Pictured at a presentation of commissioned corporate gifts by CycleUp, Roscommon Women’s Network’s social enterprise, to Kepak Athleague recently were (back row, left to right): Maria Hourigan, RWN CycleUp team; Lorna Kennedy, Purchasing Manager, Kepak Athleague; Nora Fahy, Manager, RWN; Mary Glennon, RWN CycleUp team; Aoife Ryan, Kepak. Front row (l-r): Ann Kelly RWN CycleUp team; Philomena Hourigan, RWN CycleUp team; Mary Frances Loftus, RWN CycleUp team; Kitty Phelan, RWN CycleUp team; Christina Waldron, RWN CycleUp team; and Bridie Regan, RWN CycleUp team.

Creggs Charity Walk returns

After a break due to Covid, Creggs Charity Walk is back on the annual calendar, this year taking place on St. Stephen’s Day at 12 noon.

The annual walk around Mount Mary is a staple of Christmas in Creggs, which raises money for a variety of charities. This year, the funds raised will go towards ACT for Meningitis, Galway Hospice,

Mayo-Roscommon Hospice and the Sunshine Room in Creggs. Chairperson of the annual walk, Michael O’Roarke said: “Everyone is welcome to take part, it’s a great way to walk off the Christmas turkey and meet neighbours and friends. This year we will have a number of novelty prizes for the most festive outfit and the best dressed pet, so it’s

time to get your Santa hat and make a plan to get your doggie dressed up for the occasion!”

Halfway through the walk, walkers can stop off in the hospitable home of Mary Devaney and her family, where a wellearned break, some traditional tea and sandwiches and a few hot ones are often accompanied by a spontaneous sing-song.

After the stop-off in Friaryland, the journey back to Creggs is all downhill and always seems a lot shorter than the trek up the mountain!

Sponsorship cards are now available from Michael O’Roarke in Roarke’s Spar in Creggs. So don’t forget to get your cards and we’ll see you on St. Stephen’s Day!

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee and members of Ballygar Tidy Towns pictured with the Ballygar Heritage Audit on the occasion of the minister’s visit to officially open Ballygar Pharmacy earlier this year. Photo: Mick McCormack

Avoid stress this Christmas

for, and provide support if you can, senior citizens or vulnerable friends living in your neighbourhood. You can do this by…

Helping them get out and about

Getting to the local Christmas markets, religious

services, doing the weekly food shop or the big Christmas shop can be difficult; especially if you’ve got limited mobility and are trying to navigate the current freezing spell we’re having.

Remember, Roscommon was officially recorded as being the coldest place in Ireland last Friday, with temperatures plummeting to minus seven degrees!

While you’ve got your family member, friend or neighbour out and about, why not treat them to a warming hot chocolate or a cup of festive-flavoured coffee and a mince pie!

More tips/advice

If you’ve got a spare chair at your table and know someone who’d appreciate some company on Christmas Day, why not spread the tidings of comfort and joy by inviting them ‘round to join you and your family.

For many of us, especially children, Christmas is the most exciting and wonderful time of the year. However, (as an example), for autistic children/adults, and those who may be hypersensitive when it comes to noise, bright lights, or who feel overwhelmed when their day to day routine is interrupted,

etc., Christmas, and all it involves, can be a stressful time.

We’re not experts in childcare or behaviours, therefore we’d always advise readers to seek advice from their GP or healthcare professional regarding their child/ family member’s welfare. However, if you’re planning to host a Christmas party, it may be useful to bear the following in mind for the benefit of vulnerable/sensitive guests…

Write up a visual agenda: Include the time their food will be served; and, if there are any games being played, let them know in what order they’ll be played, etc. In addition, it may help people to practice and know the format of any games so, come the big day, they’ll be used to the routine.

If there are unfamiliar faces coming to your gathering, show your

vulnerable child/adult pictures in advance, making sure to explain who they are, why they’re coming to visit, and how they’re related to everyone.

Prepare a space – it could be an indoor tent – for

your vulnerable loved one, explaining to them that this is a ‘safe, calm area’ where they can go if they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, or just need time to themselves.

Tractor/Car Run in aid of Ethiopian orphanage

A Tractor/Car Run in aid of an orphanage for blind children in Ethiopia will take place in Ballinamore Bridge

on Sunday, December 18th. The run will commence at 10 am with breakfast in Ballygar and music and an

auction in Hughes’ Bar, Ballinamore Bridge afterwards.

Funds raised on the day will go towards the renova-

tion of two dormitories at the orphanage with a group travelling to Ethiopia on January 8th.

Ballygar lights up for Christmas!

The Christmas lights were switched on in Ballygar last Saturday following evening Mass and those in attendance enjoyed Christmas carols and treats afterwards.

The committee is thankful for generous donations to last year’s Go-

FundMe campaign from both local businesses and the community.

This year, with a return to normality following the Covid-19 pandemic, church gate collections were held at Ballygar Church on Saturday and Sunday last. Your generosity is greatly

appreciated. Committee members also praised the voluntary work each year to install the lights and the Christmas tree.

The Ballygar Lights Committee wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Christmas People with Aoife Commons

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m from Boyle originally and have been living in Dublin for 16 years, where I work for Dublin City Council as a Safety Officer. Despite living in Dublin for so long, Boyle is still very much home in my eyes!

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

I will be spending it in Boyle with all my family and my brother’s parents-in-law and sister-in-law who are coming home from Florida for Christmas.

One Christmas present you’ll never forget…

I’ll never forget the Crayola set I got one

year. It was in a red briefcase and I thought it was so fancy. I remember I asked Santa for it two years in a row and so I was thrilled when I saw it that Christmas morning.

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year?

Me of course! Ah no, I’d have to say my two niec-

es and nephew and my other half, Cathal, even though he’s a Dub! That might change though if I don’t get good presents this year!

All I want for Christmas this year is… Some snow would be nice! It doesn’t really feel like Christmas otherwise.

Santa Claus braved the Met Éireann weather warnings to pay a special visit to Hughes’ Bar, Ballinamore Bridge on Sunday last.

The children enjoyed face-painting and lots of festive cheer with proceeds going towards Ballygar, Newbridge, and Toghergar Playground. Thank you for your support.

Local towns & villages

Christmas People

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am married to Chris and we have one little girl, Eala, who is four years old. I opened Ballygar Pharmacy last year and thankfully I have enjoyed a bustling year of business and I look forward to many more.

How will you spend Christmas this year?

I will be working until 1 pm on Christmas Eve, and then we will pop over to Monahan’s Bar in Baylough, to see Grandad Pat, who will be busy serving the masses and there will be plenty of Christmas cheer! We will attend Christmas Eve Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon town and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and carols. I would like to be attending Midnight Mass in Tisrara, where I would usually play music with the choir, but will be getting my daughter early to bed in anticipation of Santa so can’t make it this year. Christmas Dinner will be with family in Bushypark. It will be very poignant this year as usually my grandmother would be joining us for that but she passed away last month. It will be lovely to be together as a family and we will make the most of it.

One Christmas present you’ll never forget...

I got engaged at Christmas time a few years ago and was presented with a beautiful ring, so that was a particularly lovely surprise and one that I will always treasure.

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year?

All of my family, who have been especially support-

ive all year, particularly my sister Meabh, who is so kind and ‘ever ready’ to help out with Fairy Godmother duties! Also, my great colleague Majella of The Bees Knees Health Store deserves special mention for her hard work and wonderful help all year.

All I want for Christmas is...

A nice, quiet relaxing time with family and some catch-ups with friends. I hope the year ahead is a very good one for everyone.

Beautiful selection of gifts instore at Ballygar Pharmacy this Christmas. Something for everyone, from fab kiddies toiletries to stylish handbags, scarves jewellery and more. Wide range of options for men’s gifts also. Call instore to have a browse!

ith Catherine Monahan

Retailer of the Year: Gordon O’Connor from Terranova Nutrition and Wholefoods pictured presenting Majella Hannon, Bees Knees Health Store, with the Naturally Good Health Retailer of the Year Award for 2022.

Big night in Mountbellew with launch of book by local historian

The Malt House, Mountbellew, was packed to capacity last Friday night to welcome the publication of ‘Chapel, Famine and Demesne: Mountbellew 1822’ by local historian Joe Clarke.

The gathering was addressed by Una Raftery (née Finnerty), whose family were Bellew tenants in 1822, Jimmy Noone of Mountbellew Heritage and Tourism Network, and John Joe Conwell, renowned author and historian of south-east Galway. The launch was performed jointly by Fr Karl Burns (PP, Mountbellew) and Seamus Bellew, a lecturer at Dundalk IT who has long been involved in commemorating his family’s heritage.

Speakers acknowledged Joe’s involvement in a wide variety of local organisations, and hailed the twenty years’ research that went into the book as yet another example of his contribution to community life. Fr Karl Burns emphasised the importance of history writings in affirming local identity and enabling people to see their native place or parish in a wider context, such as that of archdiocese. He thanked Joe for his role as St Mary’s church organist, and welcoming the publication, suggested that the fascinating story behind

the building of the chapel was worthy of a film script.

In reply, Joe described the project as a labour of love, which was made possible by the support of his wife Evelyn, and their daughters Laura and Amy. He described the dual bicentenaries of St Mary’s Church and the famine of 1822 as inseparable from the story of local Catholic landlords, the Grattan-Bellew family. He said the “forgotten” famine deserved a book in its own right, noting that he writes of its severe impact on Mountbellew, Moylough, Killascobe, Castleblakeney, Ahas-

In addition to research at libraries in Dublin, London, Galway, Ballinasloe and Tuam, Joe stresses that input from local sources was equally important in putting this story together. Fr Karl Burns facilitated by providing parish material, and the Franciscan Brothers allowed access to Joe, who now works as an archivist at their repository in Mountbellew. He was also indebted to Francie Barrett, Polly, Tom and Michael Carroll for local insights. Additionally, Sister Assumpta Collins expertly translated 200-year-

Joe struck a poignant note, remembering Monsignor Michael Tobin who encouraged him to write a follow-on to Dr JA Claffey’s 1983 early history of the parish, and regretting that there are forty years between the two publications. As his work was going into print, both his very good friend Martie Healy and the last surviving occupant of Mount Bellew House, Sir Henry Grattan-Bellew 5th Baronet, passed to their eternal reward.

in 1822, it was the home of William Dolan, chief mason in the town.

Readers have already described this new work as not just the ideal seasonal gift, but as a legacy – a must for anyone interested in the history of 19th century Galway. It is available in Mountbellew at Kitt’s Post Office and Milands’ Garden Centre, as well as online, from bookshops in Galway city and throughout the county.

Men of letters: Pictured in the Malt House last Friday for the launch of the new book on Mountbellew history were Dominic Rooney, Tom Cunningham, Joe Clarke and Mattie Kilroy. Pic: David Walsh

cragh, Killian and other surrounding parishes.

old letters in French from the Abbé Luke Bellew to his brother at home in Mount Bellew House.

Joe thanked Kathleen Bergin and her staff for hosting the event, revealing that the Malt House was chosen as the venue because

Mary Hyland, Ciss Kelly, Mary Mannion and Geraldine Noone pictured in the Malt House last Friday for the launch of Joe Clarke’s new book. Pic: David Walsh

Laura Clarke and Ray Ryan pictured helping out at the launch of Joe Clarke’s new book in the Malt House last Friday. Pic: David Walsh

Family connections: Distant cousins Michael and Seamus Bellew celebrate the new publication, ‘Chapel, Famine and Demesne: Mountbellew 1822’, at last Friday’s launch in the Malt House. Pic: David Walsh

Creggs native made Commissioner for Oaths

Creggs native and Roscommon town resident, Kenneth Hegarty, has been appointed as a Commissioner for Oaths for the county by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Donal O’Donnell.

As Commissioner for Oaths, Mr. Hegarty is authorised to administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits and statutory declarations, and certify documents for use in legal proceedings for County Roscommon.

Kenneth is a former footballer who represented Roscommon at minor, U-21 and senior level. He is a qualified financial advisor with over 20 years’ experience and in 2020 set up his own financial services company and was regulated by the Central Bank to provide financial advisory services to the public from his base in Roscommon town.

In 2021, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee appointed him as a Peace Commissioner.

Kenneth said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as a Commissioner for Oaths in Roscommon and I look forward to serving the community in this important role and helping individuals and organisations navigate the legal system.

“Anyone who wishes to contact me can do so by sending an email to ken@psf.ie or by filling out a contact form on www.psf.ie”.

Glenamaddy to host All-Ireland Drama Finals

On Saturday, September 15th 2022 Mairead Broderick, National Secretary of A.D.C.I. officially launched the 2023 AllIreland Confined Drama Finals for Glenamaddy. This will be the third occasion for this national event to be hosted by Glenamaddy Theatre Festival’s committee.

It is with excitement and anticipation that the committee and indeed the wider community look forward to the hosting of such a prestigious event, under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland.

The local community centre will be transformed into a state-of-the-art theatre to accommodate the performing groups from all over Ireland. The Festival runs

from Thursday, April 13th 2023 to Friday, April 21st. On Saturday, April 22nd an Awards Ceremony will take place. The Adjudicator for the Festival is Mr Geoff O’Keeffe ADA.

Season tickets, costing €110, are already available to purchase – surely a treasured Christmas gift for recipients! You can purchase these tickets by visiting Glenamaddy Theatre Festival on Facebook or Instagram or by calling 086-2045896.All other information concerning the festival will be posted on their website (www.glenamaddydrama.ie), on radio and in the local newspapers.

Creggs native and Roscommon town resident, Kenneth Hegarty, has been appointed as a Commissioner for Oaths for the county by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Donal O’Donnell.

Family flowers: Author Joe Clarke pictured with his wife Evelyn and daughters Amy and Laura at the launch of his new book in the Malt House, Mountbellew, last Friday. Pic: David Walsh

5K Run on New Year’s Day at Buccaneers

Kick out the cobwebs after the festive season with a 5K Run on New Year’s Day in aid of good causes. Buccaneers Rugby Football Club is holding a 5K event on January 1st with the proceeds being shared between the club’s Youths section and St. Hilda’s Services. You can run, walk or crawl, and entry

is €10 or only €20 for a family group.

Registration in the Lower Deck at The Bounty from 11 am on the day with the run commencing at 12 noon. All support will be greatly appreciated.

Buccaneers Rugby Calendar 2023 is now on sale and at just €10 would make an

ideal stocking filler at Christmas. All squads from Minis, Youths and Girls all the way up to the Senior team are featured in this colourful calendar.

Buccaneers Rugby wishes all our members, their families, supporters and our sponsors peace, good health and happiness at Christmas and

throughout the New Year. We thank everyone who has contributed to the club in 2022, be it by coaching young players, managing a team, playing or officiating in some capacity, or through generous patronage. Thanks too to the media for their wide coverage on matters Buccaneers throughout the year.

Roscommon/Athlone PTAA Christmas Draw winners

The Annual Christmas Draw took place at the December meeting of Roscommon/Athlone Region PTAA. The lucky winners were Cassie Doorly, Galway Road, Roscommon, who won the first prize; Marie Henehan, Sli an Choiste, Athlone won second prize, and third prize went to Bridie Crehan, Donamon, Roscommon.

At the meeting, final arrangements were made for a talk on Alcohol and Drugs Awareness, which will be offered to pupils from 6th class in local primary schools and also to their parents. This will take place in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon on March 2nd, 2023. The talk will be delivered by a team from the Irish Bishops Drugs Initiative, led by Darren Butler.

Christmas Market at Culleen Hall

A Christmas Food and Craft Market will take place from 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, December 18th in Culleen Hall, Knockcroghery. To book a stand, contact Padraig on 087-2982925 or Billy on 086-8229817.

Irish rugby international, Tadhg Beirne took some time to bestow some pre-match rituals to Rudolph and his team of reindeer in preparation for Christmas Eve and their big night with Santa delivering presents worldwide. Flahavan’s has teamed up with Barretstown to produce Magical Reindeer Food. A limited supply of Magical Reindeer Food is now available to families across Ireland in selected stores. Pictured is Barretstown camper Aine Ryan, Tadhg Beirne and Conor Regan. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

CREGGS

My name is Avril Egan and I’m an artist/illustrator from Curraghboy in Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

There’s no rest for the wicked so I’ll be spending Christmas this year doing plenty of art! If you want to see what I’ll be doing or purchase some art make sure you follow me on my socials (Instagram: EganArt1997 and Facebook: Avril Egan Art). But all work and no play is no good either so I’ll be catching up with friends, spending time with family, and eating all before me and behind me!

One Christmas present you’ll never forget?

I will never ever forget

Christmas 2007. I received a Nintendo DS console with the ‘Nintendo Dogs’ game. It may have taken eight hours for my Nintendo dog to learn how to sit but it was the best eight hours of my life.

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year?

Well by default I suppose the parents make the nice list this year, because I want to be fed on Christmas Day! If I want peace

on earth I better add my brother Eddie in there too and if I’m feeling generous there might be room for the squeeze, AKA my boyfriend Josh.

All I want for Christmas 2022 is...

All I want for Christmas 2022 is for all my family, friends, followers and customers to have a happy and safe Christmas – and a few new art brushes wouldn’t go astray either.

Christmas People with Avril Egan

The lights are on! A beautiful Christmas scene in Roscommon Town. Photo: Kieran Croghan

Christmas People

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m from Roscommon town. I have a passion for fashion, which I post about on my Instagram blog called Fashion Truth by Ruth, which amazingly hit 20,000 followers this year!

For work, I provide digital marketing consultancy and social media support to Irish businesses. I took the leap to quit my job almost four years ago, and set up and run my own digital marketing agency called Smart Digital Marketing Agency. I got amazing help from the Local Enterprise Office in Roscommon as a start-up to create a website (smartdigitalagency.ie)

How will you spend Christmas this year?

We have a big family in Roscommon, with my father being from Roscommon town, and my mother from Rahara.

We have family coming to visit us on Christmas Day and enjoy Christmas Dinner with us.

On Christmas Eve, we have a tradition of having a steak family dinner at home, and then heading into town to visit one of the pubs for a few Christmas drinks.

One Christmas present you’ll never forget...

I got a fabulous winter coat a few years ago that I’ve worn so much! Any item of clothing I try to get at least 30 wears out of!

Who’s on your Nice List this year?

Too many people to put on paper!

All I want for Christmas is...

Health and happiness for my friends and family! It’s amazing to look back at prior years during Covid. This time two years ago we weren’t allowed to see friends or family, which makes this Christmas extra-special as we can resume traditions, and socialise with friends and family.

Waldron: Donamon Fisheries investment will boost tourism

Local councillor and chairperson of the Suck Valley Way Cooperative, Anthony Waldron,

believes recent Inland Fisheries investment in new fishing stands at Donamon will provide a much-needed boost for local tourism.

The investment, in the region of €100,000, saw the refurbishment of fishing stands and the installation of a non-slip surface, making the facility more

accessible to those with disabilities.

“I met with Inland Fisheries officials a year ago and brought them to Donamon to show them where the investment was needed,” Cllr. Waldron said.

“Following that visit, €8,000 was provided for works and more recently €102,000 was allocated.

That’s almost a quarter of a million euro when the cost of labour is taken into account. I’m also hopeful that Roscommon County Council will upgrade the toilet facilities there”.

Angling has become an increasingly popular sport in Donamon and the addition of more accessible facilities is something Cllr. Waldron believes will attract visitors to the scenic area.

“It’s certainly a growing sport for people with disabilities and more and more people seem to be getting involved,” he said.

“This is a great news story for our county and it should be seen as part of the overall development of the Suck Valley Way. We hope to add more facilities for sports such as kayaking in the future, which in turn will boost local tourism further.

“We are currently carrying out an online survey (www.research.net/r/ SuckValleyWay) in order to gather feedback as to what exactly is needed on the River Suck in terms of outdoor activities.

“I would urge people to fill out that survey online before the closing date for submissions on Tuesday, December 20th”.

Local councillor and chairperson of the Suck Valley Way Cooperative, Anthony Waldron, believes recent Inland Fisheries investment in new fishing stands at Donamon will provide a much-needed boost for local tourism.

< DAN DOONER

with Ruth McCourt

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2022 from

St Faithleach’s Christmas Hamper Raffle

St. Faithleach’s GAA Club’s Christmas Raffle takes place this month with a beautiful hamper with lots of Christmas goodies up for grabs.

Tickets for the raffle can be purchased at www.klubfunder.com by searching for ‘St. Faithleach’s Christmas Hamper’. Tickets cost €5 or buy two for €10 and get

a third free.

Meanwhile, another hero wearing red and white visited the clubhouse on Sunday last. Santa Claus once again took time out of his busy schedule to meet local children and said he was looking forward to returning to Ballyleague/Lanesboro on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Concert in Ballyleague

An afternoon of Christmas Carols and Readings, hosted by Kilgefin/Scramogue Choir and Guests, will take place on Sunday, December 18th at 1.30 pm in Ballyleague Church. All welcome. Optional donation on door.

Annual St. Vincent de Paul Appeal

The annual St. Vincent de Paul appeal will continue in Ballyleague/Lanesboro over the next few weeks. There will be no church gate collection this year.

mas.

A GoFundMe page will once again be created to assist with the cost of the lights this year and your support would be very much appreciated.

Envelopes for donations are now available in the church or at O’Brien’s shop. You are asked to return your sealed envelopes to the presbytery or to place it in the Sunday Offerings basket during Mass. Alternatively, you can put your contribution in a plain envelope marked SVP for basket or presbytery.

Your support is greatly appreciated, particularly at this time of year.

It has been confirmed that the Christmas Day Walk/Run in aid of Multiple Sclerosis will return this Christmas Day following a Covid-inflicted break. The event will start as usual with the walkers heading off at 11.30 am and the runners at 12 noon from the hill in Newtowncashel.

There will be refreshments for participants and their families in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro following the event.

Sponsorship cards are available from any member of the Flood family, Lehery, Newtowncashel or in O’Brien’s Corner Shop.

Keane’s SuperValu

Cloonycolgan Christmas Fair success

The Cloonycolgan Community Centre Committee wish to extend their sincere thanks to Phil McLaughlin for organising the Christmas Fair,

which took place in the hall on Saturday, December 10th.

The committee also wish to thank all those who helped out on the day, par-

ticularly those who paid for tables and donated cakes, buns, tarts, books, and other materials. A special thanks also to Santa Claus and his helpers for

coming along!

Above all, the committee wish to thank the public for their support, for attending the event and purchasing items.

St Stephen’s Day bingo!

Bingo will take place at Fr. Flanagan Memorial Centre, Ballymoe on St. Stephen’s Day (December 26th) from 5 pm. All are welcome.

Annual Christmas Bazaar in Cloonycolgan

Cloonycolgan’s annual Christmas Bazaar will be held in the local community centre on Monday, December 19th following weekly bingo at 8 pm on the night.

There will be lots of prizes on offer including household goods, cakes, and confectionery. We ask the people of Oran to come out and support their local community centre on the night.

Recently,

Christmas Party Night at Garvey’s Bar

The Christmas Party Night will take place at Garvey’s Bar, Ballintubber on Friday, December 23rd.

Tickets, which include a steak dinner, dessert, and tea/coffee, cost €20 and music on the night will be provided by Amy and Friends.

Contact Amy (086-3622375) and Gail (086-8428659) to book your spot.

First prize is a Ninja Airfryer, second prize is a drinks hamper, and third prize is a food hamper.

Tickets are €5 per line and available from Garvey’s Bar in Ballintubber

Christmas Shoebox Appeal in Glenamaddy

The Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal is ongoing in Glenamaddy and boxes can be left into the Convent House, Glenamaddy Community School. All donations are gratefully received. Visit TeamHope.ie for more information.

I was born in Wicklow town, and I have three sisters and no brothers. I moved to Athlone in 1999 to attend AIT. I have two daughters, Mia and Zoe, with my wonderful wife Tess who comes from Naas. I love hurling and seem to be a better manager than I was a player! I really like playing in pool competitions too and I’ve run five Dublin Marathons.

How will you spend Christmas this year?

We’ll spend this Christmas at

home in Lecarrow. My dad passed away a year ago so hopefully we’ll have mam down from Wicklow. Forget turkey, I’ll have a T-bone steak for Christmas Dinner!

One Christmas present you’ll never forget…

Probably the year I got a Beachcaster fishing rod.

Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year?

On this year’s nice list I’d have to

say…my wife and kids at home; John Haughey, Joe Dolan, Deirdre Walsh and our fantastic senior camogie captain Joanne Beattie at St. Dominic’s; and Ana Filiurina at work, as without her I couldn’t give so much time to club and county.

All I want for Christmas…

All I want is a very Merry Christmas for all my family, friends, and everyone at St. Dominic’s GAA Club…and maybe another successful year on the pitch in 2023 too!

over 200 children attended Creggs Rugby Club for a Blitz with both Buccaneers RFC and Galwegians RFC attending. A great day’s rugby was enjoyed by all.

Christmas People with Noel White

Garvey’s Hospice Christmas Draw will take place on Christmas Eve with some great prizes on offer.

ahead of the draw on December 24th.

(Right) Creggs RFC U-11s players were recently treated to a trip to the Sportsground for the match between Connacht and Italian side Benetton. Connacht players, including captain Jarrad Butler, were happy to pose for photographs with the youngsters, some of whom were attending their very first senior rugby match!

GAA fraternity and wider community shocked at passing of Greg McCrann

< SEAMUS DUKE

In common with so many other people in the wider community I was shocked to hear of the untimely passing of Greg McCrann (of Castle Street, Roscommon) last weekend. We grew up as near-neighbours and he was a year ahead of me at school, but it was through the GAA that we became friends over the years.

A superb player, Greg quickly made his mark, not alone with Roscommon Gaels, but with Roscommon as well. He was equally at home in the half-back or halfforward lines. A very talented player, he had a great turn of pace.

In 1978, Greg was first choice in the half-back line as Roscommon won the Connacht and All-Ireland U-21 titles. However, he was in desperately hard luck

to have been injured in a car accident prior to the semi-final against Down, which led to him missing out on that fixture and subsequently on the final against Kerry. He would continue to have a distinguished club career with Roscommon Gaels.

Over the years, Greg’s interest in the GAA never waned. Any time we met, we always chatted about how the Gaels and

Roscommon were doing, Greg taking a huge interest in the fortunes of both.

Interestingly, he wrote his name into the history books as it was Greg who scored the very first point in Dr Hyde Park in June of 1971, Roscommon Gaels and St Michael’s playing in an U-14 match which was the curtain-raiser to the first ever Connacht SFC game at the venue (between Roscommon and Sligo).

The late Greg McCrann, who was an accountant by profession, will be greatly missed in the local community, including in GAA circles. I extend my deepest sympathy to Greg’s children Andrea and Cormac, to their mother Marilyn, to his brothers Patrick, Donal and Fergal, his sister Carmel, further relatives and many friends. May he rest in peace.

Tributes to Jim Eadie, popular Roscommon native who was first secretary of the NUJ

< MIRIAM KERINS

Warm tributes have been paid to a major figure in the field of journalism, the late Roscommon native Jim (James) Eadie.

Fondly referred to as ‘Mr NUJ’, Mr Eadie had the distinction of being the first full-time official/secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ireland.

Mr. Eadie passed away peacefully on the 6th of December at the age of 93, following what has been described as ‘a short illness’.

He has been remembered as a gentleman and ‘accidental’ union official who “won the affection and loyalty of members”.

In tributes, he has been described as ‘dedicated’, ‘diligent’, and ‘a tough negotiator’.

In a statement following his death, the NUJ said he had been “credited with the development of the union across Ireland”. Due to his hard work and organisational abilities, during his tenure at the NUJ, membership in Ireland increased from 788 to 3,456.

Born in Stonepark, Roscommon to parents James and Mary Eadie (née Farrell), Jim Eadie was the second eldest in a family of three boys and two girls. He was educated at CBS Abbeytown, Roscommon. His career in journalism began at the Roscommon Herald in Boyle. He moved to join Independent Newspapers in 1956 as group reporter.

Honoured and remembered by President Michael D Higgins for what he called his “ lifetime of trade union activism”, Mr Eadie, who retired to Rathfarnham, Dublin, is survived by his wife Bridie, whom he married in 1958, and their children

OBITUARIES

Deirdre, Caroline, Colm and Jimmy.

Adding to the tributes, current NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet described Mr Eadie as a gentleman who was known for his “wit, humour and commitment”.

She added: “Jim was much-loved and respected. Although long retired, he retained a keen interest in union affairs and even in his final illness was keen to get updates on every aspect of our work”.

Irish NUJ secretary Séamus Dooley said: “With the death of Jim Eadie, we have lost a unique figure in Irish journalism. He made an enormous contribution to Irish journalism, to trade unionism and to journalism education. To generations of journalists he was ‘Mr NUJ’ in Ireland”.

Mr Eadie died peacefully at the Beacon Hospital. After reposing in Fanagan’s Funeral Home in Dublin, a private funeral service was held on Monday, 12th of December, followed by burial at Kilternan Cemetery Park.

The Roscommon People is pleased where possible to publish obituaries/death notices/appreciations. If you wish to submit an obituary or death notice, please include your contact details and post to Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon, or email to news@roscommonpeople

Over €1m in funding for local towns and villages

< DAN DOONER

Local public representatives have welcomed over €1 million in funding for Co. Roscommon under the Towns and Villages Renewal Fund, announced this week by Minister Heather Humphreys.

Minister of State Frank Feighan said the funding was great news for three key projects in north Roscommon.

“What an announcement for Arigna, a village that has fallen behind for many years but now with funding of €499,950 for a public sports park and a pedestrian plaza village enhancement and renewal,” Minister Feighan said.

“The very successful project at the former Garda Barracks at Cootehall and McGahern Museum is set to receive €250,000 that will refurbish a derelict building on the site and the development of a gazebo and a further enhancement of the village.

“I am thrilled to see over €435,000 for Carrick-on-Shannon for the further development of the Market Yard

as a venue to host community and charity events including festivals, fun days as well as creating a town centre tourist kiosk and café.

“I am thrilled to see that communities and local County Councils have worked together and put forward really ambitious projects which will make a lasting difference for the people who live there and the visitors who come to north Roscommon”.

Independent TD Denis Naughten said the funding would make these villages more attractive places to live and work in and to visit while also tackling dereliction.

“The towns and villages of rural Ireland are the heart and soul of our communities and this is part of an overall package of funding that I sought on entering Government in 2016. I am delighted to see towns and villages throughout Roscommon benefiting from this scheme,” he said.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also welcomed the funding, and said it would greatly enhance towns such

as Arigna, Athleague (€162,000), Cootehall, Ballinlough (€100,000), and Ballinagare (€50,000).

Congratulating communities and local volunteers, Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the Towns and Villages Renewal Fund was an important investment in rural areas.

“The Towns and Villages Renewal Fund is to support investment in towns with a population under 10,000 people. It is part of Government’s ‘Our Rural Future’ Strategy to invest in regional areas,” she said.

Senator Dolan said Arigna, Athleague and Cootehall were deserving recipients under the main project scheme. Funding would also be made available for street enhancements in Ballinlough, outdoor amenities in Ballinagare, and the ‘Circle of Life’ amenity park in Athleague.

Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan and Independent councillor Anthony Waldron also welcomed the announcement this week, describing it as “great news for the local communities”.

Murphy raises issue of Illegal dumping at site of Strokestown fire

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Investigations are continuing into the cause of a fire which ripped through the former Magnet Ballroom in Strokestown on Saturday evening last, and local Senator Eugene Murphy has highlighted the ongoing issue of illegal dumping at the site.

Fire services from Strokestown, Elphin and Roscommon battled the blaze for a number of hours before eventually bringing it under control.

The building was derelict, having closed in the early 2000s after it had been used as a mushroom

packaging and distribution centre.

While effusive in his praise of local firefighters, Senator Murphy said it was “strange” how the fire started in the unoccupied premises.

“I commend the firefighters for their work on what was a very cold and damp evening. They had a very important and delicate job to do and they did it well. The calm evening was also important. If we had had a windy evening I am sure we would have had to evacuate a number of local houses as there are a large number of houses close by,” Senator Murphy said.

“The ballroom has been closed for a long period of time but there is sentimentality attached to it for the many people who danced there or met there in the past.

“It appears a lot of illegal dumping was taking place at the venue but it is strange how the fire started on such a cold and damp evening”.

Senator Murphy said it was his understanding that the environment section of Roscommon County Council has been asked to assess the building and the materials that may have been present at the time of the fire.

The scene of Saturday’s fire at the former Magnet Ballroom in Strokestown. Pic: Eugene Murphy Twitter

New to the market – approximately 26 acres at Tulsk Village

This week, Cathal Meares of RE/MAX Team Earley is delighted to present to the market approximately 26 acres of prime roadside lands, located at Tulsk Village, Roscommon (comprised in folios RN38691F).

The sale of these lands would offer all farmers a great opportunity to acquire roadside lands in the highly regarded farming area of Tulsk Village. This prime farm, located just off the N5 outside Tulsk, offers quality lands in one holding, with its location and potential making it a very attractive property to come to market.

The auctioneer highly recommends offers and viewings for this ready-to-go property. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 0906626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact auctioneer Cathal directly on 086-1409158.

New retail agent joins RE/MAX Team Earley

This week, RE/MAX Team Earley are delighted to welcome Keith McLoughlin as the company’s newest recruit.

Keith graduated from GMIT with an Honours Degree in Property Studies and has worked in the industry previously. He has already taken to agent life like a true professional, collaborating on numerous sales in his first few weeks and most importantly, has showcased a brilliant manner with clients and staff.

Keith hails from a renowned farming family and currently lives in Curraghboy in south Roscommon along with his wife Mary and son Luke. Keith is keen to make a mark in the property industry.

If you require or know anyone in need of property services, please contact RE/MAX Team

Pictured is Keith McLoughlin, who recently joined RE/MAX Team Earley as a retail agent.

Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090-66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact Keith directly on 086-0848590.

Tulsk Village, Roscommon

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Gareth O’Carroll and Shane and Rachel O’Donnell. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Arlene and Ollie McGuinness and Alan and Roisin McDonnell. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Orla Fleming, Declan Hoare and Seamus Carthy. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Liam McNeill, Declan Walsh and Paulie Hoare. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Maeve Carthy, John McHale and Deputy Denis Naughten. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Martina Mulry, Ollie Moran, Raymond Mulry and Liam Gately. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Rural pubs facing closure due to TBESS exclusion – Vintners Federation

According to the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), hundreds of rural pubs face the threat of closure this winter over their exclusion from the Government’s Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS), because the premises are not connected to the natural gas pipeline.

The VFI says that pubs that use kerosene and LPG gas to heat their prem-

ises should be allowed join TBESS and claim supports. The Department of Finance is so far refusing to allow pubs using energy sources other than natural gas or electricity to join the scheme.

VFI Chief Executive Paul Clancy said: “While we welcome the introduction of TBESS, where pubs claim back 40 per cent of the increase in

energy costs over the winter, the exclusion of 1,500 pubs simply because they heat their pubs using kerosene and LPG gas is discriminatory.

“Most rural pubs are not connected to the natural gas pipeline so it’s impossible for them to use anything other than kerosene and LPG gas. We’re asking the Department of Finance to reconsider its stance on this issue.

“We estimate that 1,500 VFI members use either kerosene or LPG bulk gas to heat their commercial businesses, so swathes of businesses in rural Ireland are by default excluded from accessing these supports. The situation is so dire that if energy supports are not granted to these businesses many could be forced to close.

“It is deeply unfair that a large

Women in Business Network hold tri-county networking event in Longford

The Longford, Leitrim and Westmeath Women in Business Network held their tri-county networking event in Longford Rugby Club on Tuesday, December 6th.

Over 70 female business owners or managers attended, with the theme of ‘rest, relax and refocus’ for this popular event, one of the first since the start of Covid-19.

At the event, broadcaster and journalist Carole Coleman shared stories from her career, as well as her life experiences. Carole also emphasised the importance of taking time for ourselves and breaking free from our busy schedules when needed.

An ice-breaker and networking session was facilitated by Fran Best from Lissawell Coaching.

This allowed attendees the opportunities to meet with new people and share ideas face-to-face, which was very welcome after two years of doing so onscreen.

At the event, a local business showcase featured three businesses, each from one of the three participating counties.

County Longford was represented by Jenevieve Butler from Midland Hearing Care. Leitrim was represented by Richelle South from Leitrim Hill Creamery, while Westmeath was represented by Denise Buckley from Sugar Plum Sweetery.

The businesses shared their story, from start-up to the present day. All spoke freely about the challenges and opportunities they faced in building and sustaining their busi-

ness.

prioritising and following your passion emerged. Finding space to rest,

relax and refocus also emerged from the open conversations.

proportion of rural businesses need to suffer unduly when the TBESS could be modified to cater for these members.

“In the interim, until this issue is resolved, the VFI would recommend a ‘one-off’ grant payment to support businesses currently excluded by the scheme,” the VFI Chief Executive concluded.

Cody and O’Sullivan set for Buccaneers Business Lunch

The Buccaneers Rugby Club Networking Business Lunch will return from 1 pm to 5 pm on Friday, February 3rd at the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone.

Guest speakers will be Brian Cody, the legendary Kilkenny hurling manager, and Eddie O’Sullivan, former Ireland head coach, who is currently steering Buccaneers in the All-Ireland League.

Renowned rugby player and analyst Liam Toland will MC the event while comedian Aidan Tierney will add a lighter note to the proceedings.

The event will include a four-course lunch with complimentary wine while two tickets for the upcoming Ireland v Eng-

Ifac advises Roscommon food and drinks businesses to act now to save energy

Farming, food and agribusiness professional services firm, Ifac, has come up with a list of practical things Roscommon business owners could try in order to save energy in these challenging trading conditions.

David Leydon, Head of Food and Agribusiness at ifac said: “Unsurprisingly, energy costs are a significant expense for food and drink manufacturers and the amount of energy used directly impacts the viability and profitability of these producers.

“Working with many food and drink producers throughout Ireland, we are acutely aware of how the drastic rise in energy costs is negatively impacting their business”.

David added: “It is important that you have an overall plan to conserve energy. Split the planning into two areas: short and long-term action plans.

The short-term tips provided are quick fixes, which can be actioned promptly to make an immediate impact.

“Long-term actions can be used to ensure the business is continuously focussed and motivated to make a long-term change; ultimately resulting in your business becoming more environmentally friendly and attractive to new customers, and enhancing your profitability”.

Ifac’s ten energy saving tips

Track and Monitor

Firstly, it is important to understand and track your bills. This will show trends of energy consumption, times of low and high energy consumption and identify potential areas to reduce consumption.

Energy Audit

Complete a full energy audit of your business. This will determine what energy you use, where you waste energy and how to reduce energy consumption. SEAI offers a €2,000 voucher towards a professional energy audit.

In-house audit

If you are conducting an in-house energy audit, temperature loss and the life cycle of appliances are key areas to review.

Review product portfolio

Focus on the lower-margin products, examine their manufacturing methods and determine if a cheaper, alternative manufacturing method could be used to increase the overall margin of the product.

Appliances

Are there timers set on eligible appliances? Shut down any idle equipment and ensure they are not on standby. Review walk-in refrigerators and freezers and ensure they have curtains to aid temperature control.

‘Just in time’ approach

Be aware of holding too much stock in the business that requires storage/ refrigeration. This will ensure energy is being used efficiently.

LED lights

Change any incandescent bulbs to LED lights. LED lights are 90 per cent more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Use sensor lighting, when possible, to ensure lights aren’t left on unnecessarily.

• Brian Cody

land Six Nations match on March 18th plus two nights B&B at Dublin’s Hyatt Centric Hotel will be on offer at the lunch.

To book corporate tables or smaller groups, contact Geraldine at 0861732711 or email rugby@dubarrypark.com

Vehicle review

Conduct a review of vehicles in the business to explore potential opportunities for moving some vehicles to electric. The benefits of this are lower motor insurance and a reduction in transport costs. SEAI provides grants for electric vehicles.

Changing energy type

Using renewable types of energy such as solar energy through solar panels should be a long-term goal within your business. This will allow your business to save money and become environmentally friendly.

Shop around

Ensure to shop around with energy providers annually to allow your business to have the best price and conditions.

Pictured (L-r) were speakers at the Longford, Leitrim and Westmeath Women in Business Network held their tri-county networking event in Longford Rugby Club recently: Catriona Duffy, Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Westmeath; Fran Best, Lissawell Coaching; Jenevieve Butler, Midland Hearing Care; Carole Coleman; Denise Buckley, Sugar Plum Sweetery; Richelle South, Leitrim Hill Creamery; Anna Lane, LEO Longford; Sheena Cannon, LEO Leitrim.

Although operating in varied industries, common themes of planning,

Government doesn’t fully grasp inequity of Zoned Land Tax – IFA Business Chair

Speaking after attending Leaders Questions in the Dáil recently, IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh said the Government isn’t fully grasping the inequity of the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) on farmers, and said the reality that this penal tax will force farmers to sell land that they rely upon to generate an income for themselves and their families.

“It’s illogical to press ahead with

this poorly-designed, ill-targeted, disproportionate tax on farm families, particularly when the situation differs across the country,” she said.

IFA says it has received an increasing number of calls from farmers who are very concerned about this tax.

Most farmers are looking for information on how they can challenge any potential liability, but we are also getting calls from farmers who have resi-

dential zoned and serviced land on the market for years, but simply can’t find a buyer for it.

IFA will host an online information session this Thursday evening at 8 pm to raise awareness of the RZLT, and give some guidance to farmers wishing to make a submission to their Local Authority.

“There’s huge amount of uncertainty out there, and farmers want support

in preparing a submission against this tax. A local planner and a solicitor will share their knowledge and experience,” Rose Mary McDonagh said.

“A complete overhaul of the proposed tax needs to be carried out, with productive farmed land used as an integral part of the business completely exempt.

“We’ve being lobbying on this as a matter of priority since the 2021 Fi-

nance Bill and the impact it may have on farm families.

“Only last week, we sent almost all in Cabinet and a number of Ministers of State a letter again highlighting our concerns. The lack of action and engagement from key Government Departments on this has been very frustrating. Our campaign will continue to get an exemption for productive farm land”.

Minister must heed concerns of rural co-ops and independent merchants - ICOS

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue must use his discretion to adjust the currently stalled Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Bill in order to ensure that elements of the Bill, which would inhibit competition, can be ruled out, ICOS has stated this week.

ICOS Livestock and Environmental Policy Director, Ray Doyle said: “Minister McConalogue has cited an opinion from the Attorney General which led to his withdrawal of the Bill, but this shouldn’t be used simply now as a way of setting matters in stone. There is still leeway for the Minister to revise aspects of the Bill in a way that would satisfy all legislative requirements while ensuring that fair market competitive conditions are upheld.

“A further solution can and must be brought forward and the Minister has the authority to do so.

“We welcome the Minister’s recent comments that he is keen to ensure no dilution of competition but we must now see this commitment realised in terms of how the Bill is revised”.

Mr. Doyle said that ICOS

had warned the Minister on mutiple occasions since 2019 that new regulations would create a dramatic shift in the medicines supply chain, in favour of Private Veterinary Practitioners.

“The Minister says nonvets can’t prescribe veterinary medicines, ruling out designated responsible persons in co-ops and licensed merchants from the supply chain. As matters currently stand, this means that all co-operative branches will be negatively impacted by the Bill, as farmers will need to have prescriptions in place for all anti-parasitic productsbefore they could purchase from their co-op branch,” Mr. Doyle said, claiming this shift would result in a disadvantage to co-ops and indepdent merchants.

“For example, a vet writing a prescription has the obvious first opportunity to fill and dispense the product, before a co-operative has an opportunity to dispense it. This will strip out the co-operative or independent licensed merchant from what is a reasonable, fair market entitlement, it will remove footfall and it will remove freedom of choice for

farmers,” he said.

ICOS has, Mr. Doyle says, proposed a number of solutions to the Minister, one of which is that veterinary surgeons be exempted from calling to farms if they are prescribing anti-parasitics.

“Remote prescribing of anti-parasitics can and should be allowed by the legislation and it is this more measured and reasonable approach that the Minister must deliver upon,” he said.

“Prescribing anti-parasitic products contributes generally to animal health; it does not typically involve any emergency for the animal and there are no human resistance issues with these products. Therefore the threshold of knowledge required to enable a vet to accurately prescribe is lower and this can be the basis for remote prescription”.

The ICOS Director added that nobody suggested that anti-microbials be prescribed remotely.

“If the Minister continues to push through the legislation without revision, farmers will be faced with decreased availability of anti-parasitic products and generally increased costs.

IFA confirmed as notice party to

Review of Nitrates Action Programme

The High Court has approved an order joining the IFA, and four of its members, as notice parties to the impending Judicial Review of the fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) on foot of a challenge by An Taisce.

IFA has been engaging with the courts since September and has now been formally included as a notice party.

Commenting, IFA President Tim Cullinan said: “IFA understands how the Nitrates Action Programme impacts our members. We will use our role as notice party to ensure that the concerns of farm families are fully heard in the court”.

As a notice party, IFA will have the opportunity to participate fully in the case which is being defended by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It also gives IFA the right to appeal the outcome of the Judicial Review should we choose to do so.

The NAP impacts all farmers, governing stocking rates, fertiliser usage limits, slurry application methods and closed periods amongst others. Any substantial changes to the NAP could have far-reaching consequences for farmers, both directly and indirectly, particularly on the land rental market.

There will be serious economic effects for rural Ireland from Carndonagh to Cahirciveen,” Mr. Doyle said.

“The sustainability of the co-op store network, independent merchants and veterinary pharmacists will be undermined as a key pillar of their offering will be diminished”.

ICOS has confirmed it has requested an immediate meeting with Minister McConalogue to seek amendments to the legislation.

Over 600 animals presented for sale on Thursday last and as we enter the final week of trading, trade and prices have finished on a very high note with exceptional demand for all classes of stock presented.

The heifer ring witnessed stores making up to €3.91 a kilo with heavier lots topping out at €2,060. The weanling rings saw increased export activity with also strong farmer buying with bulls making over €4 a kilo, while one local farmer achieved €4.40 a kilo for his twin Limousin weanling heifers or €1,100.

The dry cow trade saw lots top out at €2,550 with an excellent clearance taking place. Cows with calves at foot peaked at €2,180 with springers making up to €1,920. Young calves made from €15 to €230 while the runners witnessed excellent farmer demand with lots making up to €1,080.

180 bullocks presented for sale on Monday last with a similar tone to the trade as quality stores were in excellent demand and heavier lots made up to €2,060.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 15th) with our final sale of 2022. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for heifers: Lm 415kgs €1410, Ch 425kgs €1300, Lm 415kgs €1290, Lm 410kgs €1160, BB 475kgs €1860, Ch 480kgs €1560, Ch 480kgs €1490, Sim 495kgs €1450, Lm 680kgs €2060, Ch 595kgs €2020, Lm 620kgs €1800, Lm 660kgs €1930, Lm 470kgs €1450.

Dry cows: BBx 905kgs €2550, AA 840kgs €2250, Lm 800kgs €2140, Sh 810kgs €2130, Ch 830kgs €2170, Au 650kgs €1630, Sim 485kgs €900, AA 420kgs €810.

Weanling bulls: Chx 290kgs €1110, BB 295kgs €1100, Lm 275kgs €1030, Lm 260kgs €1000, Chx 390kgs €1390, Ch 365kgs €1220, Ch 400kgs €1290, Ch 380kgs €1220, AA 260kgs €720.

Weanling heifers: Lm 250kgs €1100, BBx 255kgs €990, Ch 265kgs €940, BBx 270kgs €900, Ch 280kgs €840, Ch 300kgs €1100, Ch 305kgs €1090, Lm 310kgs €900.

Bullocks: Lm 490kgs €1590, Ch 495kgs €1540, Ch 485kgs €1480, Ch 475kgs €1400, Lm 535kgs €1680, Ch 515kgs €1570, AAx 590kgs €1710, AA 555kgs €1680, Ch 625kgs €1970, Lm 620kgs €1890, Ch 675kgs €2060, Hex 695kgs €1700, AA 665kgs €1650.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue

State response required to address increase in deer population - INHFA

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have called on the Government to address the concerning increase and spread of deer which in some areas is a significant factor in the spread of Bovine TB.

Speaking on this, INHFA President Vincent Roddy stressed the need for a coordinated approach by all State bodies to address this problem.

“Due to increased afforestation and lack of correct management of our wild deer population over many years, the deer population has increased exponentially. This increase is seen not just in uplands areas, which would be their natural habitat, but is now spreading to many other areas of the country,” he said.

In a recent Oireachtas Committee discussion on Bovine TB, it was acknowledged that increases in the deer population was a major factor in the spread of the disease.

“In that forum the INHFA outlined our proposal that a proper deer management structure be put in place.

This would involve the provision of suitable state land designated as habitat for deer. The land would have to be capable of sustaining the deer, and needs to be properly fenced in order to ensure that the animals are kept within the designated area,” Mr. Roddy continued.

“Part of correct deer management would involve a properly organised and supervised cull. Although this might not be a popular move with some members of the public, it is necessary to help maintain the health of the wild deer population.

This, the INHFA Leader maintained, “is a role for the State and specifically the National Parks and Wildlife Service, that have National Parks in the counties where there is a high population of deer”. These parks would, he added, “need to be properly fenced for deer and involve a commitment to maintain fences as part of any state support package for the NPWS”.

On proposals to introduce wolves or the lynx as a means to address

the problem, Roddy was scathing of those suggesting this.

“Proponents of this are driven by a re-wilding ideology and using the deer problem as a means to deliver on this,” he said.

“Those suggesting this are fully aware of the consequences of re-introducing predators such as wolves or lynx, who

won’t go chasing down deer when there are much easier options provided by sheep and younger cattle. This of course is what they want and would fulfil their re-wilding fantasy across most of our hills and in some lowland areas”.

Concluding, the INHFA President pointed to other European countries where

there has been a clear plan in the management of wild deer.

“In Ireland we have seen a haphazard approach to the management of wild deer which has brought us to the crisis point we now find ourselves in. This crisis now requires active State involvement and not the fantasy ideology of new predators”.

Survey: Farmers finding it difficult to secure sufficient farm labour

According to a new survey from FRS Farm Relief, two of three farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to secure sufficient farm labour.

The survey also revealed that six out of ten Irish farmers believe they have a poor work/ life balance due to the number of hours spent on their farms, while one in three

would not recommend farming as a lifestyle to family or friends.

Four out of five farmers also believe the ‘Green Agenda’ will have a negative impact on the viability of their farms while six out of ten will require external labour to address new emissions reductions.

Meanwhile, 97 per cent of farmers agreed that leaving their farm

in safe hands when they were not there was a priority, while 91 per cent cited access to peak time labour support, and 90 per cent wanted access to qualified/vetted labour.

One in two farmers also said they were willing to provide increased premiums/higher hour rates to secure consistent, qualified labour.

These figures came from the first comprehensive survey on Irish farming attitudes to labour needs. Responses were collected from 252 farms all over the country between July and October 2022 by independent market research company, Opinions, on behalf of FRS Farm Relief, supported by FBD Trust.

(Proudly serving farmers for over 63 years)

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Friday, December 16th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks and Heifers

Also Dry Cows (last sale for 2022)

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

Lambs & Cast Ewes

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

Final Sale Wednesday December 21st

The Management and Staff at Roscommon Mart would like to take this opportunity to wish all its customers a happy and peaceful Christmas and we look forward to

There was a very large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s general sale with a strong trade for heifers. We had a smaller showing of heifers which averaged at €2.61 per kilo up to €2.88 per kilo. Bullocks fetched from an average of €2.84 per kilo up to €3.55. We had a large number of dry cows which made an average of €2.32 per kilo up to €2.91. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

This Friday (16th) there is a special sale of bullocks, heifers and dry cows.

There was a good entry of topquality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening last with a good trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of

€2.85 per kilo up to €3.93, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €2.88 per kilo up to €3.64. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active.

We had a large number of sheep on offer at this week’s sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for finished lambs peaked at €152. Store lambs fetched up to €120. The tops for stag ewes fetched €150.

Next sale of lambs and cast ewes is Wednesday, December 21st 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: Lim X 735kgs €2140, Lim X 745kgs €2150, Lim X 775kgs €2250, BBX 795kgs €2270,

Char X 750kgs €2030, SIX 915kgs €2360, AAX 905kgs €2280, SAX 820kgs €2050, HEX 865kgs €2100, Char X 780kgs €2000, Lim X 725kgs €1950, BBX 685kgs €1840.

Heifers: Lim X 625kgs €1790, Char X 520kgs €1500, BBX 735kgs €2060, Char X 580kgs €1580, Lim X 555kgs €1480, Char X 545kgs €1470.

Bullocks: BBX 655kgs €2180, Char X 565kgs €1970, BBX 790kgs €2650, Lim X 705kgs €2340, Char X 575kgs €1910, Char X 580kgs €1860, Char X 575kgs €1830, Char X 560kgs €1770, Char X 545kgs €1730, Char X 485kgs €1680, Lim X 500kgs €1640, Char X 500kgs €1640, Char X 460kgs €1590, Char X 440kgs €1440, Lim X 455kgs €1400, Char X 400kgs €1280.

Weanling heifers: Char X 280kgs €970 - €3.46 per kilo, Char X 300kgs €980 - €3.27 per kilo, BBX 235kgs €750 - €3.19 per kilo, BBX 250kgs €800€3.20 per kilo, Char X 340kgs €960 - €2.82 per kilo, Lim X 285 kgs €850 - €2.98 per kilo, BBX 320kgs €920 - €2.88 per kilo, Char X 300kgs €930€3.10 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Char X 280kgs €940 - €3.36 per kilo, Lim X 290kgs €960 - €3.31 per kilo, Lim X 265kgs €820 - €3.10 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €1020€3.29 per kilo, Char X 395kgs €1230 - €3.11 per kilo, BBX 300kgs €940 - €3.13 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €990 - €3.09 per kilo, Lim X 350kgs €1050 - €3 per kilo, Lim X 340kgs €1020 - €3 per kilo, Char X 330kgs €1020 - €3.09 per kilo.

& HYPNOTHERAPY

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Desmond Cryan, wish to apply for Retention Permission for the extension to existing farm buildings which is used for general purpose storage associated with the farm and retain silage slab. Planning Permission is sought to construct a 5 bay dry bedded shed adjacent to existing farm buildings, construct dung stead and all associated site works at Carrowreagh, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €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: Desmond Cryan

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I intend to apply for planning permission to (a) Retain alterations to constructed housing estate road from that granted by permission with Reference No: 01/1011; (b) To retain and complete 4 partially constructed dwelling houses, numbered 4 – 7, together with associated housing estate road and services originally granted under Permissions 01/1011 and 04/2080 at Castleview, Rosmeen, Ballintubber, 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 submissions or observations in relation to the application can be made to the planning authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Sean Beirne

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Martin Fallon, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for the following: To retain an existing extension to the side of an existing dwelling; to retain an existing shed/ store; new site boundaries and alterations to an existing site entrance at Clooncah, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: JN_Jacqueline Naughton, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. M: 087 403 7803

E: 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

Shared Access Ltd is applying for full planning permission to the above authority for the erection of a 30m lattice structure on concrete base to support telecommunications antennae together with the installation of dishes, new access point through field boundary and associated water piping, fencing, cabling, compound area ground, based equipment cabinets and all associated site works at Higgins Land, Mullenduff, Mantua, 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 within five 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 planning application.

Signed: Shared Access Ltd

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We intend to apply for planning permission to retain constructed extensions to the rear and side of dwellinghouse and a septic tank as such works are different to that granted by permission with reference no. 12,513 at Grallagh Beg, The Plains, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Helen Balfe & Maura Healy

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Further Information/ Revised Plans Kieran Leavy Planning ref 22/406 Bridge Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Significant Further Information and revised plans in relation to this application for Change of Use of Grannery to Residential Accommodation has been submitted to the planning authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. That a submission or observation in relation to the Further Information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of €20 not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority and that there is no fee payable on a further submission/observation if accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgment of a previous submission/ observation.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Caroline and Liam Johnson intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect an extension to the front of our dwelling house with ancillary site works at Ardkeenan, Drum, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Caroline & Liam Johnson

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ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Athleague Filling Station Ltd. are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following:

1) Demolish portion of rear annex to existing building and construct new rear extension to contain store, staff changing and WC facilities.

2) Provision of new 24hr truck/commercial fuel fill area along with associated underground fuel storage tank with capacity of 30000 litres located to side of shop.

3) Provision of Ad Blue Holding tank to rear of site and carry out all ancillary site development works at Athleague Service Station, Athleague, Co. Roscommon, F42EN82.

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

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

facebook.com/moleskinarch

Signed: MMA Architects

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

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

Podiatrist/Chiropodist Sarah Fleming CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at Tullys For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

l HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available

PODIATRIST TUITION

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI) Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders

REFLEXOLOGY Gift Vouchers Available

- Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons) Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

PODIATRIST For all foot ailments Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment. Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233 • Home visits SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK • 20 years experience

Registered Reflexologist TERESA BURKE BNS (Hons). M.Sc (Hons) (MNRRI) Give your mind and body a relaxing experience with a reflexology treatment. Through massage of the feet reflexology can: • Rebuild energy levels in the body • Assist in relieving stress • Encourage relaxation • Improve general well-being Reflexology is based on the principle that the foot has “reflex” points that correspond to the various structures and organs throughout the body. Contact TERESA for appointment at 087 9001212 Gift vouchers available. Brideswell, Co. Roscommon N37 EW20

Gerry Hynes MRIAI CHRISTMAS REVISION COURSES Junior and Leaving Cert HL December 29th & 30th For further information

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community Contact by phone/text: FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON –MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –Tel: 087 2982214 Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

PROPERTIES:

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA 091 380900 | 087 9818153

Mountbellew, Co. Galway info@mhla.ie www.mhla.ie

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CUNNIFFE

Patrick (Paddy)

Gurteen, Cloonfad, Co. Roscommon.

Who passed away on the 20th December 2021. (1st Anniversary)

DONLON

Timothy (Timmie)

St. John’s, Lecarrow Co. Roscommon Who died 14 December 2009 (13th Anniversary)

RAFTERY

Pat

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon (22nd Anniversary) R.I.P.

CONNOLLY

Tommy

The Acre, Cloonakilleg Mount Talbot (7th Anniversary) 25/12/1953 - 20/12/2015

The family of the late Paddy Cunniffe wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who sympathised and supported us during our sad and sudden loss.

We remember with gratitude everyone who visited our home, provided food and refreshments and who stood on route to the church for Paddy’s final journey, also to everyone who attended the Mass.

A heartfelt thanks to his close friends who stayed with us over night.

Special thanks to Fr. Joe Feeney who visited Paddy in hospital and came to our home to pray with us and for his consoling words and beautiful ceremony celebrating the life of Paddy.

Thanks to Karen and Georgina for the lovely singing and music and to Connie for the moving graveside music.

Thanks to all who sent mass cards, phoned, sent messages, floral tributes, expressed condolences online, travelled long distances and all who could not attend but watched online or simply thought of us on that day and to Brendan Nugent for live streaming the Mass and Burial.

Special thanks to Dr. Noon and the staff at Mayo General Hospital for the kindness, care and attention that Paddy received.

Thanks to PJ Keane Funeral Directors and Gaynors Funeral Services for their kindness, support and attention to detail throughout.

Thanks to the grave diggers who prepared Paddy’s final resting place with such care and attention.

Thanks to Dolores in ‘The Three Counties’ for food and refreshments afterwards.

And finally, as it would be impossible to reply to everyone please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of the family’s sincere appreciation and gratitude.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

HEALY May (1st Anniversary)

NAUGHTON Annie

(34th Anniversary)

There is a love, a special love that is for you alone. There is a place, deep in our hearts that only you can own.

You are not just a memory or part of our past you are part of our life for as long as it shall last.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Elizabeth and girls.

HANNON Paddy

Boughill, Ballyforan (9th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Paddy, who died on 23rd December 2013 R.I.P.

Who passed away on the 21st

December 2000

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

Loved and remembered by your wife Betty, daughter Siobhán, son-in-law Eamon, granddaughter Leanne and grandson Darragh.

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

BANAHAN

Johnny

Cappagh, Curraghroe (1st Anniversary)

We’re missing you a little more, each time we hear your name. We’ve cried so many tears yet our hearts are broken just the same. We miss our times together things in common we used to share, but nothing will ever fill the emptiness now you are no longer there. We’ve so many gorgeous memories to last our whole lives through. Each one of them reminders of how much we are forever missing you.

‘Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day’

Sending you birthday wishes in Heaven this Christmas day.

On the first anniversary of the death of Billy, his wife Agnes, his family and extended family wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised and supported us, expecially extended family, neighbours and friends.

We wish to acknowledge everyone who visited our home, attended the Funeral Mass in person and virtually and those who attended Billy’s Burial. Thanks to all who visited, sent Mass Cards, phoned, sent letters and expressed condolences via RIP.ie.

A very special thanks to Fr. Beirne who attended to Billy’s spiritual needs by calling on the First Friday’s and to Fr. Douglas who celebrated the Funeral Mass. Thanks to Grace, Sirina and Ciara for the beautiful music and singing.

Thanks to Pat Smith, Funeral Director for his support, guidance and professionalism throughout.

You gave us all you had to give, but most of all you gave us love, the greatest gift of all.

As we bow our heads in silence and remember you with love, we know that you are in Heaven watching us from above.

Lovingly remembered by your family.

9th Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan on Saturday, 17th December at 7pm.

In loving memory of Johnny who passed away on the 9th of December 2021

Remembered by all the family.

Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday the 17th of December in St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh at 8pm.

At peace with his loving wife Veronica, son Tomas and father Mick.

Loved and missed always your heartbroken daughters Sarah and Brigid, mother Eileen, granddaughters Deirbhle, Clodagh and Niamh, son-in-law Ian and your sisters and brothers and the rest of the Connolly family.

THANKSGIVINGS

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

We wish to sincerely thank Dr. Elizabeth Sweeney for the great care, kindness and respect that she and the Roscommon Palliative Care Team showed to Billy in his last days. To carers Shirley and Mary. To all his Bingo friends who looked out for him over the past few years.

As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a heartfelt acknowledgement and as an expression of our appreciation and gratitude.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for the intentions of all.

Forever loved and missed by all his family.

Billy’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 1st of January 2023 at 11.30am.

In loving memory of May, Killianiker, Rooskey, who passed away on the 15th December, 2021, RIP

A smile for all, a heart of gold, the very best, this world could hold.

Never selfish, always kind.

Those are the memories you left behind.

Always remembered by her loving family.

Anniversary Mass for May on Sunday 18th December at 11am in St. Michael’s Church, Bornacoola, Co. Leitrim.

Treasured memories of Annie Naughton late of 5 St. Theresa’s Tce Roscommon, who passed away on 15th December 1988 R.I.P.

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

Always remembered by her loving family.

Anniversary Mass for Maurice and Annie in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Thursday, 15th December at 11am.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. A.K.

Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest 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 require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. A.M.K.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. C.K.

QUIGLEY

Eileen

R.I.P.

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain.

To walk with us, throughout our lives, until we meet again.

Loved and always remembered by your sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

M cDONNELL

Seamus

Curnalee, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

REYNOLDS

Pat and Martha

Clooncundra, Ballymurray, Roscommon (15th and 13th Anniversaries)

Whose anniversaries occur at this time

BURKE Luke

Turrock, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

In

memory of CONLON

Doreen

Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

KENNY (née Collins)

Kathleen

Gortfree, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away 20th December 2021 (1st Anniversary)

Treasured memories of Pat and Martha, beloved parents and grandparents who died on 20th December 2007 and 2nd November 2009. RIP.

We can remember them that they have gone or we can cherish their memory and let it live on

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Adrian, Yvonne, Niall and families.

Anniversary Mass on Friday 16th December at 7pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. May they Rest In Peace

REYNOLDS

Pat and Martha

Clooncundra, Ballymurray, Roscommon (15th and 13th Anniversaries)

Beautiful memories, silently kept, Of ones that we loved and will never forget.

Sadly missed by all the Reynolds family.

GILLOOLY

Dan

Ballinaboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 24th of December, 2018

KEMMITT

Sadie (nee Keane) Rathmoyle, Castlerea (3rd Anniversary) In loving memory of Sadie who passed away on the 3rd December 2019.

In loving memory of Luke who passed away on December 16th 2016

A special day, another year a loving thought, a silent tear.

A little prayer to keep in touch, with someone loved and missed so much.

Will those who think of him today, a little prayer to Jesus say Fondly remembered and sadly missed by your wife Sybil, daughter Mary, son Thomas, sister Mary, son-inlaw Aiden, daughter-in-law Anna and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass in The Church of The Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Monday, 19th December at 7pm.

CLYNE

(née Dalton)

Marcella Stone Park, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

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

Remembered with love and affection by her family.

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

COSTELLO Roisin

Killeglan, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

We the family of the late Kathleen Kenny wish to express our sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation to all those who sympathised and supported us in our recent bereavement.

A special thanks to the staff of Oakwood Nursing Home who cared for Mam in recent years, along with the Doctors, Nurses and staff of Roscommon University Hospital for their dedicated care of our Mother and for the kindness shown towards us as she passed.

To Fr. Michael McManus and Deacon Willie Gacquin for celebrating such a meaningful Mass and also Patrice and Bernard Coyle for the beautiful music and singing. We would also like to thank Terry who played the flute as Mam arrived at St. Brigid’s Church.

Thanks to Donie Hamrock, Funeral Director for his support, guidance and professionalism.

To our extended family who supported us during Mam’s hospital stay and to those who contributed at the graveside with a fitting final rendition of her favourite songs, many thanks.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this as a greatful acknowledgement of our deepest appreciation.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Kathleen’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 18th December at 10am.

Who died on 17th December 2016

Just a prayer from the family who loved you just a memory fond and true.

In our hearts you will live forever because we thought the world of you.

Remembered always by his loving wife Rita and family.

Masses offered.

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

Always loved and remembered by Teresa, John, Felecia, Peter, Niall and Dominic, son-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Sunday, 18th December at 10am.

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

Sadly missed by her sisters and extended family and friends.

Masses offered.

In loving memory of Marcella who passed away on 17th December 2021

It was a sudden parting, those who loved you dearly are the ones who can’t forget. We often sit and think of you and think of how you died, to think you could not say goodbye before you closed your eyes.

Your life was one of kindly deeds, a helping hand for others needs, sincere and true in heart and mind, beautiful memories left behind.

Loved and sadly missed by her husband Tommy, daughters Elaine and Lisa and extended family.

maybe for a moment, the pain would go away. We’d put our arms around you and whisper words so true, that living life without you is the hardest thing to do. No matter how we’d spend our days, no matter what we do, no morning dawns or evening falls when we don’t think of you.

Always remembered, always loved, sadly missed by Mom, Dad, Sean and Keelan.

Second Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Ronan’s Church, Taughmaconnell on Saturday, 17th December, 2022 at 11am.

MULDOON

Michael (Snr) and Kitty

In loving memory of a dear father Michael, who died on 20th December 1986 and mother Kitty, who died on 18th December 2006 R.I.P. (36th and 16th Anniversaries)

Also remembering at this time our sister

Mary O’Toole (née Muldoon)

Who died on 29th May 1987 (35th Anniversary) and our brother

Michael Muldoon (Jnr)

Who died on 10th December 1990 (32nd Anniversary)

Cloverhill, Roscommon

Sally Ann Hanley (née Muldoon)

Who died on 13th January 2017 (5th Anniversary)

Time and years slip gently by, but love and memories never die.

In our hearts ye will always stay, forever and ever, every day. Will those who think of them today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Sadly missed, loved and remembered always by your loving family.

Masses offered.

loving

Creevy, Roscommon (23rd Anniversary)

Quigley, Creevy, Roscommon, who died on 14th December 1999.

M cKEAGUE Pat

Creggs, Co. Galway (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Pat who died on 14th December 2017

Aged 60 years May Pat’s gentle soul Rest in Peace.

NAUGHTON

Pat

(1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Pat Naughton, late of Ballycreggan, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, who died on 19th December 2021.

R.I.P.

HIS JOURNEY’S JUST BEGUN Don’t think of him as gone away, his journey’s just begun. Life holds so many facets - this earth is only one. Just think of him as resting, from the sorrows and the tears, in a place of warmth and comfort, where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing, that we could know today, how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living, in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost, and he was loved so much.

Sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Teresa, Pat’s beloved dog Crystal, brothers Micheál, James, Gerard and his sister Maria, nieces, nephews, aunt Eileen (U.S.A.), cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, friends and neighbours.

Pat’s Fifth Anniversary Mass takes place in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 18th December at 11.30am.

FINNERAN

Michael

Glanduff, Kiltoom, Athlone. Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary}

In loving memory of Michael Finneran whose 3rd anniversary occurs on 14th December.

SHALLY (née McHugh)

Anne

Tonlagee, Roscommon and Elphin Street, Strokestown (3rd Anniversary)

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new, I thought about you yesterday and days before that too, I think of you in silence I often speak your name, all I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.

Remembering Pat on his 1st Anniversary your loving wife Moira and the Naughton and Donnelly families.

Anniversary Mass will be held on Friday, 16th December at 7pm at the Church of the Risen Christ Kiltoom.

REGAN Ronan

Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

1st Anniversary – 20th December 2022

EGAN Gerard

KELLY (née Lohan)

Rose

Ballindrimley, Castlerea and formerly of Mote Park, Roscommon Rose who sadly passed from this life on 20th December 2021

we cannot touch still we have so many memories of the one we loved so much.

Your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part God has you in his keeping we have you in our hearts.

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by Patricia, Laura, Louise, Darren, and the Finneran and Curley families.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on 18th December at 11.30am.

In loving memory of Anne, who died on 18th December 2019

God called your name so softly, that only you could hear, and no one heard the footsteps, of Angels drawing near. The golden gates stood open, God saw you needed rest, His garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.

Sadly missed and always remembered by her loving family and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 18th December at 11am in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House

Dad

No farewell words were spoken no time to say goodbye, your death leaves a heartache no one can heal.

Love leaves treasured memories no one can steal.

Our love and hearts are one, a link that can never be undone Rest easy Dad, I know you’re always watching over me.

Loved forever and missed your daughter Jessica Lynch.

On the first anniversary of Gerard’s passing, we take this opportunity to reflect and give thanks for the prayers, support and presence of family, neighbours, friends and colleagues who have comforted and consoled us over this last year.

December is a month of celebration, of gifts and of bright lights but it is now a month where we now commemorate and remember with fondness and love a husband, father, grandfather and friend who has departed us. His earthly light has been extinguished but our memories of him are very vivid as we navigate these dark days.

We want to express our gratitude to the staff at Roscommon University Hospital who cared for Gerard in his final hours, days and weeks. Gerard was a considerate person who never made a fuss about things or complained. He was a caring person who appreciated the care he received from the doctors and nurses in RUH. The compassion which they showed him and the family was much appreciated. We also express our thanks to Fr. John Walsh, Gerard’s brother-in-law, for saying Gerard’s requiem Mass.

To Fr. Michael Donnelly, thank you for your prayerful presence at the Funeral Home, the Church and as you guided Gerard to his final resting place.

Thanks to Pat Smyth for his professional and nonintrusive guidance throughout all stages of the process. To our good neighbours, relatives and friends who prepared Gerard’s final resting place, we say thanks. Thanks also to those who provided food during those days and to those that stewarded.

To our neighbours who called to the house on the night of Gerard’s passing and recited prayers, this will be something which we will remember always and which Gerard would have appreciated.

Gerard went to Knock Shrine as a pilgrim from an early age and would later become a Steward there. We were moved to see his faithful Knock friends and colleagues as he reposed in Smyth’s. The Guard of Honour was a lovely gesture from a lovely and loyal gathering, devoted to Our Lady. Thanks to those of you who took the time to visit Gerard at home in his final months. He loved to chat and the company boosted him more than any medication could. Thanks to those of you for your presence in the Funeral Home, the Church and Cemetery. We want to thank especially those who made long journeys on Christmas Eve to be with us.

To those who sent Mass cards, messages of support via traditional and electronic modes, we say thanks. To Alana, thank you for your meaningful music. The hymns contributed to the prayerful ambience in the Church and meant a lot to us as a family and to Gerard in his life.

His life was devoted to family, farming and faith. And though his earthly life is now complete, we hope and pray that he is reaping a fuller harvest in his Heavenly home. We thank you and pray for you as you were present and prayed for Gerard. Continue to pray and remember him today.

He is greatly missed by his loving wife Nellie, sons Michael and Kevin, daughter Rosie, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Gerard’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 21st at 7pm in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Rahara.

On the First Anniversary of Rose’s sad passing her husband, son, daughters, sisters, brothers, grandchildren and extended family will be forever grateful to everyone who called to our house, came to the Funeral Home, attended Rose’s Funeral Mass and sent cards and messages of sympathy.

As an expression of our sincere appreciation we have made a donation to a charity close to Rose’s heart the Peter McVerry Trust.

Rose’s Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea on Sunday, 18th December at 12 noon.

THANKSGIVINGS

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE

For urgent need...

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

New Ballagh, Rahara, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who passed away on December 21st 2021

Pat’s beloved dog Crystal

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre Four Mile House, Co Roscommon CHY 12629 Tel: 090 66 29844

SENIOR EARLY YEARS TEACHER x 2

37.5 HOURS A WEEK MIN. €15.40/HOUR (DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATION)

GREAT CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Competitive salary

• Three paid sick days (pro-rata)

• Positive and supportive working environment

• Paid Continuous Professional Development

• Flexibility with overtime and in lieu hours

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum QQI/Fetac VI in ECCE

• Ability to ensure the health and safety of children at all times

• Experience planning child-centred activities

• Experience working as part of a team

Good oral and written communication

• Ability to work on own initiative, willing to work flexible hours

• Garda Vetting required

Subject to Garda Clearance. Please call for a blank Garda Clearance Form. Job description available upon request. A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled, including relief work. Canvassing will disqualify.

working environment rofessional Development overtime and in lieu hours for developing, delivering and managing the daily operations of the Centre in order to ensure a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for children, in line with all regulatory requirements with the support of the management team facilitate the education and care of all children within the centre with a child centred approach QQI/Fetac level 6 in ECCE – (Level 7+ an advantage) ensure the health and safety of children at all times manage finances and project future budget planning execute all company policies, procedures, health and safety/ risk assessments as stipulated in the Childcare

Interested applicants should send in completed Garda Clearance Form with letter of expression of interest and CV no later than Wednesday, 21 Dec 2022 5pm to:

knowledge of Child Protection Legislation and implementation organisational skills understanding off all guidelines as set out by TUSLA of three years in the early years sector and at least one year of these in a supervisory role within the sector Communicate effectively in a clear and professional manner at all times as a team leader build positive relationships with parents and families oral and written communication in Health & Safety procedures work on own initiative, model best practice and willing to work flexible hours Vetting required higher in Early Years Education working on the HIVE understanding of Core Funding and other Government Schemes in grant writing in Policy and procedure writing in staff scheduling in recruitment and supervision of staff in government inspections

The Manager, Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon F42W326 090 662 9844 cuanbhridechildcare@gmail.com

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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

apply. Canvassing will disqualify. applicants should forward CV to December 19 Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Sports PEOPLE

Castlerea GC member named among ‘Top 50 Women of Influence in Irish Sport’

< DAN DOONER

Castlerea Golf Club’s Kay O’Loughlin has been named as one of the ‘Top 50 Women of Influence in Irish Sport’ by publishing, networking and events

specialist, Sport for Business.

Originally from Clifden in Co. Galway, Kay was elected the first ever female President of Golf Ireland in March of this year following the merger between the Golfing Union of

Ireland and Irish Ladies’ Golf Union.

She has lived in Castlerea for 30 years, where she worked for the HSE, and became a member of Castlerea Golf Club in 1994.

Kay became Club Secretary in 2011, and in 2020 was elected to the first Golf Ireland Connacht Regional Executive Committee, from which she was then nominated as the first woman to step up into the role of President.

White: Dom’s All-Ireland defeat part of learning curve

< DAN DOONER

St. Dominic’s camogie manager Noel White said last Saturday’s 1-8 to 0-2 All-Ireland Junior Championship semi-final defeat to Wicklow champions Knockananna is part of a steep learning curve for his players.

Speaking to People Sport this week, Noel said the change of venue from Kinnegad to the allweather pitch at St. Loman’s in Mullingar was a factor in his side’s slow start.

“Everything is a learning experience for us. I said it to the girls before last Saturday that we were going to learn a lot about them,” he said.

Castlerea CS reach All-Ireland final!

Castlerea Community School

U-16 Boys reached the All-Ireland Schools Cup Final with victory over Scoil Catriona, Dublin at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on Thursday last. They will now take on St. Finnian’s, Mullingar in the final in midJanuary.

“On the Astro pitch we knew we’d be a little lighter because we knew that Knockananna would bring physicality and fitness from their involvement in football with Tinahely.

“We’d no real experience on AstroTurf but thought if we could master things like lifting the ball when it’s running away from you on the hard surface, our speed would kick in and give us a great chance”.

An early Knockananna goal was a huge blow to the Roscommon side but so too was the loss of Michelle Rogers, just days before the tie.

“Michelle was a huge loss and it meant that we had to bring a wingforward into the backs and that was

hard on her because she had no real experience of playing there,” Noel said.

“The loss of Susan Spillane in midfield was also a blow. Susan brings a level of steel and calmness to the midfield and wins an awful lot of really dirty ball”.

While last Saturday was a disappointment for the Knockcroghery side, Noel says he’s satisfied with the club’s progress overall this season.

“We met our initial targets. First and foremost, we wanted to bring a senior title back to the club and we did that. Our sole focus was that title so we’re delighted with that,” he said.

“When you win your county title then your aspirations kick in and that’s

when you begin to dream (about AllIreland titles). We’ve learned lots and lots of lessons and we really hope to use them in the New Year”.

Noel, who is also St. Dominic’s camogie chairperson and is involved with a number of teams both at club and county level, had high praise for his backroom team.

“We couldn’t have done it without Joe Dolan and Deirdre Walsh. Deirdre is just fantastic with how she liaises with the players and those players would run through walls for Joe,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to the Christmas break but hopefully we’ll be back at it again in the New Year and I’m excited about some of the talent coming through”.

New badminton club in Roscommon town

Members are being sought for a new badminton club which was recently established in Roscommon town.

Roscommon Badminton Club meets every Friday evening at the Convent of Mercy gym and is suitable for players of all ages and ability levels.

Games take place 9 pm on Friday evenings and Badminton Association membership is available from as little as €28 per year while a €5 fee is charged each night for the hire of the facility.

For more information, contact club chairperson Shabir on 087-6199909.

Noel White

Swimming Coman’s host Future Challengers Gala

Coman’s Swimming Club hosted its annual Future Challengers Gala recently with local clubs Athlone, Ballinasloe, Longford, and Trident (Carrick-on-Shannon) travelling to Roscommon Leisure Centre to take part.

The gala proved to be a huge success with 34 of Coman’s’ future swim starts in attendance. For many it was only their second gala, while for Ruth and Ronan Dennigan, it was a first.

There were a number of great times and even personal bests on the day. Áine Doherty from Castlerea and Ciara Lally from Roscommon town both achieved much-coveted ‘A’ time wristbands in both U-12 200m IM and 100m Backstroke, while upcoming star Ava Kiernan from Roscommon town, grabbed an A wristband in U-10 50m Butterfly.

‘B’ wristbands were won by Beane Hwang in U-12 200m IM, Michael McGuinness in U-12 100m Back, Laura Fannon in U-12 50m Breaststroke, Annah McCormack in U-11 100m Back, Ciara Lally in U-12 50m Breaststroke and 50m Fly and Áine Doherty also in U-12 50m Breaststroke and 50m Fly. Sean Keane was only split seconds off a B time in his U-10 50m Butterfly.

Many others were very close to B times and there were some great swims by U-12 swimmers including Cormac McGuinness, Senan Grogan, Alex Moore, Sascha Connolly, Ruth Dennigan, and Mary McPhillips.

The U-11 swimmers competing were Tom Mulligan, Ryan Kelly, Ronan Dennigan, Alex Habrova Petrova, Noah Flynn, Dara Cummins, and Ailbhe O’Connor.

Coman’s’ youngest and newest club members, who swam in the U-10 grade were: Faye Kelly, Ali Farrell, Moya Flynn, Sheena Kelly, Doireann Lally and Marc McCafferty. Representing the Over 12s were Juliet Jaison and siblings, Luke, Andy and Siobhan Mitchell.

Buccs stay top despite Naas defeat

Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B: Naas 24 Buccaneers 21.

Buccaneers’ winning streak came to an end when Craig Ronaldson’s final kick of the match earned Naas a 24-21 victory in this Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B match played in arctic conditions on the synthetic all-weather pitch at Tullow Rugby Club on Saturday.

This fixture, the only one played in Division 1B at the weekend, was moved from Naas where their Forenaughts ground was under snow.

Although disappointed that the first half of the league was bookended

by defeats, Buccaneers go into the festive break with a five-point lead at the top of the league table, a position that the Athlone club would have been satisfied with at the start of the season.

Naas led 16-7 at the half-time break with Buccaneers’ try coming from Cian McCann.

The visitors improved after the break and almost overturned the first-half deficit with tries from Sean O’Connell and Josh O’Connor but the Kildare club got scores at the right time to hang on for a hardfought win.

Off-colour Buccs made too many errors and wrong decisions on the day but this reversal may prove a blessing in disguise as it will surely refocus the squad, while the losing bonus point could yet be invaluable. Naas had lost their three previous matches despite not playing badly and they will be in an invigorated mood when the sides renew rivalry at Dubarry Park in early January.

All other fixtures home and away were cancelled due to the severe weather and, at time of writing, it is not known if any of them will be rescheduled for next weekend. One

big match to look forward to is the Bateman Cup All-Ireland semi-final when Buccaneers renew recent rivalry with Queen’s University. This much anticipated duel takes place at Dubarry Park on Saturday, January 7th, kick-off 2.30 pm.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Oisin McCormack and Darragh Murray on their recent appearances for the Connacht senior squad; surely many more caps to follow for both. Best wishes to Aileen Hayes and Keelan McKeown on their recent marriage.

On the Pitch…

C’mon The Town

While the U-14 SFAI game couldn’t proceed due to a frozen pitch, the U-12 game took place on the Astro pitch. The Town and St. John’s Athletic played out an entertaining match which finished in a draw after extra-time and was decided on penalties with St. John’s coming out on top 3-2 in the shootout.

The match was played at a quick tempo with both teams going all out for the win. There was some good attacking moves from both teams but both defences held firm in the first half.

The deadlock was broken in the second half when St. John’s scored with a nice passing move to take the lead. The Town responded positively to going behind and worked a very good equaliser. Patrick Healy played a pass through the St. John’s defence for Daniel Byrne to latch onto and slot home.

Even after having a player sent off, Town continued to play football. Neither team could find the crucial goal in normal and extra-time and so the contest would be decided by spot kicks.

Hard luck lads and good luck to St. John’s in the next round. Thoughts now turn to the Connacht Shield against Loughrea at the weekend while the U-14 team are due to play their rescheduled game against St. John’s of Sligo in Sligo.

Player Profile...

Name: Ruairi Kerr

Team: U-14

Position: Goalkeeper

Three words that describe me: Sporty, Joyful, Dedicated. Skill strength: Reflex saves

Skill weakness: Touch

Favourite team: Tottenham Hotspur

Favourite player: Harry Kane

Favourite Irish player: Shane Duffy

Best stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Messi or Ronaldo or neither: Messi

PlayStation, Xbox or neither: PlayStation

Favourite food: Enchilada

Favourite film: Sing

Favourite song: World Cup - IShowSpeed

Favourite book: Keeper Haunted by the Spirit of the Game

What makes me happy: Playing football

Person I admire the most: My dad

Why I play soccer: I enjoy using all of my body to help win a game.

Coach Corner...

Name: Mick Egan

Role: Boys’ U-14 Coach

Three words that describe me: Honest, Considerate, Humorous

Favourite team: Shamrock Rovers

Favourite player: Jack Byrne

Best stadium you have visited: St. James’ Park Best game you have seen: Liverpool’s comeback against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final in 2019

Best player of all time: Maradona

Favourite film: Heat, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro

Favourite song: God moving over the face of the waters by Moby, very atmospheric track at the end of Heat

Favourite food: Anything cooked by my beautiful Brazilian wife

Favourite book: Tuesdays with Morrie

Best place in the world: Anywhere by the sea

Person you admire the most: Fr Peter McVerry, a lifetime of service

Why I got involved: I love being involved in the game, helping players develop as footballers and as people. It’s an enjoyable element of my life.

Coaching philosophy: Connection before coaching. When you know the personality of the player, then you can be realistic about the capacity of that player to perform in an area of the pitch at key moments in key games. Positioning, passing, patience, pace and positivity are key elements for young players and which I try to encourage as a coach.

Advice I would give to others: Don’t sweat on the small stuff. See the bigger picture.

Motto for Life: Change the things you can change. Accept the things you cannot change. Have the wisdom to know the difference.

Buccaneers RFC

In association with the

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

Coman’s Swimming Club hosted its annual Future Challengers Gala recently with local clubs Athlone, Ballinasloe, Longford, and Trident (Carrick-on-Shannon) travelling to Roscommon Leisure Centre to take part.

Horses for Courses

Horseracing this weekend starts this afternoon (Thursday) at Naas starting at 12.05 pm. Tomorrow evening (Friday), the action is under lights on the all-weather at Dundalk, first race at 4.30 pm.

Saturday action is at Fairyhouse racing away at 12.07 pm. Sunday sees two meetings one at Navan, off at 12 pm, featuring the Grade B Tara Handicap Hurdle and the Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle. The meeting at Thurles features the Listed EBF Mares Novice Hurdle and is away at 12.44 pm.

Last Sunday’s Punchestown meeting has been refixed for Monday with a 12.40 pm start and Naas is now on Tuesday with a 12.15 pm start. The last Irish race meeting before Christmas is at Dundalk on Wednesday evening next.

The cold spell brought about a heavy toll on racing last weekend. Doncaster and Cheltenham survived on Friday with the Cross-Country race at Cheltenham abandoned. Bangor on Dee also fell to the weather and both all-weather meetings at Wolverhampton and Southwell went ahead. There was also racing in Ireland on the all-weather at Dundalk.

On Saturday, all meetings on the turf were abandoned including Cheltenham and Doncaster. In Ireland Navan was frozen off. Wolverhampton’s all-weather meeting survived.

On Sunday, the Irish meeting at Cork went ahead with one meeting in England at Southwell, but Punchestown, Carlisle and the allweather meeting at Newcastle cross channel succumbing to Jack Frost.

And again, this week on Monday there was only racing on the all-weather with Market Rasen and Plumpton both abandoned. Racing started in Ireland on the all-weather at Dundalk but was abandoned after the first race due to freezing fog.

On Tuesday, Catterick and Wincanton also abandoned racing. Yesterday (Wednesday), the turf meeting at Newbury was abandoned. Today’s (Thursday) meetings at Exeter and Naas failed to pass morning inspections yesterday but Ffos Las is still on.

The Naas meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday with new entries by noon today. Fairyhouse on Saturday is currently unraceable and is doubtful, but Navan and Thurles on Sunday are hopeful. The ground at Punchestown is still unraceable for Monday but hopefully the thaw will arrive in time at the weekend.

Racing Review

At Cork on Sunday, the Grade 3 Stayers Novice Hurdle was won by the Henry de Bromhead trained Hiddenvalley Lake, at 9/2, with Rachael Blackmore in the saddle by 8l and a head from Cool Survivor and the favourite Monbeg Park. The connections were completing a double having won earlier with Arctic Bresil.

The Grade 2 EBF Mares Novice was won

in style by Colm Murphy’s Impervious from Dinoblue by 3l and the other Grade 2 race on the card went to the long odds-on favourite, 1/9, from the Willie Mullins yard Energumene who made every post a winning one in the hands of Paul Townend. Epson Du Houx was second and Born By The Sea third. Mullins and Townend were also winning on the double having won the first with Blood Destiny.

On Saturday, ITV 4 racing is covering five races from Ascot and two from Haydock if they beat the big freeze.

Racing News

Dubai Duty Free today announced an extension of their sponsorship of the Irish Derby day at the Curragh, which includes the Irish Derby and five additional races on the day. The race was won this year by the Ralph Beckett trained Westover. Prize money for the Group 1 Classic will increase from €1 million to €1.25 million in 2023. In 2023 the Derby will be run on a Sunday for the first time since 2011 on Sunday, July 2nd.

by Tom Red

The John Durkan Memorial Chase cancelled last weekend at Punchestown has been rescheduled for Monday next, with fresh entries for the race.

The Bective Stud Handicap Hurdle, part of last Saturday’s abandoned card at Navan, has been added to next Sunday’s card at the Co. Meath track. The Tara Handicap Hurdle, part of that abandoned Navan card, has been transferred to Punchestown’s fixture on New Year’s Eve.

Point-to-Point News

Only Borris House survived he cold spell last weekend with the cancellation of the meetings at Tattersalls and Boulta. Rob James made the most of the nine-race card with a four-timer aboard Miss Oreo, Iorangi De L’Isle, Welcom To Cartries and Clody Flyer. Both the abandoned meetings have been refixed for next Sunday with an inspection for both meetings on Saturday and an 11 am start.

The next point-to-point meeting is at Dromahane outside Mallow in Co. Cork on the 30th December.

Short putts

Carrick

The Parent Club AGM takes place at 7 pm on December 18th at the clubhouse. All members are invited to attend and notice of motions is posted on the noticeboard in the clubhouse.

Last Thursday, the Seniors had their Christmas Party Presentation of outstanding prizes. The results were as follows: John O’Mahony 45 points; Sean Gilmartin 43 points; Robbie Donaldson 42 points; Sean Martin 38 points; Gerry Fitzgerald 37points; Cat 1: PJ Sharkey 37points; Cat 2: Kevin O’Rourke 36 points; Cat 3: Seamus Mulhern 36 points; Front 9: Brendan Lynch 20 points; Back 9 Pascal McGuire. The Golfer of the Year was Albert Hogg. Albert had 380 points, an average of 38 points, and he was three ahead of Paddy Duffy in second place.

Matchplay winner was Sean Duignan. The prize was sponsored by PJ Sharkey of Foxford Woolen Mills and we’d like to thank them for their generous sponsorship. Runner-up was Chris Lowe.

There was one Hole in One this year from Michael Duignan who aced the 13th hole on Thursday, July 21st during the Lady Captain’s Prize to Seniors. When asked afterwards what club he used, he said it was “a flick of a wedge!” Michael won Cat 2 on the day with 43 points.

Roscommon

Tom Óg O’Brien won the Men’s 15-hold competition on December 4th with 37 points. Padraig Kelly was runner-up with 36, Eamon Mulry was third with 36, and Paul Hoare took the Gross prize with 23. The Ladies’ 9-hole competition was won by Mary Lalor with 19 points.

The Senior Men’s competition last week was won by S. Byrne with 31 points. Other results: Cat 1: N. Sharkey (31); Cat 2: K. Madden (29); Cat 3: P. Finneran (31); Cat 4: M. Relihan (29).

The Senior Ladies’ competition was won by June Halliday with Jackie Maxwell second and Joan Moran third.

McDermott’s top of the tree!

McDermott’s sit top of the Hannon’s Hotel sponsored Roscommon Darts League following the latest round of matches.

McDermott’s were 5-3 winners over Village Inn in their rescheduled sixth round match, and 6-2 winners over Cosy Bar in round seven to lay down a marker ahead of round eight this weekend.

Flanagan’s won the rescheduled round four game against Hollywood (5-3) while Spells were 7-1 winners over Hollywood in round seven.

The Village Inn, meanwhile, were 6-2 winners over Holly Tree last weekend and the game between Flanagan’s and Dalton’s was postponed.

All this means that McDermott’s top the table on 32 points, followed by An Bothar Rua (30), Holly Tree (29), and Village Inn (27). Next up are Spell’s (25), followed by Flanagan’s and The Cosy Bar (both 22), and then The Hollywood (12) and Dalton’s (12).

This weekend’s fixtures (Round 8): McDermott’s v An Bothar Rua; Hollywood v Dalton’s; Village Inn v Cosy Bar; Holly Tree v Spells; Flanagan’s bye.

Christmas Singles this Sunday It’s that time of year again with the Annual Christ-

mas Singles Competition being played in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday, December 18th. This competition is open to Roscommon League and Youth players only, with a €10 entry fee for adults and €5 entry for youths. Names are to be in by 3.15 pm sharp, with the draw at 3.30 pm and games to begin at 4 pm sharp. Prize money will be money in/money out plus €200. There will be an open draw after every round and the format is best of 9x501 up to the board finals. Quarter-finals and semi-finals are best of 11x501. Final is best of 13x501. All welcome to one of the most enjoyable darts events of the year!

Team 4, Jackie Maxwell, June Halliday and Marina Cribbon (96 points) are leading the way midway through the Ladies’ Winter League. They are followed closely Team 2, Kay Condon, Bernie Maher and Catherine Waldron on 94 points. There is still plenty to play for as the top four teams qualify for the next stage of matchplay. Scores from the months of December and January will be amalgamated.

There was a lovely social evening in the clubhouse last Sunday evening to get the Christmas festivities started. Mulled wine and mince pies were served by Michael Cleary and staff. The Ladies’ Bird Tree winners were also presented on the night. Thanks to Sheila Fallon and Joan O’Gara for sponsoring the competition and to everyone who was involved in organising the event.

Pictured at Carrick Golf Club (left to right) were Sean Martin Captain Carrick Seniors, Sean Duignan winner of Seniors Matchplay, and PJ Sharkey, sponsor, Foxford Woollen Mills.

(News from local golf clubs)

A snow covered Punchestown last Sunday.

On the Newmarket gallops last Tuesday morning.

Convention 2022: Finances stable but challenging times ahead

< SEAMUS DUKE

The 2022 Roscommon County Board Convention took place in the Abbey Hotel on Tuesday evening. Those in attendance were informed that while finances remain in a healthy position, Roscommon GAA could be faced with a number of serious challenges going forward in relation to rising costs and the development of Dr. Hyde Park.

€4m Hyde Park to continue ‘in phases’

In a wide-ranging address to convention, Chairperson Brian Carroll addressed a number of issues that the County Board will have to deal with in the short-term, especially with regard to Dr. Hyde Park and the proposed Centre of Excellence.

Commenting on proposed upgrades at Dr. Hyde Park, the Chairperson said: “We had a €4m project ready to go. Planning permission was fully granted and we had €1m of our own money and had secured a loan of €2m and were hoping to get €1m from the GAA nationally and at Connacht level but they were not in a position to come up with that funding. The result is that we will have to divide up the project into phases now”.

The Chairperson outlined a number of separate issues that require attention on Dr. Hyde Park.

“There are a number of issues in the main stand with regard to the roof and the seating. The perimeter wall around the stadium will also have to be rebuilt and then there is a safety issue with the concrete seats in front of the stand,” he said.

“We will either have to replace those seats or take them out of use altogether. We will have to replace all the seats in the main stand and we also hope to put in new dugouts as well and a new electronic scoreboard.

“We are hoping to start those works as early as January 2023. We have received funding of €225,000 from the GAA for seating in the stand and a Government grant of €117,000”.

Progress has also been made in the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence: “We have a deposit paid for the land and we will now meet with Roscommon County Council with regard to planning,” he continued.

“Phase one will include the provision of three fully floodlit pitches and ancillary buildings as well which will provide badly needed facilities for all our county players. We have also

kitted out a gym at Lanesboro Road, Roscommon at a cost of €250,000”.

With regard to the performance of the Roscommon senior team in 2022, he said that it was “a year of two halves”.

“The league campaign was very good and the highlight was winning the Division Two title in Croke Park, beating AllIreland finalists Galway,” he said.

“However, our championship campaign wasn’t so good. While we beat Sligo, we were a little bit off and while we didn’t play well in the Connacht final we were still in the game with five minutes to go. All you can say about the Clare game is that we had it won and we still managed to lose it. That result put a dampener on the seniors’ year”.

Carroll also praised all players that put on a Roscommon jersey and put in the effort to train and take pride in the Primrose and Blue. He praised the efforts of all clubs and especially Pádraig Pearses and St. Faithleach’s, who won Connacht titles at senior and intermediate grades this year.

He congratulated the fixtures committee and looked forward to the new senior championship structure in 2023.

“We will need all clubs and especially those in the south of the county to put their shoulders to the wheel to make this new format a success,” he said.

He praised the efforts of Treasurer David O’Connor and Club Rossie who have ensured that the finances of the board are in a healthy state.

“There will be another fundraising draw coming in 2023 and we will want all clubs to cooperate to ensure that it’s another success,” he added.

The Chairperson concluded by thanking all the officers for their work and wished administrator Stephen Ormsby the best of luck as he leaves the post in the next few weeks for pastures new.

Costs continue to rise

Treasurer David O’Connor presented his annual report to the convention, and said the County Board’s finances continue to be in a healthy position while the accounts for 2022 showed a small loss of €14,151 over the year.

Those figures do not include gate receipts from the county senior football final which saw a bumper crowd attend the match between Strokestown and Boyle. Gate receipts were well up in 2022 rising to over €300,000 following two tough years of Covid-19.

Team administration expenses went up from €513,052 in 2021 to €1,007,012 in 2022 and that figure includes travelling expenses of €436,300.

The accounts show that a deposit of €47,500 has been paid for lands outside Roscommon town for the new Centre of Excellence. The total purchase price for the land is €480,000.

The auditor, in her report, noted that costs continue to rise

and this is a continuing concern for the County Board. However, the cash at bank heading was still healthy and that, she said, will be very positive when it comes to capital projects in the future.

Treasurer David O’Connor said in terms of finance, serious challenges lay ahead for the County Board.

“Team and player expenses continue to grow and with all

other costs increasing in the general economy, it could prove to be a major problem going forward,” he said.

“It has been December 2020 since we had a major fundraiser and Pat Compton and his committee will have proposals for another major fundraiser for 2023 and we will all have to put the shoulder to the wheel to make that a success,” he concluded.

Connacht Council appointments

There was just one election as four candidates stood for two positions on the Connacht Council following Hugh Lynn’s appointment as Connacht Council PRO. The candidates were Enda Walsh (Kilbride), Gerry Keegan (Creggs), John Carty (St. Aidan’s) and Seamus Nugent (Kilglass Gaels).

The total poll was 137 with the quota of 46. The first count result was: John Carty 38, Gerry Keegan 31, Seamus Nugent 40, and Enda Walsh 28 (eliminated). Second count: John Carty (+18) 56, Seamus Nugent (+6) 46, and Gerry Keegan (+4) 35. Therefore, John Carty and Seamus Nugent were elected.

Club Rossie fundraiser

Chairperson of Club Rossie, Pat Compton, informed the convention of their latest fundraiser in 2023. There will be a draw for a prize fund of €200,000 with €100,000 first prize with a number of lower cash prizes on offer too. The target will be to gross €500,000 and it is hoped to make a profit of €250,000.

A professional marketing company will be employed to assist in the promotion of the draw. The official launch will take place at Roscommon’s first home league game against Tyrone on January 29th. Sales will be all online. Tickets will cost €50 each with three for €100. The draw will be held on the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Roscommon GAA Chairman Brian Carroll pictured presenting the Junior ‘A’ Football Championship trophy to Pádraig Pearses captain James Kelly earlier this year. Pic: Mick McCormack

Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon