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Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

The Christmas Party that was (or wasn’t) …and mixed views on 2021! I see Boris is in trouble – again! I feel so sorry for him! You’re joking! Such misunderstandings can so easily happen… Well hold on a mo…did YOU have a Christmas staff party in your office last year? Eh…not to my knowledge! But you’reACCIDENT the boss! CYCLING Look, I’ve checked this out, and I’ve been assured that IF there was a Christmas party If you wereoffice, involved a cycling were adhered to! in my allinguidelines accident contact But…YOU MUST KNOW? Byrne Like I say, Carolan I’ve received assurances! And I Cunningham Solicitors think what’s important now is that we move on! But that’s not good enough! DID YOUR OFFICE HAVE A CHRISTMAS PARTY LAST YEAR? Okay, I can see you’re not going to give up! So…now you’ll tell me? Eh…I’m launching an investigation! And heads will roll if there was any breaching of guidelines! Oh dear…you sound just like… (They pause to check if all four Irish provinces have won in the rugby; they have) Anyways, can’t wait for 2021 to end… Mmnn… The lockdowns, the misery, Afghanistan, climate change, every effort to emerge from the pandemic quashed by new variants…sheer despair! Ah well, at least… AT LEAST WHAT? At least we’re still here to tell the tale! Fair enough…still…WHAT A MISERABLE TALE! I know…but we’re resilient! 2021…I’m sick of it! If I hear another scientist or epidemiologist on the radio or

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

TV, I’ll go mad! What about a Professor of Immunology? Same thing! I mean, where were they before this? Well, we didn’t need them…not in full public glare, at least! Spare a thought for the old current affairs show regulars…they haven’t had a look in since these professors and scientists emerged from the woodwork! Huh? Where’s Joan Burton? Willie O’Dea? At least Bernard Durkan’s still around! (They pause to check if Bernard Durkan – or ANYONE – has won that irritatingly stubborn €19m jackpot yet) What a year! I can’t wait to see the back of it!

What we didn’t like… The scenes at the end of the Connacht Club Senior Football semifinal when some MountbellewMoylough players surrounded (and jostled/shoved) referee Jerome Henry.

What PEOPLE are talking about

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

Didn’t like 2021… You said, you said! Still, some great sport: Katie Taylor, Leona Maguire, that win over the All Blacks, Pádraig Pearses! Yeah, ‘spose… And there’s so much to look forward to in January… Huh? Dancing with the Stars is coming back! Hello? Hello? Are you still there? HELLO?

The Roscommon Christmas Festival – a festival of music and fun, and also a celebration of the county town’s new-look Square – was a success at the weekend.

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

SOLICITORS

(They pause to imagine Trump returning in 2024, with Joe Exotic as his running mate)

What we liked…

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.

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It had its moments! Branson went to space! So did Shatner! Don’t talk to me about the rich and the powerful…cavorting in space! And Mayo took the big one! You’ve lost the plot! Not Sam, the White House! Joe Biden! Mmnn…. Tyrone romped to victory! Mmnn… The oldest swinger in town came back! Love Ronaldo! Not Ronaldo…Garth Brooks! Oh! We don’t have to worry about BS any more… Not true! IT’S ALL BS! Not THAT! Britney Spears! She was freed from her exile! Mind you, Joe Exotic wasn’t! Huh? Last January…President Trump didn’t pardon Joe Exotic – of Tiger King fame – he left him in prison! Now my mood’s even worse! Huh? The mention of THAT slippery dude! Joe Exotic? No, Donald not-very-exotic!

PIC OF THE WEEK: ‘Daddy Long-Legs’ pictured breathing fire at the Roscommon Christmas Festival, which took place in the new-look Square in Roscommon town square last Sunday. Bernie O’Farrell

Charlie Bird’s moving interview on the Late Late Show; Covid-19 and the growing threat of an Omicron wave; New protest by hauliers; A dramatic ending to the Formula 1 season, with Max Verstappen pipping Lewis Hamilton for the title in controversial circumstances; Pádraig Pearses reach the Connacht club football final; I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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NewsPeople

Roscommon man dies in Donegal crash The funeral of a young Roscommon man, who was killed in a road traffic collision in Donegal on Friday last, will take place this morning (Thursday). Finley Cole (19) from Brusna, Ballaghaderreen, died after a collision involving his motorcycle and a car shortly

before 2 pm on Friday afternoon at Railway Road, Killygordon. It is understood the young man had been living in Letterkenny. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to contact them. Any road users who may have camera foot-

age (including dash cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available. Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 0749167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111, or any Garda Station.

Crosby reiterates call for antigen test subsidy Cllr. Tom Crosby has alleged that some pharmacies and retailers have been charging “exorbitant prices” for antigen tests. He says this is unacceptable, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, a “very expensive time for any family”. Cllr. Crosby has reiterated his call for an immediate subsidy on the tests which he says are for sale at wildly varying prices countywide. Claiming that one outlet in the county had been charging thirty euro for a single antigen test, he said: “If we are to carry out antigen tests two or three times

a week on ourselves and our family members as currently advised, with a typical family being three or four people, this adds up to a serious amount of money per week and adds major financial pressure on the average household, making it neither sustainable or affordable. “True, larger supermarkets have been selling tests for reduced prices, but due to increased demand, many are currently out of stock. Either they need to get more in to meet the public’s demand or the Government needs to do a u-turn and introduce an immediate subsidy

on tests, especially in light of the arrival of the new Omicron strain”.

Supporters pictured at last Saturday’s Connacht LGFA Junior Final between St. Brendan’s and Eastern Harps at the Connacht Centre of Excellence. Pics: Peter Daly

Charity walk on St Stephen’s Day Western Alzheimer’s Roscommon voluntary committee is happy to announce that that their Charity Walk is set to take place on Stephen’s Day again this year, in line with Covid-19 restrictions. The walk will commence at 12 noon from Hannon’s Hotel. Online registration is

possible through ‘idonate’ the link, which can be found on Western Alzheimer’s Facebook page. Registration is also possible on the day from 11 am-12 pm. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, refreshments will not be served after the walk and participants are advised to bring their own water.

Kerrane raises home care crisis at Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/ Galway Claire Kerrane this week raised the staffing crisis within the home care sector in the Dáil. Taking Leaders’ Questions in place of Mary Lou McDonald in the Dáil on Wednesday (yesterday), Deputy Kerrane said: “Our most vulnerable citizens are being left waiting and waiting for home care. Across the state, 5,000 people have been approved for home care (and in some cases additional hours) but there are no home carers to provide that care. “This is absolutely unacceptable. Those waiting for home care are being left in an extremely vulnerable situation. Some are left in hospitals when they could be discharged home, others are being left in nursing homes, unable to get home and some are left struggling without this vital support in their own homes. This also means huge stress and worry for their families. “The level at which older people and our most vulnerable citizens are being failed has been exposed by a HIQA report published last night. The re-

port makes for very concerning reading. It calls for a ‘complete overhaul’ of home care services. “It is frightening that in 2021, there is no minimum standard of care when it comes to home care services. The Government need to move with urgency to introduce regulations and oversight in this sector. The Government also must act on the current staffing crisis and prioritise getting more staff into the system. If this does not happen, then we can have all of the Government announcements on additional home care hours but nobody to actually deliver them. “In our health area of Roscommon, Galway and Mayo, 660 people have been approved for

home care however, they are not receiving it due to the staffing crisis. “I would ask that the Government look at Community Employment and other schemes, this would be particularly useful in rural areas like Roscommon and Galway. There are currently over 2,000 vacancies for Community Employment, some of which are under community health. “It is a great shame that in 2021, we have older citizens unable to go home, the place where they want to be, to live in their own home and to be cared for and supported in doing so,” she said.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor Wednesday-Thursday Last week I finally caught up on the Netflix hit ‘After Life’, the comedy-drama written, produced and directed by Ricky Gervais, who is also the show’s star. Having watched all 12 episodes, my view is that while After Life is certainly not flawless, it’s very enjoyable. After Life is the story of Tony (played by Gervais), a newspaper reporter who is grieving following the death of his wife (Lisa). He is sad, lost, bitter and angry… the world his enemy. The show is very melancholic and touching (and beautifully shot). It’s often hilarious too, with some wonderful comic moments, Gervais supported by a great cast. With its consistently dark humour – trademark Gervais – After Life isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some of the humour is probably unnecessarily crude and offensive, and the central theme – Tony’s battles with his inner anguish, and with the unpleasant person it’s making him – ultimately became a touch tedious for this viewer. Is it really credible that a person’s grief would impact quite so much on their everyday life, and that they would treat people as badly as Tony initially does? It isn’t perfect, and some of the critics tut-tutted about After Life, but I think it’s touching, poignant, sentimental, inspirational at times… and often hilarious.

Friday I didn’t see the Late Late Show but it was quickly evident from the response on Twitter that the interview with Charlie Bird (and his wife, Claire) had been both heartbreaking and inspirational. I subsequently saw a few clips of the interview and it was certainly very, very moving. The veteran retired journalist – famous in his career heyday as a brilliant roving reporter with RTE – was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. His bravery, honesty, openness and humility has touched the entire

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

nation. (As an aside, Charlie has been in Roscommon quite a bit over the years. I recall him launching an edition of Roscommon Lions Club’s award-winning 4U magazine in Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, on which occasion he was extremely obliging and friendly. Back around 2013, he also presented an important edition of his Saturday afternoon radio show from Kilglass Community Centre, near Rooskey, covering the challenges facing rural Ireland). As he bravely faces his illness, he is speaking up for others, his message one of love and humanity. I wish Charlie and his family the very best.

public anger exacerbated by the emergence of a video showing Downing Street staffers laughing and joking about the alleged party. Arrogant, untrustworthy, unprincipled, reckless, and frequently displaying contempt for the truth, Johnson has up to now somehow kept the public onside with a mixture of charm, amiable buffoonery and eccentricity. Enough people just like him, and either ignore or condone the aspects of his character that others are unimpressed with (to varying degrees). But just now, the tide seems to be turning. Today’s poll result suggests the honeymoon is finally over for Boris.

Saturday Congratulations to excellent Roscommon senior football champions Padraig Pearses on progressing to the Connacht Senior Club Football Championship Final with a one-point win over MountbellewMoylough today. The Butler (Tom) delivered, he served up late drama, he lifted the lid on his club’s ambition, or whatever pun or play on his surname you are having yourself. When they won the County Final recently, I made the fairly self-evident point that Pearses are the real deal, a very formidable team with the self-confidence, skill, physicality, composure and maturity to be a major force for some time at club level and beyond. Watching them close out games, observing how they don’t panic, seeing their combination of football quality and power, leaves one in no doubt that this is a team with great ambition and one that will always leave everything out on the pitch. Both skilled and streetwise, they’re a nightmare for opponents. Not having seen the game, I can’t comment on criticism of the referee, but there is absolutely no justification for the very unpleasant (mercifully brief) scenes at the final whistle (which I saw on social media). A number of Mountbellew-Moylough players surrounded referee Jerome Henry in an intimidating manner, during which he was clearly pushed and shoved. In my opinion stewards could have reacted more

Monday

Ricky Gervais plays Tony in ‘After Life’.

quickly, but when they did, they offered good protection to the official and thankfully he was shielded from any further abuse.

Sunday Strange times…even some of Boris Johnson’s supporters are beginning to question their loyalty to him! The British Prime Minister’s long honeymoon period – based largely on ‘getting Brexit done’ – may finally be coming to an end. An opinion poll in The Observer newspaper confirms that the…ahem, party…may be over for Johnson. That is to say he is no longer riding a wave of public adulation (not that I think he’s finished or anything). His personal approval rating is down a

massive 14% on just two weeks ago. Over half of those polled want him to resign as PM, and Labour are suddenly soaring above the Conservatives (41% v 32%). While Johnson has never been far from controversy before or since becoming PM, it’s the handling of the Christmas party that was or wasn’t which has finally destabilised his support. It’s pretty clear to the entire world by now that some form of staff party (maybe even more than one) was held at Downing Street last Christmas. Such an event would have been in breach of Covid-19 guidelines. The Johnson Government’s denials and backpeddling on the issue in recent weeks has been an insult to people’s intelligence,

Russian President-forever Vladimir Putin has revealed that when times were hard for his family at a point in the early 1990s, he ‘moonlighted’ as a taxi driver. I can only imagine the conversations… Passenger: “Is it busy?” Putin: “Ah…mainly weekends”. Passenger: “Eh…what time are you on ‘til?” Putin (calls on main day job, i.e. KGB agent): “That remains to be determined”. Passenger (bit taken aback): “Ah sure this country’s a joke. I blame the Government, Yeltsin in fact! We need change!” Putin: “Mmnn…” Passenger: “I said we need change! We’re a basket case! You’re a taxi driver…you must have lots of opinions on the state of the nation? We need change!” Putin: “You have arrived at your destination. I can give you no more information. You must go! As for change, all I’ll say is if I was running the country…” (Passenger to friends afterwards: “Taxi driver who brought me here was very intense, I’m sure I heard him mumbling that he could do a better job than Yeltsin! Last thing he shouted was ‘I won’t be driving this taxi in ten years! I’ll be famous!’ Those taxi drivers, they really are characters!”)

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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Roscommon County Council | Tel. 090 6637100 | Email: info@roscommoncoco.ie | www.roscommoncoco.ie All offices of Roscommon County Council are now open to the public by prior appointment 9.30am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

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LOCAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME 2022 SCHEME FOR THE FUNDING OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO PRIVATE ROADS (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. Notice is hereby given to the provisions of Section 179 of of the and Development Act Applications hereby given pursuant to pursuant the provisions of Section 179 thePlanning Planning and Development Act 2000 are (asinvited from residents/users of private roads (non-public 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) that roads) who wish to participate in a scheme. Roscommon County Council ) and Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) that Roscommon County proposes to compile a prioritised list of Local Improvement Schemes which Roscommon County Council proposes carrying out the following works: oposes carrying out the following works: it is hoped will commence in 2022, subject to the availability of funding. Roscommon County Council’s grant aid for 2022 has not yet been announced.

Provision of an Outdoor Performance & Public Space at Somers Park,

sion of an Outdoor & Public Space at Somers Park, Castlerea to include: CastlereaPerformance to include: • The scheme is subject to strict criteria and conditions as set down • Paved hard surface and path ways with landscaping. by the Department of Rural and Community Development • Paved hard surface and path ways with landscaping. • Covered Performance Space, to be covered with a canopy type Structure. • The guidelines specify the local contribution from the landowners/ • Seating Covered Performance Space, to be covered 100 with apersons, canopy type Structure. • Permanent to accommodate approx. with additional persons local residents of between 10% and 15% of the overall cost must be paid before work commences • Permanent Seating to accommodate approx. 100 persons, with additional to be accommodated with temporary Seating. persons to be accommodated with temporary Seating. • Cabling and power points for 3-phase power and lighting. Eligible road projects are as follows: • Cabling and power points for 3-phase power and lighting. • Fully accessible picnic benches. • Road projects which provide access to parcels of land of which two • Fully accessible picnic benches. or more are owned or occupied by different persons engaged in • All associated Site & Ancillary Works. •

All associated Site & Ancillary Works

separate agricultural activities; or

• Road projects which provide access for harvesting purposes

priate Assessment screening report and Environmental Impact Assessment screening report in respect of theturf or seaweed) for two or more persons; or (including Appropriate Assessment report andfor Environmental Impact reportthat in a full EIAR is not ent haveAnbeen carried out andscreening are available inspection. TheAssessment reports screening concluded • Road projects which provide access to at least one parcel of land respect of the development have been carried out and are available for inspection. The reports concluded owned or occupied by a person engaged in agricultural activities and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment. a full EIAR is not required and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate and which separately provide access for harvesting purposes y person that considers that a development proposed to be carried out would be likely to have significant effects (including turf or seaweed) for at least one other person Assessment. vironment, he or she may, at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks beginning on the date of publication • In addition, works can be carried out on Amenity roads such as Wheretoany a development to be out woulddetermination be likely to have as to whether ice referred in person articleconsiders 81(2), that apply to An Bordproposed Pleanála forcarried a screening theroads leading to important community amenities such non-public significant effects on the environment, he or she may, at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks beginning as graveyards or other tourist/heritage sites ent would be likely to have such effects. on the date of publication of the notice referred to in article 81(2), apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have such effects.

Full details of the Local Improvement Scheme are available on

Restrictions Apply www.roscommoncoco.ie COVID 19 Restrictions Apply particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection (in the front windows only) at the online application form must be completed via My Online Services at: Plans and particulars of the proposed be available forTown. inspection (in the front window only)will beThe Roscommon County Council, Áras andevelopment Chontae, will Roscommon Plans and particulars available for https://roscommon-self.achieveservice.com. Please register, using your at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. Plans and particulars will be own email address, for My Online Services at www.roscommoncoco.ie (at a fee available not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) from 16th December 2021 to 20th January for purchase (at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) from 16th December before you begin. Incomplete online applications or late online applications usive, during hours (subject to prior appointment for collection due to Covid 19) will at the offices not be considered. 2021office to 20th January 2022 inclusive, duringagreed office hours (subject to prior agreed appointment for collection unity anddue Enterprise, Roscommon County and Council, Áras an Chontae, Town – telephone 09066 to Covid 19) at the offices of Community Enterprise, Roscommon CountyRoscommon Council, Áras an Chontae, may be made via My Online Services from 14th December Roscommon Town telephone 09066 37100. Plans and particulars of the development will also be onlineApplications ans and particulars of –the proposed development will also beproposed available for inspection on the RCC 2021. The closing date for receipt of completed online applications is 5pm on available for inspection online on the RCC website using the following link: sing the following link: Thursday 3rd February 2022. Any queries relating to the application process http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/!4GWPU3 or eligibility for the scheme should be emailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/!4GWPU3 Shane Tiernan Director of Services

ns or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning e development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing to the and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in ed on orwriting before 5pm on 3rd February to the undersigned on or before2022. 5pm on 3rd February 2022. Signed:Hunt - Majella Hunt Majella Director of Services Director of Services Áras an Chontae Áras an Chontae Roscommon Town Roscommon Town Email: mhunt@roscommoncoco.ie Email: mhunt@roscommoncoco.ie Date of Notice: 16th December 2020 Date of Notice: 16th December 2021

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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Cuddys storm back to make IFF Final! < DAN DOONER

Just when they appeared to have hit ‘the wall’, Roscommon’s Cuddy family came storming back to reach the final of RTÉ’s Ireland’s Fittest Family in last Sunday’s thrilling eliminator showdown. Having struggled through ‘the swamp’ in their first challenge last Sunday, Bernie, James, Lisa and Emma produced a remarkable turnaround when faced with a do-or-die showdown with the Bisset family from Dublin. Stuck at the bottom of the dreaded wall, the penultimate obstacle in the RTÉ show’s infamous ‘Eliminator’, Lisa Cuddy feared the worst. “I honestly thought I was never going to make it up over that wall,” she said. “We had a strategy which involved me performing a wall sit while the rest of them climbed over using my hands and shoulders. Lisa even managed to stand on my head at one point…but at least she was polite about it! “James was trying to lift me up with one arm but it was impossible. The Bissets already had three out of four at the top of the ramp at this stage and I thought we’d hear the buzzer and that’s where it was going to end”. The Cuddys’ teamwork came to the fore, however, and mum Bernie was on hand for vital support. “Mum grabbed James’ legs on the other side of the wall and that allowed him to balance and reach over to me with two arms. He basically bicep curled me over the wall and we all tumbled over the other side. At that stage, we had no choice and we just had to really go for it from there,” Lisa said. While the three Bisset siblings tried in vain to help dad, David, finish his Eliminator, the Cuddys never looked back. “It was very back and forth the whole way through, but our coach Anna Geary lit a fire un-

der us, and that drove us on for the last run up the ramp,” Lisa said. “Anna ran the whole thing with us and she was doing somersaults at the end of the ramp by the end. I think the fact we always stick together as a team got us through. It was such an incredible feeling and we were all so excited…but it was hard not to feel for the other family too. It’s really tough when it comes down to the ramp”. The Cuddys will now take their place in Sunday’s final as they bid to become ‘Ireland’s Fittest Family’ with the entire county once again glued to their television screens. “We’ve come so far and we’ve met so many lovely people along the way and the support we have received has been great too,” Lisa added. “The one thing we didn’t want was to be eliminated on the very first day…and then we became the first family with three females and one male to make the semi-finals. From day one, Anna and the producers were telling us we were the underdogs…but I think we’ve really shown them! “Now we’re down to the last episode…it has been hardship at times but it has also been an incredible experience. It’s been really hard not to talk about it, but lovely to watch it all back and read the messages of support too”. Their new-found fame has even resulted in the family making an important public appearance recently. “We were asked to switch on the Christmas lights in Kilteevan and that was so lovely especially seeing as it’s mum’s (Bernie) neck of the woods,” Lisa said. “With everything that’s been going on, it was something to enjoy and another bit of excitement”. *Find out how the Cuddys got in the Ireland’s Fittest Family Final this Sunday at 6.30 pm on RTÉ ONE.

COVID-19 Vaccines

You should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose if you are: • aged 50+ • a healthcare worker • aged 16+ with a high risk condition

50+ #ForUsAll

COVID-19 cases in the community are high. It is very important to get your COVID-19 vaccine booster when it is due. Without a booster, you are more at risk of serious illness if you get COVID-19.

When should I get my booster? You need to wait at least 3 months after your last vaccine dose.

How will I get my booster dose? If you’re in one of these groups: • Go to a walk-in vaccination clinic. Visit hse.ie/covid19vaccine for clinic times and locations. • You’ll get an appointment by text message from the HSE. If it doesn’t suit you can reschedule or go to a walk-in clinic. • Contact a participating pharmacy or GP. Visit hse.ie/covid19vaccine for a list of pharmacies in your area.

For more information visit hse.ie or freephone 1800 700 700

Walk-in clinics from December 20th HSE Vaccination Centres will be running extra walk-in clinics during the week of December 20th. Get your vaccine wrapped up before Christmas, and check hse.ie or HSE social media for clinic times and updates.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

The

D News page

Roscommon woman leads successful #Coldtober campaign! Roscommon town native, Ruth McCourt, played a leading role in Helplink Mental Health’s recent #Coldtober campaign, aimed at raising much needed funds and awareness for the Galway and Mayo-based counselling service. This week, Ruth spoke to the Roscommon People about the campaign, which raised a whopping €129,000. “I’m delighted with the overall success of #Coldtober! I joined Helplink Mental Health at the end of August to take on the part-time contract of Marketing and Fundraising Manager and to manage

the Coldtober campaign,” Ruth explained. “The campaign is about raising awareness of the importance of mental health services, and to help break the stigma in Ireland around mental health. “Last year, €15,000 was raised during the campaign, and my target for this year was to raise €30,000 and I’m delighted to say that the final amount is a whopping €129,000”. Ruth says the money raised has already been put to good use. “Four new counsellors have been hired to keep up with the demand for

the Helplink services since the initial promotion of Coldtober, and the money raised will go towards the overall running of the organisation, and to open a third office in Athlone for people in County Roscommon and the Midlands,” she said. “As well as managing the campaign I took part each day in a 7.30 am swim for the 31-day Sea Swimming Challenge. December is too cold for me so I’m taking a break after the hectic few months but I have developed a love for sea swimming over last 2 years and I can’t wait to get back to it in the New Year!”

Pictured are Lochlann Scott, CEO Helplink Mental Health; Ruth McCourt, Marketing and Fundraising Manager; and Sam O’Neill, Marketing Director and Board Member. Photo credit: Brad Anderson

€9,730 raised for sub-aqua groups after successful tractor and car run

Members of Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club at the sub-aqua centre in Lanesboro recently following their very successful tractor and car run which raised €9,300 for Lough Ree and Roscommon SubAqua Clubs.

A recent tractor and car run in aid of Lough Ree and Roscommon Sub-Aqua Clubs turned out to be a great success with around 100 vehicles taking part. The charity event on October 24th was organised by Mid Roscommon Vintage Club and a substantial amount of money was raised. Following the event, a cheque presentation of €9,730.00 was made to the two sub-aqua clubs in The Fireside Lounge, Clashaganny on Friday, November 12th. Members of the vintage club

visited Lanesboro on Sunday where they got a tour of the subaqua centre and viewed all the boats and equipment. A talk was given explaining the history of the club, which was founded in the 1990s and expanded in the 2000s. The club works closely with the Roscommon sub-aqua group and they are on call at all times to assist with rescuing people who get into difficulty in water related activity and also searching for victims of drowning accidents. To illustrate the importance

of the search and rescue teams, twice during the organising of the fundraiser, plans had to be put on hold as the sub-aqua members were called out on emergency search duties, which indicates their readiness and availability. As the members of the subaqua are volunteers and most of their income comes from fundraising, they were very thankful and appreciative of the gesture of the Mid Roscommon Vintage club for running the car and tractor event in aid of their groups.

‘Cultural Companions’ programme announced for County Roscommon Would you go to a lot more plays, films, shows, concerts, exhibitions or other events if you had someone to go with? There’s a thriving social and arts scene in County Roscommon to be enjoyed but maybe you need someone with

a shared interest to get you going. That’s where Cultural Companions comes in. Cultural Companions is a new programme in County Roscommon which will create local networks of people aged 50+ interested in

the arts and culture who accompany each other to plays, films, shows, concerts, exhibitions and other events. These like-minded people meet up regularly to go out together either with one other person or as part of a small group. The programme provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in a variety of events and cultural activities throughout the county while making new acquaintances along the way. The aim of Cultural Companions is to provide increased opportunities for older people to engage with Roscommon’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. It also addresses the issue of

social isolation amongst older people by facilitating their engagement in arts and cultural opportunities, and by also providing volunteer companions for encouragement and support. Cultural Companions is an Age & Opportunity Arts Initiative supported by Roscommon County Council’s Arts Office, Roscommon Volunteer Centre and Roscommon Arts Centre and will begin in spring 2022. If you would like to take part in or get involved with Cultural Companions, you can register your interest now with Shannette at 089219-9930 or manager@ volunteerroscommon.ie.

€3,000 raised for Hospice Picture shows Joe and Katie Waldron, Carrowbehy, Castlerea, presenting a cheque for the sum of €3,000 to Mayo Roscommon Hospice board member, John Murphy, outside the newly-opened

Hospice building in Roscommon town. The funds were raised by the couple from a Hospice Tea Day in memory of Katie’s aunt Imelda Murphy (nee Sloyan). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

A Government of Ireland initiative

Think before you meet up.

R.S.V.P. Risk, Symptoms, Venue, People.

Stay safe and enjoy Christmas this year. Ask yourself the questions and assess your level of risk at gov.ie/riskaware #BeRiskAware

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

Thank God there’s life outside the M50! Our man Frank on traffic jams in Dublin, a very successful weekend for provincial and local rugby teams, and tales of a crafty fox in Peru…

It’s Friday afternoon and for Carol and I, there is a bit of unusual anticipation in the air. For the first time in a couple of months, we are undertaking a journey to somewhere other than a doctor’s surgery or a hospital. We are heading off to Dublin to visit our daughter Lisa, her husband Brian, and our granddaughter Riley – who has just spent five more days of her short life in Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Thankfully Riley is fine, and we were looking forward to seeing them all again just a few short days after the latest

Covid-related changes to the social scene. With so many Christmas parties cancelled, I wasn’t expecting too much traffic on the roads, rather a nice, quiet, and relaxed trip to the city. Nothing could have been further from the truth, however, and as I turned into the Pat McDonagh Plaza in Kinnegad, I was amazed at the huge numbers of both cars and people that were present. After a welcome break and a little refreshment, we once again hit the road and headed for Dublin. We were heading just north of the airport (a journey that saw us travel on the M50) and for all of those unlucky workers who have to use the M50 to go to work everyday, I really wish to express my heartfelt sympathy. As we headed northbound, we could see that there were two accidents on the other side. For at least four or five miles, traffic was at a complete standstill

with no forward movement possible. An unfortunate ambulance driver was trying to make headway through the gridlock, but just like all the rest of the stranded motorists, was making absolutely no progress. The sad thing is that there is hardly a day that goes by that such traffic chaos doesn’t take place, so all I can say is God help all those poor motorists, and thank Him for the peace and tranquillity of rural living. Later that evening, Lisa and Carol ventured to a local Tesco store but when they got there, could barely get in with all the people queuing in the alcohol section. I have said it before, but why the Government always sees fit to hit the pubs’ and the nightclubs’ opening hours makes no sense at all. Based on the evidence in Tesco, people are just stocking up and drinking at home, and

Creggs bring home the cup … well almost! It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned sport of any kind, but after the weekend of rugby that we just had, I just couldn’t let it pass! The Heineken Cup matches, which saw marvellous victories for all four Irish provinces, were topped off on Sunday when Creggs won the Cawley Cup for the fourth year in a row. Leinster’s win over a previously winless Bath side was totally expected, but Ulster’s victory in Clermont, and Connacht’s big win over Stade Francais in the Sportsground were both brilliant and thoroughly deserved. However, the story of the round has to be the extraordinary performance by Covid-ravaged Munster against Wasps, which took place over the water in Coventry. A team comprising of a handful of battle-hardened internationals, along with a number of young academy players pulled off one of the great Munster victories of all time. And when you consider the amazing history the southerners have in the competition, that is some statement. One of the stalwarts of Irish rugby for a long time now has been Peter O’Mahony, but in my opinion – despite all his renowned heroics for both Munster and Ireland – his display on Sunday eclipsed anything he has ever done before. His outrageous try-saving tackle in the first three minutes set the tone, and while getting great help from the other seasoned internationals, he set the example, which brought an unbelievable response from every one of the youth players. What happens to those young academy players from now on is anybody’s guess, but there is no

Peter O’Mahony

doubt that each and every one of them will remember December 12th, 2021 for the rest of their natural lives. You would think that following this, all would be happy in my rugby world – and you would mostly be right. However, while delighting in Connacht’s win, I wonder why our Cawley Cup Final was fixed for 4.30 pm on a wet and wild winter’s evening in Galway. I don’t know if Connacht’s game had anything to

judging by the party that was taking place in a house over the road, all Covid regulations are being completely ignored. There seems to be no limit to the numbers that are let into private parties, and no attempt to impose any of the safety measures either. On Saturday night, I had a couple of pints in each of the two pubs in Creggs – Joe Dolan’s and Mikeen’s – and I felt perfectly safe in each of them as regards Covid. I don’t think I would have felt the same way if I had ventured into the unsupervised house party in Dublin…the fact that I wasn’t invited would have had nothing to do with it! Anyway, we had a lovely overnight stay in Dublin. Thankfully, even though the M50 was still pretty busy when we headed back west on Saturday morning, there were no crashes or tailbacks.

do with the timing, but if it had, I wouldn’t agree with it. There are no Creggs or Castlebar players on the Connacht panel (to my knowledge), so why not play our final at the normal 2.30 pm time? Anyway, the good news is that Creggs won. I couldn’t make it, but as I reacted to the news that we had the cup, I was saddened to note that in recent years, the old tradition of bringing the silverware back to the village seems to have died. I know rugby is a bit different to the local parochial GAA scene. After all, Creggs is the only club in Roscommon and our players are drawn from different areas, but they are all proud and happy to be associated with Creggs RFC, and are delighted to wear the maroon and white. But some of the best and most enjoyable nights of my life centred around returning to Creggs with various cups, the bonfires blazing as we entered the village. It was a chance for players and officials alike to mingle with our local supporters, who, after all, are the lifeblood of the club. Even though circumstances dictated that I couldn’t get to Galway on Sunday, I certainly would’ve enjoyed welcoming the victorious team back to the village, and maybe even having a pint or two to celebrate. Sadly it wasn’t to be, but if/when we win the next Connacht trophy, hopefully it will put in an appearance in our little village, where it really belongs. In case you think I’m a sour old Grinch – nothing could be further from the truth. I am happy, proud, and delighted for all involved in this latest success!

Finally for this week … One of the things you learn very early on in the second-hand furniture business is that everything may not be exactly as it seems. The antique sideboard that has been in the family for more than 200 years may be from the 1990s, and the chest of drawers that is guaranteed to be woodworm-free may have a thousand little holes on the back, carefully filled with wood filler and painted over to look as if they were never there at all. Recently, a story from Peru concerning a family’s pet dog caught my attention, as it proved that it’s not only second-hand car dealers and furniture retailers that can stretch the truth a little! Maribel Soleto bought a new pup from a pet shop in Lima, called him ‘Run Run’, and brought him home to her neighbourhood where he played happily with the other dogs in the estate. However, as Run Run grew up, he showed a great flair for chasing and killing hens and ducks. Gradually, he angered the local community. Eventually, it emerged that the pet dog was in fact an Andean Fox who had been sold as a purebred puppy. However (proving that “cute as a fox” is no idle talk), the newly outed fox ran away before he could be caught.

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 The Roscommon Drama Festival is set to make a welcome return to the Arts Centre next year. It will run from Friday, March 4th, until Saturday, March 12th. This festival, which showcases the very best in Irish amateur drama, has become synonymous with sell-out crowds, top-quality Drama and entertainment of the

highest quality. The adjudicator of the Festival is Geoff O’Keeffe, a theatre director and actor as well as a drama adjudicator, who has worked extensively on the Irish circuit. Drama groups from all over Ireland will be participating as they attempt to make it to the All-Ireland Drama Finals. We

Tom and Edwina Holian pictured in Ennis on Sunday with the All-Ireland Best Actor Award Tom received for his performance in ‘A Galway Girl’.

are promised nine great nights of dramatic entertainment. Tickets are on sale from December 2nd at a cost of €95 (all nights), €60 (any five nights), or €15/€13 (individual nights). Booking at Roscommon Arts Centre, telephone: 090 6625824. The festival is supported by Roscommon Leader Partnership.

Sean and Mary Cox pictured in Ennis following Roscommon Drama Group’s success at the All-Ireland One-Act Drama Festival.

- ADVERTORIAL

Win an Audi with St. Aidan’s GAA!

Chairman Aidan Thompson. “First and foremost is the link with our charity partners, Make-a-Wish Ireland and Mayo-Roscommon Hospice. These two incredible organisations have impacted the lives of several families locally in a hugely positive way, and anyone who knows about them knows the wonderful work they do,” he said. “The allure of a brand new Audi A3 S-line is a huge attraction for many people too. We know there are lots of similar draws to ours, but a top-of-the-range Audi, a marque that Irish people love and trust, appeals to young and old alike. People want to be in the draw themselves, they know that a ticket can go in someone’s Christmas stocking and give people something to dream about in early January, and most of all, even if they’re not drawn out, they’re supporting a community club and two fantastic charities,” Aidan concluded. To buy your ticket and support Make-a-Wish Ireland, Mayo-Roscommon Hospice and St. Aidan’s GAA club, just log on to https://winanaudi.ie/.

Win an Audi with St. Aidan’s GAA Club! To buy your ticket and support Make-a-Wish Ireland, MayoRoscommon Hospice and St. Aidan’s GAA club, just log on to https://winanaudi.ie/.

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To those that live in Ballyforan, Four Roads, Dysart or Mount Talbot, the reasons to support St. Aidan’s GAA Club and in particular their ‘Win an Audi’ fundraiser are easy to see. Aside from providing games and facilities for boys and girls, women and men, across all the various GAA codes, the club has always been strongly focused on serving the wider community. This happens through initiatives such as committing to the GAA’s Healthy Club Programme, leading to initiatives such as Fit 4 Life, making the entire club ground a non-smoking venue, and other programmes in local schools to encourage healthy living. The club’s walking track and general facilities are available to a wide range of community groups, inside and outside the parish, and that’s why there is a huge drive to add to the club’s facilities by way of the addition of extra floodlighting, upgrading the walking track, and the addition of a ball wall. However for those outside the parish, winanaudi. ie offers two big attractions, as explained by club

St. Aidan’s GAA Club Development

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Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Soaring energy costs: The future’s not exactly merry and bright… We’ve all had experiences over the past year regarding energy suppliers who have significantly hiked their prices. In fact, at the beginning of this month, SSE Airtricity announced an increase to its standard household electricity and gas prices leading to a typical domestic bill (yours and mine), to climb by an average of 9 per cent. Blamed by providers on the ‘sustained increases in wholesale energy costs’, these worrying price hikes will see already financiallystressed Roscommon families like mine shelling out an extra €1,000 over the coming year, placing everyone in a very difficult situation. The Government’s paltry response (sorry, gesture) was to dole out €100 worth of credit… payable directly to providers in the New Year! What an insult – not just to our pockets, but to our intelligence as well! Why? Because, the last time I looked, the ESB was stateowned, meaning the Government is essentially giving €100 with one hand and snatching it back with the other! Besides, when you think about it properly, that money is not actually the Government’s to give. The powers-that-be don’t have any funds of their own. What they do have though are our taxes, so to that end, it’s cash they’ve already

collected from us that they’re now very ‘generously giving back!’ The cheek! Let me put it to you another way, readers. Our leaders’ so-called benevolence kind of smacks of when our kids were small and we, d’mammies, would slip them a tenner to go out and buy us a mother’s day gift. The little munchkins didn’t earn or save that

Thank you for your support and feedback! I’d like to say how overwhelmed and humbled I am by the lovely readers who have responded so positively to my piece regarding the anti-vaxxers and Covid-deniers among us. I think it’s fair to say that I may have read the room correctly. Given the text messages, DMs on social media, the virtual ‘high-fives’ in the street and in a supermarket queue, it seems the majority of you agree with me that this ‘culture war’ regarding Covid must come to an end. For anyone who’s interested, walk-in clinics are open for vaccinations and boosters. You don’t need an appointment, however in order not to be standing for hours in the cold or be disappointed, log onto hse2.ie before setting off. From my own research on this site at the time of writing, I notice Roscommon’s clinic is located at Kilbride Community Centre, Ballinderry, Fourmilehouse. This facility is open right up until Christmas Eve, and there are parking facilities on site. Stay safe, stay well, and if you’re not wearing a mask, please stay away from me!

tenner, but we handed it to them to enable them to buy us a pressie. Ergo, we bought our own pressies with our own money. Bless their innocence. But they were our kids…our leaders are meant to be intelligent adults, and there’s absolutely no justification for them trying to hoodwink us into believing they’re being compassionate towards us.

Micheál and Leo are behaving more like Bonnie and Clyde! This pair, along with Sleeping Beauty Eamon, isn’t even ‘crediting’ our bank accounts with this money, allowing us to spend it how we wish. Nay, by allocating it directly to energy providers, they’re ensuring it goes straight back into their own coffers. I don’t know about you readers, but

See you at ‘the reek’ Charlie Every day, as I walk my 5km, I exchange a greeting with the lovely people in my community who are also out walking or jogging. These are people who (like me) are doing their best to remain fit and healthy in a bid to extend our lives and hopefully put off the inevitable. And fair play to them…to us. There’s a strong belief right across society, that if we exercise and consume so-called ‘superfoods’, we will reduce the threat to both our physical and our mental health. However, watching respected former RTÉ veteran reporter Charlie Bird on last week’s Late Late Show speak so eloquently and openly about his MND (Motor Neurone Disease) diagnosis, I was reduced to tears, because it brought home the fact that we can only do so much, and nature will inevitably take its course. We all know that life has a natural end – indeed we often take this fact for granted. But it’s only when we witness this bravest of brave souls emotionally detailing his deteriorating condition that we come to realise

none of us can out-manoeuvre our mortality. That said, I believe in order for us all – walkers, runners, joggers, couch potatoes etc. – to face our fate, we must have the courage to live our lives. Devastatingly, this sometimes means being dealt a rotten hand, plunging us into a situation beyond our control. Charlie Bird has that courage in abundance. In typical no-nonsense style, refusing to give up, Charlie, who has served this nation for 38 years, made us all a promise. He tweeted: ‘If I am still mobile in the spring, I will climb Croagh Patrick to highlight MND and other terminal illnesses. You’re all invited to join me. I love you all’. We love you too Charlie. Your kindness and wisdom is an inspiration to us all. I hope and pray this nation gets firmly behind you, and come the spring, we will turn up in our thousands to climb that climb with you and the amazing Ms. Vicky Phelan. See you at ‘the reek’!

Charlie Bird

I have a huge issue with being told how I can spend my hardearned wages. Like everyone else, I struggle to pay my energy bills. I’m terrified to open them when they arrive. Therefore, as hikes of this magnitude and frequency have reached a point where they’ve now become unsustainable, my reaction to the €100 is not one of relief, rather it’s to devise a long list of places where this Government can stick their pathetic, pitiful and contrived publicity stunt. We’re living in one of the most developed countries in the world, yet the future is not exactly merry and bright – especially given the fact that this Government has issued warnings around energy shortages leading to possible blackouts this winter. In a time of crisis (including a pandemic), we’re being forced to cough up and pay over the odds for an essential service we may or may not receive, while at the same time, quietly swallow the fact that minted suppliers are licking their lips as they rake in the profits. Sound right? Methinks Micheál and pals need to do one of two things over the Christmas holidays: A, come up with answers regarding this latest energy rip-off and fix it, or B, start updating their CVs.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

J.C. Doorly’s - The Corner House celebrates 150 years in business! Located on Castle Street in Roscommon town, J.C. Doorly’s – The Corner House, celebrates 150 years in operation this year. Owned and operated as a general merchant store from 1871 by James Charles Doorly and later by his son John Joe Doorly, J.C. Doorly’s later traded as a grocers, off-licence and snug, run by Hal and Marie Doorly until it was taken over by their son John in the late 1990s. Due to the decline in small grocery stores, in 2001 John and Eileen Doorly converted the premise into the modern-day pub, which became well-known for Irish traditional music and hosted many renowned local and national musicians over the years. Mostly recently, during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, they undertook renovation work to open the new ‘Tap Room’ bar to the rear of the premises. The name of the new bar is a nod to days gone by when Hal and previous generations used the room to tap and bottle barrels of Guinness, which had been delivered from St. James’ Gate, Dublin.

The opening of the new bar coincides with J.C. Doorly’s 150th anniversary in business. Although the last couple of years have been difficult ones for the hospitality industry, we hope that 2022 will see a return to normal trading. We would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support throughout the years. We would have liked to have celebrated the 150th

anniversary and opening of the Tap Room but unfortunately that was not possible due to Covid restrictions. However, we would like to wish everyone a very happy and health Christmas and New Year. J.C. Doorly’s owners from 1871 to 2021: James Charles Doorly (moved to Roscommon town from Oran); John Joe Doorly; Hal Doorly, and current owner, John Doorly.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

Ballyleague man has ‘energy’ for quest to replace lost jobs locally One of the most exciting projects to gain from the Just Transition Fund, set up by the Government to support the rebirth of economic development in Bord na Mona communities in Roscommon, is being carried out by John Hanley, FDT Consulting Engineers & PM Ltd. John is a native of the Ballyleague area and his family runs a hardware business and the busy private marina in Ballyleague. The study he has worked on was to investigate how a technology cluster could be established in Lanesborough/Ballyleague, one that might integrate with clean energy sources and focus on the bio-economy and integrating enterprises from a circular economy perspective. This project is quite technical, but in brief, it really is all about scoping out the future of energy production in the town and is being supported by the Government’s Just Transition Fund to the tune of 101,703 euro. It also has huge potential to help rebuild the core of the economic development of Lanesborough and Ballyleague. I’ve seen John present some of his findings on future projects that could include technologies such as energy creation by using hydrogen as a power source. One really hopes the ESB and officials from the Department of the Environment and Climate Change are going to seize on his fantastic work and move this on with a view to helping to create jobs locally. It can’t be let sit on a shelf in the Department. There’s several hundred thousand euro more tied up in six other Just Transition Fund feasibility projects in the BallyleagueLanesborough area at the moment and I think it’s fair to say there is serious variety across them. A study to examine the potential establishment of an anaerobic digestion facility on lands on the current site of Lough Ree Power has been allocated 85,000 euro. Energy creation is at the heart of this project too, and while the format for the proposed Lanesborough facility is not even decided, there are lots of these digesters already popping up around the country, including one I know of in Nurney, County Kildare. Adjacent to a connected pig farm there, Green Generation harnesses natural microbial activity to break down organic waste into biogas and an organic fertiliser by-product. Half of the biogas is used to produce renewable electricity which is sent to the national grid so there will be close interest in what comes out of this feasibility study when it is finished in Ballyleague and Lanesborough. Down the road from Ballyleague there’s another 5-star project in the making. The ‘Cloontuskert Visitor Centre and Organic Farm Feasibility & Design Study’ is the impressive title. The Cloontuskert Bord na Mona Machinery works, located just north of Ballyleague beside the Abbey (Cloontuskert) housing estate, is at the centre of this plan. It’s a collection of

The old hostels or ‘billets’ which housed Bord na Mona workers for many years.

industrial buildings on the edge of the bog which formed a machinery repair and storage depot for the bord and is adjoining a very historic site in the area – the old accommodation blocks dating back to the original development of the site in the first half of the 20th century which today serve as a reminder of all the men who came to work from all over Ireland (responding to those famous Bord na Mona ads in the ‘60s). These visitors lived in what locals called ‘the hostels’ or ‘the billets’ on the edge of the bog in those early years. This feasibility and design study will explore the creation of an educational and interactive, audio visual, and virtual reality visitor experience which will bring tourists to the region. It’s really a bit of a transport museum with some fantastic local living heritage. You can picture an old bagger on the site with a few yanks asking the guide what they were used for in the bog in ten years time. Hopefully they will learn all

A famous Bord na Mona jobs’ advertisement from the 1960s.

about the first trackways across the bogs and all of the eventual industrial development of the bogs that took place afterwards. It will also educate visitors on the programme to return the bogs to their medieval wetlandwildlife habitat. 212,500 euro has been allocated to the initial stages. Thousands of acres of the old bog itself in that area are at the centre of the next project on the list. Known as the ‘Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park Greenway’, this elaborate plan is all about carrying out a design study for what could be described as a brand new national park for the country – a vast area of peatland that is situated on both sides of the Shannon but which when combined is akin to a massive walking and nature site, making up what I would describe loosely as something reminiscent of the moors in the UK. Another 102,000 euro of this funding is being used to do a preliminary design and environmental assessment of the possible walking and cycling trails elsewhere within BnM bogs in County Roscommon up to statutory consent stage. The cost also includes the full stage consultancy service for conversion of the old Kilnacarrow railway bridge which will presumably link the walkers and trekkers on their way from places like Clondra and the Royal Canal with Sliabh Bawn and beyond. It’s a super plan but an awful lot of money is going to be needed to complete it and link it all up. Next we go south from the Abbey to the pier at the Waterways Ireland marina in Ballyleague where JTF project No. 88 – the Lough Ree Bay Boardwalk Feasibility Study (Strand 1 project) – is located. This project has its roots in the town of Drumshanbo in County Leitrim which has already installed a beautiful wooden structure for walking along the lake on the edge of the town. 76,500 euro has been set aside by the fund

In association with: LOUGH REE ACCESS FOR ALL

for a feasibility study for a Lough Ree Bay Boardwalk to create access to Lough Ree Bay and shoreline, including environmental assessment and detailed design to underpin the tourism potential. I know this site personally as it’s only a stone’s throw from my home. While it is definitely a beautiful walking location in the summer months, it is one hell of a windy spot in the winter – so a lot of us will be looking carefully at the engineering designs that emerge to see if it can actually be safely constructed on that site. A lot of the projects being described here refer to just what are essentially going to be feasibility studies on paper – it is yet to be proven whether they can create jobs or not. That said, the Lough Ree Access For All Passenger Boat Centre in Ballyleague, which is receiving almost half a million euro from the fund, has already created two new positions and is advertising this very week for a third job on the project. Building on the success of the disability boat project, this project involved the development of a new centre for general and disability tourism on the north quay in Ballyleague, together with the acquisition of a second boat and the development of a new eco-tourism and heritage boat business for the area. Ballyleague and Lanesborough have badly needed a daily passenger boat service on the Shannon for years and this project will give an all-weather feel to it – providing new facilities for tourists in a state-of-theart building in Ballyleague, which is being constructed at the moment by James Irwin’s building team, and then hopefully creating more tourism income for the town all year around. I am part of a group of five local people who are steering this project and we would be hopeful that a second boat will be on the waters early in 2022 – that will provide a significant tourism boost for both the River Shannon district and the Royal Canal communities. When the first boat operated for the first time last summer the area had three coffee shops open for the first time – so let’s hope that seasonal spin-off continues. To conclude this summary of the JTF fund outputs, I must mention Stephen Dowd and the Premier Lakelands Food Hub he has been working on now for over three years. This new building will be constructed on the Longford Road outside Lanesborough in the field adjacent to the new fire station and over one million euro of JTF funding will go to it, with another million euro already put into the project by Enterprise Ireland to create up to 100 jobs in start-up food enterprises. It’s a hugely ambitious project aimed at start-up small and micro-producers and one that has the potential to change the face of the community, when taken with many other positive projects currently on the drawing board. I am told it is now ready to go to eTender process and the appointment of a contractor – so, exciting days ahead.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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Download EmCall App and save lives! Roscommon people are being urged to download the EmCall App in order to save the lives of loved ones. The app, which was designed in Roscommon by Roscommon Rapid Response, contains features such as the location of defibrillators throughout the county and also has the ability to alert trained responders and the emergency services to life-threatening situations. Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, John McDermott of the Roscommon Rapid Response group said the app could save lives. “We are urging people to download this app because it will allow those in cardiac retained by the app so this can be done arrest to get the appropriate treatmentPurpose as quickly of and EmCall: confidentially”. quickly as possible,” he said. The app, which was supported by The chances of survival for those in Roscommon LEADER and Roscommon cardiac arrest greatly diminish after County Council, could save up to six lives the first five minutes so an immediate NOTIFY eachEMERGENCY year, according to John. response is needed. “Out of every 5,000 cardiac arrests, just The EmCall app not only directs the SERVICES 250 people survive. We believe we could user to the nearest defibrillator, it also save up to 750 if this app goes national,” alerts the eight closest trained first aiders he said. to that defibrillator. The app also uses the “If we can achieve a five-minute phone’s location to guide responders to PROVIDE LOCATION response time then six lives can be saved the scene. each year. The quicker the response, the 75 per cent of cardiac arrests happen inCOORDINATES better the chance of survival, and this app the home and so accurate information is vital. The EmCall app not only directs the will aid that”. The EmCall app is available to phone user to available defibrillators but download free on all mobile devices LOCATE NEAREST also guides them in how to access them. through the Play Store/App Store/Google “It’s all about targeting a medical Play. response within five minutes because DEFIBRILLATOR If your community group has a that’s what saves lives,” John said. “The EmCall app also features a ‘Mental defibrillator and would like to be added to the app, please contact rosocommonrr@ Health’ option, which connects the user NOTIFY NEAREST gmail.com directly to the Samaritans. No data is

CPR and defibrillation within 5 min can improve cardiac arrest survival rates by up to 50%.

Approximately 5,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest in Ireland each year. Only 250 people or 5% survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest.

CPR TRAINED RESPONDER Purpose of EmCall:

CPR and defibrillation For every minute that within 5 min passes after a cardiac can improve cardiac arrest without arrest survival treatment, the chances rates by up to 50%. of survival fall by 10%. Approximately 5,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest in Ireland each year.

Only 250 people or

5% survive an out of

NOTIFY EMERGENCY TARGET - 5 MINUTE SERVICES RESPONSE TIME PROVIDE LOCATION COORDINATES LOCATE NEAREST DEFIBRILLATOR

NOTIFY NEAREST CPR TRAINED RESPONDER

hospital cardiac arrest.

For every minute that passes after a cardiac arrest without treatment, the chances of survival fall by 10%.

TARGET - 5 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME

TAKE A BREAK

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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The spirit of Mikolajki (Little Santa) spreads across Roscommon! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Sarah Paulson (American actress, turns 47 on Friday)

Christiana Aguilera (American singer/ songwriter, turns 41 on Saturday)

“

Brad Pitt (American actor and producer, turns 58 on Saturday)

Ray Liotta (American actor and producer, turns 67 on Saturday)

For updates, check our social channels

The things people say…

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” – Bob Hope

Lucy (Midlands Polish Community) and Vivienne from The Melting Pot) pictured recently in Roscommon as part of the Midlands Polish Community’s tradition of Little Santa (Mikolajki).

Once again this year, the Midlands Polish Community (MPC) delivered packs of goodies to a number of organisations in the region to celebrate the old Polish tradition of Little Santa (Mikolajki). The initiative, brought to life by Wojtek Wrobel (the vice chairman of the MPC), was a great success last year and was back bigger and better this Christmas. Volunteers prepared 236 gift boxes in Wojtek’s home, turning the house into a real Santa’s workshop for a number of days! Filled with sweet treats and personalised gifts for children with special needs, presents made their way to various organisations around December 6th, which is traditionally the day for Polish children to find little gifts under their pillows. Wojtek and other members of the MPC delivered boxes to Esker House in Athlone, Midlands Simon Community, Longford Food Bank, St. Teresa’s Special School in Ballinasloe, The Melting Pot in Roscommon, Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services in Tullamore, the Ken Smollen Food Appeal and Teach Fáilte in Mullingar. Organisers were very pleased to share the Christmas spirit with their communities and plan to continue this lovely tradition in coming years. This Saturday, December 18th, the Midlands Polish Community is inviting everyone to the Civic Square in Athlone, where they are set to deliver their next project: Live Music at Christmas Market. Everyone is welcome to join for a family afternoon full of Christmas magic!

Wojtek (Midlands Polish Community) and Vivienne from The Melting Pot pictured recently in Roscommon as part of the Midlands Polish Community’s tradition of Little Santa (Mikolajki).

It’s been a GOOD week for…

It’s been a BAD week for…

Roscommon senior football champions Pádraig Pearses, who edged a tense and ultimately controversial Connacht Club semi-final against Mountbellew-Moylough, our lads winning by a point to reach the provincial decider

Some hospital patients, with over 500 people on trolleys nationwide (according to INMO figures)…that’s the largest number since the start of the pandemic, and a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by the health service over and above Covid-19-related considerations

Emmerdale star Danny Miller, who overcame all the perils of life in the jungle (well, a Welsh castle) plus various celebrities (well, sort of) to win this year’s storm-hit I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Boxing superstar and national

Katie Taylor

treasure Katie Taylor, with the pride of Bray maintaining her status as undisputed lightweight champion of the world with yet another successful defence (that’s four separate world title belts she remains in possession of)

Boris Johnson (again), our choice perhaps suggesting we have an obsession with the UK PM (we don’t), but he’s been on the rocks again, mostly as the fall-out from the Downing Street Christmas

Party (2020) rumbles on… Lewis Hamilton, with the seven-time World Champion racing driver denied an eighth title in dramatic (and controversial) fashion in a sensational finale to the Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen passing the British superstar in the closing stages to claim the title…

Lewis Hamilton

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Pictured is Andrew Cann representing Tarmonbarry Development and Tidy Towns Committee, who were were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Pictured is Dorothy Coyle, Dylan Costello and Helen Dolan representing Lough Ree Access for All, who were were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

€88,740 Sliabh Bawn Community Benefit Fund Opens for Applications December 2021: Sliabh Bawn Power DAC is pleased to announce the opening of the 2021 Community Benefit Fund (The Fund) for communities located near the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm. The Community Benefit Fund is available to community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups, or organisations with a charitable status. The Fund will provide support to the cumulative value of €2 million for the operational lifetime of the wind farm. Making the announcement today, Enda Conaty, Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Asset Manager explained: ”The Sliabh Bawn Community Benefit Fund aims to support communitybased projects and initiatives that benefit the area surrounding Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm. The annual fund continues to provide financial support to local groups, helping them to deliver beneficial projects and initiatives which fall within one or more of our broad themes of: Recreation, Social Sustainability, Culture and Heritage, Environmental Sustainability and Tourism. This year’s Fund is in excess of €88,000 and we encourage all interested organisations that meet the Fund criterion to submit an application in order for their project to be considered for funding”.

Since 2015, the Fund has committed to investing over €450,000 to 120 projects. Among the groups supported to date include local Schools, Sports Clubs, Development Associations, First Responder Schemes, Community Facilities, Scout Groups and local Athletic Clubs. As part of the Fund a number of groups have received multi-annual commitments, spanning up to four years, to facilitate the development and implementation of larger-scale community projects. The Fund is being administered by SECAD Partnership CLG (“SECAD”). For further information on the Community Benefit Fund (including Fund Guidelines) and how to apply for funding, please visit: https:// www.communitybenefitfunds.ie/sliabhbawn.

Should you have any queries please contact SECAD on 021 461 3432. Closing date for receipt of entries to the 2021 Fund is Sunday 30th January 2022.

The 2021 Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund (the “Fund”) opened for applications on Monday 22nd November 2021. The Fund is open to community and voluntary groups, not for profit groups and organisations with charitable status. The Fund will prioritise projects and initiatives that will benefit the area surrounding Sliabh Bawn, subject to them meeting the Fund criterion. The Fund Guidelines and Application Form are available on: https://www.communitybenefitfunds.ie/sliabhbawn. The closing date for applications is Sunday 30th January 2022. Should you have any queries please contact SECAD Partnership CLG on 021 461 3432.

Pictured is Kevin Hoey representing Rooskey DARA, who were were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Pictured is Noel Simpson representing Roscommon Sports and Classic Car Club, who were were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Conor: 087-2840539 | Office: 090 6628310 Email: conorcassidycars@gmail.com

www.conorcassidycars.ie OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 18:00 | Sat: 10:00 - 16:00 | Sun: CLOSED | Available By Appointment Outside Hours

Lanesborough Road, Roscommon Town F42 P668

Winning formula has Conor in pole position!

Conor Cassidy pictured at Conor Cassidy Cars showrooms, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon.

26-year-old Conor Cassidy has been working in the motor industry all his adult life, but things have really taken off since he opened his business on the Lanesboro Road in May, 2020. “I’ve been involved in the motor industry since I first left school at 18 years of age. I worked in Dermot Hughes’ Toyota in sales for a long time and always dabbled a bit with cars in my spare time too,” he said. “I started out with five cars and now we have over 50 and the aim for next year is to have 100 in stock at all times throughout the year”. His hard work and endeavour has seen him recognised by the industry at national level. “I was named Young Motor Entrepreneur of the Year last year by the All-Ireland Business Foundation and AIBF All-Ireland Used

Car Dealer of the Year this year. I am proud to be recognised with national titles,” he said. This is a team effort, of course, and Conor was quick to pay tribute to all those who keep Conor Conor Cassidy Cars firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to sales. “I have an excellent team behind me who continue to drive high standards that our customers have to expect from our brand,” he said. “I am delighted to be able to work with them every day and I’m proud of how far we have come together”. The young entrepreneur is also extremely appreciative of the public support he has received across Roscommon and further afield. “I’d like to say a very thank you to all of our loyal customers. We see a big number of cars locally here in Roscommon town but we have also developed great relationships

across the county and Connacht,” he said. “We’ve gone from strength to strength since opening in May of last year and we hope 2022 can be even bigger and better!” OPENING HOURS… Monday: 9 am – 6 pm pm Tuesday: 9 am – 6 – 6 pm Wednesday: 9 am pm Thursday: 9 am – 6 Friday: 9 am – 6 pm 3 pm Saturday: 10 am – Sunday: Closed will be Conor Cassidy Cars cember y, De closing on Thursda s year but thi 23rd for Christmas anged by viewings can be arr ristmas. Ch appointment over Cars wish you All at Conor Cassidy Christmas e saf d an y pp a very ha the New Year and good wishes for

Service first at Conor Cassidy Cars! Conor Cassidy Cars first started out with a relatively small sales forecourt sandwiched between Lidl and Top Oil on the Lanesboro Road. Recently, however, Conor opened a 5,000 square foot service centre and modern showroom, from which the company has launched its quality after-sales service. “Our new centre is state-of-the-art and provides our customers with all their service needs, including pre-NCT checks,” he said. “We have heavily invested in this be-

cause it’s something I feel passionately about. We have all the latest diagnostic equipment and it’s in a great central location for our customers. “Our showroom is bright and modern too and provides a comfortable space for customers to check out the top-class range of cars we have in stock!” For more information on after-sales at Conor Cassidy Cars, contact 0906628310/087-2840539, or drop in to the showroom on the Lanesboro Road, Roscommon!

LARGE RANGE OF USED CARS & COMMERCIALS AVAILABLE!

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Conor: 087-2840539 | Office: 090 6628310 Email: conorcassidycars@gmail.com

www.conorcassidycars.ie OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 18:00 | Sat: 10:00 - 16:00 | Sun: CLOSED | Available By Appointment Outside Hours

Lanesborough Road, Roscommon Town F42 P668

Conor Cassidy Cars drives forward for 2022

Conor Cassidy Cars opened in May 2020 in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and with the threat of Brexit looming large but has gone from strength to strength since.

Conor Cassidy opened his first business in May 2020 in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and with the threat of Brexit looming large. Fast-forward to December 2021 and the 26-year-old motor dealer has enjoyed almost two years of successful trading, hitting 500 car sales in this year alone. “Last year, we sold 350 cars and so far we’ve over 500 sold with 60 per cent of those sales online,” he said. Social media has played a big part in Conor’s success, and the company has been rewarded for its efforts, picking up an award for Best Social Media. Conor’s efforts have also been rewarded with

further accolades such as ‘Young Motor Entrepreneur of the Year’ and All Star awards from the All-Ireland Business Foundation, including the AIBF All-Ireland Used Car Dealer for 2022. “We decided to invest early in our social media advertising because that’s where a lot of customers are,” he said. “We hired a social media manager to look after our Instagram and Facebook accounts, which proved to be invaluable during the pandemic, especially through the lockdowns. “As part of our online presence, we offer a full video walkthrough of the car, where every inch of the vehicle is covered in detail. This way our online customers know exactly what they are

buying even without being in the showroom”. The team at Conor Cassidy Cars can take payment online and can even organise finance over the phone “in a matter of hours”. “We’ll even deliver the car to your door free of charge…no matter where you are in the country,” Conor adds. Proof of Conor Cassidy Cars’ online success is there for all to see, not just in terms of growing sales, but also in the number of happy customers from near and far, who feature on Conor’s social media platforms. The business specialises in the high-performance market with Conor kitting his cars out with high-spec packs for customers.

“Conor Cassidy Cars is a modern business. A lot of our customers are young, and being young myself, I known what they like and what they want their cars to look and feel like,” he said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that people appreciate quality, especially when it comes to an important purchase like a car. Here, we offer the best marques and they are tailored to our customers’ exact requirements”. With sales increasing despite a global pandemic and the threat of Brexit, 2022 promises to be another strong year of growth for Conor Cassidy and his hard-working team.

LARGE RANGE OF USED CARS & COMMERCIALS AVAILABLE!

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Help light up Roscommon this Christmas Roscommon’s Christmas lights bring cheer to everyone who sees them. They are a bright symbol of hope and faith, needed more than ever this year. Please support their fundraising drive this Christmas. Our whole community will benefit and unfortunately the public collection can’t take place.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

NewsPeople

End of year broadband target missed by another 25,000 homes – Naughten The National Broadband Plan is set to miss its revised target of 60,000 homes by the end of the year and will instead pass 35,000 homes by January 1st, says Denis Naughten TD. Responding to a Dáil question tabled by Denis Naughten, the Government admitted that just 35,000 homes will be passed by the end of the year, and that somewhere between 50-60,000 homes will be passed or be able to pre-order broadband by the end of January. Commenting on the figures ,Denis Naughten said, “It is deeply disappointing that revised targets set just last September will not be reached by the end of December. “In reality, this means there is a further delay in the delivery of broadband to homes, which is now running twelve months behind target – six months more than was admitted to just last September. These delays are due, at least in part, to the failure of Government over the last two years to address bottlenecks within the planning and regulatory system. “Just yesterday, Minister Ossian Smyth sat down with the Chief Executives of eir and National Broadband Ireland to help address the delays in the build out of this vital infrastructural project. While this is very welcome, one has to ask the question – why did we have to wait twenty-five months into the contract for this meeting to happen?

“Up to the signing of the broadband contract, the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce specifically addressed key bottlenecks in the delivery of vital broadband infrastructure across the country, but it did not hold a single meeting after the contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) was signed in November 2019 and this is at least one factor. I welcome the fact that the Government has now reversed this decision and has re-established the Taskforce, but this should not have taken two years for this to happen. “What this means is that 100,000 less homes will have access to the high-speed broadband network at the end of next year than was planned when the contract was signed in

November 2019.” Denis Naughten added: “As a member of Cabinet, I chaired the Mobile Phone and Broadband Task Force to ensure the focus across both the public and private sector was to make things happen on the ground that would make a real difference. It is absolutely unacceptable that this Taskforce did not hold any meeting since the signing of the National Broadband Plan contract, and it is now clear that a multi-agency approach, led from the Cabinet table, is needed to get this project back on track and to fast-track the delivery of the most important infrastructure project of this generation. “The current Programme for Government, published after Covid-19 hit, promised to fast track

the delivery of highspeed broadband to every home in Ireland but all we have seen since then is hand-

wringing and little in the way of action. In fact, the most significant step taken by this Government

on broadband is to move responsibility for its delivery from the Cabinet table to Minister of State, Ossian

Smyth, which sends out the wrong message across the public sector,” concluded Denis Naughten.

LET’S STEP UP TOGETHER For us 2,000 steps is a walk, a hike, a stroll. But for many in the developing world it takes thousands of steps to simply get water, get to school or even reach a hospital.

Deputy Denis Naughten

Gardaí appeal for witnesses as woman (30s) seriously injured in Castlerea collision Gardaí are continuing to investigate a serious road traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a van that occurred on the Knock Road, Castlerea on Thursday evening last (9th). A female pedestrian in her 30s suffered serious injuries and was taken to University Hospital Galway and later transferred to Beaumont Hospital after she was struck by the vehicle at around 5.30 pm last Thursday. The driver of the van was uninjured and the road was closed for a time and a technical examination by Forensic

Collision Investigators was conducted. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who were travelling in the area at the time and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094-9621630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111, or any Garda Station.

This Christmas support the GOAL Mile. Register for your local event at goalmile.org

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Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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Heroes of 1951 to mark 70th anniversary of All-Ireland minor football success < DAN DOONER

Today (Thursday, December 16th) marks the 70th anniversary of Roscommon’s All-Ireland Minor Football Championship win of 1951 and a number of former players will meet at The Abbey Hotel this afternoon in order to mark the occasion. Trained by All-Ireland winner and future Olympian, Sergeant Bill Jackson and captained by Barry Molloy, Roscommon overcame Armagh on a scoreline of 2-7 to 1-5 in Croke Park on this day in 1951 to capture the All-Ireland title. This was the culmination of a long, drawn-out campaign which had started all the way back on July 8th of that year with a comprehensive 3-5 to 0-2 win over Sligo at St. Coman’s Park in the Connacht semi-final. Controversy surrounded the Connacht final just one week later as Galway beat the Rossies in the initial fixture only for the result to be overturned due to the

Captain of the 1951 AllIreland minor title winning team, Barry Molloy.

Tribesmen fielding an overage player in the form of Mountbellew Agricultural College student, Bobby Buckley from Kerry. Roscommon were eventually declared provincial champions and they took their place in the All-Ireland semi-final against Louth. That match, at the CBS pitch in Roscommon on November 25th, saw the Rossies running out 2-5 to 1-3 winners. The final itself was played in warm conditions, in front of a small crowd at Croke Park and, according to reports; the Roscommon team was well worth their subsequent victory. Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Barry Molloy said the team celebrated in fine style by “going to the pictures” in Dublin, before returning home to a hero’s welcome in Knockcroghery and CBS Roscommon. They concluded their celebrations that evening with a meal in The Royal Hotel. “I have great memories of cap-

taining that team,” Mr. Molloy said. “There were a really wonderful bunch of lads, great teammates and friends, and it was an honour for me to be their captain and now to be able to relive it all after 70 years. “I’ve often wondered if there is anyone else around who remembers going to the final or to those games back in 1951. It would be lovely if people were to get in touch with their own memories or indeed to say hello to us if they see us in The Abbey today,” he added. Today (Thursday), 70 years on from that famous All-Ireland victory, Barry Molloy and his teammates including Harry Connolly (Castlerea), Michael Kelly (Newtowncashel), Micheál Shivnan (Cootehall), Frank McKevitt (Thurles), and Fr. Dominic Gillooly (Sligo), will meet at The Abbey Hotel in Roscommon at 1 pm to share memories of a long but ultimately successful campaign.

The Roscommon panel celebrated their All-Ireland minor success with a meal at The Royal Hotel in 1951.

The Roscommon minor football panel which won the All-Ireland title at Croke Park on December 16th, 1951. Back row (left to right): Michael O’Callaghan (Officer), Hugh Morrison, Eddie O’Connor, John Lynch, Tommy Finnegan, Pat Muldoon, Joe Campbell, J. Cummins, Ollie Murray, Tony Murphy (at back), Harry Connolly, N. Connolly, Gerry Healey, Colm Devine, T.S. O’Dolain (Official), Frank McKevitt, F. Carroll. Front row (L-r): Eamon Lynch, Jim Lavin, Micheál Shivnan, Harry Penny, Barry Molloy (captain), Johnny Rafferty, E. Duignan, Leo Duffy, John O’Brien, Mick Hoare, Mick Kelly.

Keeping the Faith: Goalie Fr. Pat reflects on ’51 and his life in Seoul

Goalkeeper Fr. Pat Muldoon was one of five trainee priests on the Roscommon minor team in 1951 and this week he shared his memories of the All-Ireland success as well as his life in South Korea, a country that has seen much change since he arrived there in the wake of the Korean War…

My memories of the 1951 All-Ireland final are getting dimmer and dimmer as the years go by. It has been 70 years after all! A few memories remain like those of our trainer, Brother Creed, who sacrificed his life for us. I remember a saying of his: “I declare to God”, which we used to imitate when he wasn’t around! I really appreciated all he did for us. The referee the day of the All-Ireland final in Croke Park was the famous County Meath man, Peter McDermott. I was delaying the kick-outs and, when I saw Peter running in towards me in goals, I thought I would be in trouble for delaying the game…except he wasn’t running towards me but towards one of our players, who was lying on the ground. That was a ploy Brother Creed had taught us to use when we were getting close to the final whistle - go down ‘injured’! After my ordination I was assigned to Korea. When I got here the country was still reeling after the Korean War, which took place from 1950 to 1953. There was huge poverty here and the United States of America was still sending flour and clothes to help people out. I was appointed - after studying Korean with a tutor - to Kwangju (also spelt Gwangju) Archdiocese. The Archbishop was an American Columban, Bishop Harold William Henry.

He was a very hands-on, down to earth man with no frills and graces. It was a pleasure to work in his Diocese at a time of expansion. Since the introduction of the Legion of Mary, the number of Catholics was increasing and the number of new parishes was also growing. My first parish as a parish priest was to an island called Jindo. Even though people were very poor they were welcoming and thankful for anything you could do for them. They were also patient with your lack of fluency in Korean, which is a very difficult language for foreigners to master. After my time in Kwangju, I was appointed to Seoul where the Cardinal had requested help from the Columbans. We started 25 new parishes here. I later worked in Incheon and Suwon dioceses before taking up work as a chaplain in Seoul University Hospital. I am now retired and living here in the Columban central house in Seoul, where I still keep my hand in by hearing confessions and offering a bit of counselling. I have been privileged to see the huge expansion of the Church in Korea. In Kwangju where I first begun there were four Korean priests and now there are over 300. In Seoul, where there was a shortage of priests in the 1970s, there are now over 900 Korean priests. From a poor war-torn country in the 1950s, South Korea is now a first world country that exports products all over the world, from TVs to cars to computers. It is now hard to believe that this is the same country I came to originally in the 1950s. *In conversation with Dan Dooner

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

NewsPeople Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Paul Healy’s take on top tweets! Alan White @aljwhite Just started my new job stewarding for the Abu Dhabi GP, really glad I was able to bring some order to proceedings. Now for a huge gulp of coffee and to check Twitter -A journalist (of all people) with a somewhat droll take on that explosive Formula 1 weekend controversy Michael O’Regan @Michael_O_Regan The Cork refugees gathering at the Kerry border are asking to see the all star awards won by the Clifford brothers. Photographs will be distributed. Orderly queue, please -Veteran hack in thoughtful gesture towards Cork friends… Michelle Culloty @MichelleCullot1 “Never hide from helping someone who

is in a dark place” “Mind them and look after them” In complete and utter awe of the inspirational, humble gentleman that is Charlie Bird #LateLateShow

Carl Frampton

Charlie Bird @charliebird49

Miriam Khalil @miriam_khalil13 To the young doctor I saw in the hospital

m&s buy a Colin the Caterpillar cake in a jar and then proceed to eat it standing up with a wooden fork, I really

-Charlie’s reaction to the reaction to his Late Late Show appearance

How has Katie Taylor been able to be so good for so long? A hero

-So say all of us!

Roscommon Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service Roscommon Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service is a free and confidential service that provides assistance and support to families and individuals grieving the death of a loved one by suicide. Contact: Tiffany Jennings Walsh, Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer on 085-7407856 or Boyle Family Resource Centre (FRC) on 071-9663000. This service is funded by the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention.

Phone 087 2295551

-Katie’s great reign continued over the weekend

Charlie Bird and wife Claire

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Boyle FRC and Counselling/ Psychotherapy Centre closing for Christmas The staff and volunteers at the Boyle Family Resource Centre and Boyle Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and every good wish for the New Year. We also would like to thank the community for their kindness and generosity during 2021. The centre will be closed from Monday, December 21st at 5 pm, and will reopen on Friday, January 7th, 2022 at 9 am. We are here to support you and yours. Website: www.boylefrc.ie, www. twitter.com/FLCBoyle. Email: info@boylefrc.ie; Telephone: 071-9663000; Counselling Service: boylecpc@boylefrc. ie/0719663841.

-That emotional Charlie Bird interview touched the nation

Yes I cried this morning but they were tears of joy at the overwhelming support I received for my Late Late Show appearance. If I am still mobile in the Spring I will climb Croagh Patrick to highlight MND and other terminal illnesses. Your all invited to join me. I love you all.

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Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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ROBERT FLYNN ROBERT FLYNN

THIS WEEK...On The Political Beat LEADER funding must be increased

Sinn Féin representatives Claire Kerrane TD and Chris MacManus MEP have called on the Government to ensure additional funding for the LEADER Programme. They were speaking following the ILDN’s call for a reversal of cuts to rural development funding. Deputy Kerrane, said: “Given the emphasis on the important role LEADER play in the development of rural communities in the governments’ Our Rural Future plan, stand-still funding of €250 million for the period 20212027 falls short. “The current proposed funding for LEADER undermines the future viability of rural-based Local Action Groups (LAGs). Any drop in funding will have a major impact on their ability to support development in their communities. “When I raised this matter with the Minister in the Dáil earlier this week, she gave no indication that she is intending on increasing LEADER funding for the coming period. This is despite her acknowledging the incredibly important work that LAGs carry out in their local communities”.

Murphy welcomes new childcare approach

Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the findings of a new report, Partnership for the Public Good, which recommends an expanded role for the State in managing and supporting supply, quality, accessibility, and affordability of early years and childcare. Senator Murphy said: “Government has accepted the recommen-

dations and work has commenced on their implementation. This will involve the provision of additional core funding to support quality, improved pay and conditions for staff, management of parental fees, and sustainability of services. “Budget 2022 announced funding to begin the implementation of these recommendations, including €69 million for the new Core Funding stream from September 2022, equivalent to €207 million in a full year. The report also recommends universal and targeted measures to tackle disadvantage along with continued provision of the Early Childhood Care and Education programme and the National Childcare Scheme with enhancements. “This report from the Expert Group on a New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) builds on the significant developments in this sector in recent years and reflects the importance of the sector for the public good”.

€250,000 for North West Hospice North West Hospice is set to receive funding of €250,000 as part of €10 million recently announced for palliative and endof-life care by Minister Stephen Donnelly. Local Minister of State Frank Feighan said the funding would be used to support the crucial work in the palliative care and bereavement sector. “I am delighted that Minister Donnelly has provided this onceoff funding to support the work of voluntary groups such as the great team of volunteers at North West Hospice. Unfortunately, most families have experienced

the input of the services of North West Hospice as a loved one approached the ‘end of life scenario’ and it is important to acknowledge the magnificent work the hospice do for families whether at the hospice centre in Sligo or their palliative care services they provide in a most compassionate and dignified way,” Deputy Feighan said.

€100,000 for Strokestown under Town Centre First policy

Local public representatives have welcomed the allocation of €100,000 for Strokestown under the Government’s Town Centre First plans. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said the funding was important for the future of the town. “Strokestown is a town with a bright future with the National Famine Museum presently carrying out a €5 million investment and the commencement of €200 million N5 bypass,” he said. “This money will be used to draw up a plan with a view to enhancing the town centre, taking into account all points of view”. Senator Murphy complimented Roscommon County Council and the local committee on their ongoing efforts to improve the town. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan congratulated Strokestown Town Team for their work and said the funding would add to the substantial investment into the Strokestown Famine Museum. Minister of State Frank Feighan said the Strokestown plan would set out specific actions and help to unlock further national funding streams.

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Local journalist and broadcaster Seamus Duke has written a memoir of his 32 years in the local media and his life growing up and living in Roscommon town. Entitled ‘Dukie: The Game of Life Reflecting on the highs of his radio career –covering sport, current affairs and politics – Seamus also writes for the first time of the circumstances of his departure from Shannonside. As his media career has also spanned newspapers, there are memories of life on the newspaper beat. Included too are political highlights during his career in the media, including being up close and personal with former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. The book is also packed with nostalgic memories of great GAA teams. Seamus also reflects on growing up in Roscommon and happy memories of his

involvement with Roscommon Gaels. The author’s love of music is also featured, as is the launch and development of the famous Rockford’s Nightclub, where Seamus ‘spun the records’ during a golden social era in Roscommon Town. ‘Dukie: The Game of Life’ is an autobiography, which – through over 30 featured interviews with well know local people – also takes readers on a fascinating journey through many sporting, political and social highs of the last four decades. The book is available locally at for sale at The Roscommon People offices, John Corcoran Menswear, Eight Til’ Late, Casey’s Roscommon, Supervalu Main Street Roscommon, Newsround Roscommon and Longford, Mulvey’s Carrick on Shannon, Timothy’s Londis Roscommon, O’Brien’s Corner House

Lanesboro, Dawn Till Dusk Strokestown, Cahill’s Supervalu Castlerea. Kelly’s Supervalu Boyle, Cooney Motors Boyle, Londis Boyle, Killorans Ballyfarnon, Newsround Ballaghaderreen, Duffy’s Supervalu Ballaghandereen, Burgess Bookshop Athlone, Naughten’s Ballydangan, Supervalu Monksland and Sammons Ballinasloe. Nationwide the distribution is being handled by Padraig Kelly PKSupplies.ie

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Santa & Mrs. Claus visit Vita House, Roscommon

The Dowd family pictured with Santa during his recent visit to Vita House, Roscommon. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Brody Donnell pictured with Santa during his visit to Vita House, Roscommon. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

The Clogher family: John, Cara and mum Margaret, pictured with Mrs. Claus during Santa’s visit to Vita House, Roscommon last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Children pictured with Santa during his visit to Vita House, Roscommon last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

VITA HOUSE

Mrs. Claus pictured reading a story to Cillian O’Rourke during Santa’s visit to Vita House, Roscommon last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Baby Carly and mum Ina Flanagan pictured with Santa during his visit to Vita House, Roscommon last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Mr and Mrs Claus pictured at Vita House with all their helpers last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Jean Quigley pictured giving Santa a big high-five during his visit to Vita House, Roscommon last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

The Regan family pictured with Santa during his recent visit to Vita House, Roscommon. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

NewsPeople

Let’s talk about … The online marketplace Let’s talk about ... Online shopping (A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy With the end of the year drawing close, it’s once again time for the holiday season and all of its traditions – not least of all, gift-giving. December has always been a busy time for shopping, but the introduction of online shopping into the mix has changed how we shop. Last year was our first time celebrating the holidays since Covid hit, and with the public very conscious of the effects that restrictions had had for so many small businesses, there was a real push to shop local and support them. However, while it’s encouraging to see a greater emphasis being put on choosing local businesses over huge companies, there is no denying the chunk of the marketplace that online retailers continue to occupy. Online shopping is a multibillion dollar industry, and it’s profitability only continues to mushroom as time goes on. The inherent convenience that comes along with shopping via the Internet has cemented its popularity, even more so when coupled with the competitive pricing online retailers can afford to offer. With this in mind, the correlation be-

tween the dwindling presence of smaller businesses and the ever-growing online marketplace is hard to miss. After all, Amazon – the biggest ecommerce retailer – built a business out of slashing prices so low, they couldn’t hope to be matched. Of course, their success, while indeed rooted in the convenience and prices they offer, is also due in part to the data they accumulate from their users. When you purchase online through these big retailers, not only has your purchase history been taken note of, so too has every aspect of your online shopping experience – from every item you’ve viewed, to anything you added to the basket and decided against, etc. The aim is to make a record of every aspect of your shopping habits in order to figure out what you’re most likely to buy. From there, your experience is tailored accordingly in order to encourage you to spend as much as possible. When it comes to the big names, the online marketplace acts as a well-oiled machine – using targeted marketing to advertise to customers and

then using the way customers respond to improve their targeted marketing, starting off the whole process again. The efficacy of being able to monitor and predict people’s preferences like that is, of course, not something that could be done by smaller businesses, and as such, they are pushed to the side in favour of bigger ones. However, in the past twenty months of so, Covid served to put things in a much clearer context, highlighting the disparity between the countless livelihoods lost due to the pandemic and the profits seen by

huge online retailers during that same time. While traditional stores found themselves unable to open their doors, and with the general public on high alert over the risk of the virus, online retail companies thrived. These companies had been surpassing smaller traditional businesses for quite some time already, but the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic really served to shine a spotlight on these online retailers, and to watch them thrive as more and more local businesses were closing left a bad taste.

On the bright side however, it seems as though Covid did inadvertently offer small businesses an opportunity to put more focus into how their business can be accessed online. Although adapting to the online platform was something that many businesses had no choice but to do in order to survive the pandemic, it feels like a silver lining that at the very least, these businesses are now in a position to be accessed more and by a wider range of people. Last year, the increased availability and access to lo-

cal businesses online was one of the things that allowed people to support local over the holidays. People’s reliance on online shopping has only been exacerbated by the ongoing Covid pandemic, but there seems to be a real solution to the overdominance of huge retail giants online in giving smaller businesses the resources to sell online too. So if you’ve got any more presents to get for your loved ones this year, side-step some of those bigger online retailers and opt to shop local!

Customers urged to #BeSound when heading to the pub this festive season Festive pub-goers heading to their favourite venues this Christmas season are being asked to #BeSound, in a campaign launched by Drinks Ireland recently. The campaign is encouraging customers to respect the guidelines in these spaces. Covid measures are in place to keep these venues safe and open, and patrons are reminded to wash their hands, use hand sanitiser, stick to their table and wear a mask when walking around. Patricia Callan, Director of

Drinks Ireland said: “Ireland’s pubs are a vital part of the country’s social fabric, especially at Christmas time. Our #BeSound campaign is asking customers to continue to act respectfully, so we can all enjoy a safe Christmas as we socialise”. Donall O’Keeffe, CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association said: “Irish hospitality venues have worked hard throughout the pandemic when they have been open to keep everyone safe, with a number of

restrictions in place. While we continue to operate with these Covid-19 measures, we’re asking customers to remember to #BeSound, so we can all keep each other safe”. Padraig Cribben CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland said: “Christmas is a vital trading period for Ireland’s pubs. Hospitality venues across the country are gearing up to welcome customers in safely, connecting friends, families and colleagues over a drink, a meal and some great conversation”.

#Roscommon Together Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

€1,000

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

TEN €100 VOUCHERS

to be won by ten lucky readers! Courtesy of the Roscommon People and Roscommon Chamber of Commerce

Roscommon Chamber & Roscommon People

VOUCHER COMPETITION

ENTRY FORM

Answers to competition (Find the Roscommon Chamber Crest)

The crest appeared in following advertisements: Week One 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________ Week Two 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________ Week Three 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________ Week Four 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________

ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON -------------------------------

Name: Address:

__________________________ ________________________

____________________________________

How to enter

The #Roscommon RoscommonTogether promotion will be published in the Roscommon People between now and Christmas. That’s four issues, including this one! Each week of the campaign we’ll ‘hide’ the Roscommon Chamber crest in TWO of the advertisements published as part of the #Roscommon RoscommonTogether promotion.

Find the crest… To enter, name all eight advertisements in which the Chamber crest is ‘hidden’ – that’s two each week. Only submit your entry after Week 4 of the campaign (Roscommon (Roscommon People issue dated December 24th, 2021) which will be distributed on Wednesday 22nd December. Entries to ‘Roscommon Chamber Voucher competition’ by 1 pm on Thursday, December 23rd. Please make sure to include your name, address and contact number – and all eight answers (see entry coupon)! Entries by post or hand to the Roscommon People offices, Abbey Street, Roscommon. We will accept entries by email to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Ten winners will be selected, with each winner receiving a €100 voucher

____________________________________

Vouchers redeemable with businesses that are members of Roscommon Chamber.

____________________________________

Submit this entry form AFTER Week 4

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Roscommon on a high following Christmas Festival! The Roscommon Christmas Festival, which took place over Saturday and Sunday of last weekend, featured live music, on street entertainment, and a number of stalls

selling handmade crafts and festive treats. Large crowds were in attendance over both days for what was a hugely successful festival to mark the completion of

Thank you for your support throughout the last year. Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year from

ROSCOMMON TYRE CENTRE

Roscommon’s new-look Square. Local photographer Derek Fetherstone captured the scene from on high last weekend.

Roscommon Tyre Centre provides clients all across the greater Roscommon area with a professional tyre repair and tyre replacement service. Along with providing an efficient and competitively priced puncture and tyre service, we also offer clients a:

Delivery and Collection Service Battery Replacement Battery Diagnostic Testing Replacement parts for Exhaust

and Catalytic Converters

CLOSED: Thursday 23rd at 5pm OPEN: Wednesday and Thursday 28 & 29th 9am - 4.30pm New Years Eve 30th 9-3pm Saturday/Sunday/Monday - CLOSED Normal hours from 4th January 2022

Circular Road, Roscommon Tel: (090) 66 26626

087 9007898 (Aaron) 086 3694795 (Colin)

MOLLOY’S MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON. Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512. E. dnmolloymainstreet@eircom.net Thank you for your support throughout the last year. Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa Claus will be taking a drive through Roscommon on Saturday evening, December 18th. He will start off his route on the Racecourse Road, taking off at at approximately 5.15 pm, and continuing on to The Walk, Lanesboro Road, Oldwood, Hawthorn Drive, the Fairways/Golf Club area, Antogher Road, Abbeyville, Galway Road, and Lisnamult, finishing off his visit with a drive through the middle of town!

Offers available from 2nd December to 2nd January, unless otherwise stated. E&OE. While stocks last.

Gifts to&Enjoy Treasure Indoor Plants and Free Gift Wrapping Stylish Christmas Décor and Homeware Gifts for Gardeners and all the Family Gift Tokens

Quality•Value • Choice • Advice

Ardcarne We’re here to help Garden Centre

www.ardcarne.ie

At two great locations: Ardcarne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 071 966 7091 Lanesboro Rd., Roscommon Town Tel: 090 662 7700 Open Monday to Saturday 9-6pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 12-6pm

ARDCARNE GARDEN CAFÉ (Boyle branch) Open 7 days

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year from

Advertorial

Christmas all wrapped up for you at the Abbey Hotel Enjoy the build-up to the festive season in style at the Abbey. 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 MultiAward 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 €25 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. With the current COVID restrictions, all those wishing to dine in the Lounge and restaurant area must pre book their table. We also have a new Pizza Menu available to eat in or take out.

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 range of Cocktails are also served including the RAI award-winning ‘Apple of my eye’ Martini. 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 FourCourse 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. Gift Vouchers are available to purchase on our website www.abbeyhotel.ie or direct from hotel reception. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook Instagram and Twitter.

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

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Wishing all our clients a very Happy Christmas and New Year

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The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie With over 30 years’ experience, Aengus Oates Financial Services provides expert financial advice and bespoke financial solutions to our highly valued clients

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Tel. (090) 6627878. Mobile (086) 2573358

info@oates.ie • www.oatesfinancialservices.ie

For a confidential chat, ring Aengus on (086) 2573358

WiW sih ggaallll off o ouurrcc uts oe m er sihn in us otm rs asMa erM ryerry ChC rh is m aa ssaan ap ppp nd yw ny ee w rt is tm nd dh ha yyaa nd heh ae lta hlyt h ne aryear

C hristmas People

with Goretti Dwyer

Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m a physical therapist and Pilates instructor with a clinic and studio in Roscommon town, and I’m a mom of two super girls! One Christmas/Christmas Present you’ll never forget… I can remember clearly the year I got a Walkman and Spandau Ballet tape ‘Through the Barricades’. Showing my age now but I was made up! How will you be spending Christmas this year? At home with my family in Roscommon, lots of movies and chilling out by the fire, with a few local country walks thrown in. A nice slow Christmas. All I want for Christmas 2021 is… Lots of chilling out with a side order of fun with friends and family. *Goretti Dwyer is a physical therapist and Pilates instructor with a clinic and studio in Roscommon town. Check out Roscommon Pilates on Facebook and Instagram and pilatesnow.ie

Christmas Christmas Draw now Draw now on!on!

Opening hours: Opening hours: Monday Friday: 9am 9am ––6pm Monday –– Friday: 6pm Saturday: 9am––4:30pm 4:30pm Saturday: 9am 090 6625900 090 6625900 info@vsr.ie info@vsr.ie Veterinary Supplies Supplies Veterinary Ros Ros

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Where is ROSS THE ELF? Win Voucher for Afternoon Tea in The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon! Over the next four weeks, the Roscommon People’s friendly elf – Ross – will be embarking on a tour of the county! We’re asking readers to try and identify where he is each week! Readers will have a chance to win a prize... every week! See our Facebook page to enter this great competition! This week’s prize: Voucher for Afternoon Tea in The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Kindly sponsored by The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon

The lucky winner of last week’s compeition is Lisa Carroll Neilan Congratulations, Lisa. You will recive a €100 Gift Voucher for Gleeson’s, Roscommon

Kindly sponsored by Gleeson’s, Roscommon town

Main Street, Roscommon SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES IN PLACE More privacy/more Comfy corners

order on line www.comfycafe.ie

OPEN FOR TAKEAWAY Now open from 8.30am

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Circular Road, Roscommon | Tel. 090 66 27600 www.toplinewards.ie

Bring festive spirit to your home with our Christmas decoration ideas

Large Selection Of Christmas Trees, Lights, Wreaths, Garlands, Decorations and Gift Ideas to choose from

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

These tips might help you ease any Christmas conflict < MIRIAM KERINS

Christmas gives us a wonderful opportunity to meet up with friends and family. However, sometimes one or two of those present can also provide us with a significant amount of stress – particularly people who might thrive on causing conflict and drama. I’ve decided to share my top tips on how to handle any ‘holiday stress’ that you may have to contend with.

Minimise the impact by

Prepare yourself for conflict

meeting in a restaurant/ hotel, that way, when the difficult person has downed enough Dutch courage to kick off, you can politely make your excuses and leave. by approaching the gather-

ing with a sense of realism and perspective. For example, if, every year, a drunk relative takes the opportunity to criticise your appearance, your choice of career or your partner, then don’t expect them to suddenly develop manners. Just smile sweetly and remind yourself that you really do love them.

I may have rid myself of the diva in my life (divorce), but I still have my OCD...meaning the perfectionist in me finds it difficult to deal with Christmas not being ‘exactly’ as it should be. If this is you, please try and keep your emotions, your anxieties, and most of all, your expectations under control, and, as you down that glass of prosecco, remember, we’re all in this together.

With that sentiment in mind, try to see the other person’s

point of view as opposed to pointing out to them how wrong they are. Use sentences like, “I’m really sorry you feel this way, and, while I disagree with you, I do see where you’re coming from”, then move on and change the subject. Then again, you could place a focus on trying to find a solution to your differences before the big day!

If you’re a blended family

(and we are), I’ve found that meeting up with your ex and his/ her partner in a courteous and polite manner will set a great example for any children and young people present. Due to our mutual love and respect for our kids/grandkids, and for our current partners, there’s never any tension present, rather there’s a happy, light-hearted, friendly atmosphere when myself and my former husband attend festive family get-togethers.

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Offers valid from Thursday 16th December - Wednesday 22nd of December 2021, unless otherwise stated. Offers Subject To Availability. Pictures For Illustration Purposes Only.Enjoy alcohol responsibly.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

090 66 26664 / 087 6339548 / 087 8512921 email : info@connaughtonfuels.ie

COMPLETE YOUR TRANSACTION ONLINE SINCE OUR LINK-UP WITH THE STRIPE PAYMENT SYSTEM !!

Let us deliver your practical Christmas present! FINAL DELIVERIES ON WEDNESDAY 23RD. COLLECTIONS ONLY AT WAREHOUSE ON CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING FROM 8.30AM 11.30AM ONLY

Wishing our loyal staff and customers a Happy and a safe Christmas and an even better New Year

090 66 26664

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#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Abbeytown,!Galway Rd., Roscommon Town • Email: info@molloysbakery.ie • Tel: 090 6625940

Christmas Hours 2021

Need a special hamper? Let us help with your foodie gifts Call: 090 6625940

Mon 13th: Sat 18th - 8am - 6pm Sun 19th: 9am - 5pm Mon 20th - Thurs 23rd: 8am - 6pm Fri 24th: 7am - 3pm Sat 25th: Merry Christmas (closed) Sun 26th: St. Stephen’s Day (closed) Mon 27th: 9am - 2pm Tues 28th - Thur 30th: 8.30am - 5pm Fri 31st: 7am - 4pm Sat 1st: Happy New Year (closed) Sun 2nd: 9am - 2pm

Merry Christmas Molloys Bakery Team

Convent of Mercy students donate crochet tree to Sacred Heart Hospital The fabulous ‘Crochet Christmas Tree’ in The Square, Roscommon has been earning rave reviews in the past few weeks so the hard-working and creative students at Convent of Mercy, Roscommon decided to make a new one! Staff and students were delighted to welcome Mary Higgins to the school recently, who accepted the new tree as a gift to the residents of the Sacred Heart Hospital. Pictured are students Katie, Kate, and Kayla presenting their tree to Mary.

Ethan Byrne pictured feeding the penguins at the Roscommon Christmas Festival, held in the new-look Square last weekend. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

‘Daddy Long-Legs’ finds a new hat at the Roscommon Christmas Festival, held in the new-look Square last weekend. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

Connacht success for Super St. Brendan’s! St. Brendan’s Ladies footballers were celebrating on Saturday last when two late Michelle Delaney points secured Connacht Junior success for the club as they beat Eastern Harps (Sligo) on a scoreline of 0-13 to 2-6 at the Connacht Centre of Excellence. It was looking like a day of heartbreak for the Ballygar-Newbridge

side, as Eastern Harps led by a single point with just under five minutes to play. But Delaney had other ideas and her deadly accurate free levelled matters before she swung over what proved to be the winner just moments later. The scores were level at half-time as St. Brendan’s never-say-die at-

titude saw them score three unanswered points late on in the first half to atone for the concession of two early goals. The Sligo side were out of the blocks quicker in the second half also, but Brendan’s stuck to their task and points from Sinead Langan gave them the lead by the second water break.

Harps recovered to take a 2-6 to 0-11 lead into the closing stages, and it looked like it would be there day as the width of a post denied them a two-point lead. Step forward Michelle Delaney then to grab a quickfire double and cue ecstatic scenes of celebration among the St. Brendan’s players and supporters.

St. Brendan’s Ladies footballers secured Connacht LGFA Junior Championship success last Saturday when they overcame Sligo side Eastern Harps at the Connacht Centre of Excellence. Pics: Peter Daly

Phone: 090 66 24078

0th 5Anniversary

Great ideas and Great value in our Giftware and Homeware sections. For your last minute Gifts and Houseware needs get instore and get a bargain.

Customers ...

To celebrate our 50th Christmas serving you

Jacobs Afternoon Tea/Elite Range Only €8

We are giving away some fab prizes like a 58in 4K UHD Smart Phillips TV, a 42in FHD Smart Denver TV, An Avita 256GB 14in Laptop, A Mountain Bike and a Venturer Mariner Pro 10in 32GB Tablet ... See instore for entry details. Powers Whiskey Only €20

Large Dairybox Luxury Selection Only €8

Don’t forget to collect tokens for your Half Price Fresh Turkey with every €10 spend.

Selection Boxes 3 for €5

Griffon Prosecco Only €7

12 Pack Cans Bud/Heineken/ Bulmers/ Guinness/ Carlsberg €12

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Ballygar P.O. Tel: 090 66 24511

Denis Delaney

Building Contractor Tel: 087 6828818

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Ken, Paula and all at

Western Fire Protection Supplies Ltd.

Please support Ballygar’s Festive Lights!

Ballygar Festive Lights Committee are once again looking for support from the community to raise muchneeded funds to cover the costs of lighting up the town for Christmas 2021.

The committee is thankful for generous donations from both local businesses and the community at past church gate collections. Committee members have also praised the voluntary

work carried out each year to install the lights and the Christmas tree. This year, due to the ongoing Covid restrictions, the committee was unable to host its church gate collection, and are

The People’s Christmas Selection Box

SUNFLOWER

Montessori & Creche

Stars available for Christmas tree

Sunflower Montessori offer full-time, sessional, part-time and afterschool care with pick-up and drop-off from Ballygar N.S. and bus service from Ballaghlea Schemes available: ECCE, NCS, Places available for children aged 1 year onwards. We have limited places for FREE preschool for September 2022 Open daily from 8.00am to 6.00pm

Please contact Fiona Lally 0906624689 sunflowermontessori@outlook.ie

Ballygar Tel.: 090-6624557 • Ada Coyle M.P.S.I.

• Dispensing & Compounding Chemist • Advice • Cosmetics

In aid of St. Vincent de Paul, members of St. Marys Church Choir, Ballygar will host carols by Candlelight on Sunday evening, December 19th at 8 pm in St. Mary’s Church Ballygar. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar says a big thank you to Myriam and Martin Daly, Damien Traynor, Catherine O’Brien, Pharmacy and Oliver Holmes, Centra, for their generous donations towards the church Christmas tree. Your support is greatly appreciated.

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021, especially to all my staff from

The Medical Hall

‘Carols by Candlelight’ with St. Mary’s Church Choir

A big thank you to Christmas tree sponsors!

Ballygar, Co. Galway Tel: 090 66 24593 / 087 2428771 E. westernfireprotection@eircom.net

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

kindly asking for your support. A GoFundMe page (‘Ballygar Festive Lights 2021’) has been set up and the all donations are greatly appreciated! The committee wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Flashback – Ciara Downey pictured at Christmas ‘Carols by Candelight in 2019. Ballygar will once again get to experience ‘Carols by Candlelight’ with members of St. Mary’s Church Choir on December 19th at 8 pm. Pic credit: Peter Daly

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

CONWAYS

BUTCHERS

This year, stars will be provided in the front porch of St. Mary’s Church for those who want to remember loved ones away from home this Christmas. You may also wish to remember a loved one who has recently passed away or those who are ill at this time. Names can be written on the star which you can then hang on the Christmas tree in the church. You may also bring the star home to fill names in and return it at your convenience.

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Lohan’s Garage SALES & SERVICE

High Street, Ballygar. Phone:

Fresh Turkeys, Geese and Ducks available for Christmas

090 6624800

BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY

TEL. 086 3685700 A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Donal Smith and Sons Ltd Building Contractors and Property Developers

Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway Tel 090 66 24556 Donal 087 2584381 Adrian 087 2647118 Trevor 087 9015189 donalsmith2012@gmail.com

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

FH Consultant Engineers Ltd. The Square, Ballygar, Co. Galway

Tel.: (0906) 624483 Mobile: 087 6103444

Email: fhconsultantengineers@gmail.com - Assigned Certification - Planning Permissions - Snag Lists - Private & Commercial Building Design - Building site surveys & Inspections - Fire Safety Certs - Land surveying and mapping

- Mortage Certification - Project Management - Structural Surveys - Traffic Engineering - Legal and Accident Reports - Disability Access Certs - Agricultural Building Design

For all your building and design services

Prop: Brian Finneran B.E. M.I.E.I.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages Wishing all my customers a very Happy and Healthy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

Martina’s Fashions Ballygar, Co. Galway. Tel.: (090) 66 24561

Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway. Tel. 090 66 24780 www.johnstonspharmacy.ie

Introducing… Johnston’s newest pharmacist! Tell us a bit about yourself… My name is Rosie Hughes, and I’m from Blanchardstown in Dublin. I’m married to Mathew Hughes and we are relocating to Ballinamore Bridge where Mathew runs the well-known local pub, Hughes’ Bar. How long have you been working in pharmacy? I studied at Brighton University and qualified in 2010. I had been working for eight years in Brighton before returning to Ireland, where I have worked for Llyods Pharmacy and O’Regan’s Pharmacy. I’m due to start in my new role at Johnston’s Allcare, Ballygar on December 20th. Pharmacist Rosie Hughes is the newest addition to the Johnston’s Allcare Pharmacy staff in Ballygar.

How did this opportunity come about? My husband Mathew took over the family pub after it flooded in 2009. His mother Margaret had worked hard to help make it a

popular spot for the locals in the years previous. This opportunity with Johnston’s came along and it worked out really well despite the obstacles Covid-19 has thrown at us! Gareth and his staff are really lovely and I know some of the local people too. I’m really excited about it now! How do you feel about making the move west? It will be a big change from Blanchardstown but while it will be very different, it’s something I’m really looking forward to. The team at Johnston’s all seem really nice and I’m looking forward to joining up with them. It will be nice to work in a smaller community too. You become far more familiar with people when living in a smaller town and that’s what pharmacy is all about…getting to know your customers and being able to provide a personable service.

Wishing all our customers a very happy and healthy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year For the month of December, every customer will be entered into a draw for a €100 VOUCHER

COVID BOOSTER VACCINES AVAILABLE Call us to arrange an appointment

Extended Christmas opening hours due to demand Monday - Friday 9:00 - 18:00 Saturday 9:30 - 16:00

KEEP AN EYE ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPCOMING NEWS & OFFERS

GET YOUR IDEAL GIFT huge selection of Galway Crystal, Beleek, Candles and Fragances Late opening Friday, 17th December from 6.00 - 8.00 pm

New ladies wear and childrens wear now in stock Thank you for your support in 2021 Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year from

Martin’s Bar na d’Taoisigh BALLYGAR

Props.: Pat & Carmel Gilmore 1893 - Celebrating - 2018 125 years in business M.J. Kelly (Ballygar) Ltd. Ballygar, Co. Galway Agri-Machinery & Hardware Christmas A very Happy s for the he is w st be d an d thank you New Year an ort in 2021 pp su ur for yo

Michael McDonnell Mob: 086 8335983 Tel: 090 6624545 mjkellyltd@gmail.com

The Thatch Bar

Ballygar – 090 66 24922 – OPEN DAILY – Proprietors:

Matt and Mary Quinn Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

Miriam’s five festive back-to-basics beauty tips It’s time for gingerbread-spiced lattes and midnight curfews! But don’t be a Grinch, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to have ourselves a merry little Christmas (albeit a scaled down one), even if that means morphing into Cinderella, complying with restrictions and leaving the nightclub/pub before the clock strikes ‘the witching hour’. Therefore, whether you’re driving home for Christmas or planning to party over the festive season, we know you’ll want to look your best. Check out my top five back-to-basics beauty tips here...

We’re currently whipped

up in a whirl of presentbuying, worrying about paying bills, and making sure to meet work deadlines, so my first tip is to advise everyone to make time for themselves. This could mean meeting friends for a

BALLYGAR PHARMACY

coffee, (don’t forget your Covid cert), having the odd early night, or snuggling up with your pets to watch a Christmas movie (my personal favourite). The choice is yours, so do try and do whatever it takes to combat the Christmas chaos.

Make sure your eyes stay merry and bright by giving them a little massage to get rid of any puffiness. Start at the corners and gently work your way towards your brow. My tip: Afterwards, when applying blusher, don’t put it up too high, it can make you look tired!

Alcohol dehydrates your skin, and, while I’d never suggest anyone stick to ‘mocktails’ – because I wouldn’t do it myself – I would recommend you drink plenty of water, use a hydrating face mask, and invest in a decent hyaluronic face serum to retain your skin’s

moisture. Your beauty therapist or pharmacist will recommend one suitable for your particular skin type.

The perfect party pout is

And finally…my best

best achieved by lining your lips with a neutral coloured pencil, adding a dash of foundation to the corners to ‘even out’ the application. Finish off with a creamy lippy, topped with some clear gloss and you’re good to go.

beauty tip of all…try to relax and enjoy yourself, despite the restrictions being placed on us. When limiting your contacts, choose to spend time with those you love (or at least like), because looking fab while getting through a scaled down Christmas, and having a good time, is the best medicine of all...for your skin, and for your mental wellbeing too.

We are delighted to announce that beautician

We are delighted to announce that beautician Gemma Kelly aka Gemma Kelly aka GemNails will be instore GemNails will be instore from Friday 7th January and is now taking from Friday, 7th January and is now taking weekly appointments. Services include:

Ballygar. Tel. 090 6624267. Email: ballygarpharmacy@gmail.com

COVID 19 first and second dose and Booster Vaccines available Government approved Digital Covid Certs also issued – suitable for Travel, events etc. Speak to Catherine to make an appointment.

Catherine Healy M.P.S.I. at the healthy heart of the community

weekly appointments.

Services include: Hands Manicure & Polish Shellac Gel Overlay Gel Extensions Gel Refill Nail Art/Designs Construction Base (Hands) Feet Pedicure, including top coat Add Colour Polish Add Shellac Hair GHD Curls Upstyles Piercing Ear Piercing

Facebook - Gemnails

Brows & Lashes Eyebrown Tint & Wax/Threading Eyebrow Tint Lash Lift & Tint Lash Tint Lash Extensions Full Lash Extensions Full Refill Lash Extensions Half Lash Extensions Half Refill Trio - Brown/Lash Tint & Shape Eyebrow Wax & Tint with Eyelash Extensions

Instagram - Gemnails1

Contact Gemma on 086 8662767 to book an appointment

Wishing our customers a happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy 2022. Thank you for your valued support.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

Athlone Rotary Club’s ‘Tree of Remembrance’ The Rotary Club of Athlone has launched its annual Christmas fundraising campaign, The Tree of Remembrance. This year, all funds raised will go to the Midlands Simon Community and The Order of Malta Ireland.

Write a name or a simple message on a ribbon, which will be placed on the Tree of Remembrance outside Athlone Civic Centre. From Friday, December 17th to Christmas Eve, the Tree of Remembrance will be decked with more and

more coloured ribbons, creating a visual reminder of loved ones at Christmas. A special Ecumenical Service with carols to remember those family and friends, who will not be with us this Christmas, will be held beside the tree at 2 pm on

Christmas Eve. All are welcome to attend (Subject to Covid guidelines). A GoFundMe page has been set up to support this initiative, search Athlone Rotary Tree of Remembrance at www.gofundme. com.

The People’s Christmas Selection Box La Bamba return to Trinity Arts Centre!

Sarah Mullen, Amy Mullen and Alice Comer pictured at a Christmas Craft Fair in Ballymoe Community Centre recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Trinity Arts Centre Castlerea will host a night of Christmas and musical memories with La Bamba (back for one night only!) on Sunday, December 19th at 8 pm. This event is funded through Roscommon County Council and the Department of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Heritage, Media and Sport under the Local Live Performances Programming Scheme. This event is free to all, though attendance numbers are limited under Covid guidelines so that all safety precautions are in place to ensure a safe and comfortable environment on the night. Booking is essential so contact the Trinity Arts booking line on 087-4027175 to book your seats. This concert will also be live streamed through Castlerea.ie Facebook as part of the weekly Round-Up. We are asking people to come along on the night and send your Christmas wishes to your friends and families near and far.

Wishing all my customers a very happy Christmas and all the best for the new year. Wish to thank all my loyal customers and friends for their support in 2021 and looking forward to seeing you all in 2022.

The

Bees Knees

Health Store Your Local Independent Health Store Unit 3, High Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway F42 DE09

Tel: 090 6624409

Email: beeskneesballygar@gmail.com www.facebook.com/beeskneeshealthstore

Season’s greetings to one and all from

Main St, Tullyroe, Ballygar Telephone: 090 6624710

Season’s greetings to one and all from

Marguerite’s Hair Salon BALLYGAR. Tel. 090 6624816. Mob.: 086 0515212

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Stephen Blake M.R.I.A.I. Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

P: 090 66 24681 M: 087 635 8949 E: stephen@sbarchitect.ie Season’s greetings to one and all from Noel and Marie in

Doyle’s Corner

Main Street, Ballygar (090) 6624559

Supporters pictured at last Saturday’s Connacht LGFA Junior Final between St. Brendan’s and Eastern Harps at the Connacht Centre of Excellence. Pics: Peter Daly

Looking forward to seeing you all over the Christmas

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and thank you for your support in 2021 - very much appreciated

Dowd’s Supermarket

& Filling Station Glinsk Coal, Briquettes, Gas & Light Hardware NOW STOCKISTS OF ALL FARM FEEDS

TELEPHONE: 094 96 55009 Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year

COUNCILLOR

Declan Geraghty

C hristmas People Tell us a bit about yourself… I’m originally from Carlow but moved to County Roscommon 15 years ago and became mum to two children, Caoimhe and Ciarán. I’ve played music from a young age and have five All-Ireland titles to my name. I also got to travel to many countries as Musical Director with some of Ireland’s top country bands. In February 2020, I began posting music videos online from flooding near our home in Ballintubber, and since then they’ve had over eight million views on Facebook and I’ve amassed a following of 23,000! I am currently proud to be part of a fabulous award-winning social enterprise, Triest Press, who recently opened a new branch in Castlerea. In the New Year, I hope to record my debut solo album with an RTÉ producer.

with Fiona Sirr

One Christmas present you’ll always remember… A Christmas present I’ll always remember is the shiny red accordion I received aged nine… I still have it too! How will you spend this Christmas? This Christmas will be spent at home with my two children, where we’ll snuggle up together and watch movies… pure bliss! All I want for Christmas 2021 is… To continue making precious memories with Caoimhe and Ciarán, just like the ones I have from my own childhood. May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the very best of health and happiness for 2022.

Member of Galway County Council & Municipal District of Ballinasloe Williamstown, Via Castlerea, Co. Galway.

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

M: 086 2543304 E: dgeraghty@cllr.galwaycoco.ie W: www.galway.ie Designated Public Official under Regulation of Lobbying Act, 2015 | www.lobbying.ie

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Mattie Potter Ltd.

Seaon’s Greetings to one and all

Plumbing, Heating, Electrical Goods, Paints and Decor, D.I.Y. and Gardening, Calor Gas Agent, Building Supplies, General Hardware & Foodstore Stockist of Colourtrend Paint

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Gannon Agri Contractors Creggs, Co. Galway Tel: 086 2538169

Glenamaddy, Co. Galway Tel 094 963 8944

Associates

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Tommy Dillon Farm Buildings Kilkerrin Road Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

Email: info@hubertdeane.com Web: www.hubertdeane.com Tel: 094 9643079

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year from

Star Trophy Centre Drimatemple, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Phone: (094) 96 55079

Email: aidan_potter@eircom.net

Wishing Northern Gaels GAA success inNew the A Club very Happyevery Christmas and best wishes for the from: Year and thankfuture you for your support in 2021 from

Kilkerrin Road, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway www.west-bake.com

Telephone: 094 9659187 Mobile: 087 2616955

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

P&D Agri Services Ltd

Tractor & Machinery Repair & Maintenance Lerhin, Clonberne, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Patrick Dolan 086 3035792 Derek Raftery 086 3639457

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

C hristmas People

with Cllr. Emer Kelly

Tell us a bit about yourself?

marshmallows.

My name is Emer Kelly, I’m 22, and I’m from Ballyforan. I am an Independent Councillor for the Athlone Municipal District and am in my final year studying occupational therapy. I really enjoy my work as a councillor, and value being able to make a difference and help the local community.

One Christmas present you’ll always remember…

What is your favourite Christmas food/ drink? My favourite food to eat over the Christmas has to be vol-au-vents. I also enjoy a good hot chocolate, with lots of whipped cream and

I think that would have to be the guitar I got for Christmas six years ago…I rarely put it down when I got it! How will you be spending Christmas this year? I’ll be spending this Christmas at home with my family, hopefully without any Covid problems. I’m looking forward to relaxing for a couple of hours if the phone stops ringing!

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

‘Healthy Heart Dash’ in Ballinlough/Granlahan A Community Healthy Heart Dash will take place from Granlahan to Ballinlough on Monday, December 27th at 12.30 pm with the proceeds going towards the maintenance of community defibrillators. As part of the event, there will be a 6km walk from

Granlahan to Ballinough (registration at 11.30 am in Granlahan Community Centre) and a 10km cycle around Ballinlough (registration at 11.30 am at the Kilmore Inn). Cost of registration: Adults €10, students €5, and family €20. Please support.

St. Francis Nursing Home A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Kilkerrin

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

SALES • SERVICE • PARTS

Phone: 090 96 30800 Email: sales@fredkilmartinltd.ie Website: www.fredkilmartinltd.ie A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Divilly Fuels

• Highly dedicated team of Nurses, Carers & Social Care/Activities Co-ordinator • Offering 24-hour care in a home from home environment • HIQA registered & Fair Deal approved • No extra charges

Wholesale & Retail Fuel

l Smokeless Fuel l Stove Coal

l Gas

l Polish Coal

l Briquettes

l Timber/Turf

NOW SERVING FOOD

Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

Tel: 094 9659920 Joe 086 2622294

T. 094 965 9230 | E.: stfrancishomekilkerrin@eircom.net Should you require any further information regarding availability of rooms or Fair Deal assistance Contact: Hilda on 086 6037434

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

Cillian O’Rourke pictured with Santa during his visit to Vita House, Roscommon last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

C hristmas People

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY & SAFE NEW YEAR Your Proud Representative For Roscommon-Galway Society Street, Ballinasloe, County Galway The Square, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon T: 087 9400383. E: aisling.dolan@oireachtas.ie

How will you be celebrating Christmas this year? I’ll probably spend the Christmas with my family. I’m working from Dublin at the moment, so I’ll have to do an antigen test beforehand, but that’s the plan. It’s been a tough time for everyone, but hopefully we all get a chance to spend the day with our loved ones this year. What is your favourite food or drink to have over Christmas? Well, of course there’s the classic Turkey dinner with ham and all the trimmings. I also love a nice mulled wine, or a hot chocolate with cinnamon – and you can’t go wrong with a hot whiskey (complete with cloves and lemon) on Christmas. Another of my favourites would probably be the trifle my mother makes, with layers of sponge, tinned fruit, and lots of sherry! One Christmas present you’ll always remember… I’ll always remember the handmade dollhouse my parents got me one year. It was this lovely, pink house, but I wasn’t really into dolls, so after a while my brother turned it into a garage

for his toy cars! I remember getting a bike, that was a big deal to me as well. In general though, thoughtful presents are the best. For example, once I mentioned in passing that I liked a local artist’s painting to my mother, and months later when Christmas rolled around, she had it for me. All I want for Christmas is… Peace, goodwill, and to spend time with my family. Christmas can be a hard time for many, seeing the empty chairs at the table. It’s also been a very tough year in general for people thanks to Covid. People have worked incredibly hard and put in so much - from doctors, nurses, and paramedics, to shopkeepers, retail workers, and drivers etc. – and so my hope is that with the booster vaccine, we’re all in a better place in a few week’s time. *Ballinasloe native Senator Aisling Dolan is the Seanad Spokesperson on Education, Science and Innovation (including Higher Education) and Fine Gael Senator for the Roscommon Galway constituency.

with Aisling Dolan

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

C hristmas People Tell us a little about yourself… Hi there! My name is Arlene and I’m a 22-year-old singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist from Ballintubber in County Roscommon. I’m currently studying music in BIMM (TUD) Dublin. You can check out my music on Spotify or any of my social pages @arlene_music!

with Arlene Feeley

My family own Kenny’s Bar in Ballintubber and so we are used to working late on Christmas Eve and then again on St. Stephen’s Day, so in a way it was really nice to just sit back last year. The whole family was part of it and we were able to really enjoy the whole Christmas for once.

Kenny’s Lounge Ballintubber • Co. Roscommon

Kenny’s caters for all parties, functions and fundraisers, weddings or christenings. No party too big or too small

Not much…just a new car! Big shout out to mum and dad!

Hmmm. At the moment I’ve no definite plans made but Christmas will definitely be celebrated in Mayo or Roscommon this year!

Singer-songwriter Arlene (Arlene Feeley) is originally from Ballintubber and has already gained local and national airplay with her song ‘Send Me Any Sign’. She also has her own clothing line ‘Aquarius X Arlene Clothing’. Check her out on Spotify or social media @arlene_music.

In all honesty it’s probably Christmas 2020.

Thanking all our customers for their continued support and wishing them a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year.

All I want for Christmas is…

How will you be celebrating Christmas this year?

One Christmas you’ll always remember...

Call: Eileen on 087 2308895

No. 12, North West Business & Technology Park, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Tel/Fax: 071 9650999

Email: noonecarpetsandfurniture@eircom.net l

Domestic l Commercial l Industrial Free Measuring/Estimates

A very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year to all our customers and thank you for your support in 2021

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Ciara Keane, Vicky Silver, Cheryl, Rachel and Geraldine Keane pictured in Kenny’s Lounge, Ballintubber recently. A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Corskeagh Lounge Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon

TEL.: 086 3447073 David and Mary wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2022

RATTIGAN’S

FITTED KITCHENS & BEDROOM/SLIDEROBES Church View Drive, Elphin, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 35530 / (086) 3855263 Email: rattigandavid@gmail.com Supplier and Fitter of Top Quality Kitchens and Bedroom units at Competitive Prices

WE NOW SPECIALISE IN UNDERSTAIRS STORAGE

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am to 6 pm; Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. Evenings by appointment

OUR REPUTATION IS YOUR GUARANTEE

Pictured at Kenny’s Lounge, Ballintubber recently were Gerry Boyle and Vicky Silver.

GARVEY’S BAR garveysbar

BALLINTUBBER

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021

Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon Telephone: (086) 6089591

Creaton’s SHOP & PUB Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 094 98 80124

Glencastle Lounge Glinsk l Telephone: 094 9655297 Tom, Dolores, family and staff wish all our customers and friends a very Happy Christmas and a Bright and Prosperous New Year

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from Award-winning

GIFTWARE •

INTERIORS

• FURNISHINGS

Main Street • Athleague • County Roscommon

Phone: 090 66 63818 • www.townandcountryinteriors.ie Gift Vouchers Available Deposits Taken – Ample Parking Open during lunch

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

GERRY GILL Motors

Crash Repairs l Sales & Service Fuerty, Roscommon Tel/Fax: (090) 66 26536 Gerry: (086) 8162964 Gerard: (086) 2254731 follow us on facebook www.gerrygillmotors.ie

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

< MIRIAM KERINS

Damien Grehan

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES SEAI Approved for Heating Upgrades Renewable Solar Panel Installation Energy Air to Water Heat Pump System

Lisnasillagh, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

Mobile: 086 3662922

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from Tommie, Michael and all at

ulhern Bro Agri Contractors Ltd.

Kilmore, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Telephone: Tommie: (087) 9009067 Michael: (087) 1422312

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

www.mimarmedia.ie

Our tips to shop smarter, shop local and stick to your budget this Christmas!

Email us at info@mimarmedia.ie ATHLEAGUE, ROSCOMMON Phone: 090 6663731

According to predictions from Retail Ireland, it’s expected that up to ‘€5.4 billion could be spent by consumers this Christmas’. This figure apparently represents a ‘5 per cent increase’ on last year’s spends. However, as many of us lost earnings due to the impact of the Covid19-infused restrictions, I’ve put together a few tips you might like to follow in order to help you shop smarter, shop local and keep to your budget this Christmas. Lockdown and restrictions have left us all with items of clothing, bottles of perfume, socks and jocks etc. we didn’t get to wear, and, as nobody needs another five identical sets of scarves/gloves/ bobble hat combos, I suggest you get the family to do a Kris Kindle (Secret Santa)! Agree a

limit, set it and stick to it! And no, it’s not a ‘cop out’ it gives you time to really study that special person you’re buying for; to shop local and source them that bespoke gift they can treasure forever! If you’re hosting Christmas dinner, why not ask each guest to bring an item with them? One could bring a bottle of wine, another could bring along a dessert, or someone else could do a cheeseboard and crackers selection etc. We have some wonderful familyrun shops right across Roscommon, each one selling the most amazing selection of artisan foods. Direct your guest to them and, not only will it take the financial pressure off you, it’ll ensure your Christmas day feast will be worthy of an Instabrag! #You’reWelcome! When cooking that dinner, shop smarter and shop local! Your friendly, family-run retailer will

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Liam Tully

PLUMBING & HEATING Derrane Road, Roscommon

Mobile: 087 2325699

have an array of fresh, locally sourced ingredients sitting on their shelves. And, if they don’t, it’s highly likely they’ll be happy to source your items for you, allowing you to cook everything for the big day from scratch, as opposed to ‘readymade’ which may possibly be more expensive. While this will take up more of your time in the kitchen, it will cost you less on the price of the ingredients, and save your diesel/petrol consumption! A decent tipple is a must at Christmas! While I don’t wish to upset those who canvassed to have alcohol, not just hidden from view, but made more expensive, I’m going to suggest you check out your local off-licence to see if they’re doing bulk-buy specials before the January 2022 deadline for minimum unit pricing comes into effect. Always consume alcohol responsibly!

Athleague Festive Window Competition returns for 2021!

All residents and businesses in Athleague village are invited to take part in the annual Festive Window Competition which will be judged by the children of Athleague National School. The most creative display will receive the Kathleen Conboy Memorial Cup and you can post your photos to the Festive Window post on Athleague Tidy Towns’ Facebook page. The Festive Window Competition is in association with Athleague National School, Athleague 2020, and Athleague Tidy Towns.

Please support Athleague’s Christmas lights!

A GoFundMe page has been set up in order to raise funds for the maintenance of Athleague’s Christmas Lights. A number of lights and transformers need to be replaced while the committee aims to improve the display each year. Please give what you can to help light up Athleague for the festive season! Donations can be made by searching ‘Athleague Christmas Lights 2021’ at www.gofundme.com.

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Main Street, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. TEL.: 090 66 63867

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from ess In Businyears 0 3 r e v o Rain Water Storage

Have your Own Well

Mountain Stream, River or Lake

At Waterteck we provide Filtration Systems which give you a superior quality water supply from any of the above sources.

Well Drilling /Pump Installation/Water Analysis/Recommendations

WATERTECK 2000 Rooskey, South Leitrim. 07196 58976 / 086 8072249

waterteck@eircom.net

www.waterteck.com

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Patrick J. Nugent ELECTRICAL Rooskey, Co. Roscommon T: 071 - 96 38034

086 - 2691050 (Enda); 087 8101502 (Ronan); 087 - 2795179 (Paddy) A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Joe Mulvihill AGRI CONTRACTOR

Corbane, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

Phone: 086 1925031 l Hedge Cutting l Mowing l Bailing l Wrapping l Agitaling l Spreading

Slurry with dribble bar/splash plate A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Elphin

Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd. ELPHIN CO. ROSCOMMON PHONE: 071 9635061

A Christmas Message from Bishop Ferran Glenfield… Christmas comes in packages. Courier companies deliver packages to our doors. Some people book a hotel package for Christmas Day. Christmas parcels are wrapped in seasonal paper to be opened on the big day. Christmas comes in packages. St. Luke packages the first Christmas story for us in his Gospel. He wants us to see, first, the coming of God to the world he created. Christ came at the time when Caesar Augustus ruled much of the known world. But for Luke the Roman Empire was only the backcloth to Christ’s coming. Jesus, not Caesar was the main man. Secondly, Luke points to how God came to earth. He came in humility. Born to peasant parents in a rural backwater in Palestine. Born and nursed in a feeding trough in a bare stable. No pomp and circumstance in Luke’s story of

the coming of Christ into the world. Next, Luke highlights the announcement of Christ’s arrival. An angel is the herald. The news is good; the promised one is to be born in Bethlehem. He will deliver, for he comes as Saviour, what the world needs. He is for all, people then and people now, people like you and me. Lastly, Luke sets before us the reaction to the coming of Jesus. Shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night were the first to hear the news. Their response was immediate, they hurried down to Bethlehem, their clue was the feeding trough, just as the angel had said. Mary’s response was more reflective; she pondered all these things in her heart. The wonder of it all. Luke’s package of the first Christmas story has been described as the most beautiful

Raffle in aid of COI, Drumshanbo A raffle in aid of the Church of Ireland, Drumshanbo, will be held in the area over the next four or five weeks. The Church of Ireland, built in 1829, is one of the oldest buildings in the town. Proceeds from the raffle will go towards urgent and much needed restoration work and repairs to the church. The main prizes on offer in the raffle are: 1st prize: A heifer, kindly sponsored by Drumshanbo Mart and Tom Humphries; 2nd: Two sheep, kindly sponsored by Winston Johnston, Arva, Co. Cavan; 3rd: A hamper supplied by the Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo, and kindly sponsored by Cllr. Enda McGloin, Drumshanbo; 4th: Vouchers worth a total of €250, kindly sponsored by Mulveys’ Hardware, Drumshanbo. There are plenty of other prizes also on offer. Tickets cost €5 each or five for €20, and are available from Drumshanbo Mart (071-9641116), local shops and from George Lunney (086-7806662). The raffle will be held in the New Year on a date to be announced.

gift ever given. Do take time to unwrap the gift of God and to receive Jesus with great joy and wonder this Christmas.

I do hope and pray that we will be able to celebrate Christmas in our homes and in our churches with family, friends and strangers.

May you have happy and blessed Christmas, Bishop Ferran Glenfield, Church of Ireland Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh

appy A very H and s a tm s Chri hes for best wis ar and Ye the New for your u o y k n tha in 2021 support from

BAR & RESTAURANT TREAT THAT SOMEONE SPECIAL TODAY FOR CHRISTMAS 2021 Cox’s Steakhouse Main Street, Dromod, Co. Leitrim Food open from 9.30am - 9.00pm Cash & Card Only. No Refunds.

Buy Online or ask any member of staff today coxs-steakhouse.com

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

Clarke’s Bar – Lanesboro –

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your custom in 2021

Ballyleague Tidy Towns & Christmas Lights

Please support Ballyleague/Lanesboro Christmas lights On Saturday evening, December 4th, Lanesboro and Ballyleague was illuminated with the switching on of the Christmas Lights. Community spirit is

very much alive and well in the run-up to Christmas as the lights shine brightly across the Shannon. A big thank you to the committees on both

sides of the community for the wonderful job they have done in recent weeks. Those who wish to contribute towards the lights can do so in Bal-

The People’s Christmas Selection Box

Ballyleague - be proud of it, Be part of it! Thank you for all your support in 2021

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

Lanesboro, Co. Longford 9 Seater (Wheelchair Accessible) All parties catered for, discos etc CALL FOR ANY OCCASION Tel: Tom Morris 086 8293328

Elaine Lally, Joan Noone, Bernie Dolan, and Grainne Egan pictured at Hannon’s Hotel before last Sunday’s Santa Hat Run, in association with Roscommon Athletics Club. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Local books are the perfect gift this Christmas!

A big thank you to Joe O’Brien (www.joeobrien.ie) for highlighting the tremendous array of books of local interest and by local authors, which are available to buy this Christmas! Books include Jack Harte’s ‘In the Wake of the Bagger’ and ‘Laughing Boy’, Ghost Homeland by Colin Car-

berry, Sliabh Bán by Henry Owens, the recently published Longford Republican History 1900-2000, ‘Dukie – The Game of Life’ by Seamus Duke, ‘The Swinging Sixties by Kenagh writer Paddy Egan, and ‘Light Reading for Short Journeys’ and ‘In my Mind’s Eye’.

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

McGowan

METAL FABRICATION

Telephone: 086 8154938

Mon - Sun: 5pm - 10pm

Last order for delivery is 9.45 pm

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021

SuperValu. You can contribute in Lanesboro through Mark Casey, Margaret Gillen, Brigid Mullooly or leave your envelope into O’Brien’s Shop for collection.

Santa Claus to visit Ballyleague!

Santa Claus will take time out from his hectic schedule to pay a visit to St. Faithleach’s GAA Club, Ballyleague at 5 pm this Sunday, December 19th! This will be a drive-thru event and visitors are asked to stay in their cars and respect all Covid-19 guidelines. All are welcome!

Rathcline GAA Christmas/ New Year Draw

Season’s greetings to one and all

Tom’s Hackney

lyleague through Noel Moran, Gerry Trimble and John Loughlin or through donated boxes located at Inver Filling Station, the Credit Union and Keane’s

Lanesboro, Co. Longford

The annual Rathcline GAA Christmas/New Year draw will take place in Adie’s bar on Saturday, January 15th. Tickets are priced at €20. 1st prize: €3,000; 2nd prize: €1,000; 3rd prize: 2 tickets for the eagerly awaited concert in Croke Park of Ed Sheeran on Sunday, April 24th; 4th prize: €250; 5th prize: €250.

Meals on Wheels service seeks support

With no church gate collection this year due to Covid restrictions, the County Longford Meals on Wheels will hold a collection in the lead up to Christmas. Many people avail of this vital service in the local area and all support would be greatly appreciated. There is a collection point in O’Brien’s Shop and we would urge your fullest support. Thank you in advance.

Season’s greetings to one and all from

ADIE’S Bar and Restaurant Lanesborough (043) 332 1322

See our facebook page for our live music over Christma Food served daily. A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2021 from

LANESBORO

JOHN’S of Doughill

FORKLIFT M.E.W.P. Working at height Manual Handling etc.

Phone: 087 2608829

TRAINING CENTRE Contact Vincent 086 8154938

All parties catered for

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Local towns & villages

‘Brushstrokes’ to host Christmas Art Exhibition Established in 1996, Brushstrokes, County Longford’s longest-running art group, will host a Christmas Art Exhibition in Ballyleague Parish Hall this Saturday (18th) from 11 am to 5 pm. The exhibition will be a display of the group’s work on canvas or paper in the medium of oils, acrylics and watercolours. Most work is framed, but some canvases are unframed. The work will be displayed on the walls of the foyer and front room of St. Mary’s Hall. The group meets every week for two hours on Thursday evenings from 8.30 pm in St. Mary’s Hall. The aim of the group is to meet and create in a relaxed and supportive environment

- it is not an art class, but a place to relax and explore your creative side, and where other members are always willing to offer advice. Painting and drawing, like other creative arts, are wonderful ways to engage the brain and relax at the same time.  The obligatory chat, tea and biscuits at half-time are an enormous help also. We welcome all levels and all media - for adults (over 18 years). It is a particularly important outing and meet-up for our older members who live alone. The group holds two exhibitions a year, at Christmas and during summer, we have outings to galleries, museums, and cultural places of interest. Brushstrokes also organise

workshops with professional tutors This year has seen a significant increase in the rental cost of €20 per hour. The aim of the Christmas Exhibition each year is to afford members the opportunity to sell their work and for the community to buy local pieces. One painting is selected each year for raffle, with the ticket proceeds going to charity. This year the group hopes to support the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Members hope the outcome will be increased interest and support of local art, renewed confidence in ourselves and the opportunity to support IMNDA.

Share the Magic

Market Ballyleague

Saturday 18th December 11 am to 5pm (And once monthly thereafter)

Sterling silver and gold jewellery, handbags, scarves, local crafts, knitted goods, wood crafts, furniture, fresh pizza, coffee, breads and snacks ... and more ... For further details, please call 087 3965568

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

NewsPeople

Some of this year’s participants pictured before the Santa Hat Walk/Run at Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon town last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Santa Hat Walk/Run

Beth O’Mahony, Ann-Marie Dennigan, and Elaine Lally pictured at Hannon’s Hotel for the Santa Hat Walk/ Run in association with Roscommon Athletics Club last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

The Kelly family – Suzanne, Claire, Luke and baby Paddy – pictured at Hannon’s Hotel before last Sunday’s Santa Hat Walk/Run. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Participants pictured at Hannon’s Hotel for the Santa Hat Walk/Run in association with Roscommon Athletics Club last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Kids’ race winners, Ronan Dennigan (third), Noah Flynn (first), and Ruth Dennigan (second), pictured at Hannon’s Hotel following the successful Santa Hat Walk/Run last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Mairead and Roisin Brennan, Paula and Nicole Mulhern, and Beth and Rosie O’Mahony, pictured together at Hannon’s Hotel for the Santa Hat Walk/Run last Sunday in association with Roscommon Athletics Club. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Getting a ‘s-elfie’: Elf Joanne pictured with Ciaran McConn at Hannon’s Hotel for last Sunday’s Santa Hat Walk/Run in association with Roscommon Athletics Club. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Wishing all of our readers, advertisers and correspondents a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year

The local paper! Abbey Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 34633

E.: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

www.roscommonpeople.ie

• Please note that a contribution is being made to a local charity in lieu of Christmas Cards and Gifts.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com

Factories should provide EFT facilities to farmers - IFA Sheep Committee

THURSDAY, 16TH DECEMBER:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS YARD OPENS AT 8.A.M. 3 RINGS IN OPERATION. ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M.

Castlerea Mart would like to wish all its customers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and safe 2022 JANUARY 13TH, 2022

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details. < FOR SALE: Fodder beet, stone free washed and nationwide delivery. Collection also welcome. Tel: 087 2781024

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the issuing of €3 million in payments to tillage farmers under the 2021 Protein Aid Scheme. Speaking this week, Senator Murphy said: “I am delighted that payments are now issuing under the 2021 Protein Aid Scheme. These payments will amount to €3 million which has been set aside for the Protein Aid Scheme,

and payments are now commencing for approximately 850 applicants. The rate for this year has been set at €300 per hectare and the payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days”. Senator Murphy said the payment is an important support for tillage farmers for the growing of protein crops, including beans, peas, and lupins.

“These proteins reduce our reliance on imported products for animal feed,” he added. “The Protein Aid Scheme is beneficial to farmers and to the environment and, in this context, Minister McConalogue has proposed to more than double the annual budget from €3 million to €7 million under the next CAP, which will commence in 2023”.

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Learn to drive with

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Macra na Feirme hits back at Green Party MEP Macra na Feirme has said it recently wrote to Green Party MEP Ciaran Cuffe concerning his letter regarding lending to young farmers for growth in their livestock enterprises. To date, no response has been received by Macra na Feirme to the invitation to meet. “It would appear that this politician has little interest in solution design or engagement with the Irish citizens that his comments directly impact, young farmers,” said Macra na Feirme National President John Keane. “The Green Party MEP grandstanding recently on RTÉ Radio One has done little to appease the anger among Macra na Feirme’s young farming members. “It reinforces the common belief among the farming community and young farmers that the Green Party have little regard for life outside the M50.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy

Castlerea MART WATCH

Green Party MEP Ciaran Cuffe

TOM ROGERS

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344

contacted all sheep factories in the past few days. While some are more positively disposed to providing the service, none are currently offering the facility, despite IFA raising this issue with their representative body earlier this year. Sean Dennehy said it’s not acceptable that across the sheep processing industry, this payment option is not available. He has called on all sheep processing factories to put the option in place. “Farmers are annoyed this basic service is not being provided to date and are calling on factories to come forward with commitments on implementation within reasonable timeframes,” he concluded.

Murphy welcomes commencement of Protein Aid Scheme payments

Contact

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651

Daily collection

IFA Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy.

IFA Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said the option for sheep factories to use Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) should be provided to farmers who prefer to be paid this way. IFA has met Meat Industry Ireland on this issue and set out farmers’ demands to have this facility provided, but to-date no lamb processing factories are offering this option to farmers. “We are seeing more and more rural services taken away. The closure of local bank branches in towns throughout the country is making it more difficult for farmers to lodge cheques,” he said. Members of the IFA Sheep Committee

“It may come as a surprise to those flying back and forth to Brussels on aircrafts that are currently not included in any climate targets of actions, that Irish young farmers are leading the way in environmental practices,” Mr. Keane said. “The Irish livestock sector is widely regarded as a global leader in terms of emissions and embracing environmentally friendly measures. “The next decade poses challenges for all sectors in terms of meeting climaterelated targets but Irish young farmers are ready to adopt science-based economically sound solutions that deliver a global future”. Macra na Feirme has said it wants to engage constructively with MEP Cuffe and wishes to outline the positive role young farmers are playing and will continue to play in climate action.

Numbers of stock presented for sale remained strong as we enter the final week of trading for 2021. The bullock ring on Monday last (6th) returned an excellent clearance with both stores and forward lots in strong demand. Thursday’s sale witnessed good demand also and heifers saw prices improved by €30 to €40 per head with increased demand especially for forward lots. Weaning prices for the quality lots saw prices holding while breeding stock reached €2,160 and dry cows peaked at €1,750 with increased numbers of store cows coming on stream. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,090 to €1,150 per head. Springers made from €1,100 to €2,160. Runners made from €360 to €800 for continental lots. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 16th) with our final sale of 2021 with a sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings on offer. All sales commence at 11 am. Castlerea Mart would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Safe 2022. Sample prices for heifers: Lmx 425kgs €1230, Lm 380kgs €1040, Ch 400kgs €1040, Ch 480kgs €1280, Ch 490kgs €1250, Lm 460kgs €1240, AA 645kgs €1580, Lm 615kg €1530, Ch 605kgs €1530, Ch 635kgs €1530. Dry cows: Lm 750kgs €1690, Lm 700kgs €1610, Fr 845kgs €1300, Sim 680kgs €1390, Ch 655kgs €1490, Lim 710kgs €1560, Ch 695kgs €1600, Her 660kgs €1230. Weanling bulls: Ch 260kgs €860, Ch 255kgs €850, AA 265kgs €780, Lm 340kgs €1360, Ch 420kgs €1150, Ch 340kgs €1100, Lm 410kgs €1050, Lm 375kgs €1090. Weanling heifers: Lm 280kgs €920, AA 270kgs €790, Lm 330kgs €1150, Lm 355kgs €1060, AA 350kgs €930, Ch 320kgs €820, Lm 410kgs €970, Ch 240kgs €730. Bullocks: Lm 485kgs €1380, Lm 480kgs €1340, Ch 455kgs €1290, Ch 508kgs €1410, Lm 500kgs €1410, AA 500kgs €1370, Lm 565kgs €1580, Ch 645kgs €1690, AA 750kgs €1800, AA 710kgs €1710, AA 655kgs €1640.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

FarmingPeople

IFA reacts to CSO’s farm income estimate IFA President Tim Cullinan has said the preliminary estimate from the Central Statistics Office showing an increase of 18 per cent in farm income could be a very different picture in 12 months’ time. He said the rate at which input costs are rising threatens to erode any improvement in price that farmers received during 2021. “Fertiliser costs, in particular, are rising at an unsustainable rate. Prices to farmers have increased by over 200 per cent in the last six months. They have seen the price of UAN

IFA President Tim Cullinan.

increase by 228 per cent since last year, with urea now quoted at €900/t,” he said. The IFA President said some of the increases in sectors such as cattle, sheep and tillage have to be seen in the context of historically low prices to producers, and in the case of tillage, a poor year in 2020. “The increase in the livestock sector is well below the average and comes off a very low base. It underlines the importance of direct supports for livestock producers,” he said. “Overall, what the CSO

to Fork plan, which are not binding. “We also highlighted our concern about escalating input prices on farm margins, and the need for the EU to remove anti-dumping duties that apply on fertiliser coming into the EU”. Mr. Cullinan added that while the allocation to Ireland under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve was welcome, it remained unclear how farmers would qualify. “Farmers have not felt the full brunt of Brexit so far, but the trade deals the UK are doing and the impact this could have on Irish farmers in the period ahead is concerning,” he said. “We emphasised the challenges posed by the removal of UK concessions through 2022, as well as concerns about Irish producers being able to secure

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

FINAL SALE FOR 2021

estimate says is that volatility is becoming more pronounced and that it will have an increasing impact on farm families. The Teagasc Outlook released earlier this week is already talking about substantial reductions in farm incomes for 2022”. Tim Cullinan said the focus of IFA’s submission to the Department of Agriculture on CAP is primarily on farm viability. “Farm businesses need certainty and policymakers cannot introduce desktop solutions that fail to take account of the impact on incomes,” he concluded.

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows

Friday, December 17th at 11 a.m. ----------------------

2022 Sales commence on Wednesday, January 12th

Lambs & Cast Ewes

At 11 a.m.for Over 62 year Proudly serving Farmers ---------------------Property ServicesFriday, Providers Licence No. 001 January 14th

IFA meet McGuinness on key farming issues

An IFA delegation led by President Tim Cullinan met EU Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union Mairead McGuinness in Dublin recently Among the issues discussed were CAP Reform, input prices, the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, taxonomy and live exports. “While CAP Reform has more or less concluded at EU level, we stressed to Mairead McGuinness that the Irish Government needs to use the latitude negotiated in the agreement to do more to support productive farmers and the vulnerable sectors,” Mr. Cullinan said. “In addition, Member States should be allowed to use the flexibility available to them, rather than feeling pressurised to implement the targets in the EU Farm

(Proudly serving farmers for over 62 years)

Bullocks, Heifers Final Sale for 2021 & Dry Cows

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows At 11 a.m. Friday December - - - - - - - - - - - - -17th - - - - - -@ - - - 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 18th -----------------2022 Sales&commence Weanlings Suckler on Cows th Wednesday January 12 At 4 p.m. - - -Cast - - - - - - -Ewes - - - - - - -@ - - - -11 a.m. Lambs -& ------------We thank youJanuary for your custom Friday 14th in 2021 and we look for ward to your Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows @ 11 a.m. continued support in 2022 ---------Wishing all our Customers, Shareholders Tuesday January 18th and Friends a Happy Safe Christmas and Weanlings & Suckler Cows @ 4 p.m. a peaceful and prosperous New Year --------------

We thank you for your custom in 2021 and we ENQUIRIES 090 6626352support in 2022 look forward to your continued Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Wishing all our Customers, and Friends a H Visit our website:Shareholders www.roscommonmart.ie Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Ye EU Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union Mairead McGuinness. ----------------------Find us on facebook

seed potatoes from the UK”. The importance of the classification of agricultural activities under the EU’s Taxonomy plan, which

Commissioner McGuin- pean Parliament sub-comness has responsibility for, mittee on Animal Welfare, was also discussed. the IFA has090 stressed Enquiries 66 the 26352 Email:roscommonmart@gmail.com Finally, in light of the re- strategic importance of Businesses: Reach your target market! cent recommendations on live exports to Ireland as live exports by the Euro- an island nation. www.roscommonmart.ie 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Roscommon MART WATCH There was a good entry of excellent quality stock on offer at our second last sale of the year on Friday, December 10th, with a firm trade all-round. Bullocks averaged from €2.36 per kilo up to €2.67 per kilo, and heifers fetched from an average of €2.51 per kilo up to €4.05 per kilo for a Lim X weighing 545kgs and making €2,210. There were 90 dry cows on offer, with lots averaging from €1.85 per kilo up to €2.31 per kilo. There was good demand again this week, both from customers at the ring-

side and customers online. This Friday, December 17th, at 11 am, we will have our final sale of the year for bullocks, heifers and dry cows. There was a larger entry on offer at our final sale for 2021 – held on Wednesday, December 15th – for lambs and cast ewes. There was a slight dip in trade for lambs this week. Finished lambs made up to €170, store lambs made up to €130, and stag ewes made up €170. Sales will continue at 11 am on

Wednesday, January 12th. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com. Sample prices for bullocks: Char X 760kgs €1970, Lim X 730kgs €1920, Lim X 720kgs €1820, Lim 670kgs €1790, Simm X 690kgs €1790, Char X 795kgs €1740, Char X 725kgs €1570, AAX 655kgs €1500, Lim X 595kgs €1320, Lim 535kgs €1300.

Heifers: Lim X 545kgs €2210, Lim X 570kgs €1970, Char X 660kgs €1940, Char X 675kgs €1900, Char X 580kgs €1890, BBX 600kgs €1720, AAX 610kgs €1460, Lim X 550kgs €1470, AAX 670kgs €1580, Lim X 445kgs €1640, Char X 515kgs €1440, Char X 490kgs €1390, 3 Char X 493kgs €1300, 2 Lim X 482kgs €1300, Char X 430kgs €1210. Dry cows: Simm 930kgs €1990, Lim X 880kgs €1950, Simm 875kgs €1940, Char X 685kgs €1380, AAX 695kgs

€1410, Simm X 695kgs €1550, Lim X 720kgs €1660, AAX 700kgs €1590, Char 790kgs €1830, Lim X 660kgs €1400, Lim X 600kgs €1180, Char X 670kgs €1370. Finished lambs: 49.8kgs €170, 53kgs €170, 58.3kgs €168, 52.3kgs €167, 48.3kgs €167, 50.3kgs €165, 49.8kgs €165, 48kgs €160, 47.5kgs €157. Store lambs: 39kgs €130, 40.8kgs €125, 39kgs €122, 37.6kgs €121, 33.2kgs €112, 36.3kgs €108, 34kgs €105.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Business

‘Tip our Team’ campaign launched to reward staff in Roscommon

Dr. Ian Major, R&D programme manager, TUS; TUS Governing Body Chair Josephine Feehily, Dr. Noel Gately, APT centre manager; TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane, Emer Bourke, project manager health and safety pictured at the launch of the University’s €10 million Polymer Centre of Excellence in Athlone.

TUS to break ground on €10m Polymer Centre of Excellence The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS) will shortly commence work on a new polymer centre of excellence, valued at €10 million, on its Athlone campus. The two-phase project, which is due to break ground early next year and conclude in March 2023, will comprise a 1,330 square metre extension and refurbishment of existing facilities, including R&D and office space. The new polymer centre will form part of the university’s STEM Quadrangle, which links TUS’s existing €36 million state-of-theart engineering facility, its forthcoming STEM building, and its Applied Polymer Technologies (APT) technology gateway. APT, which is based in TUS’s Materials Research Institute, was recently awarded €4 million in HEA funding to renovate its existing polymer R&D facilities, which provides polymer technology solu-

tions for companies in the medical, composite, sustainability, and pharmaceutical sectors. A further €4 million in Enterprise Ireland capital equipment funding has been awarded to the technology gateway since 2019, with more than €1.8 million of that allocated in 2021 alone. This coupled with donations of equipment from engineering and polymer suppliers, capital equipment investment by Enterprise Ireland into COMAND, TUS’s other technology gateway in Athlone, and the university’s own projected investment of €1.5 million brings the total value of the new polymer R&D centre to more than €10 million. “We’re delighted to get this continued investment into our polymer research capabilities. Building on our strong heritage as a national polymer research centre of excellence, this new facility will further strengthen our offering

Artist’s impression of TUS’s new €10 million polymer centre of excellence in Athlone, which will see APT’s existing footprint doubled.

to industry,” APT centre manager Dr. Noel Gately explained. “In addition to doubling our existing footprint, we are also enhancing our analytical capabilities in our contract services offering and enhancing our design and processing equipment right across the board”. TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane welcomed the continued investment and called polymer R&D an area of strategic importance to TUS. “Polymer engineering is

a key enabling technology – it’s hugely important in the MedTech, construction and clean energy sectors – and through the MRI and APT, TUS is providing research solutions to industrial-based problems, among them the development of recycling technologies and bio-based plastics. This additional investment into our capabilities will enable us to drive Ireland’s national polymer research agenda to the next level,” he said. In addition to its research

and development capabilities, TUS’s new polymer centre of excellence will act as a showcase facility for industry and will feature R&D equipment from leading injection moulding and polymer processing companies like Sumitomo Demag, TSM, Arburg, and Dynisco/EMC. The construction works, which will commence on January 7th, 2022, and span 14 months, will be undertaken by Bourke Builders Ltd of Ballina, Co. Mayo.

A new campaign, ‘Tip Our Team’, was launched this week by Strikepay to encourage customers in Roscommon to tip a little extra this Christmas to reward hardworking staff in key sectors hardest hit by the pandemic. The campaign is encouraging people in Roscommon out for a meal, getting their hair done or taking a taxi to tip a little extra in view of the impact Covid-19 has had on livelihoods and wellbeing over the past two years. The campaign was launched by award-winning digital payments company, Strikepay, and is being supported by trade associations in the hospitality, hairdressing and taxi sectors. Among the organisations backing the campaign are the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation. Commenting on the launch, Strikepay’s Head of Business Development, Gail Kaneswaran, said: “Many in the personal services sector in Roscommon like restaurant staff and hairdressers have been closed for a very long time during the lockdowns and this had had a huge impact, not just on their incomes, but their personal wellbeing. As Christmas is a time for giving the Tip Our Team campaign, apart from giving a tip, creates a moment to say thank you for your hard work. As part of our campaign, we are also giving staff in each business which signs up a chance to win €1,000 prize”. Strikepay was founded during COVID-19 by serial technology entrepreneurs Oli Cavanagh and Charles Dowd and has developed its own globally patentpending technology that doesn’t require any App on the phone. It is used by takeaway chain Camile Thai, hair and beauty chain Sugar Culture, Sam’s Barbers, Base Woodfired Pizza, and a wide range of charities including UNICEF, Laura Lynn, Make-A-Wish, the Irish Hospice Foundation, Samaritans, NCBI and the Marie Keating Foundation. The company also recently began a major expansion with the acquisition of UK contactless tipping company Gratsi.

Businesses warmly welcome extension on EWSS - Ibec

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, today warmly welcomed the announcement from Government that the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is to be extended for another two months at full rates. Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “The EWSS has been instrumental throughout this pandemic in ensuring the most vulnerable of businesses remain viable. The recent announcement that the scheme is to be restored at full rates for a further two months will bring much needed relief to businesses across a broad range of sectors of the economy who have experienced disruption and substantial lost business because of the pandemic. “Businesses also welcome the additional announcements that the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme and the Commercial Rates waiver are to be extended. While challenges undoubtedly remain, these supports will each be important in keeping many businesses afloat, particularly those in the experience economy, for whom the traditional revenue-generating festive period has been severely disrupted. The supports will help those businesses to remain open and continue to trade safely over the coming period”.

Vintners: EWSS restoration will save jobs The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has welcomed the Government decision to fully restore the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) from December 1st until the end of January 2022, saying the extension will keep people in their jobs

over the festive season. The Government reversed an earlier decision to continue tapering the EWSS rate following intensive representations from the VFI and wider hospitality sector. VFI Chief Executive Padraig Crib-

ben said the move was welcome news as the trade approaches Christmas. “It will mean keeping staff in their jobs through the festive season and into the new year, which is hugely important,” he said. “However, Government will need

to engage with the sector on an ongoing basis as it remains unclear if restrictions will be extended. If that’s the case, further supports will be required. “Even with these supports, there is huge uncertainty for the pub trade

as it heads into the new year and the upcoming second anniversary of the crisis. Government must talk to us about a long-term plan for the sector, because without one the trade will collapse,” Mr. Cribben concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

NewsPeople

€320k in digital supports for Roscommon and Galway The Government recently announced €319,066 in digital access funding for community groups in Roscommon and Galway as part of a €6.85 million investment nationwide. The funding was announced by Minister Simon Harris to increase online access for community education under the

Department for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Welcoming the news, Senator Aisling Dolan said the funding would provide support for community groups who have felt the impact of the digital divide. “I’m delighted to see €20,000

in funds to Moore Community Council, close to €8,000 for Monksland Active Retirement, €4,000 for Monksland Community group as well as supports for Lisacul Reminisence club. The Family Resource Centres in Ballaghaderreen, South Roscommon and Castlerea will also receive close

to €20,000, along with funding for Men’s Sheds in Ballaghadereen and Castlerea as well as the Women’s Shed in Strokestown. Roscommon Leader Partnership, Brothers of Charity and Ability West have also been successful,” she said. “Close to 20 per cent of people in Ireland have literacy dif-

ficulties. This means that a lot of people can’t access their full supports, or might not be able to take the best care of themselves or loved ones when ill. “Low literacy levels are proven to show a huge impact on health outcomes, social disadvantage and lead to exclusion. The first step might be to help

Cuddys light up Kilteevan!

Bernie Dolan pictured with her son James and daughter Lisa Cuddy as they turned the switch on the new all-weather Christmas tree in Kilteevan last Sunday.

A small group of Kilteevan locals gathered to join the choir and cheer on the Cuddy family, fresh from their Ireland’s Fittest Family heroics, as they turned on the lights of the newly erected all-weather tree on Sunday evening last for the first time. Kilteevan native, Bernie Dolan, was joined by two of her children, James and Lisa, on a blustery night, while diligent student Emma was studying hard and missed by all those present. It was fitting that a family who have wowed the entire country with their unassuming and quiet determination, hard work and training would mark this special occasion. As the tree shines brightly, let it be a reminder to us all to be that light that shines in the darkness.

Get your tickets for Ireland’s biggest 50/50 draw! Knockcroghery GAA club St. Dominic’s recently launched ‘Ireland’s biggest 50-50 Draw’, and the guaranteed prize now stands at a whopping €57,000 with a potential maximum prize of €360,000 up for grabs on December 30th! Ticket sellers will be in Casey’s Roscommon this Saturday (18th) from 10 am to 8 pm as well as the old school in Knockcroghery on Sunday, 19th – your last chance to purchase physical tickets, the perfect Christmas present! Tickets will still be available online at www.irelandsbiggest5050draw.ie up to December 30th. St. Dominic’s’ charity partners, Roscommon Mayo Hospice, have already been pledged €5,000, but if the draw reaches its maximum prize, this donation will be trebled to €15,000. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Padraig O’Connor on 086-6027509 or Eamonn Carney on 087-7694828. Keep an eye on St. Dominic’s’ social media channels for further updates!

Ticket sellers for ‘Ireland’s Biggest 50-50 Draw’ will be in Casey’s Roscommon this Saturday (18th) from 10 am to 8 pm as well as the old school in Knockcroghery on Sunday, 19th.

improve reading, writing or language skills. “To find out more, freephone 1800 20 20 65 or text LEARN to 50050 and a great team at NALA (National Adult Literacy Association) can give you all the options on Adult Literacy for Life and Computer Skills”.

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sunday, December 19th On this last Sunday before Christmas, the Church’s Liturgy reveals the true identity of our Redeemer: He is, as today’s First Reading says, the “ruler… whose origin is from… ancient times.” He will come from Bethlehem, where David was born of Jesse the Ephrathite and anointed king (see Ruth 4:11–17; 1 Samuel 16:1–13; 17:1; Matthew 2:6). God promised that an heir of David would reign on his throne forever (see 2 Samuel 7:12–13; Psalm 89; Psalm 132:11–12). Jesus is that heir, the One the prophets promised would restore the scattered tribes of Israel into a new kingdom (see Isaiah 9:5–6; Ezekiel 34:23–25, 30; 37:35). He is “the shepherd of Israel” sung of in today’s Psalm. From His throne in heaven, He has “come to save us.” Today’s Epistle tells us that He is both the Son of David and the only “begotten” Son of God, come “in the flesh” (see also Psalm 2:7). He is also our “high priest,” from the mold of the mysterious Melchizedek, “priest of God Most High,” who blessed Abraham at the dawn of salvation history (see Psalm 110:4; Genesis 14:18–20). All this is recognized by John when he leaps for joy in his mother’s womb. Elizabeth, too, is filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. She recognizes that in Mary “the mother of my Lord” has come to her. We hear in her words another echo of the Psalm quoted in today’s Epistle (see Psalm 2:7). Elizabeth blesses Mary for her faith that God’s Word would be fulfilled in her. Mary marks the fulfilment not only of the angel’s promise to her, but of all God’s promises down through history. Mary is the one they await in today’s First Reading: “she who is to give birth.” She will give birth this week, at Christmas. And the fruit of her womb should bring us joy; she is the mother of our Lord. Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

Roscommon Centenarian laid to rest in Coventry

Annie Condren (nee Tiernan).

The death occurred in England on October 29th of Annie Condren (nee Tiernan) in her 100th year. She was predeceased by her husband Martin in 2017. Annie was born on December 21st 1921, the youngest daughter of Edward and Mary Anne Tiernan (nee Owens) in Ballymore, Strokestown near the foothills of Sliabh Bán. She had one brother James who died 1986 and one sister Josephine who passed away in 1977. The three Tiernan children were orphaned when both their parents died

when the family was young. The children were reared in Ballymore by an aunt and attended Clooncagh National School. After leaving school Annie went to work in Dublin, where she met and married Martin Condren of Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny. The couple moved to England after World War Two, where Martin worked on construction in Coventry City which was badly damaged during the Blitz. Martin was also close to his one-hundredth birthday when he died. Annie’s funeral Mass, which was

celebrated by Fr. Paul Birch, took place in the church of The Precious Blood and All Souls, Earlsdon, Coventry. At the end of mass, Annie’s granddaughter, Caroline Condren delivered a eulogy in which she recounted some of her grandmother’s life, with its trials and tribulations from her birth in Roscommon one hundred years ago, to her later life in England. Annie’s burial took place in Linton Lane Cemetery, north of Coventry, where in a wintry, chilly breeze; she

was laid to rest beside her late husband Martin. Among the mourners at the funeral were members of the O’Malley/Horgan families from Coventry, the Carthy family, Ballymore and Manchester and the Owens family, Strokestown and Leicester. Annie is survived by her family, sons; John and Martin, daughters Josephine (Richards) and Julie (Barnsley), daughter-in-law Rosemary, sonin-law John and Julie’s partner Rob, grandchildren; Simon, Caroline and Mark to whom sympathy is extended.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

PropertyPeople

Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year Pat and staff at Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd would like to wish all their friends and customers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. The office will close on Wednesday (23rd) at 12 noon and will reopen on Monday, January 4th at 9.30 am. With 2020 coming to an end, Pat and staff are looking forward to a new and prosperous year. Pat is confirming that they have had a good year despite all the restrictions in 2020. Pat is also confirming that they urgently need properties for disappointed underbidders following an exceptional few months of trade, due to both an increase in demand and people returning from Dublin and abroad to work from Roscommon, as prices here are much lower in comparison to the east of the country. If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd for their free, confidential advice. Contact the office on 090 6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Six-bedroomed residence on Circular Road

This week, Pat Hughes & Co have an impressive six-bedroomed, two-storey residence for sale at Circular Road, Roscommon. The residence stands on a large site with a garage to the rear, and is situated in a prominent location in Roscommon town, close to all amenities. Downstairs accommodation consists of two sitting rooms, a dining room, kitchen, utility room, bathroom, and downstairs bedroom (with fitted units). Upstairs, there are five double bedrooms (all en-suite), with two having the benefit of walk in wardrobes and the other three having fitted units. This property is currently rented, but would be an ideal investment opportunity for someone looking for a large family home or to start a B&B. Viewing is highly recommended. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

On the market with Pat Hughes & Co is an (approximately) eight-acre site at the Galway Road, Roscommon. The site has four semi-detached dwellings set thereon and foundations in for forty-two houses. The site is fully serviced and located just outside the town boundary. Offers are now being invited. For further details, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Final offers on six acres at Ballymurray

43-acre residential farm at Roxboro Circular Road, Roscommon.

8-acre site with dwellings and foundations

Pat Hughes & Co is confirming that they have placed a 43-acre residential farm (approximately) on the market at Roxboro, Roscommon, for the reps of the late Mary (Maisie) Farrell, deceased. The property can be sold in one or more lots according to demand. Downstairs accommodation consists of a kitchen, dining room, sitting room, three bedrooms and a bathroom, with two further bedrooms upstairs. There are several out-offices, including a hay shed and leanto. The land has excellent road frontage and would have development potential subject to planning permission being granted. The property is situated less than two

miles from Roscommon town and half a mile off the main Lanesboro to Roscommon Road, convenient to schools and all local amenities. There are approximately nine acres located a short distance away from the main block. All of these lands are of top quality. The lands are laid out as follows: lot one comprises the residence on approximately thirty-four acres, lot two consists of approximately nine acres, lot three comprises the residence on approximately three acres, and lot four consists of thirty-one acres. For further details, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Pat Hughes & Co are now inviting final offers for approximately six acres of top-quality land at Newtown, Ballymurray, Roscommon. The land, which has excellent road frontage and a dual entrance, would be suitable for development subject to planning permission being granted. The lands are located only two miles from Roscommon town with access to the Carrowmore and Athlone Roads. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com.

Hughes & Co: Office building on Abbey Street attracting strong interest

Pat Hughes & Co have confirmed that there has been a lot of interest shown for an office building at Abbey Street, which is ideally located close to all local amenities, within walking distance of Roscommon town centre. The building is currently laid out into an office but could easily be converted into a residential unit if required. The building was used as a solicitor’s office for a number of years, and is located in one of Roscommon’s most sought-after areas. Accommodation consists of two offices on the ground floor, four offices on the first floor and a large garden to the rear. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

3.5-acre site on Lanesboro Road Roxboro, Roscommon

Tonlegee, Roscommon

New to the market: four-bedroomed bungalow at Tonlegee

New to the market with Pat Hughes & Co is an attractive four-bedroomed bungalow on a fully landscaped site at Tonlegee, Roscommon. The property boasts a range of out-offices including a large garage, workshop, and storage sheds. The garden has been superbly laid out with raised vegetable beds and fruit trees. Downstairs accommodation consists of a living room with inset stove, dining room with inset stove, kitchen, utility room, bathroom, and four bedrooms. Upstairs there is a large studio with Velux windows, and WC with shower. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Six-bedroomed dormer residence at Lisnaville

This week, Pat Hughes & Co are confirming that they have had a lot of interest in a large, six-bedroomed, dormer bungalow at Lisnaville, Fuerty, Roscommon. Located only three miles from Roscommon town and convenient to all amenities, the residence stands on an elevated site (approximately one acre) and is finished to a high standard. Downstairs accommodation consists of a porch, sitting room, kitchen-dining room, large utility with toilet off, office/study, large hot press, bathroom, and two bedrooms with one ensuite. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms (two ensuite). The property has the benefit of a large garden, located to the front and rear of the property. Pat is considering every offer in excess of €320,000 for this residence. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Lisnaville, Fuerty, Roscommon

On the market with Pat Hughes & Co is a commercial site on the Lanesboro Road. The site is approximately 3.5 acres, and comes with full planning permission for a 10,000 square foot warehouse. Pat is encouraging anyone looking for a large site convenient to the town centre to contact the office. For more information, contact the office on 0906627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Investment opportunity on Abbey Street

Pat Hughes & Co have a block of two two-bedroomed apartments for sale at 16 Abbey Street, Roscommon. This would make an ideal investment opportunity for someone, as the property is generating an annual rental income of €19,200. The property, while in need of some modernisation, is well located in a much soughtafter area, close to all amenities. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

PropertyPeople

Licence No. 001090

Advert

SALES BY

NO. 1 ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003. FAX 090 66 26296

Licence No. 001090

NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com www.pathughesauctioneers.com

Advert

NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com www.pathughesauctioneers.com “Castleview” Ballybride, Roscommon.

Auctioneers & Valuers

“Castleview” Ballybride, Roscommon.

“Fishermans Cottage” Cloontymullen, Roscommon.

EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com Web:“Fishermans www.pathughesauctioneers.com Cottage” Cloontymullen, Roscomm PSRA no. 001090

Curraghroe NS, Curraghroe, Roscommon. “Fishermans Cottage” Cloontymullen, Roscommon.

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

Curraghroe NS, Curraghroe, Roscommon.

“Fishermans Cottage” Cloontymullen, Roscommon.

Moneymore, Knockcroghery, Roscommon

Kilrooskey, Roscommon.

Gallowstown, Roscommon.

Clooneygrassan, Ballintubber

Curraghroe NS, Curraghroe, Roscommon.

The Grove, Kilteevan.

Racecourse Road, Roscommon.

No. 2 Bank Gardens Henry Street, Roscommon.

“St. Anne’s”, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

LAND SOLD IN 2021 l Circa 26 Acres at Mullymux, Roscommon l Circa 10 Acres at Ballymurray, Roscommon l Circa 26 Acres at Carrownalasson, Four Mile House, Roscommon. l Circa 18 Acres at Araghty, Athleague, Roscommon. l Circa 8.5 Acres at Corboley, Knockcroghery, l Circa 14 Acres at Fearagh, Ballymurray, Roscommon.

Circa 110 acres at Curraghboy Village

4 Bedroom Bungalow, Galway Road, Roscommon

The Spinney, Abbey Town, Roscommon

Circa 18 acres Residential Farm at Killerney, Roscommon.

Circa 53 Acres, Morganstown, Athleague

Circa 28 acres At Ballyleague, Lanesboro.

The Office will close on Thursday 23rd December at 12 pm and will re-open on Tuesday 4th January 2022 at 9am. Pat and his staff would like to wish all their customers a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No: 003201

Superb detached residence for sale at The Walk

New to the market this week with Oates AuctionNEW TO THE MARKET eers is a superb 4-bedroom NEW TO THE MARKET detached residence on a large landscaped site 3 The Fairways situated on the Walk Road Golf Links Road within walking distance to all Roscommon town Roscommon F42 X023 amenities. NEW Co. TO Roscommon THE MARKET Impressive property finished to a very This property is high standard and located in a mature furnished to the highest F42 X023 residential area on the Golf Links Road 3 The Fairways specification with excepadjacent to Roscommon Golf Club. Spacious Impressive property finished to a very tional finish throughout Golf Links Roadhigh standard and accommodation includes entrance hallway, sitting room, living room, kitchen/dining room, located in a mature residential area and comprises of entrance on the Golf Links Road adjacent to Roscommon Golf Roscommon utility, 4 large bedrooms and family bathroom. hallway, sitting room, livOverall this is a quality residence overlooking Club. Spacious accommodation includes entrance hallway, sitting room, living room, ing area, open plan kitchen Co. Roscommon large green area and the Auctioneer invites dining bedrooms room and largeand family viewings and offers. kitchen/dining room, utility, 4 large bathroom. F42 X023 utility with w.c. off. First Price Region: € 299,750. Overall this is a quality residence overlooking large green andhigh the standard Auctioneer Impressive property finished toarea a very andinvites floor, four large bedrooms BER Rating: D1 master ensuite and family --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------offers. located in a mature residential area onviewings the Golf and Links Road adjacent to Roscommon Golf bathroom. Spacious accommodation includes entrance There are large, maturehallway, sitting room, living room, NEW TO THEClub. MARKET grounds with wide variety Price Region: room, € 299,750 BER Rating: D1 kitchen/dining utility, 4 large bedrooms bathroom. of shrubs and plantsand to- family The Walk, Roscommon town. getheroverlooking with mature hedgOverall this is a quality residence large green area and the Auctioneer invites prior appointment.The BER rate is C3. ing and trees surrounding F42 AH51 viewings and offers. price region for this For more information, the property. Charming 4 bedroom bungalow presented for sale property is €315,000 and contact Oates Auctioneers Viewing strictly by NEW TO THE MARKET

3 The Fairways, Golf Links Road Roscommon Co. Roscommon

Carrigans Park, Donamon, Roscommon Co. Roscommon, in excellent condition on a large landscaped site with exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. Price Located adjacent to Donamon Castle on the banks of the river Suck famed for its excellent fishing and boating, this residence is located 10 minutes from Roscommon Town Centre. Accommodation consists of entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 4 bedrooms, family bathroom and utility/sunroom to rear. Outside, large site area with tarmac drives and excellent gardens with a wide array of shrubs and plants together with vegetable garden and 3 large outbuildings. Viewing highly recommended

Region: € 299,750

on 090-6627878, email info@oates.ie, or visit oates.ie.

New to the market: commercial unit offering business opportunity BER Rating: D1 Carrigans Park Donamon Roscommon NEW Co. TO Roscommon THE MARKET RE/MAX ter forF42 retailAH51 outlets Carrigans Parkacross

This week, Team Earley present to Ireland. Shannonside’s Donamon marketCharming a commercial4unit, strong product range is bedroom bungalow presented for sale in located in Clooncolry, supported by a refrigerRoscommon a large landscaped site with Price Region: € 115,000. BER Rating: G Dromod,excellent Co. Leitrim.condition ated on delivery service and Roscommon TO THE The unit, currentlyNEW op- Located aCo. network of MARKET agents who --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. adjacent to Donamon Castle on F42 AH51 erating as Shannonside distribute, market, and NEW TO THE MARKET the banks of the river Suck famed forisitslocated excellent fishing andthe boating, Savouries, on merchandise range this residence is Elphin Street the outskirts of Dromod throughout Ireland. located 10 and minutes from Roscommon Town Centre. Charming 4 bedroom bungalow presented for sale in is a long-established Strokestown The unit is spread over Accommodation consists of hallway, room, kitchen/dining room, excellent condition a large landscaped site with4 andentrance thriving savoury busi- sitting twoon floors (extending to F42 A400 Roscommon established in 1996 Co. approximately 111 square bedrooms, family andness, utility/sunroom to rear. Outside, large site area with tarmac exceptional views bathroom of the surrounding countryside. Located adjacent to Donamon Castle on to manufacture and NEW mar- metres) and sits on a site TO THE MARKET Quality detached 4 bedroom residence F42 A400 ket speciality products of approximately 0.5 this residence located at the heart of the Heritage town of drives and excellent gardens with a for wide of–shrubs and plants together with vegetable the banks of the river Suck famed itsarray excellent fishing and boating, is Strokestown and within walking distance to namely Boxty and potato acres. The bakery inlocated the Quality detached 4 bedroom residence at the heart of 3 large outbuildings. located 10 garden minutes from Roscommon Town Centre.by all town amenities including shops, schools, Elphin cakes. and building isStreet serviced church etc. Heritage town of and distance line, telephone fax. The potato range recommended has Strokestown mains electricity – within single walking highly Accommodation consists the ofViewing entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 4and Strokestown There is also deep well been highly successful, phase. There is a transall townand amenities includingto shops, schools, church site etc. areasitewith Situated on a large private site with which provides bedrooms, family to bathroom utility/sunroom rear. Outside, tarmac giving these traditional former on site solarge there is on maintenance free rear paved yard, this Co. Roscommon more than adequate water house comprises entrance hallway, sitting specialities completely no problem with atogether drop BER Price € 115,000 Rating: drivesRegion: and excellent gardens with alease wideofaarray of shrubs andA400 plants with supply. Itvegetable has a G water filroom, kitchen/dining room, toilet and w.h.b. F42 new life and ininrear voltage. There are also Situated on a large private site with maintenance free paved yard, this house comprises and downstairs bedroom. First floor, 3 large tration system to meet all garden and 3 large outbuildings. troducing them to an entwo poles on site which Quality detached 4 bedroom residence located at the heart of bedrooms all with fitted wardrobes, master regulations. Additionally, entrance hallway, sitting room, and w.h.b. downstairs tirelykitchen/dining new market. Dueroom, carrytoilet 3 phase, 10KV Con- and ensuite and family bathroom. Viewing highly recommended there is a septic tank on the Heritage town of Strokestown and within walking distance to this success, Shannonductor in the event of a ensuite and family Price Region: € 149,750. bedroom. First floor, 3 large bedrooms all with fitted wardrobes, master site to deal with waste efside also manufacture a new business requiring to all town amenities including shops, schools, church etc. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------comprehensive range of 3 phase electricity. The fluent, as well as bulk gas bathroom. Price Region: € 115,000 tankRating: (flogas) toG power the NEW TO THE MARKET ready-made salads and ca- property is set up for land-BER

Elphin Street, Strokestown Co. Roscommon

cookers and boilers. The auctioneer now invites viewings and all offers to sell. For further details Contact Cathal at Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt Roscommon on 0906626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie.

Situated on a€large private site with maintenance free rear paved yard, this house comprises Carrownurlar,Price Ballyforan, Region: 149,750 Sale closed eight-bedroomed entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, on toilet prime and w.h.b. and downstairs Co. Galway bedroom. H53 FW30 First floor, 3 large bedrooms all with fitted wardrobes, master ensuite and family

Quality 4 Bedroom Bungalow situated in a quiet countryside area located one mile from Four Roads Village and twelve miles each from the towns of Athlone, Roscommon and Ballinasloe. Situated on a landscaped three quarter acre site, this fine property is finished to a high standard by its present owners. Accommodation comprises of 4 large Bedrooms, (master en-Suite), Sitting Room, Kitchen, Dining Room with solid fuel stove, Utility and family Bathroom. Outside Tarmac Drives and Landscaped Grounds with a wide variety of Shrubs and Trees

Church Street, Roscommon Town, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877 E-mail info@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

residence at Re/Max Team Earley bathroom.

NEW TO THE MARKETThis week, Re/Max Team Earley are pleased to advise

that they have closed the sale of a substantial eight-bedroomed (all ensuite), dormer-style residence of approxiCarrownurlar mately 3,121 square feet, located at ‘Cairn House’, Curry, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (F42 RW97). Ballyforan Finished to the highest of standard throughout, this Co. Galway imposing property stands on a beautifully mature and NEW TO THE MARKETelevated site area of approximately 2.37 acres, with unH53 FW30 obstructed views of the rolling green countryside to the Price Region: € 220,000. front. The residence offers approximately 3,121 square Quality 4 Bedroom Bungalow situated in a quiet countryside Carrownurlar BER Rating: D1 feet of spacious living accommodation throughout. area located one mile from Four Roads Village and twelve We are currently looking for similar properties in all arBallyforan eas for cash buyers The Manse, Northgate Athlone,of Athlone, Roscommon and Ballinasloe. Situated on a landscaped miles each fromStreet, the towns For further details or to arrange a free consultation, Co. Galway CO. WESTMEATH three acre090site, this fine property is finished to a high standard by itsplease present owners. contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, RoscomTEL: 090quarter 6477500 FAX: 6477546 H53 FW30 Sittingmon on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or E-mail athlone@oates.ie Accommodation comprises of 4 large Bedrooms, (master en-Suite), Room, Kitchen, log onto teamearley.ie. Website: www.oates.ie 4 Bedroom Bungalow situated in a quiet countryside Contact auctioneer Cormac diDining Room withQuality solid fuel stove, Utility and family Bathroom. rectly on 086-3519492.

Price Region: € 149,750

area located one mile from Four Roads Village and twelve miles each from the towns of Athlone, Roscommon and Ballinasloe. Situated on a landscaped

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

PropertyPeople Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 Email: teamearley@remax.ie Licence No. Web: www.teamearley.ie PSRA004420

DUE TO CANCELLATION A PRIMELY LOCATED RESIDENTIAL 7 DAY LICENSED PREMISES OF APPROX 2,800 SQ. FT. LOCATED AT MAIN STREET, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON, F45 R6V3 AMV: OFFERS AFTER €125,000 A primely located public house located in the heart of Castlerea town adjacent to the mart and all town amenities. Offering spacious commercial and residential accommodation throughout, the property lends itself to various alternative uses due its size and location. The said property and 7-day license can be sold independently should market interest dictate and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €125,000 to sell.

The Auctioneer now invites viewings – by appointment only.

NEW TO THE MARKET 17.8 ACRES OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS

LOCATED AT

TUAM, KILROOSKEY, CO. ROSCOMMON

NEW TO THE MARKET PRIME SITE LOCATED AT

TARMON MANOR, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON AMV: €25,000 o.n.o.

Approx. 17.8 acres of prime agricultural land - Set out in two lots Lot 1: Roadside holding of lands approx. 8 acres -Price Guide €40,000 Lot 2: Quality holding of lands approx. 9.8 acres with Cattle crush and holding pen standing thereon- Price Guide €80,000 The sale of these said lands offer all farmers a great opportunity to acquire lands in this regarded farming area between Roscommon and Strokestown.

A plot of ground containing approx. 0.067 of an acre located at Tarmon Manor development offering an attractive 50 ft approx. road frontage overlooking a green area in this selective development adjacent to Castlerea town, selling as it stands.

The Auctioneer now invites viewings – by appointment only.

WE OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL PRE-MARKET ANALYSIS OF ALL PROPERTIES TOGETHER WITH AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIRTUAL TOUR TECHNOLOGY IN ALL MARKETING.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Classifieds

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

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey

Construction Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

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

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

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

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

VHI and Laya Covered

COMPUTERS

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

NO FIX NO FEE

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

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

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

DRIVING LESSONS

087 2798704

CHIROPRACTOR

COUNSELLING

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

087 2346364

CARPENTER AVAILABLE for all types of work, including maintenace, roof repairs.

Call 087 646 7322

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

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

COUNSELLING

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

CAR FOR SALE < FOR SALE: 2008 Nissan Tilda hatchback, black in colour, lady owner from new (retired teacher), regularly serviced, perfect condition, all round central locking, bluetooth, N.C.T. until 2023 etc. Tel: 083 8828882

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FARMING

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers All sprayers are required to be tested every 3 years according to Dept. of Agriculture regulations. Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

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

Phone John on

087 2860428

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l

Paul McStay

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

GARDENING

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

Tel: 087 2172281 FOR SALE < FOR SALE: 4 boxes of Nebraska Irish Oak flooring. Tel: 083 8828882

GARDENING

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

GATELY GARDENING

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

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries. Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

LAUNDRY SERVICE < LAUNDRY SERVICE: Washing, ironing, best prices, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town, open 10.00 am - 5.30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Tel 083 3369829

MOBILE PHONE

www.parklawntreeservices.

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193 HOME REPAIRS < HOME REPAIRS: Repair walls, plasterboard, painting, fascia, tiles, plinths, ceiling, wallpaper, parquet floors etc. Phone: 083 3369829

PLANNINGS

< The Know-Your-Phone book teaches people how to use a smartphone. It starts off with the beginner aspects like the different parts of the phone(volume, power button). It then moves on to stuff like making calls, texts and then to more advanced stuff like joining a zoom meeting and making a WhatsApp video call. You can make purchases by sending us a message or by calling us on 083 056 1140.

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Denis Mannion am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct an extension to side and rear of existing house along with upgrading septic tank with new proprietary treatment system and percolation area and carry out all ancillary site development works at Milltown, Castleplunket, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. F45 X990

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: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designers – Consulting Engineers

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Hanly Quarries Limited intends to apply for permission for the construction of the plant storage canopy (approx. 293.09 sq. m.) and all associated site development works on approx. 0.40 ha application site within the existing quarry in the townlands of Cuilreevagh and Largan, Elphin, Castlerea, 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Alice Kelly, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to erect a dwelling house and domestic garage and install a septic tank system and percolation area and all associated site works at Carrownalassan, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon .

Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Mobile: 086 8551835 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling house and domestic garage, with septic tank and percolation area and ancillary site development works at Lisbaun, Kiltoom.

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

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Joe Brandon and Sharon Corbett are applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct dwelling house, domestic garage, treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Grange, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon.

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designers – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Michael Byrne intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect part two storey and part single storey type dwelling, domestic garage, proprietary effluent treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Ballyglass (Athlone North), Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Thomastown Demesne, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. I hereby apply to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Michael Cawley for planning permission to extend his dwelling house to construct a new domestic garage, new treatment plant and polishing filter and all associated site works at the above location.

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 on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a 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: Noel O’ Brien and Associates Mountbellew, Co. Galway Phone/Fax No: (090) 9679506

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon FURTHER INFORMATION Applicant: GMC Utilities Group Application address: Slevinagee TD., Roscommon Planning Reference: PD/21/380 Development: Full planning to raise levels of land by circa 0.8m with imported clean soil and stone and carry out all associated site development works.

1) Significant Further Information in relation to the application has been furnished 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 authority during its public opening hours, and 2) A submission or observation in relation to the Further Information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. 3) There will be no fee payable on a further submission/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation. Signed:

PODIATRIST

PLUMBING

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

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 - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Sarah Fleming

Tullys

(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

Reflexologist

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

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

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI

Family Notices

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

Department of Health Approved

MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

Tel: 087 2264951

(registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I.

REFLEXOLOGY

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY

• 20 years experience 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 Designers – Consulting Engineers

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST

REFLEXOLOGY

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

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

Co Galway H53 D7W8

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

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

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

REFLEXOLOGY 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 wellbeing 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

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

Find us on facebook

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

l General Reflexology l Baby Reflexology l Special Needs

Reflexology l Hoppi Ear Candling l Indian Head Massage

Phone Diane

086 4061401 TUITION

Christmas LCHL Revision Course l Wed 29th Dec

l Thurs 30th Dec

l Roscommon Town Venue l Booking deposit

required

Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

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

Gift vouchers available. Brideswell, Co. Roscommon N37 EW20

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

The local paper!

TOP QUALITY TURF 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone:

083 0684011

< FOR SALE: Small truck loads of Turf, size 9x5, 14 inch box, 3 rows of reeking over the box and a heap on top, delivered. Tel: 087 6280483 < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Net bags of seasoned firewood only €3 per bag, buy 20 bags get 1 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf only €35 per bag. Half tone bags of Ash/Beech only €35 per bag. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 or Tony 087 7055800 < W O O D / F I R E W O O D : High quality seasoned split hardwood timber, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in 500kg bulk bag and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed. Call 086 3312411 after 6pm.

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

Also bulk loads of Cattle and Peat bedding (delivered)

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Classifieds USEFUL SERVICES

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 9373445 087 9100477

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

USEFUL SERVICES < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802.

087 2683079

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

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

Generation of all new and revised artwork for the Group

PAINTER & DECORATOR

CONTACT JOHN

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

ARTWORK ADMINISTRATOR

086 2437376

090 6661635

PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

Phone:

For all your decorating needs

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

PRODUCTION OPERATIVES (Temporary)

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

Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

WE ARE HIRING

WANTED:

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

086 4679798

Appointments

For Athlone Labs. Email your CV for the attention of:

Phone Alan on:

sonya.sabatini@kent-athlone.com

or Mobile:

Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring:

087 9657933 or 090 6626752

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

Window Protection Ireland Commercial/Domestic Registered and Insured All areas covered Also protecting windows during construction see windowprotection.ie Telephone

Here at Chatterland we are seeking to recruit for the following position:

Part Time Medical Secretary/Receptionist

(Full TIME)

Castlerea Area We are looking for a part time medical Secretary/ Receptionist to join a busy general practice. Experience in a medical setting/general practice is desirable but not essential. l Good interpersonal skills l IT skills and professionalism are essential. l The successful candidate would be the first point of contact with patients. l Minimum 2 years experience in an Administrative/Secretarial role required. l On the job training will be provided. Application deadline: 24/12/2021 Expected start date: 10/01/2022

1 x Early Years Educator

Exciting opportunity to work as part of a long established family childcare service and team in Co. Roscommon. Chatterland wishes to recruit for ONE EARLY YEARS EDUCATOR with a minimum Level 5 qualification in early childhood care and education. The Educator will support the team in the development and delivery of the Aistear Curriculum, working in a child-centred and child-lead environment where the child is at the centre of the daily activities. Employer: Chatterland Playschool & Creche Location: Elphin Co. Roscommon Hours of Work: 37 ½ hours per week 21 Annual Leave days, reviewed annually. Salaries: Attractive salary for suitable candidate. Experience not essential CPD Opportunities supported & funded by employer. Uniform supplied For any queries please contact Áine on 087 8325301 or email chatterlandcreche@hotmail.com

087 9795226

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

Please reply with CV to: Castlerea Medical Centre, Barrack Street, Castlerea or Email: info@castlereamedicalcentre.ie LANESBOROUGH/BALLYLEAGUE COMMUNITY CHILDCARE SERVICE CLG Has 2 vacancies with immediate start:

AFTERSCHOOL ROOM LEADER

(Fixed Term 2 years) Monday – Friday 2pm – 6pm, 38 weeks per year. Essential Criteria: Level 6 or above childcare qualification, minimum 2 years experience, Garda vetting.

AIM SUPPORT WORKER

Snap Fitness Studio require

Qualified Fitness Instructor/ Personal Trainer Golf Links Rd, Roscommon Please forward CV to:

snapfitros@gmail.com

(Fixed Term) Monday – Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm, term time until 29th June 2022. Essential Criteria: Level 5 or above childcare qualification, Garda vetting. Letter of Application and CV to

SITUATIONS VACANT < CHEF/COOK/WAITING STAFF REQUIRED: Full and part time positions available for Chef/Cook and Waiting staff. Please send CV to: kilglassdevelopmentven tures@gmail.com < CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: To mind 2 children, 2-3 days per week, Roscommon Town. Fluent English, will need own transport Tel: 087 9815205 < CHEF VACANCY: We are currently seeking a Chef to join our team in a busy restaurant located in Roscommon Town. The position is full-time, contract basis. Applicants must be qualified and have a minimum of 2 years previous experience working in a busy kitchen environment. Please send your CV and cover letter to: PO Box No 3003 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon < CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: For 8 month old baby girl starting in January 2022. In minder’s home or child’s home. Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Roscommon Town/Lanesboro/ Scramogue/Strokestown area. Tel: 086 8987778

teresaplayschool@gmail.com Closing date: Tuesday, 21st December 2021.

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

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES DOLAN Caitríona 22 Beechgrove, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Caitríona Dolan whose anniversary occurs on the 19th of December 2021

Time cannot heal the heartache or stop a silent tear but it will never take away the memories of you Caitriona the one we loved so dear.

Thinking of you today and always love Mam, Pat, Marie, Enda, Roseanne, Marty and Leah xxxx

REYNOLDS Pat and Martha Clooncundra, Ballymurray, Roscommon (14th and 12th Anniversaries) Whose anniversaries occur at this time

HANNON Paddy Boughill, Ballyforan (8th Anniversary) In loving memory of Paddy, who died on 23rd December 2013 R.I.P.

O’BEIRNE Moira Sandfield, Rahara, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 25th December 2012 (9th Anniversary)

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Adrian, Yvonne, Niall and families. Anniversary Mass on Friday 17th December at 7pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. May they Rest In Peace

REYNOLDS Pat and Martha Clooncundra, Ballymurray, Roscommon (14th and 12th Anniversaries) Beautiful memories, silently kept, of ones that we loved and will never forget.

Cloonara, Derrane, Roscommon Who passed away on the 21st December 2005 (16th Anniversary)

One of the best this world could hold, never selfish, always kind. Deep are the memories precious they stay, no passing of time can take them away. A silent thought, a quiet prayer for a special person in God’s care. Will those who think of him today a little prayer to Jesus say.

Loved and always remembered by your sons Noel and Des, daughter Frances, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In loving memory of

CONLON Doreen Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

087 6758874

As we walk to the cemetry, we remember all your precious memories. As we pray we know God will take care of you each and every day. We’re proud we knew you as a husband, father and friend.

Lovingly remembered by your family. 8th Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan on Saturday, 18th December at 7pm.

BURKE Luke Turrock, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

Time passes memories stay, quietly remembered every day. Will those who think of her today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Sadly remembered by Willie, Josephine and family. May she Rest in Peace.

Anniversary Mass in Knockcroghery Church on Saturday, 1st January at 7pm.

FINNERAN Michael Glanduff, Kiltoom, Athlone. Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary} In loving memory of Michael Finneran whose 2nd anniversary occurs on 14th December.

In loving memory of Luke who passed away on December 16th 2016 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, 18th December at 11am.

FAMILY NOTICES • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

CONTACT HAZEL

THANKSGIVINGS

Sadly missed by all the Reynolds family.

KELLY Vincent

• Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

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

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

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

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 Sunday, 26th December at 11am.

Along the road of suffering you found a little lane; that took you up to Heaven and ended all your pain. You may be out of sight, we may be worlds apart; but you are always in our prayers and forever 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 Sunday, 19th December at 11.30am.

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PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail) O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother (make request). O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your Hands (3 times). Thank you for you mercy towards me and mine. This prayer must be said for three days and after that the request will be granted (will never fail). This prayer must be published immediately. M.L. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART 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. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. M.L. 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. L.F. NOVENA TO ST. JUDE O Holy St. Jude! Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke your special patronage in time of need: to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. (Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s & 3 Gloria’s.) Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised. S.C. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART 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. Amen.Say this prayer for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. S.C. THANKSGIVING Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Never know to fail) O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendown of Heven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this my necessity. There are none who can withstand your power. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother (make request). Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have secourse to thee (Three times) Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (Three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. This prayer must be said for three days and after that the request will be granted (will never fail). This prayer must be published immediately. S.C. NOVENA TO ST. MARTHA Oh St. Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith. I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when Our Saviour lodged in thy house. I beseech thee to have definite pity in regards to the favour I ask (mention favour). Interceed for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon, which thou didst cast at thy feet. Say one Our Father and Three Hail Mary’s. Light a candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made know with the intention of spreading devotion to St. Martha. This Miraculous Saint grants everything before the five days are ended, no matter how difficult. L.S.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Classifieds

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES CONNOLLY Tommy The Acre, Cloonakilleg Mount Talbot (6th Anniversary) 25/12/1953 - 20/12/2015

HANLEY Peg Mount Cashel, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon. (5th Anniversary)

McTIERNAN Bernie Cooltigue, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon (13th Anniversary)

KEIGHER Daniel Castle Street, Roscommon

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

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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. 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 Connolly family.

In loving memory of our dear mother Peg Hanley who died on St. Stephen’s Day 26th December 2016

Also remembering our uncle

Michéal O Neill Cullenoira Who passed away on the 23rd December 2018 (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Bernie, who died on 16th December 2008 May you Rest in Peace Bernie.

Sadly missed by his wife Maureen and family. Masses offered.

RAFTERY Pat Lanesboro Street, Roscommon (21st Anniversary) R.I.P.

Though you’ve passed on before us, you are always in our hearts, and though we’re not together, we’ll never be apart.

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

From Gerard, Majella, Joe and Emma. Mass has been offered.

SHALLY (nee McHugh) Anne Tonlagee, Roscommon and Elphin Street, Strokestown (2nd Anniversary)

GILLOOLY Dan

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, 22nd December at 11am.

McDONNELL Seamus Curnalee, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

Ballinaboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) Who passed away on the 24th of December, 2018

Anniversary Mass in Kilteevan Church on Sunday, 19th December at 10am.

Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: info@anthonymurrayandsons.com www.anthonymurrayandsons.com

Put your arms around him Lord, and treasure him with care, for you have in your possession a man beyond compare. Daniel’s Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, December 19th at 11.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

McDONNELL Teresa and James Lisnagabra, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Teresa, who died on 23rd November 2007 Aged 94 years and James, who died on 14th December 1992 Aged 84 years (14th and 29th Anniversaries)

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Special memories keep them near, as time unfolds another year. Each of us in our own way have special thoughts of them today.

Who died on 17th December 2016

Always loved and remembered by Teresa, John, Felecia, Peter, Niall and Dominic, son-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

To lose you when you were so young leaves such an empty space our only consolation – you are in a better place.

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service

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In loving memory of Anne, who passed away on 18th December 2019

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

On the First Anniversary of Daniel’s passing we, his family, would like to express our deep gratitude to all extended family, friends, colleagues and wider community. Your warmth and connection has been a tremendous support to us his parents, his sisters, and his friends. Not having him with us is truly a great loss but we bear it, being mindful that those we love never truly leave us. His love for all of us, his generosity and warmth, his kindness will always be remembered and we will carry his gifts in our hearts. He was a talented musician and he used his musical talents to provide people with great enjoyment and pleasure. He was a great friend to many and strived to make this world a better place. As a son, brother, nephew, and uncle he will be greatly missed in all of our lives. His passing at such a young age is very difficult as we feel he had so much more to do but it is truly amazing all he achieved in such a short life.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughtout our lives until we meet again.

Sadly missed and always remembered by her loving family and friends. Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 19th December at 11am in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House.

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. Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Friday, 17th December at 7pm.

Also remembering their daughter

Frances Martin (nee McDonnell) Loughrea, Galway Who passed away on 9th April 2019

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FAMILY NOTICES

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Always remembered by their loving family. Anniversary Mass in Four Roads Church on Sunday, 2nd January at 11am.

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Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Keadew West, Keadew, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. I Enda Burke intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for development consisting of the construction of 2 No. two storey detached dwelling houses, 2 No. detached domestic garages, off-street parking spaces, connection to existing foul/surface water drainage together with all ancillary site works and services at the above address.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for Planning Permission on behalf of Ray Lynch to retain existing dwelling house as constructed and extended and to connect to proposed tertiary waste water treatment system and polishing filter together with all associated site works at Cloonfree T.d. Tulsk, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Tel; 086 2328484

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Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

Sports PEOPLE Ladies set for Connacht final

Pearses Power!

The Roscommon Ladies footballers will go in search of silverware this Sunday when they take on Leitrim in the 2020 Connacht Intermediate Football Championship Final at Pairc Seán Mac Diarmada in Carrick-on-Shannon. New manager Ollie Lennon will be buoyed by his side’s performance in the semi-final in which they ran out comfortable 3-21 to 0-3 winners over Sligo. Goals from the returning Lisa O’Rourke and Laura Fleming (2) were among the highlights as Roscommon dominated that fixture from start to finish. Leitrim were due to play Sligo last weekend to decide Roscommon’s opponents for Sunday but the Yeats County withdrew from the competition and now Leitrim will face Lennon’s in-form Rossies. Throw in at Páirc Seán is 12 Noon this Sunday.

Conor Lohan of Pádraig Pearses celebrates his side’s AIB Connacht Club Football Championship Semi-Final win over Mountbellew-Moylough at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday last. See pages 70 and 71 for report and reaction. Pic: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

Athleague camógs in All-Ireland action

Convention report: Hyde upgrade to begin in 2022 < SEAMUS DUKE

There was a time when the annual Roscommon GAA Convention would be one of the major events of the year, and many column inches would be devoted to the annual gathering with several lively debates taking place. However, as Bob Dylan sang, ‘The Times They Are A Changing’, and, on Monday night, club delegates gathered in front of their laptops for a virtual 2021 Convention that was as low-key as they come. The only major vote in terms of the incoming executive was that St. Croan’s man Brian Mullin defeated Tommie Kenoy by 101 votes to 50 for the post of Assistant Secretary, which takes in the onerous task of heading up the fixtures committee. Motions with regard to GAA committees, funding, and dual players were passed with hardly any debate at all. Presenting his report to convention, Treasurer David O’Connor said that the county was in a healthy financial state and he reported a surplus of €1.213 million for the year. Cash in the bank totalled €2 million following the successful Club Rossie draws, but the Treasurer pointed out that major capital projects were in the offing, such as the refurbishment of Dr. Hyde Park and the new Centre of Excellence. Gate receipts were up over €45,000 and commercial income grew by over €100,000. The Treasurer said: “We are now in control of our finances and we have to push on now with our capital projects,” before thanking Club Rossie for their continued support. Mr. O’Connor said that the lease payments for the

team bus had now been completed and it would now become a net generator of income for the board. In his Chairman’s address, Brian Carroll confirmed the refurbishment of Dr. Hyde Park would begin in 2022. He said that the board would present its plan for the county ground to the Connacht Council and the GAA and he was confident that it was sensible and would result in a big improvement in facilities. Mr. Carroll also said that the board were in ‘advanced negotiations’ with two separate landowners in the Roscommon town area to acquire a site for the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence. The Chairman said that if the negotiations are successful it would be a perfect site for the facility. The Roscommon GAA Chairman also addressed personal abuse of those involved in GAA on social media. “We have individuals who think it is Ok and acceptable to go on all kinds of forums and platforms and say what they like about individuals and cast aspersions about people. A lot of this is done where the author is not identified and I think that is wrong in so many ways,” he said. “Nobody knows how any person is feeling on any given day and piling this kind of rubbish on their shoulders could be the tipping point for any individual”. The Chairman also thanked Club Rossie for their huge contribution to steadying the county’s finances. He praised all clubs and congratulated St. Faithleach’s and Pádraig Pearses on their recent success, at the Roscommon GAA annual Convention, Chairman and wished them the best of luck in the forthcoming Speaking Brian Carroll confirmed that refurbishment works would take provincial finals. place at Dr. Hyde Park in the new year. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Athleague will travel to Ennis this Saturday to take on Kerry side Clanmaurice in the All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship Semi-Final. Fresh from their superb victory over Clarinbridge in the Fr. Vincent Lawless Cup, Liam Gordon’s charges will be hoping to go one step further and reach an All-Ireland Final. Throw in at Fr. McNamara Park is scheduled for 1 pm this Saturday.

GAA Results U-20 FC Division One St. Brigid’s 0-20 Oran 0-11 U20 FC Division Three (Group A) St. Faithleach’s 1-13 St. Aidan’s 2-4

Fixtures Friday, December 17th U-20 FC Division One Final At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v Pádraig Pearses. 7.45 pm U-20 FC Division Two Final At Johnstown: St. Dominic’s v Strokestown. 8 pm AFL Division Five Final At Kilbride: Fuerty v Kilmore. 8.30 pm Saturday, December 18th 2020 AIB Junior A Club Camogie All-Ireland Semi-Final At Fr. McNamara Park, Ennis: Athleague v Clanmaurice (Kerry). 1 pm Sunday, December 19th U-20 FC Division Three Semi-Finals At Orchard Park: St. Michael’s v St. Faithleach’s. 1 pm At O’Rourke Park: Kilmore/Shannon Gaels v Western Gaels. 1 pm

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs win third Cawley Cup on the spin! Cawley Cup Final: Castlebar RFC 9 Creggs RFC 18. Congratulations to the Creggs first team who won their third Cawley Cup in a row last weekend at a windy Crowley Park in Galway. A good Castlebar team played with the strong wind in the first half and were held up by some top Creggs defending close to the line but led 9-8 at the break. Seán Óg Higgins went over for Creggs off the back of a good rolling maul while Shane Purcell also added a penalty. Castlebar certainly had their shooting boots on in the first half and used the breeze to their advantage, sailing three penalties over. Despite losing a man to a yellow card after 35 minutes, the Mayo men showed real grit and fought gamely against Creggs and the strong wind in the second half. With 20 minutes gone in the second period, the game was still very much in the melting pot, despite Purcell giving Creggs a slender two-point lead off his boot. Soon after, Purcell himself finished a wellworked move to cross over for a try which he also converted. There was now daylight between the teams. Not content with doing things the easy way, Creggs were reduced to 14 for the remaining ten minutes but survived intense Castlebar pressure to claim their third maintain their supremacy in the Cawley Cup. In his acceptance speech, Creggs captain, Brian Diffley, acknowledged the strong and sporting Castlebar performance and praised the en-

tire Creggs panel for the part each of them played in this latest success.

Youth Rugby

U-14 Connacht League Play-off: Creggs RFC 16 Corinthians RFC 12. Creggs U-14 Boys played Corinthians Blue in a 3rd/4th place league play-off in Creggs on Sunday last. At half-time, Creggs were trailing by two points, however, in a tightly contested second half, Creggs sealed the victory with two penalties,

rewarding them with outright third place in the Connacht Under-14 League. This win will give a further boost to the lads going into the Christmas break before they start preparations for the Connacht Under-14 Cup. Creggs U-16 Girls’ Connacht League Division One Final against Ballina has been refixed for Friday night with a venue yet to be confirmed. The initial fixture had to be postponed due to an unplayable pitch in Claremorris on Saturday last. All support this Friday night would be greatly appreciated for the girls.

BOD shows support for Creggs Draw Joe Ryan was on duty with other Creggs members promoting the win50000euro.com Draw at Connacht’s 36-9 bonus-point win over Stade Francais at the Sportsground last weekend. Creggs received great support from the Connacht crowd, and great endorsements from none other than Irish rugby legend, Brian O’Driscoll, as well as rugby coach and TV pundit, Bernard Jackman and Connacht No. 8, Jarrad Butler.

The Roscommon & District Youth Schoolboys League made history on Saturday last when they captured the representative side’s first Kennedy Cup success by winning the Kennedy Shield. An impressive 2-1 win over Dundalk at the University of Limerick brought home the first ever piece of silverware for the league since the competition was established in 1976. St. John’s Athletic player, Cathal Ferry, scored both his side’s goals as they held on to beat the Louth side. Coach Stephen Murphy said the result was a culmination of his side’s hard work throughout the competition.

“It was a great competition for us and we were competitive all the way. We started out as the 31st seed of 32 teams in the Kennedy Cup, based on previous results,” he said. “In our group, we beat Mayo in Lecarrow and we were very competitive in our two defeats to Galway and top seeds, the Midlands. “In the knockout rounds we beat Limerick away and then had a 4-0 win over North Eastern Counties (NEC). “They were a great squad to work with, and they embraced the idea of playing the game without fear. It was fantastic to watch them pass the ball out from the back and work it through the lines even when under pressure. “It was a great campaign overall and really satis-

fying to win our first piece of silverware and condemn that record to history,” he concluded. RDYSL panel: Alan Conroy, Conor Kennedy, Freddie Kelly, Eoin Morgan, Eoin Collins (all Ballymoe FC), Sean Óg Bergin, Kevin Hester (both Castlerea Celtic), Diathí Gannon (Cloonfad United), Michael O’Hagan, Iarlaith O’Toole, Dylan Joyce (all Glen Celtic), Leo Anic, Ciarán Mulry, Aaron Bracken (all Roscommon Town), Donnacha Monaghan (Skyvalley Rovers), Paul O’Sullivan, Cathal Ferry, Seanie McDermott (all St. John’s Athletic), Tadhg Morris, Sean McDonnell (both Strokestown United). Management: Stephen Murphy, Kevin Morgan, Stevie Joyce. Head of Academy: Paul Greene. League Secretary: Padraic Clarke.

Soccer Results

Athlone Feargal Shine won the Men’s 12-hole competiton last weekend with 30 points. Other results: Class A: Padraig O’Boyle (27 points); Class B: Charles Walsh (28); Class C: Colm Cummins (28); Class D: John Mee (27). The recent AWGS 12-hole was won by P. Lennon with 22 points. Class 1: T. Mannion (21); Class 2: E. Moloney (19); Class 3: A Shevlin (21); Class 4 (Vets): R. King (18). The Wednesday golfers enjoyed their Christmas Dinner under Covid guidelines, with a beautiful meal served by Piotr and staff. There was also a special birthday cake for Michael Tallon, who celebrated a very significant birthday recently and is still swinging the club sweetly. The Turkey competitions are continuing until Christmas. The Winter League is progressing well with some players nearly having their rounds completed. Latest team standings are posted on the club noticeboard.

Well done to Terry Canning who topped this year’s Winter League. Terry had a great campaign and was the outright winner on three of the six weekends. Owen Garvin also brought in several great scores over the few weeks and took second place. This year’s Christmas Bonanza had to be postponed due to poor weather. A 9-hole Turkey competition was played instead and it is hoped the Bonanza can be refixed for this weekend (18th and 19th). Meanwhile, the overall club AGM took place on Sunday, November 28th in the clubhouse. A new management committee was elected but some important positions remain unfilled. Please contact any committee member if you are have an interest in joining the committee.

Carrick Week one of the Gents’ Winter League went to Ciaran Cafferky with a score of 25 points while Oliver Duignan was the winner of weeks two and three with 21 points on both occasions. Keith Tighe won week four with 19 points.

Roscommon

RDFL Premier Division Ballaghaderreen FC v Moore United, postponed. Cloonfad United 2 St. John’s Athletic 2 Moylough ’79 2 Ballymoe FC 3 RDFL Division One Glen Celtic 0 Ballinasloe Town B 0 Skyvalley Rovers 2 Shiven Rovers 2 Roscommon United v Ballinagare Manor United, postponed. RDFL Division Two Ballymoe FC B 3 Ballaghaderreen FC B 5 Cam Celtic 1 Skyvalley Rovers B 0

(News from local golf clubs)

Boyle

RDYSL win historic Kennedy Shield < DAN DOONER

Shor t putts

The Roscommon & District Youth and Schoolboys League and management which won the Kennedy Shield at the University of Limerick last Saturday.

Jackie Maxwell was the winner of the recent Ladies’ 9-hole competition with 19 points. Bernie Browne was second with 17 points. After two months of the Ladies’ Winter League, Sandra Crean’s team is in the lead with 86 points, followed closely by Joan O’Gara’s and Anne Quirke’s teams, who are both on 84 points each. It’s still all to play for with December and January scores to be decided. Meanwhile, P. Finneran was the winner of the Men’s Senior competition recently with 34 points. Other results: Cat 1: W. Doyle (32); Cat 2: F. Nally (30); Cat 3: T. Gilleran (34); Over 80: M. O’Connor (33), and Deuces: C. McDonnell and G. Finn. Finally, Roscommon Golf Club offers its sincere sympathies to the family and relatives of Margaret Kilroy. Margaret was a past Lady Captain at Roscommon Golf Club in 1996. May she rest in peace.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses In a quiet week of racing in Ireland, today’s meeting is at Naas with a 11.45 pm start. There is a flat card on the all-weather at Dundalk tomorrow off at 4 pm. Navan race on Saturday at 11.30 am and the last meeting before Christmas is on Sunday at Thurles off at 12.10 pm. Terrestrial TV on Saturday, ITV and Virgin Media 1 are covering six races with four from Ascot including the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle and two from Haydock.

Frost and Dunne Robbie Dunne received an eighteen-month suspension, with three suspended, for allegedly bullying Bryony Frost by among other things

threatening “to put her through the wing”. A much-used expression in national hunt racing that I first heard over 40 years ago at a point-to-point when an experienced jockey gave a novice rider room to go up on his inside at a fence. Having given him the room he then warned him not to do it again. Later in the race, the novice did it again. There was no room, the experienced jockey held his line, and the novice rider and his mount crashed out through the wing. The novice learned a very valuable lesson and went on to ride and train many winners. I have often heard the expression used since and do not consider it threatening but advisory.

Ms. Frost is Britain’s all-time leading female jockey having won over 175 races and came from pony racing and the pointto-point fields, where if she did not meet with and understand similar comments, I would be very surprised. She comes from a racing family, her father rode and trained winners, her brother rode winners and her grandfather also trained winners. There will be no winners in this affair which has split the weighroom’s loyalties, Dunne has lost 18 months of his career and Frost will do well to keep the comradeship of the weigh room. A number of valets asked not to be assigned to her on her first day back after the trial.

Bob Olinger wins at Cheltenham under Rachael Blackmore.

by Tom Red

Review of the Week Paul Townend made a great start on his return after injury on Saturday, riding the first two winners for Willie Mullins at Fairyhouse. He rode Blue Lord in the opening 2m beginners chase and followed up with Stattler in the second beginners chase over 2m5f. He made it three out of three on the day when the 7/4 favourite Hi Ho Phoenix easily landed the Fairyhouse 2022 Annual Pass Maiden Hurdle, again for Mullins. Only one winner for the Irish at the two-day meeting at Cheltenham last weekend as Charles Byrnes’ Blazing Khal completed a fourtimer winning the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle. Donal McInerney rode the even money favourite to a 4¼l victory over Paul Nicholls’ Gelino Bello on Saturday. Ronan McNally’s Vee Dancer made it a hattrick of cross channel wins in the extended 3m 1f handicap hurdle at Catterick on Monday. He won at Huntingdon and Hereford earlier this month. Kevin Brogan was on board once again and push the 1/3 favourite out to win by 2¾l

Stattler and Paul Towend leads Fighter Allen over the last at Fairyhouse.

Racing News One of Britain’s best dual-purpose trainers, David Elsworth, has decided to call it a day and will not be renewing his licence after 66 years in the game. He trained one of Britain’s most popular horses in racing history, Desert Orchid. The grey, affectionately known as Dessie, won the Grand National, the Gold Cup, the King George VI and an Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. Elsworth also trained the flat stayer Persian Punch who won twenty and was placed nineteen times in 63 races. There is a bronze life

size statue of the horse at Newmarket where he won five of his races. The Irish jump jockey Robbie Power, who was injured in a fall at Tramore in October, just 11 days returning from four months on the sideline recovering from back surgery, will not recover in time for the festive meetings. It will be at least mid-January before he makes a comeback to race riding. Power suffered a broken nose and cheekbone, as well as tearing tendons in his arm and a hip fracture when Hans Gruber fell in a maiden hurdle at

Tramore last October. Henry de Bromhead’s Grade 1 winning Bob Olinger bypasses Friday’s Howden Noel Novice Chase and could run at either Leopardstown or Limerick over the Christmas. Gold Cup hero Minella Indo is all set for the King George at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.

Point-to-Point News No racing until the end of the year with a meeting fixed for Dromahane in Co. Cork on the 30th December.

Handball

St. Coman’s pay tribute to the late Ray Doherty (RIP) It is with great sadness that St. Coman’s learned of the death of former St. Coman’s and Roscommon handballer, Ray Doherty. Ray had a distinguished handball career and won back-to-back minor softball titles in 1950 and Ray Doherty, second from right, was part of a delegation to meet the then President of Ireland, Éamon de Valera concerning plans for the National Handball Centre in 1969.

1951. Teaming up with Boyle’s Pat Clarke, he also won a Junior Softball title in 1968, defeating the talented Kirby Brothers of Clare. Ray’s working life took him away from handball for a period and away from his native Roscom-

mon. He rekindled his love for the game while working in Dublin and not only did he continue to play competitively, but became heavily involved in handball administration and strategic planning. In fact, Ray was part of the committee which co-

ordinated the planning and development of the National Handball Centre at Croke Park in 1970, ahead of the 1970 World Handball Championships. During his time in Roscommon, Ray played regularly in the old handball court at the Courthouse in Roscommon town. He returned from Dublin to play numerous times in the new handball complex at Ballypheason. He is fondly remembered as a talented player, a great sportsman and a true gentleman, Ray recently requested a visit to the new handball Complex at Croke Park, yet to be officially opened. The visit was facilitated by the current National President, Dessie Keegan,

the GAA and the Handball Centre Committee. As Ray was photographed striking a handball in the new 60x30 court, it represented a great link between the original National Handball Centre in 1970 and the brand new centre, which is soon to be commissioned. It was a very poignant moment, as Ray was terminally ill at the time, and specifically requested this visit, highlighting his great love and interest in the game. His legacy will be longlasting and he will be missed by his friends in Roscommon Handball circles. St. Coman’s Handball Club would like to extend its sympathies to his wife Kay and family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Ray Doherty pictured during a visit to the new Handball Complex in Croke Park (October 2021).

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

SportsPeople

National League fixtures announced

Anthony Cunningham

The fixtures for Roscommon’s National Football and Hurling League campaigns were announced this week and will see both sides start with home games in 2022. The footballers host Cork at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday, January 30th before travelling to Navan to take on Meath the following weekend in what looks like a tricky opening for Anthony Cunningham’s charges. Clare are the visitors to Dr. Hyde Park in the third round of fixtures on February 20th before the Rossies make their way to Newry to face Down on February 26th. Roscommon will complete

their campaign with three fixtures in March, at home to Derry on March 13th, away to Offaly on March 20th and finally, a mouthwatering showdown with neighbours Galway at the Hyde on March 27th. The hurlers, meanwhile, begin their campaign by hosting Tyrone in Athleague on February 6th before making the long trip to Darver to take on Louth the following weekend. Warwickshire are the visitors to Dr. Hyde Park on February 27th before the Rossies head north to Armagh on March 6th. The hurlers finish their campaign at home against Monaghan on March 20th.

NFL Division Two fixtures Round 1: Sunday, January 30th, Roscommon v Cork at Dr. Hyde Park at 2 pm. Round 2: Sunday, February 6th: Meath v Roscommon at Pairc Tailteann, Navan at 2 pm. Round 3: Sunday, February 20th: Roscommon v Clare at Dr. Hyde Park at 2 pm. Round 4: Saturday, February 26th: Down v Roscommon at Pairc Esler, Newry (time to be confirmed). Round 5: Sunday, March 13th: Roscommon v Derry at Dr. Hyde Park at 2 pm. Round 6: Sunday, March 20th: Offaly v Roscommon at O’Connor Park, Tullamore at 2 pm. Round 7: Sunday, March 27th: Roscommon v Galway at Dr. Hyde Park at 2 pm.

NHL Division 3A fixtures Round 1: Sunday, February 6th: Roscommon v Tyrone at Athleague at 2 pm. Round 2: Sunday, February 13th: Louth v Roscommon at Darver at 2 pm. Round 3: Sunday, February 27th: Roscommon v Warwickshire at Dr. Hyde Park at 1 pm. Round 4: Sunday, March 6th: Armagh v Roscommon at The Athletic Grounds at 2 pm. Round 5: Sunday, March 20th: Roscommon v Monaghan at Athleague at 1 pm.

New jersey launched! O’Neill’s have launched the new Roscommon GAA jersey for 2022 and we’re quite taken by it here at People Sport HQ! Just in time for that Christmas stocking too…

Coman’s swimmers impress at Community Games Finals

Coman’s swimmers, Ava Kiernan and Anna McCormack, gave impressive performances at the Community Games Finals in Limerick on November 27th. Ava finished second in her group while Anna came finished in sixth place.

A young fan surveys the action at Dr. Hyde Park during the recent AIB Connacht Intermediate Club Semi-Final between St. Faithleach’s and St. Farnan’s. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

SportsPeople

Late Butler heroics serve up Connacht final for Pearses! AIB Connacht Club SFC Semi-Final Pádraig Pearses 1-8 Mountbellew-Moylough 1-7 < SEAMUS DUKE

Tom Butler has made many a significant contribution to Pádraig Pearses over the years, many times as a sub too, but by far his most important contribution to date came at drizzly Dr. Hyde Park last Saturday in the fourth minute of injury-time when he lofted over a splendid point from 35 metres out to put his side through to their first ever Connacht club final after a dramatic and incident packed game. There were unruly scenes after the final whistle as several members of the Galway team rounded on referee, Jerome Henry, who was pushed at least once, and stewards had to escort the Mayo official off the field. The Mountbellew-Moylough contingent were furious at a number of important calls that they felt went against them late in the game. From where this writer was sitting, there were a couple of dubious calls against the Galway men, and one ‘mark’ for Barry McHugh that was not given late in the game was hard to explain, but Pearses were the better team on the overall play and deserved to win. In truth, it was a difficult game to referee. Two highly motivated teams went at each other hammer and tongs from the start, and it was an almighty battle throughout in poor conditions. No surprise then that there were no fewer than five black cards and a red shown, not to mention five yellows. There was a big crowd at Hyde Park for the game that was played in mild but very damp conditions with drizzly rain falling for most of the game. Hubert Darcy, who was deployed in the midfield area, opened the scoring after four minutes with a fine point, but MountbellewMoylough were level a minute later when Leo Donnellan was on target. In the 7th minute, Colin Ryan spotted Barry McHugh inside the Pearses cover and his pinpoint pass was fisted to the net by the corner forward. But in the follow up McHugh clashed with Pearses goalkeeper Paul Whelan and he was shown a black card. We saw no further scores for 14 minutes as both sides adopted an ultra cautious approach. But then in the 21st minute, Pearses were level. Niall Carty did the spadework along the end line, and Paul Carey was on hand to fist to the net. Then a minute later Darcy fisted over when it looked like another Pearses goal was on. In the final couple of minutes of the half, Mountbellew-Moylough scored two splendid points - from Eoin Finnerty and Colin Ryan - to send them in leading at

Conor Daly escapes the attentions of Matthew Barrett during last Sunday’s AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship Semi-Final between Pádraig Pearses and Mountbellew-Moylough at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

the break by 1-3 to 1-2. Indeed, there was further drama in injury-time when Mark Richardson was black carded for a pull off the ball. The second half was even more

intensely fought and the large Galway following roared their side on. But Pearses were able to make crucial changes and they were never out of the game. Barry McHugh and Ronan

Daly exchanged points within four minutes of the restart before points from Michael Daly and McHugh (a free) saw the Tribesmen ahead by 1-6 to 1-3 by the 38th minute. But with

Paul Carey celebrates after scoring Pádraig Pearses’ goal in last Sunday’s AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship Semi-Final at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Ronan Daly and David Murray driving them forward, Pearses came again. Darcy and Conor Daly were on target with excellent points, and when Ronan Daly completed a super Pearses team move in the 47th minute, the sides were level at 1-6 apiece. The flurry of black cards continued in the 45th minute when Shane Moran from the Galway champions was given ten minutes on the line for another off the ball incident. After the final water break, Gary Sweeney edged the visitors ahead in the 49th minute, but Pearses subs were to have a big say as the game crept towards the final whistle. Emmett Kelly, who was on for Shane Carty, kicked a mighty point on the run in the 53rd minute and the exchanges were now at fever pitch with the sides level going into the last few minutes. Mountbellew-Moylough were becoming increasingly frustrated with referee Henry as a couple of marginal decisions went against them. In the 58th minute, midfielder Matthew Barrett was sent off for a second yellow card offence as the tension rose even further. Barry McHugh then made a spectacular catch in the second minute of injury-time but no mark was given and then two minutes later Pearses snatched

it at the death when another sub Tom Butler, slotted over a brilliant point from 35 metres. It was good enough to give the Roscommon men a dramatic victory and there was even time for the referee to issue two further black cards before the final whistle to John Daly of Mountbellew-Moylough and Niall Carty of Pearses for a clash close to the stand sideline. At the final whistle, the Galway champions gave full vent to their frustrations with referee Henry, but Pearses had done enough and now they will be confident as they prepare to face Knockmore in the Connacht final in early January. They were best served on the day by Mark Richardson, who played well after he came back from his black card. David Murray and Ronan Daly were again outstanding, with Murray just about edging the ‘man of the match’ award after another brilliant display throughout. Conor Daly did well at midfield while Niall Carty and Hubert Darcy were the pick of the Pearses forwards. For a shell-shocked Mountbellew-Moylough, Colin Ryan, John Daly, Michael Daly, Eoin Finnerty and Barry McHugh were most prominent but they will lament a lack of discipline, which was especially evident as the second half wore on.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

SportsPeople

Connacht Council official Hugh Lynn prepares to make the block as Michael Daly of Mountbellew-Moylough attempts to confront referee Jerome Henry at the full-time whistle of last Sunday’s AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship Semi-Final between Pádraig Pearses and Mountbellew-Moylough at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Flanagan hails Pearses’ performance

Teams and Scorers Pádraig Pearses: Paul Whelan; Mark Richardson, Anthony Butler, Gavin Downey; Conor Lohan, Ronan Daly (0-2), David Murray; Niall Daly, Conor Daly (0-1); Lorcan Daly, Niall Carty, Shane Carty; Conor Payne, Hubert Darcy (0-3), Paul Carey (1-0). Subs: Caelim Keogh for Downey (h/t), Tom Butler (0-1) for Payne (40), Emmet Kelly (0-1) for S Carty. Jack Tumulty for L Daly (53), Sean Ryan for Carey (61). Mountbellew-Moylough: Damien Boyle; Colin Murray, Billy Mannion, Gary Sweeney (0-1); Colin Ryan (0-1), John Daly, James Foley; Michael Daly (0-1), Matthew Barrett; Shane Moran, Paul Donnellan, Leo Donnellan (0-1); Patrick Kelly, Eoin Finnerty (0-1), Barry McHugh (1-2,1 free). Subs: Gerard Donohue for P Donnellan (53). Referee: Jerome Henry (Mayo)

< SEAMUS DUKE

Stat Attack

Wides: Pádraig Pearses 4 Mountbellew-Moylough 9 Yellow cards: Pádraig Pearses 2 (Ronan Daly, Lorcan Daly) MountbellewMoylough 4 (Colin Ryan, Patrick Kelly Matthew Barrett x2) Black cards: Pádraig Pearses 2 (Mark Richardson, 31 mins; Niall Carty, 65 mins) Mountbllew-Moylough 3 (Barry McHugh, 7 mins; Shane Moran, 45 mins; John Daly, 65 mins) Red cards: Pádraig Pearses 0 MountbellewMoylough 1 (Matthew Barrett, 58 mins) Man of the Match: David Murray (Pádraig Pearses) Attendance: 3,500

Emmett Kelly of Pádraig Pearses celebrates at the full-time whistle of last Sunday’s AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship Semi-Final between Pádraig Pearses and Mountbellew-Moylough at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

A breathless and very satisfied Pearses manager Pat Flanagan spoke to the assembled media after the game and maintained that it was a great championship game and the people of Roscommon should be proud of his Pearses team. “It was a testament to the two teams, it was a powerful performance from both of them. I’m not sure what it was like to look at but from my viewpoint everything was put into it. There was no quarter asked for, and it was one of those games where you feel privileged to be part of it,” Flanagan said. The Clara man paid tribute to his match winner Tom Butler: “What our players showed to dig so deep, to get that last point from Tom Butler who was playing his first senior game for us this year, it goes to show how much he’s put in to get himself in a position to kick the winning point is unbelievable”. With regard to the controversy at the end of the game, Pat Flanagan says that over the course of 60 minutes the

decisions usually balance out. “Over the course of the whole match, there were incidents where we felt we could have had frees, the real problem is when it’s at the last couple of minutes then it’s controversial. There were incidents where we felt we could have got different calls but I think the referee did an excellent job, particularly in the conditions,” he said. Now the experienced Offaly man is setting his sights on a Connacht final against the Mayo champions. “Knockmore looked pretty good last week, when it was needed they stood up and won that game. It’s going to be a very difficult outing, there’s no point saying any different, but all we can do is prepare as best we can. It’s a pity it’s not on before Christmas so our lads could have some time to themselves, but we’ll plan it out, we’ll put ourselves in the best position to be as fit as we possibly can to represent Pádraig Pearses and Roscommon. I honestly think that the people of Roscommon should be proud of what we did today,” he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 17 December 2021

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