17 February 2023 Roscommon People

Chase is on to succeed Naughten

Several prospective election candidates locally are keenly reassessing their prospects in the wake of Denis Naughten’s unexpected announcement that he is to bring his political career to an end.

An intense battle for the Dáil seat held by Naughten for over a quarter of a century is now underway. In a statement issued on Monday, Deputy Naughten confirmed that he will not contest the next general election. It signalled that the curtain is set to fall on a very prominent Dáil career and means one of Roscommon’s leading politicians of the past quarter-century is exiting the stage. As matters stand, Fine Gael are slight favourites to benefit electorally from Naughten’s decision to opt out of politics.

In reality, it is impossible to definitively gauge the local implications of Naughten’s exit from the political scene until the outcome of the latest constituency boundaries’ review is known later this year. If the current Roscommon-Galway constituency were to remain in place, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil would both see Naughten’s absence from the ballot paper as a boost to their respective bids to regain a Dáil seat here.

Amongst the politicians who this week are assessing the fallout from Naughten’s pending exit are sitting TDs Michael Fitzmaurice (tipped by many to follow suit and run in the next European elections instead) and Claire Kerrane, Senators Aisling Dolan and Eugene Murphy, and Cllrs. Paschal Fitzmaurice, John Keogh and John Naughten (brother of Denis). For more, see pages 15 & 19.

Darina Dermody and Aimée McConn pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s, Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

< PAUL HEALY

Refunds of Illegal Nursing Home Charges

There is a significant political controversy arising in respect of nursing home residents who may have been “illegally charged” for care. As a result, many medical card holders during the period of 1976 to 2005 had to pay for nursing home care when it should have been free.

The controversy arises in situations where the Government devised a legal strategy so they would not have to reimburse residents of nursing homes & their families in situations where the payment of such fees was not required.

The basis of such reimbursements would have entitled older people who were eligible for medical cards and therefore entitled to free nursing home care, however some of these individuals were allocated places in private nursing homes due to lack of space in public facilities. These individuals and their families were ultimately charged for their care which became illegal in 2005. Patients who had been unlawfully charged for these services had the right to sue in order to recover damages.

It has been suggested to the Department of Health that our Irish Government undertook a legal plan so that they would not have to refund those affected by these illegal charges due to the sizeable nature of the refunds involved, estimated to be in the region of €12 billion. Only a percentage of these cases have since been settled and some receiving only a partial refund.

If you or any of your family members have been affected by these illegal charges, please contact our office at 090 6478433 or email us at info@bccsolicitors.ie if you require more information or assistance.

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

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 SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

So I went to buy a Valentine’s card… but I ran into the pub bore!

There are 32 muscles in a cat’s ear…

Huh?

There are 32 muscles in a cat’s ear…so, the average cat has 64 muscles in their collective ears!

Okay…

And cows cannot walk down a stairs.

Seriously?

An absolute non-runner.

Why are we talking about this stuff?

‘Cos I got caught with the pub bore on Tuesday evening!

Ah, he’s alright…

You don’t understand!

Huh?

It was Valentine’s Day! I went to buy a card for my better half…

Last of the great romantics…

I wanted to put a bet on Roscommon v Armagh, so I popped into the bookies.

Very unusual for me…

As unusual as the sight of a cow descending a staircase!

I’m telling you…they can’t do it! Anyways, I put the bet on…

And the Valentine’s card?

Yeah, got that too. Then I met the pub bore outside the bookies.

Okay…

…he insisted on a quick pint!

And?

Two hours later, we’re still at the bar counter…he’s in full flow.

Huh?

“A cat has 32 ears in each of its muscles”…

Endangered Species Thebarstoolboyos

I think you mean 32 muscles in each ear…

Sorry, I’m flustered. Then the pub bore tells me all about cows not being able to walk down the stairs…

That’s baloney!

It’s true! They can’t!

Give me details…

Well, they can walk UP a stairs, but they can’t walk down…it has to do with their knees. They can’t bend them as required…

Mmnn…anyways, any other news since we chatted last?

The rugby was sensational on Saturday… I know! We watched it together!

Denis Naughten is retiring….

Yes, an impressive guy! Because of that vacancy, I’m giving renewed thought to my political ambitions. Don’t worry, I still have you down as my Director of Elections.

Eh…cheers.

(They pause to ponder if they’ve ever wondered before about cows’ knees or cats’ ears)

Anyways…

ANYWAYS! I Did you get home in good time to present the Valentine’s card?

That’s the thing…that’s why I was annoyed with the pub bore and his rabbiting on about cats and cows! My wife was expecting me back from my walk at 7, but I wasn’t home ‘til 8.30!

Oh…

It was fine. I explained how I had been ‘detained’…told her all about the wisdom of the pub bore.

Had she any queries?

Not unreasonably, she wondered how anyone discovered that cows can’t walk down a staircase! Then, when I said the pub bore told me that tortoises are slower than turtles, she had another question…

Yeah?

She wanted to know if I had walked home with a tortoise!

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

The men in green, this after rampaging Ireland defeated France in a Six Nations thriller at the Aviva Stadium

Roscommon Hospice Unit, which finally officially opened to patients on Monday, just over a year after it was launched by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly

Kansas City Chiefs, who launched a second-half comeback to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles and claim the Superbowl, a TV spectacular which has a growing following in Ireland (hence the presence of many bleary-eyed people on Monday morning)

Singing superstar Rihanna, who delivering a widely acclaimed half-time show during Sunday’s Superbowl, during which she hinted (and later confirmed) that she is expecting her second child

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

Roscommon hurling, with the struggling senior team losing by 2-16 to 0-15 to Louth in the Division 3A Hurling League, a defeat which led to the resignation of manager Francis O’Halloran

Thousands of residents in New Zealand, after a tropical storm led to massive power outages and the cancellation of hundreds of flights (a state of emergency was declared in five regions)

Contrasting emotions: Eoghan Murray of Roscommon CBS reflects on what might have been at the final whistle in last Saturday’s Connacht GAA Post Primary Schools ‘B’ Final as St. Attracta’s CS, Tubbercurry players celebrate their one-point win.

€21m in funding for county’s regional and local roads

Funding of €21,243,550 was announced this week for regional and local roads in County Roscommon as part of what the Department of Transport described as a ‘significant investment programme aimed at supporting communities, rural businesses, and connectivity in 2023’.

Tuesday’s announcement was welcomed by local Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy, who said the funding would benefit initiatives across the county.

“Improving and maintaining our road network is essential to the sustained development of local economies in rural Ireland. These roads are critical for children getting to school and people travelling to work safely,” he said.

“These grants, in addition to local authorities’ own resources, will play a vital role in supporting rural businesses, communities, and connectivity”.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan was also pleased to welcome the county’s allocation and highlighted a number of projects under the Climate Change Adaptation and Safety Improvement Works funds.

“The safety fund gives funding of €30,000 for projects such as making junctions and roads safer for all road users,” she said.

“Funds have been allocated for the community involvement scheme (CIS) as well as the bridge rehabilitation works. Other features of this year’s investment programme include road pavement strengthening works, drainage works, and preventative surface dressing work.

“Our roads team in each municipal district works with the local community to improve safety across the county. This can make such a difference”.

Independent councillor Anthony Waldron also welcomed Tuesday’s announcement.

Fitzmaurice ‘deeply unhappy’ over ‘shocking’ Castlerea oversight

< DAN DOONER

Local councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice has expressed anger over the latest roads funding allocation for County Roscommon, claiming that priority projects in his municipal district have been ignored.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said he was “deeply unhappy” that funding had not been provided for low-cost safety schemes in the Roscommon Municipal District. He was also dismayed that just one project in Castlerea received funding under the ‘Climate Change

Adaptation and Resilience Works’ funding strand.

“Normally there is an equal allocation where Roscommon and Castlerea may get funding for two or three projects each but this time around Castlerea has received nothing,” he said.

“There are seven projects funded in Boyle, five in Athlone and none in Castlerea. This is terrible and I’m shocked by it”.

Cllr Fitzmaurice said that of sixteen possible schemes, Castlerea received funding for just one project under the Bridge Rehabilitation

Works scheme (€25,000 for Leitrim Bridge).

“My understanding is that this funding is allocated based on a priority list and there are a number of projects in the Roscommon Municipal District on this priority list. Someone somewhere must have skipped this list and that’s very serious,” he said.

“Without this funding there won’t be work for Council workers…we can’t just invent work. I have made contact with the Minister for Transport and will be asking Roscommon County Council to go back to the Department to seek clarification on this”.

Gospel Reflection

Sunday 19 February

We are called to the holiness of God. That is the extraordinary claim made in both the First Reading and the Gospel this Sunday.

Yet how is it possible that we can be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect?

Jesus explains that we must be imitators of God as His beloved children (Ephesians 5:1–2). As God does, we must love without limit – with a love that does not distinguish between friend and foe, overcoming evil with good (see Romans 12:21).

Jesus Himself, in His Passion and death, gave us the perfect example of the love that we are called to.

He offered no resistance to the evil – even though He could have commanded twelve legions of angels to fight alongside Him. He offered His face to be struck and spit upon. He allowed His garments to be stripped from Him. He marched as His enemies compelled Him to the Place of the Skull. On the Cross, He prayed for those who persecuted Him (see Matthew 26:53–54, 67; 27:28, 32; Luke 23:34).

In all this, He showed Himself to be the perfect Son of God. By His grace, and through our imitation of Him, He promises that we too can become children of our Heavenly Father. God does not deal with us as we deserve, as we sing in this week’s Psalm. He loves us with a Father’s love. He saves us from ruin. He forgives our transgressions.

He loved us even when we had made ourselves His enemies through our sinfulness. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (see Romans 5:8).

We have been bought with the price of the blood of God’s only Son (see 1 Corinthians 6:20). We belong to Christ now, as St. Paul says in this week’s Epistle. By our baptism, we have been made temples of His Holy Spirit.

And we have been saved to share in His holiness and perfection. So let us glorify Him by our lives lived in His service, loving as He loves.

-Courtesy of Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com and the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon

highlight

need

duties.

an immediate job evaluation scheme,

order to establish

extent

Fórsa call for job evaluation scheme at Roscommon County Council

Union plans to escalate following WRC negotiations

Members of the Fórsa trade union at Roscommon County Council delivered a Valentine’s Day message to local authority management, calling for an independent job evaluation scheme.

Union members gathered at Áras and Chontae this week to highlight the need for the scheme in order to establish the extent to which employees are taking on additional duties.

Local Fórsa representative Florie Hickey said union members wanted to send the message “because so many of them have been carrying additional duties for years, but without any rec-

ognition for the extra work”.

“All we’re asking for is a fair and independent assessment of the work we’re doing,” she said.

“Fórsa represents workers in the HSE, Tusla and the higher education sector, where access to job evaluation has already been secured. The process is commonplace across much of Europe. We need the same kind of workload measurement applied in local authorities across the country”.

Fórsa treasurer Julie Flood, who works at Dublin City Council, said the union represents more than 30,000 local authority staff across the country.

“Close to 10,000 jobs were lost from the sector following the financial crisis in 2008, and services were only maintained in Roscommon because

Public meeting to discuss rural decline

Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands Northwest Chris MacManus will host a public meeting on addressing regional imbalance and reversing rural decline in Gullane’s Hotel, Ballinasloe on Monday, 20th February at 8 pm. The meeting will feature contributions from Claire Kerrane TD, Cllr Dermot Connolly and representatives of local community and farming organisations. MEP MacManus has encouraged the public to attend the meeting and the join the discussion on delivering change for the West.

staff here took on additional responsibilities above their pay grades, and this happened in every local authority in the country,” she said.

“Local authorities experienced the greatest reduction of numbers of employees during the austerity era, leading to what we see as a significant ‘grade drift’ in the sector.

“It means, simply, that many people are working above the grade at which they’re employed. We need to measure the extent of that and make sure that staff are treated fairly”.

Fórsa, which referred the issue to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), has said the only way to deal with the issue is to implement an independent job evaluation exercise.

“Delivering balanced regional development and standing up for the West has always been a key priority for Sinn Féin and I am delighted to be hosting this discussion on addressing regional imbalance and reversing rural decline in Ballinasloe,” he said.

Parish Youth Mass this Saturday

The next Parish Youth Mass will be at 7 pm on this Saturday, 18th of February 2023, in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. This Mass has been especially designed for young people, by young people, and everyone is invited to attend. The theme of this month’s Mass is resilience/ not giving up.

Fórsa members at Roscommon County Council gather to call on local authority management to ‘Love Local Government’ to

the

for

in

the

to which people are taking on additional

Pictured (left to right): Elaine Skelly, Marie Grady, Mary Dowd, Florie Hickey, Louis Carroll, Elaine Clifford, Tommy Mannion, Fiona Fallon, Claire Conlon, Gillian Hoare.

Roscommon Easter Parade moves to Monday due to big Mayo clash!

< PAUL HEALY

This year’s Easter Parade in Roscommon town –always a major social event – is being switched to Easter Monday, to accommodate GAA supporters planning to attend Roscommon’s big Connacht Championship game against Mayo the previous day.

Normally the Roscommon Easter Parade takes place on Easter Sunday, but the parade committee has recognised this year’s particular circumstances and made the decision to switch the event to Easter Monday.

Roscommon senior footballers will play Mayo in the 2023 Connacht Senior Football Championship quarterfinal at MacHale Park, Castlebar on Sunday, April 9th

Roscommon Easter Parade Committee held its AGM on Wednesday, February 8th last, after which the following statement was issued to the Roscommon People:

“Following our AGM, a decision has been made

to hold this year’s Easter Parade on Easter Monday, 10th of April 2023 at 2.30 pm. The decision to move the parade to the Monday is in recognition of the

fact that the Roscommon senior football team have a major championship fixture against Mayo on Easter Sunday. The parade committee wishes

manager Davy Burke and the team the very best in this game. We look forward to a very enjoyable weekend for all in Roscommon”.

This year’s Roscommon Easter Parade will follow the usual route from Abbeytown to Castle Street, via Main Street and The Square.

Love is still in the air in Castlecoote!

Valentine’s Day may have come and gone for another year but love is still very much in the air at Castlecoote Lodge this weekend! Why not come along and join what promises to be a fun-filled evening this Saturday (18th) featuring DJ Cush, who will be providing lots of romantic tunes on the night. You never know who you might meet… An anonymous matchmaker will also be on site so forget about swiping left and right this Saturday and put your faith in the human touch!

Romance not your thing? That’s fine! There will also be a free draw on the night for Guinness Six Nations merchandise. What’s not to love?

Flashback to 2022 parade: Pictured at the 2022 Roscommon Easter Parade were Freya, Lily and Ella O’Connor and Mia Connaughton.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

THURSDAY Ageless DJs!

Listening to Ian Dempsey on Today FM this morning, once again I asked myself: Will this man ever reveal to the world his secret of eternal youth?

I fully appreciate he might have to consult with Marty Whelan first, in order that they could agree a joint position…

FRIDAY

Not loving Late Late…

And so (it is alleged), at some point between the first day and the end of the sixth day, while in a playful mood, God mischievously created his strangest concept yet. Then he sat back and observed it, smiling to himself.

But then he thought again. For, despite tinkering with aspects of his fun creation – at one stage even adding the earnestly positive Kerry Katona into the mix – God realised that he couldn’t really stand over his Late Late Valentine’s Show idea, that it was just too crazy. So, with commendable self-awareness, he hastily binned it, trusting that the humans would never come up with anything of that nature themselves in the future…

SATURDAY Bertie’s return

He’s back…The Man Who Won The Money On The Horses.

Mind you, he was also the Man Who Won Peace (and the man who won three general elections as Fianna Fáil leader).

When it comes to any review of Planet Bertie, it’s not straightforward. He mangled language, pulled the odd stroke, projected a ‘man of the people’ image when most of us knew he could be ruthless (and cunning)…and then his reputation took an absolute battering when the Mahon Tribunal exposed his very questionable fi-

nancial dealings with property dealers and supporters.

Critics will condemn the record of his governments (Ahern was Taoiseach three times)…supporters will point to achievements.

After years of popularity and success, it ended in disgrace of sorts, with Ahern’s credibility shredded as the tribunal took a dim view of his financial shenanigans.

Over that era of tribunal-led washing of dirty linen in public, we learnt that Ahern didn’t have a personal bank account when he was…Minister for Finance. But there was lots of money flying around, cheques routinely cashed (as opposed to being lodged). It was bizarre. At one point, when pressed about 8,000 pounds sterling that was lodged to his daughters’ accounts, Bertie famously explained that he had won that money on the horses.

Ah sure you’d nearly feel nostalgic for his way with words!

Of that sometimes unconventional approach to his finances, Brazen Ber-

tie said: “Some people put their hair yellow, some people put rings in their noses...I decided to cash my cheques, full stop”.

Ahern went from being a popular statesman to being ostracised.

I always felt he was a bit harshly treated. Moves by Fianna Fáil to expel him (in the end, he jumped before he was pushed) struck me as being more a tactical move by a party anxious to be seen to disassociate itself from ‘the tainted one’ than a fair and measured response to what had emerged.

Now he’s back, restored to the party again, just ahead of events which will mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. History will surely recognise that Ahern devoted enormous energy and political skill in his role as a key architect of that accord. It is difficult to overstate the enormity of his contribution.

Now the speculation begins about whether or not the returned prodigal son might actually be planning to run for president in 2025.

On Twitter, the keyboard warriors (some at least) are spitting fire, delving into their impressive reserves of venom.

I don’t know where they get their appetite for vengeance. Ahern was disgraced, his legacy is tainted, but he also achieved a lot, most notably historic progress in the pursuit of peace on this island.

Some of the angry mob (on Twitter) give the impression that he should be put in stocks in the town square, with copies of the Mahon Report thrown at him.

I take a more measured view. I see no issue with him rejoining Fianna Fáil. Why shouldn’t a former party leader and three-time Taoiseach be a member of the party? I acknowledge the positive contributions he made during his career, while also noting that he was talking horses**t much of the time at the tribunal.

As for the Áras, I don’t for a moment expect him to run. If he does, those who like him will vote for him – and those who don’t won’t!

SATURDAY/SUNDAY Weekend sport

It was another busy weekend on the sporting front. Unfortunately, Roscommon CBS suffered a heartbreaking single-point defeat to St Attracta’s of Tubbercurry in the Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior ‘B’ Final on Saturday. Hard luck to the players and management, who were so unlucky on this occasion.

The highlight of Saturday was of course that magnificent tussle between Ireland and France in the Six Nations, the home team winning a classic encounter.

Ireland are in superb shape just now, and their prospects of winning the Grand Slam look very strong indeed.

Closer to home again, Sunday’s defeat to Louth was a significant setback for Roscommon hurlers, a loss which was followed by the resignation of manager Francis O’Halloran.

There are a number of very dedicated people involved in promoting hurling locally. Very often over the years we have admirably punched above our weight. Hopefully the current downturn in fortunes is, to borrow a phase, a temporary little arrangement.

MONDAY Loving Liam…

Tonight’s much-publicised RTE TV documentary on the great Liam Brady did not disappoint. The hourlong programme was a slick and nostalgic tribute to a wonderfully gifted footballer. Brady graced the game in England and Italy, and also had a very distinguished career with the Republic of Ireland.

He was magical. At his peak, he arguably might have walked – at his own pace of course – into any team in the world. Maybe I’m blinded, but I think not. The sublime John Barnes has described Brady as the greatest player ever “from this part of the world”. That’s better than Gascoigne, Hoddle, etc. See more of my views on the great Liam Brady on page 39.

Ballinagare community welcomes new arrivals from Ukraine

< DAN DOONER

The community of Ballinagare came out in force to host a welcome party for 27 new arrivals from Ukraine last Friday evening.

The event, held in Ballinagare Community Centre and organised by a group of local people, featured traditional music by the Killina Céilí Band, singing by pupils of the local national school as well as Irish and Ukrainian food.

Parish priest Fr Micheál Donnelly said the event was partly inspired by recent anti-immigration protests.

“There’s been so much bad press about people coming in (to the country) and people objecting to them being in the community and I felt it would be a nice idea to have something to welcome the Ukrainian people to the area,” he said.

Fr Donnelly, who was part of the welcoming committee, said those arriving in Ballinagare had endured a difficult start to the New Year.

“The Ukrainians that we have here were travelling during Christmas so in reality they had no Christmas. While we were at home enjoying our food they had no Christmas Dinner and Santa Claus couldn’t come to the children,” he added.

“Hopefully this event is a chance to integrate and to allow the people who have come to live in our community a chance to mingle, meet and talk. In particular, the Ukrainian children; there are children their own age here that they can meet and greet. They’ll be in school together in a few weeks hopefully”.

The Ballinagare Ladies’ Group have also been proactive in helping the new arrivals to settle in the area. Group member Bernie Kelly said they were overwhelmed by the response

when the group invited Ukrainian ladies to join them for a recent weekly meeting.

“A group of us meet on a Friday for coffee and the week after they (Ukrainians) came we decided to invite some of them to our meeting and lo and behold most of them came along! We had thought two or three (might come) so it was lovely,” Bernie said.

Fr Micheál reached out to the group following this meeting and the idea for last Friday’s welcome party was born.

“The national school then rowed in behind us and it just took off from there,” Bernie added.

Sandra Yaremchuk arrived in Ireland from western Ukraine just three weeks ago. She spent her first few days in Dublin before moving to Ballinagare.

“I was so impressed (upon arriving in Ireland). We came to Dublin and didn’t know what was going to happen. We knew that Ireland was accepting Ukrainian people but we didn’t know how good it would be,” she said.

“There were people waiting for us (on arrival) and it was late so they took us somewhere to stay overnight. Then we were taken to CityWest to go through all the procedures and paperwork and then we took a bus to Ballinagare. It was quick and impressive. I was touched”.

Sandra’s parents and her sister are still living in western Ukraine where the threat of air strikes still remains.

“On one occasion an attack took place just 15kms away from us and then a few times there have been missile attacks. The thing is we don’t have a basement to hide in so it doesn’t really matter where we are at the time of the (air raid) alert. We just have to go on with our lives,” she said.

The Ukrainian woman, who was a teacher back home, was overwhelmed with the welcome she and her compatriots received in Ballinagare Community Centre on Friday evening.

“People have been asking us what kind of help we need (since they arrived). That was impressive. Then they told us they were going to organise this party…sometimes I feel like I want to cry because we didn’t expect this. I can’t event find the words,” she said.

“It’s like a new family; it’s a very small place here and what they have done in giving us a little party welcoming us…I just can’t explain how it feels…”

N61 roadworks to be completed by March 16th

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon County Council has said that roadworks on the N61 between Barrymore and Ganly’s roundabout in the south of the county are expected to be fully completed by Thursday, March 16th

Contractors Hanly Quarries Ltd have told the local authority that the works are now entering the concluding phase.

A statement from Roscommon County Council read: “The daytime phase in respect of works on the route is ongoing with an

estimated completion time for this phase of works by Friday, February 24th.

“Works will then proceed to a second and reduced night-time phase which will commence on Monday, February 27th and are expected to be completed by Tuesday, March 7th.

“The final phase of works which comprise verge reinstatement and remaining associated works will, it’s anticipated, be fully completed by Thursday, March 16th”.

The Council said that while affected routes would remain

open, traffic delays could be expected while works are ongoing. Non-local road users who don’t require local access are advised to use alternative national and regional routes.

“Roscommon County Council regrets any delays caused by these significant but necessary improvement works to the N61 national secondary route.

“The local authority wishes to thank the public for their understanding and patience as the aforementioned works approach conclusion,” the statement concluded.

Pictured at a welcome party in Ballinagare Community Centre on Friday night last were members of the Ballinagare welcoming committee and Ukrainian people who have recently arrived in Co. Roscommon.

FÓGRA MAIDIR LE RÁTAÍ ARNA DHÉANAMH CHONTAE SLÁINTE CEANTAR ROS COMÁIN

Tugtar fógra leis seo go ndearnadh na Rátaí Contae ar an maoin a ghabhann leis ar an gCeantar Sláinte Contae a ainmnítear thuas.

Is é an Ráta Bliantúil ar Luacháil ghnáthchaiteachas na Comhairle Contae le haghaidh seirbhíse na bliana airgeadais dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2023 ná 0.225.

Tá na Leabhair Rátaí faoi mo choimeád anois agus is féidir le haon duine a ndéanann sé difear dóibh iad a iniúchadh, ag Oifigí Áras an Chontae Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin idir na huaireanta 10.00 a.m. agus 1.00 p.m. gan Dé Sathairn, Dé Domhnaigh agus Laethanta Saoire Bainc. Beidh na rátaí sin iníoctha ó fhoilsiú an fhógra seo agus dá éis.

Rinneadh na rátaí thuas ar an 24 Eanáir, 2023.

Arna dhátú an 24 Eanáir 2023 seo.

Sean Mullarkey A/Ceann Airgeadais & TFC (san áireamh. Claochlú Digiteach).

Scéim Deontais agus Conláiste na mBailte Slachtmhara, 2023

Tá Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin ag glacadh le hiarratais ar líne faoi Scéim agus Conláiste na mBailte Slachtmhara, 2023 faoi láthair.

Glacfar le hiarratais ó: Cumainn na mBailte Slachtmhara

Grúpaí Forbartha Áitiúla

Grúpaí Fo-Uisce

Soláthraíonn an scéim maoiniú do thionscadail chonláiste caipitil ar scála beag. Tá na sonraí go léir faoin scéim le fáil ag www.roscommoncoco.ie

Ní mór iarratais a dhéanamh trí Mo Sheirbhísí Ar Líne ag: https://roscommon-self.achieveservice.com/

Cláraigh le haghaidh Mo Sheirbhísí Ar Líne ag www.roscommoncoco.ie

Is é an dáta deiridh chun iarratais chríochnaithe ar líne a fháil

5pm an 9ú Márta 2023

Ní bhreithneofar iarratais ar líne atá neamhiomlán nó déanach Is féidir aon cheisteanna a bhaineann leis an scéim a chur i ríomhphost chuig amenitygrants@roscommoncoco.ie

Majella Hunt Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL NEWS IN BRIEF

Gaeltacht Scholarships

Roscommon County Council is offering five scholar ships to attend Irish Colleges for a three-week residen tial course this summer. The scholarships are open to students aged 13 to 18 who permanently reside, or are attending school, in County Roscommon. www.roscommoncoco.ie

applications is Friday, March 10th.

Local webinar

A series of Community Webinars organised by EMERGE take place in the midlands this month. The webinars will provide a detailed preview of the upcom ing programme of work supporting 21 communities across the midlands, including Roscommon, between now and the end of the year.

gramme designed to empower communities in the wider Midlands region to meet the challenges posed by Ire land’s transition to a climate-proofed economy and re silient society.

Longford and Roscommon will take place on Thurs day, February 23rd from 10am to 11.30am. To partici pate in the webinar visit co-longfordroscommon-community-webinar-tickets519629554987?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

gional Office (CARO) work with the project advisory group on the implementation of a training and mentor ing programme for impacted communities in the wider Midlands Region. This project is funded under the Just Transition Fund.

The Emerge programme is being delivered by Eastern and Midlands CARO, Urban Foresight and The Wheel organisation in conjunction with the Government through the Just Transition and Carbon Tax Fund.

Decade of centenaries

As part of the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2023, Roscommon County Council is now accepting applications to the Decade of Centenaries Grants Open Call. The key objective is to provide support to local communities to facilitate commemorative actions and events in the county relevant to 1923. Full details on the scheme are available on the Roscommon County Council website through ‘My Online Services’. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, March 3rd.

Creative Ireland programme

As part of the Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027, Roscommon County Council is now accepting applications to the Creative Roscommon Grants Open Call 2023.Grants will be available under three strands, namely Community/Crea tive Collaboration; Individual Creative Bursary or New Work with the third and final stand in respect of Outdoor Cultural Events.

Full details on the scheme are available on the Roscommon County Council website. The closing date for receipt of applications via My Online Services on the Roscommon County Council website is 5pm, on Friday, March 3rd.

Participants sought for free Know Your Locality online course

Roscommon County Council’s Heritage Office is delighted to work with the Irish Archaeology Field School, to offer a free hybrid course (online as well as an inperson field trip) over the next five weeks. Course dates and times are scheduled over five evenings, namely on Tuesday February 28, Thursday March 2nd, Tues day March 7th, Thursday March 9th and finally on Tuesday March 14th. The initiative is organised over two-hour sessions from 6.30pm to 8.30pm GMT/local time with a fieldtrip taking place on Sunday March 5th.

Participants must be able to access the internet and a device, preferably a laptop or PC. While the course will look at examples from throughout Ireland, it will focus on the geology, archaeology and history of the county of Roscommon. The course itself is particularly aimed toward residents of county Roscommon who will be given preference for available course places as well as enthusiasts of Roscommon’s natural and cultural heritage. For further details and to book, please visit: https://iafs.ie/know-your-locality-roscommon-february-march-2023/.

Congratulations to Louise Mannion of Scoil Bhríde National School in Fourmilehouse. Louise was also a winner in the Roscommon County Council Environmental Awareness Colouring competition. Louise received her award from Jonathan Jones, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer, Roscommon County Council.

Laura Lyons of Taughmaconnell National School, a winner in the recent Roscommon County Council Environmental Awareness Colouring competition. Laura is pictured receiving her award from Jonathan Jones, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer, Roscommon County Council.

Hwang family marks nine years in Ireland

< DAN DOONER

South Korean husband and wife, Juwon Hwang (48) and Dongae

Kwon (45) have been living in County Roscommon since 2016, having come here to work as ministers with Rahara-based Operation Mobilisation (OM), a Christian Missionary organisation which was founded in 1957.

The couple are among 7,000 OM employees worldwide and have previously lived in Shanghai and the UK. Their two eldest children Jun (13) and Beane (12) were born in Korea while their youngest son Chan (6) was born here in Ireland.

Juwon, who is also an associate pastor with the River of Life Church in

‘I think we were the first Koreans in Roscommon!’

Athlone, is from the bustling South Korean capital of Seoul, while Dongae hails from the historic Jeolla province in the southwest of the country. The couple met while working in the UK. Their son Jun and daughter Beane are now members of Coman’s Swimming Club, where Juwon is a coach. Jun, who attends Roscommon Community College, recently qualified for the Connacht interprovincial team. Beane is a Rahara National School student while Chan attends St Coman’s Wood. Juwon started coaching with Coman’s two years ago and says it is a great way to get to know other people in the community.

“I think we are the first Koreans in Roscommon,” Juwon says. “We have spoken to many people in Roscommon and they have very little information about Korea.

“Some don’t even know the differ-

ence between North Korea and South Korea,” his wife Dongae adds.

“Here, most people are Catholic and being members of the Catholic Church is a big part of their identity. We are absolute ‘blow-ins’, but I think people also regard us with some suspicion, particularly in the countryside. It took four or five years of people getting to know us and why we are here,” Juwon laughs.

As for their missionary work, Juwon says it is “a calling from God” and they enjoy spreading the Gospel while serving both the church and other people.

Juwon and Dongae do miss certain aspects of their lives back home, including their parents, the warm Korean summers and almost year-round sunshine…and of course the food!

They say the long, dark Irish winters have been tough compared to the “four seasons” South Koreans are used to.

“I’ve never felt any depression or anything like that but last winter we really struggled,” Juwon said. “We have learned to hibernate!”

Dongae says before coming to Ireland she never understood how people’s moods could be affected by the weather.

“We didn’t understand how people could be depressed because of it…but now we see. During winter you spend a lot of time at home and it is dark and cold and wet. In Korea we have much more sunshine,” she said.

Weather aside, the family have adapted well to Roscommon life and the couple say they have “made a breakthrough” in recent years due to Juwon’s swimming coaching and Dongae’s love of music.

“I became involved as a coach with Coman’s Swimming Club and since 2021 we have hosted a music evening at our house. We invite our neighbours

here in Abbeyville and members of our church,” Juwon said.

Dongae adds: “We thought about how we could engage with our neighbours. We had to be more proactive so we opened our house and garden and invited neighbours and friends and had a music evening.

“It has happened for the last two years so now people understand who we are and it enabled us to build up more trust. They see that we are a family from Korea…and there’s nothing suspicious in the house,” she jokes.

Now very much at home in Roscommon town, the couple say they are looking forward to continuing to build on their friendships with neighbours and other members of the local community as well as enjoying some long overdue sunshine and music as the evenings get longer and brighter this spring.

Juwon Hwang, Dongae Kwon, Jun Hwang (13), Beane Hwang (12) and Chan Hwang (6) pictured at a recent Coman’s Swimming Club event.

Ukrainian student in Strokestown wins national art competition

The national final of the 2022 Credit Union Art Competition took place on Sunday, February 12th, in Croke Park. Roscommon Credit Union (RCU) were represented on the day by Aodhán Green from Roxboro National School in the ‘7 and under’ age category and Varvara Babachenko from St Mary’s National School, Strokestown represented RCU in the special category.

At the award-giving ceremony, Marty Whelan was on hand to present the winners with their prizes. Varvara Babachenko was awarded overall winner, with Aodhán Greene placing second in their respective categories. Both Varvara and Aodhán were accompanied on this memorable day by their parents and siblings. Varvara’s teacher Eimear McGinley was also present, along with Bernie Moran (RCU CEO) and John Devaney (Chair

of RCU), to lend support and deserved congratulations.

Anna Feely (Principal of St Mary’s Primary School, Strokestown) offered her congratulations on the day, expressing how the entire school were extremely proud of Varvara and all she has accomplished since she joined the school from wartorn Ukraine in September 2022.

Anna went on to say Varvara has a beautiful personality as she is always a happy and cheerful pupil; her artwork with a stunning rainbow and butterflies is an excellent representation of herself.

Gillian McBride (Principal of Roxboro National School) echoed similar sentiments, congratulating Aodhán. Gillian expressed how very proud everyone at the school is of Aodhán and his notable artistic talent at his young age. Gillian continued: “His creativity is inspiring, we can’t wait to see where his

talent takes him”.

The theme of the 2022 art competition was ‘It’s a wonderful world’. The competition invited participants to create artworks that depict the theme and explore through their own unique lens the beauty and wonder of the world and portray them on paper or canvass.

Roscommon CU has a strong tradition when it comes to representation at the national finals of the credit union art competition, each year boasting a number of winners across the different age categories. This year was no different, with four regional winners progressing to the national final: Lauren McTiernan (Convent of Mercy, Roscommon) in the 18 and over category, a previous winner in 2020, and Alicia Ward (Roscommon Community College) in the 14-17 age category, along with overall winners Aodhán and Varvara.

newsbriefs

AGM of Ballintubber Community Alert

The AGM of Ballintubber Community Alert will be held on Wednesday, 22nd of February, 2023 at 8.30 pm in the Old School House, Ballintubber. All welcome.

Feighan welcomes opening of Hospice

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has welcomed the commencement of palliative care services at Roscommon Hospice this week following its official launch just over 12 months ago (see page 18).

Monday last saw the first patients arrive at the facility following the recruitment of specialist nurses and doctors.

“I want to congratulate the new team at Roscommon Hospice and to acknowledge the challenges that they have ahead of them. It is a most beautiful and modern building. The work and care is very tough but rewarding,” Deputy Feighan said.

“Again I would like to thank the great committee at Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation led by Mike Smith who have brought this project to its completion”.

Aodhán Greene and his fellow winners pictured with competition host Marty Whelan and ILCU President Helene McManus at the Credit Union Art Competition prize-giving ceremony in Croke Park.

Aodhán Greene pictured with ILCU President Helene McManus, his parents Rosaleen and Gary Greene, and competition host Marty Whelan at the Credit Union Art Competition prize-giving ceremony in Croke Park.

Overall winner Varvara Babachenko and her family pictured with RCU CEO Bernie Moran, ILCU President Helene McManus, teacher Eimear McGinley and competition host Marty Whelan at the Credit Union Art Competition prize-giving ceremony in Croke Park.

ST. PAUL’S National School

CASTLEREA • CO. ROSCOMMON IS NOW ENROLLING FOR SEPTEMBER 2023

St. Paul’s School works with boys from second to sixth class.

• Highly qualified and experienced staff

• Situated in the town of Castlerea with access to local facilities such as the Demesne, Castlerea Library, Playground

• LOW TEACHER-PUPIL RATIO ALLOWING FOR SPACIOUS CLASSROOMS.

Sports Leagues, Green School, Active Flag, Digital School of Excellence, visiting artists, quiz teams, Discovery Science Awards, Tidy School winners, DEIS Resources and much more! Follow us on Facebook at stpaulsnscastlerea

Enrolment forms are availableon request by Emailing: boysnscastlerea.ias@gmail.com or Telephone: 094 9620566

TRANSFORMING HOMES SINCE 1979

Our local team of experts cover -Connacht, North Munster & the Midlands. Call today and lets get your windows & doors sorted for your home in 2023!

Ben - 086 8012374

Gary - 086 8620994

JJ - 087 6808590

Packie - 086 2529761

We can make any window & door style, in any material & in any colour you desire. PLUS unbeatable turnaround times!!

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Roscommon Bridge Club

1st: Larry Shine and Larry Curley; 2nd: Phil and Seamus Cooney; 3rd: Tommie Murphy and Tresina Smyth. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club

1st: Phil and Seamus Cooney; 2nd: Chris and John McGrath; Gross: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe. St Coman’s Bridge Club

1st: Kitty Dowd and Celia Ansboro; 2nd: Vivienne Clarke and Ken Jones; 3rd: Nuala Costello and Chris McGrath.

Ballymurray Bridge Club

North/South – 1st: Ann Shine and Kathleen Corcoran; 2nd: Rita Roughneen and Maria Hickey; 3rd: Breege Weir and Pat Pierse. East/West – 1st: Geraldine Relihan and Honor Lynn; 2nd: Mary Naughton and Kitty Gately; 3rd: Gertie Spillane and Josephine Devaney.

Kilbride Bridge Club

1st: Pauline Leonard and Bernie Fallon; 2nd: Frances Keane and Martina Fallon; 3rd: Kitty Burke and Mary Kelly.

Aughrim Kilmore History Society AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Aughrim Kilmore History Society will take place in the Parish Community Centre on this Saturday (February 18th) at 8 pm. The meeting may be attended in person or online. Those wishing to avail of the latter should send an email requesting same to tkenoy@gmail.com and in return they will be sent a link. All are welcome to attend.

Springtime Talks at Castlerea Library

Castlerea Library is hosting a series of three talks with Martin Curley, genealogist, starting this evening (Thursday 16th) at 6.30 pm.

Tonight’s talk is ‘Tracing Your Family Roots’ while the second talk on March 9th, again at 6.30 pm, will concentrate on DNA testing. The third and final talk on April 20th will explore links to your local parish as well as identifying where your ancestors may have settled. All talks are free, and you can reserve your place by contacting Castlerea Library at 094-9620745 or email at castlerealibrary@roscommoncoco.ie

John and Teresa Crean pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s, Roscommon last Saturday night. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

A memorable rugby trip as Ireland and France serve up a classic

Our man Frank on a memorable outing to Dublin for the big Six Nations game with France; An important local fundraiser; In praise of the health service…and Jimmy’s chart hit!

After a trip to Merlin Park Hospital on Friday (see separate item) I was soon on my way again, with a 6.30 pm train journey from Athlone to Dublin. A few of us were carrying on our rugby tour tradition by going to the Ireland-France match the following day.

The group has become smaller (and older) since we first started touring in 1999, but despite advancing years (for some of us), we put our heart and soul into this one and had the usual great craic.

On Friday night we passed a few hours in the iconic Palace Bar in Fleet Street, where the large French crowd were in great voice, treating us to a rendition (or two) of La Marseillaise, which is undoubtedly the greatest national anthem in the world.

On Saturday morning, after a hearty breakfast in Kay’s Kitchen, we walked out to the Aviva stadium. As we walked, it became obvious that the French had come over in their thousands. They were

everywhere – many in outrageous costumes – and I have to say they were very colourful and really contributed to what turned out to be an epic sporting occasion. Some people say the first half may have been one of the best halves of rugby ever played. All I can say is it was such a privilege to be there.

Afterwards, we adjourned to the Swan Bar in Aungier Street, which is owned by Sean Lynch – a man who represented his country fifteen times as a prop forward, and also played in all four tests of the Lions’ 1971 tour of New Zealand.

The game itself ensured that this will be a tour that will be talked about for years to come,

and despite our ageing profile, everyone held their end up, and all acquitted themselves well. A bit like my hips, we won’t look too far ahead, but providing we make it through, God willing we will all be there in Dublin again. As for the French, they rose the roof off the stadium at times with their singing, and were very gracious losers. It was a super win for Ireland, but the World Cup group with Scotland and South Africa is looking increasingly dangerous for us, so no one will be getting carried away with the French result.

Before I finish with the rugby: one of my big pet peeves is the continuous movement of people as they

go to the bars for drinks, or go in and out of the loos. In doing so, they interfere with the viewing enjoyment of those of us who don’t drink at matches and only want to actually see the action.

Last week, the England World Cup winning coach Clive Woodward said Twickenham is now the biggest pub in the world. He was scathing in his criticism of so-called fans who really only go for the drink, and to be able to say they were at the game, but who actually have no interest in the rugby at all. He said there should at least be drinkfree zones spread around the stadium.

As it happened, despite seeming to down an enormous

amount of liquor, the French supporters and indeed their Irish counterparts were very well behaved on Saturday, and there was absolutely no problem with any unwelcome movement by anyone. Twickenham, however, lived up to Clive Woodward’s fears, and a poor Italian journalist had to cease work after himself and his laptop got ‘drowned’ by some yob’s pint.

As Woodward said, tickets for these international games are so expensive that the least anyone would expect is to be able to watch the game in peace. Thankfully, despite my worries, all was good on Saturday and we had a perfectly good view of a wonderful game of rugby.

Hips don’t lie… in praise of ‘Merlin’ staff

It’s early Friday morning (at least it’s early for me) as Carol and myself hit the road for a visit to Merlin Park Hospital. Due there at 8.30 am, we decided that by leaving at 7 am we should easily make it on time. Little did we know that with traffic into Galway being so busy, we would arrive at our destination with barely a minute to spare!

Way back in 2006 and 2007, I was a patient in Merlin when I got my two hips replaced, and have always had a soft spot for the hospital and its staff. On Friday, I found out that in all those years, nothing had changed.

Please help an initiative that saves lives…

As we all know, heart disease is one of the biggest killers in Ireland and indeed all over the world. We have all, at some stage or other, been affected by the loss of someone close to us from heart failure.

Some of these deaths could have been prevented by the availability of a defibrillator. And so, out here in the locality of Creggs, Kilbegnet, and Donamon, the Creggs Defibrillator Group are holding a fundraiser to replace the existing ones, which are now out of date and ineffective.

A defibrillator is a device that sends an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. If a heart has suddenly stopped beating, it can restart it again. Each device costs €1,000, and as there are six of them around our area, the committee obviously needs help to get new ones. The importance of the defibrillators cannot be overstated and there is no doubt they save lives. To borrow a phrase from the National Lottery, “it could be you”. You can contribute online by going to ido-

nate.ie/crowdfunder/Sheila Beirne, or by supporting sponsorship cards that are in local shops and pubs. Also, every Wednesday evening at 7 pm, a wellbeing evening takes place at Creggs Rugby Club to highlight the facts about heart disease and make people aware of the local fundraising efforts. All I can say is do your best to give what you can. In doing so, you might just save the life of a friend, a neighbour, or even a family member – how good would that make you feel?

The medical personnel were just so nice and considerate, and everyone was so helpful that before we knew it we were on our way home. Hopefully, we won’t be back for a while again. Funnily enough, as I revisited Merlin, I remembered that the consultant told me at the time that my new hips would have a maximum lifespan of ten years! As I said, they have now been in place for 16 and 17 years respectively, and are still going strong (I’m just back from a 4km walk), so hopefully there’s another bit left in them yet. A betting man would probably reckon they might yet see me out!

And finally…

A little while ago I met Jimmy Kearney, the well-known ‘oil man’ and musician. He has been one half of the very popular musical group ‘The Lancers’ for a good while now. When I met Jimmy, he was very enthusiastic about a new song he had written called, ‘The good old times of ‘69’, which he hoped to record fairly soon.

Well, he must have got it out there in the end, because a week or two ago it was number 9 on Strabane Radio Airplay, ahead of both the well-known Derek Ryan and Scottish superstar, Brandon McPhee!

I’m sure the song will get extensive airtime on our local radio stations (memo to Joe Finnegan and Paul Claffey) and Jimmy will have a big hit on his hands – it couldn’t happen to a nicer fellow!

Wouldn’t it be great to see him on Top of the Pops!

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Why Loose Women’s Denise was right to stand up to trolls!

Last week, actress and ITV’s Loose Women panellist Denise Welch made headlines when she hit back at those who criticised her for posting ‘unedited photos’ of herself wearing her swimsuit on social media. Fair play to her; she’s perfectly right to put the brakes on those snarky trolls.

I’m not a fan of Denise’s, nor am I a fan of Loose Women for that matter, finding the panel’s overthe-top drivel to be mind-numbingly boring; especially when they act like a pack of needy, attentionseeking toddlers, all shouting over each other, desperate to have their minute in the spotlight!

In fact, as someone who has worked in live TV, (and in programme development), I often wonder what kind of creative mind came up with this idle chit-chat format, and, even more baffling, who gave them the green light to run with it?

Anyhow, back to Ms Welch, and, by sticking up for women of a certain age, the former Coronation Street actress (64) didn’t hold back, saying she doesn’t care about the negative comments she received, adding she doesn’t use a filter ‘partly because I don’t know how to’.

I’m not in the habit of posting pics of myself wearing a swimsuit, however, if I did, I wouldn’t use a filter either; and not because I have a tight butt, toned legs and

great boobs…I haven’t; nor is it because I don’t know how to edit photos…I do. However, while I believe many people would love to have whiter teeth, more symmetrical features and brighter, tighter bits and pieces, (me included), we all know that the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

It’s about time we realised these social media ‘beauty filters’ are nothing more than editing tools using artificial intelligence to alter our features; and, while we’d all like to make ourselves look fresher, it’s my opinion that the further these ‘selfies’ get from how we really look, the worse we’re probably going to feel about ourselves in real life. Why? Because filters are distorting our natural body shape, our self-image and our self-esteem; and that’s worrying.

There’s a major misconception in society that women over a certain age, (and in Denise’s experience over 60), are uninteresting and uninspiring; in short, they’re meh! Not only are they perceived to have passed their ‘best before’ date, but they should be put out to pasture with a spinning wheel and a ball of wool in which to fashion their frumpy-chic cardies, spectacle chains and strings of pearls!

We’ve all been on the receiving end of toxic comments from someone who believes that, once

a woman experiences a drop in her oestrogen levels, her best friend is no longer the illuminated flash of the close-up selfie; rather it’s the very forgiving flicker of a candle!

In short, instead of being hailed as experienced role models, women of a certain age are being savaged for daring to bare our cleavage and knee wrinkles, bingo wings and swollen ankles! Sadly, and disgracefully, when women reach menopause, instead of being hailed and celebrated for living and surviving through life’s highs and lows and learning from them, society tries to rob us of our cultural currency and our relevance.

However, when I look at Denise Welch defiantly posing in a swimsuit, I see a woman who’s not just in her prime; I also see a woman who’s confident enough to assess her personal body shape and image through her own prism of desirability. In short, she’s flipping that perfectly manicured finger at society – and fair play to her. Getting older and wiser should never be seen as a negative. Therefore, instead of us all falling victim to that dreadful disease I call filter dysmorphia, perhaps it’s time to latch onto Denise’s example of not only nurturing ourselves, but by going forth and being fabulous whilst doing it!

Sincere condolences to the Turkish and Syrian communities living locally

It has been nearly two weeks since the deadly earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria, and, as I write, the scale of destruction is being laid bare in hourly news bulletins, with reports that in excess of 35,000 souls have tragically lost their lives.

With sadness and sincere sympathy, I’d like to offer my condolences to all those Turkish and Syrian families living here among us in County Roscommon who have connections in these two countries and who have suffered

Why I won’t be voting for Bertie!

The rumour mill is rife with news that Bertie the deal-maker-peace-maker-former-Minister for Finance-who-kept-cash-in-envelopes-becausehe-didn’t-have-a-bank-account Ahern is being mooted as Fianna Fáil’s candidate for the big job at the Áras in 2025!

devastating losses as a result of these earthquakes.

I cannot imagine the pain and the heartache you’re all going through at this extremely sad and difficult time. I do know that the good, decent and compassionate people of this county will not just rally around, they’ll also wrap their arms around you, and do all that they humanely can to help you through this extremely painful time. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace.

The three-time former Taoiseach, who, to give him his due, did make a substantial contribution in pushing up the sale of brown envelopes, oh sorry, in securing the Good Friday Agreement, has himself hinted he’s considering running for the role, so long as he manages ‘to stay alive that long’.

However, having left the political party following the Mahon Tribunal’s findings regarding his er, financial discrepancies, and the fact he didn’t exactly give a truthful account of himself either, I have to say I find it insulting that he’s being brought back into service.

I do know we’re approaching the 25th anniversary of the historic Good Friday Agreement, of which Bertie was an architect; but couldn’t we just hand him a medal or the Freedom of Dublin or some sort of distinguished service award? Do we have to have him as our president?

I know many of you may believe that Bertie is possibly God’s gift to Ireland (I do hope you kept the receipt), and, in fairness, he’s probably a really nice man. However, even though he’s from my neck of the woods, (Dublin’s north side), if he runs for office I’m afraid Mr Ahern will not be getting my vote. Why? Because when it comes to politics, I believe it’s about time the citizens of this country got a bit of sense and stopped rewarding what I call smart alec-y, flamboyant-chancery. Besides, my days of being blinded by boyish charm, charisma and cute hoorism are long behind me!

Denise Welch

‘Time to step back and explore new opportunities’

Naughten confirms he won’t contest next general election

< DAN

DOONER

Independent TD Denis Naughten has said the time has come to ‘explore new opportunities’ following confirmation this week that he won’t contest the next general election, which is due to take place in 2025.

Naughten was first elected to the Dáil for the Longford-Roscommon constituency in the 1997 general election, aged just 24. He had previously been elected to the Seanad in a by-election in January of that year following the death of his father Liam in a car crash at the age of 52.

The Drum native was a member of Fine Gael but lost the party whip in 2011 after voting against the Government on the closure of Roscommon Hospital’s A&E.

Naughten was re-elected as an Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway in the 2016 general election and was appointed Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. However, he resigned

from this position just two years later, in October 2018, after coming under fire for attending a dinner with the head of the lead bidder for the National Broadband rollout, David McCourt of Granlahan McCourt.

He was, however, re-elected to Dáil Éireann in February 2020 for the Roscommon-Galway constituency.

Thanking his family, supporters and staff, Deputy Naughten said he had decided that now was the time to step back after giving 26 years of his life to national politics.

What’s the domino effect? Paul Healy’s view, page 19

“I want to thank the people of counties Longford, Leitrim, Galway and Roscommon most sincerely for their support over the last quarter of a century. It has truly been an honour to represent the people from those counties in Dáil Éireann over that time,” he said.

“I entered politics at a young age, in difficult circumstances, and it was always my intention to turn my hand to something outside politics. The time has now come for that to happen and to provide an opportunity for others to represent the people of this area in Dáil Éireann.

“I provided support to the Government as an Independent TD at a time when political stability was required, representing my country at international level as Minister, furthering our collective national ambition towards a lower carbon society by imaginative and progressive policies on behalf of all our people.

“Since my initial election, I have fought tirelessly for the improvement and delivery of our health services at both local and national level. Whilst protecting our local services was a condition of my support for the Government, the establishment of an all-party Committee on Health will, I believe, ultimately prove to be a key turning point in the delivery of a proper and responsive healthcare system in Ireland.

“My achievement in ensuring the delivery of fibre optic broadband to every home in Ireland, something that I had worked on for over 15 years, is something that I regard as a significant step in improving access to the people of all local communities in Ireland that I was honoured to represent and serve”.

Taoiseach pays tribute to Naughten

< DAN DOONER

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to local TD Denis Naughten, who confirmed on Monday night that he would not be contesting the next general election. Mr Varadkar said the National Broadband Plan wouldn’t have happened without the former Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.

“I want to pay tribute to Denis Naughten for the enormous contribution he has made to politics nationally, and to his native county,” the Taoiseach said.

“Politics is full of ups and downs, triumphs and disappointments. It’s what you achieve along the way that matters most.

“I am absolutely convinced that the National Broadband Plan would not be a reality today were it not for Deputy Naughten’s work on it as Minister.

“He also played a crucial role in ensuring that Athlone was designated a growth centre in Project Ireland 2040, helping to secure more jobs and investment for the town as well as the development of TU Shannon”.

Local tributes

A number of local public representatives paid tribute to Denis Naughten this week following his announcement.

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan said he was “honoured” to be elected to the Seanad in 2002 with his then party colleague and continued to work with him in the Oireachtas for the Roscommon-Galway constituency.

Wishing Mr Naughten and his family the “very best for the future”, Deputy Feighan said: “While we may have differed on many policies and proposals, our mutual ambitions were always to do what we could to secure the maximum funding and delivery for the region we both proudly represented,” he said.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said he would always be grateful to the Independent TD for his “guidance and support” when Murphy was elected to the Dáil in 2016.

“I have no doubt that the experience he will bring to future projects will be invaluable, and I wish him every success for his new ventures,” he said.

Local Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan also paid tribute to Naughten this week, describing him as a “very vocal and dedicated frontline politician” for the constituencies he represented.

Calls for movement on family carers legislation

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has called on Minister Heather Humphreys to expedite plans for legislation to provide a State pension for long-term family carers.

Deputy Kerrane said she had raised the issues a number of times and once again

questioned the Minister in the Dáil last week.

In response, Minister Humphreys confirmed that the Department of Social Protection was working on producing the required legislation and that it would be ready in the second half of the year.

“The reality is that family carers have already waited far too long and too many have already lost out and continue to lose out when they reach retirement age and do not have a State pension to support them,” Deputy Kerrane said.

“In many cases, we are talking about

family carers who give a lifetime of care not to mention the billions they save the State every year and this should be recognised.

“The Government has finally been forced to take action on this matter following recommendations from the re-

port by the Commission on Pensions, which was published last year.

“I am calling on the minister to expedite the process and bring forward legislation which will provide a State pension solution for long-term family carers”.

Flashback to 2020 general election and another Denis Naughten triumph. Photo: Mick McCormack

‘Cancel culture ends careers’… and yet Chris Brown is selling out the 3Arena

Let’s talk about ...

CHRIS BROWN

(A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

Over the past weekend, infamous recording artist Chris Brown performed two sold-out shows in Dublin’s 3Arena, in front of 26,000 fans across both concert nights.

Of course it’s not unusual for such a famous overseas performer to sell out their shows when they come to Ireland; the same happens when any ‘big name’ musician visits. That said, despite Chris Brown being an undeniably huge artist with a well-known discography, it was a bit of a surprise to see so many people attending last weekend’s concerts, because it had seemed like the tide of public opinion turned on Brown significantly a long time ago.

In 2009, Brown was arrested and sentenced for assaulting his then-girlfriend, fellow musician Rihanna. Given how high profile the former couple was, the account of him attacking her on the way to that year’s Grammys became an infamous news story. Anyone familiar with the details is likely able to instantly recall the image depicting the damage done to Rihanna’s face as a result, which became front page fodder for every magazine and tabloid at the time (alongside some definitely-not-inappropriately-snarky headline, a la classic noughties compassion for female celebrities), and which still circulates online from time to time.

However, as disturbing and shocking a news story as this was, it was far from being a oneoff occurrence for the singer; a probation officer’s report filed later that year for his sentencing found there’d been two previous domestic violence incidents with Rihanna in the months prior, and in the years since then, Brown’s been involved in various other cases of domestic violence – and violence in general.

Over the course of multiple occasions throughout the early 2010s, Brown faced a string of assault charges against several different parties, high profile and otherwise. Then in 2017, his ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran was granted a

five-year restraining order against Brown after he sent her threatening messages. The year after that, he was arrested for threatening a woman with a gun, and just last year, he was handed a $20 million lawsuit accusing him of drugging and raping a woman on a yacht in Florida. And these are just the major examples.

All this to say that Chris Brown is a public figure whose history of violence and abuse has been well documented and widely reported over the years. His 2009 assault on Rihanna remains perhaps the most infamous charge against him and the one people are quickest to recall, but it’s important to note that it’s not as if we’re talking about a person who committed one out-of-character act of violence over a decade ago; this is someone who, up to the very recent past, has been involved in several extremely serious and violent situations. And it seems inconceivable that anyone invested enough in him as an artist to shell out their hardearned money to see him live, would’ve avoided coming across this extensive history of his – and yet 26,000 Irish fans were happy to attend his show last weekend?

Whatever there is to be said about separating the art and the artist, or the slim possibility that some of Brown’s attendees were totally unaware of his notoriety, this wouldn’t explain him selling out two shows in one of the country’s top music venues. No, the reality is that despite the extent and nature of his many scandals, Brown’s professional career remains massively successful.

Scrolling through the stories and posts that came up on my feed, I have to say I was genuinely quite surprised (perhaps naively) to see the attendance at Brown’s concerts last weekend. Seeing someone so notorious for committing serious offences receive such a warm welcome feels jarring and unjust, and reveals that despite how much we go on about how ‘cancel culture’ ends careers without due process, even those with a black and white history of catalogued abuse can continue enjoying all the fruits of celebrity without a hitch.

So often when we try to have conversations about these subjects, they get sidetracked by the arguments of allegations having the potential to end an accused’s career before they are even validated or not. The concept of false allegations (despite being exceedingly rare) always comes up like a ‘gotcha’ defence against clamping down on how we deal with abuse – “People could lie and say X happened, and ruin an innocent person’s life! Better

play it safe and do it the way we’ve always done (because that’s been working out great)”. But the reality is that people like Brown, who have openly admitted to such things and been charged on multiple occasions, have no trouble maintaining successful careers – Kevin Spacey received a liftetime achievement award just last month, for pete’s sake!

It was disheartening to see so many Irish fans support Brown at his concerts last weekend, but if

nothing else, the sell-out attendance should highlight the fact that we shouldn’t get bogged down in oft-perpetrated falsehoods about allegations and cancel culture ruining livelihoods; it simply isn’t accurate and usually is only spouted to undermine accusers’ validity and protect abusers. At the end of the day, allegations don’t ruin careers the way people claim they do – and Chris Brown has the profits from 26,000 ticket sales lining his pockets to show for it.

Donegal Tuesday falls on same day as Valentine’s

This year, Valentine’s fell on the same day as Donegal Tuesday, one of the biggest nights of the Galway RAG Week.

Given that the more dedicated RAG week-ers don their Donegal jerseys and start on the drink as early as 10 am,

Valentine’s coinciding with the event no doubt posed difficulties for Galway student couples wanting to celebrate both in equal measure!

It looks like everyone managed to keep the balance though; there were couples enjoying candlelit dinners in

jerseys at the nearby Italian, and a couple of lads coming out of the shop with flowers as well as cans – I just hope no one missed out on the unique opportunity to mark the ‘dual occasion’ by gifting their partner the black and green jersey for “being a ‘keeper”.

Invitation to take part in International Women’s Day event in Roscommon

Roscommon Women’s Network is inviting women from all over County Roscommon to Gleeson’s Townhouse, Roscommon, on Thursday, February 23rd, for a special planning event to mark International Women’s Day this March.

Members of the WoMeN’s (Western Midlands and Northern) Regional Caucus will mark International Women’s Day this March with a complete reversal of the gender balance in a number of county council chambers throughout the West, Midlands and Northern region. County Roscommon is one of the councils taking part in this collaborative event.

The theme that the WoMeN’s

Regional Caucus has adopted for International Women’s Day is ‘Embracing Equity’ and this fits really well with Roscommon Women’s Network’s vision of supporting women and their families throughout Roscommon through a wide variety of activities and initiatives.

Roscommon Women’s Network recognises the importance of equitable representation by women in all aspects of society, including local politics, to ensure that decision-making is balanced (and not just at county council level). The network is coordinating this event and previously held a meeting in January to discuss plans.

Board member with RWN Rita Kearney explained: “Women

make up a small percentage of local councillors across Ireland and we only have four female councillors in Co. Roscommon. In the future, we want to address this imbalance in representation by encouraging and supporting women to familiarise themselves with what is involved and to prepare for the local elections in 2024.

“We were delighted with the turnout at our last meeting, on January 19th, which saw women of all ages and backgrounds contributing to a very stimulating discussion”.

All women living in Co. Roscommon are invited to the planning event on Thursday, February 23rd, at 7 pm in Gleeson’s Townhouse, Roscommon.

Brian Carroll, Chairperson of Roscommon GAA, presents most improved grounds award to Sean Brandon and Eugene Hanley at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s on Saturday night. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Chris Brown

Sheep farmers demand better prices during Roscommon protest

< DAN DOONER

Sheep farmers marched through Main Street in Roscommon on Monday morning as part of a protest over the prices factories are paying for their animals.

At a demonstration at Roscommon Mart following the march, a large crowd were told that Ireland’s sheep farmers were struggling to make a living in the sector which was now in crisis.

IFA groups from across the country heard calls for improved prices, higher Government supports and increased marketing of sheep meat by Bord Bia.

Addressing the large crowd, IFA President Tim Cullinan said the future of the sheep sector was at a critical juncture and the association would accept “nothing less” than €30 per ewe from Government.

“Some suppliers were very bloody quick in putting prices up but very slow in bringing them down,” he said.

Mr Cullinan said meat processors must increase prices if sheep farming was to continue in Ireland, before calling on the Government to dramatically increase ewe payments from the €12 farmers currently receive.

The IFA’s National Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey outlined the difficulties sheep farmers are currently facing on the ground.

“At the moment we are making €7 per ewe, which includes the sheep welfare scheme,” he said.

“In springtime it costs a euro a day to keep sheep on the ground. The average sheep farmer has 70 ewes so a €7 profit margin amounts to €490. That’s a small week’s wages for 52 weeks’ work”.

Mr Comiskey said farmers were being forced to “jump through hoops” in order to produce a sustainable highquality product but that a sustainable wage had not been forthcoming.

The sheep chair accused the Government of insulting farmers with a €2 increase and said the association “would not stand for it”.

He said protests could escalate due to the level of “anger and frustration” among farmers in the sector.

Mr Comiskey said farmers had been looking for sustainable prices since 2016 and that the association had made the Department aware of the seriousness of the situation.

“We were taking on water but now we are starting to sink. If the minister doesn’t act immediately we have no future,” he said.

Those in attendance, including local public representatives, also heard from Connacht IFA Chair Pat Murphy and County Chair Pat Leonard.

Sheep farmers, IFA members and politicians took to the streets of Roscommon town on Monday morning to call for improved prices, better marketing of sheep meat by Bord Bia and higher Government payments. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Tim Cullinan, President of the IFA and Chair of the IFA National Sheep Committee Kevin Comiskey along with other members of the IFA and hundreds of sheep farmers protesting in Roscommon town on Monday morning. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Tim Cullinan, President of the IFA and Independent TD Denis Naughten pictured with members of Sligo IFA outside Roscommon Mart at Monday’s sheep farmers’ protest. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Two sheep famers pictured outside Roscommon Mart on Monday morning during the large protest. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Cllr. Laurence Fallon (centre) pictured at Monday’s IFA sheep farmers’ protest in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan.

Martin Conboy (centre) pictured among other farmers during Monday’s IFA sheep farmers’ protest which took place in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Your Health & Wellbeing

Roscommon Hospice officially opens to patients

< DAN DOONER

The new Roscommon Hospice Unit officially opened to patients on Monday just over a year after it was launched by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

The state-of-the-art eight-bed unit, which will be under the governance and management of Roscommon University Hospital (RUH), cost €6.3 million and was paid for by

income raised through fundraising.

Patients and their families will have access to care from a range of specialist medical, nursing and health and social care professionals including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, dietetics, speech and language therapy and pastoral care.

The Roscommon Palliative Home Care Team, which is under the governance of HSE

Community Healthcare West, will also be based in the new unit and will work closely with the unit’s inpatient team. Commenting on the opening this week, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation Chairperson Mike Smith said he was thrilled the unit was now in operation.

“The Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation is 30 years old this year and what better way to start the year. The local

A thank you to all who made it possible

Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation CEO Martina Jennings said the unit was made possible thanks to the generosity of communities in Roscommon and Mayo.

“Everyone involved in fundraising was determined to ensure that patients with life-limiting illnesses from Mayo and Roscommon have the best possible facilities, where they can be cared for with dignity and respect. I’m very proud of what this community has achieved,” she said.

“Our palliative care teams in the community saw a significant increase in new patients in 2022, and unfortunately, we expect this trend to continue. We are committed to continuing to fund, support and develop this service and we will need to continue fundraising to keep palliative care services running in the community and at our Hospices”.

Ms Jennings thanked volunteers, fundraisers and donors as well as the Saolta University

Health Care Group, the HSE and the Department of Health.

Roscommon University Hospital Manager Mary Garvey thanked Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation for its financial support.

“I would like to thank all of the staff in the hospital who have worked so hard over the past few months in preparing for the opening of the unit. I would also like to thank our colleagues in HSE Support Services and HSE Capital Estates for their assistance,” she said.

“We have worked closely with the team in Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, and we are especially grateful to them for their ongoing financial support in providing palliative services in both this unit and in the Home Care Team. We look forward to working with all GPs and healthcare professionals in the region to deliver seamless palliative care to patients and their families,” she concluded.

community have played a vital part in making it all happen,” he said.

“Palliative care services are

so badly needed in Roscommon and I’m delighted the first patients will be welcomed by the staff this week. There is a won-

derful team to look after each individual’s needs and we wish all the staff the very best of luck in the Roscommon Hospice”.

Roscommon Palliative Care Unit officially opened to patients on Monday morning, just over a year after it was launched by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. The eight-bed inpatient unit with full day-care facilities will provide palliative care services to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Co. Roscommon. Pictured handing over the keys to Mary Garvey, General Manager of Roscommon University Hospital is Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation Chairperson Mike Smith. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

Pictured handing over the keys of Roscommon Hospice to General Manager of Roscommon University Hospital Mary Garvey and Dr. Srivathsa Gowda are Hospice Chairperson Mike Smith and Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

Naughten steps out… but who will step in?

< PAUL HEALY

Denis Naughten’s unexpected announcement that he is to bring his political career to an end will lead to an intense battle for the Dáil seat he has held for over a quarter of a century.

As matters stand, Fine Gael are slight favourites to benefit electorally from Naughten’s decision to opt out of politics. However, several candidates are already reassessing their prospects in the wake of the surprise announcement.

In reality, it is impossible to definitively gauge the local implications of Naughten’s exit from the political scene until the outcome of the latest

constituency boundaries’ review is known later this year.

If the current Roscommon-Galway constituency were to remain in place, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil would both see Naughten’s absence from the ballot paper as a boost to their respective bids to regain a Dáil seat here.

Given that many thousands of Denis Naughten’s votes in recent years were of a Fine Gael ‘hue’ – the now Independent TD parted from Fine Gael in 2011 due to the Roscommon Hospital controversy – Senator Aisling Dolan would appear to be well placed to benefit from the exit of the sitting TD.

That said, much will depend on the make-up of constituencies post the

boundaries’ review. A RoscommonGalway link-up as per the current arrangement would see Senator Dolan and others vying for Naughten’s substantial vote base in Mid and South Roscommon (and East Galway). However, the prospects of individual candidates – as ever – can be closely linked to the geographical make-up of the constituency at election time. Sources locally are not ruling out a Roscommon-Leitrim configuration, or even a return to Roscommon-Longford, either of which would alter any current predictions as to which candidates are best placed to be successful in the next general election. Presently, the Roscommon-Galway constituency is served by three TDs –

Michael Fitzmaurice, Claire Kerrane and Deputy Naughten.

There is growing speculation that Deputy Fitzmaurice (Independent) might run in the next European elections. Were he to follow Naughten’s lead by opting out of the next general election it would certainly further shake up the political scene locally.

While Fine Gael has invested a lot in promoting Senator Dolan as a prospective future TD, there is some speculation locally that Cllr.

John Naughten – Denis’s brother –could have his sights set on his own Dáil run.

On the Fianna Fáil side, Cllr. John Keogh might fancy his chances in the wake of the Denis Naughten an-

Denis Naughten era ends: How might it affect these ten?

nouncement, again subject to the existing Roscommon-Galway constituency remaining largely unchanged.

Senator Eugene Murphy will be determined to lead the FF comeback charge, but expect Cllr. Keogh and probably Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice to also go before the party’s selection convention. Fianna Fáil sources suggest that Cllr. Orla Leyden is unlikely to seek a nomination.

On the Sinn Féin front, should the Roscommon-Galway constituency remain intact, the party which has had so much momentum in opinion polls in recent months could well run Ballinasloe Are councillor Dermot Connolly along with sitting TD Claire Kerrane.

Aisling Dolan…significantly boosted by Denis Naughten stepping aside, provided the constituency remains largely as is

Eugene Murphy…has sights set on Dáil return and will be eagerly awaiting outcome of constituency review

Frank Feighan…could the ever-resilient Frank look to familiar pastures if Roscommon is aligned with large parts of Sligo or Leitrim?

Dermot Connolly…could figure in a bold Sinn Féin move for two seats!

John Naughten…will he be tempted to seek a Fine Gael nomination in a bid to restore one of Roscommon’s great ‘Fine Gael families’ to the fold?

Claire Kerrane…seen to have a safe seat, may even have a party running mate!

Paschal Fitzmaurice…party sources expect him to seek a nomination next time around

John Keogh…should the constituency remain as is, he can point to being geographically well placed in light of Naughten absence

Michael Fitzmaurice…could follow Denis Naughten’s ‘lead’ and turn his back on national politics…in favour of Europe

Orla Leyden…not currently expected to feature, but never say never in politics!

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Glenamaddy Players to stage Auburn’s fascinating ‘Proof’

Winner of a Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, David Auburn’s play ‘Proof’ is a moving exploration of the nature of genius, women in mathematics, and father-daughter relationships.

Glenamaddy Players, who celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, will present ‘Proof’ at the Town Hall Theatre, Glenamaddy on Friday, February 24th, and Saturday, February 25th, at 8 pm nightly.

Glenamaddy Players have had huge success over the years. They have qualified for the AllIreland Three-Act Confined finals on several occasions, most recently in 2022 with ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ by Martin McDonagh, which finished in second place.

As for ‘Proof’, the story centres on an enigmatic woman called Catherine (played by Anna Flaherty), her brilliant father (John Donlon), an unanticipated suitor (Cian Boyle), and Catherine’s strong-willed sister Claire (Niamh O’Flanagan).

After the discovery of groundbreaking proof, Catherine is confronted with the question of how much of her mathematician father’s brilliance did she inherit – and is that the only thing he passed on to her?

This award-winning play is clever and fastpaced, creating moments of wit and pain with equal impact.

The great cast are served by a very committed crew, who are once again determined to present the standard of professionalism the audience has come to expect over many years of drama tradition in Glenamaddy.

The production is directed by Coman Keaveny

Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin entries

The closing date for receipt of entries for Roscommon Co. Fleadh in Strokestown during Easter Weekend is Monday, 27th of February. No late entries.

Entries and fees for Roscommon Town branch of Comhaltas, must be with an rúnaí, Patricia Morris, 1 The Spinney, Abbeytown, on or before that date. Competitions will be held on Easter Monday.

Entry forms can be obtained from Facebook page – comhaltasbaileroscomain, or personally from Patricia Morris, or from Bill Cunningham, 1 Cloonbrackna Avenue. Further information from 087 931 6673 or morrispatricia07@ gmail.com

Entries closing for 2023 Texaco Art Competition

Roscommon primary and secondary school teachers, whose pupils take part in the annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition, are reminded that the closing date for receipt of entries this year is Tuesday, February 28th

Last year over 360 pupils from schools in Co. Roscommon submitted entries to the competition.

Now in its 69th year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition is widely acknowledged as the longest running arts sponsorship in Ireland. Details are available at www.texacochildrensart.com

Theatrical magic at the Arts Centre

and will be performed at the Town Hall Theatre, Glenamaddy on Friday, February 24th, and Saturday, February 25th, at 8 pm nightly before

touring on the festival circuit in early March. To book your place to see the performance, contact 086-2045896.

Luan Gallery to present exhibit by acclaimed Irish

Luan Gallery in Athlone will host a solo exhibition of photography by internationally acclaimed Irish artist Clare Langan entitled ‘At the Gates of Silent Memory’.

Clare is known for her expansive and award-winning film projects, which have been seen in galleries, museums, biennales, and film festivals across the globe. These images are taken in locations around the world

photographer

including Dubai, Iceland, Kerry, and Monserrat, reflecting Langan’s practice and environmental concerns.

This exhibition, curated by Eamonn Maxwell, will be a rare opportunity to see a significant body of Langan’s photography practice in a public gallery.

The exhibition will be launched by Mary McCarthy (director of Crawford Gallery) this Saturday

(18th) at 2.45 pm. The official opening will be preceded by a conversation between the artist and Mary McCarthy, which will take place at 2 pm. All are welcome to attend. The exhibition will run from Saturday, February 18th, to Thursday, April 20th

A programme of accompanying events will take place during the exhibition, including a curatorial talk with the artist, publica-

tion launch, reading groups and guided tours.

Admission to the gallery is free for groups and individuals. Tours for schools and groups can be arranged by contacting the gallery in advance on 090-6442154.

Luan Gallery is open to the public from 11 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 12 pm to 5 pm on Sundays. All are welcome.

Those who attended Druid Theatre’s production of The Last Return were treated to a night to remember during its three-night run at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week.

Roscommon was the first stop of a nationwide tour of Sonya Kelly’s new comedy which premiered at the Galway International Arts Festival last year. Directed by Sara Joyce, The Last Return was a thrillingly dark comedy about conflict, peace and the pursuit of territory at any cost. The play is a metaphor of its time and is brilliantly brought to stage, challenging, entertaining and probing audiences during a magnificent one hour and twenty four minutes of top quality theatre, featuring fine cast performances.

The play has been nominated for two awards in this year’s Irish Times Theatre Awards and has justifiably earned five-star ratings from The Irish Times, The Guardian and The New York Times, being described as ‘wonderful’, ‘shocking and very funny’ and ‘pitch-black comic mayhem’.

Last year’s production of The Last Return is just one of a series of top quality productions being hosted by Roscommon Arts Centre. For bookings, visit roscommonartscentre.ie for a full and comprehensive list of forthcoming shows.

One can also email the box office artscentre@roscommoncoco.ie or by ringing the box office during normal office hours on 090-6625824.

Local artists for concert in aid of Somalia

A ‘Grand Variety Concert’ in aid of Somalia will be held in Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday, 25th of February next (8 pm).

A night of music, song, dance and storytelling, it will feature Vinegar Bill, Pasty Hanly, John Wynne, John Carlos, The Norton Dancers, Christina Carron, storyteller Vincent Pierse, and The Knockcroghery Ukulele Group.

Tickets (€15) are now available. Contact Roscommon Arts on 090 6625824, see www.roscommonartscentre.ie

Pictured is ‘Street’ (2007) by photographer Clare Langan, whose new exhibit will be showing at Luan Gallery from February 18th

Glenamaddy Players will present ‘Proof’ at the Town Hall Theatre, Glenamaddy on Friday, February 24th, and Saturday, February 25th, at 8 pm nightly.

GOING OUT

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s on Saturday night were Michael and Marie Fitzmaurice. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s on Saturday night were Darragh Connelly and Colm Quinn. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Vincent Kelly, Jimmy Connelly and Seamus Keane pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s on Saturday night. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s on Saturday night were Fiona and Sean Brandon. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Peter and Niamh Kelly pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s last Saturday night. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards at Jackson’s on Saturday night were Jack Hanley, Padraig Gaffey and Michael Brandon. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s on Saturday night were Enda and Carmel Curley. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s last Saturday night were Joel and Tara McPhilbin. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Creggs were crowned Tansey Cup champions in 2022. Picture shows Creggs captain Ronan Dowd receiving his medal from Roscommon GAA Chairperson Brian Carroll and Mark McHugh, former Donegal player and 2012 All-Star and All-Ireland winner, at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s last Saturday night. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s on Saturday night were Alanna Curley and Eoghan Browne. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s on Saturday night were James McKeague and Cathy O’Rourke. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Nyah McMahon and Tom Keegan Grant pictured at the Creggs GAA Awards in Jackson’s on Saturday night. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

IN-CALF HEIFER SALE

Monday evening 20th February at 7pm in Elphin Mart

30 Heifers, CH, LM and SIX

15 with calves at foot

Some 4 and 5 Star Heifers. All export tested Heifers can be viewed prior to sale

Please contact Fred Dolan: 086 - 86 86 883

ICSA President: ‘Stop trolling farmers!’

< DAN DOONER

The President of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association has said the ‘constant trolling’ of livestock farmers by Government agencies, politicians, members of the media, and academics would ‘backfire spectacularly’.

Dermot Kelleher was speaking about what he described as the “increasing demands to dismantle meat and dairy farming”.

“The internal EPA report which is calling for a onethird cull of livestock numbers, re-wetting of 90 per cent of reclaimed land and quadruple its forestry targets is the latest example,” he said

“Within hours of the report being exposed in the media, a small cabal of unrepresentative but noisy activists were salivating at the prospect of ripping out the heart of economic activity in rural Ireland”.

The ICSA President said that farmers “are getting sick of the constant baiting” and feel nothing they do will satisfy the more extreme green campaigners.

He said that farmers were doing their share citing the oversubscription to the new agri-environmental scheme, but insisted that they were not willing to lie down and allow their livelihoods to be destroyed.

among farmers to develop their farming systems to be more sustainable and many farmers are actively working to improve biodiversity. But they are not going to engage if the agenda is the insane vision of a tiny minority where wolves would roam a rural wasteland, consumers would be forced to make do with insect protein and fake burgers and rural communities would be economically devastated,” Mr Kelleher said.

“I am sick of people who have no clue of what they are talking about imagining that farmers can easily and profitably switch to growing peas and carrots in the west of Ireland or the Golden Vale.

President of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association Dermot Kelleher.

OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND

“There is a lot of goodwill

THURSDAY

MONDAY 13TH MARCH: BULLOCK SALE

Castlerea MART WATCH

There were 550 animals on offer last Thursday and as we enter the second week of February trade and prices continue to strengthen aided by strong farmer buying, export demand and northern interest.

Bullocks topped out at €2,240, heifers peaked at €2,070 while the dry cows made up to €2,520.

The weanling rings noticed increased numbers this week and sellers were left satisfied with bulls making up to €4.19 a kilo while the heifer weanlings peaked at €3.87 a kilo.

Breeding stock made up to €2,400 while the calf trade has stated off brightly especially for the quality lots.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 16th) with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation.

Sample prices for bullocks: Ch 475kgs €700, Lm 490kgs €1660, AA 495kgs €1480, Ch 545kgs €1700, Ch 510kgs €1670, AA 540kgs €1570, Ch 585kgs €1900, BBx 550kgs €1840, Chx 630kgs €2180, AA 780kgs €2240, Hex 735kgs €2180, Chx 660kgs €1980, AA 645kgs €1970, Ch 575kgs €1830.

Heifers: Chx 405kgs €1400, Lm 425kgs €1370, Ch 400kgs €1340, Ch 495kgs €1720, Ch 475kgs €1700, Ch 450kgs €1430, Ch 695kgs €2070, Lm 600kgs €1950, Ch 515kgs €1940, AA 620kgs €1860, Ch 545kgs €1840, Ch 540kgs €1800.

Dry cows: Ch 900kgs €2520, Ch 845kgs €2400, Lm 810kgs €2340, Lm 735kgs €2270, Lm 730kgs €2250, Fr

570kgs €1280, Fr 650kgs €1240, AA 530kgs €1330.

Calves: AA bull €310, AA hfr €240, Her hfr €350, Sim bull €400, Fr bull €65, Her bull €310, AA hfr €240.

Weanling bulls: Lmx 260kgs €1090, Lmx 285kgs

€1080, Lmx 260kgs €990, Ch 420kgs €1340, Ch 400kgs €1480, Ch 390kgs €1430, Lm 425kgs €1390, Ch 335kgs €1140.

Weanling heifers: Lmx 285kgs €1020, Lm 245kgs €930, Lm 260kgs €890, AA 245kgs €800, Ch 325kgs €1260, Lm 355kgs €1250, Ch 330kgs €1110, Ch 325kgs €1060.

‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign to continue

Desk TELEPHONE:

The IFA’s ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign will continue until the authorities take meaningful action, the association has confirmed. Launching this year’s campaign in Co. Offaly recently, IFA President Tim Cullinan was critical of the authorities’ attempts to tackle what he described as “a growing problem on farms”. Meanwhile, IFA Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey said dogs should not be allowed in or near farmland as a critical period for sheep farmers gets underway.

Mr Comiskey added that the Government must deliver strengthened legislation as “a matter of urgency” and have it in effect by year end.

Farmers urged to get up to speed with TB testing

ICMSA Livestock Chair Des Morrison has urged farmers to get up to speed with new TB testing procedures which came into effect on February 1st.

The new rules, brought in as part of EU Regulations, require all animals moving farm to farm or through marts to be tested within a certain timeframe.

The Livestock Committee Chairperson said that there will undoubtedly be some level of confusion in the opening months of this test change, but it is important that farmers know their requirements - especially those breeding herds that will be moving cows into their herds on a permanent basis.

IFA: Food Regulator must have real powers

IFA President Tim Cullinan has pleaded with Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to strengthen the regulatory powers of the Office of Fairness and Transparency in the Food Chain.

“Enforcement of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive and reporting on market data will help bring transparency to what is a broken system. But without a Food Regulator who has the power to ensure a fair price, farmers remain to be convinced how they will benefit from the long-promised Office of Fairness and Transparency and Food Regulator,” he said.

The IFA President said the association submitted several proposals regarding the Bill as it progressed through the Oireachtas.

“Some recommendations such as increased penalties for offences were included while many others were not,” he said.

Roscommon MART WATCH

There was a large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special bullock sale with a very strong trade for all classes. Bullocks fetched from an average of €3.17 per kilo up to €4.09 per kilo. Dry cows made an average of €2.41 per kilo up to €3.16 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

There was a good entry of topquality weanlings at Tuesday evening’s sale with a strong trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.21 per kilo up to €4.21 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.07 per kilo up to €3.96.

We had a large number of sheep

on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for finished hoggets peaked at €142 while the tops for stag ewes fetched €176.

The next sale of lambs and cast ewes takes place next Wednesday (22nd) at 11 am following a sheep scanning service from 9 am to 10 am.

Sample prices for dry cows: Char X 775kgs €2430, Char X 865kgs €2400, Lim X 645kgs €2040, Char X 785kgs €2310, Lim X 730kgs €2140, Char X 750kgs €2310, Char X 805kgs €2280, Char X 745kgs €2180, Char X 755kgs €2150, Lim X 695kgs €1890, Char X 620kgs €1840.

Bullocks: Char X 582kgs €2380,

sectors but have no proposals on how farmers are expected to fund their targets,” he concluded

‘Stop the misleading climate narrative!’

ICSA President Dermot Kelleher has called on the Government, media outlets, and all those engaged in the climate debate to stop the narrative that the target of 25 per cent for agriculture is low in comparison to other sectors in the Climate Action Plan.

Mr Kelleher, who was speaking at the ICSA AGM in Portlaoise on Thursday last, said commentary around the target for agriculture was “misleading”.

“The burden is not spread out over the entire population as is the case in other sectors. The entire burden for meeting the target for agriculture is falling on approximately 100,000 farmers, a tiny fraction of the population,” he said.

The ICSA President demanded progress on helping active farmers to become more profitable and sustainable, and reiterated the association’s demand for a €250 million per annum support programme to helping farmers achieve climate targets.

ICMSA want ‘specific data’ on farm trespass-hunting

Following a recent meeting with the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána and National Parks and Wildlife, ICMSA Deputy President Denis Drennan said the “endemic problem” of farm trespass by illegal hunting gangs must be dealt with.

Mr Drennan said there seemed to be some confusion as to what powers Gardaí responding to such incidents had. He said Gardaí need to have a meaningful response procedure and trespassers must face consequences.

Char X 695kgs €2440, Lim X 620kgs €2400, Char X 640kgs

€2040, Lim X 680kgs €2400, Lim X 670kgs €2360, Char X 600kgs €2300, Char X 640kgs

€2290, Char X 625kgs €2290, Char X 620kgs €2280, Lim X 615kgs €2180, Lim X 620kgs

€2180, Char X 580kgs €1950, Lim X 540kgs €1930, Char X 505kgs €1800, Lim X 525kgs

€1820, Char 585kgs €1900, Lim X 545kgs €1880, Char X 625kgs €2140, Char X 595kgs €2010.

Weanling heifers: Lim X 245kgs €970 - €3.96 per kilo, Char X 240kgs €940 - €3.92 per kilo, Char X 285kgs €1010 - €3.54 per kilo, Char X 260kgs €900 - €3.46 per kilo, Char X 355kgs €1340 - €3.77 per kilo, Char X 330kgs

€1220 - €3.70 per kilo, Lim X 325kgs €1190 - €3.66 per kilo, Lim X 285kgs €1050 - €3.68 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Char X 290kgs €1220 - €4.21 per kilo, Lim X 240kgs €960 - €4 per kilo, Lim X 305kgs €1180 - €3.87 per kilo, Char X 245kgs €1000 - €4.08 per kilo, BBX 365kgs €1400 - €3.84 per kilo, Lim X 465kgs €1710 - €3.68 per kilo, Lim X 365kgs €1340 - €3.48 per kilo, Char X 355kgs €1350 - €3.80 per kilo.

Finished hoggets: 57.5kgs €142, 52.8kgs €141, 52.3kgs €141, 57kgs €141, 52.1kgs €141, 56kgs €140, 52kgs €140, 49.3kgs €138, 49kgs €136, 47kgs €135, 46.9kgs €131.

“The Government expects that the climate action plan will involve total investment of €125 billion across all

FarmingPeople

Business

Friday,

Kilronan Castle receives CIE Tours Award

Friday,

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also

Show and Sale of Weanlings

Class

Heifer

Prizes: 1st €100, 2nd €65, 3rd €40

Weanlings must be born in exhibitors own herd in 2022

Bookings accepted until Thursday, 23rd February at 5 p.m. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lambs & Cast Ewes

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

************

Note: Sheep Scanning Service takes place each Wednesday from 9 to 10 am

Kilronan Castle, Ballyfarnon, received a merit award in the hotel category at the recent CIE Tours Awards of Excellence which took place at EPIC The Emigra-

tion Museum in Dublin for the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19.

Merit Awards are presented to hotels and visitor attractions which achieved

a customer satisfaction rating of 92 per or higher from CIE Tours visitors to Ireland in 2022. Speaking at the awards presentation, CIE Tours

CEO Elizabeth Crabill said the awards were an acknowledgement of the resilience of tourism partners following a very difficult few years.

“We are very encouraged by the pipeline of bookings for the coming year, which are ahead of expectations, and we look forward to ensuring that our partners and our host communities

continue to benefit from our success in attracting visitors to travel with us to Ireland,” she said.

Ms. Crabill concluded by warmly congratulating this year’s winners of CIE Tours Awards of Excellence on their achievements and thanked all the company’s partners who work closely with CIE Tours throughout the year.

Just 56% of businesses optimistic for next 12 months

New data from Grant Thornton reveals that Irish businesses are increasingly concerned about the country’s economic outlook.

The latest Grant Thornton International Business Report found that only 56 per cent of Irish businesses are optimistic about the outlook of the Irish economy compared with 85 per cent in the same period last year.

Despite the drop, Irish businesses are still more optimistic about the economic outlook that the rest of the EU at 43 per cent.

The dip in optimism is matched by a downward trend in businesses who expect revenue to increase in the coming year. Only 56 per cent expected an increase compared with 60 percent in 2022.

The report also finds that just 58 per cent of businesses are expecting to increase investment in talent for the coming 12 months, which has declined from 63 per cent in 2022.

Buccs’ Business Lunch a resounding success!

Buccaneers Rugby Club’s recent Business Networking Lunch has been deemed a “resounding success”, attracting a full house to Athlone’s Sheraton Hotel.

Key speakers on the day included former Kilkenny hurling manager Brian

Aengus Oates Financial Services

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

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

Wealth Growth l Retirement Planning l Financial Security

THE BUSINESS BRIEF(S)

Cody and ex-Ireland rugby coach Eddie O’Sullivan. The event was presented by Liam Toland while comedian/impersonator Aidan Tierney entertained the crowd.

The prize of two tickets for the upcoming Six Nations meeting of Ireland and England was won by Mel McGerr while the club thanked the Sheraton Hotel, Wines Direct and principal organisers of the event.

Local hoteliers raise VAT concerns

Roscommon hoteliers have once again raised concerns about the effect of what they say is a potential €400 million increase in VAT on Irish consumers and overseas visitors.

Following a recent meeting between hoteliers and the wider tourism industry with Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal

Donohoe, President of the Irish Hotels Federation Denyse Campbell said: “We are grappling with an ongoing costof-living crisis, exceptionally high inflation, soaring interest rates and very poor consumer confidence across all markets. This is at a time when our industry is facing escalating business costs with little room to manoeuvre.

“The focus of the Government should be on bedding down the recovery over the next 12 months – doing everything possible to safeguard livelihoods and the long-term prospects for our industry. Now is not the time to put tourism recovery at risk by increasing VAT”.

Elizabeth Crabill, CEO, CIE Tours, Andy McGovern, Kilronan Castle, and Fiona Ross, Chairperson, CIE Tours, pictured at the 31st Annual Awards of Excellence at EPIC The Emigration Museum, Dublin recently.

Pictured (left to right) at the recent Buccaneers Rugby Club ‘Business Networking Lunch’ at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone were Justin Meagher, Jimmy Dalton, Brian Cody, Eddie O’Sullivan, Gerry Brennan, Tom Meagher and Michael Silke.

PropertyPeople

RE/MAX Team Earley close sale on prime roadside lands

Team Earley are currently looking for similar farms and residential farms for cash buyers.

For further details or to arrange a free

27 vacant social homes returned to active use locally last year

Recently published figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show that Roscommon County Council brought 27 vacant social homes back into active use in 2022.

The homes were reissued under the Voids Programme, and are said to have recouped €297,000 from the Department of Housing. The programme supports local authorities in preparing vacant homes

for re-letting.

Nationally, 2,307 vacant social homes were brought back into use last year.

Commenting on the latest figures, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said: “Roscommon County Council seized the opportunity to bring these homes back into active use in 2022 and this will make a real difference to the lives of 27 households.

“It’s important to note

and welcome the fact that nationally the number of vacant social homes requiring pre-letting works was lower in 2022 than in 2021 or 2020.

“In 2020 and 2021 we spent more than €88 million bringing 6,032 vacant social homes back into use, and evidently, we are reducing the number of voids in need of refurbishment works following those two intense years of tackling vacancy”.

consultation, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley. ie. Contact auctioneer Cormac directly on 086-3519492 or auctioneer Cathal on 086-1409158.

Roscommon Mart marks Maura’s retirement – and 45 years of great service

On Saturday, February 4th, past and present staff and committee members of Roscommon Mart, along with family and friends of Maura Quigley, attended a function held at the Abbey Hotel to mark Maura’s recent retirement as mart manager.

Maura commenced work as a clerk typist in October 1977 under the direction of then-manager, the late Owen F Morgan. In 1999, she was appointed company secretary. Maura became assistant manager in 2002 and succeeded Michael Naughton as

manager in January 2012 upon his retirement. Last May, she informed the board of directors of her intention to retire from the position, and was succeeded in October by Tony Conry.

Under her leadership of the mart, she advanced and developed the society to its present-day position as a leading auction centre, renowned nationally for its good quality livestock and efficient service.

Mark Donnelly (Chairman of Roscommon Mart) paid tribute to

Maura’s 45 years’ service and for her affable approach to all who encountered her.

Addressing those present, Maura Quigley acknowledged the many various team players who made her job successful over the years, particularly staff and committee members who were always available when help, advice and tasks had to be completed. She thanked the patrons who conducted their business with the mart for their loyalty and custom throughout the years. In concluding

her address, Maura wished the mart and the new management team every success in the future. Her contribution to Roscommon Mart and the high esteem in which she is held was acknowledged by a standing ovation from those present. She is wished good health and happiness for a long and well-earned retirement.

The organising committee wish to thank everyone who attended on the night and made the event memorable for Maura.

Maura Quigley pictured making a presentation to Mary Walsh at the recent retirement function in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Liam Reynolds

Roscommon Mart staff pictured with Maura Quigley at her recent retirement celebrations. Pic: Liam Reynolds

New Roscommon Mart manager Tony Conry pictured with former managers Maura Quigley and Michael Naughton at Maura’s retirement event. Pic: Liam Reynolds

Maura Quigley pictured with her extended family at her recent retirement celebrations. Pic: Liam Reynolds

Maura Quigley’s sisters Regina Lohan and Frances Stroker pictured with Maura and her retirement cake. Pic: Liam Reynolds

Mark Donnolly, James Gleeson and Gordon Pennick pictured making a presentation to Maura Quigley to mark her retirement as manager of Roscommon Mart. Pic: Liam Reynolds The office staff pictured with Maura Quigley at a recent event commemorating her retirement from Roscommon Mart. Pic: Liam Reynolds

ACCOUNTS

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES CPA

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CONNAUGHT

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess)

- Openfire - Stoves - Ranges

Chimney CCTV Inspection

OIL BOILERS SERVICED

Burners Repaired

CARPETS CLEANING

Satellite and Digital TV Installation

All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851

CHIROPRACTOR

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

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

Contact Nuala 090 66 25818 086 0352849

Email: mcgacco@gmail.com

Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

< ALCOHOLICS ANONY -

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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 cowls and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services.

Telephone: 087 2798704

www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

Creighton

Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc.

Modern Rotary Chimney

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

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

Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

CHIROPRACTOR

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

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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

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?

Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey Construction

l General Building

l Extensions & Roofing

l Groundworks

l Renovations

l Chimney CCTV Inspections

l Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

FARMING

< FOR SALE: 100 bales of good silage in Kiltoom area. Phone: 086 2580950

< FOR SALE: 50 bales of top quality silage. Phone: 086 8131651

FOR SALE

< FOR SALE: 10 x 6 tipping trailer, tonne bags of timber, 12 x 11 x 25 wheels for tractor also Massey 35 tractor + 5ft transport box. Phone: 087 7733181

< FOR SALE: Bunk bed for sale, in good condition. Phone: 086 0604021

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

GARDENING

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

For all your fencing needs.

l GLAS Fencing

l Grant Fencing

l Post Rail

Tel: 087 2172281

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

• Landscaping

• Timber Decking

• Patios

• General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

GARDENING

JOE HEALY Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Fully Insured

Phone: 087 2721193

GARDENING

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

CORBETT

• 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

www.parklaw treeservices.com

Kerins Plant Ltd

Tree Care & Plant Hire

Residential & Commercial Tree Care

l Tree removal

l Tree crowning

l Site clearance and mulching

l Wood chipping

l Stump grinding

l Fully insured and certified

Telephone: 087-3477546

Email: kerinsplantcivilsltd @gmail.com

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

l General Maintenance

l Dangerous Tree Removal

l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped

l Wood Chipping

l Fully Insured

Tommy’s Trees & Hedging

FOR SALE

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

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

Phone: 087 4177148

Mop & Mow

Submit your Classified online

Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon

We Alan and Deirdre O Hara, intend to apply for permission for development at this site Cloongrehan, Cootehall, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of a planning permission for renovation and extensions to existing dwelling house, includes the removal and replacement of existing internal floors, partitions, staircase, roof, and removal of back porch, and the construction of new porch to the main entrance, side and rear extensions, upgrade the existing septic tank to new Wastewater treatment plant in Cloongrehan, Cootehall Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Alan and Deirdre O Hara

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Oakwood Private Nursing Home Limited, intend to apply for Permission for retention of the following:

1. The addition of 2 No. fire escape stairwells to the east and west gable of rear nursing home annex previously granted nursing home use under PD13/390.

2. Alterations to rear annex elevation (south) with provision of 4 additional windows.

3. The provision of 12 additional bedrooms within the rear annex (formerly 8 now increased to 20).

4. The relocation of existing boiler house.

5. Increase in floor area of oratory by 5 sq m.

6. Along with connections to all services and all other associated site works at Oakwood Private Nursing Home, Oakwood Village, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, F45 XT27. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Ph (090) 6634421

Fax: (090) 6634423

Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

CHAZEY

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

086 8212732

< TO RENT: 2 rooms to rent in Cloverhill, shared accommodation, sitting room, WiFi all included, private parking, O.F.C.H. and solid fuel central heating. Tel: 087 6056974

< TO RENT: 2 bedroom apartment. Newly renovated, all mod cons. Contact Martina: 086 3015117

Tullys

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

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

l HSE Trained and Approved

l Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

USEFUL

<

Sean Brennan. Dance class from 8.30pm. Tel. 087 9809432

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

GARDENING

David Duffy 087 9662678

Alan Duffy 086 3992382

www.westsidegardening.ie

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

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

Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge

HEATING

JJ Heating

Oil Boiler Service and Repair

All Brands Covered including:

• Grant

• Firebird Warmflow Call John 0879259734

JOB / GET THAT PROMOTION!

* BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE!

* HELP TO COPE WITH AND EMBRACE CHANGE (E.G. RETIREMENT, NEW JOB, SEPARATION, ETC)

For appointment call me on 086 8229606 OR email your enquiry to cburkecoaching@gmail.com

MEETINGS OR ON-LINE/TEAMS)

ROOFING

24 Hour Emergency Call Out Service

l New roofs, all roofing repairs

l Demolition work & new builds

l Chimney repairs

l Gutters/Facia & Soffitts

l Painting & Decorating

l All major ground works, driveway insulation, footpaths & tarmacadum

l Plastering & Skimming

l Patio Services & Powerwashing

l Renovation, extension & porches

Tel: 087 6117326

ALPHA ROOFING

l Slate roofs l Tiled roofs

l Flat roofs, using all type of materials

l Roof windows l Lead replacing

l Pointing work l Leak detection

l All roofing repair work

Mobile: 086 8874576

Email: info@alpharoofing.ie Web: www.alpharoofing.ie

&

l New Roofs

l New Flat Roofs

All areas covered

l New PVC - soffits, gutters and facia

l All Roof repairs carried out

l All gutter repair and cleaning

l Cleaning - moss off roofs

l Cleaning driveways, patios and walls

l Chimney repairing

l Crow guard installed on chimneys

l All power washing services

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL

Call Jim on 087 2202741

Join a winning team and build a future with AXA Assistance

Join a winning team and build a future with AXA Assistance

At AXA Partners we all share a passion to empower people to live a better life, by providing a wide range of assistance services. We help people every day, we are here to get motorists back on the open road, to support customers with their home emergencies and much more - we’re here to make it a little easier and support our customers the whole way.

At AXA Partners we all share a passion to empower people to live a better life, by providing a wide range of assistance services. We help people every day, we are here to get motorists back on the open road, to support customers with their home emergencies and much more - we’re here to make it a little easier and support our customers the whole way.

Join a winning team and build a future with AXA Assistance

Customer Service Advisors – part time and full time

< KIND PERSON REQUIRED: To keep older person company for some time day time or night time, Carrick on Shannon area. Please apply to: PO Box No 3068 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

At AXA Partners we all share a passion to empower people to live a better life, by providing a wide range of assistance services. We help people every day, we are here to get motorists back on the open road, to support customers with their home emergencies and much more - we’re here to make it a little easier and support our customers the whole way.

Customer Service Advisors – part time and full time

< DRIVER REQUIRED: Experience driver for slurry and silage season. Tel: 087 2602870 after 6pm.

As a Customer Service Consultant in our 24 hour telephone-based Customer Service team you will be delivering high quality Customer Service mainly in the areas of motor breakdowns and home emergencies. This will include responding to telephone calls, determining the best course of action and working with approved suppliers and contractors to implement and deploy assistance. Outstanding communication and teamwork skills and ability to work in a busy environment are essential.

As a Customer Service Consultant in our 24 hour telephone-based Customer Service team you will be delivering high quality Customer Service mainly in the areas of motor breakdowns and home emergencies. This will include responding to telephone calls, determining the best course of action and working with approved suppliers and contractors to implement and deploy assistance. Outstanding communication and teamwork skills and ability to work in a busy environment are essential.

Customer Service Advisors – part time and full time

As a Customer Service Consultant in our 24 hour telephone -based Customer Service team you will be delivering high quality Customer Service mainly in the areas of motor breakdowns and home emergencies. This will include responding to telephone calls, determining the best course of action and working with approved suppliers and contractors to implement and deploy assistance. Outstanding communication and teamwork skills and ability to work in a busy environment are essential.

< CARER REQUIRED: Looking for kind, reliable lady to mind elderly woman in her own home. Creggs/Glenamaddy area. Thursday and Fridays (only) 12 noon to 3 pm approx. Tel: 087 6269770

We are available for our customers 7 days a week so we need our teams to be as well We work a variety of hours and shifts, including part time mornings, part time evening, days and night shifts. You will be based in our Athlone office but following training, when you really understand the role, there will be an opportunity to work in a hybrid model.

We are available for our customers 7 days a week so we need our teams to be as well We work a variety of hours and shifts, including part time mornings, part time evening, days and night shifts. You will be based in our Athlone office but following training, when you really understand the role, there will be an opportunity to work in a hybrid model.

Applicants are invited to apply through our company website www.careers.axapartners.com. You can also apply by scanning the QR Code below or by going to http://bit.ly/3I3aYzH

We are available for our customers 7 days a week so we need our teams to be as well. We work a variety of hours and shifts, including part time mornings, part time evening, days and night shifts. You will be based in our Athlone office but following training, when you really understand the role, there will be an opportunity to work in a hybrid model.

Applicants are invited to apply through our company website www.careers.axapartners.com. You can also apply by scanning the QR Code below or by going to http://bit.ly/3I3aYzH

Applicants are invited to apply through our company website www.careers.axapartners.com. You can also apply by scanning the QR Code below or by going to http://bit.ly/3I3aYzH

< LADY AVAILABLE: Home Help available, experienced kind trustworthy, mature lady available to look after person/couple in their own home. Willing to do day or night duty, also weekends. Assisting with personal care, cooking, appointments or any other errands required. Reliable, flexible and compassionate. Health care qualification. Excellent references available on request. Ballaghaderreen/Castlerea/Ballyhaunis and surrounding areas. Contact Anne on 0860886552

Your Home, Your Care, Your Choice

Accounting Technician

Position available permanent 3 days a week ongoing.

A Non-Profit Cooperative providing quality driven community based home care services to hundreds of families across the West, North West and Midlands since 1996

RHS Home Care est.1996 are looking for an Accounting Technician for our head office in Roscommon Primary Care Centre, Golf Links Road, Co Roscommon. The ideal candidate will be good at multi-tasking, work well under pressure and have experience working in an accounts department.

Reports To: Finance Manager

Purpose of the Role

Proven experience of reconciling, recording and maintaining accounting records.

Experience of monthly and weekly payroll.

• Knowledge of Revenue returns.

• Strong excel and accounts office system skills.

• Good organisational skills.

• Resolving customer queries.

• Working knowledge of Quickbooks beneficial.

• Dealing with other office duties as required.

Choose RHS as your HSE Home Service Provider

Requirements

• Experience in Accounts Receivable Essential.

Proven experience in Accounts Administration.

Relevant qualification in Office Administration. Excellent attention to detail and admin skills.

Exceptional organisational ability.

Ability to work on own initiative but also work as part of a team.

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Strong communication skills.

Employment Type

• Part time permanent.

• This position is 3 days a week ongoing.

• Attractive salary.

The HSE Home Support Service (formerly called the Home Help Service or Home Care Package Scheme) aims to support older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and to support informal carers. The support you will receive depends on your individual needs.

The Home Support Service provides you with support for everyday tasks including:

• Getting in and out of bed

• Dressing and undressing

• Personal care such as showering and shaving

• Mobility

• Food preparation

• General Office Hours: (9.00-5pm Monday - Thursday, 9.00-4.30pm Friday).

• Training, support and more.

The Home Support Service is funded by the state and can be delivered to you free of charge by approved providers such as RHS Home Care. You do not need a medical card to apply and your

• Medication prompting

These services are available to anyone aged over 65 who needs support to continue living at home or to return home after a stay in hospital, or are staying in a nursing home and wish to return home. Sometimes exceptions are made for those younger than 65 who may

HAYES (née Court) Christine

Doorty, Four-Mile-House, Roscommon

Who passed away 20th of February 2022

Colm Hayes and family of the late Christine Hayes, would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us on our great loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours and well wishers who offered emotional support to us at this difficult time.

For those who telephoned, sent floral tributes, cards and messages of condolence we are truly grateful. A special word of thanks to all the medical, nursing and paramedical personnel and carers who looked after Christine, your contributions were greatly appreciated.

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

Notice re. Memoriams and Anniversaries

If you wish to place acknowledgements, memoriam notices, birthday and anniversary remembrances, please email them to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie or call us on 090 6634633 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to

Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Don’t worry if you do not have a credit card. We value your business over the years and will make arrangements for payment at a later stage.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

GALVIN

Patrick (Paddy) Araghty, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on 31st of December 2022

We, the family of the later Patrick (Paddy) Galvin, wish to express our sincere gratitude to all those who sympathised with us and supported us at our time of loss.

Thanks to all those who sent mass cards, messages of condolence, phoned or simply said a quiet prayer. Heartfelt thanks to those who attended Paddy’s Funeral. Thank you to all who travelled long distances to be with us at this difficult time. To our wonderful neighbours, relatives and friends who offered their assistance in many ways, thank you.

A special word of thanks to Fr. Michael Donnelly and his concelebrants Fr. Michael Breslin, Fr. Eugene McLoughlin and Fr. Joe Delaney for celebrating a beautiful Funeral Mass in Castlecoote Church. We also wish to express our thanks to the musicians, Margaret and Sean Kiernan, for enhancing the Liturgy with their music and singing.

Thanks to Hamrock’s Funeral Directors for their kindness, support and attention to detail throughout. Thank you also to the management and staff at Hannon’s Hotel, who provided a beautiful meal afterwards. We also offer our gratitude to the gravediggers who prepared Paddy’s final resting place in Athleague Cemetery.

As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our family’s deep gratitude and appreciation.

Mass will be offered for all your intentions.

Paddy’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 25th February, 2023 at 12pm.

THANKSGIVINGS

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

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. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. D.M.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

J.O’H.

UNFAILING

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. A.M.K.

DUFFY Martin (12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Martin Duffy Culleen, Knockcroghery and Derryneil, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 23rd February 2011 R.I.P.

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

HESTER Ian

Carrowduff Lower, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon and formerly of Lanesborough, Co. Longford

2022

Another year has passed away, so many things have happened we wanted you to share. So many times we thought of you and wished that you were here. Your memories are so precious, your presence missed so much, you will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Sadly missed by wife Marie, daughters Amanda and Martina, sons Loughlinn and Michael, grandchildren Kate, Hannah, Matthew, Ebha, Isobella, Anthony, Adam and Emily, daughtersin-law Martina and Louise, brothers, sisters and families.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday, 24th February at 7pm.

KILDUFF Mary

5 Circular Road, Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

The Hester family wishes to acknowledge and thank all who, in any way, tendered sympathy or support on the sudden death of our brother Ian.

We also acknowledge the help received from the members of An Garda Siochána at Castlerea and we sincerely thank Smyth’s Funeral Directors, Roscommon for the professional and compassionate manner with which the funeral was conducted.

Traditional music had a special place in Ian’s heart and the presence of so many of his friends, who travelled from far and wide, paying tribute with their talent in a wonderful music session that will forever be remembered as a fitting farewell.

We especially wish to thank all the musicians who participated in this tribute to Ian given his love of music.

FEE

George and Mary

The Racecourse, Ballymurry, Roscommon (23rd and 10th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of George, who died on 13th February 2000 and Mary, who died on 16th February 2013

Who passed away on the 16th February 2014

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

Lovingly remembered by Hugh, Anne, Thomas, Eddie, Jenni, Ruth and Evelyn.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and always dear. Sadly missed by their family. Masses will be offered.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

CARROLL Patricia

Ballinaboy, Roscommon

Who passed away on 23rd February 2011 (12th Anniversary)

CUNNINGHAM

Michael and Kathleen Creevy, Roscommon (18th and 5th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of Michael, who passed away on 25th February 2005 and Kathleen who passed away on 7th January 2018

Sadly missed along lifes way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.

DOWLING

Late of Carnagh, Kiltoom, Athlone.

Treasured

CONNOLLY Kenneth

19th February 1998 (25th Anniversary)

In loving memories of our darling son and brother Kenny R.I.P.

KILGARRIFF Paul

Ballygar, Galway

Who passed away on 17th February 2014 (9th Anniversary) R.I.P.

We have you in our hearts, your hand we cannot touch, still we have so many memories, of the one we loved so much.

Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

Always loved and sadly missed by her family and friends.

Anniversary Mass will be offered in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Sunday, 19th February at 10am.

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

Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

Lovingly missed, forever by all their family. Masses offered.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

Bookla, Ballymoe, via Castlerea, County Galway. Who passed away on 11th January 2023

Frank

Finbars’ wife Maureen, daughters Ann and Monique and sons Cyril, Finbarr, J.J. and Niall and their families wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all those who sympatised with us on our recent sad loss.

We offer heartfelt thanks to our great neighbours and friends who called to the house, brought food and refreshments and helped us in every way possible at this difficult time and to all those who attended Finbar’s Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, sent mass cards, messages of condolences, floral tributes and travelled long distances.

Sincere thanks to the Staff of Aras Mathair Phoil Nursing Home, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, to the doctors and nurses of the Kelly Henry Medical Centre and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe and to the staff of McSharry’s Pharmacy, Castlerea who cared for Finbar in his final months with great compassion and kindness.

A special word of thanks to Fr. Pat O’ Toole for celebrating the Funeral Mass and also Fr. Julian Lupot PP and Fr. Benny Flanagan for concelebrating the Mass.

Sincere thanks to Niall Flanagan of Flanagan Undertakers for his professionalism and kindness shown to our family. Thanks to Bernadine Casserly for the beautiful church music and singing and to the altar servers Ella, Aisling, Oisin and Adam. Thanks to the gravediggers for preparing Finbar’s final resting place.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere thanks and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Finbar’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe on Saturday the 18th February 2023 at 7pm.

The hands of time keep moving, the years have slipped away, but in our hearts and memories ye are with us every day.

Lovingly remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Thursday, 23rd February at 7pm.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

GAVIN Martin

Thornfield Drive, Lisnamult, Roscommon Town and formerly of Friaryland, Creggs, Co Galway. Who passed away on 10th January 2023

Thoughts of scenes long past as years roll on, but our Memories still live on. Time should mend broken hearts, that is what they say, but time cannot change the way and why you went away.

We couldn’t have imagined the loss that lay in store, but to have had you Kenny, was a blessing, that will last forever more. Treasured thoughts of one so dear, often brings a silent tear.

If we could have one lifetime wish, one dream that could come true, we pray to God with all our hearts, for yesterday and you.

Missing you, loved and carried in our hearts forever Mum, Dad, Alex and family. xxx

You were so very special and had the nicest ways. You did so very much in life and never asked for praise.

Remembering you is easy Paul we do this every day but losing you is the heartache that never goes away. You had a smile for everyone, you had a heart of gold, you left the sweetest memories the world could ever hold.

Never selfish, always kind, these are the memories you left behind.

Lovingly remembered by your parents Sean and Marguerite, sister Sinead, brothers James, Niall and David, family and friends. Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 18th February at 7.30pm.

We the family of the late Martin Gavin would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the kindness and support shown towards us on our great loss.

We were greatly comforted by the large number of messages of condolences, phone calls, mass cards, letters, floral tributes and prayers.

Sincere thanks to all of our family and friends who travelled from near and far to attend the Funeral Mass and Burial.

Our kind neighbours and friends who brought food and refreshments and were always there for us.

Fr. Raul Cino for his consoling words and touching ceremony and the beautiful music and songs by Fred Mulryan.

Thank you to Pat and Gillian Smyth Funeral Directors who provided such a professional and dignified service and to the gravediggers for preparing Dad’s final resting place in Kilbegnet Cemetery.

A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and all of the staff at both Roscommon and Portiuncula University Hospitals for taking such good care of Dad, your work was always greatly appreciated. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deepest appreciation and gratitude that we will never forget. Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Martin’s Month’s Mind mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 18th February at 7pm.

McNAMARA Finbar

memories of our parents and sister.

And our sister Teresa who passed away on the 23rd February 1984

Teresa (nee Dowd) who passed away on the 9th October 2016

who passed away on 25th January 1991

Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

COLLINS Jimmy

Kiltullagh, Glenamaddy (20th Anniversary)

Our world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you will never fade away.

Remembered by your loving family.

BROTHER

Silent memories keep you near as time unfolds another year.

Lovingly remembered by Tommy, Mary and Gerry. Jimmy ‘s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy on Friday, 17th February at 7pm.

The most read newspaper in County Roscommon! Thelocalpaper!

MULLARKEY Christina

Tonebane, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon (14th Anniversary)

GALVIN (née Smyth) Pauline

Araghty, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Pauline who passed away on 22nd February 2022.

M cDERMOTT Anne

Drinane, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away 18th February 2022 (1st Anniversary)

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. D.M.

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE

For urgent need...

In loving memory of Chrissie, who passed away on the 8th of February, 2009. R.I.P.

If roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my Mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Tell her I love her and miss her and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while.

Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there is an ache within my heart that will never go away.

Always in our thoughts and sadly missed by her family and friends.

Anniversary Mass will be offered for Christina, John and deceased members of the Mullarkey family on Sunday, 19th February 2023 in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish at 11am.

We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. But all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your resting place we visit and put flowers there with care. But no one knows the heartache as we turn and leave you there. Forever loved and sadly missed by her family, friends and neighbours.

Pauline’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 25th February 2023 at 12pm.

MONTH’S MIND MASS McCORMACK

John James (J.J.)

Jubilee Close, Roscommon Town, Roscommon. Who passed away on 25th January 2023

You held our hand when we were small, you caught us when we fell, the hero of our childhood and of latter years as well. Every time we think of you, our heart just fills with pride and though we always miss you, we know you’re by our side.

In laughter and in sorrow, in sunshine and in rain, we know you’re watching over us, until we meet again.

Sadly missed by your daughters Jackie and partner Tom Connolly, Karen and husband John Croghan, Mary and husband Mike Keane and Yvonne and partner P.J. Kennedy.

J.J.’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 19th February 2023 at 11am.

On the First Anniversary of Anne’s passing, Anne’s daughter Mary would like to express sincere appreciation and gratitude for all the prayers, support and presence of family, neighbours and friends during our sad loss.

Thank you to all who attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, for the many mass cards, online condolences and phone calls. Thank you to all the neighbours who attended the Wake and brought refreshments and who helped in any way at the house. A special word of thanks to Fr. Eamonn O’Connor, Fr. Gannon and Fr. O’Flynn who celebrated Anne’s Mass. Also to Emer and Andrew Reynolds who provided the music.

Sincere thanks to Pat and Marion McHugh Funeral Directors for their guidance and professionalism. Thanks to the gravediggers who prepared Anne’s final resting place.

Thank you to the carers who provided care and assistance to Anne in her home during her final years.

To the doctors and nurses of Galway, Sligo and Roscommon Hospitals, and to all who provided such good care to Anne during her stays there in the last few years, thank you.

Sincere thank you to the Silver Eel for the provision of refreshments after Anne’s Funeral.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust you will accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt gratitude.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Anne’s First Anniversary Mass will take place on Saturday, 18th February at 12 noon in The Parish Church, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

If daffodils grow in Heaven Lord, pick a bunch for us, place them in our Mother’s arms and tell her they’re from us. Tell her we love her and miss her and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Today, tomorrow our whole lives through we will always love and remember you. Loved and remembered by your daughter, Mary.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

PRAYER FOR A SPECIAL REQUEST

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

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

Sports PEOPLE

Burke: ‘We back ourselves at the Hyde!’

Rossies set for top of the table clash with Armagh

Allianz National Football League Division

One (Round 3): Roscommon v Armagh at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday at 1.45 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

A big crowd is expected to descend on Dr Hyde Park this Sunday for the visit of Armagh for this somewhat unexpected top of the table clash in National Football League Division One.

Both Roscommon and the Orchard County unbeaten and know that another two points this weekend

will put them in a strong position with four rounds of matches still to play.

Given the visitors’ recent form (beating Monaghan and drawing with Mayo) and the large support they have enjoyed in their first two league matches, this promises to be Roscommon’s toughest test so far.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Roscommon manager Davy Burke said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“Armagh are a very good side but at Dr Hyde Park we have to back ourselves and go for the win. We have to aim to win our home matches and this one is no different,” he said.

Burke confirmed the return of Cian McKeon and

CBS fall at final hurdle…

Niall Kilroy ahead of Sunday’s game, and called on the Roscommon supporters to get behind his team.

“We are expecting a cracking atmosphere and a big crowd. We will be targeting a win and we need the crowd behind us. We know we are not going to win every game at this level but we are targeting our home games for wins,” he said.

While Roscommon football is riding the crest of a wave in recent weeks, Armagh, who have enjoyed a very good 12 months, are improving all the time.

Rian O’Neill remains the heart and soul of their team but there is plenty of talent available in each line. ‘Fly’ goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty is liable to pop up anywhere on the field while the likes of Aidan

Forker, Jarly Óg Burns, Ciaran Mackin, Stefan Campbell, Rory Grugan and Conor Turbitt will be confident of continuing the Orchard County’s excellent recent form.

You could be forgiven for regarding this as something of a ‘free hit’ for a Roscommon side which has taken maximum points so far but Davy Burke will want his charges to develop that winning habit.

There won’t be too much between the sides in what promises to be a fascinating contest, and while both teams will be confident of taking both points on offer, a draw looks the most likely outcome.

Prediction: Draw

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon hurling manager Francis O’Halloran announced that he was stepping down from his role following last Sunday’s disastrous National League Division 3A defeat to Louth. In a statement on Monday, the Clare native said both he and his management team had made the difficult decision following careful consideration.

The statement read: “Upon our appointment in late 2021, we committed to improving and developing the standard of hurling in Roscommon. We feel that significant progress was made in 2022 culminating with an appearance in the Nicky Rackard final in Croke Park.

“However, the commitment and efforts shown by the management team have not been matched in recent times by the playing mem-

bers of the panel despite our best efforts. Therefore, we have taken the decision to step away from the Roscommon senior hurling team with immediate effect.

“We want to thank the Hurling Board for affording us the opportunity to manage and coach the team. We would also like to thank the Hurling Board Chairman Christy McDermott for his support and dedication behind the scenes.

“We as a management team would like to wish everybody associated with Roscommon Hurling the very best for the season ahead and the future”.

Hurling Chairperson Christy McDermott commented: “Roscommon Hurling Board and Roscommon GAA would like to thank Francis and his management for the work they did with the Roscommon senior hurling team in 2022 and pre-season 2023.

“The highlight of their time with us was reaching the Nicky Rackard Cup final in 2022. I would like to wish the management team and their families the very best going forward”.

The search is now on for a new senior hurling manager as Roscommon face into a relegation battle in Division 3A.

See more on page 38…

Former Roscommon hurling manager Francis O’Halloran. Pic: Roscommon GAA/Sportsfile

THE GAIN LINE

U-16s defeat Loughrea

Creggs U-16 Boys played host to Loughrea last Sunday morning and came away with a very impressive 26-point win (3610).

This team appears to be gelling at just the right time and Mathew Beirne got them up and running with a well worked try here. A Leo Anic brace saw the hosts go in at half-time 19-3 to the good.

The second half continued in a similar vein and when Leo Flynn skipped through for his first try the game was as good as over. Flynn added his second shortly after as Creggs’ tightened their grip. Luke Kilcommons added a further try late on to put the cap on a memorable win.

Ballina take the spoils

The U-15s went down to an impressive Ballina outfit on Sunday last in Creggs as the Mayo side plundered a 23-12 victory in the Connacht Division One League semi-final.

Creggs looked to be in control of this one following a Cian Kiernan try in the first half but Ballina crossed over against the run of play to reduce arrears to 12-8 at the half-time whistle.

Buoyed by this, the visitors were a team transformed after the break and a converted try midway through the second half gave them a one-point lead.

Try as they might Creggs just couldn’t find a way back into

the match and Ballina made sure of the win with another try and a late penalty.

Creggs’ attention now turns to the cup as they are set to meet the winners of Monivea and Corrib on the weekend of March 4th/5th.

Minis on tour!

Creggs Mini Rugby stars travelled to Ballinasloe Rugby Club on Saturday morning last where approximately 100 children took part in a number of enjoyable games. A big thank you to Bal-

BUCCANEERS RFC

U-16s win Connacht League title!

Buccaneers captured the Connacht U-16 League title with a hard-earned but truly deserved 13-8 final victory over Sligo at Heffernan Park, Ballina, on Sunday. Buccs led 13-5 at the interval with all points, including two excellent tries, coming from Andrew Henson. They dug deep to protect their advantage in a more cagey second half to secure a well deserved title.

Mixed fortunes for U-20s

JP Fanagan Leinster Premier 2:

Last-gasp Moore remain in title race

The race for the Norio’s Premier Division title is set to go down to the wire as a last-gasp Mark Gannon goal kept Moore United in the hunt last weekend.

The hosts looked to be heading to a one-all draw with Castlerea Celtic before Gannon’s late strike gave them all three points and brought them level with Boyle Celtic at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, it seems that CP Ajax and St. John’s Athletic are now out of contention after they drew 2-2 in Tarmon. The Lecarrow side had the better of the opening stages and led 2-0 thanks to goals from Robbie Shine and Chris Hurley. Two Ryan Larkin penalties rescued a point for the hosts however.

linasloe for hosting and also to parents/mentors for making it possible.

U-12s Blitz at Creggs

Creggs RFC hosted the Connacht U-12 Blitz for boys and girls on Saturday morning last. Over 300 players including nine girls’ teams and 18 boys’ teams took part in what must be one of Connacht Rugby’s busiest days out!

Creggs has now become the home of this event with four pitches accommodating eight matches every 20 minutes.

Buccaneers 31 UCD 21. Buccaneers U-20s scored a merited 3121 victory over University College Dublin’s Seconds in a well contested joust at Dubarry Park on February 6th. This bonus point win moved the Athlone side up to third in the league table while the Students departed empty-handed.

JP Fanagan Leinster Premier 2: Buccaneers 17 Wanderers 25. Following their exploits earlier in the week, the U-20s were brought back to earth with a bump when suffering a 25-17 defeat to Wanderers at Dubarry Park on Sunday last.

Buccs were utterly dominant in the opening half-hour but went off the boil for long periods thereafter with the visitors taking full advan-

tage to secure a bonus point win.

U-15s beat Ballinrobe

Buccaneers U-15 yellow team continued their unbeaten Connacht League run with a 33-12 home win against a plucky Ballinrobe team on Monday. Winger Alex Connors scored a hat-trick of tries with one effort a rival for the Scottish winger Van de Merwe’s try of the season.

Firsts away to UCC

When Buccaneers entertained University College Cork at Dubarry Park last November it was first versus second, with the Pirates leading the Energia league

The event was organised by Connacht Rugby and Creggs Mini Coordinator Shane Fleming and his team of helpers. The day was a huge success and without Shane and his team it would not have been possible.

A huge well done to all of the organisers and players, mentors and supporters from Galway Corinthians, Ballyhaunis RFC, Ballinasloe RFC, Dunmore RFC, Loughrea RFC, Carrickon-Shannon RFC, Galwegians RFC, An Gaeltacht Rugby, Galway Bay Rugby, Ballina RFC and Monivea RFC.

Skyvalley Rovers and Ballinasloe Town also shared the points following an entertaining 3-3 draw at Onagh Park. Town led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Mark Duffy and Garry Egan but a brace from Tom Butler levelled matters in the second half before Egan and Cathal Kelly swapped goals in the closing minutes.

In the Connacht Cup, Moylough 79 have set up an all Roscommon and District tie following their impressive 2-1 win over Sligo side

Aughanagh Celtic. Moylough will take on Cloonfad United in the fifth round.

Soccer results

Norio’s Premier Division

Moore United 2 Castlerea Celtic 1

CP Ajax 2 St. John’s Athletic 2

Skyvalley Rovers 3 Ballinasloe Town 3

TP Brennan Connacht Cup Fourth Round

Aughanagh Celtic 1 Moylough 79 2

RDFL First Division

on scoring difference. Buccs taught the Students a lesson or two that day in a 29-0 victory, one of the midlanders’ best performances this season. Despite a couple of hiccups in the interim, they travel to The Mardyke, Cork on Saturday still top of Division 1B, again due to scoring difference, with City of Armagh now hot on the heels of the Shannonsiders.

Meanwhile, Buccaneers’ next home AIL game on Saturday week against Malone has a 5.30 pm kick-off due to the Italy v Ireland Six Nations fixture the same afternoon.

U-20s travel to Trinity

Buccaneers U-20s will be hoping to bounce back following their defeat to Wanderers last Sunday when they travel to take on Dublin University on Sunday. Buccs came out on top 21-13 when the sides met earlier this season but they are likely to find the going tougher at College Park, where Trinity will be eager to forge a win that would elevate them above the Pirates on the league rankings.

Shiven Rovers 4 Cam Celtic 3

Fixtures

Friday, February 17th

RDFL Second Division

Glen Celtic v St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United. 8 pm

Saturday, February 18th

Norio’s Premier Division

Boyle Celtic v CP Ajax. 8 pm

RDFL Reserve League (12 pm)

Ballinagare Manor United v Cloonfad United

Moore United v Shiven Rovers

Sunday, February 19th

Norio’s Premier Division (2 pm)

Moylough ‘79 v Ballinasloe Town

Kilkerrin Utd v Ballaghaderreen FC RDFL First Division Roscommon United v Ballymoe FC. 11 am

Cam Celtic v Dunmore Town. 11 am

Dysart FC v Ballinasloe Town B. 2 pm

Ballinagare Manor United v Cloonfad United. 2 pm

RDFL Women’s Trophy Final (2 pm)

At Lecarrow: Castlerea Celtic v Colemanstown

RDFL Women’s Premier Division (2 pm)

Ballaghaderreen WFC v Kilkerrin United

Cam Celtic v Boyle Celtic

Dunmore Town 1 Cloonfad United 2 Roscommon United 1 Dysart FC 1 Ballinasloe Town B 0 Ballymoe FC 1 RDFL Division Two St. John’s Athletic B 1 St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United 1 Glen Celtic 3 Rahara Rovers 3 Women’s Trophy Semi-Final Second Leg St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United 1 (4) Colemanstown United 1 (5)

C’mon The Town

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer) In association with the

Registration nights…

Player registration nights take place on Friday, February 24th and Thursday, March 2nd at Community Sports Park in Lisnamult.

Registration for boys and girls

U-7s to U-11 takes place from 7 to 8 pm and boys and girls from U-12 to U-16 from 8 pm to 9 pm.

The fees for 2023 are as follows: 1 player €95, 2 players €170, 3+ players €240. No player registration will be conducted after March 2nd.

Respect and Responsibility…

Every little helps…

On registration night, parents and others can indicate their interest in supporting us this season in the following areas: administration, IT, coaching, shop, jerseys, pitch preparation, sponsorship, etc. Help out and help us to further our work with young people in Roscommon town in 2023.

Connacht Shield…

Last Saturday, our boys U-12 fixture was postponed. This Saturday, our boys U-14 side take on Coolaney United. We wish them well. Safe travels to Sligo. Did you know?

Buccaneers U-16s celebrate winning the Connacht League title last weekend following their hard-earned victory over Sligo at Heffernan Park, Ballina.

The Athlone club currently lie in third place on 31 points, three points more and one place better than the Students. Buccaneers would benefit if Adam O’Carroll and Luke Balsiger were fit to resume although they may have to operate without Cian McCann if he is required by the senior squad.

Our three codes of conductplayers, parents, coaches - are available to view on our club website. Incoming and existing members will be invited to subscribe to these codes on registration night. These codes reflect the values in our club, principally respect and responsibility.

Harry Kane recently became Spurs’ record goalscorer. He scored his first Spurs goal in Tallaght Stadium against Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League in 2011.

Wise Words…

You are always responsible for how you act no matter how you feel - Robert Tew

Creggs girls represent Connacht: Creggs RFC had six players involved in the recent U-18 Girls Interprovincial match between Connacht and Munster. Connacht the Creggs six - Nadine Fitzmaurice, Roisin Maher, Merisa Kiripati, Sarah Purcell, Siofra Hession and Jemima Adams Verling – came out on top in a 39-19 win. This was an impressive team performance with Sarah and Siofra each grabbing a try each. Connacht play Ulster today in Terenure.

More allegations

Horses for Courses

In an article by Paul Kimmage in the Sunday Independent, Michelle Shannon, who worked for Homer Scott for seven years, and David Mooney, one of his main owners, made allegations of alleged neglect and mistreatment of mares at Scott’s Lisheen Stud in County Kildare.

Early last year the Department of Agriculture served a notice under the Animal Health and Welfare Act on Scott. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s chief veterinary officer Dr Lynn Hillyer led an unannounced IHRB visit to Lisheen on the day before the notice expired.

Scott subsequently quietly handed in his licence to train to the IHRB without sanction. Recently we have seen the IHRB suspend Ronan McNally for 12 years for multiple integrity breaches likely to bring racing into disrepute and in June 2012 Steven Mahon for four years for conduct injurious to the good reputation of horse racing.

As for these latest unproven allegations, it now seems that it’s over to the Department to take any action deemed required.

This weekend’s action

Horseracing this weekend starts today (Thursday) at Clonmel. First race is at 1.05 pm and features the Grade 3 Novice Hurdle.

Short putts

Athlone

Maeve Davis won the Women’s 12-hole Stableford on January 24th with 28 points while Nora St John finished in first place on February 7th with 27.

Evelyn Wright was the winner of the 97 Club competition on February 9th with 24 points.

Boyle

Boyle’s revamped Spring League has generated great interest this year. Bernie Kemple and Mary Queenan top the league after round one with Liz Dwyer and Moira Egan and Lochlainn Conboy and Michael McHale in second and third places respectively. The golf club is hoping to restart junior golf this year, most likely on Saturday mornings from Easter on. This is for children aged 8 to 12 and there will be a meeting on Wednesday, February 22nd at 8 pm in the clubhouse for all members interested in getting this started.

Carrick

Round two of the Flynn’s Bar Spring League saw Dympna Butler and Cathal Dowd hit 22 and 23 points respectively. Team 13, led by Patricia O’Hara were the top team scorers with 187 points while Anne Cox’s Team 4 weren’t too far behind on 183.

Thursday’s Senior competition was won by Anthony Noone with 40 points while Michael Gallagher finished runner-up with 39. PJ Sharkey was in third place with 37 while Albert Hogg (20) took the front nine and John O’Mahoney (20) the back nine.

Roscommon

Last Thursday’s Senior Men’s competition was won by W Doyle with 34 points while the Ladies’ competition went to Marian Kilroy. This year’s Drive-in will take place on Sunday, February 26th at 2 pm and the timesheet for the three-person scramble is now available at the clubhouse. The club sends good wishes to President Mary, Captain PJ and Lady Captain Paula for 2023.

The Ladies’ ‘Get into Golf’ programme will restart in March. For more information, please contact Ruth on 086-1509300.

by Tom Red

Tomorrow evening, racing is under lights on the allweather at Dundalk, first race at 3.55 pm.

On Saturday the action is at Gowran Park with Red Mills sponsoring the Grade 2 Chase and the Grade 3 Trial Hurdle, away at 1.42 pm and on Sunday at Punchestown, with the featured Grade B Grand National Trial Chase off at 1.10 pm.

On Saturday, ITV racing is covering seven races, four of them from Ascot, including the Grade 1 Ascot Chase and Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novice Chase, with two races from Haydock including the Grade 2 Rendlesham Novice Chase and the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle from Wincanton.

Red Mills Day in Gowran

There are seven entries in both the Red Mills Hurdle and Red Mills Chase on Saturday. The hurdle is headed by champion trainers, Willie Mullins with his only entry Sharjad, and the Gordon Elliott pair Fil Dor and Dr Bravo taking him on. Also in the field is Joseph O’Brien’s Darasso who is not out of it and Tom Mullins’ Takarengo has an outside chance. The champion trainer is three handed in the chase with Coppadano appearing the best of them. English raider, David Pipe’s Minella Drama and Mouse Morris’ French Dynamite should fill the minor placings. O’Brien has Darasso, winner on his last run over fences, also entered in this race.

Cheltenham Corner

Willie Mullins’ Alloha, an easy winner of the last two Ryanair Chases at the Festival, is out of this year’s race due to illness. He was odds-on favourite for the race and was last seen winning the Punchestown Gold Cup in April. Mullins has ample back-up with Blue Lord who now shares favouritism with de Bromhead’s Fakir D’oudaries at 5/2.

News from Gavin Cromwell’s yard is Flooring Porter should be fit for a bid for a third victory in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. The 8-Y-O was a brilliant all-the-way winner of the race in 2021 and was impressive when successfully defending his crown last season. He has been beaten in both the Lis-

SPORTS DESK With Dan Dooner

O’Rourke won’t defend world title

There was disappointing news from the world of boxing recently as it was confirmed that world champions Lisa O’Rourke and Irish teammate Amy Broadhurst will not be defending their titles at this year’s World Championships in India.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has said it would not be sending a team to next month’s tournament in New Delhi due to alleged corruption within the International Boxing Association (IABA).

U-20s off the mark

Noel Dunning’s Roscommon U-20 footballers got their development league campaign off to an impressive start at the Hyde last Saturday night when they were 1-13 to 1-10 winners over Galway. An early second-half goal from the excellent Eoin Ward had the young Rossies in the ascendency be- fore Fergal Ó Sé dragged Galway back into it with a goal on 47 minutes. The hosts regrouped, however, and two late points from Eoin Colleran and Bobby Nugent made sure of the win.

Roscommon travel to Laois in round two this Saturday hoping for more of the same.

Convent into All-Ireland final

The Convent of Mercy footballers are into the Junior ‘D’ All-Ireland final following a very one-sided victory over Loreto College Coleraine at Dr Hyde Park last Friday.

The game, which was played in wet conditions, was delayed by an hour due to the originally assigned referee from Westmeath getting his dates mixed up. Knockcroghery referee Tom Killion was called in as a late replacement and he received the loudest cheer of the afternoon when taking the field for the delayed 2 pm throw in!

The match itself turned out to be a bit of a damp squib but take nothing away from the Convent who were devastating in attack, led by Síofra Hession and Hazel Kelly, and now advance to a national final.

Tully set for Houston

The very best of luck to St. Coman’s handball legend Fiona Tully who travelled to Houston, Texas this week to take part in the second pro-stop of the year. The second seed will take on compatriots Catriona Casey and Eilise McCrory as well as some of the best US players.

St. Coman’s’ Sean Raftery was the county’s sole representative in the 40x20 Connacht Championships last weekend. Sean was well beaten by Jack O’Donnell in the Junior B grade.

Carragh Kennedy suffered a similar fate in her Ladies Junior B grading match against Laura Finn last Saturday. The Sligo woman took a 21-19 21-9 win. Carragh did, however, bounce back with a comfortable win over Síle Spain in the Junior B division.

(Right) Grace Corrigan was Roscommon’s only winner at the Connacht finals of the Cumann na mBunscoil handball competition played in Co Sligo last Saturday. Grace from Liscaul National School won the U-13 Singles event. There were bronze medals for Lisacul’s Senan Johnson and Saoirse Hyland, Gaelscoil de hÍde’s Sean Carthy, and doubles pair Ryan McDermott and Fionn Connolly.

mullen Hurdle at Navan and Leopardstown’s Christmas Hurdle this season, as he was last season, so there is no serious cause for concern.

Murphy returns

Jockey Oisin Murphy returns after serving a 14-month suspension for alcohol and Covid breaches at Chelmsford today (Thursday). The Kerry native, a three-time champion jockey, will partner the Mick Appleby-trained Jupiter Express in the second race on the card. The British Horseracing Authority have indicated that Murphy will undergo increased alcohol and drug testing after failing two breath tests. He will travel to the Middle East to ride at Qatar at the weekend.

Willie Mullins’ Alloha.

Congratulations to Dunmore Community School who beat Ballinamore in the Connacht ‘C’ football final in Strokestown last Saturday. Roscommon were well represented on the day with Michael Glavey’s’ players (left to right) Niall Heneghan, Robert Heneghan, Dylan Connolly, and Cormac Heneghan representing Dunmore CS.

Sports

O’Halloran resigns after Hyde horror show

Dismal defeat consigns hurlers to relegation battle

Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A (Round 2)

Louth 2-16

Roscommon 0-15

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s hurling management team, headed by manager Francis O’Halloran, decided to step down following this very disappointing seven point loss to Louth at Dr Hyde Park last Sunday.

It means Roscommon must now find a new manager as they prepare for a battle to avoid relegation to Division 3B.

In a statement on Monday morning, O’Halloran seemed to pin much of the blame for his resignation on members of the playing squad. Claiming the commitment

and effort of his backroom team hadn’t been matched by that of the players, the Clare native clearly felt there was little use in pressing on with the county’s hurlers.

The fact is that O’Halloran and his backroom team have been deprived of many of Roscommon’s key players in recent weeks. The question remains, however, as to whether his successor will have any success in coaxing those players back to the ranks of the Primrose and Blue.

As for the game itself, unfancied Louth dominated from the first puck and when Ryan Walsh rose to flick the ball beyond Enda Lawless in the 13th minute, hapless Roscommon already knew they were in real trouble.

Louth pressed on in the first half and substitute Conor Murphy blasted home their second goal to send them in at the break with a 2-10 to 0-7 advantage.

The hosts struggled all over the

field last Sunday but Conor Mulry was the one shining light on what was one of Roscommon hurling’s very dark days. His three excellent points from play provided a faint glimmer of hope until Eoin Fitzgerald received his marching orders following two yellow cards in two minutes just before halftime.

It must be said that Roscommon were much improved after the break with substitute Mickey Joe Egan, Brendan Mulry and Conor Mulry particularly lively. But by then Louth had done enough and late points from Liam Molloy and Mark Gahan put the gloss on an impressive win.

Roscommon now travel to face Fermanagh in their next match and it remains to be seen whether they’ll have a new manager in place to lead them north.

Louth: Ricky McKeon; Adam Plunkett, Danny Morgan, Ben Goss Kiernan; Conall Shaw (0-1,

free), Sean Hodgins (0-1), James McDonnell; Peter Fortune, Sean Kerrisk (0-1); Liam Molloy (0-2), Stephen Stafford, Mark Gahan (05, 4 frees); Andrew Macklin (0-2), Ryan Walsh (1-1), Padraig Fallon (0-1).

Subs: Conor Murphy (1-2) for Macklin (18), Aaron McGuinness for Goss Kiernan (44), Jack Murray for Fallon (71).

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Thomas Fleming, James Dillon, Eamon Mulry; Padraig Brennan, Conor Cosgrove, Mark Ward; Darragh Finn (0-1), Jack Dowling (0-2); Conor Mulry (0-5), Brendan Mulry, Joe Brennan; Eamon Flanagan, Paddy Fallon (0-1, free), Eoin Fitzgerald (0-1).

Subs: Darragh Mullen for Cosgrove (28), Mickey Joe Egan (0-5, 4 frees, 1 ’65), for Flanagan (h/t), Michael Brennan for Fallon (h/t), Jack Naughton for P Brennan (48), Gearoid Egan for E Mulry (55).

Referee: Brian Keon (Galway)

Lennon: ‘Hard luck stories don’t win matches’

Ladies in local derby as race for survival begins

Lidl Ladies National Football League Division

Two (Round 4): Roscommon v Westmeath at Kiltoom on Sunday at 2 pm.

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon Ladies football manager, Ollie Lennon, has said his charges are fully focussed on turning their faltering league campaign around ahead of Sunday’s National Football League Division Two showdown with neighbours Westmeath.

Roscommon have lost all three of their games in this division so

far despite some impressive performances, but Lennon insists management and players aren’t feeling sorry for themselves.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, he said: “Listen, hard luck stories don’t win you football matches. Yes we’re playing nice football and we’re being competitive in matches against good opposition. That’s all great but it doesn’t put points on the board in terms of the league table”.

While Roscommon are currently rooted to the bottom of the table with no points, Westmeath have managed one win in three, albeit a facile victory over Laois. Lennon senses an opportunity in Kiltoom this Sunday.

“It’s a local derby and that brings out the best in players. Our performances have shown that we’re not too far off the mark in this division and are capable of holding our own,” he says.

“Westmeath have one win and they were unlucky in their two other games so they’re there or thereabouts too.

“These games can take on a life of their own but we’ll be approaching Sunday’s match in much the same way as the previous three. We’ll focus on ourselves and how we perform and hopefully that will be good enough to get us over the line”.

This Sunday, Lennon and his Roscommon Ladies go in

search of badly needed league points. There’s no doubt that on the evidence of their three previous matches they are capable of competing at this level, but they have now reached a critical juncture in terms of their Division Two survival and winning is a must.

Westmeath, who are rarely short of scores, were narrowly beaten by Tipperary (1-13 to 1-11) in their opening game before their demolition job on Laois (7-8 to 0-11) in round two. The Lake County suffered another narrow defeat to Cavan (2-8 to 3-4) in their most recent outing but will be confident of climbing further up the table with victory this weekend.

Plenty to ponder: Roscommon Ladies manager Ollie Lennon will be hoping for a change in his team’s fortunes when they take on Westmeath in the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division Two this Sunday in Kiltoom. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Eoin Fitzgerald (file pic) was sent off as Roscommon suffered a seven-point defeat to Louth in Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon are rooted to the bottom of Division Two following three defeats in their first three games.

THE SPORTS STUDIO

Occasional sporting musings with Paul Healy

Roscommon hurling needs fresh start after awkward parting of ways

< PAUL HEALY

Shortly after the final whistle in Roscommon’s lacklustre defeat to Louth on Sunday, the indications were that disquiet in local hurling circles was about to reach a decisive tipping point.

The rumour mill had one clear message: manager Francis O’Halloran was likely to step down within hours.

Given those swirling rumours, when the Clare native confirmed his resignation early on Monday, there was no great surprise at the actual announcement.

However, what did take many people by surprise was the relatively unusual decision of a departing manager to publicly criticise players on the way out.

Clearly Francis O’Halloran feels hurt, and let down, to such a point that he felt justified in going public on what he considers to be a lack of commitment by players.

It’s a sad end to a short-lived O’Halloran reign. The manager was appointed in October 2021. Only a few weeks ago, the high profile addition of Kilkenny great Richie Power to the management set-up

was announced. Now the entire management team has stepped down, en bloc. Roscommon reached the Nicky Rackard Cup final last year, but an unimpressive start to this season’s Division 3A League campaign has highlighted the existence of tensions in the Roscommon camp.

It’s known that the outgoing management was frustrated by the unavailability of a number of key players (for various reasons) this season.

In his resignation statement, O’Halloran bluntly took aim at players: “Upon our appointment in late 2021, we committed

to improving and developing the standard of hurling in Roscommon. We feel that significant progress was made in 2022 culminating with an appearance in the Nicky Rackard final in Croke Park.

“However, the commitment and efforts shown by the management team have not been matched in recent times by the playing members of the panel despite our best efforts. Therefore, we have taken the decision to step away from the Roscommon senior hurling team with immediate effect,” the statement read.

That’s a pretty unusual public parting

Roscommon and Armagh …over the decades

I don’t know how many times Roscommon and Armagh have ‘crossed paths’ over the years, but a few games stand out in the memory…spanning over 40 years!

In 1977, the counties met in a novel All-Ireland senior football semi-final at Croke Park. At one stage in that game Roscommon were in dreamland, seven points clear, a place in the final within grasp. However, Armagh staged a great comeback, the game

ended in a draw, and the northern team won the replay by a point (0-15 to 0-14).

Three seasons on, Roscommon had the upperhand, defeating Armagh in the 1980 semi-final by 2-20 to 3-11

(Tony McManus and Michael Finneran scored the goals).

Roscommon won four Connacht titles in a row from 1977 to ’80, and a National League title in 1979, and the Roscommon-Armagh clashes of that golden era are fondly recalled by supporters.

Moving on over 40 years from that 1977 semi-final(s), and the counties played an absolute classic qualifier game on a scorching July day in 2018 at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Roscommon won a spectacularly entertaining end-to-end game on a scoreline of 2-22 to 1-19, thus qualifying for the All-Ireland quarter-final group stages.

Here’s the Roscommon team from that memorable day: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Niall McInerney, Peter Domican; John McManus, Niall Daly,

Seanie McDermott; Enda Smith, Tadhg O’Rourke; Ciarain Murtagh, Niall Kilroy, Conor Devaney; Donie Smith, Diarmuid Murtagh, Cathal Cregg. Subs used: Gary Patterson, Cathal Compton, Finbar Cregg, Conor Daly, Ian Kilbride.

This Sunday, Roscommon and Armagh meet in the Allianz National Football League Division One at Dr Hyde Park, the teams respectively proudly occupying first and second place in the table. Here’s hoping for another memorable encounter!

shot at players, and clearly points to an unhappy camp over recent weeks. No doubt O’Halloran feels justified in voicing his frustration; equally, the players will have their own views. In the circumstances, this parting of the ways might be the best outcome. Hopefully a fresh start can be made.

Roscommon GAA Hurling Board has thanked Francis O’Halloran and his management team for their work in 2022 and pre-season 2023, and wished them well in the future. The search for a new manager is now underway.

Fitting tribute to a footballing Nureyev

< PAUL HEALY

I have written before of my adulation of the mesmerising Liam Brady.

His brilliance as Arsenal’s playmaker in the late 1970s made him one of the most popular footballers on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Footballer of the Year in 1979, he moved to Italy and enjoyed great success there too.

Attending his Republic of Ireland testimonial game (against Finland at Lansdowne Road in 1990) was a great thrill for me. I distinctly remember Brady – by then approaching his mid-30s, and out of favour with Jack Charlton – being the classiest player on the pitch that night, his first touch superb, his control and passing a delight.

He was a footballing Nureyev.

Monday night’s RTE documentary – ‘Liam Brady: The Irishman Abroad’ – did not disappoint. Broadcast on the 50th anniversary of Brady signing schoolboy forms at Arsenal, this was a slick, enjoyable programme, a fitting tribute to a modest man who is a football legend.

Two things stood out for me. The respect and love felt for Brady amongst former playing colleagues and supporters in Italy was touching, and indicative of how significant his influence in Italy was, this in an era when players from the English League rarely made such a transition.

The second thing that stood out from the documentary was the quality of so many of his goals…the archives treating us to a stunning variety of left-footed finishes that graced the grounds of England and Italy.

As I wrote in my book ‘Sporting Heroes’, Liam Brady played the game in real life the way we played in our dreams. Flashback

to a classic encounter between Roscommon and Armagh, played in scorching heat in Portlaoise in July of 2018.

Photo: Mick McCormack

< PAUL HEALY