17 May 2024 Roscommon People

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Zoya and Marie McCrann. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

(090) 6627878. Mobile (086) 2573358

SCAR INJURY

I was injured in a road traffic accident last year. My friend was driving too fast and he crashed the car when he failed to take a sharp bend on the road. I was not seriously injured but I have been left with a noticeable scar on my forehead. My friend recently remarked that I may be entitled to compensation. Is this true, I have no other side effects from the accident? Please advise me.

It is not uncommon for a person who suffers an injury in a road traffic accident or otherwise to be left with scar tissue which forms after the injury heals. If the scar is the result of an injury received due to the negligence of another, you should be entitled to compensation. Such scar injury cases are often complicated. Beyond the physical pain of corrective surgeries, a scar victim can also suffer emotional and mental trauma from the change in their appearance caused by a disfiguring scar. When considering the implications of a scar injury, the age of the scar victim, the severity of the scar, the permanency of the scar and the number of corrective surgeries needed must be kept in mind. Expert medical advice from plastic surgeons and other medical practitioners is essential. The costs of any specialist medical treatment required, together with other out-of-pocket expenses, will form part of the compensation claim.

Strict time limits apply so you should immediately contact your solicitor who will offer you the best legal advice as regards bringing a claim for compensation on your behalf. Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors are Members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

With PAUL HEALY

SUNDAY

Wow! What an evening of entertainment! Huh?

What I watched yesterday evening was simply… EPIC!

Oh yeah, I’m with you now! I agree… it was sensational!

I was glued to the screen!

Same here… I couldn’t take my eyes off it! What a contest!

AMAZING!

And that ending… the way it finished… wow!

AWESOME!

It was some spectacle! I mean, there were bodies everywhere! Sprawled all over the great stage!

I know, the sheer athleticism was amazing!

It was pure art!

Incredibly uplifting! Some of the moves were mind-blowing! It was passionate too… made me proud to be Irish, actually!

THAT ENDING… wow! A tsunami of late points to determine the eventual winner… as viewers held their collective breath!

You say viewers… that’s the only shame about it… the fact that so few people were tuned in… Huh?

Small viewing numbers, for obvious reasons!

I think not!

I blame the GAA. Fancy having to sign up to GAAGO to see that hurling classic! Cork and Limerick?

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

Yes! Bodies sprawled across the great stage, pure art, athleticism, late scores to determine the winner… to quote yourself ‘what a contest!’…

Oh no! I was talking about the Eurovision Song Contest last night! Bodies sprawled across the great stage, pure art, athleticism, late scores to determine the winner… what a contest!

Oh dear!

(They pause to try and work out how the

WATCHING People

It was some spectacle! I mean, there were bodies everywhere!

public votes in the Eurovision are distributed, but quickly give up)

So, what’s our agenda for this week?

We have an agenda?

Well, like, what’s on…

Well, we have another secret meeting about our ongoing secret plans to secretly form a new political party… Brilliant! When and where?

Eh, a secret, for now!

Anyone else know about it?

Eh… just the pub bore. YOU TOLD THE PUB BORE?

He wants to help.

He’ll want to be Chairperson!

Nah, he has specifically asked if he can draw up a colour-coded map of all the houses that should be canvassed, with all voters listed in alphabetical order, a document recording which houses have pet dogs, their names in alphabetical order too… and a collection of catchphrases for our candidates to use on the doorstep! Sounds like the pub bore!

Indeed!

Hey, if this party goes ahead, are you saying we’ll contest the local elections? Probably!

Will WE be candidates?

Maybe!

Only three weeks to go… will we need posters?

NO!

Ah, on environmental grounds?

Nah… you and I are already recognised poster boys! We’ve got that Healy-Rae-like magic! Oh dear!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Singer Nemo, winner of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland (Bambie Thug, representing Ireland, finished sixth)

Cork senior hurlers, who kept their season alive with a dramatic win over All-Ireland champions Limerick in a classic encounter

Carlow senior hurlers, who sensationally drew with hurling aristocrats, Kilkenny

Donegal footballers, who won the Ulster title after a pulsating final against Armagh, the outcome decided by a penalty shoot-out

It’s been a BAD week for…

Armagh footballers, who lost Sunday’s Ulster Football final in a penalty shoot-out, their latest heartbreaking loss in that manner

The Netherlands’ Eurovision Song Contest entry Joost Klein, who was disqualified from the competition after allegedly confronting a camerawoman in a threatening manner prior to Saturday night’s live final

PIC OF THE WEEK: Roscommon fan Johnny Co ey having his jersey signed by Conor Harley after last Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 football semi- nal defeat to Tyrone in Kingspan Bre ni Park, Cavan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Open: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every day

Student Michael Keaveney from Castlerea Community School in Roscommon recently reached the Innovation Final of the Foróige Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Programme (NFTE) for his enterprise, ‘MK Mirror Guards’. ‘MK Mirror Guards’ provide aluminium mirror guards to protect your tractors mirrors and to add to the tractor’s appearance.

The Foróige Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Programme is a youth entrepreneurship, education and development programme for young people experiencing disadvantage and adversity.

Over 7,000 young entrepreneurs from all over Ireland took part, competing through a series of local, county, regional rounds, with a total of 186 local competitions taking place, leading to thirty

Castlerea student in Foróige NFTE finals

regional finals. Finally, there is the closely-fought national final, which this year saw the top eight young entrepreneurs in the ‘Best Business’ category have the opportunity to pitch their business to an expert panel of judges from some of Ireland’s leading companies, as they battled it out to be crowned Foróige NFTE ‘Youth Entrepreneur of the Year 2024’.

This year’s overall winners, named at an awards ceremony in Richmond Barracks in Dublin, were ‘Stick It’ by Annamai Condon (16) and Clodagh Desmond (16) from Loreto Secondary School in Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

Winning businesses in all categories will now go on to represent Ireland at the ‘European Youth Entrepreneur Awards’ in Berlin in October this year.

Pictured is student Michael Keaveney from Castlerea Community School in Roscommon, who recently reached the Innovation Final of the Foróige Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Programme (NFTE) for his enterprise, ‘MK Mirror Guards’.

Are you recently engaged and considering a short lead wedding or vow renewal? Because at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon, there are some key December dates in 2024/25 available which would suit anyone looking to celebrate a romantic Christmas wedding, civil union, humanist ceremony, or vow renewal.

A bespoke wedding package can be tailored to suit couples’ style and budget. And special o ers for select 2025 summer dates are also available. Viewing appointments can be

scheduled by calling the Abbey’s dedicated wedding coordinator Lisa on 090 6666211. Late evening and weekend viewings are available upon request to facilitate those working during the week. Enquiries can also be made to weddings@abbeyhotel.ie.

Grealy’s Abbey Hotel is a family-run business in the heart of Roscommon that has over sixty years’ expertise in hosting weddings. Their professional hands-on team will assist with every stage of the wedding planning journey.

“Our unrivalled wedding reputation

spanning six decades and meticulous attention to detail is what makes the Abbey the preferred wedding venue choice for so many couples from all over the country” said Geraldine Grealy, Director of Marketing at the Abbey.

“Then there’s the added nostalgia and history; the hotel have been welcoming couples through the generations, since the early 1960s!” She continued, noting: “Going that extra mile for our couples is important. We give all our couples access to our elite recommended wedding suppliers list as

Nobody does weddings quite like the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon

SUMMER WEDDING FAIR

SUNDAY 7th JULYBook your stand 086 3276584

well as our special free gift to you when you book. Enquire today and let our family look after yours on your special day!”

There will be a Summer Wedding Fair on 7th July with live music on the day Please book your stand by calling 086 327 6584.

To keep up to date with the Abbey, nd the hotel on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and X (formerly Twitter). More information, and the Abbey’s wedding brochure, can be found online at abbeyhotel.ie.

Racing continues at Roscommon next Monday

It is official – summer is here, and we are one fixture down at Roscommon, with nine more to go. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces here at our first meeting last Monday, the 13th of May. We’re back racing on next Monday, the 20th of May, with another evening fixture. Once again, it is a flat card, and as is the norm, all the major yards will be represented, while the likes of multipleChampion Jockey Colin Keane will be riding here again next week.

Ronan Whelan, one of our leading riders, said, “I can safely say that all the riders love going to Roscommon. The Weigh Room is top class and is as good as any in Ireland or England. The track is very well maintained. The bends are well cambered and there is always a very good atmosphere there. It is a pleasure to go racing in Roscommon”. We have two valuable races here next week, one

for €25,000 and our feature is the €30,000 winners’ race. Our best turned our prizes are sponsored by Hamrock’s Bar & Lounge, Athleague and our race sponsors include The Irish EBF, JTW Distribution and the Abbey Hotel.

We update our social platforms regularly so follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram –#getintouch!

Admission prices are as follows: €15 for adults; €10 for OAP/students. There is a 10% discount when purchased online at roscommonracecourse. ie.

A list of remaining fixtures and all other information, which includes ticket information, can be found on our website roscommonracecourse.ie. For enquiries, email contact@roscommonracecourse.ie or phone 087 2203288. Come for the racing, stay for the craic!

Sephoria celebrates 10 years in business in Roscommon

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY THIS SATURDAY

This weekend, Sephoria Boutique is celebrating ten years in business in Roscommon town!

In addition to their well-established premises on Main Street, Roscommon Town, Sephoria Boutique more recently opened a second outlet, in Irishtown, Athlone.

With lots of new arrivals for summer weddings and all special occasions, Sephoria Boutique stocks a range of dresses, tops, jackets, and accessories, providing stylish ladies fashion at affordable prices.

To mark ten years in business in Roscommon town, proprietor Kate Lynch invites everyone to Sephoria Boutique for a Customer Appreciation Day this Saturday, May 18th. Kate would also like to thank customers for their support over the years.

The event, which will take place at the Roscommon premises, will feature entertainment, finger food, and refreshments. There will also be goodie bag giveaways! Not only that, but Sephoria Boutique are also treating customers to 30% off stock in both the Roscommon and Athlone locations this weekend – Friday, May 17th, and Saturday, May 18th

In addition to Sephoria Boutique’s two premises in Main Street, Roscommon town, and Irishtown, Athlone, customers can also buy online by visiting sephoriaboutique.ie, where you can choose to have your order delivered right to your door or opt for ‘Local Pickup’ instead.

Be sure to come along to Sephora Boutique this weekend to mark ten years in Roscommon, enjoy the celebrations and save on some stylish fashion! For more information and to stay updated, find Sephoria Boutique on Instagram and Facebook.

THURSDAY

‘Reindeer’ latest!

Last week I wrote about the Netflix phenomenon ‘Baby Reindeer’. Today, the fallout has escalated further on social media, thanks to Piers Morgan.

Baby Reindeer is the hit Netflix series starring actor/writer/comedian Richard Gadd, which tells the story of his harrowing experience with a stalker (‘Martha’ in the show) and a (separate) abuser. Yesterday, Piers Morgan interviewed Scottish lawyer Fiona Harvey, who says she is the person the Martha character is based on. While she accepted that aspects of Baby Reindeer were accurate, she strongly disputes the overall portrayal and has threatened to sue both Netflix and Mr Gadd.

I don’t recall a series receiving such attention since the peak of the hysteria about Tiger King.

It’s hard to keep up with all the commentary, claims and counterclaims. I think I’ll go back to watching repeats of Last of the Summer Wine

FRIDAY

Raising the roof!

That’s the one certainty about the hottest day of the year… it will bring the roof-less drivers out.

I’m not remotely jealous, of course. Some people just happen to have a car with a retractable roof. And good luck to them. Some people even have cars that have no roof at all. This being Ireland, these are the lesser-spotted vehicles, but they will (rightly) emerge – and literally have their day in the sun – once a spell of warm weather comes our way.

Today – hailed as the hottest day of the year so far, not that there was much opposition – naturally brought a few roof-less cars out. Usually it’s a convertible, but this morning I got a fleeting glimpse of a gorgeous, stylish old vehicle, purring roof-less in the vicinity of Roscommon Town. It reminded

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A

column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

me of that magical car in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but I didn’t get to see if the driver had any resemblance to Dick Van Dyke.

Anyways, not remotely jealous. Actually, these ramblings remind me of the early 1980s in Rooskey, when my family had a Toyota Landcruiser, the classic yellow version. One hot summer, we removed the roof… bolt by bolt. It felt like the ordeal had been worth it, as we whizzed – in roof-less joy – over Rooskey bridge that scorching weekend. No doubt there were one or two bolts left over by the time we had put the roof back in place.

SATURDAY

Mayhem in Malmö!

After enjoying an evening barbeque – held to signal the start (and end) of the heatwave – and to celebrate finally sourcing burger buns in Roscommon Town – I returned indoors to check out the Eurovision Song Contest. Fortunately, I had con-

sumed two glasses of wine by then. When I was a kid, the Eurovision was essential viewing. It was unmissable TV, rather like the Late Late Toy Show and the All-Ireland finals. Mind you, even in the days when it was a conventional song contest, we watched it mostly for the voting, that and Terry Wogan’s deliciously droll commentary. Tonight’s version was sheer chaos… politically charged behind the scenes, spectacular razzmatazz on stage, once the live coverage began. Eurovision 2024 took place against an explosive political backdrop (the Israel-Gaza war).

I only watched bits and pieces, as I couldn’t endure three hours and 50 minutes of such glitter, glam and goth. In full channel-hopping mode, at one stage I switched to a movie about the late British comedian Tony Hancock, which I stayed with for an hour, just for a change of pace!

Any time I returned to Malmö, it was to a gloriously eccentric show: extraordinary costumes, semi-naked acts, more feathers than you’d encounter

in a poultry farm, provocative dance routines, colour, humour, but lots of darkness too. It was both wonderful and exhausting. Finland’s trouser-less ‘Windows95Man’ lit up the stage with some bangers, while singing about a boy who sells his cow and moves to the big city.

Irish entry Bambi Thug sang ‘Doomsday Blue’. This is certainly not my kind of music, but the self-proclaimed ‘goth gremlin goblin witch’ produced a spellbinding performance. Dana it wasn’t, all kinds of everything it was.

As for the judging, it isn’t as exciting as in the past. The format these days sees jury votes distributed first, before all hell breaks loose with the allocation of public votes that can run into the hundreds, thus potentially greatly distorting the pattern that has been established.

It was a spectacular production, but went on far too long. A nice chap called ‘Nemo’ won it for Switzerland, but I was beyond caring by then. Bambi came sixth. Oh well, What’s Another Year…

SUNDAY

GAA drama

They used to say there were only two things you could be certain of in life; taxes… and death. To which one might add: ‘And Dublin winning the Leinster football title’.

Today, the Dubs won their 14th provincial crown in a row, arguably a preposterous state of affairs for the GAA! The last time a county other than Dublin won Leinster (Meath, 2010), Brian Cowen was Taoiseach.

Mind you, the story of today’s final was the magnificent performance by Louth; they ran the mighty Dubs to a mere four points, a phenomenal effort on the part of the massive underdogs. Louth, who were level with Dublin with seventeen minutes to go, combined patient defensive discipline with pacy breaks forward and superb point-taking. On this form, Ger Brennan’s team could be strong contenders in their All-Ireland group (which includes Kerry, Meath and Monaghan).

Meanwhile, today’s Ulster Football final was a terrific, nerveracking contest, won by Donegal on a penalty shoot-out. Great for Donegal, more heartbreak for Armagh (who lost last year’s Ulster final in the same way).

I think it’s unfair for these big games (in GAA and soccer) to be decided by penalties. Could replays be accommodated again? Presumably GAA folks (not just the GAA Finance Department) remember the four-game epic between Dublin and Meath in 1991?

MONDAY

PR own goal!

The suspicion that some Dublinbased PR companies know as much about Romania as they do about Roscommon/rural Ireland was underlined today… when we received an email claiming a Roscommon ‘angle’ to a press release because the person in question is from ‘Spiddal’.

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Council addresses Lough Errit pollution fears

Roscommon County Council released a statement last week regarding a number of complaints which were received over the May bank holiday weekend in relation to sightings of what was originally perceived to be spilled paint in the water at Lough Errit.

In the statement, the Council said: “Over the May bank holiday weekend a number of complaints were received by Roscommon County Council alleging that paint had been spilled into or onto Lough Errit.

“Staff of the Environment Department of Roscommon County Council carried out an inspection of the shores on Lough Errit in recent days and wish

to allay any fears the paint had been spillage in the lake.

“The material accumulating on the lake shore and on the surface of the lake is pollen; tree pollen.

“The prevailing dry and calm weather conditions over the weekend allowed for the accumulation of the pollen in sheltered areas of the lake and close to the facilities on the lake shore”.

The Council added that it wished to thank the public for raising their concerns “as community engagement is an integral part of protecting our environment”.

Głosowanie Numer 1: McDERMOTT Voto Número 1: McDERMOTT

Continue your preference for Larry Brennan and Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice

Working with Senator Eugene Murphy

Errit Lake in County Roscommon pictured during the May bank holiday weekend with what was originally feared to be paint on the water’s surface.

Siobhan and Charlie Hunt pictured with their grandson Charlie GilmoreHunt during Grandparents Day at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Mary and Joe Connelly pictured with their granddaughter Amilia Doolan during Grandparents Day at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Emma Mills pictured with her granddaughter Alaia Mills during Grandparents Day at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan

15 patients on trolleys in Portiuncula Hospital

 PAUL HEALY

There were 15 patients on trolleys in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe on Wednesday, 15th of May, according to figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

In its latest ‘Trolley Watch’ update, the INMO reported there were nine patients on trolleys in the Emergency Department at Portiuncula and a further six people on trolleys in other wards there.

In terms of the national picture, there were 545 patients on trolleys at hospitals nationwide

as of Wednesday. This compares with a total of 459 admitted patients waiting for beds in hospitals across the country last Thursday (9th of May).

Of the 545 on trolleys in the middle of this week, 377 were in emergency departments.

University Hospital Limerick had the highest total of patients on trolleys, with 115. University Hospital Galway was next highest, on 48.

The INMO says that over 11,070 patients, including 258 children, were admitted to hospital without a bed during the month of April.

SeóBóthairdo

Shaoránaigh

Fuinnimh, RosComáin

DéCéadaoin,an22

Bealtaine2024

ÓstánAbbey,BaileRos Comáin,6.15pm-8.30pm

Bílinndonimeachtsaorinaisceseo, tabhaircuairtarthaispeántóirí,agus éistlenárbpainéalaithefaoi thodhchaífuinnimhnahÉireann.

Chun tuilleadheolaisafháil,tabhair cuairtar eirgrid.ie/roadshows nódéanancódQRascanadh.

I gcomhpháirtíocht le:/ Partnered with:

Wednesday,22ndMay2024

TheAbbeyHotel, RoscommonTown, 6.15pm–8.30pm

Joinusforthisfreeevent,visit exhibitors,andhearfromour panellistsaboutIreland’senergy future.Formore,visit eirgrid.ie/roadshows orscantheQRcode.

EirGrid to host Energy Citizens Roadshow in Roscommon

EirGrid, the developer and operator of the national electricity grid, will bring its Energy Citizens Roadshow to Roscommon Town next Wednesday.

The free event will provide information on how EirGrid plans to future-proof the electricity grid, and what this will mean for communities across Roscommon and surrounding areas.

Guests will also be invited to engage with an expert panel, including representatives from ESB Networks, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Roscommon County Council, in discussions on Ireland’s energy future and the opportunities it holds for the county.

The roadshow will take place from 6.15 pm to 8.30 pm on Wednesday, May 22nd, at the Abbey Hotel.

There will also be information stalls showcasing the latest details on home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofitting grants and information about community micro-generation schemes.

Looking ahead to the event, Sinead Dooley (Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid) said, “These roadshows provide an

opportunity for people, businesses and communities to speak with and hear from experts in the energy industry.

This is not only an opportunity to hear about how EirGrid plans to make the grid stronger and more flexible, it is also a great opportunity for people to discuss the options and funding available to them to consider energy-efficiency measures that will reduce their energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.

“We also understand people’s

concerns regarding energy consumption and the need for savings, and we are pleased to have exhibitors from a range of organisations who can provide information regarding local and national supports,” Dooley added.

“We look forward to an engaging evening, hearing inputs from communities, industry leaders, and discussing how we can all work towards achieving a cleaner energy future”.

To register for this free event, visit eirgrid.ie/roadshows.

Join the EirGrid

Gerry and Teresa Coyle pictured with their granddaughter Maia Kelly during Grandparents Day at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Roscommon to start National Famine Way Commemorative Walk in fine style

Roscommon is the focal point for the opening events of The National Famine Way Commemorative Walk. Sunday, May 19th is National Famine Commemoration Day and on that evening the Percy French Hotel in Strokestown will host a ‘Canadian Wake’.

Based on the traditional American Wake, this marks the connection between the National Famine Way and the emigrant who walked it destined for

Canada. The special guest is Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, Eamonn McKee.

Strokestown Park House is the starting point for the walk itself on Monday, May 20th. It begins with a dramatic reenactment of the events in 1847 which prompted the foundation of the trail including traditional musicians, school children and walkers dressed in famine costume.

Members of the Tighe family, whose

ancestors were evicted, will read the names of the 1,490 tenants forced to leave their homes in Strokestown, march to Dublin and emigrate to Canada on the worst of the infamous coffin ships. Only half of the emigrants survived.

Their names are etched on a commemorative glass wall outside the National Famine Museum.

The Commemorative Walk takes place over six days from Monday 20th

to Saturday 25th of May. It will be led by Ambassador McKee and representatives of the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail to mark the launch of the Global Irish Famine Way.

The Commemorative Walk is free, accessible and open to everyone in the six counties it passes through to join in.

Starting at the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park in Roscommon, it follows the National Famine Way for 165 km to EPIC The

Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin’s Docklands.

The National Famine Way traverses six counties and each is staging commemorative events as the walkers pass through. The National Famine Way is a collaboration between Waterways Ireland, the Irish Heritage Trust and the county councils along the route.

The local authorities involved are Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath, Kildare, Fingal, and Dublin.

Martin Shanagher, Shanagher Hearing, Harrison Centre, Roscommon

Caroilin Callery of the Irish Famine Way pictured with replica bronze shoes before they departed for Canada where they are to be presented during a Marine Institute research trip to mark the launch of the Global Irish Famine Way. Pic: Andrew Downes, xposure

Caroilin and Jim Callery pictured at one of the ‘bronze shoes’ National Famine Way trail markers.

Council launches Green Spaces competition

Roscommon County Council are delighted to be launching the Greener Spaces Competition for 2024.

The competition, which is now in its second year, is open to all primary schools and community groups (including Residents Associations and Tidy Towns groups) in County Roscommon. Overall winners last year included Kilteevan National School, Cloontuskert Development and Tidy Towns Association CLG, Drumlion Community Council and the Portrun Development Association CLG.

Greener Spaces is all about recognis-

ing the efforts which have been made to look after and develop outdoor spaces – including School Grounds, Burial Grounds, Residential Estates and Community Spaces.

Perhaps your school has made great efforts in attracting pollinators, reducing litter or created recycled art?

Maybe your community group has started composting, reusing materials or created a wildflower area?

The Environment Department of Roscommon County Council are calling on applications from primary schools or community groups who are looking

Seminar on care and conservation of historic graveyards

Members of the public are warmly invited to a seminar on the care and conservation of historic graveyards, taking place from 1 pm to 5 pm on Friday, May 24th, in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon.

This event is for groups or individuals with an interest in caring for or managing a cemetery or graveyard.

“This seminar will provide practical, appropriate and easy to understand advice and guidance on how to care for historic graveyards and allow for discussion and sharing of experience”, said Nollaig Feeney Heritage Officer, Roscommon County Council.

The event will start with registration and tea/coffee/light lunch at 1 pm. Proceedings start at 1.30 pm with a welcome and four presentations – ‘Nature & Wildlife in our Graveyards’ by heritage expert Michael Bell, ‘Archaeology in our Graveyards’, a talk by archaeologist Eoin Halpin, ‘Built

to showcase an outdoor space or school grounds – no matter how big or small. Roscommon County Council’s Envi-

ronment Department are trying to find the ‘greenest’ spaces, with prizes on offer for overall winners and runners-up, and special awards for climate action and action for pollinators.

This year judges will be awarding marks for Overall Appearance, Litter Control, Environmental Initiatives/Projects, Enhancing Biodiversity, Habitats and Natural Amenities and Action for Pollinators.

Environmental Education and Awareness Officer, Jonathan Jones, encouraged community groups, Residents Associations and primary schools to

“enter the competition which recognises the efforts being made to enhance outdoor spaces within Roscommon. It is the perfect time for community groups and primary schools to show their ‘green’ spaces at their best”. Further information can be found at https://www.roscommoncoco.ie and online application forms can be completed at https://roscommon-self. achieveservice.com/.

Completed applications should be submitted no later than the closing date of 4 pm on Thursday, 30th of May 2024.

Heritage & Conservation in our Graveyards’ by Michael O’Boyle (Grade 1 Conservation Architect), and ‘Fundraising for your Cemetery’, a talk by Tony Bambrick (PRO, Ardcarne Parish Graveyards Committee).

The event will also include a ‘Discussion and Sharing of Experience’ workshop, facilitated by Rita Kearney of Kearney Consultants & Trainers.

The event is free but booking is required on eventbrite.ie. If you cannot book tickets through the Eventbrite page, please book by contacting the Heritage Office via email at heritage@roscommoncoco.ie or phone on 090 6637136.

This evening is hosted by Roscommon County Council Heritage Office in association with County Roscommon Graveyards Committee and funded by The Heritage Council as an action of County Roscommon Heritage Plan.

Roscommon fans Mark and Niamh Whelan and Pat, Annemarie and Eva Ryan pictured at the All-Ireland U-20 football semi-final between Roscommon and Tyrone last Saturday in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Anna, Eva, Anita and Donal Moran from Strokestown pictured supporting Roscommon in last Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 football semi-final between Roscommon and Tyrone in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Bottle blues: Mixed returns in recycling deposit scheme

Our columnist Frank Brandon on pest problems, the flaws in the new Deposit Return Scheme, the (semi)visibility of the Northern Lights over Ireland last week, and celebrating Creggs rugby…

One of the things about me is that I am very wary of anything that’s new. And so I have to admit that I looked at the new machines for recycling bottles and cans with a fair bit of trepidation, and until last week, avoided having anything to do with them. However, I read a recent piece on the Sunday Independent where one of their reporters had tried them out, and he couldn’t get over how easy

Bee-ware – pest horror stories!

As the recent hot weather had us sizzling in the sun, I was reminded of another outbreak of sunshine a couple of years ago – when we had not one, but two nests of wasps in the hedge at the front of the garden!

There were so many of them flying around that we took our lives in our hands every time we went outside… or at least we thought we did. And so we sent an emergency call to Alan O’Keeffe of AOK pest control.

Thankfully Alan arrived pretty quickly and got rid of the pests without any fuss, and we have had no problem since – apart from the odd one flying around the garden.

Then I read about three-year-old Saylor Class, over there in Charlotte, North Carolina, who told her sceptical parents that there were ‘monsters’ in her bedroom. Now, as she had recently watched a movie called Monsters Inc, her parents assumed it was all to do with what she saw in that film. And so her mother gave her a bottle of water, which she called ‘monster spray’, so she could ‘spray the monsters away’.

However, as time went by and the little girl kept telling her parents about the monsters, eventually her mother took a bit more notice. She’d begun to see a lot of bees swarming in clusters near the attic and chimney of their 100-year-old farmhouse, and then wondered if the noise of the bees flying around was the source of Saylor’s ‘monsters’. And so she followed my example and sent for the pest control company – not AOK, as North Carolina is slightly outside his jurisdiction.

Anyway, they came and identified the problem as a huge swarm of honey bees, but there was another setback – as they were a protected species, they couldn’t just be simply eradicated. And so they had to get a beekeeper, who removed an astonishing 60,000 bees from the internal walls of the house. As well as that, in the eight months that the little girl was telling her parents about her monsters, they had constructed a massive honeycomb in the closet that weighed an extraordinary 100 lbs!

And to cap it all off, there was extensive damage done to the house’s electrical works, which will cost more than $20,000 to repair – but because of some clause in their insurance policy, the damage isn’t covered at all.

And so I suppose the moral of the story is that if your toddler continues to tell you something, no matter how outrageous, you should eventually investigate it! It might save you a fortune.

they are to work. He explained how he put in all his bottles and cans, got a receipt, and simply presented the receipt at the till, where you can either use it to reduce your shopping bill, or get actual cash back. And so last Thursday I gathered up a total of fifteen items (bottles and cans), and confidently headed to the machine at the front of Lidl in Roscommon. Sadly, most of my bot-

tles were rejected, despite still having the horrible security caps on them which make it almost impossible to get a good swig out of them – and for all the stuff I brought with me, I got a receipt for €1.20.

The problem, as I see it, is the fact that bottles are supposed to be in almost perfect condition, while the terribly flimsy plastic that a lot of the smaller water bottles are made of

Creggs Rugby reflects on successful season

Out here in Creggs, the local rugby club have more or less wrapped up things for the year, bringing the curtain down on a very successful twelve months with a recent Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel. Awards were presented to lots of people at the event. For the men, the first team player of the year award went to James Brandon, while second team player of year went to Mark Kilcommons, and most improved player went to Padraig Geraghty.

For the women, the player of year award went to Susan Reilly, and the players’ player of the year award went to Kelly Haugh. There were also special recognition awards for our three U-18 internationals: Siofra Hession, Sarah Purcell and Jemima Adams Verling.

Meanwhile, minis coordinator Elizabeth Payne was named as the very worthy winner of the club person of the year award, as she does Trojan work in looking after the vitally important mini section.

Congratulations to all the winners – especially my nephew, James!

After the meal and speeches and stuff, I am told the floor was rocking, as everyone danced to the music of the fabulous Heebie Jeebies. A highlight was the traditional Haka, performed by the Kiripati family, and by all accounts a highly enjoyable night was had by all.

Sadly I couldn’t make it, so I feel sure the crowd would have missed my special dance moves, but please God I will make it next year and do my best Michael Flatley impersonation!

means they literally crumple up in your hands as you drink them. And so I was slightly deflated as I had to put most of my bottles into an ordinary bin, and got nothing at all for them. If the water companies want us to keep paying 25 cent for bigger bottles, and 15 cent for smaller ones, please make them in such a way that the plastic is stronger and that they keep their original shape!

Seeing (kind of) the ‘Northern

Lights’

It seems the whole country had the pleasure of seeing the Northern Lights the other night. Some of the photos that I received from my daughters, Tara and Lisa, were absolutely spectacular. Though I had gone to bed early, I left the warmth of the blankets to go outside to see the remarkable spectacle. However, my son Paul and I failed to see anything unusual, and reckoned the trees across the road must be blocking our view. My other son, Mark, could see them as well, and as he lives less than a mile away we decided we’d drive down to have a look at ‘his’ lights! Imagine our surprise when we realised that we had been looking at them all along, but didn’t cop them!

They mightn’t have been as spectacular as elsewhere, but they were still pretty special, and as we headed home again to look at our own lights, we felt a little bit foolish.

Somewhere I saw that, in Ireland, we see them every 20 years or so, but for me, after 73 years on the earth, it was my first time to ever see the Northern Lights – and I very nearly missed them!

And finally…

This week I have a sad note to end on, following news that John Dowd from Glinsk was laid to rest recently.

Way back in 1971, John was part of the Creggs team that won the U-21 county final, and he played a huge part in bringing the cup home. Sadly, only a couple of weeks ago, another member of the panel, Jackie Quinn, also passed away. Both of them will be greatly missed in Glinsk and surrounding areas. I had the pleasure of playing football with both these men, and even though I would have met them infrequently down through the years, I always enjoyed running into them! May they rest in peace.

Creggs senior women’s players Shannon Haugh and Sharon Donoghoe pictured at the recent Creggs RFC awards night in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Steve Fahey

BRENNAN LARRY

Celebrate

National Biodiversity Week in Kilteevan

An event aimed at celebrating National Biodiversity Week in Kilteevan has been organised to take place at 10 am on Saturday, May 25th. Kilteevan Tidy Towns is delighted to be hosting this event with Michael Bell of Nature Learn.

This event will follow the Cloonlarge Loop Trail in Kilteevan, which is a gentle 5km loop walk bordering the boglands. Walkers should be back at the Community Centre by 1 pm. Those interested in participating should please note the length of the walk – it is not suitable for very young children.

During the walk you will learn how to record what you see and join Ireland’s Citizen Science community. Some members of Kilteevan Tidy Towns will share their experience of the benefits and fulfilment of Citizen Science. Places are limited so booking is essential via kilteevantidytowns@gmail. com. A checklist will be issued upon booking, and a bus will transport you between Kilteevan Community Centre and the walk. This event is free and is kindly supported by the Roscommon County Council Heritage Office and National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Revenue seize cigarettes and cash to value of over €40,000 in Roscommon

Revenue officers have been granted a three-month cash detention order by Judge James Faughnan of Ballinasloe District Court following the seizure of cash to the value of €30,000 and over 14,000 cigarettes.

The seizure was made recently after a search, under warrant, of three properties in Roscommon

as a result of an intelligence-led operation and with the support of detector dog, Toby.

The illicit cigarettes have an estimated retail value of over €11,800, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €9,300.

A man was questioned and investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply of illegal tobacco products. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on the confidential freephone number 1800 295 295.

In Europen Election, please support, in order of your choice: COWEN Barry; CHAMBERS Lisa and BLANEY Niall

Special Healing Mass in Curraghboy

A Special Healing Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, on Friday, May 24th, commencing at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr Oisín Martin CFR (Friars of the Renewal, Limerick). Confessions will be available from 7 pm and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Individual Blessings for Healing will take place after Mass. Refreshments will be available afterwards. All are most welcome. The eircode is N37W704.

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

The cigarettes and cash that were seized after a search, under warrant, was carried out on three properties in Roscommon by Revenue o cers recently.

Pictured is Toby the detector dog who was involved in the recent seizure by Revenue of cash and cigarettes in Roscommon.

NewsPeople

Lack of clarity on proposed housing of refugees in Castlerea ‘unacceptable’

Frustration is mounting among local councillors and Oireachtas members over the lack of details surrounding plans to house International Protection Applicants (IPAs) at the Riverwalk apartment block in Castlerea.

With renovations underway to potentially accommodate approximately 50 people, the lack of clear information has heightened community concerns. These concerns have manifested in the form of peaceful demonstrations at the property in question and outrage from local politicians about the lack of communication.

Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice, a grocer whose business is in Castlerea, emphasised that local housing needs should be prioritised: “Firstly, there are many local people who are looking for accommodation and these apartments should be offered to local people first”. He also raised concerns about the potential impact of integrating a large group into a small community: “I believe [it] may cause problems and may bring a fear factor”.

Despite numerous attempts to contact IPAS

Kerrane shares concerns of local councillors

Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane has shared the concerns of local councillors around the lack of information coming from the relevant government department on this issue. Taking to Facebook on Monday, May 13th, Deputy Kerrane said: “I have received a number of queries from people in Castlerea asking about activity at Riverwalk. I have made contact with the Department and as always, as soon as I have information I will share it upfront and publicly”.

The following day, noting that she had to send three emails to elicit a response from the Department, Deputy Kerrane shared the response she had received, which said: “IPAS have been engaging with the provider of this property and discussions are at an advanced stage. It is anticipated that this property can be brought into use in the near future to provide accommodation to IP applicants.

“No IPAs have been moved into the property. In advance of this property coming into use the Community Engagement Team will provide a detailed briefing note to all local public representatives”.

In sharing the update, Deputy Kerrane committed to pursue this matter, assuring the public she will share all information when received.

and other officials, Cllr Fitzmaurice says he has received no concrete information, which he finds unacceptable: “After many phone calls [it] has yielded no response. I won’t be making speculative comments until we get clarity”.

He continued: “I do believe everyone should get accommodation of some sort but this should be in large towns or cities with full services and migrants should be processed quickly as to whether they can stay in the country [or not]”.

Cllr Fitzmaurice continued: “I think Castlerea is not the right place for this style of accommodation due to a housing shortage and it being a small town with limited services”.

Independent Ireland Councillor Nigel Dineen voiced strong criticism of the Government’s approach, stating: “I am absolutely disgusted to think that it seems to be government policy not to consult with the people”.

He described his efforts to clarify the situation, stating that he had made multiple unanswered enquiries to Roscommon County Council and government departments: “The Council manage-

ment are in the dark, the councillors are in the dark and most unfortunately and importantly the people are in the dark”.

An auctioneer by trade, Cllr Dineen was adamant to address rumours of his auctioneering business being involved in the sale or acquisition of the property in question: “My auctioneering business has had zero transactions with the subject properties, this is a matter of public record and the one or two people stating otherwise should be cautioned from a legal standpoint”.

Addressing the work he had done on trying to obtain information from national authorities, Councillor Dineen said: “On the 8th of May, at 5.30 am, I wrote to Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice’s office to clarify this situation and this was very swiftly sent to Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s office seeking information. To date (May 14th), I have had no response from his (O’Gorman’s) Department, which is simply totally and utterly unacceptable”.

Independent councillor, Anthony Waldron, from Ballintubber, also spoke to the Roscommon Peo-

ple about the situation: “I’ve been saying it since 2007, no-one should be coming into the country without being vetted. Now, it remains to be seen if that will be the case here, but in all likelihood, we’re dealing with the prospect that at least some of the people who will be moved into Castlerea will be unvetted”.

Echoing the shared concerns of his fellow councillors, Councillor Waldron alluded to the fact that there are many local people who have housing needs that are going unmet and added that nothing sows disquiet quicker than people feeling as though “others are receiving preferential treatment when it should be a case of one rule, applied equally, for all”.

“Have we learned nothing from the tragic case of Aisling Murphy?” asked Councillor Waldron, referring to the murder of school teacher Aisling Murphy in Tullamore in January of 2022. Jozef Puška was convicted of her murder in November of 2023. Mr Puška had pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been granted leave to appeal.

Residents of Castlerea are set to hold a peaceful demonstration this Sunday, May 19th, at 1 pm to express their concerns over plans to house International Protection Applicants (IPAs) at a local apartment complex. The protest will commence at the Lidl Store on Knock Road and proceed through the town centre.

The Department of Integration has recently confirmed that discussions are nearing completion for the use of the Riverwalk apartment complex as accommodation for individuals seeking international protection. Members of the local community have voiced significant apprehension about the lack of transparency and preparatory information from the authorities. There is speculation that there could be 50-60 people housed in the complex.

According to the Department, no IPAs have yet moved into the property, and a detailed briefing note is expected to be provided to all local public representatives before the property is brought into use.

A Community Engagement Team (CET) has been established to improve communication and aid the integration process for new arrivals by providing accurate information to the local community and public representatives. The planned protest is an extension of previous demonstrations held by the ‘Castlerea Says No’ group, which saw residents gather outside the apartment building earlier this week. The group’s spokesperson emphasised the community’s effort to gain clarity from the International Protection Accommodation

Services (IPAS), which has yet to provide substantial information to the public.

The Department of Integration has stated that a formal contract must be signed before the official use of a premises can be confirmed. Pending the formalisation of the situation, the CET’s role will be crucial in facilitating this transition, focusing on direct engagement with elected representatives, local authorities, and the community to ensure a smooth introduction of IPAs into the area.

As Castlerea prepares for Sunday’s demonstration, the town remains divided with hopes that forthcoming discussions will address the concerns raised by its residents and lead to a more informed and cooperative approach to the integration of asylum seekers.

The Riverwalk Apartment Complex in Castlerea is currently being refurbished

Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane

Naughten calls for fully operational ‘Long Covid’ clinics

61,000 people suffering long Covid for two years or more

Long Covid continues to affect a significant portion of Ireland’s population, with over 61,000 adults reporting symptoms lasting more than two years, according to new research.

The study, conducted by Ireland Thinks and commissioned by Roscommon-Galway Independent TD Denis Naughten, shows that 6% of adults are currently experiencing long-term postpandemic symptoms, a figure that has not decreased over the past 18 months.

Denis Naughten expressed concern over the persistent nature of Long Covid, highlighting that: “Despite early indications that many people experiencing the symptoms of Long Covid would make a full recovery over time,

these research findings highlight the continued prevalence of the debilitating effects of Long Covid in the Irish population four years after the initial pandemic”. The data reveals that 27% of those affected have been suffering for over two years, while another 28% have had symptoms for more than a year. These findings underscore the challenges faced by the Health Service Executive (HSE) Long Covid clinics in

effectively treating this complex condition.

The survey also found that individuals aged 55-64 are twice as likely to report having Long Covid for over two years, indicating a need for further analysis and targeted medical intervention for this age group.

This research is the first of its kind in Ireland and mirrors methods used in the UK to assess the prevalence of Long Covid symp-

toms among adults. The findings come as Deputy Naughten calls for a coordinated government response, including a national action plan to enhance the model of care for Long Covid patients and ensure the operational capability of specialist clinics.

Deputy Naughten stressed the importance of multidisciplinary care, noting that: “It is imperative that patients receive access to cross-speciality treatment that meets their care requirements”. He also pointed out the broader implications of Long Covid, including its impact on employment and community participation, underscoring the need for urgent action.

The Roscommon-based TD concluded with a call for fully operational Long Covid clinics in every hospital group to ensure equitable access to care, allowing patients to resume their lives and alleviate the future burden on Ireland’s health system and society at large.

Delivering with the Fianna Fáil team for Co. Roscommon

Co. Roscommon receives highest allocation of money in Shannonside region for Grants [Sports equipment only]. IN EXCESS

• ROSCOMMON SUB AQUA CLUB.

• KILBRIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE.

• CASTLEREA CYCLING CLUB.

• FUERTY GAA.

• BALLINAMEEN GAA.

• WESTERN GAELS.

• ROSCOMMON ATHLETHICS CLUB.

• KILBRIDE GAA.

• ROSCOMMON UTD.

• MONKSLAND UTD FOOTBALL CLUB.

VOTE IN ORDER OF

Athlone Electoral Area: Cllr. John Keogh, James Murray. Boyle Electoral Area: Sean Moylan, Aidan Sampey. Roscommon Electoral Area: Larry Brennan, Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cllr. Marty McDermott

‘The

Parish’ comes to Creggs!

Creggs Rural Development has invited Hubcap Theatre to stage its hilarious new play ‘The Parish’ in Kilbegnet Hall on Saturday, May 25th, at 8 pm. Currently on a nationwide tour, ‘The Parish’ is a light comedy that runs for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Two actors, Seán Kelleher and Michael Ryan, bring to life characters that can be found in every rural community in the country. It promises to be a fun night out for all the fam-

ily and has been well received throughout the country. Tickets for the event are priced at €10 and are available in Roarke’s and also on the door on the night.

Creggs Rural Development is trying to increase the entertainment offering locally with concerts, musical entertainment and theatre, so please go along and support their efforts in this regard and enjoy what should be a fun-filled event!

Murphy and Dolan welcome sports grants

Local politicians have welcomed the allocation of over €400,000 for fifteen sports clubs and community centres across Roscommon under the Sports Capital Fund.

Welcoming the grants, Fianna Fáil senator Eugene Murphy noted how extremely important they are to local communities and the major part they play in ensuring the best of facilities for those areas.

Senator Murphy stated that as the only Government Oireachtas member residing in County Roscommon he would continue to proudly tell the people of the region that more money has been delivered to the county on a number of fronts, including sports grants, than ever before.

Senator Murphy said he was delighted to have made strong representations on behalf of Roscommon Sub Aqua Club, Ballinameen GAA, Kilbride GAA,

and Kilbride Community Centre, among others.

“I also welcome some smaller grants for a number of other clubs in Roscommon Town and throughout the county”, said Senator Murphy.

“I lobbied for all groups with applications, even those who had not approached me. I always wear the county jersey in such circumstances, fighting for all clubs and communities in the region.

“Fianna Fáil have very strong commitments to such funding and the party, with its local councillors and Oireachtas members, will continue to support sports clubs and communities who seek such funding.

“I want to thank the former and present sports ministers Jack Chambers and Thomas Byrne for their constant work in this arena”, he concluded.

For her part, Fine Gael sena-

tor Aisling Dolan stated: “The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is an extremely competitive programme, so congratulations and well done to all the community groups and volunteers who spent hours preparing and working on these online applications. This funding will be such a boost to the local area.

“I’m delighted to see a good share of funding across many types of sports clubs and in particular for Ladies Gaelic football too. From Athlone Gymnastics Club to Castlerea Cycling Club, Coman’s Swimming Club to Roscommon Sub Aqua, as well as our GAA and soccer clubs, it shows the level of choice for people of all ages in County Roscommon to get active.

“I also welcome the community centres such as Kilbride Community Centre investing in gym equipment for the benefit of the local community”.

Ann Raftery (left) and her granddaughter Grace Tully pictured with Carmel Patterson (right) and her granddaughter Isabelle Patterson during Grandparents Day at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Christina Gomes and Elisete Santos pictured with their granddaughter Anna-Julia Santos during Grandparents Day at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS

‘When

all is said and done,

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Letter to the Editor

Invitation to daily recital of Holy Rosary

Athleague, Co Roscommon

I extend an invitation to all schoolchildren and parents, and teachers in all national and secondary schools in Co Roscommon, and all people both young and old, to pray and recite the Holy Rosary together at the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. This is scheduled to happen at the Sacred Heart Church at 7.30 am before 8 am Mass on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and also at 10.30 am before 11 am Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The Blessed Virgin Mary consecrated this devotion of The Holy Rosary to Saint Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Dominican Order in 1214. Saint Dominic is depicted in brilliant mosaic above the Holy Altar in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town.

Yours faithfully, Chris O’Gara

ommemorate our Rich Cultural Heritage Overcome Loneliness in County Roscommon

ommemorate our Rich Cultural Heritage vercome Loneliness in County Roscommon M

ommemorate our Rich Cultural Heritage vercome Loneliness in County Roscommon

ommemorate our Rich Cultural Heritage vercome Loneliness in County Roscommon

romote Independent Living For The Disabled ttract Industry To The Municipal District Castlerea Fire Services

ommemorate our Rich Cultural Heritage vercome Loneliness in County Roscommon

romote Independent Living For The Disabled ttract Industry To The Municipal District Castlerea Fire Services

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Sustain our Natural Environment

romote Independent Living For The Disabled Attract Industry To The Municipal District

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‘When all is said and done, there is usually more said than done’

‘When all is said and done, there is usually more said than done’

there is usually more said than done’

‘When all is

‘When all is said and done, there is usually more said than done’

said and done, there is usually more said than done’

I am someone who can ‘think outside the box’ and get results. I believe in short on talk, long on action and hard work, works. I am a strong and caring Independent Voice - together we can make this county really wonderful again. For the past 3 years, I have organised The Suck Valley Way National Conference focusing on: 2022 Unlocking Roscommon’s Potential; 2023 Inspiring Rural Creativity; 2024 Addressing Loneliness.

I am someone who can ‘think outside the box’ and get results. I believe in short on talk, long on action and hard work, works. I am a strong and caring Independent Voice - together we can make this county really wonderful again. For the past 3 years, I have organised The Suck Valley Way National Conference focusing on: 2022 Unlocking Roscommon’s Potential; 2023 Inspiring Rural Creativity; 2024 Addressing Loneliness.

I am someone who can ‘think outside the box’ and get results. I believe in short on talk, long on action and hard work, works. I am a strong and caring Independent Voice - together we can make this county really wonderful again. For the past 3 years, I have organised The Suck Valley Way National Conference focusing on: 2022 Unlocking Roscommon’s Potential; 2023 Inspiring Rural Creativity; 2024 Addressing Loneliness.

I am someone who can ‘think outside the box’ and get results. I believe in short on talk, long on action and hard work, works. I am a strong and caring Independent Voice - together we can make this county really wonderful again. For the past 3 years, I have organised The Suck Valley Way National Conference focusing on: 2022 Unlocking Roscommon’s Potential; 2023 Inspiring Rural Creativity; 2024 Addressing Loneliness.

I am someone who can ‘think outside the box’ and get results. I believe in short on talk, long on action and hard work, works. I am a strong and caring Independent Voice - together we can make this county really wonderful again. For the past 3 years, I have organised The Suck Valley Way National Conference focusing on: 2022 Unlocking Roscommon’s Potential; 2023 Inspiring Rural Creativity; 2024 Addressing Loneliness.

Delighted to introduce their latest offerings at the Selfbuild Show on May 18th and 19th, Sean Doyle Windows will lead with their new aluminium window, boasting a sleek exterior and warm wood

Increased sense of Community Interdependence Offer better access to GP’s Negate difficulties with Planning

Support the Re-Opening of Castlerea Fire Services

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Sustain our Natural Environment

Increased sense of Community Interdependence Offer better access to GP’s Negate difficulties with Planning

Sustain our Natural Environment

Increased sense of Community Interdependence Offer better access to GP’s Negate difficulties with Planning

Increased sense of Community Interdependence

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‘We should not leave our forebearers in permanent anonymity’

‘We should not leave our forebearers in permanent anonymity’

‘We should not leave our forebearers in permanent anonymity’

should not our forebearers in permanent anonymity’

Roscommon Work-House ‘An Gorta Mor’, was one of the most severely over-crowded Work-Houses in the country. This served the parishes of Roscommon Town, Kilteevan, FourMileHouse, Kilbride, Castleplunket, Oran, Athleague, Ballintubber, Ballymoe, Clonfinlough, Rahara, Cloontuskert, Cloonigormican, Elphin, Fuerty, Kilgefin, Killuckin, Kiltrustan, Knockcroghery, Lisonuffy, Strokestown, Tulsk, Donomon, and Kilbegnet, The Work-House was originally built for 900 but at one stage there were over 3100 totally reliant on it. People died on a weekly basis and were buried in a mass unmarked grave in Bully’s Acre which may now contain over 1000 bodies. I pledge to achieving an appropriate permanent Commemoration to these Famine Victims.

Roscommon Work-House ‘An Gorta Mor’, was one of the most severely over-crowded Work-Houses in the country. This served the parishes of Roscommon Town, Kilteevan, FourMileHouse, Kilbride, Castleplunket, Oran, Athleague, Ballintubber, Ballymoe, Clonfinlough, Rahara, Cloontuskert, Cloonigormican, Elphin, Fuerty, Kilgefin, Killuckin, Kiltrustan, Knockcroghery, Lisonuffy, Strokestown, Tulsk, Donomon, and Kilbegnet, The Work-House was originally built for 900 but at one stage there were over 3100 totally reliant on it. People died on a weekly basis and were buried in a mass unmarked grave in Bully’s Acre which may now contain over 1000 bodies. I pledge to achieving an appropriate permanent Commemoration to these Famine Victims.

Roscommon Work-House ‘An Gorta Mor’, was one of the most severely over-crowded Work-Houses in the country. This served the parishes of Roscommon Town, Kilteevan, FourMileHouse, Kilbride, Castleplunket, Oran, Athleague, Ballintubber, Ballymoe, Clonfinlough, Rahara, Cloontuskert, Cloonigormican, Elphin, Fuerty, Kilgefin, Killuckin, Kiltrustan, Knockcroghery, Lisonuffy, Strokestown, Tulsk, Donomon, and Kilbegnet, The Work-House was originally built for 900 but at one stage there were over 3100 totally reliant on it. People died on a weekly basis and were buried in a mass unmarked grave in Bully’s Acre which may now contain over 1000 bodies. I pledge to achieving an appropriate permanent Commemoration to these Famine Victims.

grain interior – a fusion of style and functionality crafted to elevate any space. Additionally, attendees will be captivated by the revolutionary post-less aluminium lift and slide door, promising unparalleled views and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living. Also debuting is the newly-launched Crittall door, making its appearance alongside many other signature SDW products such as the fully customisable Georgian Door. With a comprehensive range of meticulously crafted windows and doors, Sean Doyle Windows prides itself on meeting the diverse needs of its clientele. Whether one seeks the timeless elegance of sash windows or the modern allure of Aluminium designs, Sean Doyle Windows offers the perfect solution for every project.

Roscommon Work-House ‘An Gorta Mor’, was one of the most severely over-crowded Work-Houses in the country. This served the parishes of Roscommon Town, Kilteevan, FourMileHouse, Kilbride, Castleplunket, Oran, Athleague, Ballintubber, Ballymoe, Clonfinlough, Rahara, Cloontuskert, Cloonigormican, Elphin, Fuerty, Kilgefin, Killuckin, Kiltrustan, Knockcroghery, Lisonuffy, Strokestown, Tulsk, Donomon, and Kilbegnet, The Work-House was originally built for 900 but at one stage there were over 3100 totally reliant on it. People died on a weekly basis and were buried in a mass unmarked grave in Bully’s Acre which may now contain over 1000 bodies. I pledge to achieving an appropriate permanent Commemoration to these Famine Victims.

Roscommon Work-House ‘An Gorta Mor’, was one of the most severely over-crowded Work-Houses in the country. This served the parishes of Roscommon Town, Kilteevan, FourMileHouse, Kilbride, Castleplunket, Oran, Athleague, Ballintubber, Ballymoe, Clonfinlough, Rahara, Cloontuskert, Cloonigormican, Elphin, Fuerty, Kilgefin, Killuckin, Kiltrustan, Knockcroghery, Lisonuffy, Strokestown, Tulsk, Donomon, and Kilbegnet, The Work-House was originally built for 900 but at one stage there were over 3100 totally reliant on it. People died on a weekly basis and were buried in a mass unmarked grave in Bully’s Acre which may now contain over 1000 bodies. I pledge to achieving an appropriate permanent Commemoration to these Famine Victims.

Email: cllrawaldron@roscommoncoco.ie

Email: cllrawaldron@roscommoncoco.ie

Roscommon Municipal District, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Roscommon Municipal District, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Roscommon Municipal District, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Roscommon Municipal District, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Ros Comáin

Ros Comáin

Ros Comáin

Ros Comáin

Micheal and Ann Curley pictured with their granddaughter Indie Kilmartin during Grandparents Day at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Week long Celebration of Diversity in Volunteering Kicks off on May 20th

A weeklong celebration of diversity in volunteering was announced today as National Volunteering Week 2024 was launched. National Volunteering Week (20th – 26th May) takes place during the third week of May every year. This year’s theme is Uniquely Us, with a speci c focus on exploring the diversity of volunteers who make Ireland what it is.

The week will see events take place across the country from volunteering information sessions to co ee mornings to yoga classes for volunteers, along with the launch of cross border research and a toolkit on inclusion in volunteering.

Shannette Budhai, Roscommon Volunteer Centre

Manager commented, “We truly believe that celebrating, not just accommodating, the uniqueness of our volunteers makes our communities stronger and more connected. No matter your age, race, abilities, or status, we want to celebrate your place in the community and the volunteering that you, uniquely, do. National Volunteering Week is the perfect opportunity to explore all things volunteering—whether you are a volunteer, are thinking about volunteering or simply want to appreciate the incredible impact volunteers have on our lives.”

This National Volunteering Week we will be sharing personal volunteer stories and encouraging

Oran Graveyard Committee

The Oran Graveyard Committee is a small and dedicated group of 4 people. The four individuals work independently and are not a liated with other groups in the locality. Occasionally, depending on the nature of the work, additional help is sought and found locally.

The focus of the work is two-pronged. The group was initially established by Padraig Whyte and Gerry Corcoran (RIP) in 2019 with the upkeep and maintenance of Oran graveyard as a central focus. This work is continued literally on a daily basis by Padraig Whyte, assisted by Padraig Fallon. As a result of their e orts, Oran graveyard always looks in immaculate condition with the grass immaculately trimmed and the owers in full bloom. This aspect of the work takes up a lot of time but is very weather dependent.

The second aspect of the work centres round the fact that Oran was once an important ecclesiastical site and contains the remains of a round tower and a church. To date the names of all graves in the new part of the graveyard have been recorded and a graveyard map was erected last year. This year we are researching the names of all those buried in the old graveyard (in the original enclosure) and the historic

gravestones of the site. The two Padraig's are joined by Mary Mullarkey and James Owens in undertaking this work. It is hoped this will be completed later on this year with the erection of a detailed map and sign. Oran is a very old cemetery – the rst recorded burial is June 1720 – over two hundred years ago. The gentleman in question lived to be 102; it is mind boggling to consider that he was born in 1618 just a few short years after the nine year's war and the Flight of the Earls. Researching and nding out facts like this makes it all worthwhile. Research into the history and archaeology of the Round Tower and graveyard will continue in the hope of getting some de nitive answers about Oran. We have some information gathered but we still haven't unearthed all Oran's secrets.

A big part of this initiative is to raise awareness as to the importance of Oran in early Christian history. The more that is known about it the more respected it becomes.

While the work is not hard it is time consuming. There is tremendous satisfaction is deciphering an old headstone or nding some new mention of Oran in newspaper archives.

Emmanuel Ohimai

people across the country to think about the incredible impact that volunteers have on our communities. We’ve also created a Tips Sheet for community groups to help them think about small steps they can take to make their programme more dynamic.

National Volunteering Week has once again partnered with Healthy Ireland who share our vision of healthy, sustainable communities. Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke T.D., said “Volunteers across Ireland in all walks of life make an invaluable contribution to society and National Volunteering Week is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge their commit-

ment. Individually, volunteers play a signi cant role in enriching the lives of others by giving freely of their time and skills. Collectively our rich network of volunteers all around the country has a truly transformative e ect, making all of our communities stronger, more connected, more inclusive and more uniquely us.”

National Volunteering Week runs from 20th – 26th May and further information can be found on www. volunteer.ie. Roscommon Volunteer Centre also encourages potential volunteers or community groups that would like support with their programme to call into our o ce in The Square in Roscommon Town for a chat.

‘You interact. You learn. You develop yourself.’ Emmanuel Ohimai, originally from Nigeria, has immersed himself into volunteering at many community events across County Roscommon as part of our Community Volunteers Programme. In celebration of National Volunteering Week, we were delighted to sit down with Emmanuel and chat to him about his thoughts on volunteering so far!

#NVWIreland #UniquelyUs

My favourite thing about Ireland and Frenchpark is the warmth, friendliness, and sincere hospitality of the people of Ireland, including the people of Frenchpark, towards us asylum seekers. This is something I like and appreciate. I was motivated to start volunteering when I arrived in Ireland because I wanted to get myself acquainted with the culture of the people of Ireland, and I also want to get myself integrated into the community since I am going to live here. Also, I wanted to know the traditions, the culture of the people, and give back to the community that welcomed me as an asylum seeker. So, I just felt that the best way to do this is for me to volunteer, and I’m really enjoying it.

All people are di erent, but I would encourage people who have recently arrived in Ireland to get involved. Ireland is a country where they care for people. So, you have to look at the volunteer opportunities available and pick an area of interest because this will bring satisfaction.

Another rewarding thing about volunteering is the opportunity to meet diverse people.

You meet co-volunteers. You meet co-asylum seekers like you from di erent countries. You meet the event organisers. You meet people from that community attending events. You interact. You learn. You develop yourself. You exchange ideas, experiences. All this makes you a better person. All this makes you become more knowledgeable about the community and the people of Ireland. And at the end of the day, it also brings satisfaction. Then there’s teamwork. Working with other volunteers ensures the success of events. And at the end of the day, when the event is completed and is successful, there’s this sense of ful llment. And you feel happy to be part of an event that was organised, and that it was successful.

Through living here and volunteering, I see that Ireland and Nigeria are similar in some ways. Your people are very, very hospitable. You know, when you visit, they you serve a cup

of tea. You know, it’s a sign of welcome. It’s a sign of reception. And the same thing we do in our country. When you come, in our case, we o er you drinks. In my place, we don’t drink tea because we’re in a hot area. So, they will give soft drinks, beer, then food. We entertain with food.    We share other similarities in terms of family and community. Irish people have this value for families and community relationship. I could see that. Like in Frenchpark here, everybody knows each other. Such things are only possible when there is community, you know, relationship. And people here value family. I met a man in an o ce one day and he said, ‘Ah, my family, they live in Dublin. I’m going to meet my family’. You know, there’s this family thing.  Same thing in Nigeria. We hold our family so dear. We hold our community so dear. You know, because that is where you live. And you cannot really function outside your family and your community. Because for one reason or the other, you de nitely need their support.

Ammar Al Abed

Introducing Ammar Al Abed, a 20 year old from Syria who has been using his skills to volunteer since he arrived in Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon. Ammar told us about why he likes to give back to his community. We recently sat down with him to nd out more… #NVWIreland #UniquelyUs  I have been living in Ballaghaderreen for one and a half years. I have volunteered in the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre as a translator for the residents to help them understand how things work in Ireland and I also translate information about their hospital appointments so they know what to do.

I also volunteered to organise an Iftar dinner for Ramadan. We planned this amazing night for people in the community to explain our culture and why we fast during Ramadan. My friend Mariam and I made a small presentation to about 80 people to explain our culture and why Muslims fast. It was a lovely experience.

Volunteering is a good way to meet new people. I like to make new relations between me and people from di erent countries. Also, I think it’s important for young people like me to volunteer because it increases your opportunities. If you are looking to have a better future, volunteering can help because it creates opportunities to meet people, to learn, to improve yourself, to learn to communicate and to engage with the

community. Sometimes I nd it hard to understand the accents of people from di erent countries, and not everyone has good English. So, it can be hard to understand everybody, so you have to listen carefully, explain more details and have patience. One of the nicest experience was to volunteer with my friends that live at the EROC. I know them very well and we are close to each other. When you work with your close friends, it is easier to get things done and to set everything up because we could rely on each other. So, I found this really good.

National Volunteering Week (May 20 – 26th)

Iryna Skakun

‘I like to make people happy and lift their spirits.’ Iryna Skakun does incredible shows which involve hula hooping, dancing and acrobatics. Iryna has been volunteering her talents as a performer since she arrived in County Roscommon. This year’s theme for National Volunteering Week celebrates unique volunteers. We were delighted to chat with Iryna about her special talents and how she uses them for the bene t of the community.

#NVWIreland #UniquelyUs

How long have you been performing for?

I started training and performing in a circus studio in Ukraine when I was 10 years old. I learned the calling of my life when I was a child.   What has been your favorite event you performed at?   I have enjoyed every event which I performed at in Ireland. The Halloween Fun Walk, the Christmas Festival, St. Patrick’s Day, the Easter Parade, and World Circus Day were all interesting for me.   What do you love about performing?   I love people. I like to make people happy and lift their spirits. And that makes me happy and it gives me energy and joy.

If you could perform on stage anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I don’t care about the country or the famous place where I can perform. I care about the people who I can give positive emotion and surprise them with my performance.

Why do you like to volunteer?   Since volunteering, I have

learned more about the country of Ireland. And I have met interesting people in your country. And now I have a chance to do what I love to do, to help people feel joy.   I want to thank very

much the leadership of the Volunteer Centre. Shannette, Clodagh, Valerie, who helped me and other volunteers from di erent countries and made us feel needed in Ireland.

Olena Kovalevych

Anton Nikolenko

“I feel that I can make people happy,” says Anton Nikolenko, an aspiring photographer who has lived in County Roscommon for ve months. Anton has been volunteering his skills as a photographer to capture community events. In this conversation, we asked Anton a bit about his thoughts on volunteering.   Make sure you check out Anton’s work on Instagram at @anton.nikolenko.95

#NVWIreland #UniquelyUs

I like photography because I can do it well. I feel that I can make people happy. Coming to me for a photo shoot is like going to a psychologist. I held many di erent jobs in my life, but I can’t do anything else as well as I want except photography.

When I moved to Ireland, I wanted to meet more people from here. Volunteering is the best thing for this. And I feel people remember me because when I’m volunteering as a photographer, I have people’s attention. A lot of people pause and smile at my camera. And when I drop o the photos to clients, it makes an impression on people. I love my profession.

The things I’d like to photograph are actors, dancers, or athletes. I would also like to photograph beautiful people in beautiful places. For now, I take photos mainly at events and photoshoots on the street.

What has been the most rewarding thing for you about volunteering?

Volunteering has been

‘When you are volunteering, and you know that you do something very important’. Olena Kovalevych is a Ukrainian artist now located in Strokestown, Roscommon. Since moving to Ireland, Olena has volunteered extensively. She volunteers in Strokestown Park, has hosted painting workshops and does a fantastic job of keeping our o ce window colorful and exciting with her beautiful artwork!  We were delighted to sit down with Olena to learn more about her unique talent. #NVWIreland #UniquelyUs

When did you rst begin painting?

I was maybe ve years old and my aunt, who is an architect, encouraged me to draw and paint because it’s important and interesting. Painting and drawing have been near me during all my life and now it helps me to survive in this situation [leaving Ukraine during the war].

What’s your favorite thing to paint?

I don’t know. It’s inspired by my mood and the weather. Now, I prefer to paint landscapes with watercolor. And then I correct it with the pen. When I paint these landscapes, which are part of Strokestown Garden, I get excited. I have twelve pictures of di erent parts of Strokestown Park. I would like to make a calendar of this.

I want to capture the winter in Ireland. But when I begin to paint, it’s always bright. In January, I was painting this little lake. My mother asked, ‘why is this picture so bright; is it summer?’ I said, ‘No, it’s Ireland. It’s really bright here in January’.  Who are some of your favorite artists? I like Van Gogh and other Impressionists.

I like this kind of artist because it shows the impression. This is very near to me because in the last few years we have lived only with emotions.  Has volunteering given you new opportunities?

Oh, yes! I have said many times to Ukrainian people in Ireland, that if you are in depression, you must do something, and you must help and integrate in this society. You will see another side of life. And volunteering is also an opportunity to chat, to communicate

with Irish people.  I am happy that I am in Ireland, and I am happy to meet a lot of kind, very open people supportive of Ukrainians. Irish people are unique because they have a lot of heart. Some of our [Ukrainian] girls are volunteering in Strokestown Garden and I am volunteering in Strokestown House. I want to say thank you to these [community] organisations, and to Roscommon Volunteer Centre because they opened new horizons for me.

Have you any memorable experience of painting our o ce window?

It was the rst place that I decorated the window. When you asked me, I thought, ‘Oh, this is so nice. I can show this town, these people, who are local people, the part of our Ukrainian culture’.

Why should community groups work with artists?

It was a nice experience for me also to host workshops with Irish people. I felt positive to share part of our culture. For artists, it’s very important to communicate, and community groups, they also can need support.

rewarding because I get to meet new people and I can give back to this country. I need as many people as possible to know me. This is important for my career. I have not developed my own style in photography. I know that to be famous, I need to decide on my one style of photography and work only on it. I need to be more famous. It’s important for my career.  I feel indebted to Ireland because it’s helped me in my dark time. To do something useful for this country, I feel better after that.

Serhii Shumyhora

‘The earth is round; today you help someone, tomorrow they will help you.’ Serhii volunteers regularly alongside his wife, Olena, and daughter, Yuliia. Originally from Ukraine and now liv- ing in Castlerea, Roscommon, Serhii tells us about his unique ex- perience of participating in family volunteer. Thank you Serhii!  #NVWIreland #UniquelyUs  Tell us about some of the volun- teering you have done.

At the moment, my volunteer activity consists of helping out at events.

Why do you keep coming back to volunteering?   I want to feel like part of a team that tries to ensure that guests of events enjoy the experience. Why do you enjoy volunteer- ing alongside your family members?

I enjoy volunteering with my family because family is the most important thing in our lives, we love spending time together, and together we can contribute more to an organisation than we can alone.

Can you share a memorable experience that you and your family shared together while volunteering?

I remember how we participated in a children’s Halloween Fun Walk. We helped with entertaining games and treated the children to candy. It was nice to see children’s joy.  What advice would you give to other families who are considering vol- unteering together?

By joining the organisation, you will get a lot of positive emotions from com- municating with like-minded people, and also help make people’s lives a little better and easier. Remember: the earth is round; today you help someone, tomorrow they will help you.

NewsPeople

Housing Minister praises new Civic Amenity space in Roscommon town

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD was in Roscommon on Monday where he officially unveiled the new Market Square and covered Civic Space in Roscommon town centre.

The regeneration of Roscommon Town can be thought of as a wheel in concept with the Hub

or Core of the wheel represented by the Town Centre Phase 1 project with the spokes representing the planned Phase 2 works.

Phase 1 (The hub) includes three main elements, namely Main Street & Market Square Public Realm Enhancement works, the creation of a Covered Civic Space and nearby Laneway Enhancements.

The second phase, namely ‘the spokes’ of the development proposes a planned sequence of initiatives that will link the Town Centre (hub) with the remainder of the town and comprises three elements, namely the creation of public realm enhancement works planned for Henry Street, Church Street and Goff Street; public realm enhancement and

Housing Minister unveils new local housing projects

During his visit to County Roscommon on Monday Minister Darragh O’Brien officially unveiled three new housing developments – at Monksland, Roscommon and Elphin. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage began his visit in Monksland where he officially unveiled a new 27unit housing development at Esker Lawns.

Later, the Minister travelled to Roscommon town where a mix of one, two and four bedroomed units were unveiled at Elm Court, Lisnamult, Roscommon as part of a 12unit development.

A further ten new houses, comprising a mix of two and three bedroomed dwellings, were also unveiled by Minister O’Brien at Windmill Drive, Elphin.

All of the properties concerned were designed

as infill site developments and have been funded through the Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) and delivered by Roscommon County Council’s Housing Department.

In the last twelve months, Roscommon County Council has developed 91 housing units. The local authority are continuing to deliver homes through multiple delivery streams including direct build, turnkey projects, regeneration projects and through Approved Housing Bodies.

Speaking during his visit, Minister O’Brien said, “I am delighted to be in Roscommon today to see the various schemes which Roscommon County Council have championed to come to fruition.

“These homes are delivering life-changing op-

portunities for people and it’s our job to ensure we deliver more”.

Speaking at the official opening of the Esker Lawns housing development in Monksland, Cathaoirleach of Roscommo County Council Cllr John Keogh commented: “In all, close on 50 housing units are being officially unveiled during the visit of Minister O’Brien. I would like to thank him and his Department for their support in delivering these projects”.

CEO of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan said the announcements “are raising the bar in terms of residential design that integrates sustainable communities as a fundamental principle”. He added that they also set a very high standard for future housing developments.

linear park at the town’s Circular Road and public realm works proposed for St Ciaran’s Street from Convent Road Junction to Market Square, along with enhanced linkage to Loughnaneane Park.

GKMP Architects from Dublin were engaged in the design Covered Public Space, with construction by Pat

Loftus Construction Group. Market Square public realm enhancement was designed by RPS Consulting Engineers with construction by P&D Lydon.

The area will link the backlands of the town’s Main Street area as well as the town’s Retail Parks and Circular Road area, while supporting the main town core, creating an exciting, integrated,

innovative and modern town centre and hinterland.

Speaking at the official unveiling, Minister O’Brien remarked: “Here in Roscommon, regenerating and rejuvenating the town centre with a new Market Square and civic space means it’s now a more attractive and vibrant place for people to live, work and do business”.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD cuts the ribbon during the unveiling of the new covered civic space in Roscommon town last Monday – along with students from Coman’s Wood primary school. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Minister Darragh O’Brien TD (front row, centre) pictured with members of the Roscommon County Council executive and members of the Council Project Team during the unveiling of the new covered civic space in Roscommon town last Monday. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD cuts the ribbon to unveil the new Windmill Drive housing development in Elphin along with members of Roscommon County Council executive, councillors and election candidates on Monday. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD cuts the ribbon to unveil the new housing development in Lisnamult along with members of Roscommon County Council executive, councillors and election candidates during his visit to Roscommon on Monday. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

New-look Elphin Fire Station unveiled

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD travelled to Elphin on Monday as part of his visit to the county where he officially unveiled the newly-refurbished Elphin Fire Station.

Total capital funding for the project amounted to €400,000 and a further capital investment of €450,000 for the Ballaghaderreen Fire Station of a Class B Fire Appliance has also recently being announced. The new facility became operational on Tuesday with a similar appliance to be delivered for Elphin next year.

A further €150,000 has also being allocated on providing vital specialist equipment for road traffic incidents which will save local lives and improve the delivery of emergency services in the county.

Officially unveiling the newly-refurbished Fire Station, Minister O’Brien said: “I am delighted to be here to celebrate the opening of Elphin Fire Station and to congratulate all who supported its delivery. Our dedicated and committed firefighters are now better equipped to protect lives, communities, property and local infrastructure from fire and other emergency situations across County Roscommon”.

CEO of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan paid tribute to local fire personnel saying: “I wish to acknowledge Station Officer John McDermott and his team for their help and assistance and (also) our Chief Fire Officer, John Keane. They have dealt with many various incidents over the years, often having to cope with difficult situations involving their neighbours and friends”.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr John Keogh said the announcement means the area covered by Elphin Fire Station will now have a modern, efficient and effective fire service to cater for all eventualities, namely emergency and non-emergency events.

THE HUB

C A S T L E R E A

Minister Darragh O’Brien TD (sixth from right) pictured with Cathaoirleach Cllr John Keogh (centre), CEO of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan ( fth from right),

Chief Fire O cer John Keane (sixth from left) and sta from Elphin re station during the unveiling of the newly-refurbished Elphin Fire Station last Monday. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Elphin Fire Services Fire personnel pictured with Minister Darragh O’Brien TD (sixth from right) and members of Roscommon County Council during the unveiling of the newly-refurbished Elphin Fire Station last Monday. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Brennan raises concerns over ‘dangerous junctions’

A local election candidate has pledged to ensure safety issues relating to three “dangerous” junctions are urgently addressed if he is elected to Roscommon County Council next month.

Fianna Fáil candidate Larry Brennan, a well-known community figure over many years, says issues to do with road safety are regularly being raised with him on his canvass of the Roscommon Municipal District.

“I’ve been really warmly received on the doorsteps, and am very grateful to people for their courtesy and indeed their pledges of support” Mr Brennan said this week.

“While people are raising a variety of topics, a common concern is on road safety issues. In particular, three junctions that people consider to be dangerous have been brought to my attention.

“I’ve looked in detail at the junctions in question and it is clear that they need to be improved from a safety point of view. I don’t believe the required expenditure would be substantial and I think it is essential that these works are carried out.

“The three junctions in question are Cloonsellan Cross (KIlteevan), which can be dangerous for motorists, particularly those approaching from the

MacManus calls for Government action to reopen Castlerea Fire Station

Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands-North-West Chris MacManus has called for the Government to act in order to facilitate the reopening of Castlerea Fire Station. MacManus was speaking in Castlerea, during a visit to the facility with Claire Kerrane TD. MacManus said, “Castlerea Fire Station has been closed since 2017. Deputy Claire Kerrane and I fully support the

campaign to get it reopened.

“I know Deputy Kerrane has raised this to the minister in the Dáil, and we will continue to raise this at local and national level, so that the people of Castlerea and the wider area have emergency services ready to act if needed”.

MacManus concluded by commending the community activists who are campaigning for the

reopening of the fire station.

“I wish to pay tribute to the community activists who have been campaigning for years to get the Castlerea fire station reopened”, he said. “Their commitment to the improvement of services for their community is inspiring, and they will have the full support of Sinn Féin TDs, MEPs and councillors who represent them”.

Portrun direction; the junction near Hannon’s Hotel, particularly for motorists coming from the Golf Club side and wishing to turn right for Athlone; and finally, the junction at Bogganfin, for motorists trying to join traffic travelling towards Athlone. Many local residents consider these to be dangerous junctions at the moment due mainly to poor sight lines”.

Mr Brennan said that if elected to Roscommon County Council next month he will make it a priority to make the case for immediate steps to be taken to address the safety concerns at these junctions.

Mullooly voices concerns about Deposit Return Scheme

Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland’s candidate for Midlands-North-West, has expressed concerns about the newly implemented Deposit Return Scheme in Roscommon, and across the region.

The scheme, which aims to incentivise recycling, has been met with significant challenges. As revealed in the Sunday Business Post last weekend, the scheme is set to be reviewed by the European Commission at the request of retailer representative body, the Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA).

“The intention behind the Deposit Return Scheme

is commendable, aiming to boost recycling rates and reduce waste,” stated Mullooly, continuing: “However, in practice, the scheme has faced numerous rollout issues and teething problems”.

Mr Mullooly further highlighted the scheme’s disproportionate impact on rural areas: “While all retailers are required to collect the levy, the presence of return machines primarily in larger towns creates an inherent disadvantage for smaller retailers”.

The European Election candidate is concerned about the economic implications for retailers: “Even for

those benefiting from having return machines on their premises, the operational costs and additional expenses related to waste management during machine downtimes are making the future viability of this costly scheme uncertain”.

Clarifying that he would prefer for these issues to be dealt with at a local or national level, Mullooly said: “One of the upsides to being part of the EU is that when national authorities have failed in their duties we have a right of appeal to Europe.

“It is vital that the Commission considers whether the scheme inadvertently

Reynolds focussed on rural Ireland – and an end to mass immigration

James Reynolds, leader of the Irish National Party and a longstanding advocate for the farming community, has officially announced his candidacy for the European Parliament, seeking to represent the Midlands-NorthWest Constituency.

County Longford-based Reynolds, who is also a full-time suckler and sheep farmer, is recognised for his support of farm families and for his critical views on EU agricultural policies.

According to Reynolds, his campaign is driven by his opposition to the EU Green Deal,

which he believes has adversely affected rural Ireland. He specifically criticises the EU Nature Restoration Law, a new EU regulation that he claims mandates the re-wetting of drained agricultural lands and designates large areas of farmland as protected from farming use; a position disputed by advocates of the plan which was passed by the European Parliament in February. Reynolds argues that these policies are unfair and negatively impact the interests of Irish farmers and has called for its reversal.

Reynolds also expresses opposition to the EU ban on family turf cutting, which is traditionally used for heating homes in rural areas. He pledges to fight against this and other EU regulations that he believes criminalise traditional rural practices. Additionally, Reynolds opposes the Government’s current climate strategy, which includes plans to significantly reduce the national suckler herd and dairy cow numbers as part of environmental initiatives.

During his recent campaign launch in Athlone, Reynolds

outlined his primary objectives: to save rural Ireland and to end mass immigration. These goals were reiterated during his appearance at the recent MidlandsNorth-West European Election hustings organised by the IFA, where he rejected the prevailing green agenda and proposed reallocating funds to support agricultural budgets. In his announcement statement, Reynolds highlights contradictions in environmental policies that blame farmers for pollution while urban areas also contribute significantly to the issue. He

argues that current environmental policies overlook the real impacts on rural communities and advocates for a reassessment of these approaches.

With a history of political activism in farming, including roles in the Irish Farmers Association and the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association, Reynolds is a prominent figure in agricultural politics. He emphasises the need for representatives who genuinely represent rural interests and can challenge counterproductive policies at the EU level.

restricts the free movement of goods and poses anticompetitive challenges, as IPRA have argued in their submission”.

Discussing environmental stewardship, Mullooly said: “We need a system that supports all communities equally and sustains our environmental goals without compromising local economies.

“So, while the current administration comes to terms with the issues faced by businesses and communities during the initial stages of this scheme, I would encourage us all to continue to do our part to reduce, reuse, recycle, and don’t litter”.

Larry Brennan, a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Roscommon Municipal District, pictured handing in his nomination papers to Caitlin Conneely, Local Elections Returning O cer, Roscommon Co Council. Also in picture are: Patsy Feehily, Roscommon Director of Elections for Fianna Fáil, and John Murphy, Chairperson, Co Roscommon Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceanntair. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

James Reynolds, leader of the Irish National Party

Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands-North-West Chris MacManus (middle) pictured with Claire Kerrane TD (left) during a visit to Castlerea Fire Station.

Voice of the People ELECTIONS 2024

Parsons welcomes commitment on domestic violence refuge

A commitment from Galway County Council to proceed with the acquisition of the former St Brigid’s Nurses’ Home in Ballinasloe has been warmly welcomed by Cllr Evelyn Parsons, who says she has spearheaded a plan to convert the building into a domestic violence refuge. The former nurses’ home is located on a 64-acre parcel of land.

“This acquisition will mark a pivotal moment in addressing the pressing need for own-door accommodation in a domestic violence refuge for women and children,” stated Cllr Parsons.

“This project will receive sup-

Cllr Naughten seeks reassurances over bridge closure

Cllr John Naughten is seeking reassurances that work on the Athlone Town Drainage Scheme will be completed as soon as possible to limit disruption caused by the closure of McQuaid’s Bridge.

“The scheme will involve closure of the road at McQuaid’s Bridge, which will cause significant inconvenience to the residents of the Clonown area for over two months,” outlined Cllr Naughten.

“This also occurred last year due to the work to install flood defences in Athlone and there is a deep sense of frustration from local residents that this is taking place again”.

Cllr Naughten says he will raise the issue at the next meeting of the Athlone Municipal District, where he will request that Roscommon County Council writes to Westmeath County Council seeking to ensure that the contractor carries out the drainage scheme works within the shortest timeframe possible. “This is necessary to minimise the inconvenience that is going to be caused to residents of the Clonown area over this period of time as they will have to take a significant detour which could be up to 12km in and out of Athlone each day,” added Cllr Naughten.

The closure is due to take place from May 20th until July 28th 2024.

Senator Chambers demands action to support offshore wind energy

Fianna Fáil senator Lisa Chambers, a European election candidate in the Midlands-North-West constituency, has issued a resounding call for increased investment in critical infrastructure to support the development of offshore wind energy in the West and North-west of Ireland. Senator Chambers emphasises that without significant investment in the grid and ports, the region will be unable to harness its vast offshore wind potential, impeding progress towards renewable energy targets – and perpetuating economic disparities.

According to Senator Chambers: “The west and north-west region infrastructure development is at 37% of the EU average, while Dublin is at 115% of the EU average. If we are serious about tilting the balance back in favour of our region we must invest in key infrastructure that is needed for development”.

She underscored the crucial role of robust infrastructure in unlocking economic growth and job creation opportunities, particularly in the renewable energy sector.

Expressing dismay at the lack of plans from EirGrid to address grid investment deficits in the region, Senator Chambers questioned the absence of a comprehensive plan from Minister for the Environment, Climate, and Communications Eamon Ryan.

“Investing in the grid and ports in the West and North-west is not just about addressing infrastructure deficits; it’s about unlocking the region’s full potential,” Senator Chambers stated. “We cannot afford to overlook the immense opportunities that offshore wind energy presents for economic growth and sustainability. Minister Ryan must prioritise the development of a comprehensive plan to ensure that the West and North-west are not left behind”.

ports from Galway County Council in collaboration with COPE Galway and CUAN as well as funding from governmental departments.

“The initiative not only serves the region but also specifically the county and the BallinasloeEast Galway area. There is currently no domestic violence refuge in the administrative area of Galway County Council and it is much needed as the escalation of domestic violence year on year demonstrates”.

Cllr Parsons (Independent) has expressed gratitude to Galway County Council staff, planners,

and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

“The acquired land will be utilised to meet the demand for recreational spaces in the Creagh area, potentially featuring playgrounds to enrich the community’s amenities,” explained Cllr Parsons.

“Additionally, the parcel of land holds promise for the Office of Public Works (OPW) to advance the Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme, benefiting the entire town and its surroundings. The acquired land will be harnessed to meet the growing demand for recreational spaces

in the Creagh area, potentially featuring playgrounds that will enhance the community’s wellbeing.

“By repurposing the derelict St Brigid’s Nurses’ Home, this development will significantly enhance the town’s aesthetics with the development of what has become an ‘eyesore building’, while providing a secure site for essential services”.

The positive outcome for the building and its grounds on Church Street, Creagh, was confirmed during a meeting of Ballinasloe Municipal District Council (MDC).

Deadline approaching to register to vote – Fallon

Cllr Laurence Fallon has urged anyone who has not yet registered to vote to do so immediately, as the deadline to register for the upcoming local and European elections is May 20th

To vote in the local elections you must be aged 18 or over, live in the local electoral area and be on the electoral register. To vote in the European elections

you must be aged 18 or over, be an Irish or EU citizen ordinarily resident in Ireland and be registered to vote.

The deadline for applying for a vote for the local and European elections is next Monday, the 20th of May 2024. Application forms are available on checktheregister.ie.

Voting takes place on Friday, June 7th

Walsh welcomes free primary school book scheme for 563,000 children

The extension of free primary school books for school children from September is a great boost for families across the Midlands-NorthWest, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said. News of the extension has also been welcomed by her party colleague, Senator Aisling Dolan.

Nationwide, more than 563,000 pupils will benefit from this scheme in over 3,227 schools,

including 138 special schools.

MEP Maria Walsh said:

“Fine Gael is working to reduce the cost of education for families across the Midlands-NorthWest.

“I know how stressful school and college costs can be for families across the MidlandsNorth-West and we in Fine Gael have been working over the past number of years to re-

duce that burden. The primary school free book scheme removes the cost of books, copybooks and workbooks for hundreds of thousands of families.

Funding will be issued to schools this month to allow schools adequate time to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Schools will also be given a grant to assist with the additional work required to implement the scheme.

Crosby says it’s time to get tough on crime

Councillor Tom Crosby has joined calls for an immediate action plan to tackle rural crime in the wake of a spate of rural burglaries.

The Boyle Municipal District councillor said that speaking with people whilst canvassing had made him “much more aware” of the sad reality of rural crime in Roscommon and environs, including residential break-ins in adjoining counties, while noting that the willingness of communities to come together in a bid to help combat this issue in unison with the Gardaí was “heartening”.

“This”, he insisted, referring to tackling the problem, “is achievable – but only with the instigation of a fully and carefully implemented campaign to protect businesses and farming communities who are preyed upon by organised gangs and thieves.

“This will also require the cooperation of our Gardaí and increasing Gardaí resources in the Midlands – a move which I am sure would be welcomed by everyone.

“In addition, we must see tougher guidelines imposed on offenders in our courts and make sure that in this country, as in many others, the time finally fits the crime,” continued Cllr Crosby.

“Ireland cannot be seen as a soft touch anymore and we need to let criminals know that business owners and

Acies Ceremony in Sacred Heart Church

The Acies Ceremony will take place on Sunday, 26th of May at 4 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town. Refreshments afterwards in the Abbey Hotel. All welcome.

May Procession in Sacred Heart Church and Grounds

A May Procession in honour of Our Lady, The Mother of God, will take place in the Sacred Heart Church and Grounds, Roscommon on Monday evening, 20th of May at 7 pm.

RSPCA street and Church gate collections

The Roscommon Society for Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) will be holding its annual Church gate and street collections at various locations over the weekend of the 17th, 18th, and 19th of May 2024.

In Ballaghaderreen, street collections will take place at various locations throughout the town on both the Friday (May 17th) and Saturday (May 18th).

farmers living in isolated areas are not sitting targets.

“They have worked hard for their properties and their livestock and are not willing to see it all taken away. Ireland need to toughen up”, Cllr Crosby concluded.

In Creeve, a Church gate collection will be held at St Brigid’s Church on the Saturday (May 18th), and in Ballinagare, a Church gate collection will take place at Church of The Sacred Heart, and also on the Saturday (May 18th).

In Elphin, a Church gate collection will be held at St Patrick’s Church on the Sunday (May 19th).

These collections are a great opportunity to raise muchneeded funds for the society’s animal welfare work and also to raise awareness of the RSPCA’s mission and vision. If you would like to learn more about the organisation, please visit roscommonspca. ie or call 087 0505594. Your support would be greatly appreciated, with all money donations going directly towards animal welfare in the county.

Cllr Evelyn Parsons, pictured outside the former St Brigid’s Nurses’ Home in Ballinasloe.

Eloise Mannion pictured performing on stage during the Majella Flanagan Theatre Company’s production of Matilda The Musical Jr which took place last weekend at the Roscommon Arts Centre. See page 30. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Cllr Tom Crosby (Boyle Municipal District) pictured signing his nomination papers for the forthcoming County Council elections last Monday. Also in photo are his wife Pauline (centre) and Roscommon County Returning Officer Caitlin Conneely.

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh

Controversial Strokestown streetscape plan gets green light with €7.9m awarded

< EMMETT

CORCORAN

Strokestown has been awarded a substantial investment of nearly €7.9 million for significant ‘public realm enhancement’ works to its town centre.

The plan, which restricts parking in the town to approximately 200 designated car parking spaces – a significant reduction on the current capacity of the town’s wide streets – had been met with opposition from a number of local businesses and residents. These include the local secondary school, which cited health and safety concerns about ingress and egress, on Church Street, during drop-off and pick-up times.

The funding includes €5,867,496 from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and is complemented by an additional €2 million in match funding being put forward by Roscommon County Council.

The Part 8 planning permission was granted by the councillors in the Boyle Municipal District late last year, with three councillors voting in favour of the plan, two opposing it, and one abstention. The funding announcement was made this week by Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development.

Ballinasloe-based Fine Gael senator, Aisling Dolan, commented on the announcement saying: “Congratulations to the Town Team in Strokestown and retailers coming together with regeneration teams in Roscommon County Council to win

this funding for Strokestown. Now these groups working together will develop Town Centre First plan and clear actions to deliver these projects”.

Senator Dolan continued: “This is a massive boost of €7.9 million in funding and is a major win for Strokestown, an historic and heritage town. This success-

ful funding announcement today will be a major turning point for Strokestown and shows the plans to develop the town for the future for people of all ages”.

Local retailer Frank Hanly, proprietor of Hanly’s Eurospar in Strokestown, had been a staunch advocate for the retention of all on-street parking throughout the planning phase of the project. Speaking to the Roscommon People, Mr Hanly said: “I hope the council follow through on their commitment to prioritising the facilitation of off-street parking and that in parts of the town where it’s appropriate, I think a two-hour time limit for some parking spaces is vitally important when this project goes ahead”.

Last year, at a public meeting facilitated by Strokestown Town Team, John O’Beirne, Chairperson of the Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show, explained that on the show day, despite facilitating thousands of cars on the show grounds, the entire town would be full, with another contribution from the floor suggesting there were over 2,000 cars parked on the streets on the last show day. One local business woman, who did not wish to be named and who had been an advocate for the project from its inception, told the Roscommon People: “I just hope this doesn’t divide people in the town. There were some genuine concerns raised during the consultation process and the council can get more support from the people of the town, for the project, if they work with them and listen to the concerns. There is no reason not to tweak the plans if it increases public buy-in”.

As we go to print, there is no definite date set for the project to commence.

€4m in funding for state-of-the-art community hub

Local

Galway Rural Development (GRD) announced this week that their application for Glenamaddy Community Area Development has been successful – €4m of funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will see the development of a state-of-the-art community facility.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) saw €164m approved nationally to provide strategic capital funding for significant projects. The Glenamaddy application was one of those chosen to address deficits in facilities and to attract people back to live, work, and visit rural areas.

CEO of GRD Steve Dolan commented that it was “a red-letter day for GRD” (when the funding was announced).

“We’re delighted to lead this”, he explained, “but all the groundwork and heavy lifting has been done by Glenamaddy people themselves.

“This is a moment for the people of Glenamaddy who put the time and effort into this application – no one else – and they will be central to what is achieved at

the new complex. In addition to PJ Fahy, Nigel Fahy and all the team, we would like to thank Patricia Keenan for her collaboration”.

Senior Manager Conor Carty added, “The aim of this development is to create a multi-use hub for community activities in the under-served town of Glenamaddy, and the scope of this project is the overarching socio-economic development of the hinterland.

“The project is diverse in providing remote working hubs, indoor physical recreation space; indoor social recreation opportunities; outdoor sensory space and community meeting facilities so that all ages, abilities, interests and backgrounds can find an outlet to engage in the local community”.

The Glenamaddy approval was one of three for Co Galway, with Galway County Council securing €6m toward revitalising Athenry town centre, and €3.6m being granted toward the transformation of Tuam Town Hall into a community, enterprise, and arts facility.

solicitors achieve court settlements totalling €420,000 over hearing loss claims

In a significant legal development, Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP, a law firm serving Roscommon, has secured court settlements totalling €420,000 for two young clients. The settlements were reached in response to claims of alleged delays in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, impacting the young plaintiffs’ development and well-being.

The settlements were approved in the High Court, following admissions of liability by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The cases involved two children, an 11-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, who experienced considerable delays in receiving proper audiological assessments and treatments.

The first case concerned an 11-year-

old girl who was reportedly assessed as having normal hearing during an audiological test conducted before she turned one. However, four years later, a reassessment revealed a moderate to severe hearing difficulty in her right ear, a condition that had gone undiagnosed and untreated.

As a result, she did not receive the necessary hearing aid during

her formative years, significantly affecting her speech development and overall quality of life. The court approved a settlement of €280,000 in her favour.

The second case involved a 16-year-old boy who initially underwent a hearing assessment at six years old, where his hearing was also judged to be normal.

It was only three years later that another assessment identified a mild to moderate hearing loss in his left ear, a congenital condition that should have been addressed much earlier. The delayed diagnosis meant the boy missed critical early years for optimal listening and language development. His case was settled for €140,000.

€4m in funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for the development of a state-of-the-art community facility was announced recently in Glenamaddy.

Strokestown has just been awarded almost €8 million through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and Roscommon County Council.

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Community thanked for support ahead of 2024 County Ploughing

Ahead of the 2024 County Ploughing Championships, taking place this Sunday, May 19th (rescheduled from May 5th due to bad weather at that time), the Roscommon Ploughing Association has expressed its sincere thanks to local businesses and volunteers for their support, contributions, and sponsorships this year and in previous years, and for the understanding and continued support shown following the rescheduling.

Treasurer of the Roscommon Ploughing Association, Martina Beirne, noted, “I must commend our loyal and faithful supporters”.

She continued: “My aim as

treasurer is to ensure the funds obtained are used to maximum benefit, and that the community of Ballinaheglish and the businesses that supported us benefits from it”.

She also highlighted the positive response she received while “actively campaigning for (new) sponsorship and support” to fund the event.

Ms Beirne also noted the fact that in addition to providing financial support, businesses can also support the event by entering trade stands, which can also help them easily reach a targeted audience and establish connections with potential customers. The big annual trade

and machinery exhibition at Roscommon Ploughing always provides an excellent opportunity to be aware of local suppliers, create brand awareness and network.

Ms Beirne wrapped up by acknowledging once again how significant, and indeed essential, local support and sponsorship has been for the association, remarking that “the survival of the county ploughing is dependent on the kind support of businesses and volunteers”.

She concluded: “We are so appreciative of how the community has welcomed the ploughing event”.

Roscommon Ploughing Association committee executive members (l-r) Patrick Lambert, Secretary; Ger Grehan, Chairperson; Martina Beirne, Treasurer and Dillon Beirne, PRO pictured at the launch of the 30th Roscommon Ploughing Championships, held in McDermott’s Bar, Ballinaheglish. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Ploughing Championships take place this Sunday in Ballinaheglish

linaheglish (F42Y436) by kind permission of Paddy Beirne and family. Roscommon’s annual ploughing festival is an event which attracts thousands of returning visitors every year. And this year, it’s an even more significant occasion for Roscommon Ploughing Association, as it is the 30th anniversary of the first event.

This huge milestone represents three decades of hard work, dedication, and positive impact by the members and volunteers who have contributed over the years – many of whom have remained involved since the Association reformed in 1994.

The Ploughing Championships are an annual event that celebrates the skill and artistry of ploughing. It is a competition where participants showcase their ability to plough a plot with precision and efficiency.

“These are our County championships, which are

A scene from last year’s Roscommon Ploughing Championships. Pic: Kieran Croghan

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

qualifiers for national level”, explained association treasurer Martina Beirne, clarifying that neighbouring counties, who will also be participating, are required to compete in the Open classes per qualifying criteria under NPA rules.

Competitors are asked to start arriving at 9 am, where they will check in with the secretary’s office and be allocated plot numbers, before starting off the competition at 12 noon. All classes of ploughing competition will feature – both confined for the Roscommon competitors and open for the visitors. The cham-

pionships will include senior and junior categories for the usual tractor, horse, and vintage ploughing competitions, and a loy digging competition will also take place.

While the ploughing forms the main core of the event, the day in Ballinaheglish is also set to feature a host of other agricultural activities, exhibits, and entertainment.

A number of kids’ events and attractions have also been lined up – from facepainting and balloon modelling, to pet farms and rides – but the entertainment doesn’t stop there.

Talented local singers will be performing live on stage and an outdoor dancing floor is going to be provided for those that like to waltz or jive!

The ever-popular traditional craft village will also be there, playing host to demonstrations of traditional crafts – such as a farrier with his forge, wood carving, weaving with rushes for baskets, and traditional fence-making –which gives visitors a rare opportunity to learn these skills and get involved on the day.

To compliment the craft village, various Roscom-

mon vintage clubs will also be present, as well as other groups and individual enthusiasts interested in the preservation and restoration of old cars, tractors, farm machinery (like threshing machines, etc), and other memorabilia from our social and agricultural heritage.

The trade fair will also be running again this year, and the Roscommon Hunt will be showcasing a skills demonstration for the public. The Garda Mounted Support unit will also be present.

There is sure to be something for everyone, no

matter what your interests or age, at the upcoming Ploughing Championships. Be sure not to miss out on the fun, and come along on Sunday to support the community-focused event and enjoy a great day out!

For those interested in ploughing entries and trade stands, please contact Roscommon Ploughing Association’s treasurer Martina Beirne on 087 6141503 or via email at roscommonploughing@gmail. com. Keep up to date on this year’s upcoming event and all things Roscommon Ploughing by following the association on Facebook.

A scene from last year’s Roscommon Ploughing Championships. Pic: Kieran Croghan

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

ICMSA say concrete inflation and Mica levy pushing TAMS costings into ‘fantasy land’

DISPERSAL SALE

The chairperson of ICMSA’s Farm Business Committee, Pat O’Brien, said that the Association is being told that farmers are no longer even considering TAMS as the reference costings on which the grant is based move into the “realms of fantasy”.

Mr O’Brien said wherever he goes in the State, he is being told that the TAMS costings – “obsolete and demonstrably outof-step with real costs for the last five years” – are now being pushed on by concrete inflation and the Mica levy into a “fantasy land” that has them com-

pletely detached from any semblance to reality.

“We have repeatedly pointed out that TAMS costings were drifting into unreality but it must be obvious to everyone by now that the grant paid on the TAMS project is way off the 40% level for farmers and the 60% for young farmers.

“Minister McConalogue should immediately initiate a review of TAMS reference costs to be completed by 1st of August 2024 that addresses the inflation in costs that all can see. That must result in increased reference costings and those must be applied

to existing projects under construction.

“It’s just unacceptable and misleading to be telling farmers that they are getting a 40% or 60% grant when the reality is completely different”, said Mr O’Brien.

The ICMSA Farm Business chairperson also called on the minister to publish the methodology used in reviewing the reference costs and itemise specific costings used for specific items. He cited, as an example, the costs of a cubic metre price of concrete, which is a critical element in the cost of construction.

Cattle: There was a smaller entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special sale of heifers (May 10th). Heifers fetched an average of €3.06 per kilo up to €4.11, and there was also a good entry of dry cows, who made an average of €2.29 per kilo up to €2.95 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.29 per kilo up to €2.95 per kilo. Sample prices: 1X CH -865KG -€2,550 -€2.95 per kg, 1X SIX- 815KG- €2,000- €2.45 per kg, 1X SI -765KG- €1,920- €2.51 per kg, 1X LMX -715KG -€1,910- €2.67 per kg, 1X LMX-650KG- €1,830- €2.82 per kg, 1X LMX- 615KG -€1,380- €2.24 per kg, 1X LMX-575KG-€1,350- €2.35 per kg, and 1X LMX – 510KG- €1,150€2.25 per kg.

Heifers ranged from an average of €3.06 per kilo up to €4.11 per kilo. Sample prices: 1X CHX-655KG- €2,410- €3.68 per kg, 1X CHX- 630KG- €2,340- €3.71 per kg, 1X CHX-600KG- €2,280- €3.80 per kg, 1X CHX- 595KG- €1,900- €3.19 per kg, 1X CHX- 545KG- €2,240- €4.11

per kg, 1X CHX- 510KG- €1,700- €3.33 per kg, 1X CHX -495KG- €1,780- €3.60 per kg, 1X BAX -460KG -€1,590- €3.46 per kg, and 1X CHX – 430KG-€1,410€3.28 per kg.

Weanlings

There was a good entry of quality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday, May 14th, with a strong trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.07 per kilo up to €3.86 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.12 per kilo up to €4.34. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active.

Bull weanlings ranged from an average of €3.07 per kilo up to €3.86 per kilo. Sample prices: 1X-CHX- 460 KG -€1,560 -€3.39 per kg, 1X-CH- 435 KG€1,450- €3.33 per kg, 1X-LMX- 350 KG- €1,270 -€3.63 per kg, 1X-BAX -390 KG- €1,260- €3.23 per kg, 1X-BBX -365 KG- €1,200 -€3.29

Sheep Breeders Association AGM

Roscommon Sheep Breeders Association will hold their AGM on Friday, May 17th, in the Cruachan Aí Centre, Tulsk, at 8 pm.

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

In ation in the cost of concrete, and the additional cost from the Defective Concrete Product Levy, are pushing costings under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) “into fantasy land”.

Milk Quality Awards honour local farmer

Kevin Madden, from Roxborough in Co Roscommon, has been honoured at Aurivo’s 17th annual Milk Quality Awards for his hard work and dedication in dairy farming.

Kevin received the award for Most Improved SCC (somatic cell count). Currently farming 110 Holstein Friesian cows with the help of his wife Lyndsey and son Owen, Kevin attributes his improved somatic cell count to strident milkrecording and hygiene practices including dipping clusters after each cow and stripping each cow every morning.

The 17th annual Milk

Quality Awards were held on the 7th of May to honour commitment, dedication, and overall excellence in dairy farming. A total of eight farms were recognised for their work in 2023, ranging from Champion of Sustainability to most improved SCC. Each of these farms have been recognised by Aurivo for factors such as their dedication to animal welfare, sustainable farming practices, and excellence in milk quality.

Donal Tierney (Chief Executive of Aurivo) sincerely thanked the farms involved for their commitment, stating: “Without the

hard work and dedication afforded to us by our farming families, Aurivo would not be able to produce some of the best quality dairy products in the world. It is an absolute pleasure to honour our awardees who have thrived despite a difficult 2023 that involved challenging weather and declining milk prices.

“As we continue into 2024, I look forward to our enduring partnerships that allow us to maintain producing the highest quality dairy products while simultaneously protecting and safeguarding the environment around us”, he concluded.

Castlemine Quarry, Cashelmeehan, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon

Ploughing Association from

Raymond Barlow (Chairperson, Aurivo), Tommie Devine (Dairy Advisor, Aurivo), Michael Kenny (Aurivo board member) and Donal Tierney (Aurivo CEO) pictured with Kevin Madden from Co Roscommon and his family, after Kevin received the award for Most Improved SCC at the recent Milk Quality Awards.

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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‘Matilda The Musical Jr’ a big hit at Roscommon Arts Centre

Last weekend, the young people of the Majella Flanagan Theatre Company took to the stage at Roscommon Arts Centre with the popular ‘Matilda The Musical Jr’.

After months of rehearsals, the group of over 70 children aged five and up, entertained audiences with three sold-out performances of the smash-hit musical.

Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl and adapted from the award-winning full-length musical, Matilda The Musical Jr tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

The heartwarming musical was a great success, with each performance receiving a standing ovation.

The talented young cast treated audiences to energetic dance numbers and catchy songs such as ‘When I Grow Up’, ‘School Song’, ‘Naughty’ and ‘Revolting Children’.

Production team Majella and Laoise Flanagan were both delighted with the reaction the musical received and would like to say a massive well done and thank you to all of the cast, crew and parents who made this production possible.

Some of the children performing in the Majella Flanagan Theatre Company’s production of Matilda The Musical Jr which took place last weekend at the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Pictured are Majella Flanagan (left), owner of the Majella Flanagan Theatre Company, and her daughter, Laoise (right), who both produced and choreographed Matilda The Musical Jr which took place last weekend at the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Some of the children performing in the Majella Flanagan Theatre Company’s production of Matilda The Musical Jr which took place last weekend at the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Pictured are some of the cast of Majella Flanagan Theatre Company’s production of Matilda The Musical Jr which was staged last weekend at the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Bláithín O’Meara (right) who played the lead role of Matilda in Majella Flanagan Theatre Company’s production of Matilda The Musical Jr, which took place last weekend at the Roscommon Arts Centre, pictured performing on stage with cast member Beth Nolan. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Isabel Fitzpatrick pictured performing on stage during the Majella Flanagan Theatre Company’s production of Matilda The Musical Jr which was staged last weekend at the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

GOING OUT

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Modwena and Michael Geoghegan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Billy Reaney and Nigel Feeney. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Anthony Flaherty and Patrick Hoare. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Robert McConn, James Griffin, Ruth McCourt, Dick O’Brien and George McCourt. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Megan Nolan, Rachel Flanagan and Niamh Hegarty. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Chloe Kelly and Ellie Coen. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Annette and Seamus Scanlon. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening was Ellen Kelly, Roscommon Racecourse-sponsored Rose. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon food producer to take part in this year’s Food Academy

Roscommon-based food producer, The Best Free From, has been selected to take part in this year’s Food Academy programme.

The Food Academy programme, a unique and tailored business development initiative for start-up and early-stage food and drink producers, was developed by SuperValu over a decade ago, in collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office.

Since its inception, more than 1,000 producers from all 26 counties of Ireland have successfully completed the Food Academy programme.

As a new Food Academy producer, ‘The Best Free From’ has been able to launch their products on the shelves

of their local SuperValu stores.

Recent findings reveal that access to locally-sourced and produced food holds significant importance for nearly three-quarters (73%) of Irish people.

The Food Academy is a significant contributor to the overall growth and sustainability of the Irish food industry.

Speaking about the launch of this year’s Food Academy producers, Ciara McClafferty (Trading Director at SuperValu) said, “At SuperValu, we have supported the Food Academy programme for over a decade now, and it is wonderful to see that talent and innovation continues to grow in this industry”.

Speaking about her business journey and experience so far with the Food Academy, Tímea Kovacs (founder of The Best Free From) said: “I am originally from Hungary, but moved to Ireland in 2006. The original idea stemmed from my second pregnancy and dealing with gestational diabetes and other gut problems, when I had the necessity to find nutritious, natural and diabetic friendly products.

“We believe in all-natural and preservative-free, nutrient-dense goodies only. The SuperValu Food Academy has given us the opportunity to ensure our products reach everyone that can benefit from them”.

Two Roscommon exhibitors join line-up for Bord Bia Bloom 2024

Martina Jennings wins IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Award

Martina Jennings, CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, has won the Social Entrepreneur of the Year award at this year’s IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards. Martina became CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation in 2017. She was crowned at a ceremony on Friday night in The Clayton Hotel in Dublin.

The IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards celebrates the success, talent and accomplishment of female business peers across a wide arc of industries, professions and communities.

Mike Smith, Chairperson of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said:

“We were overjoyed and immensely proud to hear that our CEO, Martina Jennings, won the PwC Businesswoman of the Year Award in the category of Social

Entrepreneur of the Year for a Charitable Organisation. Out of 650 entries and 125 nominations, this is an incredible achievement. Martina’s exceptional leadership in the past eight years has brought the Foundation from strength to strength. We are all so proud of her”. Martina Jennings said: “I was thrilled to have been shortlisted for the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards but to win is truly special. I must thank IMAGE, the judges and the sponsors for a wonderful evening and I want to dedicate my award to all of the families who we have supported over the years”.

This is Martina’s third such accolade; she was awarded Mayo’s Most Inspirational Woman in 2015 and won Mayo Person of the Year in 2020.

Bord Bia Bloom have announced that two gardening exhibitors from Roscommon will feature at this year’s event – Farming Rathcroghan from Rathcroghan, and Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board.

The festival of flowers, food, and fun returns to the Phoenix Park, Dublin, this June bank holiday weekend (May 30th to June 3rd) and promises attendees a great day out with its colourful collection of show gardens, tantalising displays of Irish food and drink, inspiring talks and demos, and live interactive entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Now in its 18th year, the festival expects to welcome more than 100,000 visitors over five action-packed days for another experience that is rooted in sustainable living.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s event, Jim O’Toole (CEO, Bord Bia) said: “We are immensely proud of how Bord Bia Bloom has developed as a unique festival experience. Bloom was originally founded to provide a premier platform for showcasing Irish horticulture, food, and drink and

have succeeded in delivering on this vision”.

Martina Jennings (left), CEO, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, was recently named Social Entrepreneur of the Year for a Charitable Organisation at the IMAGE PwC Business Woman of the Year 2024. Martina is pictured receiving the award from Eimear Govern, presenting on behalf of sponsor, Marks & Spencer Ireland.

Pictured is Timea Kovacs, founder of the Roscommon-based food producer ‘The Best Free From’, which has been selected to participate in the Food Academy programme.

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Jim O’Toole (Bord Bia CEO), Laura Douglas (Head of Bord Bia Bloom) and designer Tünde Perry, pictured with twins AJ and Brooke Stewart (aged 6) from Swords, Co Dublin, at the o cial launch of this year’s Bord Bia Bloom, which will see two exhibitors from Roscommon featured. Pic: Fennell Photography

Twins AJ and Brooke Stewart (aged 6) from Swords, Co Dublin, pictured at the o cial launch of this year’s Bord Bia Bloom, which will see two exhibitors from Roscommon featured. Pic: Fennell Photography

NEW TO THE MARKET

c. 50 acres Residential Farm Cams, Cloverhill, Co. Roscommon F42 EP60

Exceptional residential farm o ering c. 50 acres of top class agricultural lands set out in one lot with spacious farm buildings standing thereon, including cubicle shed, milking parlor, workshop, crush, silage base and enclosed yard.

The house comprises a well presented 4 bedroom bungalow in excellent condition on an elevated site with commanding views over the surrounding countryside. This is without doubt one of the nest farms to come on the market in recent years in this renowned farming area. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the Sole Auctioneers.

Note. House and lands can be sold separately should market interest dictate Price Region: Open to O ers

Cottage in prime Roscommon location on

Stunning 4 bedroom residence situated on a large site with majestic views over the surrounding countryside.

Situated just 1 mile from the picturesque village of Knockcroghery and 20 minutes to Athlone Town center, this impressive residence comprises entrance hallway, open plan kitchen/dining room with large sun room o , spacious utility, sitting room, 4 large bedrooms (two en-suite) and family bathroom. This house has a fully oored attic space with 3 velux windows tted allowing for easy conversion if desired. NEW TO THE MARKET Corboley, Knockcroghery Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 TX43

Outside, spacious lawned garden with large attractive decking and serviced garage. Early viewing recommended Price Region: €320,000 BER Rating: C1

NEW TO THE MARKET: c. 18.2 acres

Excellent parcel of land extending to c. 18.2 acres located 4 miles from Roscommon Town in a most popular residential area. The lands are in 1 lot and are of top quality with Two Bay Hayshed with lean to, crush and yard standing thereon. Mains water and electricity are connected. These lands o er valuable road frontage with excellent site potential subject to planning permission being obtained.

This is an exceptional parcel of land to come to the market and the Auctioneers invite early enquiries.

Price Region: Open to O ers

13 The Rookery, Scramogue, Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 EY29

Stunning 4 bed (3 en-suite) residence nished to show house standard and surrounded by award winning gardens in a select countryside setting, 15 minutes from Roscommon and Longford Town Centre.

Fabulous layout includes entrance hallway, sitting room, living room, majestic open plan kitchen/dining room and utility with wc o . First oor, 4 large bedrooms (3 en-suite) and family bathroom.

Outside, manicured garden with lanterns, paved area and a wide variety of shrubs and plants. This is without doubt one of the nest properties to come to the market in this region in recent times and the Auctioneers invites early viewings.

Price Region: €375,000

Church Street, Roscommon Town, CO. ROSCOMMON

TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877

E-mail info@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

books of Oates Auctioneers

On the market with Oates Auctioneers is a property located at Brackloon, Fuerty, Co Roscommon (F42 YY43), which presents a unique opportunity to acquire a cottage in a highly sought after location only two miles from Roscommon Town centre.

Situated on an elevated circa 0.75-acre mature site at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, with excellent views of the surrounding countryside, this is without doubt one of the best sites/locations to come on

the market in recent times. This residence has been vacant for a number of years and may benefit from the Vacant House Refurbishment Grant. Interested parties should make their own individual enquiries in relation to same. Viewing comes highly recommended by the auctioneers. The price region is €130,000. For more information, or to request a viewing, visit oates.ie, or contact the office on 090 66277878 or by email at info@oates.ie.

Sale of charming farmhouse closed at Remax Team Earley

Keith McLoughlin of RE/MAX Team Earley is pleased to advise that he closed the sale of a charming three-bedroomed traditional farmhouse that has recently undergone extensive renovations and is now in excellent condition.

Nestled on a spacious .89 of an acre plot in the picturesque location of Boho, Ballintubber, this property offers a wonderful blend of old-world charm and modern comforts.

If you have enquiries relating to any properties, etc. please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, Cormac on 086 3519492, Cathal on 086 1409158, Keith on 086 0848590, email teamearley@ remax.ie or log onto www. teamearley.ie

Michael J. O’Rourke

Phone 087 2242329

• Circa 9.75 acres in Creggs area

• Circa 47 acres 4 bay double slatted shed in Creggs area

NEW TO THE MARKET: LAND FOR SALE

• Circa 23 at Aghagower, Castlecoote LAND TO LEASE

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY OR AUCTION AT A LATER DATE

72 ACRES APPROX OF A PRIME RESIDENTIAL FARM ON WHICH STANDS A 4-BEDROOMED DETACHED TWO-STOREY RESIDENCE

CORRACREIGH, ELPHIN, CO. ROSCOMMON

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

AVAILABLE IN LOTS:

• LOT 1: Entire Property - 72 acres approx with the benefit of 28.20 entitlements:

o Includes a four-bedroom residence

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

o Services - Water & ESB

OPTION TO PURCHASE:

• LOT 2: 71 acres approx. with the benefit of 28.20 entitlements, farm yard & outbuildings

• LOT 3: 4 Bedroom Residence on 1 acre approx. with storage sheds

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

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

Legals: Joan Harrington Solicitor, Strokestown - 071 963 4608

PRICE ON APPLICATION

NEW TO THE MARKET

31 ACRES APPROX PRIME RESIDENTIAL FARM ON WHICH STANDS A CHARMING 5-BEDROOMED DETACHED RESIDENCE USSEY, GLINSK, CO. GALWAY

COMPRISED IN FOLIO GY12294

(Being the Estate of the late Kathleen Quinn)

Available in Lots:

• Entire Property - 31 acres approx.:

o Includes a five-bedroom residence

o 24.25 acres approx. of prime agricultural lands

o 6.75 acres approx. of bogland

• 23.25 acres with outbuildings:

o Excludes the residence but includes outbuildings

o Ideal for agricultural operations or storage purposes

• 5 Bedroom Residence on 1 acre approx. with storage sheds:

o A picturesque one-acre plot featuring the five-bedroom residence

o Includes convenient storage sheds

• Boglands - 6.75 acres:

o A standalone parcel comprising bogland

o Potential for conservation or development opportunities

o Also holding potential of wind turbines being developed in this said area in the future

The sale of these said lands must offer all farmers a great opportunity to acquire a residential farm in this regarded farming area of Glinsk, Co. Galway Note: Residence, lands and boglands can be sold independently should market interest dictate Legals: Eimear O’Callaghan Solicitor, Castlerea - 094 96 20008

PRICE ON APPLICATION

Primepropertytocometomarketcomprisingbutcher shop,residenceandabattoirthatcanbesoldasoneor inseperatelots,subjecttomarketinterest.

Thepropertyisofferedforsaleasfollows:

Lot1-ButcherShop,ResidenceandOutbuildings

Lot2-Abattoironly

Lot3:Entire-ButcherShop,Residence, Outbuildings&Abattoir

Classifieds

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

 ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS:

Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor).

Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and ues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

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

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare Professional and friendly footcare in the comfort of your own home.

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

Stephen Casey Construction

● General Building

● Extensions & Roo ng ● Groundworks ● Renovations ● Chimney CCTV Inspections ● Chimney Repair

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

FENCING/GATES

COUNSELLING &

HYPNOTHERAPY

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

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

• Sprayers tested on owners premises

• Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.

• Small stock of parts available and can be tted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2020/2021 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

Advertise with us to have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week!

Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Anthony and Niamh Naughton, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for development at Kilmore, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. The development shall consist of: Permission for the construction of two storey extension to the side and single storey extension to the rear/side of existing dwelling, internal and external alterations to the existing dwelling, the decommissioning of an existing septic tank and provision of a new tertiary treatment system and in ltration/treatment area, and all ancillary site works. This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

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

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Solveig Kuhse intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for change of use of School to Residential use and to provide sewerage system and a treatment plant, to provide secondary and tertiary treatment and all associated works, at Derryhanee, Termonbarry, Co. Roscommon.

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the precribed fee of €20, within a period of 5 weeeks 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: Solveig Kuhse

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Eleanor Davis and Hubert Darcy intend to apply for planning permission for development at Derrane, Roscommon. The development will consist of:

(a) Construction of a dwellinghouse, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks, (b) Conversion of a derelict building on site to a domestic garage ancillary to the dwellinghouse, (c) Creation of a new agricultural entrance.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors.

2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon.

P: (087) 2222874

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

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

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Beagh (Brabazon), Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

I hereby apply to the above authority on behalf of Noble Tree Services for planning permission to construct a machinery shed and a wood-chip storage shed to include concrete apron and all associated site works at the above location.

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a 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: Ruane Survey, Design and Planning Ltd. Phone: (087) 8188596. www.oliverruane.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, John Connolly, Secretary of Athleague Hurling Club intend to apply for planning permission for development at Cloonykelly, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

The development will consist of:

(a) Construction of a 2.0m wide walkway around GAA grounds,

(b) Erect 29 no. 100 watt LED lights on 5.0m high lighting standards on the walkway, (c) Associated siteworks.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors.

2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon.

P: (087) 2222874

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

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Sarah Healy and Carlo Morelli, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning approval, consequent on the grant of outline planning permission (Ref. No. PD/22/335) to construct a dwelling house with adjoining garage, along with permission to connect to public services and carryout all ancillary site development works and new entrance at Ballinagard Rd, Ballinagard, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon.

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

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road

Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 085 1299470

E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Mary Brennan intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish and extend existing dwelling, raise existing roof structure for attic storage, revised front elevation and new external insulation, plasterwork, new windows/ doors and removal of chimney, associated site development works and services at Ardnanagh, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Savory Fare Ltd intend to apply for Permission for Retention and Permission for the following:

(i) Permission for retention is sought for; a dining area extension 19.3m2 to the existing western elevation and lean-to covered external seating area to southern elevation 20m2 (ii) Permission is sought for; the demolition of said above dining area 19.3m2 and the construction of a new extension consisting of a kitchen and food preparation area 33m2, together with new dining space 15m2 with internal changes to the existing premises including the provision of accessible sanitary facilities, along with connections to services and all associated site works.

At Savory Fare, Block B Daneswell Business Centre, Monksland Td, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, N37 W5K5. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 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. P: (090) 6634421

Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Rachel Feeley, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission

1. To refurbish derelict house to include alterations to elevations,

2. To construct new extension to the rear and new front porch to same,

3. To construct new domestic garage, 4. To install upgraded treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Rinnagan, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365

Mob: 085 1299470

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

Web: www.jlce.ie

Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for Planning

Permission on behalf of Edward O’Connor to construct new dwelling house, install new waste water treatment system and percolation area together with all associated site works at Ballyconboy T.d. Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Martin Dowd

Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Phone: 086 2328484

To have your advert seen by over

people every week advertise

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

 HOUSE SHARE: Athleague area, all mod cons O.F.C.H., internet, parking, 4 bedrooms available. Must like dogs, short term lets considered. Monday to Friday only. Phone: 087 094 4027

PHYSICAL

PODIATRIST

Tullys

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

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

● HSE Trained and Approved ● Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

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

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience

090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com

CAN’T FIND ANYONE

(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –

•

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

If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090

Dylan Byrne DIP CHFP (Monday - Wednesday) Tel: 089 2551716 or Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP (Thursday - Saturday) Tel: 087 2982214

GARDENING

www.westsidegardening.ie

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

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

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal

STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs

C2

& Insured. Free Quotations

EGAN Bridie

Ballinderry, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away on 21st of May, 2018

R.I.P. (6th Anniversary)

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her husband Tommy and the Egan family.

Bridie’s Sixth Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Four Mile House, Church on Sunday, 19th of May at 11am.

SMYTH

Leo Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Leo, who passed away on 25th May, 2023

The memories we shared are quietly kept, no words are needed, we will never forget. Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.

Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving family. Masses o ered.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF EDWARDS

Kathleen Cloonru , Ballymoe, Co. Galway

Who passed away on 20 May 2021

(3rd Anniversary)

May her gentle soul Rest In Peace

His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful he always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering he knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on Earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be Thine”. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home.

Always loved and sadly missed by your daughters Mary and Anne, sons Tom, Jack, Tony, EJ and Larry, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber on Saturday, 18th May 2024 at 8pm.

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen

BRENNAN

Bernadette (Dette)

Cloontogher, Kilteevan, Roscommon Who died on the 24th May 2023

As we lovingly remember our mother Bernadette (Dette) on the First Anniversary of her death, her sons Larry, Henry, Padraig, Oliver and daughters Mary, Rachael, Catherine, Majella, Stephanie and extended family wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for the generous support and sympathy we received following the sad loss of our beloved mother.

To all who attended Dette’s Removal, Funeral Mass, Burial, many of whom travelled long distances, and to those who called to our home, sent messages of sympathy online, Mass Cards, enrolments and oral tributes – we are forever grateful for these thoughtful gestures.

A sincere word of thanks to Fr. Sean Beirne for celebrating Dette’s Funeral Mass so movingly and to Fr. Frank Glennon for concelebrating the Mass. Thanks to the Sacristan and Eucharistic Ministers and we also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Aileen O’Connor for the music at the Funeral Mass and graveside which she performed so beautifully.

We deeply appreciate and express immense gratitude to our neighbours, relatives and friends who called to our home with food and refreshments whilst also sharing special memories of our wonderful motherwe will always remember your kindness. Many thanks to the grave diggers who prepared Dette’s nal resting place in such a thoughtful way, this was greatly valued by her family.

A special thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism, guidance, and sensitivity to our family during this di cult time. Thanks to the management and sta of the Abbey Hotel and also to Anne Harlow of Signature Flowers for the elegant arrangements.

We further thank the doctors, nurses and all the sta of the Stroke Unit at UCHG for their kindness, compassion, and excellent nursing care that our mother received during her nal days. A sincere thanks to Dr. Wojciech Wawrzynek GP and the team at the Roscommon Medical Centre for their care and also to McGuinness’s Pharmacy for their professional support over the last number of years.

It is impossible to thank everyone individually however, we hope that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our deepest gratitude and appreciation. We will always cherish the memories of our mother Dette in our hearts forevermore.

The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass will be o ered for your intentions.

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

Dette’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 26th May at 10am in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan.

FALLON

Eddie (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Eddie Fallon RAHARA Who passed away 23rd May 2021

a special face, and in my heart, a special place. No words I speak can ever say, how much I miss you every day. To hear your voice and see you smile, To sit and talk with you awhile. To be together the same old way, Would be my dearest wish today.

Always loved and missed so much. Your loving wife Sheila

Together life was bright and gay, a parting seemed so far away. You left a place no one can fill, we miss you Dad and always will.

Your loving children Aileen, Fiona, Orla, Patrick and Conor.

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

Sadly, missed by sisters Margaret and Breda.

Eddie is missed by grandson Liam, granddaughter Sophie and all extended family.

Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church at 10am on Sunday, 19th May.

CONNOR

Tommy & Mary (3rd and 10th Anniversary)

Cherished memories of our parents who passed, Tommy on 17/02/2021 and Mary on 02/09/2014.

R.I.P.

In Our Hearts

We thought of you today, but that is nothing new, we thought about you yesterday and the days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your names, now all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we will never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

Loved and missed by family and friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Monday, May 20th at 7pm.

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 glori ed for ever. Pray 1 Our Father, Hail Mary, 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. Pray for 3 days. Publish on the 3rd day. See what will happen on the 4th day. M.G.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it

Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Thanksgiving to Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. Jude. K.E.

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

SATCHWELL Liam

Ballyfinnegan, Ballintubber. Who passed away on Thursday, 18th of May 2023

As we lovingly remember Liam on his First Anniversary, his wife Bernadette and family wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who o ered sympathy, support and kindness throughout his illness and since his passing.

Our very sincere thanks to our extended family, neighbours and friends who did so much for us at this sad time. Thank you to those who brought food to our home and provided refreshments, visited Liam at his home and in hospital, attended his Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, and to all those who o ered prayers, lit candles, sent Mass Cards, owers, letters, texts, condolences and made donations to Roscommon Palliative Care Support Unit.

We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Greg Kelly and the Kelly Henry Medical Team, the Community Intervention Team, Public Health Nurse, Palliative Care Nurses and sta at St. Pius’ and St. Joseph’s Ward, UCHG. We cannot express our appreciation enough to all the sta at the Roscommon Palliative Care Support Unit, for providing comfort, kindness and compassion to Liam and all the family in his nal days. The sta went above and beyond for Liam and we can never thank them enough.

We will always cherish and remember with gratitude Liam’s fellow Knock Stewards and Handmaids who o ered prayers and stood in respectful silence in Guards of Honour.

We deeply appreciate those who prepared St. Bride’s Church, carried out tra c duty and provided beautiful oral arrangements in the church and at the graveside of Liam’s nal resting place. Thanks to Pat Smyth, Smyth’s Funeral Directors, for his professionalism and guidance in arranging Liam’s Funeral.

A special word of thanks to Fr. Pat and Fr. Julian for their prayers, friendship and support to Liam and his family and for celebrating a beautiful, meaningful Funeral Mass together with Fr. Paul.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere and heartfelt gratitude.

The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass will be o ered for your intentions.

Liam’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 18th of May 2024 at 8pm in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber.

GUINTO

Engr. Epitacio (Eppie)

Philippines

Who passed away on 19th of May 2023

On the First Anniversary of Eppie’s passing, we his family would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who sympathised and supported us on our great loss.

Our sincere gratitude to our wonderful and caring neighbours, supportive family and relatives and to our dearest loving friends in the Philippines and here in Ireland who sincerely supported us in any possible way during this di cult time.

Genuine appreciation to St. Peter Life Plan c/o Ms. Sahlie and Ms. Jhe who prepared Daddy’s nal resting place with great care and attention.

The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass will be o ered for your intentions.

“Deep in our hearts your memory is kept, to love, to cherish and never forget.”

Always remembered and forever missed by his dearest wife Joy, by his loving daughters Myra Joy and Cristy Medy, by his sons-in-law, Rajkumar and Leiner and to his one and only grandchild and legacy, Aidan Kieran Guinto Jegatheesan.

Eppie’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Ireland at 11.30am (Irish Time) also in Christ The Divine Parish Church, Magalang Pampanga, Philippines at 6am (Phils Time) on Sunday, 19th May 2024.

“May Daddy’s soul Rest in Heavenly Peace”

REGAN

Teresa (nee Gavin)

Killerr, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of a dear wife and mother who passed away on 17th May 2016 R.I.P.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so He put his arms around you and whispered “come to me”.

With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away although we loved you dearly we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating hard working hands to rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Fondly remembered and missed dearly by Teresa’s husband Tom, daughters, sons and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber on Saturday, 18th of May at 8 pm.

DEMPSEY

Conor

The Walk, Roscommon May 22nd 2012 (12th Anniversary)

Though we wake to your loss, you dwell in that place of our hearts where no storm or night or pain can reach you. Though your years here were brief, your spirit was alive, awake, completed. Though we cannot see you with our outward eyes, we know our souls gaze is upon your face, smiling back at us in everything. Let us not look for you only in memory, where we grow lonely without you, May you continue to inspire us, to enter each day with a generous heart, to serve the call of courage and love. Until we see your beautiful face again in that land where there is no separation, where all tears will be wiped away and where we will never lose you again.

Forever missed by Mum, Dad, Laura, Alex, Emma, brothers-in-law, sister-inlaw, nephews and nieces.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, May 25th at 10am in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon

MANNION

Joe Carnalasson, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon (17th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Joe, who passed away on 18th May, 2007

You always had a smile to share, time to give and time to care. A loving nature, a heart of gold, those are the memories we will always hold. Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving wife Ann and family. Masses o ered.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

QUINN

Jackie Kilmacrickard, Glinsk

Who passed away on 15th April 2024

Jackie’s sister Margaret, brother Paddy and extended family wish to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to everyone who sympathised and supported us on the sudden and unexpected death of Jackie.

Our thanks to Ballinasloe Paramedics, Tuam Gardaí, Fr. Donal Morris and Dr. Hanley who treated us with respect and sensitivity on Monday night. Our thanks to Lily Conneran who brought refreshments to the house on the night. It was heart-warming to see neighbours, relations and friends at his house on the night.

We cannot begin to express our thanks to Marie Tiernan whose vigilance raised concern for Jackie and contacted her brother Michael to check on him. As he got no reply he and Daragh McDonagh contacted Paul O’Boyle who then discovered Jackie’s body. Ambulance Paramedics, Gardaí, Fr. Donal and Doctor were contacted. Paul had to make the heart-breaking call to me (Margaret).

Our thanks to the following:

To the McDonagh family for supply of refreshments and continued support since Jackie’s death.

To the O’Boyle family who delivered daily meals over the following days and their continued help.

To everyone who telephoned, sent messages of sympathy, oral tributes and who travelled long distances to be with us on both days and for their support and calls since Jackie’s passing.

To Ronan Sirr and Roger Clarke for their continued help since Jackie’s death, also to Ronan Keane for his help on the Tuesday morning. Our gratitude to Mary and the late John Dowd, their family and sta Eileen and Clare who were so helpful to Jackie.

To Elaine Neilan Sirr who never forgot Jackie at Christmas and who distributed red roses to family and relations at Jackie’s graveside.

To Glinsk GAA who formed a Guard of Honour and walked beside the hearse to the Church.

To Fr. Donal Morris for his support, beautiful Homily, Mass and prayers at the graveside for Jackie. It was very meaningful to us.

To the Glinsk Choir for their beautiful singing and uplifting choice of hymns especially “Lady of Knock” as Padraic Sirr and Jackie went there on several occasions.

To Jackie’s nieces Aisling, Michelle, Elaine and cousin Oonagh for the readings, he would be so proud of them.

To Padraic Sirr for his support and companionship to Jackie which spanned over 50 years. They showed great support to each other. Padraic’s home was a second home to Jackie.

To the grave grass cutters who had the grounds lovely and to the gravediggers Paul O’Boyle, Daragh McDonagh, Michael Tiernan and Micheál Connelly who prepared Jackie’s grave with respect and had it decorated beautifully with owers.

To Tommy, Dolores, Donal Dowd and family for their invaluable guidance to us and to Tommy for his professionalism and respect shown to Jackie and us in dealing with Jackie’s Funeral.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation. A Mass will be o ered for your intentions.

Month’s Mind Mass for Jackie will be celebrated in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 26th May at 10 o’clock.

MULLEN

Eddie

Ballybride, Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Eddie who died the 24th of May 2020

R.I.P.

In God’s care you rest above, in our hearts you rest with love. Time passes, memories stay, quietly remembered everyday.

Until we meet again Your loving wife Madge and family.

Suaimhneas sioraí dá anam

Eddie’s Anniversary Mass will be held on Friday, 24th of May at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

McNAMARA Eugene

Late of The Walk, Roscommon.

In loving memory of Eugene Whose 15th Anniversary occurs May 24th Rest In Peace

The memories we shared are quietly kept, no words are needed, we will never forget. Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us every day.

Fondly remembered by Sarah, Michael, Francis, James and Patrick, Eugene’s brothers and sisters, grandchildren, daughters-in-law and extended family.

Anniversary Mass for Eugene will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Monday, 20th May at 11am.

DOOLAN

Frances Roscommon

We lost a Mother with a heart of Gold, how much we miss her, can never be told, she shared our troubles and helped us along, if we follow her footsteps, we will never go wrong. We miss you from our fireside chair, your loving smile and gentle air, your vacant place no one can fill, we miss you Mam and always will. She was a Mum so very rare, content in her home and always there, on earth she toiled, in Heaven she rests, God bless you Mam you were one of the best. God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be

So he put His arms around you and whispered “Come to Me” With tearful eyes we watched you slowly fade away, although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stop beating, your hard working hands put to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Sadly missed and loved

Kevin, Hannah, Michael and Tommie.

Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 19th May at 9am.

HAUGHEY

Donal

Correal, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

Remembering Donal who died on 20th May, 2023.

No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it and only God can tell us why. Remembered in prayer by his mother, brothers and sisters.

Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 19th of May at 11.30am in Fuerty Church.

RYAN

JIM

Creevy, Roscommon (20th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Jim who died on 14th May 2004

You always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke and time to care.

A wonderful nature, warm and true, those are the memories we have of you.

Forever in our thoughts and prayers, sadly missed by your neighbours and friends. Masses o ered.

DONLON

(née Quinn)

Mary

Moher, Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

Who died on 19th May, 2023. (Aged 93 years)

On this the First Anniversary of Mary’s passing, we her family wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who sympathised and supported us on her passing. We would like to thank all those who travelled long and short distances to the Removal, Funeral Mass and Internment. To all who sent Mass Cards and messages of sympathy.

A sincere thanks to all the wonderful Carers and Public Health Nurses who looked after Mary over a long number of years. Also to her many wonderful neighbours who were always so good to her.

Thanks to Dr. David Harrison for his dedicated care to Mary and a special word of thanks to all the sta of Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague who gave such dedicated care to Mary in her nal months.

A word of thanks to Fr. Eugene McLoughlin for prayers in the Funeral Home and receiving Mary’s remains in Ballyleague Church on the evening of her Removal.

Thanks to Fr. Eamon O’Connor, Fr. Larry Behan and Fr. Stephen Walsh, cousin of Mary, for the beautiful meaningful Funeral Mass.

Thanks to Theresa Costello for her beautiful singing.

A special thanks to Adie Farrell Funeral Directors for their professionalism and guidance and to the grave diggers for preparing Mary’s nal resting place so beautifully.

Thanks to Stephen Dowd Catering for providing a beautiful meal after the Internment and to St. Faithleach’s GAA Club for the use of the premises.

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

The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass has been o ered for your intentions.

First Anniversary Mass for Mary will be on Saturday, 18th May at 7pm in Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague.

CRUISE Bridget

(27th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Bridget Cruise Derrycahill Ballyforan Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon who passed away on the 19th May 1997.

R.I.P.

Those precious years will not return, when we were all together. But the memories you have left behind, will stay with me forever.

Always remembered by your daughter Rosaleen.

COMISKEY

Mary

Anniversary

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.

The Walk, Roscommon In loving memory of Mary who was taken home to God on 14th May 2017 (7th Anniversary)

The passage of time cannot take you away. You are locked in our hearts, forever to stay.

Much loved and greatly missed always by Mam (Maura) Peter, David Paul, John and Emma.

Mass for Mary will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 18th May at 10am.

always Bernie, Aidan, Conor, Niall, Darragh and Abhie, Chris, Noel, Mark, Shauna, Liam, Frances, Patrick, Ciarán, Niamh, John, Susan, Ciara, Leah, John, Pete, Aoife, Tadhg,

SportExtra

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Enquiries to:

Thomas A Murray’s Bar Castle Street, Roscommon Town Contact: 086 2582657

Hill Street Quarries Limited require:

WELDER for busy Quarry in North Roscommon Contact 071 9646017 for any further details

Email with CV’s to: enquiries@glenviewworld.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

 PERSON WANTED: To work in B+B on the Aran Islands, accommodation provided, great way to learn Irish, some experience required. Phone: 087 9728796

REFRIGERATION & CATERING ENGINEER APPRENTICES REQUIRED

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We are looking for PROFESSIONAL STONE WORKER RESTORER

C’mon The Town

Well done to the Roscommon Town boys and girls U-11 and U-12 players who participated in filming for the TG4 Club Areina series last week.

Under blue skies and radiant sun, the players participated in a series of sketches and demonstrated their skills on and off the pitch. They a credit to their families and the club. The studio segment will take place in Dublin in July.

Thanks to Liam, Mick, Oli, Erin and Hollie for their assistance on the day and to the parents and coaches for their supportive presence also.

Club Volunteers

Next week is National Volunteer Week –a time to highlight the commitment and time that volunteers give for others in the local community.

The club wish to express their gratitude to the volunteers who are committed to the progression of young people on and off the pitch, year after year.

Player Profile

Name: Sean Carthy Team: U12

Position: Striker

Three words that describe me: Funny, Kind, Skillful

Skill Strength: Left foot

Skill Weakness: Bicycle kick

Favourite

Favourite

Best stadium

Bernabeu

Messi or Ronaldo or Neither: Ronaldo

PlayStation or Xbox or Neither: PlayStation

Favourite Film: Karate Kid

Favourite Food: Chicken Curry

Favourite Song: Fein – Travis Scott

Favourite Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

What makes me happy: Playing soccer People I admire the most: My brothers –Rory, Eoghan and Seamie

Why I play soccer: I love the sport and scoring goals

Hopes for the season: To win something with my team

Wear the Town Shop now on roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie Adidas and KCS clothing ranges in stock. Wear the Town. Play for the Town. Support the Town.

Stay in Touch

Read about us in the Roscommon People, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or email us on info@roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie.

Wise Words

Without commitment, you cannot have depth in anything – Neil Strauss

Club Areina – TG4

Favourite Team: Manchester United

Player: Lisandro Martinez

Irish Player: Roy Keane

in the World: Santiago

Pictured are the Roscommon Town boys U-12 ‘Town 2’ team.

Pictured are some of the TG4 crew who lmed in the club last week for the Club Areina series.

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

Sports PEOPLE

Roscommon in Croke Park double header

The GAA confirmed on Tuesday evening that Roscommon will face Leinster champions Dublin in their opening round of the All-Ireland series in Croke Park on Saturday, May 25th

The game will have a 5 pm throw-in and will be shown live on GAAGO. It was also announced that the match will be part of a double header in which the Roscommon U-20 hurlers will play Down in the All-Ireland B Hurling Championship final for the Richie McElligott Cup, with that game set to get underway at 3 pm.

Davy Burke’s men will face Connacht runners-up, Mayo, in the second round the following weekend and details of that game will be confirmed by the GAA early next week. Their final group game will be against Cavan.

Shane’s super start… but Tyrone tops!

Hurlers’ sights on Mayo after Donegal loss

Nicky Rackard Cup

Donegal 1-25

Roscommon 2-10

Roscommon were outclassed by an impressive Donegal side at Dr Hyde Park on Saturday last and now Kevin Sammon’s men will play a ‘winner takes all’ contest against Mayo this Saturday in Dr Hyde Park – with the victors qualifying for the final in Croke Park. The teams were evenly matched early on and by the 15th minute Donegal were only narrowly ahead, 0-6 to 0-4. However, the visitors found their rhythm in the second quarter and by half-time they led by 1-13 to 0-8, their goal coming in the 28th minute from veteran attacker Declan Coulter. Roscommon were given some hope in the 40th minute when sub Robbie Fallon finished to the net to reduce the margin to just five, 1-14 to 1-9. However, Donegal went on to

score ten points without reply to lead by 1-24 to 1-9 by the 65th minute.

Three minutes later Roscommon were awarded a penalty but goalkeeper Enda Lawless only managed to put the ball over the bar. There was small consolation for the home side when Brendan Mulry scored a fine goal in the 70th minute, but at that stage it was too little too late for Roscommon.

Now the focus will be on that big clash with Mayo this Saturday.

Roscommon: Enda Lawless (0-1, pen); Mark Ward, James Dillon, Darragh Mullen; Jack Donnelly, Conor Cosgrove (0-1), Jack Dowling; Darragh Finn, James Hardiman (0-1); Cian Murray (0-1), Conor Mulry (0-1), Sean Canning (0-1); Brendan Mulry (1-1), Liam Og Coyle, Paddy Fallon (0-3, 2 ‘65s).

Subs: Adam Donnelly for Dowling (h/t), Robbie Fallon (1-0) for P Fallon (h/t), Michael Hussey for Coyle (51), Matthew Comerford for Dillon (55), Jack Naughton for Cosgrove (63).

Young Rossies aiming for Connacht final place

Electric Ireland Connacht MFC semi-final: Roscommon v Galway at Tuam Stadium on Friday at 7 pm

 SEAMUS DUKE

After an impressive campaign, Roscommon’s U-17s can qualify for the Connacht final and the All-Ireland series if they overcome Galway in the provincial semi-final on Friday night.

A win would guarantee Roscommon a place in the Connacht final which would be against Mayo at Dr Hyde Park.

Galway have qualified for the semi-final on scoring difference after they defeated Leitrim by 2-17 to 1-10 in the final round of games last weekend (meaning they pipped Sligo in the process).

When the teams met earlier in the championship Roscommon won by 1-10 to 1-7 and they will obviously be hoping for a repeat performance.

Roscommon’s only defeat so far in this year’s championship was against Mayo and James Duignan’s side should have enough to advance to a home final.

Prediction: Roscommon.

PICTURED

LEFT: Roscommon’s Dean Casey and Galway’s Ethan Forde pictured rising for the ball when the two teams last met in the ‘round robin’ stage of the Connacht MFC in April at Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon’s star forward Shane McGinley scores a wonderful goal in the second minute of last Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 football semi- nal against Tyrone. It was a brilliant start for Roscommon, but Tyrone proved too strong on the day, winning by 3-18 to 3-8. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon Races off to successful start

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

The first race of Roscommon’s 2024 season, the EBF Series Maiden, was won by Jessica Harrington’s Lady O, an 11/4 shot, ridden by Shane Foley who beat I Am Me and the favourite Elzem by ¾ lengths and ½ lengths.

The result of Division One of the mile handicap went to a photofinish that saw the odds-on favourite, Play It Again Zaam, hold on by a head from Barnhill Rose with Cherry Pink in third, another 4½ lengths away.

Conor Maxwell trained and Robert Whearty, claiming 5lb, rode the winner.

Division Two provided a result for the bookmakers with a 28/1 shot Vikki Wall ridden by James Ryan and trained by Ian Donoghue proving best from the favourite Atbay and Super Cub by 4¾ lengths and 2¼ lengths. Another for the layers followed with Brains, at 14/1, making every post a winning one for Richard Donohue and claimer Adam Caffery, seeing off Arch Enemy and May Night by 2¾ lengths and ¾ lengths.

The EBF Spring Series Maiden Auction Race was won by 9/4 second favourite Naval Force trained by Donnacha O’Brien and ridden by Gavin Ryan who beat Action Plan and Neski Sherelski by ½ length and a nose.

The Apprentice Handicap was won by the Gerard O’Leary trained Jabbar ridden by Amy Jo Hayes who bet Sixpack and Duke Of Leggagh by a ½ length and the same repeating his course and distance win of last September.

Racing closed with a 5/1 shot, Chemdawg winning by a head from Stariam with the favourite in third, 1¾ lengths further away.

Roscommon preview

There are seven more flat races at Lenebane on Monday, opening with a Claiming Maiden for 3-year-olds followed by a 2-year-old EBF Auction Maiden, and a handicap for 4-year-olds.

The first three races are over 7f. The fourth race is sponsored by JTW Transport and is a maiden for 3-year-olds over 1m 2½f., fol-

lowed by the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon sponsored Handicap over the same distance.

The penultimate race is a 1m 4f Handicap for 4-year-olds and racing closes with a handicap for 3-year-olds only, again over 1m 4f.

This weekend’s racing

Irish racing this week starts this afternoon (Thursday) with a flat card at Limerick off at 1.30 pm and this evening with a national hunt meeting at Clonmel off at 4.55 pm.

There are two evening meetings tomorrow (Friday) as Kilbeggan host their first national hunt meeting of 2024 first race at 4.25 pm and Leopardstown race on the flat, featuring the Group 3 Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes, starting at 4.15 pm.

Racing on Saturday is over the sticks at Wexford, off at 2.15 pm, and there is a flat card at Navan, tapes away for the first at 1.55 pm.

On Sunday there are two Group 3 races on the card at Naas, the EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes and the Goffs Lacken Stakes.

Roscommon stage their second flat card of the season on Monday next, first race at 5.20 pm.

On TV

ITV coverage this week starts today (Thursday) with five flat races from York and one from Salisbury. Coverage of York continues tomorrow with five more races and one from Newbury. There are seven races on Saturday with four from Newbury and three from Newmarket.

On Sunday, ITV are covering all seven races from Newmarket. Racing News

Ryan Moore rode in the Longchamp last Sunday for Aidan O’Brien but had no luck, finishing 8th on the favourite Henry Longfellow in the 2000 Guineas and the same in the 1000 Guineas on Content. Meanwhile, Wayne Lordan took full advantage of his chance with a four-timer at Leopardstown aboard Igor Stravinsky, Highbury, Los Angeles and Ortelius, all for Aidan O’Brien. Competition Corner

Congratulations to Cian Heavy, Fuerty, Brenda Clogher, Ballinasloe

Short putts

BALLAGHADERREEN

Ballaghaderreen ladies hosted a High/ Low Event at Ballaghaderreen Golf Club last weekend. This is an annual social event for the club.

Over 60 golfers took part, with visitors from neighbouring 9-hole clubs such as Strokestown, Tubbercurry, Castlerea and Ballyhaunis.

This event focuses on pairing high handicappers with low handicappers, giving beginners and seasoned golfers a chance to play together. It was an exceptionally successful day and the weather was beautiful.

On Friday, May 10th, a group of Transition Year students from St Nathy’s College came to try out the club’s facilities first-hand under the guidance of Mr Brady, Christy McCann, Anne O’Brien, Breege Flanagan and Patricia Reid. For many it was their first time getting to grips with teeing off, pitching and putting. It is hoped that this is the first of many trips to the course for budding golfers of all year groups from the school.

Any student interested in taking up golf over the holidays should contact Mr Brady, Ms O’Brien or Ms Sheridan for further details.

BOYLE

Well done to Noel McKenna on his first big win at Boyle Golf Club, taking this year’s Committee Cup. Noel continued his fine form from his first 18 holes to the 9-hole play-off on Sunday evening and received the cup

and Mick McGarry, Roscommon who won tickets for Kilbeggan on Friday, May 17th. Don’t forget to collect your tickets in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

I also have tickets for Roscommon next Monday and they can be claimed in the office by Paul Finnegan, Megan Charles and John Egan who entered last week’s competition.

This week we have a competition for tickets for Kilbeggan on the 2nd of June and to be in with a chance of winning please tell us who won the Irish National Hunt trainer’s title this year?

Answers as usual please on a postcard to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 5 pm Wednesday, 29th of May and don’t forget to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries.

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

(News from local golf clubs)

at a presentation in the clubhouse immediately afterwards.

Congratulations to Shane O’Dowd who won last Thursday’s club competition on 29 pts.

Best of luck to the Boyle men’s seniors team who play Rosses Point in the first round of the Fred Perry Cup today (Thursday), and also to the men’s Pierce Purcell Tournament team who take on Strandhill on Saturday.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

Over 120 players (both ladies and gents) took part in the Damien Murphy Memorial Cup last weekend. Congratulations to Dympna Butler who came first in the ladies section with 45 pts and also to Colm (Meath) Griffin who won the men’s section with 45 pts.

The Gents Lynch Cup was played last weekend. Well done to Cathal Dowd, Leo Noone and Niall Loftus for com-

ing first, second and third respectively. Congratulations to Dolores Mulvey on winning the recent ladies competition sponsored by Drumsna Garden Centre on a score of 41 pts.

Well done to Barry Donnellan who won the first 50/50 draw (€510) last week.

There will be two registration and information evenings for the parents of the junior golfers – on Monday the 27th and Thursday the 30th of May (7 pm each night) in the clubhouse. Junior lessons start on Monday, 10th of June.

The Carrick-on-Shannon Club Classic 2024 takes place over the June Bank Holiday weekend, May 31st to June 3rd. It is an important fundraiser to help maintain and invest in the club.

Entry for a four-person team is €200 (this includes a meal) and there are lots of ways to win such as longest drive, closest to the pin, yellow ball competition, etc.

ROSCOMMON

The Roscommon Golf Club ladies’ gala day 18-hole open sponsored by Kathleen Kearney-Kelly and Alan Kelly takes place this Friday, May 17th and the men’s senior and junior scratch cups, sponsored by Lidan Designs, are on Sunday, May 19th.

In the recent ladies 18- and 9-hole competition, sponsored by LBT Tiles & Bathrooms, Catherine Waldron won the 18-hole competition with 40 pts, while Yvonne Waldron came second with 37 pts. In the 9-hole competition Clare Keane came first with 20 pts.

Congratulations to recent winners Jamie Granahan who won the men’s 17-hole Wool Merchants Cup sponsored by Brian Keenan Bookmakers and to Kenneth Duggan who won the Men’s 18-hole strokeplay competition sponsored by Lawlor & Hynes Construction.

Roscommon Golf Club Golf Classic takes place in June

Roscommon Golf Club has launched its annual fundraising Golf Classic, scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd.

The event promises to be an exciting weekend of gol ng action while raising vital funds for the club. Teams of four comprising of men, women or any combination are invited to participate at an entry fee of €200 per team (which includes a meal).

The main sponsors of this year’s Golf Classic are Class Grass, Sean Doyle Windows and Dermot Hughes Cars. Roscommon Golf Club wishes to thank them sincerely for their support. There will be a prize fund of €2,500 and all competitors will have access to full restaurant and bar facilities.

The presentation of prizes will take place on Sunday evening at 8.30 pm. All funds raised will go towards ongoing course refurbishments under new greenkeeper Dean Brock who was appointed earlier this year, and to fund junior golf initiatives.

To enter your team on the time sheet, or to enquire about the sponsorship opportunities available, please contact 086-859 2121 or any Roscommon Golf Club committee member.

Golf ‘Taster evening’ in Roscommon on Monday Roscommon Golf Club are holding a special ‘Taster evening’ for people who are interested in golf but who are perhaps not sure how to go about taking up the sport.

This event will be held on Monday, 20th of May between 6 pm and 7 pm and it is free of charge. Just come along and have a go! Contact 0862986765 for details/enquiries. All are welcome.

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

Some of the Transition Year students from St Nathy’s College who visited Ballaghaderreen Golf Club recently.

Jabbar repeats his September victory at Roscommon Racecourse on Monday evening.

THE GAIN LINE

Report

Successful club awards night was a great season finale

Creggs RFC finished their year off with an awards night for the senior players with a Dinner Dance at the Abbey Hotel on Sunday, May 5th.

Both J1A and J1C league winning trophies were on display and there was a wonderful attendance, including the first and second team players.

Club President, Dave Purcell, welcomed everyone and introduced the guest of honour, Castlerea native Su Carty, a Creggs RFC member and an IRFU representative on the World Rugby Committee. Su made a number of presentations to ladies and men’s players on the night.

Music was supplied by The Heebie Jeebies Band who keep the floor full all night and the traditional Samoan Haka, performed by members of the Kiripati family, went down a treat with all guests.

Thanks to Steve Fahey who supplied the photos from the night.

Club Person of the Year: Congratulations to Creggs RFC minis coordinator Elizabeth Payne on being voted Club Person of the Year 2024.

Liz has done Trojan work looking after our hugely important mini section.

Running numerous blitzs, days out and organising visiting teams is a minefield which she aptly managed and we acknowledge her huge input into the success of our club.

Connacht Girls Sevens: Congratulations to Creggs representatives on the Connacht U-16s and U-18s Sevens teams at the Interpro series last Saturday at the High Performance Centre in Dublin.

At U-16 level Creggs were represented by Ciara Corrigan, Mia White, Olivia Kelly and Emily Kelly and at U-18

level they were represented by Sarah Purcell, Jemima Adams Verling, Siofra Hession and Shauna Walsh.

French visiting team: Creggs RFC played hosts to the visiting team, AS Canet, from the south of France, who arrived on Thursday night and stayed on site with us until Saturday.

On Friday they played the Creggs U12s team, followed by a BBQ. Club President Dave Purcell presented their head coach with a Creggs plaque and the kids swapped jerseys.

Saturday was the turn for our U-11s and Buccaneers RFC also brought a team to make a more international event. Both teams sang the national anthem and Ireland’s call before their first ‘international’ game.

Lotto: Last week’s lotto jackpot was not won and this weekend’s draw is now for €13,400. The lucky dip winner was Sean Collins. To support the club and be in with a chance to win the jackpot, see www.creggsrugby.ie.

Club AGM: The club AGM takes place in the clubhouse on Friday, June 7th at 8 pm. Any proposals should be forwarded in writing to the club secretary.

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from Creggs RFC

Creggs RFC President Dave Purcell pictured making a presentation to Creggs minis coordinator Elizabeth Payne after she was voted Club Person of the Year 2024.

Creggs Development Draw winner Larry Brennan (second from left) pictured receiving his prize from Creggs RFC club treasurer Ann Marie Kelly (second from right) recently. Full photo (l-r): Jack Finn, ticket seller; Larry Brennan, winner; Ann Marie Kelly, club treasurer; and Dave Purcell, club president.

The three Creggs U-18 players who represented Ireland this year, Siofra Hession, Sarah Purcell and Jemima Adams Verling, pictured at the recent Creggs RFC awards night in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Steve Fahey

Castlerea native Su Carty, an IRFU representative on the World Rugby Governing Committee and a member of Creggs RFC, presenting the ‘Women’s Player’s Player of the Year’ award to Kelley Haugh at the recent Creggs RFC awards night in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Steve Fahey

Castlerea native Su Carty, an IRFU representative on the World Rugby Governing Committee and a member of Creggs RFC, presenting the ‘Women’s Player of the Year’ award to Susan Reilly at the recent Creggs RFC awards night in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Steve Fahey

Castlerea native Su Carty, an IRFU representative on the World Rugby Governing Committee and a member of Creggs RFC, presenting the ‘Seconds Team Player of the Year’ award to Mark Kilcommons at the recent Creggs RFC awards night in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Steve Fahey

Castlerea native Su Carty, an IRFU representative on the World Rugby Governing Committee and a member of Creggs RFC, presenting the ‘First Team Player of the Year’ award to James Brandon at the recent Creggs RFC awards night in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Steve Fahey

SPORTS DESK

Paul Healy

U-20 footballers did their county proud this season

I didn’t get to the All-Ireland U-20 FC semifinal in Cavan on Saturday, but I followed the action on TG4, while also dipping into Willie Hegarty’s commentary on Shannonside (with co-commentator, Nigel Dineen).

Tyrone clearly deserved their win, although the 10-point margin was a little harsh on a Roscommon team that recovered so impressively after falling seven points behind by half-time.

Tyrone had a physical edge and general allround ruthlessness that ultimately laid the foundation for their win. As Roscommon manager Noel Dunning said after the game, it will take a big performance from Kerry to stop the Ulster side in the final.

The opening ten minutes or so saw a flurry of scores, a breathtaking phase of play on a scorching day. Highlight of that early scoring spree was Shane McGinley’s brilliant goal in the second minute, a piece of finishing that underlined the Strokestown youth’s class. McGinley’s superb finish completed a flowing Roscommon move. It will be fascinating to see how this very exciting player develops in the years ahead.

Roscommon were playing some fine football but it was hard going trying to stay in touch with Tyrone, who finished the opening half strongly to lead by an ominous seven points. Remarkably, a tremendously resilient Roscommon closed the gap to a single point with two quick-fire goals early in the second half. For a few minutes, winning a place in the All-Ireland U-20 football final seemed a real possibility. However, Tyrone quickly regained their composure – and the initiative – and they went on to finish in great style, winning by 3-18 to 3-8.

Roscommon had two players red-carded after a flare-up in the final minutes, but neither that discipline lapse or the final margin can take the gloss off what has been a great season for this talented group.

The entire playing panel, management team and the backroom personnel can all take a collective bow. The Roscommon U-20s of 2024 had a memorable championship campaign, and have the Connacht title to show for it. They created a lot of joy for supporters along the way. This campaign, and the ongoing one of the county minors, augurs well for the future of Roscommon football.

Armagh-geddon:

‘Unimaginable,

but inevitable’

It was hard not to feel considerable sympathy for Kieran McGeeney. The same applies to his players and the rest of his management team, and the Armagh supporters… but McGeeney, teak-tough as a player and not dissimilar as a manager, is the face of the Armagh senior football team.

The RTE camera zoomed in on that familiar face in the moments before the start of the penalty shoot-out. Last Sunday’s exciting Ulster Senior Football final between Armagh and Donegal had just ended, the sides level at 0-18 apiece, after extra-time. When it comes to Armagh’s recent fortunes in tight games, we were all familiar with the script – now we

waited for the detail of the about-to-be-written extra chapter.

For McGeeney & Co, the script makes for grim reading. Prior to Sunday, they had lost three major matches on penalty shoot-outs; losing out on Ulster glory, missing out on a place in an AllIreland semi-final. It seemed at once both unimaginable and inevitable that a penalty showdown might arise again last Sunday.

When it did, McGeeney seemed to accept his fate, or rather his powerlessness. He is not known for smiling in public, but the manager actually grinned broadly as he formed a human chain with colleagues – a band of brothers – in those moments before the first penalty. No doubt there was some nervous energy at work, but it was also a wry acceptance that once again, the football Gods had Armagh’s fate in their hands.

This really was happening. Again. A county desperate for a first Ulster title in sixteen years, a manager desperate to park some silverware in a cabinet if only so he could concentrate on the real business of trying to win an All-Ireland without the unwelcome sideshow of (perhaps justified) criticism and doubt and condemnation.

No manager standing on the halfway line with his arms around anxious colleagues, his heart racing and his palms sweating can remotely influence the drama about to unfold between the black spot and the goal line. He is powerless.

It was 5-5 in a flash, some great penalties dispatched amidst the mounting tension. As ‘sudden death’ began, I couldn’t shake off the sense that Armagh were doomed again, especially as they were shooting second. And so, the almost inevitable came to pass, and Kieran McGeeney must yet again have felt as Jimmy White did in all those World Snooker finals that ended in anguish for the ‘Whirlwind’.

Donegal won 6-5 on penalties, and the RTE camera turned to their manager, Jim McGuinness, now bopping on the pitch, relieved, joyous… tiny margins once again making huge differences in sporting combat.

Celebrating Donegal supporters swarmed towards McGuinness and his team, and somewhere in the growing throng stood Kieran McGeeney, surrounded by people, but alone with his thoughts.

West Ham might regret delivering hammer blow to David Moyes

One result from last weekend’s Premier League schedule that I had more than a passing interest

in was that of the West Ham v Luton game. That may seem a little odd, given that I’m a Leeds United fan.

My interest in West Ham v Luton had nothing to do with a memorable weekend Dynamo Rooskey spent in Luton back before the fall of the Berlin Wall (it’s true).

When Eric, an English gentleman, moved to Rooskey in the 1980s, he joined our local soccer club, the aforementioned Dynamo Rooskey. Culturally, it was perhaps a baptism of fire for him; in soccer terms, it was arguably a ‘baptism of ire’ – as our performances (and results) often left a lot to be desired. Mind you, we had our good days too; we won a cup competition one season, and after years of always being near the foot of the table (Longford Area League) we eventually rose to mid-table – and even much higher.

In any event, after settling in Rooskey, Eric arranged for us to travel over to Luton to play a challenge game against a local club. We did respectably enough (losing 4-1) and had a memorable weekend on the social front. But that weekend in Luton is not why I watched out for the West Ham-Luton result last weekend.

Neither is it necessarily because I’ve always had a soft spot for ‘the Hammers’ – which I have. My late brother was a passionate supporter of West Ham, in the era of Billy Bonds, Alan Devonshire, Alan Curbishley and the majestic Trevor Brooking. West Ham was one of those clubs that had a reputation for always playing the game with a certain style. With flair. That, we were told, was the West Ham way. No doubt it dated back to the days of Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst.

My actual reason for looking out for the result of West Ham v Luton last weekend is more straightforward – and current – than because of nostalgia for the former club or the latter town. I knew that West Ham would win last Saturday, because the ‘powers that be’ had decided that David Moyes, the club’s manager, was to be dispensed with. Saturday’s game against Luton was not just the club’s last home game of the season… it was going to be Moyes’ last home game as manager of West Ham.

It didn’t (and doesn’t) feel right. Moyes had said all the ‘right’ things about his upcoming departure from West Ham – diplomatically stating it suited both parties – but the reality is that the club took the decision to dispense with his services. It is a fairly brutal example of the ruthlessness of modern-day English football.

For a number of months now, there have been rumblings about Moyes’ future at the club. West Ham, the narrative went, weren’t winning enough games, they were inconsistent, and – a definite dig here at ‘Moyes-football’ – they weren’t play-

ing the West Ham way. But impatient club owners really ought to be careful what they wish for. In general, over the decades, West Ham would be happy enough to just stay in the top division, i.e. avoid relegation. Of course there’s nothing wrong with being more ambitious than that, and West Ham in this current era clearly are. But Moyes has done a very good job, in this his second stint as West Ham manager. Last season, the club won the Europa Conference League title, a rare addition to their trophy cabinet which was enthusiastically celebrated. Moyes had achieved something fairly monumental, something tangible… this was a cup journey that ended in glory, and which is now preserved in the minds and hearts of thousands of supporters.

As to West Ham’s Premier League trajectory, they finished 14th last year, with 40 points. Last Saturday, Luton took an early lead, but West Ham came back to win 3-1 (of course they did). As Moyes, with typical dignity, accepted the farewell wishes of supporters, I checked the current Premier League table.

With one game still to play, West Ham sit ninth in the league, with 52 points. Yet a decent, hardworking and successful manager has been given his marching orders. Sometimes clubs really should stand back and appreciate what they have. Getting rid of their good manager (and decent football man) is a decision which West Ham may well come to regret.

Roscommon GAA recently sponsored a set of jerseys for the Roscommon Masters team for 2024. Pictured at the presentation were (l-r) Liam Butler, selector; Ian Kilbride, team captain; Brian Carroll, Chairperson of Roscommon GAA; Ronan Cox, vice-captain; and Anthony Carroll, team manager.

David Moyes

SportsPeople

Goals the decisive factor as Leitrim land Connacht crown

Leitrim’s goal-scoring prowess was decisive in regaining the ‘Gift of Life’ Cup that they surrendered twelve months previously as they were crowned TG4 Connacht intermediate ladies football champions at Kiltoom last Sunday.

Goals from Ailbhe Clancy, Michelle Guckian and Muireann Devaney swung this contest for Johnny Garrity’s team.

Aimee O’Connor kicked ten points for Roscommon, while Aisling Hanly and Kate Nolan were also particularly prominent for the eventual losers. A tally of ten wides proved costly for Ollie Lennon’s side.

Roscommon made the ideal start with a Kate Nolan point inside 35 seconds. Leitrim responded with a Michelle Guckian point. Siomha Quinn put Leitrim ahead on six minutes before Roscommon’s best spell came. Hanly and O’Connor scored two points apiece and Lauren Shanagher was also on target, making it 0-6 to 0-2 to the primrose and blue on 13 minutes.

However, Leitrim had already missed three goal chances, and they made a breakthrough when Quinn and Áine Redican helped Clancy to their first green flag 60 seconds later.

Guckian’s free levelled the game before Ella Thompson gave Roscommon the lead again. Leitrim struck with another goal, on 22 minutes, Laura O’Dowd and Devaney setting up Guckian. It gave Leitrim a 2-3 to 0-7 advantage.

Judy McDermott, Hanly and O’Connor overturned the deficit, pushing Roscommon in front again. Guckian restored parity but Kate Nolan replied for Roscommon. A Devaney point for Leitrim on 29 minutes left it 2-5 to 0-11 at the interval.

Devaney and O’Dowd got two Leitrim points after the restart but O’Connor responded with two frees.

Leitrim went three clear again through two Clancy frees and a Guckian score, but O’Connor responded with three

points to level it again by the 47th minute, 2-10 to 0-16. Leitrim were not be denied. When

Devaney took Niamh Tighe’s pass 60 seconds later, she slotted into the corner for Leitrim’s third goal of the game. A Clancy point from play from distance put four between them. Roscommon’s Sinead Farrell reduced the arrears but Clancy replied with a free for Leitrim.

Roscommon rallied with O’Connor getting two more white flags to bring her personal tally to ten points. Despite having one more chance, Roscommon couldn’t find the critical goal they needed and Leitrim held on to secure their third intermediate title in four seasons.

Leitrim: M Monaghan; C Owens, C Tyrrell, E Quigley; S Reynolds, K Bruen, E Bruen; N Tighe, M Guckian (1-4, 1 free); L O’Dowd (0-1), M Devaney (1-2), Á Redican; A Clancy (1-4, 3 frees), V Egan, S Quinn (0-1). Subs: L Fox for Quinn (36), O Flynn for Egan (38), B O’Rourke for Guckian (54).

Roscommon: H Cummins; A McGrath, E Irwin, C Cregg; J McDermott (0-1), S Wynne, N Feeney; A Shanagher, E Thompson (0-1); L Shanagher (0-1), K Nolan (0-2), R Fitzmaurice; A Hanly (0-3), L Fleming, A O’Connor (0-10, 3 frees). Subs: S Farrell (0-1) for McDermott (38), A Gavin for L Shanagher (54). Referee: Shane Curley (Galway).

Mayo face Cavan, Galway host Derry

Championship Watch

< SEAMUS DUKE

After the end of the provincial championships last weekend, we are headlong into the ‘round robin’ football championships this weekend and there are several attractive games down for decision. It will be interesting to see what the attendances at these games will be, given that crowds have been well down in the championship so far this year.

Mayo are at home against Cavan on Saturday and the westerners’ manager Kevin McStay will be anxious to build some momentum again after their disappointment in the Connacht final. If Cavan had their brilliant attacker Paddy Lynch available they would be in with a better chance, but his season-ending injury is a huge blow to them. Mayo should be good enough to win by four or five points.

Galway’s ‘reward’ for their Connacht final vic-

tory is a home tie against a Derry side who will be chomping at the bit to get back into action after their defeat by Donegal. Mickey Harte’s men have not become a bad team overnight and a win in Salthill would get them back on track. They should be good enough to win by a couple of points.

Clare are at home to Cork, and while it may be close, I expect Cork to win it, while Kerry should have the measure of Monaghan in Killarney. All those games are on Saturday.

In the Tailteann Cup, the Kildare revival should continue against Waterford, while Sligo will travel to Tipperary with confidence after their win last weekend.

There will be a close battle in Wexford when Antrim make the long trip to the sunny southeast but the home side should be good enough to get the win.

Carlow play Fermanagh at home and that looks like it could be the closest game of the weekend in this competition.

The shock of the opening round was London’s big win against Offaly and with a trip to Limerick up next for the Faithful they will feel that they have a big chance of causing another surprise.

London will be cock-a-hoop after last weekend’s win but they may fall back down to earth when they face a Down team who are currently going very well.

In the hurling championship there is action in Leinster on Sunday. Antrim will fancy a crack at Galway in Corrigan Park, but a home win would be a shock.

Table-toppers Dublin face Kilkenny, who were almost caught by Carlow last weekend, but the ‘Cats’ should get back on the winning trail. There is also plenty of action in the Joe McDonagh Cup, Christy Ring Cup, Nicky Rackard Cup and Lory Meagher Cup, and there are two All-Ireland U-20 football finals too, with Tyrone playing Kerry in the A final and Westmeath taking on Down in the B final.

Mayo manager Kevin McStay is preparing for an All-Ireland group opener against Cavan this weekend.

Leitrim’s Vivienne Egan tries to get past Roscommon’s Roisin Wynne during last Sunday’s Ladies Connacht Intermediate Football final in Kiltoom. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

SportsPeople

Dunning reflects on a successful campaign

< SEAMUS DUKE

It was a disappointed but proud Roscommon team manager Noel Dunning who reflected on the game out on the Kingspan Breffni pitch. He regretted that Roscommon could not get on level terms when they made that early second-half surge. “Yeah that was the difference in the end. From experience with these lads we knew the second half was going to be a different story.

“We made our changes at half-time, we knew we were going to get that kick from them. The killing thing was that we couldn’t get that equaliser or get that point ahead. If we had, it could have been a different story because Tyrone were largely on the back foot at that stage and we were growing in confidence.

“Unfortunately we missed a few chances and they went on and killed us on the counter-attack and got a couple of scores. It gave them a renewed belief and it sapped that bit of energy from us. Look, they’re a quality side, I’ll be surprised if they don’t go on and win an All-Ireland. They’ve had their eye on the big prize from a long way out and we knew that”.

With regard to the future Noel says that it is important to keep the players together.

“Maybe some sort of development squad should be put in place so long as it’s structured properly and those guys involved in it know the bigger picture is what you’re being prepared for in senior inter-county football.

“In Roscommon we were playing in Division One of the National League this year. Are some of these guys ready to go in at that level yet? Probably not, even physically in their development. It’ll take them a while. I just hope that they stick with it because there are players there who could feature for Roscommon for quite a number of years yet”.

Finally, the Roscommon manager reflected on a very good campaign overall.

“Winning Connacht was massive. It was great to hear people complimenting us on how we played and the smiles we put on people’s faces. They liked what we were about. That to me is a great compliment, on top of being Connacht champions.

“I have to say we did have our eye on going further. Never mind us as a management team, those lads wanted more. It showed out there with the passion and drive they showed out there at times and it’s just a shame we’re not preparing them for an AllIreland final” he concluded.

Roscommon U-20 manager Noel Dunning pictured on the sideline during last Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 football semi-final against Tyrone in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Bobby Nugent of Roscommon tries to stop Tyrone’s Callum Daly during the All-Ireland U-20 football semi-final last Saturday in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Tyrone tops as brave Rossies bow out

EirGrid All-Ireland U-20 FC Semi-Final Tyrone

3-18 Roscommon 3-8

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s great run in this year’s U-20 football championship ended in the Kingspan Breffni Park sunshine last Saturday evening.

Noel Dunning’s side were outclassed by a very impressive Tyrone team who took the best punches Roscommon could land on them, responding with even harder blows of their own in a contest that was an excellent spectacle. It was a splendid heartwarming contest with the two teams playing enterprising, attacking football, but in the end Roscommon can have no complaints as the Red Hand county were the superior force overall.

Having said that, Roscommon played some great football at times and their ‘have a go’ attitude was so refreshing to see after all the negative football we have witnessed in recent times across other grades.

On the day, James Connolly, Senan Lambe, Rob Heneghan, Bobby Nugent, substitute Cillian Campbell and the superb Shane McGinley stood out for Roscommon.

Indeed, Heneghan was a big loss to the side when he was forced off injured in added time at the end of the first half.

On a glorious day weather-wise, Roscommon began with a bang as Shane McGinley won a great ball in the second minute, then turned and blasted it into the top corner for a sensational goal. When he added a point 40 seconds later, Roscommon led by 1-1 to 0-1. But Tyrone showed their undoubted class after that early hammer blow and scored five super points (all from play) to establish a 0-6 to 1-1 lead by the 10th minute.

After Dan Hagney had scored a point for Roscommon, Tyrone opened up

the Roscommon defence, scoring a very well-worked goal in the 13th minute. Corner-back Joey Clarke did the damage with a searing run and Conor O’Neill finished the move.

Tyrone were much the better side for most of the second quarter and their second goal was a brilliant team effort involving Ruairí McCullagh and the superb Shea O’Hare, with O’Hare shooting low and hard past Roscommon ‘keeper Sean Allen.

Even though Tyrone were in the ascendancy, Roscommon looked dangerous on the break and McGinley always looked like he had the beating of his man. In the 29th minute he burst through but his goal-bound effort was brilliantly beaten away by Conor McAneney.

Tyrone went in at half-time with a comfortable enough lead, 2-9 to 1-5, but Roscommon blitzed them on the restart and that super response put the outcome of the match in doubt once again.

Shane McGinley pointed a free in the 31st minute and three minutes later

Bobby Nugent played a peach of a pass to Conor Ryan who blasted to the Tyrone net and now the Roscommon followers were on their feet.

There was even better to come just a minute later when a superb move involving Dan Hagney, Rory Hester and Niall O’Donnell saw Bobby Nugent apply the finish, leaving just a point between the teams (Tyrone 2-10 Roscommon 3-6).

Tyrone never panicked and regrouped brilliantly. They knocked over three points without reply, two from their goalkeeper Conor McAneney, and then they applied the killer blow to Roscommon hopes in the 47th minute.

A shot from Roscommon sub Ryan Dowling went askew and Tyrone moved the ball forward with lightninglike pace. The ball found its way to Eoin McElholm who applied the finish with aplomb after two excellent long-range passes in the build-up.

Unfortunately it was a decisive blow

Roscommon’s star forward Shane McGinley scores a wonderful goal in the second minute of last Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 football semi-final against Tyrone. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

to Roscommon’s hopes, and although the sides traded points in the final 10 minutes, the outcome had been decided after what was a very enjoyable encounter.

There was a sour note right at the end when, following a scuffle between a number of players on both sides, referee Johnny Hayes sent off Tyrone sub Ruairi McHugh and Roscommon duo Senan Lambe and Ryan Dowling. It was a pity because it was never that kind of game. Looking to the future, there are a number of players on this Roscommon team who look set to step up to the senior ranks. The likes of Senan Lambe, Rob Heneghan, Bobby Nugent, Conor Ryan and the superb Shane McGinley will surely get chances at the top level in the next year or two.

It was a pleasure to watch this Roscommon U-20 team in action over the past couple of months and at the risk of repeating myself, the seniors could do worse than take a leaf out of their book

when it comes to attacking play. No one will complain if they see a team that are prepared to go out and have a go. If you are beaten by a better team then so be it.

On this occasion Tyrone were the better team and just too strong for Roscommon. They will take some beating in the final against Kerry.

Tyrone: Conor McAneney (0-2, 1 free, 1 45); Conor Devlin, Ben Hughes, Joey Clarke; Shea O’Hare (1-1), Michael Rafferty, Odhran Brolly (0-1); Ronan Fox (0-1), Conor O’Neill (1-1); Cormac Devlin (0-2), Callum Daly, Gavin Potter; Ronan Cassidy (0-3, 1 free), Ruairi McCullagh (0-3), Eoin McElholm (12). Subs: Fiachra Nelis for Brolly (h/t), Ruairi McHugh for Devlin (41), Paddy McCann for Fox (52), Noah Grimes (01) for Cassidy (56), Conor Owens (0-1, free) for McCullagh (58).

Roscommon: Sean Allen; Eoghan Carthy, James Connolly, Dan Casey; Senan Lambe, Eden Kerins, James McGreal;

Conor Harley, Conor Ryan (1-0); Rob Heneghan (0-1), Rory Hester, Dan Hagney (0-1); Shane McGinley (1-5, 3 frees), Niall O’Donnell, Bobby Nugent (1-1). Subs: Ryan Dowling for Heneghan (30), Cillian Campbell for Carthy (h/t), Ethan O’Reilly for Hester (h/t), Ryan Conlon for Hagney (45), Oisin O’Flaherty for McGreal (54). Referee: Jonathan Hayes (Limerick). Stat Attack

Wides: Tyrone 6 (2, first half); Roscommon 8 (4, first half) Red cards: Tyrone 1 (Ruairi McHugh, 63); Roscommon 2 (Senan Lambe 62, Ryan Dowling 62)

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Tyrone 1 (Ruairí McCullagh); Roscommon 1 (Senan Lambe)

Attendance: 1,567

Man of the match: Eoin McElholm (Tyrone)

The Roscommon U-20 team (and subs) that took on Tyrone in the All-Ireland U-20 football semi-final last Saturday in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell