Roscommon People Newspaper 18 September 2020

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18 September 2020

The Local Paper

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

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AT H L O N E Ι M O AT E L A N E S B O R O U G H Ι G A LWAY In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate DOLORES*GACQUIN – SOLICITOR fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of Tel: 090 6478433 • info@bccsolicitors.ie any award or settlement

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The relief applies only to residential tenancies, not to short-term guest arrangements. The occupants must be using the room on a long-term basis. For example, renting a room to a student for the academic year is covered, but taking in guests for short breaks is not.

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Why weren’t Ant & Dec and Jane in the Late Late bar?

I NEED the pubs to reopen…I can’t take any more!

What’s up?

Last Friday night! If the pubs were open, we could have been in the local! Instead, I had to watch…

The Late Late?

Yep! Well, at least some of it was in a pub setting! A special set, a pretend pub…did that not create a nice atmosphere?

Oh the pub on the Late Late looked grand… but did youACCIDENT see who was in it?!

CYCLING I did! Ryan Tubridy, Billy Keane and the retired Dublin footballer, Bernard Brogan. Three If you were involved in a cycling gentlemen! accident contact I agree, three gentlemen! But it was awkByrne Carolan ward!

Tubridy knows as much about sport Cunningham Solicitors as Donald Trump does about modesty!

Well, he tries…

Tries? It was embarrassing! Brogan just wanted to talk about his spat with Jim Gavin…

Yeah, he’s promoting his book…

Yeah, but Ryan got bored…he knows nothing about the intricacies of the GAA! And Billy?

Oh Billy’s grand…sure he tried to bridge the gap between Ryan and Bernard!

Did it not give you an appetite – should I say a thirst – for the return of the pubs?

Well, yeah…‘cos I won’t have to watch the Late Late on a Friday night!

Bit harsh!

I’m telling you, it was awkward. It was so bad, Ant & Dec didn’t even pop in for a pint…

Wha’?

They were on the same show! They’re good craic, they like to party, they were ‘bigging’ up their Irish links…

Well, Ryan was…

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

….why didn’t they join Ryan and Billy and Bernard?

You don’t get it…

And Jane Fonda. Too bad she didn’t pop into the bar and add a bit of glamour, and culture…

But, but…

At least if Jane had popped in, the level of conversation would have been elevated!

You don’t understand!

Don’t understand what?

Ant & Dec and Jane Fonda were in a different place!

Where were they? Since when did those three start hanging out together? Mind you, I don’t blame them. Ryan’s pub was a dud. Were Ant & Dec and Jane Fonda

in a (food-serving) pub in the city centre?

NO! Ant & Dec and Jane weren’t together…

Oh, did they fall out? Did the lads ask Jane to do I’m A Celebrity? Did she refuse?

Have they the hump? She’s a busy woman!

NO! They weren’t together because Ant & Dec were in the UK and Jane was in America!

It’s modern technology! It’s the new normal!

It’s the way the Late Late will be for some time!

Why didn’t they zoom in Billy from Listowel?

I DON’T KNOW! I guess they just wanted him in the bar on the set of the Late Late for some atmosphere!

They should have invited Jane Fonda over, she could have travelled with Trump’s niece…

Wha’?

The lady who wrote the book about Trump, wasn’t she on the Late Late as well?

But SHE was in America too! She wasn’t in studio.

Why? Does she not like Bernard Brogan?

(They pause to help a man who had been to the hurling semi-finals in Athleague take the ladder out of the back of his van) Johnnies?

I beg your pardon?

The 2 Johnnies. What do you think of them?

Not that funny, are they?

Ah, they’re okay.

I see they’re in America.

Yeah.

They’ll be back soon, and no doubt Ryan will have them on, to hype it all up, to have a great laugh about the whole experience…

Maybe they could bring Jane Fonda back with them?

What we liked…

A new interactive outdoor experience, the National Famine Way, was launched last Thursday by the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park with the establishing of a unique National Famine Way Passport/Guide and OSI Trail Map. We have the full story in this edition.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

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

What we didn’t like…

Boris Johnson’s appalling conduct as the British PM rides roughshod with the deal which he negotiated with the EU on Brexit.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

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

Your local paper!

Businesses: Reach your target market!

What PEOPLE are talking about PIC OF THE WEEK: The Egan family in Taughmaconnell were given a shock recently when one of their ewes gave birth to quintuplet lambs on the farm. See page 10.

The ‘Living with Covid’ plan which was unveiled by the government; the rising Covid-19 figures; limited numbers of fans being allowed to attend sporting events.

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople

Drain puts ‘children’s lives at risk’

< DAN DOONER

Cllr. John Keogh told Tuesday’s Athlone Municipal District meeting that children’s lives are in danger at the Monksfield Park estate in Monksland. He called on Roscommon County Council to carry out enforcement on any planning permission granted.

“The homes in the Monksfield Park estate have been occupied by mostly the same residents since they were built around fifteen years ago but work at the estate is still not finished.

“The developer is still on site and doing work periodically on a slow basis much to the frustration of those living there. The road surface is unfinished and there is a drain in the estate, which is a major safety hazard. I have also paid €1,400 to have bulbs changed in the estate in the past.

“The local authority needs to carry out enforcement for any planning permission that was granted. The drain won’t come under planning permission but it needs to be addressed. A child could lose their life by slipping into it. This is a serious issue,” he said.

Cllr. John Naughten said that issues relating to maintenance of the estate had been raised with a number of councillors.

A ON IR

Cllr. Naughten called on Roscommon County Council to step in in order to solve the street lighting issues in the estate. He also urged the local authority to work with the developer to ensure the drain is made safe.

“It was probably a mistake by the council to leave it (when planning permission was granted). While there is fencing around the drain, it should have been piped and filled in,” he added.

Cathaoirleach of Athlone Municipal District, Cllr. Donal Kilduff, joined members in a call for immediate action at the estate.

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople

At least six Covid cases in county in last 48 hours < DAN DOONER

The number of new Covid-19 cases in County Roscommon has risen significantly in the last 48 hours with five new cases confirmed on Tuesday and at least one confirmed yesterday (Wednesday).

Nationally, three new deaths and 254 cases, 135 of which were in Dublin, were notified on Wednesday, bringing the total deaths to 1,788 and cases to 31,799.

The news comes following the closure of a national school in rural south Co. Roscommon last

week due to a confirmed case as well as a confirmed case this week at Abbey Community College in Boyle.

It was also confirmed last week that Athleague West had the third highest concentration of Covid cases in the country behind Cros-

salare in Co. Monaghan and Lucan North in Dublin. Athleague West had 47 confirmed cases out of a population of 536. A number of staff at the Kepak meat factory which is located in Athleague are known to have contracted the virus.

Local school closes after Covid case A primary school in rural South County Roscommon was forced to shut its doors last week due to a positive Covid-19 case.

The HSE was immediately notified of the case, in line with current guidelines for schools, and the school in question is now closed for two weeks.

It is believed all students in the school have been tested for the virus and will be tested again in coming days.

The closure of the school has been confirmed to this newspaper. The school in question has not publicly confirmed the position that has arisen.

A number of schools (nationally) have sent pupils home due to confirmed cases of the virus since schools reopened earlier this month.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is considering less invasive Covid tests for children, which will allow for swab samples to be taken from the cheek or nostril.

Principal: ‘Schools working to relieve weight of Covid’ < DAN DOONER

CBS Roscommon principal, Fiona Gallagher, said this week that schools are doing all they can to take the pressure off students when it comes to bringing books and supplies to school.

With lockers across the county inaccessible due to Covid-19 social distancing measures, a number of parents and students have grown concerned due to heavier schoolbags on the school commute.

Ms. Gallagher told the Roscommon People that schools are looking at ways of relieving the weight on students’ shoulders.

“New first year students are understandably anxious at this time and even though they are told by teachers they don’t need certain books each day they tend to bring them just in case. “(To alleviate this) we are trying something similar to what primary schools are doing with a container, box or old bag under desks for storing books.

“The public health advice states two metre distancing and we can’t maintain that around lockers in a school of our size with narrow corridors. The whole school environment has changed and it has been phenomenal in terms of time and organisation. We have three staggered breaks at small break and again at lunch (to maintain social distance),” she said.

Ms. Gallagher said that schools are doing everything they can to abide by the guidelines and keep both staff and students safe.

“There needs to be patience and understanding during this time. We are trying to keep students safe with these measures but there are challenges in every school. Parents do understand this,” she added.

Like many of the challenges posed by Covid-19, modern technology could yet again provide a sustainable answer.

“Every student has access to our Office 365 suite, including Microsoft Office Teams, which we have been using for the past few years. This allows them to access notes, class materials and assignments online as well as upload homework and projects.

“I’d like to thank parents for their help in ensuring that students are fully compliant with Government regulations,” Ms. Gallagher concluded.

Passport leaves its stamp on National Famine Way in Roscommon A new interactive outdoor experience, the National Famine Way, was launched last Thursday (10th) by the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park with the establishing of a unique National Famine Way Passport/Guide and OSI Trail Map. The 14-page National Famine Way Passport/ Guide highlights local historical landmarks and allows walkers and cyclists to record their progress with 3 of the 27 stage stamps in Roscommon along the specially developed route.

The trail details the ill-fated journey of 1,490 famine emigrants who walked from Strokestown Park to ships in Dublin in 1847, at the height of the Irish Famine. A completion certificate is awarded at the end of the trail at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

Commenting on the impact the walk will have

for walkers and cyclists in Roscommon, Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council said: “It is estimated that the National Famine Way will generate in excess of €2.6 million for the local economies per annum. Its development will act as a catalyst for the growth of services in the villages and communities along the route, which will enable these communities to develop and tell their own famine stories.

“Roscommon County Council will continue to support this significant and meaningful project which will embellish the overall experience of Strokestown Park House, where all visitors will commence their own journey of history, unfolded throughout the trail of the National Famine Way”.

Describing what walkers and families are likely to experience, John

O’Driscoll, General Manager of the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park said: “We look forward to welcoming official walkers starting from the National Famine Museum where they can get a real understanding of the Famine.

“We are delighted that we are now offering a Passport/Guide and OSI Trail Map to accompany this thought-provoking trail where the #Missing1490 embarked on their journey.

Walkers/cyclists are also given a ship ticket and information on one family whose footsteps they will follow, making the trail especially evocative.

“As the trail is over 165km long we envisage that many walkers and cyclists will wish to complete sections of the trail over time. The official Passport/ Guide includes a 10% discount to the entrance price of the National Famine

Photograph shows Laura Cullinan pictured with her daughters, Alexia and Isobel with John O’Driscoll, General Manager, Strokestown Park and National Famine Museum. Photo Brian Farrell

Museum as well as the Jeanie Johnston Replica Famine Ship/ EPIC The Irish Emigration and other museums along the route”.

Acknowledging the support of numerous partners in the project, Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust, which cares for Strokestown Park and the National Famine Museum, said: “We would like to thank Roscommon

County Council for their generous support and vision for this significant project which is designed to make history and heritage accessible in an engaging way.

“In addition, the commitment over the last ten years of Waterways Ireland in creating the Royal Canal Greenway by investing over €5 million, means that the National Famine

Way is now available to everyone. This Heritage Trail not only links two significant Irish Museums but also makes the connection between Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East”.

Caroilin Callery, of the Irish Heritage Trust and National Famine Museum added: “As walkers and cyclists experience the natural beauty of the Na-

tional Famine Way Heritage Trail, the Passport/ Guide and OSI Map incentivises them to explore lesser-known sections by slowly unfolding the rich local history wrapped in the journey of famine emigrants. They will also be reminded of our history, through a mix of evocative storytelling, song, art installations and cultural centres along the route”.

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Thursday-Sunday In the movie ‘History of the World: Part 1’ Mel Brooks memorably declared: “It’s good to be the King”.

Micheál Martin (waiting for the coronation almost as long as Prince Charles has been) may or may not agree.

He rules a troubled land – and a party which is spiralling out of control.

On Thursday night, disgruntled Fianna Fáil backbenchers were throwing their toys from the pram – again. On Saturday/Sunday, came news of a historically dismal opinion poll rating (10%) for the party.

Smarting from being overlooked for ministerial positions – and with both eyes on the next election and their own fate – several members of Fianna Fáil’s punchdrunk parliamentary party want to see the back of Micheál Martin.

Most of those involved are, in political terms, ‘nearly men’ – arguably ‘never will be’ men – many of them guided purely by craven self-interest, certainly not by the national interest they have the gall to invoke.

They would love to strike against Martin now, but not even a struggling Taoiseach could be taken out so early into their tenure.

Instead, the would-be rebels on the Fianna Fáil backbenches will continue to undermine their leader, both publicly and privately, with little or no regard for the wellbeing of their party or the stability of a fragile government, much less so for a country in crisis.

The motley crew in question appear to be placing their faith in Jim O’Callaghan, the self-styled Leader-In-Waiting, a man so blessed with patriotic virtue that he turned down a junior ministry because he could do more for his country from the backbenches. I haven’t laughed so much in quite a while.

I might respectfully suggest that the real reason Earnest Jim opted to be No Big Job Jim was (a) because his ego couldn’t cope with playing second fiddle (in the Justice Department) to senior minister Helen McEntee, and (b) he’d prefer to position himself as prospective saviour amongst the holier than thou brigade on the hubris-heavy Fianna Fáil backbenches.

Meanwhile, Willie O’Dea – not so much a nearly man as a yesterday man – kept a straight face when he claimed to be distraught over the (initial) absence of a minister from the west of Ireland.

If only Micheál had offered Willie a junior job…all this angst might have been avoided.

Bielsa, Leeds United are back on the big stage. Saturday’s display at Anfield suggests that, far from being overawed, they might just grace their new surroundings. A great club has emerged from the wilderness. Even in defeat, it was a proud and heart-warming weekend for Leeds United fans.

Tuesday

Photograph is Caroilin Callery, Strokestown Park and National Famine Museum and John O’Driscoll, General Manager, Strokestown Park and National Famine Museum pictured at the launch with a pair of brass shoes which represents the 32 pairs of children shoes along the National Famine Way from The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park to The Irish Emigration Museum / Jeannie Johnston Replica Ship in Dublin. See page 4 also. Photo: Brian Farrell.

As amusing as Jim and Willie are, I don’t for one moment want to take from Marc MacSharry’s status as chief jester in the FF Parliamentary Party.

Marc – coincidentally also overlooked when the ministerial jobs were being handed out – has been sniping at Micheál Martin ever since the marriage of inconvenience between FF, FG and the Greens was announced. Far from affording the new government a honeymoon period, sulky Marc has been wailing from the moment objections to the marriage were invited.

On Planet MacSharry-O’Dea there is – apparently – freedom to be a member of one of the government parties while also acting like an Independent/opposition TD. This is all troublesome for Martin, but I think he’s probably safe. He has the prize.

I expect him to continue as Taoiseach until the end of 2022, before handing over to Leo Varadkar, and then stepping down as party leader.

Martin has been dignified in the face of such unseemly undermining. He is trying to get on

with the job. Meanwhile, a few self-obsessed Fianna Fáil backbenchers are acting like spoilt brats in a time of national crisis.

Saturday Could watching Leeds United – so often reviled by supporters of other clubs – soon be the guilty pleasure of millions of neutral fans?

Back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence, Leeds made a thrilling return (albeit in defeat!) on Saturday. Three times they struck back at champions Liverpool in an Anfield thriller which Jurgen Klopp’s team finally won 4-3 (with a last-gasp penalty).

It was the style and confidence Leeds played with that delighted their supporters and attracted enthusiastic plaudits from others.

This was a superb performance by Leeds, one that will give great hope to the club’s many fans in Roscommon, most (not all) of them middle-aged men who were kids when Giles, Bremner and Gray led a star-studded era at Elland Road.

Now, under the very charismatic Marcelo

Okay, maybe Micheál Martin is just what Napoleon would not have wanted: an unlucky general.

At the moment, if Micheál bought a winning National Lottery ticket – the big jackpot – it seems certain that he’d lose it en route to collect.

Mind you, the media, and some salivating opposition opportunists, are pouncing on everything just now, relentlessly trying to maintain and develop the narrative that this is a hapless new government.

True, it didn’t help Micheál’s cause that the Minister for Health fell ill on Tuesday – meaning all members of the Cabinet had to restrict their movement, while Mr. Donnelly went for a Covid test (it was negative). This all on the same day on which the Government was unveiling its ‘Living with Covid’ plan. More hard luck for Mr. Martin.

As for the plan itself, the Coalition was quickly accused of being guilty of more communications’ chaos. Mind you, I’m not sure what confusion the critics are referring to! The plan is pretty straightforward. What we have here, I suspect, is an opposition that already ‘smells blood’.

In the coming months, there will be very little – if any – support for this struggling government from opposition TDs who are relishing the administration’s discomfort.

“

As amusing as Jim and Willie are, I don’t for one moment want to take from Marc MacSharry’s status as chief jester in the FF Parliamentary Party

07

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Anthony O’Connor @Antcon7062 This is “Good Leo”. On message, talking sense and not undermining his boss. Good interview. #rtept – Leo played a stormer (again)…this time on Prime Time on Tuesday night, after another less than surefooted day for the government Vincent Hogan @Vincent_Hogan Pat Smullen was that rare breed of a genuine great at what he did, yet utterly decent and unpretentious about that greatness. RIP Pat. – Numerous heartfelt tributes have been paid to the jockey Pat Smullen, who died earlier this week Sinead Farrelly @sinead_farrelly This makes Fair City look like The Sopranos #Southwesterlies – RTE’s new drama has been receiving mixed reviews…or is Fair City actually that good?!

Barbara Scully @barbarascully I really hate slagging off an Irish drama. But the writing in #TheSouthWesterlies is awful.

Characters verging in the caricature. Really wanted to like it.

– Oh dear…

Amber Davies @Amber_Davies7 No one speak to me, my day is ruined #KUWTK – Not everyone was as happy as Miriam Kerins (see column in this edition) at the news that the Kardashians are bidding goodbye to the TV cameras Marcus O’Buachalla @bad_trashpanda The Andrew Marr interview with Simon Coveney is a perfect reflection of how the Tories and their allies view Ireland.

Condescending, rude, arrogant, and with a hint of colonialism.

– Simon 1 Andrew 0 Millzo @HipsterMG Simon Coveney calling out Andrew Marr has made my Sunday morning – Viewers were very impressed with Simon Coveney’s appearance on the the Andrew Marr Show

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople

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newsbriefs Culture Night at The Stone Court Centre, Roscommon Roscommon branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will celebrate Culture Night on Friday, September 18th, beginning at 7 pm.

The evening of music will take place at the Stone Court Centre at The Square in Roscommon Town.

Social distancing must be observed, and musicians and attendees must wear masks and bring their own stools, as there will be no seating provided.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Fionn’s double hole in one!

Local golfer, Fionn Hoare, proved that lightning does indeed strike twice when he hit his second hole in one in as many weekends at the 12th at Roscommon Golf Club last Sunday.

It certainly wasn’t a feat that had been heard of at the club before, and it follows Fionn’s casual albatross on the 15th just a few weeks ago!

Will’s back for Quiz Night for Hospice in Knockcroghery!

The Knockcroghery Hospice committee is delighted to announce a collaboration with local quizmaster, Will Keane, for this year’s fundraiser on Saturday, September 19th.

Will’s Kitchen Table Quiz became a popular

weekly feature during lockdown and Will returns with his quiz format for this very special event.

The theme for Saturday’s quiz is ‘Back to School’ – so have your uniforms at the ready!

We will come together as friends, as a community,

as a family unit or as total strangers and newcomers and bring our world of knowledge with us to have a fun night and raise much-needed money for Roscommon Hospice services.

Last year’s event raised €4,140.10 with all funds

raised going towards local Hospice services in Roscommon.

Spread the word with friends and family, so they too can enjoy the atmosphere on the night and let’s raise as much money as we can for this great cause.

Lough Funshinagh issue refuses to disappear < DAN DOONER

Cllr. Tony Ward said he was “very disappointed” with comments made by Director of Services, Liam Bergin, regarding possible solutions to flooding around Lough Funshinagh during Tuesday’s meeting of Athlone Municipal District.

Mr. Bergin said that while still in the scoping phase, it was “premature to move to (discussing) solutions” regarding the flooding around the lake.

Cllr. Ward said: “This has been ongoing for three and a half years. I’m very disappointed to hear what you’re after saying. We’ve had three ministers (in this area) in that time, when will it not be premature (to

discuss solutions)?”

Cllr. Ward argued that 45 families are affected by the flooding in the area and accused Roscommon County Council of “hiding behind” an OPW cost-benefit analysis, completed last year, which indicated there was no financially viable solution to the problem.

He added: “What does that say? It says that people in rural Ireland (don’t figure) highly enough.

If it were anywhere else the cost-benefit analysis wouldn’t apply. The people who live near Lough Funshinagh are decent people but when you hear that (in the Chamber) doesn’t it say it all?”

Cllr. Laurence Fallon said that the cost of doing noth-

Homes and land near Lough Funshinagh remain under threat from flooding.

ing would be far greater than carrying out flood works. He added that as well as the suffering of families due to damage to homes and farms, the environment was also being destroyed.

Cllr. Ivan Connaughton

queried whether funding had ever been provided by then Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to Roscommon County Council and if the Office of Public Works had been told no work was necessary at the lake.

He said that Independent

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas, such as cycleways, walking trails, blueways and mountain access routes. It helps to make use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles while building on the economic and tourism potential of the area, and so are to the benefit of the both local communities and tourist visitors alike.

Eligible Activities include development of new trails, walkways, cycleways, local greenways, blueways or other recreational facilities or extensions to those already established.

Ineligible Activities: Purchase of land, Refurbishment or construction of buildings, Sports grounds, playgrounds and Multi Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs), walking or running tracks located in confined spaces or marked street trails, walkways and cycleways within towns and villages.

Roscommon County Council is now seeking Expressions of Interest from interested Community Groups and will select a number of proposals for development into detailed applications to be submitted to the Department for assessment.

In order to facilitate communities in preparing an expression of interest, full details of the scheme are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie Expressions of Interest must be submitted via email to bcoyle@roscommoncoco.ie Closing date for expressions of interest: 4pm Wednesday 23rd September 2020.

Majella Hunt, Director of Services

TD Michael Fitzmaurice and local councillors had met with flood victims in recent years and it was estimated that €700,000 would be more than sufficient to install an outflow pipe, which he said was the only viable solution.

Pictured at the launch of the new National Famine Way Passport, Guide and Map is Eugene Cummins, Roscommon CoCo Chief Executive, pictured with Caroilin Callery, Strokestown Park and National Famine Museum (left) and Anne O’Donoghue, CEO, Irish Heritage Trust at Strokestown Park.

Photo Brian Farrell

OUTDOOR RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME 2020

Late submissions will not be considered.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the night.

If you are unable to join us on Facebook on the night but would like to donate, please contact any of the committee members or call 086-1953566. All support greatly appreciated!

Waldron: ‘SME grants of €4,000-€25,000 are now available’ Councillor Anthony Waldron has announced that an expanded Covid-19 grants scheme is now available to all ratepayers. The scheme, ReStart Plus Grant Scheme, is open for applications until September 30th, 2020. Grants ranging from €4,000 to €25,000 are now available.

Further good news is that those who have already availed of the Roscom-

mon County Council Business ReStart Grants Scheme can apply under the ReStart Plus Grant Scheme for a top-up payment. The top-up payment can be availed of by completing an online Declaration Form; there is no need to complete a new application form.

Councillor Waldron has emphasised that those who wish to avail of the

ReStart Plus Grant Scheme need to move fast, as the closing date is September 30th, 2020. Applications must be made online only to roscommoncoco.ie.

If any applicant would like more information, Councillor Waldron is available to assist in making applications for the ReStart Grants Scheme, and can be contacted at (086) 7866774.

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertorial ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Abbey Hotel listed among top 10% of hotels worldwide The four-star Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, had lots of good reason to celebrate on Friday last, following the announcement that they were listed in Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards, voting the Abbey in the top 10% of hotels worldwide.

Geraldine Grealy, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the hotel, commented: “This is such fantastic news to get. To all our customers, loyal guests and those who have taken the time to share their reviews on the world’s most respected travel platform, we thank you.

“This is a great boost for us as a familyrun business, and a testament to our staff to be recognised by such a respected world travel forum such as TripAdvisor,” added Geraldine.

Your ‘home away from home’ office at the Abbey Hotel At the four-star Abbey Hotel in Roscommon, we offer seven dedicated conference and meeting room suites – accommodating from 200-500 delegates – in a variety of styles.

Geraldine Grealy, Marketing Manager at the hotel, says: “To meet the rapidly changing world we find ourselves living in due to Covid-19, and because our customers want a safe and professional workspace hub, we have adapted to provide the perfect home-from-home setting for all your conference and zoom calls, with webcams, microphones and projectors provided. All our meeting rooms and suites have an exceptional finish and offer natural daylight, free, fast Wi-Fi and telephone facilities.

“The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, is the perfect choice for all your conferences, seminars, meetings, corporate gatherings or events,” explained Geraldine added.

“We offer purpose-built, dedicated meeting spaces, flexible to cater to a large spectrum of the business executive needs.

“All our meeting rooms are now fully adapted to comply with the safe-distancing and necessary Covid-19 regulations, to give you added peace of mind during your visit” says Geraldine.

The Abbey Hotel offers dedicated meeting space and break out areas, with all meeting rooms naturally ventilated with daylight, as well as free, fast Wi-Fi, equip-

Garda Sergeant Brian called to the Bar…

Garda Sergeant Brian Boland BL with his wife Aoife Finneran and his parents Des and Mary Boland from Roscommon Town, pictured after he was called to the Bar of Ireland in the Supreme Court on Tuesday by the Chief Justice Frank Clarke.

Sgt. Boland intends to use his barrister-at-law qualification internally within An Garda Síochána to good effect in furtherance of An Garda Síochána’s mission statement to ‘Keep People Safe’. Picture: Jason Clarke

ment (such as webcam, microphones, projectors, screens and flipcharts) provided, a wide range of catering and refreshment options, wheelchair accessibility, flexible room combination, and the option to hire a selection of PA equipment.

Tea, coffee, lunch and refreshments can also be added to your booking. Carvery and lounge food is served daily.

To book or enquire about our competitive daily room hire rates, email events@abbeyhotel.ie, or phone 090 6626240 Follow the Abbey Hotel on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

The

D News page

G

When ‘ewe’ think you’ve seen it all…

Quintuplet lambs are ‘one in a million’! < DAN DOONER

The Egan family in Taughmaconnell were given a shock recently when one of their ewes gave birth to quintuplet lambs on the farm.

Martina Egan, who runs the farm alongside her parents John-Joe and Mary, said the five arrivals were a huge surprise.

“I Googled it after and it said it was a one in a million chance because the ewe will usually either lose them before or after the birth. We hadn’t got her scanned so it was a woeful shock for us!

“This ewe does her own thing and always lambs

around this time of year.

She has had triplets every other time so she’s definitely a keeper!”

Martina added that both mother and lambs are doing fine and the quintuplets have grown since

these pictures were taken.

“She is raising two of the lambs and we are raising the other three.

There’s just a gate in between them so she knows which ones are hers,” she said.

Pictured are the quintuplet lambs which were born recently on the Egan family farm in Taughmaconnnell.

Lokesh and Roddie top the class at CBS! Staff and students satisfied with grading < DAN DOONER

Lokesh Satish and Roddie McGuinness were celebrating at CBS Roscommon this week after both received 625 points in their Leaving Certificate results.

Lokesh, who achieved seven H1s, will now study a degree in Pharmacy at Trinity College Dublin while Roddie is set for a degree in Computational Thinking in Maynooth.

A son of Satish and Krisna, Lokesh is from Lanesboro where he is a member of the Lanesboro Tri Club. He said he was delighted with his grading.

“I had decided towards the end of 6th year that I wanted to study Pharmacy in Trinity and I was happy the grading system worked out. I had been

a bit worried leading up to the results but happy that the system seemed fair.

“It was bit weird this year because we didn’t even know it was the last day of school (before lockdown). I had to give up training with the Tri Club too because of study and Covid-19,” he said.

Roddie McGuinness, a son of Leo and Ríona from Roscommon town, is a keen rugby player, and was a member of the CBS team which reached the Connacht Schools final in 2019. He agreed with his classmate Lokesh that continuous assessment could be the way forward for secondary school students.

“I was delighted not to have to sit exams. I felt okay about the grading system; I was only worried about getting the course I wanted. I will study Computational Thinking at Maynooth University, which involves mathematics, computers, and philosophy.

“Maths has always been one of my favourite subjects and

CBS Roscommon Principal, Fiona Gallagher, Leaving Certificate students, Lokesh Satish and Roddie McGuinness, and teacher Gerry McGarry pictured at the school on Tuesday morning. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

in the last two or three years I’ve started watching lectures

on philosophy. It’s all about updating your worldview and not

being set on things you once thought,” he said.

CBS Roscommon principal, Fiona Gallagher, said she was very proud of the school’s Leaving Certificate students, and satisfied with the grading system.

“In light of the year in question, I think it was transparent and reflective of the students’ commitment to work.

It certainly honoured the students who worked for the last five or six years and it gave all students an opportunity to get college places.

“There was also positive feedback from both parents and teachers so while it was a long process, I think they came good in the end” she said.

Ms. Gallagher said that while it caused anxiety for teachers, they were best placed to grade students.

“Also, if nothing else comes out of this then I think it has shown that there needs to be continuous assessment in 5th and 6th year as part of the Leaving Certificate,” she said.

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

11

NewsPeople

WORKING HARD FOR YOU

CLAIRE

Oliver Loomes, Managing Director of Diageo Ireland, pictured with Ballymore Chairman and Chief Executive Sean Mulryan at St. James’s Gate, Dublin.

Sean and Diageo to create ‘Guinness Quarter’ Please phone my office for an appointment

KERRANE TD

Main Street, Ballaghaderreen.

Tel. 094 9861688  : 087 194 5254 Bridge St, Ballinasloe. Tel. 090 9644901  : claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie Email:

KEEP UP TO DATE ON

Ballymore Group, which is headed by Roscommon native Sean Mulryan, will partner with Diageo to transform 12.6 acres of the drinks company’s St. James’ Gate site in Dublin into one of the most dynamic urban quarters in Europe.

The maker of Guinness, Diageo released a statement which confirmed that following “significant investment since 2011 at St. James’s Gate and advances in technology, it can now brew more beer in less space”. To this end, the company wants to transform part of its 50-acre site to create a mixeduse development, which will include up to 500 residential units as well as office and commercial space. Ballymore chairman and chief executive, Seán Mulryan said: “We are truly honoured to have been chosen as Diageo’s development partner for the Guinness Quarter.

“With 40 years of experience in delivering complex urban regeneration sites in city centre locations across Europe, we are confident we have the

team to deliver. I am looking forward to leading the team in bringing this special place to life”.

Both Ballymore and Diageo have confirmed that they will work together on a shared vision for the Guinness Quarter that will preserve the heritage assets and create a new urban area that will open up the St. James’s Gate site. The Guinness Quarter will also be developed as the first zero carbon district in Dublin, which will involve re-using some of the existing buildings as well as examining all available renewable energy sources and how zero energy ratings can be met.

Ballymore was selected following a “rigorous and thorough” search by Diageo since the scheme was announced in the autumn of 2017.

Extensive engagement activity with the local community and other stakeholders will continue as Diageo and Ballymore develop a master plan for the Guinness Quarter ahead of a planning application.

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople

Tuesday Trish – Gleesons Roscommon 087 8581325

Wednesday Trish – O’Rourke GAA Centre, Castlerea 087 8581325

Sheila – Strokestown Community Centre 087 4184581

Saturday Carol – Ballybay Community Hall, Kiltoom 086 6006866

Maura – The Fiddler’s Elbow, Ballaghaderreen 086 6482329

Local slimmers come back together after months of virtual slimming Local slimmers are making a ‘comeback’ as their Slimming World group reopens, with local consultants Trish, Tracy, Sheila, Maura and Carol saying they’re excited to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person.

Slimming World has been supporting members virtually in online weekly groups since March, when lockdown closed all of the organisation’s community groups. Now, following the current easing of restrictions in many areas, ‘real-life’ groups are opened up again.

Our Slimming World teams here in Roscommon Town, Castlerea, Strokestown, Ballaghaderreen and Kiltoom have put measures in place to ensure that groups comply fully with government and local guidance and that their members can return safely to their much-loved Slimming World groups.

Trish, who runs the groups in Castlerea and on Tuesday in Gleeson’s Restaurant, Roscommon says: “I’m delighted to finally be back together with my members! Our virtual groups have been a vital lifeline of support, and I’m so, so proud of how my members have been there for each other through these difficult months and continued to lose weight and get more active”.

Sheila, who runs groups in Strokestown Community Centre says: “There’s nothing quite like the magic of our real-life groups though, and research of our members during lockdown has shown that while our members have loved

attending their virtual groups they’ve missed the motivational power and accountability of meeting in person each week”.

Carol, who runs the groups in Ballybay Community Hall, Kiltoom, says the health and safety of members has been the team’s top priority in planning the return of the Slimming World groups: “Members will find a few things have changed in our groups to ensure that everyone feels as safe, confident and comfortable as they possibly can. This includes appropriate social distancing, strict hygiene measures such as mask wearing and shorter sessions, which we’ll be asking members to book into before attending.

“What hasn’t changed is the gorgeous warm welcome, feeling of togetherness and the joy of being ‘in it together’, week on week”.

Maura, who runs the groups in the Fiddler’s Elbow, Balllaghaderreen says: “As well as looking forward to ‘that feeling’ of being back together with our existing Slimming World members, we can’t wait to welcome new members in County Roscommon to our groups too. Obesity is a huge issue in the news at the moment, with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to fight Covid-19. Plus, we know many people’s routines were turned upside down by lockdown and lots of us have been feeling more worried or anxious than usual, all of which can have an impact on making healthy choices”.

A member, Darren O’Hara, who has lost

four stone himself, says: “I want anyone who’s worrying about their weight or health – especially if they’ve put on a few extra pounds during lockdown – to know that there will be absolutely no judgement at a Slimming World group, just lots of understanding and a very warm welcome.

“At Slimming World, losing weight isn’t about going hungry: our eating plan is extra-easy, very delicious and super-generous. And moving more doesn’t mean running marathons – unless you want to, of course.

“Our groups are hubs of recipe-swapping, ideasharing and problem-solving activity. Through our weekly sessions, you’ll discover how to identify the stoppers and potential pitfalls that could send you off track – or that have maybe prevented you from reaching your weight-loss goals in the past – and learn to develop strategies to overcome them.

“The new healthy habits you’ll discover will soon become habits of a lifetime, and there really is no better time to start afresh when it comes to developing new lifelong healthy habits around food and activity because, as many of the members of my groups have seen, when you lose weight you’re already doing one of the very best things you can to future-proof your health”.

Due to new safety measures, all members are asked to book into a group before attending and you can discover what a real-life Slimming World group will look like with all safety meas-

ures in place at www.slimmingworld.co.uk/blog/ discover-keeping-you-safe/.

Contact your local consultant to book a place in a group. To find your local group, log onto www. slimmingworld.ie.

Discover a world of weight loss without dieting.

Slimming World is the nation’s favourite way to lose weight. We’ll help you reach your dream weight – and stay there for life.

13

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

GARVEYS OF ROSCOMMON IS NOW CHADWICKS. SAME PLACE, SAME PEOPLE, EVEN BETTER VALUE!

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

John Joe’s journey – from a quiet pint to instant fame!

Frank on: How John Joe handled fame...handyman Robert Mizzell, the rise of Tommy Bowe…and the fall (kind of) of Conor McGregor It’s a beautifully sunny September morning, and I am thinking about John Joe Quinn – the ‘ordinary, plain man’ who shot to fame in a very unusual way just over a week ago.

While enjoying a pint of Guinness in McGinn’s Hop House pub (Woodquay, Galway), John Joe

Quinn made sure to keep an eye on the time, leaving a small alarm clock on the table in front of him. Unwittingly, this act meant he became a news story across the country. He went from being a quiet, unobtrusive pensioner to suddenly being on the front pages of most of the local and national newspapers.

I suppose it’s a sign of the times that are and the extraordinary effect of Covid-19 that everyone assumed that John Joe brought his clock with him to make sure he didn’t stay longer in the pub than he should have, i.e. that he didn’t exceed the 105 minutes he was entitled to. In fact, the only reason he actually had it was because he had no watch or mobile phone, and wanted

to know the time so he would be home in time to see the Six o’clock News on RTÉ.

In a way it’s a pity that it wasn’t because of the time restrictions that he brought the clock with him, as it would have highlighted yet again the harshness of life for everyone – but especially the older generation – during this horrible pandemic, and the importance of being able to go out for a quiet pint. However, for this ordinary plain man it simply showed how in this age of instant technology, a little bedside alarm clock can make everyone put two and two together and come up with five, and in the process give him a fleeting notoriety that he almost certainly never wanted.

McGregor’s fall You might recall four or five years ago, when I couldn’t understand why my (adult) children – along with thousands of other Irish people – were getting up at all hours of the morning and paying good money to watch Conor McGregor engage in some kind of martial arts, for which he became a multi-millionaire and a national hero.

You will also recall that I could get no enjoyment whatsoever from McGregor or his fights, but nonetheless I had no problem with the wealth or fame that it brought him. For a while he was right up there with our greatest sporting icons like Padraig Harrington, Brian O’Driscoll, Roy Keane, Eamon Coghlan and Katie Taylor. However, I suppose it must be extremely difficult to stay halfnormal when you suddenly become one of the wealthiest people in the country.

For the last couple of years, the

Robert Mizzell

wheels have really fallen off the McGregor wagon, and this week yet again he finds himself making headlines all over the world for all the wrong reasons.

Allegations of sexual misconduct against him in a Corsican bar have surfaced, and although he is protesting his innocence, it’s just another episode in a long line of unsavoury stories surrounding McGregor that makes you think that the Dubliner is unable to deal with his fame or wealth, or maybe even both.

As a supposed world superstar in

his chosen sport, he should be a role model for the many children who used to look up to him and adore him, but sadly he seems to have given up on that part of his responsibilities long ago. Thank God our real fighting (boxing) world superstar, Katie Taylor, has never allowed any of the trappings to affect her. She can carry herself with pride as she continues to represent herself and her country on the world stage, forging a legacy for that will never be surpassed or even equalled.

McGregor is welcome to sail around the Mediterranean in his €3.3 million superyacht, mixing with all kinds of A-listers from the worlds of film and sport and enjoying the trappings that his enormous wealth can give him; but I wonder, when it all dies down and he is just another retired sportsman, what will he actually be remembered for? It’s hard to know.

SMART MASKS! CBS Roscommon first year students modelling their new custommade facemasks, which display the school’s motto ‘Always tell the truth’. Pictured from left: Sam Kearns, Stephen Coyne, Martin Connaughton, Rhys Ward, Ivan Bikoi and Nathan McKeogh. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Handyman Robert!

On a national newspaper recently I saw that Robert Mizzell – one of our top country singers – has taken up a new temporary career.

With the entertainment industry completely shut down, he is carving out a new life for himself (terrible pun) as a bespoke furniture maker.

Robert learned the trade growing up with his ‘handyman’ dad, and says he can turn his hand to most things. He said that furniture making is good for his mental health, as well as for generating some very welcome income.

He seems to be specialising in garden seats and benches, so if you

want him to make what I’m sure will eventually be a collector’s item, give him a shout before the music scene takes off again, and you could be sitting down listening to good country music on a very valuable garden bench.

Sticking with career changes: several years ago, as we returned pretty hungover from an international rugby trip to Edinburgh, I found myself walking beside and chatting to a young rising rugby star who had made a big name for himself with the Irish U-20s. His name was Tommy Bowe, and at that time he was nearly embar-

The good thing for him is that several people were so moved by the original slant on the story that they paid for pints for him in the Hop House. If he’s there today, I really hope he is enjoying the free pints, and that he makes it home in time for the evening news.

As we look forward to next Monday when the ‘wet’ pubs reopen, I am trying to find my own long-lost alarm clock so I can leave it on the table in Mikeen’s or Dolan’s and hope I might get my picture taken, and get a load of free pints!

1It’s probably too late for that, but anyway, good on you John Joe – in these hard times you gave us a good news story.

rassed that I knew who he was.

Since then, he has become an established Irish international, a Grand Slam winner, a British & Irish Lion, and in 2010, the Player of the Six Nations Championship. After he retired in 2018, he did all sorts of media work, along with his successful clothing and shoes range, and a few weeks ago he was introduced as the new face of Ireland AM TV! It goes to show that if you have a bit of personality, a pleasant disposition, and a high profile, there will always be a place for you in the media. Conor McGregor, take note!

And finally…

Finally for this week, congratulations to my good friend, Jack ‘The Lower’ Hegarty, and his wife Mary, who celebrated a big wedding anniversary this week – one of those with a nought at the end of it. Well done and here’s to many more. Congratulations also to Ronan Dowd who turned 21 on Friday last. Happy birthday Ronan – hope ‘Dowdy’ gave you the key to the door!

‘Till next week, bye for now

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople

‘I’m looking forward to talking to customers again… you’d go mad on your own!’

PAUL HEALY…on the reopening of beleaguered rural pubs “How’s Tommy Cox keeping?”

That’s a question I’ve been asked countless times over the years, once I meet someone who knows I’m originally from Rooskey.

Well, Tommy Cox is keeping well.

He’s sitting in front of me, in his empty, closed bar, on another dispiriting Monday afternoon in Covid19-dominated Ireland.

At least on this Monday, there is the promise of a new Monday…and a fresh start. Finally.

It’s 3.30 pm when Tommy opens the familiar side door leading to the renowned bar in the heart of Rooskey village.

No handshake later (for obvious reasons), Tommy is sitting down at a small table across from the fireplace.

It’s a pub I know well. The last pint I had with my late father (Rutledge) in Tommy & Teresa Cox’s was on the 5th of August 2018. The pub was packed. We had to sit back from the counter, squeezing in behind a small table, watching as Dublin romped home against Roscommon in a Super 8s’ game on the TV beside the fireplace.

On Monday last, a daily newspaper is spread open on a table, and there’s a half-empty cup of coffee. The pub looks well. It’s had a bit of a facelift during lockdown. It’s been a long six months. Now, at least there’s hope.

I wonder how publicans like Tommy Cox and his wife Teresa have managed to stay upbeat during this shocking period of prolonged closure. Tommy shrugs. What could they do? Just wait. But he admits there were times when it was really depressing.

“It was a long summer…doing

Joe Dolan, D’Alton’s pub.

nothing. I thought all the pubs should have been allowed to reopen together, the ones doing food and the ones that don’t. We’re looking forward to reopening on Monday. It’s time to get back doing something!”

They’ve missed their customers.

In normal times, it’s a very popular pub for sports followers, with locals enjoying GAA, horseracing and soccer in particular. The slagging is always good. It’s shocking that such pubs have lost an entire sporting summer. At least now there is the prospect of All-Ireland Championships taking place, albeit late in the year. “It’ll make the winter shorter” Tommy says.

He’s pessimistic about the future prospects of small rural pubs. Things “won’t ever be the same again” he says. He’s concerned about how long the pandemic will last, how it is changing the way we live. There is so much working against small pubs: transport issues, cultural changes, now the pandemic.

He can’t wait to see his locals again. “I’m looking forward to talking to them again…you’d go mad on your own!”

‘We need to give people a reason to come out’

A

nother empty bar…but not for

much longer. I’m sitting in D’Alton’s pub in Fuerty. It’s one of the most famous public houses in the region.

I was first there in the late 1980’s,

when the charismatic Don D’Alton – then the genial proprietor – was reviving the Fuerty Fair.

Its new owner, Joe Dolan, now runs two pubs in the area, the second one being a beautiful, spacious premises in Creggs (it was formerly Gannon’s).

Like Tommy Cox – and thousands of publicans across Ireland – Joe has had to endure this devastating lockdown. In July, he took the plunge and introduced food in the bar in Creggs.

On Monday, he’ll reopen the pub in Fuerty.

During lockdown, the scheduled reopening of pubs kept being changed.

Joe found that frustrating. It forced his hand. He reopened in Creggs on the 9th of July and it’s been a success.

“People have genuinely come to me and said ‘fair play to you Joe for opening up, you’ve given us somewhere to go’…people were grateful for it”.

It takes more than a pandemic to stop his gallop. Describing himself as a “progressive businessman”, he’s pressing ahead with exciting expansion plans in Fuerty (extending the premises significantly, branching into food in the New Year, adding on a number of bedrooms).

“I’m starting the first phase of the work the first week in January. I plan to have that initial phase finished at the end of March and by April 2021 to be serving food. The second phase, 12 bedrooms upstairs…you’re probably looking at 2022”.

Reflecting his positive outlook, he doesn’t accept that rural pubs are in terminal decline, although he does expect that some establishments will close/change hands. He feels the Government should be providing greater support to struggling publicans as current grants merely help with bills that still had to be paid during lockdown.

One thing Joe has noticed is that some of the elderly customers – mainly men – who used to come into the pub in Creggs for two or three pints have not returned. His assumption is that they are nervous about socialising due to health concerns; they may also be simply waiting for the so-called ‘wet’ pubs to reopen.

Whatever the future holds, he is very aware of the social role of pubs such as this quaint, traditional premises in Fuerty. It’s where people – some of them elderly and perhaps living alone – meet for a chat, for some interaction.

He emphasises that publicans need to be proactive. “We need to give people a reason to come out. I’m fully aware that the next six months will be tough.

But I’m a trier. I always look to the future. The next six months will be hard, but after that it will get better.

“You miss the day to day chat…even

Tommy Cox, Cox Bar.

if you might end up having the same conversation with the same people every evening at the same time! And of course the customers miss each other. Sometimes, with Covid, people withdrew from each other. The pub will provide an opportunity for people to mingle together again, and catch up”.

‘We’re looking forward to seeing all our friends’

B

ack in Rooskey, Tommy and I

get talking about the village’s great days. He’s now aged 70, meaning he’s been working behind the bar for 54 years (a pint was 17 old pence when he started out). His late parents ran it before him. Cox’s Bar in Rooskey first opened in 1946.

There were great times there over the decades, almost all of the prosperity linked to the former Hanley’s bacon factory, now sadly closed. All the pubs in the village were flying in those days. Later, the hotel across the bridge (now also closed) was thriving for a few years.

Tommy Cox: “There were great times here…with the factory. The factory was a big loss. An outrageous

loss. All the pubs were going well.

There were great characters, and a great day trade. I had customers in from the factory from early morning! And the old lads were all in for a pint and half one, but they’re all dead now”.

These are different times. Rooskey has had a number of setbacks in recent years, but the local community is rallying. Tommy says if the hotel could be reopened it would be a big boost.

He’s preparing the pub, ready to move the barstools out, ready to welcome their loyal customers – young and old – back. “They’re all welcome” Tommy says, “we’re looking forward to seeing all our friends”.

Rural pubs were already struggling.

This pandemic is a disaster for them, but at least they can now reopen, and hopefully trade will be good, with all involved observing the various guidelines.

When Tommy sees me to the door, the village centre is desperately quiet, reflecting the strange times we’re going through. At least the village pubs can reopen from Monday. It will lift things.

From Monday, a new energy will filter back into Tommy & Teresa’s famous bar. The draught will flow again and the silence will be replaced by conversation and craic. A new chapter starting in uncertain times.

Brighter days ahead!

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople

Crosby and Murphy urged to end ‘spat’ Murphy: ‘No invite to meeting’ < PAUL HEALY

Senator Eugene Murphy

Cllr. Tom Crosby

Responding to Cllr. Tom Crosby accusing him of seeking headlines over traffic plans for Tarmonbarry, Senator Eugene Murphy issued a press statement this week in which he says he has made “numerous submissions” over recent years in relation to the ongoing need for traffic management plans for Tarmonbarry.

These, he points out, have included submissions to then Transport Minister Shane Ross and the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland).

Responding to Cllr. Crosby’s point that neither he or Cllr. Joe Murphy attended a relevant meeting in Tarmonbarry on August 24th last, Senator Murphy said: “Neither I – as the sole Government representative in the Oireachtas

for County Roscommon – or Cllr. Joe Murphy received an invitation to the meeting in our own parish”.

Meanwhile, Andrew Reynolds, a wellknown community activist who ran for Fine Gael in the area in the last local elections, has called on Senator Murphy and Cllr. Crosby to “put the issue to bed”.

Mr. Reynolds categorised the exchanges as the reigniting of a “long-running political feud”. He accused Cllr. Crosby of trying to take credit for “the outstanding work achieved by local committees, specifically in the village of Rooskey”.

Mr. Reynolds added: “I would like to make it clear that I am very proud of Rooskey village and as an active member of the Rooskey Town and Country Development Committee, I can wholly testify that the work undertaken by Roscommon County Council in recent years has been solely down to the hardworking Rooskey Town and Country Development Committee members and

the support of other committees in the area”.

Mr. Reynolds added: “As we all know, the region has been sorely neglected when it comes to investment for the past twenty years or more, so for any politician to suddenly jump on the bandwagon and claim credit for every little achievement is frankly an insult to the hard-working people of the area who work night and day for the good of the village.

“To use the area as a medium for a public spat is both childlish and petty and I would urge both parties to put the issue to bed without involving the people who voted for them in their dispute”.

Mr. Reynolds said that the Rooskey Town and Country Committee has worked tirelessly with other committees and local authorities to ensure that Rooskey realises its full potential and he Andrew Reynolds who is a well-known cited as examples the provision of a new community activist and also ran for Fine Gael in the area in the last local election playground and jetty.

Subaru winner drives away in style from Roscommon Gaels GAA Club Saturday afternoon, September 5th, saw the end to one of the most successful fundraisers Roscommon Gaels GAA Club has run to date. Jamie Leonard from Palmerstown, Dublin, travelled to Roscommon to collect his new Subaru Impreza at the club’s grounds in Lisnamult.

Arriving at the pitch with Jamie were his entourage of local supporters from the Corcoran family, who are all very involved with the club, to cheer him on as he drove away in his new car.

This knowledge, and also the fact that Jamie himself is a member of St. Pat’s GAA Club in Palmerstown, made it all the sweeter for Teresa Hession, club chairperson, to hand over the keys of the beautiful Subaru Impreza to Jamie.

The draw was streamed live via the Roscommon Gaels Facebook page due to the restrictions that remain in place on the holding of public events.

Teresa Hession said: “It was disappointing that we couldn’t have had more people present after all the extremely hard work done by club members and the Win-A-Subaru team over the past number of months, and the last six weeks in particular, in selling tickets.

“Looking back over the past twelve months, from when the club won the car in the Subaru/ TG4 Sport sponsored competition, for an initiative that we are proud of (the All Stars team), the planning of the raffle to raise funds for our club (which was a stipulation of the prize) and finally, to the launch of the WIN A SUBARU fundraiser by the club on February 5th – it seems such a long time ago”, the chairperson said.

A team of extremely dedicated,

Pictured receiving the keys to his new Subaru Impreza is Jamie Leonard, along with Teresa Hession (Club chairperson), Tricia Tropey, Oliver Moran and Orla Fleming.

hard-working and innovative club personnel set out to run the campaign for twelve weeks, all the way up to May 3rd, the initial date for the draw. However, as a result of Covid-19 and Government restrictions, the “brakes were pulled”. All activity ceased and it had to be rescheduled to August 29th.

Also present at the presentation of the car in Lisnamult was Subaru Team member Oliver Moran. He spoke about the restart of the campaign in July, when Covid restrictions had eased and Gaelic games had returned to action: “In mid-July, between zoom meetings and conference calls, the team started the ball rolling again.

“The work that has been put in by the group and numerous club members has been astonishing.

During the last week leading up

to the draw, people came from all parts wanting to contribute to the fundraiser. For this we are truly grateful as a club. The support from club members locally, former members, the wider community of Roscommon, people living in other counties and globally has blown us away”.

“The monies raised in the fundraiser are earmarked to go towards the development of the car park are at our GAA grounds in Lisnamult. This work includes drainage and groundworks, lighting, fencing, a fully tarmacadamed surface with a marked traffic management system, a safe set-down area, pathways, new designated disabled car park spaces, an astroturf surface in front of the sports wall and lighting on the training pitch. This will make

Pictured at the draw night at Hannon’s Hotel on Saturday, September 5th, were Oliver Moran, Garreth Carroll, Teresa Hession (Club chairperson), David Waldron, Cahal Mahon, Orla Fleming, Seamus Carthy, and Seamus Sweeney (County Board chairperson), who pulled the winning ticket.

the access to our grounds a lot safer and user-friendlier for the many members and spectators that utilise the grounds all year around. Funds will also be set aside towards the upgrading and purchase of specific equipment for our All Stars team. Sadly, they have been unable to return to play with the club this season due to the current pandemic, but we really look forward to seeing them soon, returning to club activities as soon as it is safe to do so”.

This car park project is ready to start as soon as the green light is given by the planning authorities.

“It is hoped that we will have a decision by late October”, Teresa Hession said. “It is a very exciting time for the club and we are pleased that this fundraiser will go a long way, but

not fully, towards the financing of these very extensive and much-needed developments at our club grounds in Lisnamult”.

The chairperson concluded by saying that the “success of this fundraiser is a testament to the hard work done by the club Win-A-Subaru team (Garreth Carroll, Ollie Moran, Orla Fleming, Davy Waldron, Cahal Mahon, Nikki Nerney, Declan Molloy, Aisling McCormack and Tommy Mulry) who ran an extremely professional campaign, which was by supported by the entire Roscommon Gaels Club both near and far, as well as the community of Roscommon who really got behind this draw.

“We are very much indebted to everyone who helped with and supported this fundraiser, without whom it would not have

been the massive success that it was”.

Thank you…

Roscommon Gaels would like to thank a number of people for their assistance with the fundraiser: the members of the club Win-A-Subaru committee, Subaru & TG4 Sport, Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon, Casey’s Londis in Roscommon, Golden Island Shopping Centre in Athlone, Declan and Roberta Hanly Motors in Roscommon, RBK Accountants, Fiona Dunne Design Ltd., Roscommon Mart, McNeill’s Store in Abbeytown, Fleming’s SuperValu on Main Street, Molloy’s Bakery in Abbeytown and Keane Productions.

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople Reopening of Roscommon Garden Club postponed Due to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, it is with great regret that the Roscommon Garden Club has had to suspend its meetings which were due to start this month.

With the continuing uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, it has been decided not to reopen Roscommon Garden Club until January 2021 at the earliest.

The club will advise members and non-members when it is once again safe to attend meetings, but until then, stay well, stay safe and mind yourselves.

John’s brief promotion!

Cathaoirleach of Athlone Municipal District, Cllr. Donal Kilduff, got his Naughtens mixed up during Tuesday’s meeting in the Roscommon County Council Chamber, much to the amusement of Cllr. John Naughten and the rest of the chamber.

Cllr. Donal Kilduff: “Just to clarify Deputy Naughten… sorry…Cllr. Naughten…” (laughter in the chamber) Cllr. Laurence Fallon: “John, you’ll be the Fine Gael candidate at the next election!”

Cllr. Donal Kilduff: “Not (a Deputy) yet!”

Advertorial

St Angela’s College offers additional College places for 2020 CAO applicants Following the announcement by Minister Simon Harris, an additional 2,050 college places were made available to CAO students who received their offers on September 11th. This news has been welcomed by St. Angela’s College, who are delighted to offer students an opportunity to study high-demand courses, including nursing and home economics teacher education.

This September, the college increased their available places by 13% on undergraduate home economics degree programmes and created an additional 18% places for applicants for the nursing degree programmes.

The demand for places at the college is reflective of the reputation it holds for high-quality, university-accredited programmes.

“We understand the uncertainty that this year has brought to Leaving Certificate students

and their families, and we were fully committed to ensuring additional places be made available on our high-demand CAO courses, in line with the announcement by Minister Harris”, explains Amanda McCloat, Acting President of St. Angela’s’ College.

This significant growth will contribute to the college community, bringing with it a richness in diversity and backgrounds that the college looks forward to showcasing when current restrictions are lifted.

Successful applicants will soon be offered their places, and then invited to register for their chosen course. Semester one will be delivered via a hybrid approach, including a mix of on-site and virtual leaning. St. Angela’s College has been preparing for the return of students to the campus, with safety measures already in place in the college to prepare

for the many practical aspects of the courses.

Ms. McCloat continues, saying: “We want to assure everyone that our Covid-19 Steering Group continue to meet and assess developments as they happen. Our students this year will have a very different college experience, but help and supports are available, from both an academic, and health/wellbeing perspective. We pride ourselves in our close sense of community and will continue to promote this, virtually or otherwise”.

Of course there will be disappointment for those who may not get their preferred offer.

However, Ms. McCloat encourages students to investigate their local Further Education College where there are a range of courses a student can undertake which will facilitate entry via the QQI route into all undergraduate programmes in St. Angela’s College.

Matthew Hannon, Paddy Downey and Mikie Dowd Doyle pictured after receiving their Leaving Certificate results in Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar.

Happy days: Students from Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar pictured after receiving their Leaving Certificate results. (Back row): Mikie Dowd, Callum Clogher, Paddy Downey. (Middle row): Jamie Doyle, Andrea Keane, Matthew Hannon, Lidia Zwierczyk, Ava Moore, Anita Zwierczyk, Oisín Gately, Saoirse Ward. (Front row): Michaela Roche, Cuisha King, Iseult Daly, Caoimhe McCarthy.

Jamie Doyle, Oisín Gately and Callum Clogher pictured after receiving their Leaving Certificate results in Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar.

Iseult Daly, Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar who received 625 points in her Leaving Certificate pictured with Michelle Hession (acting principal).

Sister Act: Lidia Zwierczyk and Anita Zwierczyk pictured after receiving their Leaving Certificate results in Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar.

Michaela Roche, Cuisha King and Ava Moore pictured after receiving their Leaving Certificate results in Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar.

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Parents: Please monitor kids’ online activities According to a report by CybersafeIreland, ‘over ninety per cent of children between the ages of 8 and 12 in Ireland own a device which can connect to the internet, and most have been contacted by strangers online’.

Now folks, in this country, when the Data Protection Bill 2018 was enacted, the digital age of consent was set at sixteen years. However, while this threshold is more to do with data protection than it is to do with child safety, for me it highlights the point that in order for certain online sites to target our children (under the requirements of the GDPR), U-16s need to have had the consent of a parent/guardian. This leads to me ask: if U-12s are being targeted by ‘strangers’, have they either lied about their age online, or perhaps received their parents’ consent/blessing to log onto these sites?

Now I understand the Covid restrictions have led to

us become dependent on our phones/laptops/tablets, etc., but when did parenting become so slipshod it appears that when it comes to accessing the internet, we’re raising our kids free-range? How is it that (according to the survey) ‘30% of children have friends or followers on social media platforms they don’t

know in real life’? Who are these people? Are they upstanding citizens or are they groomers/abusers? Are their interactions with our kids innocent and wholesome, or are they so sinister, the encounter is likely to lead to crimes of ‘sextortion’, maliciously coercing a poor vulnerable child into sending explicit imagery of themselves?

For God’s sake people, take charge of your kids’ online activities. Restrict it. Monitor it. Talk to them about the types of situations where they may feel unsafe and uncomfortable, and empower them by working out strategies they can use to remain safe.

Remember readers, the gaming/hardware/online industry is not in the business of promoting safety, and while surfing the internet can open up a whole new wonderful world for our babies, it comes with many risks – and it’s our job as parents to shield them.

Annette…Boyle Post Office’s leading lady!

I’d like to wish Annette, the lovely lady who recently retired from Boyle post office, the very best of luck and happiness as she embarks on her new, work-free life.

I don’t regularly use the services of Boyle’s post office, but when I have, I was always lucky enough to get Annette – a big fan of this newspaper and reader of this column. I have to say, An Post are losing a genuinely lovely lady, whose customer service skills are exceptional.

Every time I spoke with Annette, she had a big smile on her friendly face, and was always obliging. I couldn’t help but notice how kind and patient she was to any customer who needed that extra little bit of support or time. When you’re working in a position like Annette’s, i.e. for our State-owned postal service provider, it’s essential to build a relationship with people and to be able to interact with them on a humane and compassionate level.

Personally, I believe An Post should reemploy the lovely Annette as a staff trainer for new entrants into the system – she could definitely pass on good advice, not to mention that dazzlingly welcoming smile.

Take care Annette, and thank you for reading Roscommon’s favourite newspaper!

Rossies ride to the rescue!

Remember those dodgy surgical gowns received as part of a HSE consignment of PPE equipment from China that were, well, not fit for purpose due to being too short to provide essential protection to our frontline healthcare workers, potentially placing them at risk of infection? You do?

Well, earlier this month, three mental health service training centres across this county came to the rescue, and modified the gowns by extending the length of the sleeves, producing around 250 usable gowns per week!

Well done to all those wonderful people at Castlerea training centre, Boyle training centre and Clorina House, Roscommon for taking part in this fantastic initiative and for contributing to the health and safety of our frontline workers.

This unselfish act proves that in the face of an existential and national crisis, you can always depend on the Rossies to ride to the rescue. Comhghairdeas…proud of yas!

Why I’m glad the Kardashians have been k-ancelled!

Those money-grabbing, manipulative Kardashian hacks have had the plug pulled on their long running (too long), fly-on-the-wall TV series! And, even though I’ve never watched an entire episode of this muck (because I don’t hate myself enough), the nosey aul’ bint in me can’t help but ask – why now?

Is it because outspoken, arrogant presidentialwannabe Kanye West shockingly disclosed at his first public rally how he’d ‘stopped’ wife Kim from ‘aborting’ their first baby – North – after ‘God sent (him) a message’? Or is it due to his strange, holed-up-in-a-secure-bunker stunt at his Wyoming ranch – something which celebrity watchers claimed was due to his paranoia regarding ‘trust’ issues involving his wife Kim? Personally, I couldn’t care less. However, I will say that anyone (yes you Kim) who incessantly stands in front of a mirror taking selfies of her boobs and butt, and then posts them online in the hope of seeking some sort of validation, should never be hailed as a role model for young women!

As parents, we must teach and show our children that they should love themselves, including any flawed skin, bulges, stretch marks and acne, etc. they may have. Young girls need to re-

member that when Kim & Co. take a selfie and post it, what they’re actually doing is posting a carefully crafted selective self-presentation that keeps in line with brand Kardashian; an ‘image’ that is not a true reflection of how this fake, selfabsorbed, neurotic looks.

Okay, one could argue that Kim and her sisters (and mother/momager Kris) are simply a family of empowered, modern women taking control of their bodies as well as their careers – not me. Personally, I think this group of er, ladies, are, with the title of their series, taunting other women from the very outset. I mean, c’mon girls, ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ – doesn’t that tell you these harpies are insinuating that we, the lowly women-on-the-street are lagging behind these perma-tanned, trashy, #BreakTheInternet freak show shrews! They’re manipulating us into buying their products, believing that if we don’t, we’re incapable of making the airbrushed, fifty-shades-of-nude-grade required to live their picture-perfect 24/7 lives!

It is for that reason I’m glad this self-obsessed, self-documented, fame-hungry, aggressive, glossy mascot/wannabe first lady and her egocentric husband and family have finally been k-ancelled!

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sunday 20 September 2020 The house of Israel is the vine of God, who planted and watered it, preparing the Israelites to bear fruits of righteousness (see Isaiah 5:7; 27:2–5).

Israel failed to yield good fruits and the Lord allowed His vineyard, Israel’s kingdom, to be overrun by conquerors (see Psalm 80:9–20). But God promised that one day He would replant His vineyard and its shoots would blossom to the ends of the earth (see Amos 9:15; Hosea 14:5–10).

This is the biblical backdrop to Jesus’ parable of salvation history in today’s Gospel. The landowner is God. The vineyard is the kingdom. The workers hired at dawn are the Israelites, to whom He first offered His covenant. Those hired later in the day are the Gentiles, the non-Israelites, who, until the coming of Christ, were strangers to the covenants of promise (see Ephesians 2:11–13). In the Lord’s great generosity, the same wages, the same blessings promised to the first-called, the Israelites, will be paid to those called last, the rest of the nations.

This provokes grumbling in today’s parable. Doesn’t the complaint of those first labourers sound like that of the older brother in Jesus’ prodigal son parable (see Luke 15:29– 30)? God’s ways, however, are far from our ways, as we hear in today’s First Reading. And today’s readings should caution us against the temptation to resent God’s lavish mercy.

Like the Gentiles, many will be allowed to enter the kingdom late – after having spent most of their days idling in sin.

But even these can call upon Him and find Him near, as we sing in today’s Pslam. We should rejoice that God has compassion on all whom He has created. This should console us, too, especially if we have loved ones who remain far from the vineyard.

Our task is to continue labouring in His vineyard. As Paul says in today’s Epistle, let us conduct ourselves worthily, struggling to bring all men and women to the praise of His name.

– Scott Hahn PhD, www. salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

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PAGE COUNTY FINAL SUPPLEMENT

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

COUNTY FOOTBALL FINALS Best wishes to all the teams from

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Mulryan Construction IFC Final: Oran v St Dominic’s on Saturday in Dr Hyde Park at 4 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Before a ball was kicked in the 2020 IFC Championship, the conventional wisdom was that St. Faithleach’s would get to the final – and that Oran would be the team most likely to join them there. However, there were plenty of people (this writer included) who made the big mistake of not including St. Dominic’s in their calculations.

After all, the only team to actually beat Oran in regular play in the championship in 2019 was St. Dominic’s (Tulsk won the replayed final on penalties) and the Knockcroghery-based side have been there or thereabouts at the business end of this championship almost every year in the recent past.

Their win against St. Faithleach’s in the semi-final put any remaining doubters on the back foot and now we are preparing for a sparkling final which brings together two excellent, attacking and well coached teams, both of whom have justifiable claims to be the favourites to get their hands on the Jimmy Murray Cup. Oran players, management and supporters are the last people who need to be reminded of their final heartbreak in recent years.

This is their fourth decider in five years, and if there was an award to the unluckiest team in the county they would certainly win that accolade. But Oran and their management – under Billy Donnellan – know better than anyone that’s not how it works.

Oran have a magnificent team laced with some marvellous young players. They have played some brilliant football in this championship and have cruised into Saturday’s final. I really like Colin Walsh at full-back. The young star has a glittering career ahead of him if he maintains his progress. His clash with Darren Donnelly will be crucial.

Thomas Fetherston is the heart and soul of this Oran team and he will drive them on from his post at centre half-back. His leadership, strength and drive will be vital if Oran are to get to the promised land.

The contest in the middle of the park will also be very important. Ciaran Lawless and Connie Regan have struggled at times in this championship and Paddy Fallon and Tom Appleby look a very strong Dominic’s partnership.

It’s up front where Oran look strongest.

Kieran Whyte, Darragh Walsh and Eamon Kenny are a hard-running half-forward line – all of whom can all score – with Walsh playing the best football of his young career this summer.

The inside line of Charlie Carthy, the experienced Cathal Kenny, and Jack Earley

have been in lethal free-scoring form thus far and they will need to maintain that on Saturday.

St. Dominic’s will come to Hyde Park expecting to upset the applecart once again and they are well capable of doing it too.

They have scored an incredible 16-65 in just five games in this championship and have been in devastating form on the way to this final.

They have a great mix of younger and older players and are a very well coached side. The loss of Keith Doyle around the middle of the field would have been huge for any other side, but Paddy Fallon came in for the semi-final and played really well.

St. Dominic’s have a strong panel of players, which is always a big advantage.

Mark Miley is still a stop class goalkeeper and the full-back line of Micheal Byrne, Michael Feeley and Kyran Dockery have been excellent this year.

However, Dominic’s most impressive line in this championship has been the halfback combination of Brendan O’Meara, Eoin McCormack and Jack Lohan. The St. Dominic’s successes have been built on the excellent play of all three, who are dynamic players and always willing to help out in attack too. In the middle of the park Paddy Fallon and Tom Appleby have got on with their work very efficiently and look a good pairing.

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Oran’s Thomas Featherston. Picture: Michelle Hughes

Connie Regan of Oran on the ball against Éire Óg. Picture: Michelle Hughes

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

COUNTY FOOTBALL FINALS

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reach Promised Land! how that Darren Dolan has brought to this Dominic’s team has been a huge asset to them this year. The former St. Brigid’s man is a vital cog in Thomas Gilleran’s well-oiled machine.

The hard-working Tommy Hurley, the very impressive Darren Donnelly and Declan Dowling have all been excellent this year. But the scorers-in-chief have been the rangy Daire Keenan who has had a superb championship, and the ageless Conor Fallon, who is still a pleasure to watch after all his years of top class service to his club. He is still a great man to get that vital score and Oran will have to be on top of their game to try and keep him at bay on Saturday. Not many teams have been able to do that over the years.

A fascinating game is in prospect. The fact that Oran have had so much bad luck in finals over the years will not mean anything when the ball is thrown in on Saturday. There is no sentiment in sport and no one is going to hand a county title to anyone. There is just too much at stake.

The St. Dominic’s men would dearly love to bring the Jimmy Murray Cup ‘home’ on Saturday. But Oran will feel that they can finally put all the pain of recent years behind them.

I am expecting a titanic struggle. If Oran can get enough ball into the final third of the field they have the attackers to get enough scores to edge it by a point or two.

But it will be close.

Prediction: Oran.

Tom Appleby is a key man in midfield for St. Dominic’s. Picture: Mick McCormack

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Michael Feeley in action against St. Faithleach’s. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

COUNTY FOOTBALL FINALS Best wishes to all the teams from

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‘Lockdown was a plus for us’ – Billy < SEAMUS DUKE

“Only those who dare to fail can ever achieve success” is a memorable quote from President John F. Kennedy.

When Oran manager Billy Donnellan looks back over the past few years he will be hoping that all the bad luck and near-misses that his side has endured will finally come to an end when they face St. Dominic’s in the final in Dr. Hyde Park this Saturday.

Oran were one of the title fancies before a ball was kicked in this championship and they have hardly put a foot wrong – winning all their games in the runup to the final while playing some superb attacking football.

Still, an experienced campaigner like Billy Donnellan knows that they will face a monumental challenge from St. Dominic’s in this final and will have to play better than they have done so far this summer if they are to finally get their hands on the Jimmy Murray Cup in this, the strangest of summers.

Billy told the People: “It has been an amazing year so far for all of us. Our goal when the year started was to get back into the final again. We were crippled with injuries when we got to the final in 2016 and 2017 and we were determined to do what we could to minimise injuries this year and I think it has worked” he said.

“The lockdown period was actually a plus for us in terms of lads recovering from injuries…we were able to have a proper preparation this year.

“The fact that we didn’t have a league campaign might also have been a plus because we were relegated to Division Three last year, and with all due respect to all the teams in that division, it may not have been the ideal preparation for us ahead of the championship.

“It has been fantastic to have all the players available for training this year. Having seen what has happened this summer I would be a huge advocate of a split season. I know that the club players loved training together and they have all really enjoyed it. I know that we had to operate without dressing rooms and other facilities, but it has been the same for every club. This year our numbers at training were the biggest that we

Billy Donnellan, Oran.

have had for many years.

Lads wanted to play, it’s as simple as that”.

Billy says that the championship format this year has been very good.

“Once the championship started there were plenty of games in quick succession – and I like that. Players love playing matches and if you are lucky enough to win games you can get a momentum, which is also very positive”.

It’s Oran’s fourth final in five years and they have been very unlucky, losing after a penalty shoot-out last year and also in two replays over the years.

“We don’t mention that at all. We have a lot of very good young players who have played county football and who have achieved success with Roscommon CBS over the years so being unlucky over the past few years doesn’t worry them.

We will purely be focussing on Saturday’s match”.

So how does Billy evaluate how the championship has gone for Oran so far?

“We have played well at times but we struggled against Éire Óg who really put it up to us, and if you look at St. Dominic’s, they beat Éire Óg easily – so there is a big warning to us there. We were delighted to beat a Kilmore side who are always mighty championship battlers and we played well against Castlerea. We struggled for a long time against Creggs and we got goals at vital times.

“Against St. Aidan’s in the semi-final we just got a run on them and I wouldn’t look too deeply into that result. Overall we have done well but this final will present a much bigger test than any we have had so far”.

The Oran team boss is full of respect for St. Dominic’s. “Dominic’s are a fine side. They were

“

It has been fantastic to have all the players available for training this year. Having seen what has happened this summer I would be a huge advocate of a split season

the only team to beat us last year and they should definitely have beaten Tulsk in the semi-final last year too. They have scored a phenomenal amount in the championship this year and are averaging three goals in every game, which speaks for itself. They easily beat Éire Óg and we struggled against them and on that line of form we have a big task ahead of us.

“St. Faithleach’s were strongly favoured to beat them in the semi-final but Dominic’s were the better side overall and they deserved their win. They have some marvellous players…a great blend of younger and older experi-

enced players. They have a huge attacking threat and we will have to deal with that. Look at Conor Fallon, who is playing as well as ever. He is a great man to make space for himself and take a score and they have several other top class performers too”.

Finally, Billy is looking forward to a great game of football.

“If the day is fine I am looking forward to a great game between two good footballing sides. We have to make sure that we are in with a shout at half-time and if we give it our best shot we will be in with a chance” he concluded.

Oran Abu! Wishing Billy, his management team and the entire Oran squad the very best of luck in Saturday’s final

We’re all proud of your feats in this very difficult season

Cllr Marty McDermott,

From Leas-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council

Tel. 087 3466064 Email: marty.mcdermott1@gmail.com /marty.mcdermott.184

23

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

COUNTY FOOTBALL FINALS

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St. Dominic’s manager, Tomás Gilleran, pictured in Knockcroghery prior to Saturday’s Mulryan Construction Intermediate Football Championship final against Oran at Dr. Hyde Park. < SEAMUS DUKE

In his second year in charge of St. Dominic’s, Tomás Gilleran – supported by his selectors – has done a superb job in bringing his charges back to the intermediate final.

Talking to him, you get the distinct feeling that his team are chomping at the bit to get their hands on the Jimmy Murray Cup, silverware that’s named after the most famous son of Knockcroghery. They are determined to bring the cup ‘home’ this year.

St. Dominic’s have breezed through the championship, putting up some huge scores along the way. In the semi-final they surprised title favourites St. Faithleach’s with a well deserved two-point win. Now they face Oran in a final that many people see as a 50-50 match.

Tomás Gilleran is delighted to see his side in the final but says that they have a lot of improving to do. In fact, he suggests that his team have not played well for an entire game in the championship so far.

“When we started out this year we wanted to improve on what we did in 2019. We lost to Tulsk in the semi-final and we were very disappointed with that. We were certainly determined to go a step further and here we are.

“It has been a tough year on everyone but at one stage it looked as if there would be no action at all so the players were delighted to get back training and playing matches. The fact that there was no county football wasn’t really a factor for us. We have been very happy with how the lads have responded in training”.

St. Dominic’s have won all five of their championship games this year – playing some great football along the way – but their manager Gilleran says that there is still much room for improvement.

“It has been a good championship for us but I would rate our form so far as being patchy at best. We may have put up some decent scores but we haven’t played well for the full 60 minutes yet and we will have to do that against Oran”.

Tomás says that they have no set style of play. “We just set out to do the simple things right in every game and to minimise our mistakes and if we can do that we will always have a chance. The lads have done well so far and we have to improve on that again for the final. Our aim is to keep the ball moving and for lads to take the simple option”.

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“It’s great to see the blend working out between younger and older. The club have been playing in the division one championships in all underage grades for the past six or seven years and that’s paying off now”.

The St. Dominic’s manager is full of admiration for Oran.

“Oran are a fantastic side and are so exciting to watch. They have six or seven young players who have tasted success with Roscommon CBS and who have played county football at underage level. They will be keen to get their hands on the cup after being in hard luck over the years so it is a huge challenge for us”.

Finally, to win the Jimmy Murray Cup would be very special for St. Dominic’s were that to happen this weekend.

“Of course we would love to win the cup named after one of the greatest Roscommon men, a man who comes from our parish.

It would be great for the club and for the people of the area too but it will be a very tough battle. Hopefully we will play to our very best on the day and if we do we will see what happens” he concluded.

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

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Pearses can prevail in fascinating final of contrasting styles Hodson Bay Hotel SFC Final: Padraig Pearses v St Brigid’s at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday at 3 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

The Brigid’s young guns including Ruaidhri Fallon (pictured) have been magnificent.

Photos: Mick McCormack & Michelle Hughes Walsh

After what has been a splendid championship played in the strangest of summers, there are two familiar sides contesting this final, although it is not the pairing that everyone was expecting.

Most avid football followers would agree that St. Brigid’s have some of the finest young players in the county, and having won so many U-21 and minor titles in recent years, there was probably a consensus that they would be the team to beat at senior level over the coming years.

However, it was felt that 2020 might be a

year or two too soon for these young guns to actually win a Fahey Cup. With several experienced players as back-up, these exceptionally talented lads have stepped up to the mark this summer and have lit up this championship with some scintillating football. They are certainly in this final on merit. In fact it has been a pleasure to watch them playing.

For Pearses, it has been a less spectacular journey to another decider. Having made history last year, it is no surprise to see them back in the final, but they have yet to reach top form in this campaign. That said, the experience that they have gained from last year’s campaign is standing to them, and it certainly was a major factor in their narrow win against Clann na nGael in the semi-final.

A mouth-watering final is in prospect.

The Brigid’s young guns have been magnificent. Pearse Frost, Paul McGrath,

Ruaidhri Fallon, Donnacha Gately, Brian Derwin, Ciaran Sugrue, Ben O’Carroll and Jack McDonnell are just some of the talented players who have been brilliant at this level and on the evidence of what we have seen so far it would take a brave person to suggest that their time has not come yet.

All the talk about the young Brigid’s players has ignored the fact that there are several top class experienced performers on Benny O’Brien’s team who provide the composure and championship know-how that is so important at this level.

James Martin, Peter Domican, Eoin and Darragh Sheehy, Ronan Stack, Brian Stack, Eddie Nolan and Gearoid Cunniffe have all been there, seen that and bought loads of t-shirts! This is certainly not a Brigid’s team full of rookies.

Pearses will be the first to admit that they are in the final without ever reaching the

The team to beat: Champions Padraig Pearses pictured on semi-final day. Photos: Mick McCormack & Michelle Hughes Walsh

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heights that we saw in 2019. They stuttered out of their group with a draw against Boyle, a win against Michael Glavey’s and a loss against Tulsk. But in the quarter-final they picked up considerably and scored 0-19 against Roscommon Gaels.

It was in the semi-final against Clann that Pearses really showed their mettle. It was a fierce battle against their neighbours but Pearses held their nerve and showed their composure to come out on top by a point. It was a game that Pearses teams in the past would almost certainly have lost.

There is a new steel about them since winning the title last year and that could prove vital on Sunday.

While Pearses have yet to reach their best form in this championship, manager Pat Flanagan and his selectors will be delighted at the form of some of the socalled ‘lesser lights’ this year. The likes of Shane Mulvey, Gavin Downey, Shane

Carty, Emmett Kelly and Conor Payne have been outstanding this year and that is a big plus for the champions.

Ronan Daly is having a fantastic championship at centre half-back and it almost goes without saying that the other Daly brothers, Niall, Conor and Lorcan – and David Murray – will all have huge roles to play on Sunday.

Hubert Darcy and Paul Carey have not been in the same lethal form as they were in 2019 and Pearses will be hoping that next Sunday is the day when they cut loose. Having said that Niall Carty has shown great leadership at centre half-forward this term too.

St. Brigid’s have been by far the most attractive team to watch this summer. The manner in which they disposed of a good Boyle team in the semi-final in particular is a warning to Pearses that they are a top class side.

I would pay good money to see the likes of Ruaidhri Fallon, Ben O’Carroll, Ciaran Sugrue and Brian Derwin in action. They are brilliant young players who we will see for many years in the St. Brigid’s and Roscommon shirts.

However, Pearses have something that is so important in championship football and that’s experience. Looking at their route to the final, Pearses have had tougher games and they are improving all the time. The manner of their win against Clann in the semi-final will have given them a huge boost for this final.

They do not want to be looked upon as the team that eventually won their county senior title and then faded away again. St. Brigid’s will be around for many years to come but this might just be a bridge too far on Sunday. I am tipping the scales towards Pearses. But only just.

Prediction: Padraig Pearses.

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From rookie to elder statesman! < SEAMUS DUKE

It’s not so long ago that Ronan Stack was one of the ‘babies’ of the St. Brigid’s team. But now, at 29, with so much experience under his belt at club and county level, he is one of the elder statesmen and will lead his side into Sunday’s final.

“It’s been a good year but it has been a strange year in that apart from everything else we didn’t have any league games and as a result of that no club teams really knew where they were at when it came to the start of the championship. But since the championship has started it has been game after game, which was great.

“This year we were coming off losing in the quarter-final last year (to Pearses), and we didn’t really know what to expect. We introduced a number of young players last year and we were hoping that would stand to them when it came to this year. We were just hoping to be competitive and to get as far as we could and we are thrilled to be in the final now.

“I am not surprised how good some of the young players are. I have been watching them over the past few years and they have been winning at minor and U-20 level. The difference this year is that we had just a few challenge games so they have really adapted well”.

Ronan says that his time with St. Brigid’s has flown by. “I have been involved with the senior team for eight or nine years. Time flies by to be honest…it feels like only yesterday that I was considered one of the younger players on the panel. But now it’s myself, Gearoid (Cunniffe), James (Martin), Peter (Domican) and the Sheehys who are the ones who are around the longest”.

The St. Brigid’s captain says that Pearses have earned the right to be called a very good side.

“Winning the championship last year has given Pearses great confidence and belief and they are a very well established team. They have had the same core group for a number of years and have added some young players like Paul Carey over the past year or two. They have a knack of winning big games now so it will be a huge task for us.

“We are trying to play to our strengths as a team.

Pictured is Ronan Stack, St. Brigid’s. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

We have a young, fast side and we try to move the ball quickly. But we have a few physical players around the middle like Brian (Stack) and Eddie (Nolan) and Peter (Domican), so we have a good mix”.

Playing matches without any fans present (for the most part, happily changing to a degree this weekend) has been a strange experience.

“It’s strange playing with no crowd there. When you are in the game in general you don’t really notice it but at certain moments when a team is behind and then get a few scores you will hear your supporters. Or it applies the opposite way around when the other team’s supporters get behind them, but in general when the game is going on it doesn’t really make much difference”.

Ronan says that Pearses will present a different challenge than anything they have faced

so far. “Against Pearses we will be trying to move the ball as quick as we can into the forward line. It will be a different challenge for us to play Pearses because they will be set up very well defensively and they have a lot of very good players, all of whom can defend.

Even the two Dalys at midfield are excellent defenders. Pearses play to an excellent system so it will be up to us to break down that system and be patient as well”.

Ronan concluded: “We would have been seen as a team with potential at the start of the year and it was a question of when we were going to realise that potential. But the way Gaelic football is gone now you cannot plan for two or three years ahead, you have to try to win in the year that is there. We are in the final now and we have to go and try and win it”.

‘Win over Clann a big boost’ – Carty < SEAMUS DUKE

Niall Carty, right, is one of the players that Pat Flanagan and his selectors will be hoping to lead from the front when Padraig Pearses put their title on the line on Sunday. The Athlone Community College teacher is a former Roscommon and Padraig Pearses captain and has been playing some of the best football of his career in this year’s championship.

He was delighted to get the chance to play this year. “Like a lot of lads I had almost given up on any chance of playing football this year. It was fantastic news when we were given a chance to train and play.

“The games have come thick and fast and maybe that’s something that the powers that be might look at for the future. It has been very well ran”.

The players have, he reports, got used to the Covidrelated restrictions. “It was strange getting used to things at the start – no dressing rooms and so on – but we all got on with it. To be honest, you get used to it.

It has become the new normal. It’s tough on the players who have a long way to travel for training, but not so bad when you are close to home”.

Niall says that Pearses made a slow start to the championship but improved subsequently. “We were lucky enough to get a draw against a very good Boyle team on our first day out. Then against Mi-

chael Glavey’s we didn’t play too badly and got the win. Then we were caught by Tulsk. I was very impressed with them. They are a good side.

“We played well against Roscommon Gaels and to score 19 points was a big positive that day. The match against Clann could have gone either way but we kept working hard and to come from two points down in the last five minutes to win it was a big positive for us. It was a tough game to lose but a great one to win and it has given us a huge boost”.

Niall acknowledges that St. Brigid’s have many very good young players, but emphasises the role of their experienced guys. “The streaming of the games this year has given a lot of us a chance to see other teams in action. I have been very impressed with Brigid’s. They have some really good young players but I wouldn’t lose sight of the fact that they have several experienced players like the Sheehys, Peter Domican, Ronan Stack and Gearoid Cunniffe, so it’s not all about their young players. They are a well balanced team”.

He agrees that it would be a great achievement to put titles back to back.

“Over the past two or three years all we were thinking in our club was about winning one title. But we have done that and (now) it would be a great feat to win it two years in a row”.

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The older lads are leading and the younger lads are learning all the time…if the likes of Peter Domican or Darragh Sheehy pulls a young player aside for a bit of advice they respect that St. Brigid’s manager Benny O’Brien and team captain Ronan Stack pictured at the St. Brigid’s Press Night in Kiltoom. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Benny’s young guns target champs < SEAMUS DUKE

In his second term as senior team manager, Benny O’Brien is St. Brigid’s through and through. He’s enjoying the process of guiding this exciting young team through the unexpected pandemic-dominated summer.

When matches finally began, initially with restricted crowds and then with none, Benny saw it as beneficial – in a way – to the young guns.

“The fact that there were no crowds suited our young players because there were no external distractions.

We were a group in a bubble, we trained together, we played the matches and we went home. The only interaction we had was within that group.

“The younger lads could come in and play and there was no one patting them on the back and telling them they were great, so I think that has been a bonus for us this year. There was no pressure on the young lads, which was good”.

While he is obviously well aware of the level of talent at his disposal, the St. Brigid’s manager concedes that even he has been surprised at how well the younger players have taken to playing senior football.

“I watched them in training and I wondered can they bring this to a match situation when the pressure is on.

Will they make that block, or kick that point or make that catch? Invariably they have done it…they have really been tremendous”.

St. Brigid’s have played a very exciting brand of attacking, open, fast-moving

football this year. Was it a conscious decision to play in that style?

“We looked at what style might suit this team and we decided that we would try a fast-moving, open, expansive game with loads of movement among the players. We have tried this style of game to get the maximum out of the players that we have and have been lucky enough that it has worked so far.

“The hardest thing about managing this group was to pick the team. It was a very difficult task, especially for our first game. We spent hours at it and some lads who didn’t make the cut were disappointed. With no league this year we didn’t have the games to look at various combinations. But as a management we made the calls on the basis of what we had seen at training”.

The St. Brigid’s boss has great respect for the champions who he says are a different proposition now that they have finally landed that elusive senior title.

“Every game throws up different challenges and now it’s Pearses…we will look at them and try to analyse them and put a game plan in place that will suit us on the day. They are a huge challenge, powerful runners and five or six top class county players. They are a lot further down the road in terms of team development than we are. They have been battle-hardened and they now seem to be able to win tight matches which is a great sign of a team.

“Pearses also have a topnotch manager who has won county championships

in three different counties.

He has managed three different inter-county teams so Pat (Flanagan) knows what he is about. He came to Pearses last year and got them over the line for the first time ever so we know that they are going to be a huge challenge for us”.

As to his own charges, Benny plays down the fact that St. Brigid’s have so many young players in their ranks.

“When the players go out on the field there is no age number on their backs. We are in this final on merit.

We are there to compete for the club and to try to win the match so we don’t pass any heed on that and the age profile of our team is something that we never discuss.

“We have plenty of experienced players who have had a hugely positive influence of the team. The older lads are leading and the younger lads are learning all the time

and you can’t ask any more than that. If the likes of Peter Domican or Darragh Sheehy pulls a young player aside for a bit of advice they respect that”.

The loss of Ian Kilbride and Padraig Kelly (gone to the Lebanon) and Niall McInerney (injured) and Senan Kilbride (gone to the Middle East) would be very hard to absorb for any club.

St. Brigid’s have just got on with it.

“We knew that Ian and Padraig were going and we also knew that Senan had got a job. Niall Mac was going to Australia but that was stopped with Covid, but then in our very first game he broke his hand which was very unfortunate. But I always say that if there are players out or injured it gives someone else a chance. That’s why we have a panel of players.

“Brian Derwin didn’t start the second game, Pearse

Frost didn’t start the third game, Eoin Sheehy didn’t start the first two games, Jack McDonnell didn’t start the first two games either and it meant that there were lads getting chances to play all the time and that’s what it’s all about”.

Despite all the success that St. Brigid’s have had over the years, this feels like a new era, the start of something that could be special.

And they want that title this weekend!

Benny O’Brien: “We would have an expectation to do well in the senior championship every year…

I just hope that the lads go out and do themselves justice. With regard to this final we know exactly what we will get from Pearses but we are not entirely sure what we will get from St. Brigid’s. We have two teams with completely different styles. Hopefully we get a good final!”

Eddie Nolan, Ronan Stack and Mark Daly pictured at the St. Brigid’s Press Night in Kiltoom.

Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

29

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

COUNTY FOOTBALL FINALS County Roscommon

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Pat’s double bid!

Pádraig Pearses manager, Pat Flanagan, offers instructions to his players during their recent semi-final win over Clann na nGael. Pics: Michelle Hughes Walsh

< SEAMUS DUKE

Pat Flanagan has been around the block a number of times. The Offaly man has been in charge of three inter-county teams and several club sides over the years. Regardless of what happens in Dr. Hyde Park this Sunday, his name will go down in the folklore of the Padraig Pearses GAA Club…hailing him as the man who managed their senior team to that first breakthrough Fahey Cup success after decades of heartache.

One historic win down, Pat is now determined to lead his troops to a successful title defence. They say it takes a good team to win a title but that it takes a great

team to retain it, and Pearses are one step away from back-to-back successes.

By his own admission, Pearses have not played all that well so far in this championship, yet they are still in Sunday’s final on merit.

Pat Flanagan confirms the sense that it has been a challenging campaign.

“We started very slowly.

We got a big scare against Boyle, we got through against Michael Glavey’s and we were beaten by Tulsk. While we were not playing well we were doing a lot of heavy training at that stage”.

Preparing a team in the Covid era wasn’t easy, he says. “It has been a very difficult year to prepare a team…we have had to

adapt. It was the same situation for everyone else. We have improved in every game we have played so far and hopefully we will improve again for next Sunday.

“There have been a few positives. We have had all our county players for all the training sessions…it was fantastic to be able to work with them all summer.

They are great lads anyway but it was good to have them all training this year.

“For a while after the 13th of March it looked like there would be no football at all this year so it was fantastic to get back training.

It’s good for the players but it’s great for GAA people too. I know that there are no crowds, but at least people

are able to see the games that have been streamed… that has been a very positive innovation. It’s good for people’s mental health that they can enjoy the games again. It’s good for us all”.

Pat says that there is plenty of room for improvement in his team. “We have loads to improve on. We came good at the same time of the season last year. The preparations have been difficult but every club is in the same boat”.

Pat says that the thrilling one-point win against Clann na nGael in the semi-final shows how far his team have come.

“That was a really tough and well contested match.

I think that we have more self-belief than we had last year – as a result of winning the title – and it helped us to stay composed (in the semifinal). The match against Clann could have gone either way, and in the end we were lucky. It was a great game to win”.

The Pearses’ boss has plenty of respect for Sunday’s opponents. “We are expecting a massive challenge from St. Brigid’s. They are a super young team and are well coached by Benny O’Brien. They are in the

final because they deserve to be there. We’re under no illusions whatsoever about what they will bring to the table. We will have to produce our best performance of the season to win this final on Sunday”.

The Offaly native says that the experienced players on the Pearses team will have to stand up and be counted on Sunday, as they have done over the past couple of years.

“We have a number of very experienced players who have proven to be great leaders and we will be looking to them again on Sunday, but it is a team effort and everyone will have to contribute. It will take a monumental effort to win this title again.

“I have been around a long time in football and I know how hard it is to win even one championship, and to win it a second year in a row is even more difficult. But this is a great club. There are great people here in the background and the players and the management are doing it for them as well.

I am looking forward to a huge battle and hopefully we will be good enough on the day”.

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Pádraig Pearses manager, Pat Flanagan, pictured at the final whistle following his team’s narrow win over Clann na nGael.

Best of Luck to Pádraig Pearses Senior Football Team In the County Final on Sunday

30

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

COUNTY FOOTBALL FINALS

THE FINAL WORD… < DAN DOONER

Ollie Lennon, Kilbride “Firstly, I suppose it was a final that we and a lot of other people thought would never take place but when we got the go-ahead in July our aim was to reach the final. Just because it’s our fifth final doesn’t make it any less appetising or exciting and we are really looking forward to it”.

James Deane, Shannon Gaels Boyle v St. Brigids

St. Faithleach’s v Eire Og

Three ladies’ finals this weekend Focus on Kilbride & Shannon Gaels captains: Page 43 Abbey Hotel Ladies Senior Football Final: Kilbride v Shannon Gaels in Ballyforan on Saturday, 19th of September at 3.45 pm Can Kilbride ladies complete an astonishing five-ina-row, or will Shannon Gaels gatecash the would-be party?

All will be revealed in Ballyforan on Saturday afternoon when the teams meet in the second game in a very attractive double-header.

Make no mistake, Kilbride start as strong favourites. They’ve been the dominant force in ladies’ football in recent seasons, and they will take some stopping.

That said, Kilbride certainly did not have it all their own way when these two sides met earlier in the campaign, the quality of the Shannon Gaels’ challenge that day suggesting they have every reason to believe they can win this weekend.

Kilbride only had two points to spare over Shannon Gaels in that fixture.

This weekend, Kilbride will look to their mix of experienced players and some younger talent. Most notably, Aisling Hanly has been in great form, and she is a real threat to Shannon Gaels.

Kilbride are managed by Ollie Lennon, and he’s certainly taking nothing for granted as his team meet their date with destiny and bid for that remarkable five-in-a-row.

Ollie has played down talk of the five-in-a-row and is trying to maintain a calm approach ahead of the final. He says Shannon Gaels are a serious proposition and Kilbride’s entire focus is on taking this match on its own merits and trying to produce their very best form on the day.

Shannon Gaels are managed by another very wellknown GAA figure, James Deane.

James is delighted with the progress his side has made, with a number of tight victories reflecting the determination, quality and growing confidence of

his side.

He’s wary of how powerful Kilbride are – they have put up some huge scores over the years – but Shannon Gaels will be well prepared.

If Shannon Gaels can keep the game tight and keep a rein on the usually free-scoring Kilbride, it gives the North Roscommon club a chance. No question however, Kilbride carry the favourite’s tag, and they should deliver – and step into the history books.

All of the hard work put in at juvenile level has resulted in many fine young players emerging into the adult set-up.

St. Brigid’s will look to players like Katie Nolan, Abby Curran, Claire Grehan and Hollie Martin for inspiration, backed up by impressive colleagues, all of them determined to take the silverware.

Opponents Boyle enter this final in good shape too.

Amongst their key performers – to name just a few – are Sinead Glennon, Katie Harrington, Aishling Feeley and Saoirse Wynne.

Boyle are the form team and are tipped by many observers as the likely winners. When the teams met earlier in the season, Boyle were victorious (although it should be noted that St. Brigid’s were missing some players that day). Boyle might just edge it.

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Kilbride v Shannon Gaels

McNeill’s Foodstore & Catering Equipment Ladies Intermediate Football Final: Boyle v St Brigid’s in Ballyforan on Saturday, 19th of September at 12.30 pm A tight encounter is expected here, with both sides reaping the benefits of successful underage policies in recent years.

Éire Óg will enter this game as favourites given that they defeated St. Faithleach’s pretty decisively earlier in the campaign (3-14 to 1-8).

The Loughglynn ladies have been more impressive to date, putting up some big scores and qualifying for the final with relative ease.

By contrast, St. Faithleach’s only had a point to spare over Michael Glavey’s in the recent semifinal. Meanwhile, Éire Óg were 1-20 to 2-5 victors over St. Barry’s.

St. Faithleach’s are however in the final on merit and they have shown tenacity and skill to get this far. They will relish being underdogs and certainly have the potential to win.

We’re expecting a good close contest, with St. Faithleach’s likely to close the gap significantly (on the earlier meeting between the sides). But Éire Óg will be very much motivated by the fact that they were beaten finalists last year; they’ll be very hungry to go one step further this season – and should do so.

“This is a big occasion and a very big moment for us as a club. We have a massive task ahead of us to stop Kilbride, the best team in the county, who are going for fivein-a-row. We need to ensure that we put in a performance that sees us stick with them and hopefully win this title”.

Vinny Flanagan, Boyle “We’re feeling okay and preparations have gone alright this week with everyone in training. We are going well heading into this final and now we hope we can perform on the day”.

Tom Lennon, St. Brigid’s “We are really looking forward to this final. A few months ago we thought there would be no football but the championship has been great and with five matches everyone was given a chance. We’ve played Boyle before and we’re looking forward to a cracking game of ball and hopefully we can edge it by a point or two”.

Keith Curran, St. Faithleach’s “To be honest, there’s excitement but I’m also a bit nervous because it’s the first year I’ve been involved with this team. We didn’t have the numbers at the start but Covid-19 and lockdown actually helped because girls wanted to stay active. Players took part in activities at home and then when training restarted we had thirty players. These are exciting times; we’ve been working hard and will hopefully top it with a win this weekend”.

Ray Doory, Éire Óg “Training has been going well this week and we’ve been putting the finishing touches on it ahead of the weekend. We’re confident but not cocky ahead of the final. The sides met before and we beat them but a final takes on a life of its own and there are girls playing in their first final so it depends on how they handle it”.

31

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

PropertyPeople

Quality five-bedroomed Kilteevan property available from Earley’s This week, David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley is offering to the market a luxury, five-bedroomed, dormer-style residence of approximately 2,075 square feet, located at Aughmagree, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Price region: €265,000 ono to sell.

David describes the property as being “a quality property, finished to a very high standard by its present owners, with many extra features and spacious living accommodation throughout”.

The said residence stands on a large, mature site of circa 0.54 of an acre, and commands ex-

cellent views of the surrounding picturesque countryside, situated within walking distance of Kilteevan village, school, public house and church.

Primely located approximately 4.8km from Roscommon town, just off the main Lanesboro road, the auctioneers now invite

immediate viewing and all offers to sell. BER: C3.

For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, the Square, Roscommon on 090 66 26579 or email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie.

Property Partners Earley close sale of prime Ballintubber lands This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of prime agricultural lands, containing approximately 31.6 acres, at Ballyfinnegan, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon for a very satisfactory price.

John added: “We have experienced a very busy selling period, with quality properties attracting strong interest in all areas. Due to demand, we are now seeking properties in all areas for disappointed underbidders and cash buyers. We welcome all submissions and offer a free appraisal service”.

For further details, or to arrange a free consultation, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) at

CO. GALWAY NEW TO THE MARKET

Call 090 662 7200

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON Find out more at mysherryfitz.ie

CO. ROSCOMMON

FOR SALE

“THE GOAL POST”, BAR, RESTAURANT, AND CAFÉ located at

BALLINAGARE VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 XV48

NEW TO THE MARKET

99 ABBEYVILLE, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN, F42 XY00 All offers after €150,000 to sell.

All offers after €150,000 to sell.

BER E2

€150,000

CO. LONGFORD

AGHAKEEL, LANESBOROUGH CO. LONGFORD

POA

• Attractive three bed semi-detached property in excellent condition throughout.

• Ideally located on the first row of Shannonside estate just off the main N63.

• 10 minutes drive to Longford and Roscommon both offering train and bus services to Dublin, Galway and further.

• This property has a well maintained garden with garage.

• Only 2 minutes from all amenities in Ballyleague/Lanesborough • Accommodation Spacious entrance hall, living room, kitchen/dining room, W.C. 3 bedrooms, bathroom and hot press.

BER: C1. EIR CODE: N39VA46.

• Stunning 3 bed bungalow located beside the River Shannon.

• Situated on C. 1acre and includes C. 8.25acres and mooring rights.

• Presented in excellent condition throughout.

• 3 double bedrooms all en-suite.

• Set among mature well maintained lawns, trees and shrubbery.

BER: C2 EIR CODE: N39XP95

CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

It’s not just about property. It’s about people.

Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log on to www.propertypartners.ie.

A SPACIOUS 4 B/R SEMI-DETACHED RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1,420 SQ.FT located at

• Traditional Irish bungalow on a large site.

• Conveniently located 9 minutes from Glenamaddy.

• This property consists of kitchen, lounge/diner, sitting room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom and garage.

• Deceivingly large internally (C 117.2 sq.m)

CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

NO 9 SHANNON GROVE, BALLYLEAGUE, CO ROSCOMMON

PSRA No. 001316

PROPERTY PARTNERS THE RENOWNED 7 DAY RESIDENTIAL LICENSED PREMISES KNOWN AS

€90,000

KEELOGUES, GLENAMADDY, CO. GALWAY

ipav

EARLEY

Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

PSRA Licence No. 001481

NEW TO THE MARKET

A LUXURY 3 B/R WATERSIDE SPLIT-LEVEL TOWNHOUSE PROPERTY OF APPROX. 1,465 SQ.FT located at

2 TARMON HARBOUR, TARMONBARRY, CO. ROSCOMMON, N39 NC42.

(overlooking Tarmonbarry Marina).

NEW TO THE MARKET

A PRIMELY LOCATED 3 B/R TWO STOREY END OF TERRACE TOWNHOUSE PROPERTY OF APPROX. 1,018 SQ.FT located at

1 ARD RI, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN, F42 K880.

All offers after €135,000 to sell

Price Guide: €200,000 ono to sell.

Log onto: www.propertypartners.ie

Log onto: www.propertypartners.ie

A primely located and substantial 7 day residential licenced premises, cafe and restaurant located in the heart of Ballinagare Village on the main N5 Western route. The said property is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout and boasts many years of successful trading together with strong turnover figures having been recorded.

The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €150,000 to sell. BER: D1

An attractive and spacious semi-detached residence located in a much sought after development on The Galway road adjacent to Roscommon town and all amenities. The said property is finished to high standard and has the benefit of a select location minutes from the town center.

The said property would suit the owner occupier or investor alike due its quality & location and the auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and all offers after €150,000 to sell. BER: D1.

Legal: Sinead Neilan, Messers Liddy Neilan & Co, Roscommon. 090 66 27498

Log onto: www.propertypartners.ie Log onto: www.propertypartners.ie

A beautifully presented and fully furnished 3 A spacious 3 B/R residence finished to a very high B/R split level terrace style residence located in the exclusive Tarmon Harbour development. The standard throughout located in the established Ard Ri development on the Galway route. The property said property is presented for sale in excellent boasts spacious living accommodation throughout condition throughout and offers spacious living over 2 floors with a spacious rear garden and accommodation overlooking the marina to the rear. unrivalled location beside Roscommon town.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire such The auctioneers now invite immediate viewing a property and the auctioneers now invite and all offers after €135,000 to sell. BER: C2. immediate viewings and offers to sell. BER: C3.

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405

32

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

PropertyPeople PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS

We are now seeking quality family homes in all areas. Reply in confidence to REA Seamus Carthy on 090 6630001.

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

9 THE FAIRWAYS, GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN F42 R588

MARYVILLE, ROXBORO, ROSCOMMON TOWN, F42 X640

12 KILKEEVIN PARK, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON, F45 DP46

TOOBRACKEN, BALLAGHADERREEN, CO. ROSCOMMON, F45 W935

Attractive 2 Bedroom End of Terrace Dormer Bungalow situated in a most convenient location within Castlerea Town. Presented in excellent condition, the property is easily maintained with a small garden area to front and enclosed patio area/yard to rear. Immediate enquiries advised.

Guide Price: €110,000

An attractive 3 Bedroom residence presented as new and to a high specification, conveniently located on the outskirts of Ballaghaderreen with ease of access to the N5 national primary route. Set on a generous site with metal deck store to side. We now invite all offers for immediate sale.

Guide Price: €150,000

Quality 4 Bedroom Family home, attractive in style and presented to the market in pristine condition. Located within the sought after Golf Links suburb of Roscommon Town, this sought after residential location is convenient to all amenities. A most select 4 bedroom dormer style family home is now on offer and viewings are highly recommended. Immediate enquiries advised.

Guide Price: €290,000

ROSCOMMON TOWN

A quality 3 bedroom Bungalow with fully serviced Detached Outbuilding conveniently set towards the end of “The Walk” Road, at Roxboro Townland, Roscommon Town.

Guide Price: €220,000

T: 090 66 30001 • W: www.reacarthy.ie

No. 30, Maples, Strokestown

Impressive detached residence on the market with REA Seamus Carthy < WANTED - TO BUY: Residence in reasonable condition with 1-3 acres of land, outskirts of Roscommon Town, c.

5 mile radius. Contact residencewanted123@ gmail.com or Box No: 2027 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Looking to sell?

We have buyers!

Our services include: • Sales – Sell your home!

• Lettings & Rentals • Property Management – We will manage all aspects of your rental property • Valuations – FREE pre-sale valuation No Sale – No Charge Web: www.kleavyauctioneer.com Tel. 071 96 34737

NEW TO THE MARKET

On the market with REA Seamus Carthy, is this most impressive, four-bedroomed, detached, two-storey family home, situated within the highly sought-after residential estate of the Maples, Strokestown.

No. 30, The Maples is presented in excellent condition, both internally and externally. The subject property is set within walking distance to all amenities in Strokestown, including supermarkets, schools, etc.

A quality family home in an exceptional and sought after residential estate is now available. The subject property is for sale by our online auction platform, BidNow.ie on September 22nd, with a reduced guide price of €143,000.

For more information, contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 090 6630001, email info@reacarthy.ie, or log onto BidNow.ie.

‘Exceptional appetite’ for quality family homes in Roscommon town REA Seamus Carthy are delighted to confirm their continued exceptionally busy period, selling a number of properties daily – quality family homes at the upper end of the market in particular.

Through their office in Roscommon town, they have successfully negotiated the sales of the following properties: Antogher Court, Ballinagard Road, Hyde Court, Galway Road, Oldwood, Glenview, Cluain Fraoigh – all in Roscommon Town.

We are now looking for quality family homes throughout the county for a substantial list of underbidders. If you are thinking of selling, contact REA Seamus Carthy today at 090 66 30001, Goff Street, Roscommon Town.

PSRA Licence No. 002782

Commercial vacancy rates rise in Roscommon The commercial vacancy rates in Roscommon increased by 0.4 percentage points (pp) to 16.6% in Q2 2020, according to analysis in the latest GeoView Commercial Property report, released

by GeoDirectory and EY-DKM Economic Advisory Services. This is higher than the national average of 13.5%.

However, it is too early to gauge the impact of Covid-19 on commercial property stock and vacancy rates. With a Europe-wide recession predicted, and working from home to become more commonplace, it will most likely

be 2021 or 2022 before the full impact of Covid-19 on commercial property trends becomes apparent.

The total stock of commercial properties in the country was 211,194 in June 2020, with 28,469 (13.5%) listed as vacant. Almost half of all commercial properties in the country were located in Leinster (49.5%), with Dublin accounting for 23.6% of the overall total.

Increases in commercial vacancy rates were recorded in three out of four provinces, with only Leinster (12.4%) remaining unchanged.

Connacht had the highest commer-

cial vacancy rate at 17%, further emphasising the east-west divide in economic activity that has been evident in previous GeoView Commercial Property reports.

The top five counties to record the highest vacancy rates in Q2 2020 were all in Connacht. Sligo, at 19.3%, was the county with the highest commercial vacancy rate, followed by Leitrim (17.1%), Mayo and Roscommon (16.6% each) and Galway (16.6%).

Boyle was the town with the highest vacancy rate in Roscommon (21.9%), while Roscommon town had the lowest (20.9%).

Advertorial

When it comes to selling property, there’s no substitute for experience This week, Property Partners Earley, Roscommon, is seeking houses in all areas of Roscommon for cash clients and disappointed underbidders. Houses in the general Strokestown, Tulsk and Ballinagare areas are of particular interest, having sold four properties there in the past few weeks. Property Partners have been selling property for generations, and offer a nationwide network of offices, offering exceptional local knowledge. With an extensive, computerised database of active buyers, Property Partners Earley are best placed to advise on all you property matters.

They offer a professional marketing plan designed to deliver their goal of selling your home for the highest price possible.

We have now launched our 360-degree virtual tour service at no extra cost and have sold a number of properties to overseas clients who are unable to travel due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Your property will be listed on all major websites, to include propertypartners.ie, daft.ie and myhome.ie. With over 3,000 unique hits on the Property Partners website each day alone, you property will be marketed to the forefront. Local knowledge, nationwide.

For further details, or to arrange a free consultation, please contact either John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon, on 090 66 26579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

33

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

PropertyPeople

Sean Naughton MIPAV NEW TO THE MARKET FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY

3 Bedroom Traditional 2 Storey Residence on

COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS, AUCTIONEERS, VALUERS, ESTATE AGENTS THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: (090) 6625080 (office (office)) Mob: 087 2479486 — Fax: (090) 6627161 Email: seannaughton@eircom.net PRSA no. 001821

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY

3 Bedroom Luxury Detached Residence with Garage

CO. ROSCOMMON F423V186

78 HAWTHORN DRIVE, ROSCOMMON TOWN

Tranquil setting with mature gardens offering complete privacy. Conveniently located 20 mins Athlone and 15 mins from Roscommon.

Price on Application

Corner Site with Mature Garden offering complete privacy.

Price on Application

0.5 acre Site FOUR ROADS,

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY MOUNT TALBOT, CO. ROSCOMMON

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY C. 33 Acres of good quality land for sale at

GRANGE FOURMILEHOUSE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Lot 1: C33 acres of good quality land Lot 2: C23 acres of good quality land Lot 3: C10 acres of good quality land Dual purpose good quality land, land renowned for its fattening qualities, located approx. 6 miles from Roscommon Town.

Price on Application

3 Acres Site for Sale can be sold subject to PP Offer in the Region of €35,000

New to the market at Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon Spacious home in Ballyleague is in walk-in condition Families in the market for a threebedroomed home in walk-in condition with oodles of space and a highly convenient location in the Ballyleague/Lanesborough area of Roscommon should look no further than No. 9, Shannonside, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon.

On the market with Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke, the property in question is a well proportioned, three-bedroomed, semi-detached residence, located on the first row of the popular small development on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Ballyleague. Longford and Roscommon are within a tenminute drive, both offering train service to Dublin and Galway.

The entrance hall has a guest WC, timber flooring, stairs to the first floor, and leads to the living room to the right and the kitchen/ diner at the end of the hall to the right. The living room has a timber floor, a feature stove fireplace, a large bay window and double doors, opening to the kitchen/dining room with tiled floors, integrated appliances and fitted units.

The dining room also has double doors, leading to the lawned garden with timber fenced boundary and timber shed. On the first floor there are three bedrooms, a family bathroom and a hot press.

The twin villages of Ballyleague and Lanesborough feature dramatic scenery, with a stopover point for pleasure boats on the River Shannon. The area is famous for fishing and stocks of trench, pike and bream are plentiful.

Lanesborough features a looped bog walk trail, which starts near the harbour, and there is also a children’s playground.

This property would be an ideal family home or an investment property set in the most attractive village of Ballyleague.

Viewing comes highly recommended and is by appointment only. Asking price is €150,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, call David at Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke, Goff St., Roscommon on 090 6627200 or email pburke@sfpburke.ie.

New to the market and for sale by private treaty with Sean Naughton Auctioneers is this large, detached residence with garage, located at Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon Town.

Located in a much sought after area, the accommodation consists of three bedrooms (one ensuite), a kitchen, dining room, living room, utility room and a family bathroom.

This property has been recently redecorated and has the additional benefit of exclusivity, as the house sits on a large corner site with mature gardens

to the front and rear, with hedging that offers complete privacy and seclusion, as well as timber gates.

This property is located in a much sought after area – Hawthorn Drive in Roscommon Town – and is located within walking distance of Roscommon Hospital and the town centre.

Viewing is highly recommended with sole auctioneer. Price on application. For further details, please contact Sean Naughton Auctioneers on 090 6625080 or email seannaughton@eircom.net.

Charming two-storey residence at Four Roads Sean Naughton Auctioneers is delighted to offer new to the market, an attractive, two-storey residence sitting on mature grounds at Four Roads, Co. Roscommon.

Accommodation consists of a downstairs hallway, sitting room, living room, kitchen and bathroom. Upstairs accommodation features three bedrooms (two double and one single). The property benefits internally from OFCH and a pot-belly stove.

Externally, the property benefits from a storage shed and mature trees and shrubbery, which offer complete privacy.

This property dates back over 100 years, and has been tastefully and lovingly refurbished, whilst maintaining its original charm and character.

The property is located adjacent to the local national school, within half a mile of Four Roads village, and centrally located, close to Athlone and Roscommon.

Viewing comes highly recommended for this property. Offers in the region of €120,000 will be considered.

Contact Sean Naughton Auctioneers on 0906625080 or email seannaughton@eircom.net.

Commercial premises with apartment in heart of Ballymoe Sean Naughton Auctioneers is delighted to offer for sale this commercial premises with residential apartment, situated in a prime location in the heart of Ballymoe village.

Ground floor accommodation includes a retail unit –

currently used as a butcher’s – and a cold store. First-floor accommodation features a one-bedroomed apartment, consisting of a kitchen, living room, shower room and bedroom.

Parking to the rear of the

property would be suitable for any small business venture, for example a hairdresser/beautician, accountant, butcher, etc. Also included in this development are two sites with full planning permission for a four-bedroomed residence.

Viewing of this property is highly advised. Price is available upon application.

Contact Sean Naughton Auctioneers on 090 6625080 or email seannaughton@eircom. net.

34

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No: 003201

New to the Market: -

1 Oaklawn Drive, Racecourse Road Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 A252

Attractive 3 bedroom semi-detached house located on the Racecourse Road adjacent to local shop, restaurant, filling station and children’s playground.

Within walking distance of Roscommon town centre and all amenities including railway station, this property would make a suitable starter home or investment property. Accommodation includes entrance hallway, kitchen/dining room, sitting room, 3 bedrooms and family bathroom..

Price Region: €159,500 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New to the Market: -

Cappagh Bridge, Kilconnell Ballinasloe, Co. Galway H53 AY94

Approached via a curved driveway this stunning 4 bedroom 2 storey residence is located in a quite country setting 2 miles from Kilconnell Village, 10 minutes to Ballinasloe, 30 minutes to Athlone Town and only 40 minutes to Galway City.

Built to a high standard and well maintained by its present owners this residence comprises entrance hallway, sitting room, living room, open plan kitchen/dining room and utility. First floor - 4 large bedrooms (master ensuite) and family bathroom.

Outside a large detached garage, attractive decking and large private garden. Overall, this is a most impressive residence for which the Auctioneers invites viewings and offers.

Price Region: €279,500

BER Rating: C2

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

New to the Market: -

17 DUN ARD, KNOCKCROGHERY CO. ROSCOMMON F42 DY23

Spacious 4/5-bedroom two storey residence located in the picturesque village of Knockcroghery, just 15 minutes to Athlone town centre. The property is finished to a very high standard by its present owners with a host of extras including cobblelock drive, manicured grounds, water filtration system to name but a few. Accommodation includes entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen, dining room, utility and guest W.C., five bedrooms (Master ensuite) and family bathroom.

Price Region: €275,000 BER Rating: C1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New to the Market: - FARM FOR SALE C. 56 ACRE RESIDENTIAL FARM

1 Derrymacar, Newtowncashel Co. Longford N39 W866

Once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a superb picturesque farm all top-quality lands, well maintained and fenced together with spectacular views and direct access to Derrymacar Lake. There are some wonderful specious of mature trees situated around the farm with numerous old farm buildings and cottages together with old courtyard. A private natural spring water supply services the lands and the dwelling house which is in need of renovation.

Price Region: € 500,000 BER Rating G

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

Derrydarragh, Newtowncashel, Co. Longford

New to the market – two houses for the price of one Oates Auctioneers are offering for sale an unique opportunity to acquire two excellent properties for the price of one in this much sought-after location adjacent to Newtowncashel Village and Barley Harbour famed for its excellent boating and fishing.

The primary residence is a modern 3-bedroom property finished to a very high standard by its present

owners with no expense spared. The second property consists of a traditional 1 bedroom two storey residence. The property is situated on c. 1 acre of manicured gardens with water ponds and waterfalls filled naturally by a new water collection system.

This is a unique property at Derrydarragh, Newtowncashel, Co. Long-

ford (N39 H003) and is located 20 minutes from Athlone and Longford town centres for which the Auctioneer invites viewings and offers. Price Region: €249,950.

Please contact Oates Auctioneers for further details, Church Street, Roscommon town, telephone: 090 6627878. E-mail info@oates.ie; Website: www.oates.ie.

Magnificent family home set in the heart of the countryside

On the market with Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke is this superb, four-bedroomed, newly-renovated, countrystyle home, which sits on a private and stunning site of approximately 0.75 acres.

This house is on the market at the attractive price of €215,000.

Rampark House boasts a central location, just eight minutes from Elphin, and close to Roscommon, Longford and Tulsk.

Superb gardens offer a generous balance of green space, mature hedges, and tree lines, with electronic entrance gates giving the site excellent privacy.

Externally to the side and rear, there are two large garage/workshops, both well secured, with fully powered electronic roller doors. To the front of the residence is a well-maintained decking area, which overlooks the property.

The spacious and welcoming entrance hall has timber flooring and features a stairwell to the first floor. The sitting room is to the right, sporting timber flooring and open fireplace. The lounge is to the left, also with timber flooring, while high skirting is a common feature throughout the property.

From the lounge, you enter a relaxing living room, which gives access to the main dining/kitchen area

with fully fitted units, integrated appliances and tiled floor. Double doors and large, wall-size windows lead to the garden and decking area, allowing great views of the generous gardens. Just off the kitchen is the utility room.

The first floor accommodates four generously proportioned double bedrooms (one ensuite), a large balcony, and a glass window and door, occupying one wall and giving breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside.

This is an excellent and rare opportunity to purchase a lovely country house with immense charm and absolute unique character for a very keen price.

Viewing is highly recommended and is by appointment only. For more information or to book a viewing, call 0906627200 or email pburke@sfpburke.ie.

35

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER:

CONTINENTAL WEANLING SHOW AND SALE

IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR USUAL SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS. MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER:

CONTINENTAL BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER:

CONTINENTAL HEIFER SHOW AND SALE AND BELGIAN BLUE WEANLING SHOW AND SALE MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER:

AA BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER:

AA HEIFER SHOW AND SALE SATURDAY WEANLING SALES WILL COMMENCE ON SATURDAY 3RD OF OCTOBER.

For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.

Number 002414

Elphin Mart Monday evening, 21st September Usual Sheep Sale at 7pm Monday evening, 21st September Dry Cows, Cows-in calf and In-Calf Heifers and Weanlings Sale at 6pm Booking taken by phone Wednesday 23rd September Special Heifer Sale and Special Sale of 4 and 5 Star Heifers and in-calf Heifers All 4 + 5 Star genotyped - 160 Heifers with Stars Sold at 11am and 250 Feeding Heifers Sold at 12.30 pm.

Booking taken by phone

Please contact: 071/9635061

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

TOM ROGERS

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Murphy calls for TB Herd Risk letters to be withdrawn Fianna Fáil Senator, Eugene Murphy, has said that he is confident that the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, will deliver real change in the TB programme. He also called for a withdrawal of the Herd Risk letters, which he claims are putting extra pressure and strain on farming families.

Senator Murphy said that he had made contact with Minister McConalogue on the issue and was confident that the new minister would review the ongoing situation and help bring necessary changes to the TB programme.

“There has been a blacklisting of farmers with the TB Herd Risk letters, and there is real anger amongst farming families about this issue. I believe these letters need to be withdrawn. Such letters are exerting pressure and strain on farming families”.

MART WATCH Roscommon Dry cows, heifers and bullocks: We had another large entry of top-quality cattle on offer at our sale on Friday last, September 11th. The trade for heifers was firm, with a good clearance of lots. Prices for heifers ranged from an average of €2.26 per kilo up to €3.16 per kilo. The numbers of bullocks on offer were small due to next week’s large entry of 100 pens. The average price for bullocks were €1.99 per kilo up to €2.41 per kilo. Dry cows fetched from €1.68 per kilo up to €2.04 per kilo.

There will be a special sale of Bullocks and a general sale of heifers sand dry cows, next Friday, September 18th. Sales commence at 11 am, with intake from 7.30 am9.30 am. Viewing is by appointment from 10 am to 10.45 am. There is limited access to the ring for buyers only, and our online bidding facility with LSL is also available.

Gates close at 9.45 am.

There will be a special sale of heifers, and a general sale of bullocks and dry cows on Friday, September 25th, at 11 am. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, September 17th.

Please note that in compliance with government restrictions, all customers must wear a facemask or face covering Dry cows ranged from €1.68 up to €2.04 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 815kgs €1630, Char X 825kgs €1580, Char X 825kgs €1540, Char X 790kgs €1530, Lim X 730kgs €1490, Char X 760kgs €1420, Char X 735kgs €1360, Char X 725kgs €1250, Simm X 725kgs €1100, and Lim X 640kgs €1040.

Bullocks ranged from an average of €1,99 up to €2.41 per kilo. Sample prices: Char X 505kgs €1220, Char X 580kgs €1190, Char X 515kgs €1140, Char X 545kgs €1060, Char X 520kgs €1060, Char X 550kgs €1040, Char X 490kgs €960, Lim X 435kgs €930,AAX 430kgs €850,and Simm X 39 kgs €850.

Heifers ranged from an average of €2.26 per kilo up to €3.16 per kilo. Sample prices: Char X 705kgs €1670, Char X 585kgs €1480, 4 Char X 647kgs €1460, Lim 595kgs €1430, BBX 545kgs €1380, Char X 525kgs €1400, Simm X 570kgs €1270, 3 Lim X 526kgs €1260, Char X 510kgs €1260, Lim X 475kgs €1210, 2 Char X 450kgs €1200, Lim X 430kgs €1210, AAX 575kgs €1170, Lim 405kgs €1110, Lim X 335kgs €1060, Lim X 350kgs €1000, and Lim 345kgs €950.

Breeding ewes: There were smaller numbers on offer at our sale on Saturday last, September 12th. However, there was a good demand with the majority of lots sold.

Two-year-old ewes fetched from €120 up to €175, three-year-old ewes also made from €110 up to €175, while hoggets fetched from €136 up to €190.

Breeding ewe sales continue on Saturday next, September 19th at 11 am. There will also be a pedigree texel ram sale at 1 pm, with twenty rams on offer. Viewing is from 11.30 am to 12.45 pm.

Castlerea A large entry of stock presented for sale on Thursday last, September 10th. The bullock trade remains very strong at the moment with strong farmer activity, as customers try and source quality stores, with prices peaking at €3.02 a kilo. The heifer trade remains similar to previous weeks, with variance between the quality lots and plainer-type stores. In the weanling rings, demand is strongest for the lighter calves, with exporters very active this week, while the dry cow trade and breeding stock remain good sellers.

Bullocks, sample prices: Lmx 490kgs €1480, Lm 445kgs €1220, Ch 450kgs €1180,Lm 515kgs €1370, Ch 515kgs €1370, Lm 500kgs €1200, Ch 555kgs €1470, Ch 550kgs €1420, Ptx 645kgs €1400, Ch 660kgs €1490, Ch 720kgs €1540, and Lmx 670kgs €1450.

Heifers, sample prices: Ch 425kgs €1070, Ch 375kgs €1040, Lm 415kgs €1010, Six 470kgs €1160, Ch 480kgs €1080, Ch 515kgs €1400, Ch 560kgs €1290, and Lm 560kgs €1280.

Dry cows, sample prices: Ch 790kgs €1630, AA 825kgs €1560, Lm 750kgs €1470, Lm 680kgs €1350, AA 730kgs €1340, and Hex 470kgs €630.

Cows with calves at foot made from €940 to €1650 per head. Springers made from €920 to €1075.

Runners/calves: Young calves made from €150 to €350 with runners making up to €730 for continental lots.

On Thursday, September 17th, we hold our annual show and sale of weanlings in conjunction with our usual sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings.

All sales commence at 11 am, with Covid-19 restrictions in place for both buyers and sellers.

(Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Fall/Autumn Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, September 18th at 11 a.m.

100 pens on offer Yard opens at 7.30 a.m.

All stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m.

Viewing from 10 a.m. to 10.45 a.m.

Also Heifers & Dry Cows - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -

Harvest Special Sale of Heifers

Friday, September 25th at 11 a.m.

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 17th

Also Bullocks & Dry Cows - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -

Harvest Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, October 2nd at 11 a.m.

Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 24th - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - Tuesday, September 22nd at 4 p.m.

Harvest Special Sale of Weanlings Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 17th

Also Suckler/Springer Cows - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -

Show & Sale of Weanlings

Tuesday, September 29th at 4 p.m.

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 24th Full details of Classes on our Website/Facebook pages - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -

Organic Sale – Cattle & Sheep

Saturday October 3rd at 12 Noon Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 24th - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Yard open at 8 a.m. All stock must be penned by 10 a.m.

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

Breeding Ewes & Hoggets – Each Saturday

Sale at 11 am. – Gates open at 8 a.m.

Viewing from 10 a.m. up to 10.45 a.m - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - Saturday, September 19th at 1 p.m.

Irish Texel Sheep Society 20 rams on offer

Viewing from 11.30 a.m. to 12.45 p.m.

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

Live streaming of sales from Ring 1 see link on our Facebook or website

Please note that All Customers must wear a Face Mask

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie

Find us on facebook

Businesses: Reach your target market!

18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

36

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

Classifieds

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

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIROPODIST

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

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

Telephone:

087 2798704

Department of Health Approved

Cloonchambers, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • 20 years experience

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

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Chimney CCTV Inspection OIL BOILERS SERVICED Burners Repaired CARPETS CLEANING Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851 www.connachtchimney Cleaning.com

CHIROPRACTOR

Department of Health Approved

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

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

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

Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

CATTERY & KENNELS

See us on

VHI and Laya Covered

CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey

Construction l

l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

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

NO FIX NO FEE

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal.

Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance.

Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

FARMING BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.

• Small stock parts fitted on site (if necessary) Dept. of Agriculture regulations.

From 2020 all sprayes are required to be tested every 3 years Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@gmail.com D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EL000083

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

COUNSELLING

DRIVING LESSONS

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA

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

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

< ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. < SQUARE BALES OF HAY: Excellent quality square bales of hay, sold in lots to suit, can deliver. Call: 086 2628439

FENCING/GATES

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

Learn to drive with ....

Roscommon Driving School Telephone:

090 66 61102 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

For all your fencing needs.

Glas Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

l l

l

Tel: 087 2172281

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

087 2346364

GARDENING GATELY GARDENING

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

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193 WALTER BEGLEY

Gardening, Maintenance & Painting Roscommon Town • Indoor & Outdoor Painting • Winter Garden Clean-Up • Power Washing Driveways - Paths • Prepare Lawns for Spring • Hedge Trimming • Planting • Grass Cutting • General Maintenance

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

37

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

Classifieds GARDENING

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

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

Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428

Pressure Washing & General Services Patios Decking | Houses | Vehicles | Driveways | Caravans | Walls | Gutters Full & Mini Car Valeting (we come to you!)

Furniture Removal & Collection Garden Maintenance

Phone John: 085 2113317

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

GRINDS

ROSCOMMON

MATHS GRINDS

Junior and Leaving Certificate Higher Level Experienced Higher Level Teacher Outstanding results record Excellent notes provided

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults.

Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Application Forms now available Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine Beirne 086 3688302

Can we help you?

Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

JUNIOR & LEAVING CERTIFICATE ENGLISH GRINDS Online Classes l Highly experienced tutor and state examinations corrector. l Comprehensive and original course notes posted to students weekly. l Assessments given on a weekly basis. l Individual guidance and feedback.

These online classes will take place on a weekly basis, affording students the opportunity to learn in a safe and relaxed environment.

Please contact Aidan O’Connor at asconnor@ icloud.com or 086 6078154 (Text only) for further information

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

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

PAINTING & DECORATING

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank.

We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property.

If not no fees are payable.

Tel: 086 8212732

< HOUSE TO RENT: 4 bedroomed house to rent, Ashbrook, Roscommon town. Contact Mary: 086 8247720

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

REFLEXOLOGY

The local paper!

Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

HOLISTIC JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms • Sports Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Reflexology • Indian head Massage • Reiki • Aromatherapy • Dry needling • Thai Massage Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon

087 9201818

Gift vouchers now available

Find us on facebook SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY < SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY: Private Paediatric SLT service available to provide consultation, assessment and intervention. Experienced therapist available for in home assessment and school based work. Contact Gemma Lohan on 0858122199 or gemmalohanslt@gmail. com

USEFUL SERVICES < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802. < HANDYMAN SERVICES: Do you need odd jobs doing around your home/yard?

Don’t have time to do them yourself? Don’t want to contact a specialised tradesman to carry out these tasks? l Gardening l Stonework l Clean up/Tidying l Concrete repairs l Fence repairs l Pointing/Repointing l Cutting/Chopping firewood.

Honest Service Provided at a Reasonable Rate.

Phone: 087 2176205

USEFUL SERVICES

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered.

Domestic and Industrial, All work considered.

No Job too small.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed?

If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090 6626752

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc ....

094 96 31880 087 9100477

USEFUL SERVICES

Agricultural Powerwashing Services • Cow Sheds • Slatted Sheds • Sheep Sheds • Yards • Milking Parlours Contact Padraig today for a keen quote

086 6027509 WE CLEAN THE MESS YOU HAVE NO STRESS!

PEAT BEDDING

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free.

• 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

< FIREWOOD & TURF: High quality seasoned hardwood timber split and turf, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in 500kg bulk bag and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed.

Call 086 3312411 after 6pm. < GOOD QUALITY 10’x6’ loads of turf. Can be delivered. Also bags of turf. Tel. 086 3776948.

SITUATIONS VACANT

< TURF FOR SALE: In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €50. Bag and delivery also included in price. Tel: 086 8534011

< PART-TIME CHILDMINDER/HOUSE KEEPER REQUIRED: For 3 school going children, Roscommon town area. Own car essential Phone: 086 8269638 < CARER REQUIRED: Carer required for occasional weekends (overnight Friday and Saturday) to care for elderly gentleman in the Castlecoote area. Telephone 087-7917432 < PART-TIME CLEANER: Required 10 hours per week in SN Naomh Eoin, Ballinameen, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. 2 hours per evening after school Monday - Friday.

Duties include mainly cleaning and sanitising touch surfaces etc. Apply in writing to the Chairperson, Board of Management. Please include C.V. with any references. Closing date Monday, 28th September.

38

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MULVEY Michael

SCALLY Tom, Annie & John

Lisnagabra, Four Roads Co. Roscommon Who passed away 10th August 2020

Anrattabeg, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon

We, the family of the late Michael Mulvey would like to sincerely thank all those who sympathised with us, sent messages, letters of condolence and mass cards following Michael’s passing.

To all those who lined the route to and stood at the church and cemetery your efforts are very much appreciated and were of great comfort to us.

Many thanks to Dr. Martin Daly and the staff of the Medical Centre Ballygar, Dr. Leonard and the staff of University Hospital Galway, Dr. O’Meara and the staff of Roscommon University Hospital for their dedication and exceptional care of Michael during his short illness.

To Fr. Francis Beirne we are very thankful for celebrating Michael’s Funeral Mass and the graveside prayers.

Thank you to Michael Dempsey for his professionalism and attention to detail in handling the funeral arrangements.

Thanks to the gravediggers for preparing Michael’s final resting place.

To Gerry Dowd and Grace Hevehan for the beautiful music that accompainied Michael’s Funeral Mass.

Many thanks to Fallon’s Ballygar and the Abbey Hotel Roscommon for the refreshments and hospitality following Michael’s passing and funeral. It was greatly appreciated.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as an acknowledgement of our gratitude.

Michael’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Friday, 18th September at 7.30 pm in the Church of Christ the Good Shepherd, Four Roads.

Dad

Mom

20th April 2003

17th February 2016

John Sunshine passes and shadows fall But Love and Memories outlast them all

Forever loved and deeply missed by Caroline and family, Kevin and family, Donal and family and Johnny (Vilnius, Lithuania).

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Thursday, 24th September at 11am.

RUANE Ned, Colm and Mary

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, honoured, adored and glorified throughout the world today and forever. Amen.

Say 6 times daily for 9 days and your request will be answered.

Publication promised. L.M. Ned Ruane

Colm Ruane

Mary Ruane

In loving memory of Ned and Colm Ruane, who’s First Anniversary takes place on the 23rd and 25th of September 2020 and Mary Ruane who’s 15th Anniversary took place on the 8th June 2020.

We often sit and think of ye, and think of how ye died.

To think ye could not say goodbye, before ye closed your eyes.

The blow was hard, the shock severe, to part with ones we loved so dear.

Our loss is great, we’ll not complain, but trust in God we meet again.

First Anniversary Mass will take place in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 20th September at 11.30am.

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to

The local paper!

MUM 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 your fire-side chair, Your loving smile and gentle air, Your vacant place no one can fill We miss you mum and always will.

First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon on Saturday, September 19th 2020 in Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Loughglynn.

Who died on the 23rd January 2013 (7th Anniversary)

Those we love, we never lose, For always they will be, loved, remembered, treasured, forever in our memory.

Fondly remembered by daughter Kathy, son-in-law Raymond and family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Tuesday, 22nd September at 7.30pm.

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

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Email or call for Sample Pack

THANKSGIVINGS Pray to Saint Expedite For quick help...

Saint Expedite, you lay in rest.

I come to you and ask that this wish be granted. ____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.)

or by post, along with your name and contact details, to

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.

Always remembered with much love and many wonderful memories by her devoted husband Paddy, her children Louise, Paul, Alan, Mark and David, son-in-law John, daughters-in-law Helena, Louise, Rebecca and Joanne, her beloved grand-children Amy, Adam, Alisha, Oran, Eoin, Isabelle, Sophia, Kyran, Aoife, Quin and Dylan, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Sadly missed by your heartbroken family.

or call us on 086 8054227 Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Mount Talbot (20th and 24th Anniversary)

Also remembering my brother John

23rd November 2018

THANKSGIVINGS

If you wish to place acknowledgements, memoriam notices, birthday and anniversary remembrances, please email them to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

(1st Anniversary) Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Elsie who died September 17th, 2019 R.I.P.

CARR Kathleen and Jim

In loving memory of my parents, Kathleen who died on the 22nd September 2000 and Jim who died on the 2nd September 1996

Lisnamult, Roscommon

Notice re.

Memoriams and Anniversaries

JOHNSTON Elsie (Elizabeth)

advertising@rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Expedite now what I ask of you.

Expedite now what I want of you, this very second.

Don’t waste another day.

Grant me what I ask for.

I know your power, I know you because of your work.

I know you can help me.

Do this for me and I will spread your name with love and honor so that it will be invoked again and again.

Expedite this wish with speed, love, honor, and goodness.

Glory to you, Saint Expedite!

As you recite this prayer, light a candle to Saint Expedite next to a glass of water for the Saint. Recite daily until the request is granted, then be sure to give Saint Expedite a gift.

Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and glory will grow. Also thanks to St. Michael for favours received.J.C.

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: anthonymurrayandsons@gmail.com

39

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES O’BOYLE Thomas and Mary Kate Newtown, Ballydooley, Co. Roscommon

MULLEN (nee Grady) Marie Island View, Canine Creche, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

NERNEY Kitty & Jack Elphin, Co. Roscommon (9th and 50th Anniversaries)

NERNEY Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on the souls of Kitty (8th and 49th Anniversaries) Nerney, Elphin, who diedhave on September - Sacred Heart of Jesus mercy on the 11th, souls of2011 Kitty and Nerney, Elphin, on on September 11th, 2011 her husband Jack,who whodieddied September 19th,and1970 her husband Jack, who died on September 19th, 1970 fondly remembered their family. family Sadly missed- Sadly and missed fondlyandremembered bybytheir Masses offered Masses offered.

Treasured memories of our parents, Thomas and Mary Kate A tribute of love to parents so dear So close to our hearts every day of the year.

We will always have memories to treasure and hold Of wonderful parents more precious than gold.

Cherished memories of Marie who passed away on the 17th September 2015.

R.I.P. Sadly missed by your husband Michael, family and friends.

May she Rest In Peace.

Rahara, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Liam who died on 15th September 2019

Sadly missed by his nephews, nieces, sistersin-law, brother-in-law and exteneded family.

Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church on Sunday, 20th September at 10am.

Scramogue, Strokestown (4th Anniversary)

Moher, Lanesborough, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

Cherished memories of Pauline who passed away on the 13th September 2019.

R.I.P. Always remembered by those who worked with her in Main St. and Abbeytown.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

I miss you dearly in this house you used to be, I wanted so much to keep you But God willed it not to be Now you are in Gods keeping You suffer no more pain So Dear God, take care of Him Until we meet again

--------

In loving memory of Agnes, who died on 20th September 2015

The family wishes to thank the friends and professionals involved in helping and supporting Sarah and ourselves through her illness.

Your kindness and continued support is greatly appreciated.

Quarry Springs, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 15th September 2018 (2nd Anniversary)

Forever loved and missed by his wife Bernie.

Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon

BRENNAN Pauline Your life was one of kindly deeds.

A helping hand for others needs.

Sincere and true, in heart and mind.

Beautiful memories you left behind.

Oran, Donamon, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

McHUGH Rose

FEELEY Sarah

Lovingly remembered by your daughters Mary, Margaret, Una, Bernadette and Joan, sons-in-law Bernie, Michael, Tony and Sean and grandchildren.

R.I.P. Masses offered.

DONNELLY Liam

QUINE (nee Hoban) Agnes

DIFFLEY Gussie

A day that’s filled with sadness returns to us today, To mark the day you closed your eyes and quietly slipped away.

You had a smile for everyone, You had a heart of gold.

You left the sweetest memories, This world could ever hold.

A smile can hide our sadness, Tears can be wiped away, But the heartache of losing you, Will never go away.

Because you were so special, No words could ever say, How much we love and miss you, Today and everyday.

Sadly missed by her loving husband Michael, son Francis, daughters Cathy and Michelle, daughter-inlaw Mary, son-in-law John, granddaughter Emma, grandson Jamie all her extended family and her many friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill on Saturday, 19th September at 8pm.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours.

This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. E.L.

You always had a smile to share Time to give, Time to care, Still loved, Still missed and very dear.

Sadly missed by her husband Jimmy, son Daniel, daughter-in-law Marie and grandson Jason (Boston), son Joseph and daughterin-law Katrina and their grand-daughter Hazel.

Anniversary Mass for Rose in Scramogue Church, on Sunday, 20th September at 10.15am.

FINNEGAN M.J. Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Who died on 24th September 2009.

Rest in Peace (10th Anniversary)

If we could write a story It would be the greatest ever told Of a kind and loving Father Who had a heart of gold We miss you more than ever Your guidance and your love But, we know that you’re still watching Silently from above From Heaven you’re still giving The love you always had.

We know you hear us talk to you.

We will always love you Dad

Loved and missed always by his son Bernard, daughters Sinéad and Áilish, son-in-law Padraig, daughter-in-law Deborah and grandchildren Páidí and Molly.

Gussies’ 2nd Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 19th of September at 10am.

THANKSGIVINGS A little whisper on a September morning, You heard a gentle call You took the hand of Jesus, And quietly left us all.

Our memories are our keepsake, From which we never part, God has you in His keeping, We have you in our hearts.

Lovingly remembered by Mary and family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea on Sunday, 20th September at 12 noon.

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. E.L.

CARBERRY Johnny (Sean) Cloontuskert, Lanesboro.

Who died on May 12th 2020 Birthday Remembrance September 14th loved and missed by all your family.

R.I.P.

The family of the late Johnny Carberry wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy at our recent sad and sudden loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to his many friends and neighbours who provided help and support and showed many acts of kindness.

A special word ot thanks to his sister Nuala and her family who had Johnny Reposing at her home, we will be forever grateful to her. It meant so much to us all and his extended family.

Thanks to all who sent Mass Cards, sympathy enrollments, text messages, phone calls and all who expressed their condolences on RIP.ie.

A special word of thanks to all those who came out and lined the route by standing as a mark of respect outside their homes on his final journey.

To the gravediggers, his nephews and friends who prepared his final resting place, thanks to you all.

A special word of thanks to the doctors and nurses in Ballinasloe Hospital also to the doctors and nurses in Galway University College Hospital for all the care and help they gave to Johnny.

To the Paramedic and Ambulance team who did all they could for Johnny at his home.

Also thanks to Gerard Farrell Funeral Director in his professional handling of the arrangements.

Thanks also to Fr. Dusmanta for the lovely Mass and officiating at the graveside.

To Joe O’Brien who wrote a lovely piece for the Longford Leader, thank you Joe much appreciated.

To those who helped in any way which made our loss more bearable, thank you, Mass will be offered for all your intentions at a later date.

Also remembering deceased family members.

Due to Covi 19 it has made things more difficult for everyone.

Also remembering family members who could not be with us.

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

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

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surounding areas)

Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

40

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

WINDOWS/DOORS

Chimney Problems

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

Window and Door Repairs • Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

Supply and fit uPVC Doors and Windows ONLY TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS USED Composite Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors in a wide range of styles and colours Also various styles and colours of uPVC Windows

Full replacement service provided and all work carried out to a high quality finish

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

INSTALLATION

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial BlockEstate, 12, Galway H91 P5k5 Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

We ask that all payments be made by card if possible and encourage payment over the phone when ordering medication/food.

While on the premises we ask all customers to observe the 2m rule at all times.

LOCKSMITH

Chris’s Locksmith Service l

Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway Window restrictors l Burglary repairs l Window locks l Cylinder replacement l Hinge replacement l Glass replacement l Lock replacement l Window and door seals l Window and door handles supplied and fitted l Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.

08383

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

Castlerea Vehicle Recycling

- CCTV Camera Inspection

Tel: 090

Ring us from your car when you arrive for collection of your order/appointment.

Contact Pat Hanley on

RECYCLING

All NCT Failures Destruction Certs Issued l Sale of Second Hand Parts l Contracted to all Major Car Companies l Farm Machinery, Old Gates l Metals, Iron Baths l Old Cooking Ranges l Weighbridge on Site l l

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

The Right Vet for your Pet

Office: 094 9659428 Mobile: 087 2543722 24 Hour Service

C astlerea ELV Recycling Ltd ., Cloonkeen, Castlerea Kevin & Martina Keenan Tel: 094 96 21250 Mob: 086 2522231

For appointment call me on 086 8229606

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

Cleaning Services • Roscommon • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

SELLING A USED CAR? Don’t let your advert get lost in the Web!

GlenamaddyVeterinary Clinic F45 F430 New clients welcome Established 1990

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

PERSONAL COACHING: * BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE! * HELP TO COPE WITH AND EMBRACE CHANGE (e.g. retirement, new job, separation etc) * FIND YOURSELF STUCK IN A RUT? - (take back control and explore options!)

OR email your enquiry to carolinebburke@gmail.com

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * COMPETENCY BASED APPLICATION FORMS (inc. public sector) * INTERVIEW MASTERING (inc. competency-based)

YOU MUST CALL IN ADVANCE TO ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS

Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

PHONE: 086 8229606

EDUCATION COACHING: * HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE/MAKE A BETTER MORE INFORMED DECISION THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417 WINDOW AND DOOR SERVICE

CAROLINE BURKE COACHING

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THESE DIFFICULT WEEKS

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt:

087 2596055

www.roscommonwindows.ie

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

Telephone: 090 66 33026

Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

BRENDAN DOOLIN

LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMON Tel: 090 662 6898

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

BLINDS

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY

WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

LIFE COACH

l l l l l

Vaccinations Pet Passports Pain Management Neutering & Dentals Digital X-ray

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

www.glenamaddyveterinaryclinic.ie

You have a better chance of selling a reasonably priced used car within your own county!

An advert in the Roscommon People will be seen by over

80,000 LOCAL people every week!

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.

Tel: 090

6621220

Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Eircode: F42 K243 Tel: 0906665555 Fax: 0906627653 • Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday • Saturday Clinic 10am - 3pm Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT

Telephone: 090 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

41

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

Classifieds

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

PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Aveen Neilan, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for retention of site layout, domestic garage and dwelling house to include unauthorised elements which differ to that granted planning permission under PD/01/863 at Carrowmore Td., Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: MoleskinArchitecture Mote Park, Roscommon 086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Niall and Chantelle McGinley, intend to apply for permission for development at Creggane, Cornafulla, Athlone, County Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a new five-bedroom dormer bungalow, new waste water treatment system and all associated site development works. Retention permission is also sought for existing mobile home and existing temporary waste water treatment system and all associated site development works.

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Paul Rogers am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct dwelling house along with domestic garage, new treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works Pollymount, Scramogue, Co. Roscommon.

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of 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.

Signed: James Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd, Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Mark Crosbie for planning permission for the construction of a single storey dwelling house and a domestic garage together with the installation of a waste water treatment system/percolation area and all necessary site services/ ancillary siteworks at Torpan Beg, Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Dowd & Associates Ltd, Registered Surveyors, Chartered Construction Managers, Building Consultants.

Tel: (090) 6623417 Mob.086-8546035.

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

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

APPOINTMENTS

Parklawn Tree Services currently have a position available.

GROUNDSPERSON

Experience with chainsaw operation and working in a high-risk environment is essential. Training will be provided to the right candidate.

Candidates must hold the following certifications as a minimum: l NPTC/Lantra - Basic Chainsaw and Tree Felling l Safe Pass l Full Clean B Drivers License (BE or C/CE license would be desirable) Please forward a CV to info@parklawntreeservices.com

Country Kids Childcare Oran, Co. Roscommon We currently have a full-time position available in our Toddler Room for an

Early Years Educator

Min Level 5 FETAC required.

Interested candidates please enquire with Mary on 086 2028771

Care Co-ordinator/ Scheduler Right at Home Roscommon are currently looking to hire a Care Co-ordinator/Scheduler to work in their Roscommon Office on a Full-Time basis.

Job Description: The Care Coordinator will be responsible for scheduling care for their area. They will assist with client inquiries to ensure the highest level of care is delivered to our clients.

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• The ability to work independently or as part of a team • Strong communication, negotiation and relationship building skills • Conflict resolution skills • Attention to detail, and the ability to work in fast paced environment Excellent Customer Service skills and strong work ethics Interested candidates should submit their CV with a cover letter stating the position by email to pamelacrowe@rightathome.ie. on or before Friday 9th October 2020

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SportsPeople

Horses by Tom Red for Courses There are two meetings today, both in the afternoon, at Tramore over the sticks at 1 pm and on the level at Naas at 2.45 pm. There are two meetings tomorrow, in the afternoon with jump racing at Downpatrick at 1 pm and on the flat at Dundalk off at 4.30 pm.

On Saturday, the jumping fare takes place in Navan at 12.40 pm and at 2.35 pm on the flat in Gowran Park.

On Sunday, the action starts for the full week with seven days of mixed racing with 5 NH cards on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with all flat cards on the other two days.

Sunday and Monday’s meeting starts at 2.10 pm at Listowel in Co. Kerry. On Monday there is also a flat card on at Fairyhouse away at 3.20 pm.

Davy Russell out injured since Galway Festival hopes to resume riding at Listowel.

Champions Weekend Preview

On Saturday there were two Group 1 races in Leopardstown, the Matron Stakes and the Champion Stakes.

In a very open Matron Stakes Johnny Murtagh’s Champers Elysees beat Aidan O’Brien’s Peaceful and his son Donnacha’s Fancy Blue 1¼l and 1½l.

Repeating her win of 2019 Aidan O’Brien’s Magical beat the hot shot English raider Ghaiyyath ¾l in Champion Stakes with the winner’s stable mate Armory 1¼l back in third.

At the Curragh on Sunday, the Derrinstown Flying Five Stakes went across the water with Kevin Ryan’s Glass Slippers winning from compatriot John Quinn’s Keep Busy The Moyglare Stud Stakes saw Ryan Moore win his first Group 1 of the weekend aboard Donnacha O’Brien’s Shale Beating brother Joseph’s Pretty Gorgeous.

Joseph quickly got compensation when his Thunder Moon won the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes from their father’s Wembley. He is now ante-post favourite the English 2000 Guineas. The final classic of the Irish season, the St Leger, provided Dermot Weld with his 9th win in the race, equalling Vincent O’Brien’s record, when Search For a Song beat the Roger Varian trained Fujaria Prince to keep the spoils at home.

The winner, who was retaining his crown having won the race 12 months ago, also gave Oisin Orr his first Group 1 winner. Joseph O’Brien’s Twlight Payment was 3rd beaten 2l and a neck.

In the final classic across the Irish Sea at Doncaster the English St Leger, Tom Marquand found himself in the

right place at the right time to replace the unfortunate Shane Crosse aboard the winner Joseph O’Brien’s Galileo Chrome, a horse he was not even riding a day beforehand. Irish jockey Crosse was denied the chance to land a first British Classic after testing positive for coronavirus last week and Marquand was free after English King had been switched to the Grand Prix de Paris.

O’Brien rode the winner of the race on Leading Light for his father in 2013.

This feat was last achieved by Harry Wragg in 1969 having rode the winner in 1931 and 1943.

In Longchamp on Sunday Weld made it a Group 1 double as Tarnawa won the Prix Vermeille under Christophe Soumillon. The Group 1 Prix de Paris went to the Aidan O’Brien trained Mogul and O’Brien went on to complete a double with Anthony Van Dyck who beat Stradivarius in the Group 2 Prix Foy.

Racing news

On Tuesday evening, the sad news broke of the passing of nine times Irish Champion Flat jockey Pat Smullen at the young age of 43. Pat had been diagnosed with cancer just over two years ago and despite his illness he set out to raise funds for equipment and trials to aid in the battle with the disease, raising over €2.5 million.

The County Offaly born native came from farming stock becoming involved with horses at the age of eleven. He took over as No 1 with trainer Dermot Weld in 1999 and one of their greatest triumphs was winning both the Epsom and Curragh Derby double in 2016 Harzand for the Aga Khan. He was crowned Irish Champion Flat Jockey nine times, as well as being champion apprentice twice. He rode over 1,900 winners worldwide including 12 European classic victories and the inaugural winner of the Lenabane Stakes on Royal Intrigue for Weld in 2006.

Our sympathies go to his wife, former trainer Frances Crowley, and their three children Hannah, Paddy and Sarah. RIP.

Point to Point Corner

The start of the 2020/21 point-to-point season starts on Saturday at Ballingarry with 160 entries and at Oldcastle with 117 entries is on Sunday divides will take place with racing behind closed doors. Tattersalls have announced a welcome sponsorship package that will offer sponsorship to every single Point to Point meeting which takes place in this Autumn starting with the 4-Y-O Mares Maiden an both this weekend’s meetings.

Pat Smullen

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

Sports PEOPLE GAA Extra-time

w! e i v e r f e r Benny’s the affable Benny O’Brien, the Paul Healy

ments from od : Timely com St. Brigid’s managernship has been very gorefal n inspiratio eing in the champio ext Sunday too. The the “The referehope that continues n ers and implement y so far and I ere to protect the pla erees are th rules”.

The GAA – a tricky opponent for Covid! < PAUL HEALY

It’s been a pleasure preparing this week’s County Finals’ special – see our pull-out supplement (pages 19-30) and our feature on the captains of the Kilbride and Shannon Gaels’ ladies teams on opposite page.

Earlier this summer, it looked unlikely that we would have club championships at all, much less that

they would be run as successfully as has been the case.

This weekend, the Roscommon County Senior and Intermediate football finals take place, as do three Ladies’ football finals.

It is to the great credit of Roscommon GAA – at County Board level and at club level – that this point has been reached.

Here at the Roscommon People, we’ve put our shoulders to the wheel

and as the only locally owned newspaper currently publishing in the county, we’re delighted to support the GAA, our other sporting bodies and our local communities.

Seamus Duke’s match previews – and predicting the outcome of this weekend’s games is not an easy task – are featured in our pull-out supplement.

Meanwhile, from today, keep an eye out on our social media chan-

nels for our special videos looking forward to this weekend’s senior and intermediate finals.

The GAA is all about community and volunteerism, and the GAA family has played an absolute blinder – in very testing circumstances – over recent months.

Getting these championships played has been an immense achievement on the part of the clubs – players, management, administra-

tors, all the volunteers involved – and on the part of the County Board personnel.

We have no doubt that this weekend’s showpiece games will do great justice to the efforts of all concerned.

As our illustration on page 19 reflects, the GAA has conquered the ‘pandemic mountain’ – the GAA has prevailed. Well done to all concerned and best wishes to all teams in action this weekend.

No stream of tickets as clubs go to war!

< DAN DOONER

There was a collective shudder amongst GAA club secretaries and those involved in the staging and streaming of matches when the new Government guidelines were made public on Tuesday.

Phones have been ringing and buzzing incessantly as preparations continue apace and the hunt for one of the 100 or 200 (depending on venue) golden tickets made available to each club intensified.

The Roscommon People bravely ventured out into the community to speak to some of the volunteers on the frontlines ahead of this weekend’s Senior and Intermediate football championship finals at Dr. Hyde Park.

Roscommon GAA’s Public Relations Officer, Hugh Lynn, emerged from a secret bunker on the outskirts of Loughglynn on Wednesday in order to provide an update on the County Board’s battle plan ahead of the weekend.

“The new guidelines are positive. We had nobody at matches before and now we have 200 and that number is better this time because it only

includes spectators. It will allow for some nice family moments at these matches.

“We’d obviously love more supporters there but Roscommon GAA puts the safety and welfare of supporters first. We have to live within the rules and that’s what we are doing.

“My heart goes out to the people who have to decide on who gets tickets this weekend.

I saw it at my own club for the group stages so can only imagine how difficult it must be for a final,” he said.

Roscommon GAA will be streaming the matches online once again and they can be purchased for €6 each or just €9.99 for both.

“Supporters can log on to gaaroscommon.ie and click on the live stream button at the top,” he said.

The County PRO was happy to confirm that not even a global pandemic could prevent Roscommon GAA releasing a very special edition of the county final programme.

“I can confirm that a super 80-page programme has gone to print and it’s a combination of both the Intermediate and Senior finals. It is also the 50th

We loved this spectacular action shot from St. Brigid’s v Clann na nGael minor game in Kiltoom on Saturday evening. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

anniversary of the Intermediate Championship so this will be a great collector’s item for supporters,” he added.

Those wishing to purchase this year’s county final programme can do so by calling Hugh on 087-6263102. Copies will be

sold in all four areas involved in this weekend’s finals.

Meanwhile, St. Dominic’s’ senior football secretary, Olivia Connaughton, has said club secretaries have been put in an unenviable position this week.

Speaking on Wednesday af-

ternoon, she said: “I’ve had no correspondence so far regarding tickets but we have had a huge amount of requests since Tuesday.

“Previously the numbers allowed at matches included players and mentors and it was

war when it came to issuing tickets.

“100 tickets is still nothing for our club because we haven’t been in an Intermediate final in a number of years and there’s huge interest. I’m a parent myself so I know how difficult it has been this year (not being able to attend matches). We also have to offer junior players tickets because they have been training with the Intermediate team this year and are a big part of it.

“There is enough going on in the week of a big final (without this distraction) and sadly we are missing out on the buzz and excitement (of a final week). Don’t get me wrong, it’s fantastic to be in the final but I think they should open it up to a larger number or just leave it behind closed doors,” she said.

As the hard-working volunteers at St. Brigid’s, Pádraig Pearses, Oran and St. Dominic’s braced themselves ahead of a deluge of ticket requests this week, a source close to a major sportswear firm told the Roscommon People that flak jackets in club and county colours could be set to hit the Irish market soon.

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

SportsPeople

on Ladies Senior Final extra: Meet the captains! (Preview page 30) Captain’s Profile - Kilbride Captain’s Profile - Shannon Gaels Name: Eilish Fannon Club: Kilbride Height: 5ft 7ins Date of birth: 07/01/1990 Club debut: U-14s in 2001

Name: Tess Murtagh Club: Shannon Gaels

Height: 5ft 5ins Date of birth: 09/07/1997 Club debut: 2013 v Ballinameen

When and where did you first play football?

In primary school at Scoil Bhríde, Fourmilehouse.

When and where did you first play football?

On an U-10 mixed team in Croghan.

Best career advice you have been given?

Enjoy it!

Best career advice you have been given?

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

What skill do you think is the most important in football?

The kick pass.

What skill(s) do you think are the most important in football?

Speed and disciplined tackling.

What would you change about the game?

Nothing at all!

What would you like to change about the game?

Remove the ‘non-contact’ rule.

Favourite sport other than Gaelic football?

Rugby.

Favourite sport other than football?

Rugby.

What book are you currently reading?

I’ve just ordered Bernard Brogan’s autobiography.

What book are you currently reading?

Jump by Daniela Moyles.

When I was a child I wanted to be…

A paramedic.

When I was a child I wanted to be…

A teacher.

Best Gaelic football memory outside of playing?

Roscommon winning the AllIreland minor title in 2006.

Best Gaelic football memory as a player?

Kilbride winning our first senior county final in 2016.

You may not know it, but I’m good at…

Running!

Who is the greatest player you have ever seen?

Dublin’s Diarmuid Connolly.

If there was a ‘transfer market’ who would you buy?

Aisling Maloney from Tipperary.

The best invention ever is…

The mobile phone.

Best Gaelic football memory outside of playing?

Being brought up to Croke Park to watch the All-Ireland finals.

Hardest marker?

Ann Marie Carley.

Person you would most like to meet?

Former United States President, Barack Obama.

Fun fact about any member of Kilbride?

Three of our players used to play for St. Faithleach’s before Kilbride Ladies was set up!

Marooned on a desert island, what could you not do without?

My husband Tom, and a cup of tea!

In ten years’ time, I hope to be…

Healthy, happy and still playing football!

ket’ who would you buy?

Rachel Fitzmaurice!

The local newspaper! (Ed: There’s only one!)

Best Gaelic football memory as a player?

Winning the Connacht junior final in 2013.

The best invention ever…

Alarm clocks! (Ed: Maybe set yours earlier?)

Hardest person to mark?

Christina Beirne.

You may not know it, but I’m good at…

Being late for most things!

Person you would most like to meet?

The President of LGFA on the Hogan Stand on All-Ireland final day!

Who is the greatest player you have ever seen?

Mayo legend, Cora Staunton.

If there was a ‘transfer mar-

Handball

Local handball action resumes!

Like everything else, handball has been badly affected by Covid-19, however a limited national 60x30 championship has been agreed with the authorities, meaning only singles matches at juvenile, minor and senior are being allowed to go ahead.

The first Roscommon handballers to enter the fray were St. Coman’s’ Carthy brothers, Eoghan and Rory, who took part in a family affair against the Kelly brothers from Galway in the U-14 and U-16 Connacht semifinals held in St. Coman’s last Saturday.

Younger brother Eoghan took on Gavin Kelly, whom he had never beaten before,

in the first match. They have always had close, tight, hard-fought encounters and this was no different.

Both players are very comfortable with both hands, but Gavin’s greater power was offset by Eoghan’s better mobility and fitness. Eoghan’s serving was much more consistent in the first and helped him to a 15-9 win.

However, Gavin came back strongly and showed some lovely touches inside the lines to take the second 15-10. With all to play for in the third, Eoghan showed tremendous character and picking ability to

end up a 15-10 winner in a very entertaining match.

Next up it was the turn of the older brothers, both reigning All-Ireland champions, but Galway’s Mikey is a year older and that age difference became more apparent the longer the match went on. Rory played some excellent handball in the first game and made Mikey work very hard for his 15-8 win. The second was more clearcut as the classy Abbeyknockmoy youngster showed his full range of skills but the 15-2 scoreline was very harsh on the hard-working Roscommon player.

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without?

Action from St. Brigid’s v Clann na nGael minor game in Kiltoom on Saturday evening.

Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Fun fact about any member on your team?

Orla Mullaney has eleven toes!

In ten years’ time I hope to be...

Getting ready for another senior final!

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

SportsPeople

Short putts (News from local golf clubs) Athlone

Last Wednesday’s Open Singles was won

by A. Grehan, while the AWGS on September 3rd was won by J. Costello.

Meanwhile, the Senior Scratch Cup was won by D. Rodden with 71 gross, the Junior Scratch Cup went to C. Freney with 73, the Intermediate Cup went to E. Sheehy with 80 gross, and the Minor Cup was won by A. Sherlock with 89.

The Ladies’ competition on September 8th was won by Y. Walsh, the Wednesday Open went to A. Geoghegan and the 97 Club was won by N. St. John.

The President’s Prize will take place this Saturday and Sunday and the Connacht Inter-Club finals will take place the following weekend.

Boyle

Well done to Lee McKillen, who won the Drumderrig Cup with five shots to spare after having a 60 nett. Brian Furey was second with 65, Sean Heslin took best gross score and Gerry Carty was third with 66. Tish Perry was the winner of the ladies event.

There is only one event left to count for Golfer of the Year points. Last Sunday saw Lochlainn Conboy overtake Martin Daly to take the lead with 47 points to Martin’s 45. Liam Mullaney (39) and Tadhg Lowe (32) are also still in contention ahead of the next GOY event, the King Cup, on September 27th.

Carrick-onShannon

The Lynch Cup quarter-finals take place this week: Paul Kelleher v Kevin Sheeran, Sean Mulvey v Andy Connellan, Owen Gibney v Paul Roche, Keith Duignan v Robert Donaldson.

The club officers’ competitions took place last weekend. The winners were as follows: President’s Prize to the Men (Phil McWeeney): Alan Loftus (41 points); Lady Captain’s Prize to the Men (Gabrielle Madsen): Micheal Egan Logue (38); Captain’s Prize to the Men (John Cof-

fey): Paddy Murray (43); President Phil McWeeney’s Prize to the Ladies: Phil Emmett (34); Lady Captain’s Prize to the Ladies (Gabrielle Madsen): Dolores Mulvey (36); Captain’s Prize to the Ladies (John Coffey): Patricia O’Hara (31); Lady Player of the Weekend: Phil Emmett (95 points).

Castlerea

The club will host a fundraising classic Padraig Carney (Elphin), Gerry Flanagan, John Newton (Croghan), PJ Gallagher (Loughglynn), Eamon Henry (formerly from October 9th to 11th. Entry is €75 Clann na nGael) pictured at the recent inter-county golf competition, which took place at Black Bush Golf Club, Co. with great prizes guaranteed.

Meath, in aid of the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre in Drogheda.

The men’s competition on Sunday, September 6th was won by Greg Bruen with 38 points, with Padraic Gorham in second on 37. Pat Doory (37) took Cat. 1, Christopher Foley (36) took Cat. 2 and Matty Connelly (34) took Cat. 3.

The Bernie Keane Memorial Cup takes place this Saturday (19th) and Sunday (20th).

Roscommon

Roscommon’s club fundraising draw takes place this Saturday (19th). There are plenty of great prizes on offer and proceeds will go to aid vital course remedial works.

The course will definitely need those Martin McDermot (Kilbride), John O’Callaghan (Castlerea), Gerry Flanagan, Peter Higgins (formerly Clann na nGael) and works soon if the junior members con- Padraig McNeil (Trien) pictured at the recent inter-county golf competition, which took place at Black Bush Golf Club, tinue to burn it up! Simon Walker shot a Co. Meath, in aid of the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre in Drogheda.

65 gross in the President’s prize before Thomas Higgins’ 63 matched the course record, only to be denied because preferred lies were in play.

Roscommon hosted the Connacht Boys U-16 Open last Saturday with almost 90 boys from all over Ireland taking part.

Malahide’s Gavin O’Neill was the winner with 68 gross.

Recent winners: Pat Pierse (Ladies’ 9-hole); Serena O’Farrell (Ladies’ 18hole); Sean O’ Sullivan (Wednesday Open); Marguerite Farrell (Ladies’ Seniors); Jack Kilroy, Gerry Finn, Gerry Harlow and Tommie Farrell (Men’s Seniors); Paul McNally (Men’s 18-hole).

Congratulations to the Jack O’Sullivan team, captained by Tom Grealy Jnr., who Joe Hogan, Tony Kenny (formerly Clann na nGael), Kieran McCormack (Ballinagare), Gerry Flanagan and Sean Tiernan enjoyed a zone final win over Athlone re- (Elphin) pictured at the recent inter-county golf competition, which took place at Black Bush Golf Club, Co. Meath, in cently. Next up is a Connacht semi-final. aid of the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre in Drogheda.

Soccer

Make mine a treble!

Hat-tricks for St Peter’s, Ballaghaderreen and Horan

St. Peter’s, Ballaghaderreen and Cathal Horan all scored famous trebles as the curtain came down on another Roscommon & District Football League season last weekend.

St. Peter’s completed their second Roscommon treble in as many years when they recovered from an early setback to beat Castlerea Celtic 3-2 in the final of the Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup in Lecarrow last Sunday.

Castlerea had taken the lead through a Darren Clabby header in the first two min-

utes but the Premier Division League and Cup winners equalised through Mark McConnell two minutes into the second half.

Castlerea regained the lead on 57 minutes when Clabby’s cut back was volleyed home by Daniel Connolly. Their lead was to last just two minutes, however, as JP Stephens headed home from a Daragh Concannon corner to restore parity.

St. Peter’s’ winner arrived with just twelve minutes remaining, Jason Nugent setting up Mark Hehir, who volleyed to the corner of the Celtic net to complete another ‘domestic’ treble for the Athlone side.

Earlier, on Friday evening, Ballaghaderreen FC completed a treble of their own when they overcame a very brave Roscommon United side in Lecarrow 3-2 after extra-time.

Cathal Horan made it three hat-tricks in three Lecarrow finals when he scored a headed winner in the first half of extratime to complete the Division One League

and Cup and Connacht Shield collection for the west Roscommon side.

Make no mistake, this impressive Ballaghaderreen side was pushed all the way in what was their hardest-earned win of the season.

Horan gave his side a 1-0 half-time lead when he capitalised on some hesitant defending after thirty minutes to poke home.

United were level just five minutes into the second half when Jamie Bracken and Vando combined brilliantly before the Brazilian curled a wonderful effort into the top corner.

Horan was celebrating again midway through the second half when he found the net following a strong run. United wouldn’t go away however and Bracken brought them to extra-time with a scrappy equaliser late on.

Both teams tired visibly in extra-time and it was Horan who had the final say.

His looping header was enough to clinch yet more silverware for Ballaghaderreen.

Roscommon & District League Roll of Honour Premier Division Winners: St. Peter’s FC Runners-up: Caslerea Celtic Relegated: Shiven Rovers and Skyvalley Rovers Connacht Shield Winners: Ballaghaderreen FC Division One Winners: Ballaghaderreen FC (promoted) Runners-up: Cloonfad United (promoted) Relegated: Ahascragh United, Rahara Rovers and Cam Celtic Division Two Winners: Glen Celtic (promoted) Runners-up: Manor United (promoted) Promoted: Ballinasloe Town B RDFL Challenge Cup Winners: St. Peter’s FC Runners-up: Castlerea Celtic

Premier Division Cup Winners: St. Peter’s FC Runners-up: Castlerea Celtic Division One Cup Winners: Ballaghaderreen FC Runners-up: Roscommon United Division Two Cup Winners: St. John’s Athletic Runners-up: Ballaghaderreen FC Division Two Shield Winners: Ballaghaderreen FC Runners-up: Ballymoe FC

Leading goalscorers

Premier Division: Mark Sherlock (St. Peter’s FC) Division One: Danny Browne (Ballaghaderreen FC) Division Two: Tom Ward (Manor United)

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Athleague are camogie queens Roscommon Senior Camogie County Final Athleague 1-7 St Dominic’s 0-8 A penalty converted by Niamh Farrell in the second half was the key score as Athleague pipped the defending champions St. Dominic’s in a well contested county senior camogie final played at Ballyforan last Saturday.

Athleague were slightly the better side in the opening half. Tara Naughton was accurate from frees and by half-time the challengers led by 0-6 to 0-4.

St. Dominic’s were much better on the restart and when Niamh Watson levelled the scores at 0-7 each it looked like the champions might go on and retain their title. However, after Paula Daly was fouled in the 45th minute Farrell drove home the resultant

penalty – and it was the crucial score for Athleague.

Athleague: P Daly; N Brandon, N Farrell (1-0), C Whyte/Lennon; N Conway, M Tiernan, N Brennan; L Fleming, E Coyle; R Fitzmaurice, E Daly, R Brennan (0-1); T Naughton (0-4), F Connell/Jones (0-1), J McCormack (0-1). Subs: L Keenan for McCormack, H Gavin for Connell/Jones.

St. Dominic’s: C Connaughton; C Cox, E McNally, A Dolan; R Dolan, J Beattie, R Corcoran; S Spillane (0-3), C Dowling; N Watson (0-1), A O’Connor (0-2), A Campbell (0-2); C Kilcommins, N Fitzgerald, A O’Meara. Subs: J Healy for Kilcommins, L Mahon for O’Meara, S Cassidy for O’Connor.

Referee: J Lundon.

Note: In the U-16 A final Four Roads defeated Oran by 3-3 to 0-4.

The Athleague senior camogie team pictured following their 1-7 to 0-8 win over St. Dominic’s in the Roscommon Senior Camogie Championship Final in Ballyforan last Saturday.

U-16 honours for Four Roads and Gaels Eddie Rockets U-16 A Camogie Final Four Roads 3-3 Oran 0-4 Four Roads defeated Oran in last Sunday’s U-16 A Camogie Final, winning on a 3-3 to 0-4 scoreline.

Four Roads’ Saoirse Gacquin scored the first goal. Oran’s Mella Lawless and Anna Hussey responded with points.

Soon after, Four Roads claimed their second goal of the game, courtesy of centre-forward Sinead Mannion. With Andrea Fallon scoring another point for the Oran side, the half-time score was Four Roads 2-0 Oran at 0-3.

The second half began with two pointed frees by Sally Bolger for Four Roads, followed by another point by Saoirse Gacquin.

As the game reached its final stages, Saoirse Gacquin secured a third goal (her second) for Four Roads. Mella Lawless responded with a score for Oran but Four Roads were comfortable victors.

Four Roads: Emma Mannion, Aine Hynes, Sinead Scott, Aoife Gately, Ciara Fallon, Mairead Lohan, Sinead Mannion, Sally Bolger, Ruth Gannon, Caoimhe Kelly, Eva Finneran, Heather

Gwen Killion, Eimear Faughnan and Beibhinn Hoare (Roscommon Gaels) with the U-16 trophy.

McGrane, Saoirse Gacquin, Elisha Dilion, Siafra Finneran, Chloe Coleman, Annie Kae Thorose, Deborah Finneran, Catherine Keane, Aisling Brennan.

Oran: Andrea Fallon, Deirbhile Collins, Katie Kenny, Shauna McDermott, Ciara Staunton, Hazel Kelly, Anna Hussey, Niamh Walsh, Megan Flynn, Aoife Connelly, Emily Regan, Ciara Connolly, Nicole Reaney, Mella Lawless, Jenny Kenny, Rachel McGrann, Ciara Connaughton, Ailbhe O’Sullivan, Erin McDermott, Taylor Kelly, Leah Casey.

The Roscommon Gaels U-16 camogie panel who won the County B title.

County U-16 B Camogie Final Roscommon Gaels 6-8 Athleague 3-6 There were goals galore in Athleague on Thursday evening when Roscommon Gaels defeated Athleague in a ninegoal thriller to win the County U-16 B Camogie Final.

After a blistering opening half the sides were level at 2-4 apiece. Athleague put in a great effort throughout the second half but the Gaels were

hot in front of goal and their greater scoring power was decisive in the end.

Final score: Roscommon Gaels 6-8 Athleague 3-6.

Roscommon Gaels: Chloe Donoghue, Béibhínn Hoare, Eimear O’Farrell, Caoimhe Walsh, Mikayla Martin, Holly Harkins, Alison McNamara, Ellen Beisty, Jennifer Morris, Zara Fallon, Claire McNeill, Ellen Tully, Gwen Killion, Ava Mulry, Eadaoin Walsh, Anna Kelly, Maria Satchwell, Alannah Glynn, Katie Harlow, Eimear

Gaels take U-14 B honours County U-14 Camogie B Final Roscommon Gaels 6-10 Four Roads 0-0 Roscommon Gaels won this County U-14 Camogie B final in some style in Athleague last Saturday. Goals from Jane King, Emma Hough, Alannah Sutton (2), Shauna Walsh

and Maria Cox were key, but all the Gaels players contributed well.

A young Four Roads team battled throughout and showed great determination.

Roscommon Gaels: Molly Rose Finneran, Martha McSharry, Ciara Killeen, Molly Tully, Lile McCaffrey, Emma O’Farrell, Eve

McNeill, Alannah Sutton, Emma Hough, Grace Geraghty, Siofra Hession, Anna Kiernan, Amy Winston, Shauna Walsh, Jane King, Ava Naughton, Leah Lennon, Jessica McSharry, Shauna Carty, Maria Fox, Lauren Fallon, Aisling Harlow, Ella Donnellan.

Four Roads: Eimear Gately, Annie

Kate Thorose, Molllie Coleman, Anna Galvin, Aisling Brennan, Catherine Keane, Maria Bolger, Celine Gacquin, Elizabeth Coyle, Katie Ann Gacquin, Deborah Finneran, Niamh Byrne, Shifrah Burke-Beirne, Moira Delaney, Alanna Campbell, Lisa Morris, Moya Kelly.

Faughnan, Ellen Dolan, Ailbhe Donnellan, Grace O’Gara, Isabell Stephens-Lohan.

Athleague: Caoimhe Connaughton, Katelyn Lynch, Mary Kate Miller, Aideen O’Brien, Kerri Smythe, Eabha Dowd, Hollie Smythe, Megan Molloy, Sadhb Conneally, Tara O’Brien, Anna Murray, Ciara Dowd, Aoibhinn Murray, Roisin Hamrock, Jenny Flynn, Katie Curley, Jessica O’Brien, Lora Cruise, Orlaith Mulryan, Marianne Monaghan.

GAA results Kepak Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals Athleague 3-22 Four Roads 4-17 (after extra-time) Pádraig Pearses 0-18 Tremane 2-11 King & Moffatt Junior ‘A’ Football Championship Quarter-Final play-off Kilglass Gaels 0-13 St. Ronan’s 0-8

GAA fixtures Friday, September 18th King & Moffatt Junior ‘A’ Football Championship Quarter-Final At Athleague: Pádraig Pearses v St. Joseph’s. 8 pm Saturday, September 19th Mulryan Construction Intermediate Football Championship Final At Dr. Hyde Park: Oran v St. Dominic’s. 4 pm King & Moffatt Junior ‘A’ Football Championship quarter-finals (7.30 pm) At Lisnamult: St. Brigid’s v Kilglass Gaels At Ballyforan: Clann na nGael v Roscommon Gaels King & Moffatt Junior ‘A’ Football Championship Relegation play-off At Strokestown: Boyle v Castlerea St. Kevin’s. 7.30 pm

The Roscommon Gaels U-14 panel.

Sunday, September 20th King & Moffatt Junior ‘A’ Football Championship Quarter-Final At Abbey Park: Western Gaels v St. Michael’s. 12.30 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Senior Football Championship Final At Dr. Hyde Park: Pádraig Pearses v St. Brigid’s. 3 pm

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

SportsPeople

Four Roads goalie David Butler coming under pressure from Athleague corner-forward Ben McGahon during the Kepak Senior Hurling Championship semi-final at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Athleague win a classic Four Roads blocked Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final Athleague 3-22 Four Roads 3-17 (After extra-time) < SEAMUS DUKE

Athleague full-forward Eamon Flanagan celebrating his goal with fellow Athleague hurler Gary Fallon as Four Roads’ defender Cormac Coyle has that sinking feeling. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Playing with a much superior game plan all through, Athleague hurlers shocked Four Roads – the defending champions and strong favourites for the title – in the first county hurling semi-final played at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday. Only the resilience and fighting qualities of Four Roads kept them in the game, but in the end Athleague were the deserved winners.

With their half-back line of Niall Connolly, Pat Nolan and Alan Moore all playing superbly, Padraig Mannion’s side took the game to Four Roads from the start. With Gary Fallon, Cian Murray, David Flaherty and Ben McGahon causing havoc in attack, the champions were in trouble from the early stages. Athleague can also be thankful to their veteran goalkeeper David Connell who made at least three outstanding saves to keep his side on top.

Athleague led by three points when Adam Donnelly bundled in a goal for Four Roads in the 24th minute, but by half-time Padraig Mannion’s side led by 0-11 to 1-4. Athleague could always keep their noses in front and in the 46th minute Eamon Flanagan scored a vital goal, netting after his first shot was blocked by David Butler. That score gave them a four-point cushion (1-13 to 1-9).

Deep into injury-time Athleague led by four points and looked set fair for the final, but there was a kick left in Four Roads. In the 63rd minute Cathal Dolan pulled first-time to the net from close range, and a

minute later Micheal Kelly drove over a sensational point from 75 metres to level the scores (2-14 to 1-17) and send the game into extra-time.

Athleague, however, were not to be denied. After three minutes sub Robbie Fallon scored a fine individual goal and his team were simply not be reined in this time. ‘Super sub’ Fallon got in for another welltaken goal in injury-time to put his team eight points ahead. Diarmuid Treacy forced the ball over the line with the last puck of the game, but it was hardly even of consolation value to Four Roads.

It was a memorable win for Athleague who will now be looking forward to a county final clash with Padraig Pearses on Sunday week. For Four Roads, it was a very disappointing day. This defeat means that for the first time since 2007 they will not feature in the county senior hurling final.

Athleague: David Connell; Pat Nolan, David Delaney, Tom Bannon; Naoise Coyle (0-1), Niall Connolly (0-1), Alan Moore; Cormac Kelly (0-1), Stephen Kilcommons; Eoghan Coyle (0-1), Gary Fallon (0-2), Cian Murray (0-4); Ben McGahon (0-7, five frees, 1 s/l), Eamon Flanagan (1-1), David Flaherty (0-3).

Subs used: Robbie Fallon (2-1) for Kilcommons (40), Thomas Clayton for E. Coyle (54), JP Murray for Moore (67), Keelan Connolly for Murray (78), Thomas Connaughton for Flaherty (79).

Four Roads: David Butler; Donal Kelly, Cormac Coyle, Paddy Kenny; Johnny Mulry, Micheal Kelly (0-1), Johnny Moran; Shane Curley (0-2), Diarmuid Treacy (1-0); Cathal Dolan (1-10, three frees, two 65s), James Cunniffe (0-1), Brendan Mulry (0-2); Brian Lawlor, Adam Donnelly (1-0), James Lawlor. Subs used: Conor Mulry for J Lawlor (35), Conor Coyle for Cunniffe (40), Darragh McCarthy (0-1) for B. Lawlor (54), Jamie Lawlor for Donnelly (67), Dara Finneran for Conor Coyle (80).

Referee: Vincent Burke (Ballygar).

Man of the Match David Connell (Athleague)

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Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

SportsPeople

Matt finish seals it for Pearses Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final Padraig Pearses 0-18 Tremane 2-11 < SEAMUS DUKE

A point by Matt Comerford from 45 metres out in the 5th minute of injurytime saw Padraig Pearses edge into the County senior hurling final after a thrilling encounter against Tremane at Hyde Park last Sunday. Tremane could have brought the game into extra-time but Mike Kellehan’s free from 50 metres – the last puck of the game – drifted out wide and with that Tremane’s chance was gone.

There was never much between the teams in this contest. Sean Mahony drilled home a fine goal in the 8th minute for Tremane, but Pearses – for whom Oisin Kelly was outstanding – could always get those vital few points to keep them in touch.

With the sides tied at 1-4 to 0-7, those of us lucky enough to be there saw a truly magnificent goal in the 23rd minute. After making a brilliant pick-up, Niall Kilroy darted in along the end-line and drilled the ball low into the far corner. It was a goal that would light up any field in any game. However, with Daniel Glynn – on song from frees – and Oisin Kelly scoring nine points between them, the sides were level at half-time (2-4 to 0-10).

The sides were level six times during a very entertaining second half, with some great scores from both sides. As the match entered stoppage time, it was 2-10 to 0-16. A Mike Kellehan free edged Tremane ahead, but Daniel Glynn soon replied. Then Comerford drove over that great score from out on the right wing and it was to prove a winner for Pearses who remain on course for a senior championship double.

For the winners, Shane Naughton, Eoghan Costello, Daniel Glynn and Oisin Kelly were excellent, while for a heartbroken Tremane side Peter Kellehan, Joe Brennan, Niall Kilroy and Niall Keenan were most influential.

Padraig Pearses: Padraig Dolan; Paul Dolan, Mike Donoghue, David Dolan; Ben Fallon, Shane Naughton, Matt Comerford (0-1); Luke Corbett, Eoghan Costello; Cathal Kelly (0-1), Daniel

Pádraig Pearses’ Ben Fallon and Matt Comerford are closed down by Tremane’s Niall Keenan and Sean Mahony during last Sunday’s Kepak Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Glynn (0-9, 7 frees), Karl Feehily (0-2); Leon Fehily, Oisin Kelly (0-5), Adam Finnerty. Subs: Jamie Donoghue for Corbett (40), Patrick Grehan for L Fehily (63).

Tremane: Kevin Kellehan; Seamus Lynch, Brian Keenan, Cathal Mahony (0-1); Sean Melia, Peter Kellehan, Warren Boyle; Joe Brennan (0-1), Padraig Brennan (0-1); Sean Mahony (1-0), Niall Keenan (0-1), John Brennan; Cathal Brennan, Niall Kilroy (1-5, 4 frees), Michael Brennan. Subs: Liam Murray for S Mahony (24), Jack Naughton for C Brennan (39), Michael Kellehan (0-2, frees) for M Brennan (48), David Mullen for B Keenan (60), Aidan Casey for Boyle (60).

Referee: Matthew Farrell (Oran).

Man of the Match Oisin Kelly (Padraig Pearses)

Pictured at the Kepak Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday were Pádraig Pearses’ Paul Dolan and Tremane’s John Brennan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Oran crowned Ladies County Junior C champions

The victorious Oran Ladies team who won the County Junior C championship

Oran are the Roscommon Ladies Football County Junior C champions after defeating Roscommon Gaels by 3-4 to 1-6 in Ballyforan last Friday evening. It was a sweet win for Oran who had been defeated in last year’s final (by Kilbride).

The eventual winners had a dream start when Laura Fannon scored a superb goal in the first minute. When Rachel McGrath added a second goal on nine minutes – after great work by Claire Curley and Dee Regan – Oran were in command.

To their great credit, Roscommon Gaels responded very well, and by half-time they trailed by just four, 2-2 to 0-4.

In a tense second half, the Gaels maintained the pressure, a goal from Mia Fallon keeping them very much in contention. A third Oran goal – courtesy of Orla Connolly – proved decisive. Oran held on for a great win, withstanding some strong pressure from a gallant Gaels’ side.

The shield presentation was made by Roscommon Ladies Football Chairperson Brendan Cregg who praised both teams for the standard of play and for their excellent sportsmanship. Johnny Cox, Roscommon Fixtures Chairperson, presented the player of the game award to Aisling McDermott.

Roscommon People Friday 18 September 2020

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