19 February 2021 Roscommon People by RossiePeople

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19 February 2021

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Cousins Ellen Forrest and Eva Sheridan, Bothar Bui, Ballaghaderreen, flipping pancakes on Shrove/Pancake Tuesday. Picture: Mick McCormack Real Solutions for Rural Ireland “I am committed to helping to improve the quality of life for people in rural Ireland which has largely been left behind- we need to build a future where people can live, work and enjoy the many benefits of rural living”

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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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www.bccsolicitors.ie Adult Child with Cerebral Palsy

I read your recent legal column called Birth Injuries and Cerebral Palsy. My 25-year-old son has cerebral palsy and a severe intellectual disability. He relies on me as his mother for help with day-to-day activities. I worry that as I get older, I will struggle to care for him. My memories of his birth in the hospital are vivid. I believe that his birth was poorly managed and if he had been born in another hospital then his situation would be much different. I know he is 25 years old now and it might be too late to investigate a case for him but when I read your recent article, I thought you might be able to help me. Thank you for your kind letter. As mentioned in my recent article, if it can be established that a mother’s pregnancy, labour and delivery was mismanaged by the delivery team and an injury to a baby’s brain could have been avoided, had competent medical treatment been given, then certainly questions will need to be answered. Am I too late? I note that your concerns about your son’s birth management remain after all this time. Under the Statute of Limitations, one normally has two years from the date of an incident/accident to bring a compensation claim for injuries. However, a mentally disabled person has a period of two years from the date on which they cease to be under the disability to bring a legal action. Therefore, and most importantly for you, a person such as your son who is permanently mentally disabled may now investigate a potential legal case in medical negligence. Any such legal action may be brought on his behalf by you as his mother given that your son would not have capacity to bring legal proceedings in his own right by virtue of his intellectual disability.

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

Duncan (who?), Davy and the Healy-Raes... Wow! The critics are out in force these days! Huh? Everyone’s an expert, everyone’s a critic, nobody has any patience! Seriously…people just rush to judgement so quickly! Are you still going on about Golfgate? No! Is it Trump? Are you seriously saying Trump shouldn’t have been up for impeachment? CYCLING ACCIDENT No! I’m just saying…everyone’s a critic now! Give meinvolved an example… If you were in a cycling Well, that guy on the telly the other day… accident contact giving outCarolan about the privileged chap, the Byrne cheeky guy who has a few caps… Cunningham Solicitors But a lot of those rugby players ARE privileged, even the ones with just a few caps…. Nah! I’m on about the Labour TD who blasted Michael Healy-Rae! The Kerry man who has a few caps… Oh, right! What did he say? Well, the Labour TD – an unknown – let BOTH Healy-Raes have it! Who is he…what’s his name? I dunno, he’s an unknown! (They pause to google ‘Labour TD slams Healy-Raes) Duncan Smith! Huh? His name is Duncan Smith! What did he say about the Healy-Raes? He called them caricatures! Said they’re millionaires! He said he’s the son of a carpenter and he knows all about hardship! Mmnn… Mr. Smith just let fly. It was great fun! What else did he say? He said they come into the Dáil in a political costume… How so?

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

I think he was referring to Michael’s caps! Anything else? Yeah, he said the Healy-Raes own lots of businesses and properties and…he said they’re sons of Fianna Fáil privilege! And he’s the son of a carpenter? Yep. Doesn’t the bible refer to Jesus as the son of a carpenter? Yep. And wasn’t the great Jackie HealyRae the lads’ dad? Yeah! Wow! What a coincidence… Why? Was Jackie a carpenter? No, but he was the Messiah in Kerry! (They pause to scan all TV and radio chan-

nels for a sighting/presence of Stephen Donnelly, and are briefly worried until he finally turns up) Any other news? Nope! Lockdown misery, sport keeping us distracted! The Liverpool goalkeeper’s keeping us entertained! Oh please…be sensitive! As for the rugby team…I mean, seriously! So much for ‘You’ll never beat the Irish’! They’re trying their best! They’re going backwards! I’ve explained it to you before, those are the rules of rugby, you have to pass it backwards! That blonde superstar is all over the News… Look, he’s Prime Minister, Boris is inevitably going to… No! Britney Spears! Oh! And Marty Morrissey was on Claire Byrne Live! He turned up a week late, his buddy Bernard O’Shea was on last week! Have they fallen out? No, they’re just socially distancing! Did you see Davy Fitz and his wayward boyos… ducking and diving and falling about! Are they showing classic Clare matches? Are we back to showing classic GAA games? No, it’s Davy’s Toughest Team! You know, he’s mentoring seven young lads to climb Everest… Covid stopped that? Yeah, but they came up with a Plan B. Ireland’s highest mountain – Carrauntoohil. Carrauntoohil! In Kerry! Great! Hey, how did they organise that Plan B so quickly? Eh…I think the Healy-Raes sorted it for them!

What we liked… Congratulations to Dublin-based Roscommon native Brigid Kavanagh who has had her first book published – at the age of 95! ‘In my Mind’s Eye, Walking Amongst Ghosts’ is a collection of her writings over the years. See story elsewhere in this edition.

How can Byrne Carolan Cunningham help me? Please give us a call on 090 6478433 and we will arrange an appointment at a date and time of your convenience to discuss matters further with you. Our Medical Negligence Department specialise in the area of Cerebral Palsy and Birth Injuries, sadly issues we deal with on a regular basis.

What we didn’t like… Ireland’s defeat to France in the Six Nations means our challenge is over much earlier than might have been hoped!

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

What PEOPLE are talking about…

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

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PIC OF THE WEEK: John Keegan pictured on his bike near Ballaghaderreen. Picture: Mick McCormack

Embarrassment for Tanáiste Leo Varadkar as it was revealed that Gardai are investigating his leaking of information to a doctors’ group; Ireland’s loss to France in the Six Nations; the Leaving Cert saga; locations of vaccination centres…

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

NewsPeople

Covid cases remain low in Roscommon FF Senator: There have been shortcomings < DAN DOONER

The number of new Covid-19 cases in Roscommon remains low following confirmation of five or fewer cases yesterday afternoon (Wednesday), leaving the county with the third lowest 14-day incidence rate in the country at 122.4. Nationally, the death toll for Covid-19 surpassed 4,000 yesterday as 57 additional deaths and 650 new cases were confirmed. It means that there have now been 4,036 Covid-related deaths in the country since the pandemic began. As of 8 am yesterday morning, 831 patients remain hospitalised with the disease, 154 of which are in ICU. There had been 49 additional hospitalisations in the previous 24 hours. On the vaccination front, 271,942 doses had been administered in Ireland as of Sunday, 14th with 180,192 receiving their

first dose and 91,750 receiving their second. Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy moved to defend the Government’s handling of the pandemic this week. Speaking to the Roscommon People on Tuesday, Senator Murphy said: “I can understand people’s frustrations. I will admit that there have been shortcomings in certain areas, but hindsight is a great thing. This is an unprecedented situation which has thrown up a lot of problems for governments all over the world”. In response to recent criticism over Ireland’s progress with vaccinations compared to neighbours Britain, Senator Murphy accused Boris Johnson of “playing Brexit” with the pandemic. “As part of the EU we had to wait for our first supply of the vaccines. We are most hopeful that come August and September we will be well on the way

with the vaccine and we will be closer and closer to a return to some sort of normality. “I’ll admit that within Government circles we’d probably do things differently. The problem is that the goalposts are moving all the time. The issues with the AstraZeneca vaccine changed the outlook and because of that we couldn’t make plans to vaccinate the over 70s. New variations

of the disease have also thrown another spanner into the works,” he said. On whether it was the right decision to reopen the hospitality and retail sectors before Christmas, he said: “If we hadn’t reopened there would have been murder. People might look back and say we could have done things differently, but the Government has to do what’s best for the whole country”.

Calculated grade or written exam for LC students

Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that Leaving Certificate students will have the option of a calculated grade or a written exam in each subject this year. The Leaving Certificate exams will take place in the normal time in June and students can choose to receive calculated grades in all subjects, issued to them at the same time as examination results. Meanwhile, the Junior Certificate exams have been cancelled this year.

Abbey Hotel chosen as vaccination centre

< DAN DOONER

The Abbey Hotel in Roscommon town was this week confirmed as the location for the Covid-19 vaccination centre for County Roscommon. The popular hotel, which is owned by the Grealy family, will be one of 37 such centres nationwide. Earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Abbey Hotel said management and staff were “delighted” to be able to assist with the national Covid-19 vaccination effort. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy had earlier welcomed the opening of a vaccination centre in Roscommon town. “This is most welcome news as there had been concerns expressed in the national press that rural areas would be left without vaccination centres. “It is my understanding that vulnerable or older people who cannot travel to the centre will be contacted by their GP for alternative arrangements,” he said.

Meanwhile, Independent TD Denis Naughten has said that it is imperative that vaccination centres facilitate people regardless of their address. “I have a fear that these centres could exclude people outside their GP catchment, the county where they are based or outside the relevant community health area,” he said. “This would be totally unacceptable and cause unnecessary difficulty for people accessing the Covid vaccine. “For example, east Galway is a large geographic area with no vaccination centre. People residing here should be able to register for a vaccination in Roscommon town or Athlone, if this is more convenient for them, instead of having to travel to Galway City. “Providing clarity on the locations of these centres is very welcome but we also need to ensure the public is facilitated with ease of access and the primary focus should be on facilitating HSE management of allocation of vaccine,” Deputy Naughten concluded.

Brigid now a published author – at 95! A Roscommon woman became a published author earlier this week, just one day shy of her 95th birthday! Brigid Kavanagh, who is originally from the Strokestown area of Co. Roscommon but has spent most of her life living in Dundrum in Dublin, used lockdown to publish her first book

called ‘In My Mind’s Eye – Walking Amongst Ghosts’. Brigid featured on RTÉ News earlier this week after taking delivery of 500 copies of the book which is now available to buy locally and on Facebook. Brigid said she was “absolutely thrilled” after her family, including sons Declan and

Sean, helped her to realise her long-held ambition of becoming an author. The book is a memoir which draws on Brigid’s experiences in London at the end of the Second World War and returning to raise a family in Dublin. Her time spent growing up in Roscommon features heavily.

Brigid Kavanagh realised a lasting ambition this week when she became a published author at the age of 95.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

NewsPeople

Roscommon Garda: ‘Covid-19 knocked my socks off!’ < DAN DOONER

A young Roscommon man, who tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month, has said the virus “knocked his socks off” – but the Pfizer vaccination meant that his wife remained free of infection. 33-year-old Paddy Ryan is a son of Michael and Kathleen Ryan and a native of Roscommon town. He is a fit and active member of An Garda Síochána, currently stationed near Letterkenny in Co. Donegal – but says Covid-19 left him bed-ridden for almost eight days. “We were told on Tuesday, February 2nd that our two daughters, Sarah-Kate and Sophie, were close contacts of a positive case and so I was on alert and half-expected to contract the virus myself. “Sure enough, my symptoms started on the Wednesday with a sore throat, a headache and a runny nose. I called my GP and it all moved very quickly after that. I was tested that evening and I received a text message the following morning advis-

ing me that I was positive and telling me what steps to take. “The whole family was tested and both daughters were positive too, thankfully without any symptoms. My wife had received the vaccine and she tested negative and has tested negative once more since then too,” he said. Paddy’s wife Noelle works as a community nurse and she received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in early January. “It’s fair to say that our experience has really increased our confidence in the vaccine because she was surrounded by positive cases at home and was still protected,” Paddy added. “I run with a club up here and so I’d be in good shape, training five or six times a week. I presumed the symptoms would blow over quickly but by God was I wrong! It really knocked the socks off me for a few days. “By day four I had absolutely no energy. At one stage, I got out of bed to throw coal on the fire and by the time I finished I felt like I had run a marathon.

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I just sat on the couch and couldn’t move for about three hours. It was a strange feeling, one minute I was in great form and full of energy and the next I was struggling to walk a few paces. “Days five and six were the worst because my temperature spiked and I lost my appetite completely. I lost about eight or nine pounds over those two

days and just felt miserable. It took me about a week to come back to myself and for my energy levels to improve,” he said. While Paddy made a full recovery from the effects of the virus, he said others are still struggling. “I count myself lucky because I know of a number of cases involving young men who are still suffering

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the effects of Covid-19. It’s a scary experience, especially when you’re so used to being up and active each day. “This virus can spread very quickly no matter how careful we all are so hopefully the vaccine can be rolled out as soon as possible so that some sort of normality can return in the coming months”.

COVID-19 vaccinations are underway. They’re already bringing hope to our communities.

As more people are vaccinated, this should help reduce the harm caused by COVID-19. If you’re aged 85 or over, you will be offered a free COVID-19 vaccine next. This starts from 15th February 2021, continuing as vaccines are supplied to the HSE. You don’t need to register in advance. As soon as your vaccine is available, your GP will let you know. After this group, people aged 80 and over, 75 and over, and 70 and over will be offered a vaccine in turn. All vaccines are tested before they are approved for use in Ireland. If you have questions about your COVID-19 vaccine, we have answers you can trust on hse.ie Or you can call HSElive on 1850 24 1850

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Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Saturday I watched some of the (second) Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump, including the closing arguments today. I felt it was a partisan political circus. Without question, Trump was an incredibly divisive President of America, a volatile and unpredictable figure who, at his worst, was inflammatory and dangerous. It is also the case that he was very probably destined for a second term had Covid-19 not come along. For all his divisiveness, I find the obsessive nightly CNN onslaught on Trump offputting. I’m not naïve; I know Trump was a chaotic, provocative force who heightened tensions in what is now a very worryingly divided America. But I also think there are double standards (and blatant political gamesmanship) in the relentless criticism of the ‘Trump movement’ by CNN and Democrats. When the votes were cast today, Trump was acquitted. The trial was a political circus, a desperate attempt by Democrats to humiliate Trump and – future electoral outings in mind – to embarrass and expose Republican Senators. Which is fair enough – but it is political gamesmanship. Seven Republican Senators voted to convict Trump, but the vast majority of the party remains loyal to him. There is a real possibility now – if, in his new capacity as a private citizen he can steer clear of prosecution – that Trump could launch another Presidential bid (for 2024). It may be unlikely, but it certainly cannot be ruled out. It is undoubtedly the case that the mob attack on Capitol Hill – and Trump’s refusal to accept the election outcome – has weakened him. But it hasn’t finished him. Trumpism isn’t going away. Quite incredibly, a reality TV star who was in the twilight of his celebrity career a few years ago, has somehow grasped control of the Republican party, and won the support of millions of people. To what extent that devotion has been shaken by recent events remains to be seen. This drama/reality show will continue. The stakes are high. American politics – America itself – will remain polarised for many years to come.

Sunday Social media age or not, I still love the Sunday papers. Buying them is a pleasure; finding the time to read them is a challenge. For a few years now, it’s the Sunday Independent and Sunday Times for me. But

Raymond and Vincent Kirrane pictured out and about during the week at Cloonbard, Castlerea. Picture: Mick McCormack

every few weeks, I’ll opt for a third, or even a fourth Sunday paper. Today, I glanced at the tempting front pages…. for some reason, I paused on the Sunday World, which I haven’t bought for many years. It is of course renowned for its excitable, dramatic, even terrifying headlines. True to form, there was a right shocker staring back at me: ’40 years of Daniel (O’Donnell). 32-page tribute’. I hastily averted my glance and moved on to the other papers. Close one!

Later on Sunday

Alas, that golden snooker era of our youth is now being revisited through the obituary pages. A few months ago, the charismatic Willie Thorne passed on…and the snooker world shed a collective tear. Today, sad news of the death of Doug Mountjoy, the dapper Welsh gent who graced the sport for over two decades. He was aged 78. Mountjoy was one of a colourful cast of players who captivated millions of viewers during snooker’s unforgettable emergence as a major TV sport in the 1980s. While not quite one of

the very top players, Mountjoy – handsome, courteous, genial – was a fans’ favourite. And he could play. He won both the UK Championship and The Masters, was World Championship runner-up in 1981, and reached number 5 in the world at one stage. Willie Thorne and the late, great Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins never really got on. But maybe Willie and Doug are having a few frames (and laughs) in Heaven…

Tuesday/Wednesday Having worked late tonight, I binged on some late-night TV and was just about to head for bed when I saw that President Joe Biden was guesting at a CNN ‘Town Hall’ gathering in Milwauke. This was old-style politics, the star of the show standing in the middle of the stage, a handful (restricted due to Covid) of ordinary members of the public in the audience, ‘runners’ handing them a microphone as they popped questions at their President. Truly Town Hall stuff. Chairing proceedings was the very smooth Anderson Cooper, one of the CNN heavyweights.

Needless to say, there was no acrimony. Cooper was never going to challenge Biden; if anything, Anderson seemed very chuffed to be sharing the stage with the world’s most powerful man. I was more impressed with Biden than I expected to be. During the election campaign, I felt he was pedestrian, playing it safe, decidedly unimpressive. Tonight, I watched America’s new President speak live for well over an hour, remaining on his feet despite a plush chair being provided. While Biden was low enough on specifics and high on charm, this was a calming and compassionate interaction with the American people. After the sheer chaos of the Trump years, here was a President being reassuring and comforting in a time of crisis. He came across as straight and honest. He didn’t ‘overpromise’, and was measured in his responses. On Covid, his best estimate is that life will be much better by Christmas. Certainly this was what one critic called ‘a winning performance’. Biden will have comforted and charmed and reassured millions of people with this first major public outing as President. That charm and decency and courtesy was in contrast to his more combative and blunt predecessor. There were shades of traditional town hall gatherings with local politicians… at one point the President of the United States even offered to discuss an issue with a member of the audience if she didn’t mind staying behind after the event! Time will tell whether or not Biden delivers in a meaningful way, if charm is accompanied by conviction, sincerity and smiles by substance. This was an encouraging start. And the man Trump memorably billed as ‘Sleepy Joe’ didn’t put me to sleep!

“

While Biden was low enough on specifics and high on charm, this was a calming and compassionate interaction with the American people. After the sheer chaos of the Trump years, here was a President being reassuring and comforting in a time of crisis. He came across as straight and honest.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

NewsPeople

You’re Invited to ... Roscommon Credit Union Ltd. Virtual AGM 2020 – Monday, 22nd February 2021 at 8 pm Members of Roscommon Credit Union Ltd. are cordially invited to our 54th and first ever, virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, 22nd February 2021 at 8pm. Due to the Coronavirus situation, Roscommon Credit Union Ltd has moved the 2020 AGM to an online format, in line with restrictions, and public health measures, to keep our members, staff, committees, and wider community safe and socially distanced. Bernie Moran, CEO, Roscommon Credit Union explains “we are really keen to enable as many of our members as possible to join us on Monday, 22nd February 2021 at 8pm, the joining details are available on our website. We know some people don’t have access to digital platforms and I hope they will still feel able to participate by asking a question; these can be submitted by email to ceo@roscommoncu.ie or by calling us on 090 6626657. This is our 54th and first ever virtual AGM, with previous AGM’s we have our members present in the boardroom here in our Roscommon office, we truly look forward to that day again, when we can meet our members face to face, which hopefully will be the format for our 55th AGM”. About the Event This event is for members of Roscommon Credit Union only. The AGM will focus on the past financial year, 1st October 2019 to 30th September 2020. A comprehensive AGM pack including the 2020 AGM booklet and statements of account, have been posted to each member. Registration Members are required to Pre-Register. Only pre-registered members can access the online AGM. How to Register, Members can: (1) Register online via our website at www.roscommoncu.ie/eAGM; (2) Members can also email info@roscommoncu.ie using the subject title ‘E-AGM Registration’ or (3) call us on 090 6626657 to request a registration link. Registration closes on Monday, 22nd February 2021 at 1pm. Members will require the following to Pre-Register: • Member Number (this can be found on your statement of account, included in your AGM pack); • Valid email address; • Contact number.

Roscommon Christmas Lights Committee The Roscommon Christmas Lights Committee would like to thank all who helped to make the 2020 Christmas lights project such a success in these unprecedented times. As we watch the coronavirus pandemic play out on a global scale, it’s easy to feel helpless, but it is essential for a community to show resilience. No matter who you are or what your situation is, you can make a difference. We hope that the light and cheer provided by the Christmas lights helped lift people over the festive period. If anyone still wants to contribute, drop into Declan at Molloy’s Bakery or Liam at Klassic Cleaners on Church Street. The committee would like to thank the volunteers and organisers who used their skills and experience to erect the lights, the businesses that contributed Teleporters free of charge, Roscommon County Council, The Department of Community and Rural Affairs, the Gardaí, the businesses who contributed and the people of Roscommon who contributed so generously through the iDonate fundraiser. Thank you very much for your support.

Once registered, the member will receive a confirmation email containing their unique access link to the virtual AGM with instructions. Members can expect to receive their confirmation email within 24 hours of registering. Please note: the access link is unique to each member and acts as an identifier for the virtual AGM. We would ask that you do not share this access link with anyone else. How to join the virtual AGM Members must register to attend the Roscommon Credit Union Ltd virtual AGM 2020. To register your attendance and receive your unique access link, please visit our website www.roscommoncu/ie Already Registered When registered, the member will receive a confirmation email with a unique access link. Before the start time of the webinar, 8 pm Monday, 22nd February 2021, the member will need to open the confirmation email and click the ‘Join Webinar’ link, which will bring the member straight into the webinar. Members do NOT need to download anything prior to joining. How to Submit Questions for the AGM Questions can be asked live on the night or in advance. Members submitting questions in advance of the AGM can do so by emailing: ceo@roscommoncu.ie using the subject title ‘AGM Question’, alternatively, members can call us on 090 6626657 to submit a question over the phone. The closing date for submission of questions in advance of the virtual AGM is Monday, 22nd February 2021 at 1pm. Time permitting, the floor will be opened to attendees on the night, a member of the panel will ask the online audience to raise a virtual hand if they so wish to take to the virtual floor and speak. This process will be explained on the night by the chair. How to Place a Virtual Vote Voting will be by virtual means. At the start of the meeting, members will be informed as to how to cast their vote digitally. The Chair will inform members again how to cast their votes when called for. We hope our members will join us virtually on Monday, 22nd February at 8pm, for our first ever virtual AGM! – Bernie Moran, CEO, Roscommon Credit Union Ltd.

54th AGM

Virtual AGM 2020 Monday, 22nd February 2021 at 8 pm

• www.roscommoncu.ie/AGM • 090 6626657 • info@roscommoncu.ie • Members are required to Pre-Register. •Only pre-registered members can access the online AGM.

How to Register ... Members can Register online via our website at www.roscommoncu.ie/eAGM Members can also email info@roscommoncu.ie using the subject title ‘E-AGM Registration’ or call us on 090 6626657 to request a registration link. Registration closes on Monday, 22nd February 2021 at 1pm.

GARDAÍ INVESTIGATE THEFT OF RATHMOYLE CEMETERY GATES < DAN DOONER

Gardaí in Castlerea are continuing their investigations into the theft of gates from Rathmoyle Cemetery near Castlerea last weekend. The two five-foot silver gates

were reported missing on Sunday evening from the cemetery which is located near the townland of Kilmurray between Castlerea and Tulsk. Local Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan said there was anger locally following the theft.

Pictured are the Rathmoyle Cemetery gates that were recently stolen. Pic: Mick McCormack

“There is annoyance that such an act would occur at a communityowned graveyard, which is always very well maintained. “I would ask anyone with any information to contact Castlerea Garda Station and I plead again to

the person or persons involved in the theft to please return the gates to the cemetery,” he said. Anyone with information concerning the incident is asked to contact Gardaí in Castlerea on 094-9621630.

Pictured is Joe Keigher whose family has a plot at Rathmoyle Cemetery. Joe had assisted in the production of the gates. Joe was at the scene on Tuesday, where two makeshift gates are now in place. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

NewsPeople newsbriefs €34,580 reasons to smile! Lotto players from Kerry, Limerick and Roscommon will share a Lotto prize of €103,741 after they all came to within one number of Saturday night’s Lotto jackpot which was worth €3,750,184. All three players matched five numbers and the bonus ball on the main Lotto draw and will each get a cash prize of €34,580. The lucky player from Roscommon purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket at Mitchell’s Supermarket in Frenchpark in the north of Co. Roscommon. The Lotto numbers February 13th) were 11, 12, 21, 30, 35, and 38, and the bonus number was: 36.

Upgrade of Williamstown Road junction Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice has welcomed the commitment by Roscommon County Council to upgrade the junction at the Williamstown Road, Castlerea. Cllr. Fitzmaurice says: “The junction will be realigned to slow down traffic exiting towards Williamstown, and the two existing lanes coming into Castlerea will be widened to allow two cars to pass. This, along with the other road works taking place, will serve to improve the general area for the community”.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Feighan welcomes progress on Spinal Rehab Project The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Sligo-Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan has warmly welcomed “significant progress” regarding the spinal rehab project at Roscommon University Hospital. Funding for the development of a specialist rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital was included in the Project Ireland 2040 policy initiative, announced in 2018. He said: “Numerous reports, including the Implementation Framework for the Neurorehabilitation Strategy and Sláintecare, all give weight of evidence to the drivers and the need for specialist inpatient rehabilitation services, and support the development of a 20-bedded specialist inpatient rehabilitation unit with outpatient services for the HSE West area. “This unit will deliver twenty beds and therapy suite accommodation upon completion, and will operate as a satellite centre under the auspices of the National Rehabilitation Hospital to provide intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation to patients in the

West of Ireland. “Design Stage 1 of the Project was completed by the end of 2019, and was due for a national service and capital review in early 2020. However, the review was delayed due to onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The original design Stage 1 of this project was for a ten-bedded unit, however it was advised that there was a requirement for sixty Level 2 (i.e. special-

ist inpatient) Rehab beds nationally for the western part of the country, and that thirty beds are required for the HSE West area. “However, it was also advised that there is no funding allocated for other beds in the region at present, and also advised that twenty is the minimum number of beds that should be developed in one setting”. Minister Feighan added: “I am happy to state that

Roscommon University Hospital (RUH) was proposed to form a key part of the rehabilitation services to support the Trauma Unit planned for Galway University Hospital, and that twenty beds would be a requirement in the region for the implementation of the National Trauma Strategy. I want to further confirm that it was agreed at a meeting held on December 17th 2020 that a

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

legend of the sport. Rip Doug Mountjoy

Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified.

Marian Keyes @MarianKeyes

Niall Breslin @nbrez

Road to be closed: The L-6020-68 at Castleland will be closed for 700 metres between its junction with the N61 and the L-6028-0 at Derryquirk.

Ah LADS Thank you for all your incredible loveliness, I had the very BEST of times having the chats with the beautiful human being that is @Tommedian, I felt we could have talked forever. A heartfelt go raibh míle MÍLE maith agaibh #tommytiernanshow

Why why why why why do we continue to kick ball away to the best counterattacking team in world. Whyyyyyyyyy? #IREvFRA

The L-6028-0 at Ardkeenagh will be closed for 800 metres at its junction with the L-6020-68 at Derryquirk and the N5. Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted via L-1412-62 at Simpsons Cross on the N5. Period of Closure: The 8th of March 2021 until the 16th of April 2021. Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water mains along the public road in the Townlands of Ardkeenagh, Carrownageelaun, Castleland, Deryquirk & Steill as part of the Mid-Roscommon Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract. All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan. Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Maps showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie. Objections may be made in writing to the undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary road closure to arrive not later than 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday 24th February 2021. Water Services Section, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98.

revised Capital Submission should be submitted to the National Capital Estates and Property Steering Group for approval for funding for a 20-bed unit at Roscommon University Hospital. “This is excellent progress, and I will personally do what ever is possible to expedite this approval through the department of Health and the HSE”, concluded Minister Feighan.

– The acclaimed author confirms her membership of the ever-growing Tommy Fan Club Anne-Marie @am_flynn Lent? Are you having a laugh?! – Anne-Marie feels she’s made enough sacrifices… Joan Cooke @joancooke5 I think I’ll give up Stephen Donnelly for Lent. – Oh just leave the man alone!

– Jimmy speaks for all ageing snooker fans

– The musician (and former rugby player) got no kicks from Ireland’s display… Darren Frehill @Darrenfrehill A cup of tea and mikado biscuits. Doesn’t get much better than this

to xenophobia”, I just block them and let them howl into the void – It seems even the wine critic is a trolls’ target… Sally Wilton @sallywilts I was asked to remove my mask yesterday to verify my age to buy a bottle of wine. I’m 62 – This is getting ridiculous Jimmy White

– Darren has readjusted his expectations in light of lockdown Laurita Blewitt @lauritablewitt Great day for the drying – We’re all grasping at straws in the…er.. wind Tom Doorley @tomdoorley I have had to block two dozen plus racists

over the past 24 hours so. They|really Whiteto MBE4pm. | Thursday Mon – Wed Jimmy : 10am : 10am to or5pm Friday : 10am to 6.30pm are terribly predictable in their comments, @jimmywhite147 usually along the lines of “stick to food/ | Phone: - “stick 962 0910 wine”. Tempted as I am to094 respond, Sorry to OPEN hear about THROUGH the loss of a great LUNCH

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

Mon – Wed : 10am to 4pm. | Thursday : 10am to 5pm | Friday : 10am to 6.30pm OPEN THROUGH LUNCH | Phone: 094 - 962 0910

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

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D News page

Roscommon woman’s video features in Ridley Scott’s ‘Life in a Day’ < DAN DOONER

Roscommon director Ann-Marie Brennan’s video submission was recently included in the Ridley Scott production ‘Life in a Day 2020’ which premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival earlier this month.

A Roscommon director was the only Irish entrant selected to be part of the Ridley Scott produced documentary film ‘Life in a Day 2020’, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this month. Ann-Marie Brennan from Roscommon town was chosen from over 324,000 entries to be included in the crowd-sourced documentary by Scott’s RSA Films. The production is a sequel to the hugely successful ‘Life in a Day 2010’ and premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Entrants were asked to shoot footage on July 25th last year, which was an emotional day for the Brennan family, as Ann-Marie explains: “As it turned out, my uncle Bertie, who was a huge film buff, passed away

just the day before and July 25th was his 88th birthday,” she said. Ann-Marie decided to proceed with her filming and captured scenes from Bertie’s wake as well as Smyth’s Funeral Home in Roscommon. So moving was the footage, which featured singing from family members including Ann-Marie’s 86-year-old uncle Frank, that one editor described it as being “central to the overall emotional roller coaster journey of the film”. Ann-Marie, who has produced documentaries for RTÉ and TV3 in the past, said she was “chuffed and overwhelmed” that her footage was chosen for the documentary. “I was a bit nervous about submitting something for the 2010 documentary but in 2020 I just though I’d send something in on the date

(July 25th). I didn’t know what was going to be happening but I had my mind made up that I would submit something anyway. “I was overwhelmed when the producers came and asked me had I got all the release forms for the footage. I went and asked Patrick Smyth if he’d be kind enough to release the footage and he said it was Ok. “I have been filming all my adult life and I’ve even produced a few things for RTÉ and a documentary about Savita Halappanavar for TV3 but I was really chuffed that Ridley Scott’s production team picked up on this. After taking a break from it for a few years, it’s a nice way to make a return to filming!” After the 324,000 global entries for a ‘Life in a Day 2020’ were whittled down, they were viewed by director Kevin MacDonald (The

Mauritanian, Touching the Void, The Last High King of Scotland), and a team of three editors. One of the editors, Nse Asuquo singled out Ann-Marie’s footage as being pivotal to their approach. Describing the Roscommon funeral footage with singing as being “quite a heavy subject”, Nse said the scene “talked to us about what we’re going through as human beings – the depths of things we are going through and also the lightness”. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on February 1st and had its world premier on YouTube February 6th. It has already amassed over 8 million views. Life in a Day 2020 was produced by Ridley Scott’s RSA Films and directed by Kevin Mac Donald. You can view the complete documentary on YouTube.

Local angling group named as national finalist in National Lottery Good Causes Awards A Roscommon group that has made angling accessible for all has been named amongst the thirty-six community groups, sports clubs and organisations from all over Ireland who were announced as finalists in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards. The Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub will contest in the Health and Wellbeing category in the Good Causes Awards final. The awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities. Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on all National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language. In total, more than €5.8 billion has been raised since the National Lottery was established thirty-three years ago.

In 2020 alone, €254 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland. When the Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub realised how prohibiting fishing boats are for people in wheelchairs, they were determined to make the healthy activity equal and accessible for all. In 2015, they approached the Irish Wheelchair Association and a number of disability groups to draw up designs for a unique vessel. Local people with disabilities designed their own boat, which would allow

wheelchair users to ‘roll on’ and ‘roll off’, eliminating the need for lifting or hoisting. National Lottery funding assisted the group in the construction of their ‘Access for All’ boat, which had its debut voyage on Lough Ree in August 2020. Since then, the group has been able to bring dozens of people out on to the lake every week for fishing and sightseeing. The thirty-six winning groups will now proceed to the grand final in six categories: Sport, Health and Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts and Culture, Community,

Pictured is Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Club.

and Youth. A seventh category, Irish Language, will have a special award, to be announced at the Awards final, in recognition of outstanding work done in the promotion of the Irish Language. The judging of the National Finals of the Good Causes Awards will take place virtually this week. Each national category winner will receive €10,000, while the overall Good Cause of the Year will get an additional €25,000. The winners will be announced on Saturday, May 29th.

Caroline Smyth (Teemana, Ballintubber) pictured with her two daughters, Caoimhe and Ava, who received a joint first prize along with the ‘Active Age’ in the Ballintubber Tidy Towns recycling project. Here is just one amazing example of some of her recycling ideas; pictured are two nutcrackers made from old buckets and flower pots. Congratulations and well done Caroline, DJ and family.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

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‘Not too many Dutch people have an All-Ireland medal!’ Popular van Opstal family to leave Rahara < DAN DOONER

Hailing from Assen in the Netherlands, Richard and Irene van Opstal arrived in Knockcroghery with their three children Ina (18), Gerard (16) and Willemijn (13) in December 2013 – and it wasn’t long before they were immersed in the local culture. “When we first arrived in Knockcroghery we rented a house from Pat Byrne and he called in on our second night there to welcome us,” Irene explains. “He gave the children three hurls and put me in contact with Sylvia Kilcline of St. Dominic’s GAA and they have been involved with the club ever since!” Richard and Irene and family are members of Operation Mobilisation (OM), a religious mission which has members in over 115 countries across the world. They moved to Lacken House in Rahara in 2017 and have been hosting members of OM from countries such as Germany, Canada, USA and South Korea ever since. “Operation Mobilisation is a big global organisation and Lacken House is its base in Ireland. Before Covid-19, we facilitated visits from evangelists and other members of OM and we also organised the Kids’ Club in the Big Red Bus. Richard is a qualified electrician so he maintained the property while I was in charge of the catering and taking care of visitors,” Irene said. Richard and Irene were both born into Christian families in

the Netherlands and discovered OM when attending a ‘Discipleship weekend’. “If you had told me nine years ago that I would live somewhere outside the Netherlands I think I would have laughed in your face,” Irene added. “We were just looking for a closer relationship to God. Then we were told about the Logos Hope ship, which visits different parts of the world with Christian literature. I said it to Richard about selling the house when the kids had grown up and travelling abroad with OM. But something was triggered that day and it was definitely God’s doing. Basically, we believe that God brought us here”. Within a week of arriving, the van Opstal kids were enrolled in Knockcroghery National School and Ina and Gerard immersed themselves in Gaelic games while Willemijn took up Irish dancing. Since then, eldest daughter Ina has won an All-Ireland medal as part of St. Dominic’s’ fabled Scór na nÓg team of 2017. “Yes, you won’t find too many Dutch people with Connacht and All-Ireland medals,” Irene says with a laugh. “In 2016, Sylvia Kilcline called and told me to bring Ina along for an audition and that’s when we got hooked on Scór. Gerard has won county and Connacht medals too while Willemijn was big into the dancing. “We had a great weekend in Belfast in 2017 for the All-Ireland final and there have been

many more great nights with Scór too”. The van Opstals have loved their time in Roscommon and have made plenty of life-long friends along the way. However, they have made the decision to move back to the Netherlands this summer so that Ina can study civil engineering at the University of Twente and Gerard can start working towards his automotive technician qualification. “The Dutch education system is a bit different. Students can be learning a skill while still at school. So after three years in school back in the Netherlands, Gerard will have his qualification and can then work at any garage in the country,” Irene said. The Dutch school system will allow Gerard to work towards his qualification while continuing to study mathematics, English and Dutch. He could be fully qualified in four years rather than having to wait to finish an apprenticeship after school here. Covid-19 has also played a part in the family’s decision to make the move home and a reduction in visitors means there’s less work for OM facilitators like the van Opstals of Rahara. The family’s many friends and neighbours will tell you that Roscommon’s loss is very much the Netherlands’ gain, and Irene says leaving won’t be easy. “We are going back in the summer and it’s the right decision for our kids but we have

Pictured are Ina, Willemijn, Richard, Irene and Gerard van Opstil at Lacken House, Rahara.

The van Opstal family pictured following Ina’s All-Ireland win with St. Dominic’s at Scór na nÓg in Belfast.

really loved it here in Roscommon. We have made so many friends here so it won’t be easy to leave them behind,” she said. The van Opstals will depart

Lacken House and their neighbours in Knockcroghery and Rahara in June. They will return to the Netherlands with the very best wishes of their fellow club

members and many friends ringing in their ears and with a number of Roscommon, Connacht, and All-Ireland medals jangling in their luggage.

21. 0 2 r e emb t Form p t e n S e or rolm m n ow f n E g r an mail.co llin o o f r s n E ail u anns@g m e or se Plea ballyf

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

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FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

Fond memories of ‘Dear Frankie’ Frank on Ireland’s most famous agony aunt; Covid issues – including Frank and Una – and a local rugby success story Way back in the days of the sponsored programmes on Radio Éireann (for all of us lucky enough to remember them), we had, amongst many others, the iconic Glen Abbey Show. The show was the spawning ground of Frank Kelly’s famous creation – Gobnait O‘Lunacy – Walton’s music show, which gave us the never-to-be-forgotten slogan, ‘If you feel like singing, do sing an Irish song’, and of course the Jacobs biscuits show, which gave us the wonderful Frankie Byrneand the ‘Dear Frankie’ opening line which afforded us some memorable moments of hilarity all those years ago.

Reader highlights lack of Covid testing facilities in Athlone As we still struggle to sort out the Covid vaccine situation, one of my readers contacted me to highlight the lack of testing facilities in Athlone. He wondered why a facility that was in the carpark of the college at the beginning of the pandemic is now closed. As a result, this reader says that people on the Leinster side of the town have to drive to Mullingar to get tested, while those in Monksland and on the western side have a pretty long journey to make to get to Castlerea. He feels that because of the distances and inconvenience involved in these journeys, a number of people who are displaying symptoms and should be getting tested are neglecting to do so, instead staying out in the community when they should be self-isolating at home and reducing the risk of community transmission. Obviously I live a long way from Athlone, so I wouldn’t really have a clue as to what goes on in the Midlands town, but the reader who contacted me feels there should be a testing centre there and that such a centre would encourage more people to get themselves checked out. It seems to me that such a large centre of population should have one, but obviously that is a decision for the HSE or the Government. So in the meantime, if you feel any way unwell, you should head for Mullingar or Castlerea.

For those who do not remember Frankie, she was the first of the agony aunts. Each week, to the amusement of thousands of young lads like myself (and many others) Frankie would deal with the romantic problems facing the Irish people. While everyone knew that most of the letters were probably made up or non-existent, in her absolutely unique and sensitive voice, Frankie would issue her advice on how to solve the problem. ‘Dear Frankie’ became a catchphrase for all of us. We would spend hours upon hours making up the most outlandish romantic problems and pretending we were Frankie – giving even more outlandish solutions to the already ridiculous questions. I know it was probably very childish, but it was great craic, and Frankie Byrne is someone I have never forgotten. And so it was with a huge amount of nostalgia that, as I was eating the dinner the other evening, I heard her familiar husky voice on the TV behind me. Without even turning, I recognised her immediately. The sad thing about Frankie

was that as she tried to solve everyone else’s problems, she could never solve her own. Her personal life was close to being a disaster. She was rumoured to have been in a 30-year relationship with a well-known TV broadcaster and journalist and to have had a daughter with him. However, when she had to give up the girl for adoption, she turned to drink and eventually died from dementia, which doctors said was brought on by the drink. Fortunately, she met her daughter, Valerie, ten years before she died, and they spent some quality time together. However, as I am writing this on Valentine’s Day, the day when romance is supposed to be the main item on the agenda (hope you got the card, the chocolates, and the flowers, or God help you), I prefer to think of Frankie as her adoring public knew her. She was our first and favourite agony aunt, someone regarded as the person who laid the foundations for radio shows that followed, such as The Gerry Ryan Show and Liveline. Dear Frankie, thank you for the memories!

Frankie Byrne ... ‘Dear Frankie’ was broadcast from 1963 to 1985

And finally…

Heading to sunnier climates divided public opinion.

Court of public opinion convicts Frank and Una! Back to Covid and the rules and regulations that we are all under… on Joe Duffy’s Liveline programme, two oldaged pensioners drove some listeners mad when they told Joe that they had effectively disobeyed the lockdown, flown out of Dublin Airport and headed to the sun. Frank from Sligo and Una from Limerick told Joe of how they had availed of €20 one-way Ryanair flights to head off to two different parts of Gran Canaria. The listeners were outraged. If they had committed the most gruesome of murders they would not have been vilified as much. It made me wonder how has it come to this. Fair enough, we are all advised to behave responsibly, but these two pensioners were flying off what were presumably socially distanced flights, and were not going to come back for the foreseeable future. Frank said he was going to stay in an area that has far

less Covid than we have, and with the benefit of sun, sea and an open hospitality sector, he has no plans to return until he gets called up for his vaccine. As for Una, she seemed open-minded as to when she might return, and all I can say is – why not? What is the benefit of forcing those pensioners to stay here – where Covid is still rampant – and where people like Una and Frank are facing loneliness, isolation and despair? Fair enough, if they were just hopping out for a week or so, then the outcry would be justified, but when they both bought oneway tickets, it’s different. Let them off to enjoy the sun and the pool, and good luck to them. It is a very different scenario from the lowlifes who made dental appointments in Tenerife with no intention of ever turning up for them – just using them to camouflage their plans of having a little vacation. To even think

up such a scheme to bypass the flight rules shows how contemptible they are. I would absolutely throw the book at those chancers, but I would show a lot more compassion to Una and Frank. Even back home, while we all accept that we need to restrict our movements, in my opinion after all these months of hardship and restrictions there has to be some common sense shown in dealing with individual cases. For example, over in England I see Amanda Holden has been reported to the police for making a ‘mercy dash’ to see her parents after getting a distressing phone call from her elderly father. Surely there must be mitigating circumstances taken into consideration in such cases, as indeed there is in every type of crime. How sad is it that such a trip now can actually constitute a crime! Covid-19 really has changed everything utterly.

Finally for this week, and on to rugby matters (but surprisingly not about the Irish international men’s team, which is, in my opinion, getting a lot of unfair criticism this week). We have a good news story with a big local connection. Larissa Muldoon, whose father Vincent is from Donamon, and whose late grandfather (also Vincent) had many a deal with me back in my furniture days, has been selected on the Irish Ladies rugby team of the decade at scrum-half. This is a massive honour and one that is well deserved. Larissa amassed 48 caps before retiring from the international game. She became a development officer for the GAA in north Co. Dublin, before switching codes back again to rugby and taking up a position as one of the Community rugby officers in Leinster. In 2020 she rejoined the Irish panel, and while plans for this year’s tournament are a bit up in the air at the moment, it does look as if the Six Nations will go ahead, and I feel sure she will be part of it. It can sometimes be overlooked that back in the 1990s Creggs were the number one ladies rugby team in Ireland. In 1994, five Creggs players were capped for Ireland. So all these years later, it’s good to see a neighbour’s child doing so well. Larissa has plans to visit Creggs RFC when she can, and it would be great to welcome her here. In the meantime, congratulations, Larissa – well done on this major honour.

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

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“

Going for a walk… Some swans decided to emerge from the water and go for a walk when photographer Mick McCormack was on his travels earlier this week!

Loved Pancake Tuesday. Now let’s play Fantasy Week… MONDAY: Coffee in a café with a friend(s)…followed by more coffee. ‘Two Americanos please’. ‘Do you want anything with that?’ ‘No, I’m grand’. ‘Are you sure?’ TUESDAY: Lunch in a nice local restaurant…the buzz, the atmosphere, the comfort, the food! WEDNESDAY: A midweek pint. Sitting at the counter…rearranging the stools to accommodate a friend. Nodding at familiar faces. A token reference to weather and one or two more topical issues before getting down to business…talking football. ‘Put on two more there when you have a chance’. ‘Give us a nod when it’s last orders’. THURSDAY: Football training for your child. Scrambling for the kit. The tapestry of cars. Familiar faces. The fresh air. The sheer healthiness of it all. ‘How did you get on?’ ‘Did you score?’ ‘We have a blitz on Saturday!’

TAKE A BREAK The column that smiles through lockdown!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO… Famous birthdays today (February 18 2021)

FRIDAY: A pint after work. With newspaper. At first. Then put paper down. A few others are in. Good craic. Another pint. Relaxing wrap to a busy week at work. Normality.

The things people say… Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves? – Robin Williams

SATURDAY: A league match. Bitterly cold, but not in the heart. Find a parking place. ‘We usually park there, it’s only ten minutes to the pitch and it’s handy for getting away afterwards’. Brisk walk. Creaking turnstile, nod, smile, banter. ‘How are ye?’ Scan the players during the warm-up. Goalkeeper’s hollering crackles through the air. Midfielders jostle. Shrill whistle. Game on. Bliss! SUNDAY: Mass. People. Neighbours. Community. Sacred. Sense of belonging. Later, bringing your children to their grandparents, or your grandparents to your children. A communal Sunday lunch. The kids ‘perform’ for their grandparents. Relax and chat. Then, time to go, school beckoning in the morning. Hugs and kisses. Normality. – PH

Gary Neville (46)

Matt Dillon (57)

John Travolta (67)

Yoko Ono (88)

A festive February!

When the Roscommon by side there. In their car- Christmas lighting. And, mas lights are still shinTown Christmas Lights park, a number of trees even into the second half ing every evening. And Committee – reflecting a were decorated with of February, those Christ- it’s nice! trend kick-started in Elphin – decided to leave the festive lighting on until the end of January, it was quite a novelty. Many private houses followed suit. Strange times called for some innovation. Many people left their Christmas trees (and outdoors displays) up during what felt like the longest January in history. By Sunday 31 January, such novel ‘Christmas Lights: Extra-time’ projects (countrywide) came to an end. Well, not quite. We’ve been intrigued over recent weeks to see an attractive lights’ display continuing near what is often referred Mon – Wed : 10am to 4pm.to as| Walsh’s Thursday roundabout.: 10am to 5pm | Friday : 10am to 6.30pm The Walsh family run two Three donkeys pictured in a snowy field. Picture: Mick McCormack very convenient stores side OPEN THROUGH LUNCH | Phone: 094 - 962 0910

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Why I hate those ‘gender reveal’ parties I never watched Made in Chelsea – the now defunct E4 reality TV show that came to an abrupt end due to coronavirus restrictions. However, I’m familiar with the conveyor belt of privileged prats whose entire lives, relationships, dramas, bingedrinking, cheating, and manipulative blame-shifting are all laid bare via this car-crash series. One of those spoiled drama queens is former cast member Ashley James, a party girl who’s famous for, well, being ‘papped’ every time she turns up and leaves the opening of an envelope. Now, normally when I come across a feature tagged with her name (or any of the MIC cast’s names), I move on. However, when a few ‘red tops’ reported that Ashley said she was ‘disappointed’ at her new-born son’s gender, allegedly announcing that “men are trash,” I read on. I mean, why would this woman

reportedly make such a hurtful statement? Well it appears the diva was disappointed by her baby’s gender because she didn’t want to ‘bring another man into the world,’ due to having had ‘such bad experiences with men’ – and that’s something I find upsetting for two reasons. Firstly, she’s wrong, men are not ‘trash’, and secondly, by generalising in this manner, Ms. James is stereotyping, pigeon-holing, accusing and harshly judging an entire gender, based solely on her own unfortunate experiences. Now if this new mother was simply an ordinary-run-of-the-mill individual like you and me, i.e. someone who lives their life out of the spotlight, this remark may not have had much impact. However, as she’s an ‘influencer’ whose website boasts ‘277k Instagram followers, 72k Twitter fol-

The importance of integrity in sales

I’m sure you’re familiar with the famous Zig Ziglar (motivational speaker), quote: ‘If people like you, they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you, they’ll do business with you’. Now for me, it’s absolutely essential for any business to hold trust as one of its core values. This brings me to Mr. Alan Kelly from Tommie Kelly Electrical in Roscommon (other electrical supply stores are available too). Last week, I contacted the store online asking about their range of fridge freezers, explaining my own one had literally died! Alan happened to answer my query and he phoned me. What followed was an interesting conversation whereby this gentleman, instead of getting money out of me, managed to save me the cost of a new fridge/freezer by offering me advice regarding my ‘broken’ one’s storage location. By being trustworthy and having integrity, Alan didn’t make any financial gain from my enquiry, because, as it turns out, I didn’t need a new domestic appliance after all. However, what Alan did manage to sell me was his trust, and that’s something you simply cannot buy because it’s priceless. Cheers Alan… you could have said nothing and made a sale, but instead, by focusing on me as a person and not as a potential sale/customer, you offered me advice and a solution that saved me money. Thank you! In the words of The Terminator… I’ll be back!

lowers, and 196k+Youtube views,’ from individuals in her age bracket, I’d imagine such statements about men could do more harm than good; and that’s highly unfair to the weaker sex (sorry lads, only joking). It turns out though that poor Ashley’s not really a ‘man hater’ and was sadly dealing with a condition common to a lot of new mothers – she was experiencing gender disappointment. This is a normal, natural emotion, whereby your heart is set on having a baby boy/girl, but genetics and Mother Nature decides otherwise. Now for me (as is the case for most parents), having a healthy child was enough, but for some, sadly the tears begin to flow the second that ultrasound scan reveals that the baby’s gender isn’t what they’d hoped and prayed for. This is dreadfully upsetting, both for the new mother and

Britney Spears

for her baby, because a child needs a parent/parents who are physically and emotionally available to them. And while I totally empathise with Ashley and with any new mam/dad struggling with this heart-breaking situation, it’s my opinion that any parent preoccupied with their own disappointment may find it difficult to meet the many needs of their newborn infant. Not only is this poor mother/father grieving the loss of the imagined ‘perfect’ child they thought they’d have, they’re also grieving the loss of that child’s specific gender. This is why I hate those ‘gender reveal’ parties! Or as my dad hilariously refers to them… ‘sex parties’. My eldest daughter (the mother of my beautiful 14-year-old granddaughter), is wonderfully and miraculously in her first trimester, expecting a much longed for second

child. The entire family is ecstatic. And despite the fact she’s only ten minutes pregnant, myself and my youngest (her sister) have been stockpiling every single item of ‘gender neutral baby stuff’ we can get our hands on, for the simple reason that nobody cares if this bundle of joy is a boy or a girl – my daughter simply wants a healthy child and a safe delivery. We’re just an ordinary close-knit family (separated by lockdown), now being pulled even closer together by the impending arrival of our precious new crew member whose gender will be revealed the second he/she enters the world! I’m not being critical or dismissive of Ashley James, nor of anyone experiencing gender disappointment. Their feelings are very personal, very real and very valid. I wish them every bit of joy, happiness and peace possible.

Justin Timberlake

I’m not lovin’ it Justin! Following a backlash from viewers of the Framing Britney Spears documentary, her former boyfriend Justin Timberlake has issued what’s been called ‘an apology’ for his past behaviour regarding their break-up. In the aftermath, Spears – who was accused of cheating on the pretty boy – was unfairly treated like a promiscuous hussy, with Timberlake being hailed as the harmed hero. However, instead of defending her back then, or even keeping his mouth shut, Timberlake, in an arrogant, selfserving move, cashed in on the cheating allegations by releasing his hit single ‘Cry me a River’, which featured a Britney lookalike. In short, Justin weaponised his solo career to make his vulnerable ex look like the baddie… and to

be honest, if I were Britney, I’d tell him where he could shove his pathetic apology… sideways! Justin’s remorse does not appear genuine. Rather, it appears to be more of an acknowledgement of how he’d behaved towards Spears. Yes, he says, “I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right”, but these are just words without substance. Timberlake’s career benefitted from those Britney-bashing years. He sat back while the likes of seasoned broadcaster Diane Sawyer hurled harsh words at the then 21-year-old Spears, probing her, during a ‘sit down’ interview regarding her alleged cheating.

Timberlake enjoyed a front row seat to Britney’s downfall; he witnessed the damage and did nothing. He’s had years to speak up, yet it’s only when he’s come under fire for his past actions that he’s realised an apology (or as I call it, an acknowledgement) is necessary in order to try and repair the injury he’s caused. Well Justin, it’s too late to apologise, and it’s too late to make nice. Why? Because when I read your lengthy and feeble public statement, it became abundantly clear to me that you are in no way genuinely affected by Britney’s pain whatsoever. Diane Sawyer… you also need to realise that you too messed up! Time to get your hands dirty lady – own your mistake and apologise to Britney.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

NewsPeople

Roscommon People readers – feel the love with Slimming World, via Zoom! Slimming World members – ‘feel the love with Slimming World’ with weekly groups still running via Zoom. We feel the love around us every single week at Slimming World – not just in February! Our spirits have certainly lifted as we enjoy lighter evenings and beautiful sunsets, and many people are feeling more positive and optimistic. Thanks to our powerful group support, lots of us fall in love with ourselves all over again. And through Food Optimising, we also discover you can love food and love life – and lose weight at the same time! We know that people don’t lose weight in a bubble, and some of the biggest challenges that our members face are related to trying to lose weight when sometimes the world around us doesn’t make that the easiest thing to do. The external environment in which we live can seems to put hurdle after hurdle and temptation after temptation in our way. That is why not only is our plan one that absolute-

ly works at group level, but in the real world too. We don’t only provide people with the tools to lose weight, but the support to dig deep, understand our own stoppers and motivations and make the most of those tools, whatever life throws at us. Research has shown that 60% of adults in the Republic of Ireland are classified as overweight, including 23% who have an ‘obese’ BMI. Just over a third (34%) of people in Ireland are trying to lose weight, with 49% of those being people who are overweight or obese currently trying to lose weight. Trish Keegan, who runs the groups in Roscommon, Castlerea and Ballygar, says: “When we launched our virtual groups back in March 2020, we never thought that we would be here nearly a year later! Back then, we hadn’t even heard of Zoom, and now we are all using it in everyday life. While we can’t be together in person, and I know it’s not the same, it’s still wonderful to see

the screen fill up with our lovely members and for forty minutes every week we can forget about Covid-19”. Carol Doran-Joyce, who runs the group in Kiltoom Parish Hall, says: “We are so proud of our members and how quickly they have adapted to attending our groups virtually, or ‘Slimming from home’ as I prefer to call it! “We are not just Slimming World Consultants,

we are members too. Slimming World changed my life by helping me achieve a three-stone weight loss while enjoying real food, whilst never going hungry. I now love helping my members achieve their dream target weight too”. We are able to offer our members the fantastic things they get in real-live groups, and members who are with us virtually get access to the support of the full Slimming World

website, our new Slimming World app (complete with barcode scanner) and a free digital copy of our award-winning magazine. Food Optimising was designed to avoid feelings of guilt and shame and the cycle of yo-yo dieting that they create for many of us. Slimming World’s members learn that a healthy eating plan doesn’t have to be about counting calories or going hungry – this might seem like magic,

This delicious fish dinner is packed with good things and tastes every bit as fantastic as it looks! * Serves 4 Ingredients

Method 1. Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions, then drain and return to the pan, reserving 100ml of the pasta cooking water. 2. Meanwhile, spray a wide non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a mediumhigh heat. Add the salmon chunks and cook for 1-2 minutes or until just cooked, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a plate. 3. Add the peppers, garlic and green beans to the frying pan and cook for 6-8 minutes or until tender and lightly charred, stirring often. Add to the salmon cubes and mix gently. 4. Toss the salmon mixture through the pasta and stir in the fromage frais, lemon zest, chopped watercress and as much of the pasta water as you need to make a good sauce. Season lightly and divide between plates or shallow bowls. Scatter over the watercress sprigs and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over. Enjoy!

Special offer

Slimming World are delighted to offer all new members who sign up for six weeks of Slimming a free week and a fantastic

new cookbook with pasta and noodle recipes. This will see members safely through to Easter, and hopefully brighter days are not too far away. * To avail of this fantastic joining offer, and to join Roscommon, Castlerea or Ballygar, contact Trish at 087 8581325, or to join Kiltoom on Saturday, contact Carol at 086 6006866. Alternatively, log on to slimmingworld.ie to find your nearest group.

SPECIAL OFFER Free week and a free recipe book, when members purchase a 6 week block from 14th February

Zesty Salmon Pasta

• 500g dried fusilli pasta • Low-calorie cooking spray • 4 skinless and boneless salmon fillets cut into bite-size chunks • 2 Peppers (any colours), deseeded and chopped • 1 garlic cloves, crushed • 300g green beans, trimmed and halved • 100g fat-free natural fromage frais • 1 large unwaxed lemon, zested and cut into wedges • Small bag of watercress, a few sprigs reserved, the rest chopped

but it is science! Slimming World aims to give slimmers a way to enjoy hearty portions of delicious food, eat to satisfy their appetite, and continue to unashamedly love food and lose weight. What’s not to love?

Tr is h

087 8581325 Tuesday Roscommon Wednesday Castlerea Thursday Ballygar

C a ro l 086 6006866 Saturday Kiltoom

Career Opportunities contact Pauline

087 1878701 for details Carol’s Slimming World Athlone Slim with Trish - Tuesday Roscommon Town Slimming World Castlerea Slimming World Ballygar

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

NewsPeople

Deadline looms for Galway to Athlone Cycleway submissions Dolan urges public to support Green and Blue < DAN DOONER

Members of the public are being reminded to make submissions in relation to the route options for the Galway to Athlone Cycleway ahead of the March 1st deadline. Local Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan has voiced her support for two of the five routes which have been circulated by the team in charge of the project. Both the Blue and Green routes will come close to Ballinasloe and Co. Roscommon, potentially along the River Shannon towards Shannonbridge. Senator Dolan described the Green Route as “very scenic” and will allow cyclists to travel from Athlone to Galway with highlights along the Grand Canal into Ballinasloe, the Beara Breifne Trail in Killure, the recently restored Clonbrock House and Gardens along with the planned McAllister Whiskey & Gin Distillery in Ahascragh, Mountbellew Forest Trail and other landmarks. Senator Dolan added that the Blue Route “also gives a fantastic experience to walkers and cyclists coming through

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan is calling on the public to make submissions supporting the Green and Blue routes for the proposed Galway to Athlone Cycleway.

Pictured is Ahascragh Mills, Ahascragh West, Co. Galway.

Co. Galway via Ballinasloe and onto the historical village of Aughrim and to visit the Franciscan Abbey in Kilconnell and the magnificent Woodlawn House”. Addressing the concerns

of local farmers and landowners, the Fine Gael Senator said: “I understand the concerns regarding the impact of this development. But by working together and by consensus we can be part

of a wonderful opportunity for our local community as well as the potential for eco-tourism and start-up businesses. “We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform our

Pictured is Bunowen River in Clonbrock.

the route comes near where you live, which would have a positive impact on towns such as Mountbellew or Kilconnell for example, if the route is chosen to go near those towns,” she said.

‘Rooting’ for local routes… Ahead of the deadline for submissions for the Galway to Athlone Cycleway on March 1st, local residents and businesspeople have voiced their support for the Green and Blue Routes…

Pictured are the ruins of the Clonbrock house.

communities by developing safe places to walk and cycle. “I would like to thank everyone who put in submissions so far and there is still time to have your say. This is your chance to ensure

Cllr. Albert Dolan, a Monivea-based Galway County Councillor, said the Green Route would have a positive impact on the local area. “When the route arrives at the Monivea woods it presents a great utilisation of public lands coming through the forest trail. Not only is it a great use of public lands but it would also highlight the historical sites in the area, from the Ffrench estate Mausoleum to the Old bleaching greens of Monivea village. “It would also allow many rural parishes in east Galway to thrive into the future. The community around Colmanstown United Football Club are excited to support this project and the Green Route in particular, as this is an area which has not seen the same inward investment as some of the other areas in recent years. “This piece of infrastructure could

act as a massive economic boost to the area. I believe if the Green Route is to be successful it is of paramount importance that we tell our story, which is a story of rich heritage and history”. Maura Hannon is a member of Galway Telework Co-Operative Society Limited, a community organisation in Mountbellew. She said Mountbellew offers a wealth of history and the Green Route would allow visitors to indulge in this. “Mountbellew offers visitors a wide range of appealing diversions, historical, cultural, genealogical as well as scenic. It has a unique feature as within short walking distance of its wonderful woods and rural pathways are plentiful cafes, bars and historical attractions which belies its small population. It would make for a worthwhile visit and a Ceád Mile Failte awaits all visitors,” she said. Gareth and Michelle McAllister own and run McAllister Irish Spirits in Ahascragh. They believe the Greenway would offer a “world class experience”. “We believe the Greenway will offer a world class experience for cyclists

through the Grand Canal and unique boglands into Ballinasloe and onto Ahascragh, Caltra, Mountbellew, Monivea and surrounding areas. “Ahascragh has much to offer within the beautiful village itself, the Bunowen River and of course our distillery, visitor centre, events and hospitality spaces, and The Old Mill Shop and Café all coming soon to the village”. Paddy Naughton (79) is originally from Ballyforan but has been living in Aughrim for the past fifty years. He says the Blue Route would provide a boost for local historical sites. “The site of the Battle of Aughrim is close by of course and the Blue Route would be a good way of highlighting the local history and bringing people to the area. “The route would follow the old path the Franciscan monks took in the aftermath of the battle, from Ballinasloe to Aughrim and then on to Kilconnell. “There is also the Interpretative Centre for the Battle of Aughrim which commemorates those who fell in the battle, so local tourism would be boosted if the Galway to Athlone Cycleway was to come this way,” he said.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

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Fitzmaurice: ‘EU strategy would decimate rural Ireland!’ Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has said new designation types under the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy, such as Strictly Protected Areas, could decimate rural Ireland in the next ten years. Deputy Fitzmaurice was reacting to reports that Ireland is set to join an international effort to designate a third of the Earth as a protected area by 2030. “The amount of designation in the west and north of this country is more than enough. If stricter designa-

tions are introduced and rolled out under the cover of biodiversity, it will basically lead to rural abandonment. “Levels of human activity in a Strictly Protected Area would be reduced to practically zero. Planning permission for homes or farm developments would almost be impossible to secure. Improvements to roads or other infrastructure would be delayed and difficult to deliver. “We cannot allow the west and north of the

country to be targeted for further designations in the coming years which would decimate rural communities. “Where are all the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs who are supposed to be in Government? They are letting the Greens do what they want – even if it is detrimental to rural Ireland. “They need to stand up to the Green agenda, otherwise large swathes of rural Ireland could be turned it nothing more than a theme park,” he concluded.

IFA fertiliser survey shows it pays to shop around IFA Farm Business and Inputs Chairperson Rose Mary McDonagh has highlighted the variations in fertiliser prices across the country in the month of January, following a recent survey completed by the IFA. Rose Mary McDonagh said: “Fertiliser prices will differ slightly from region to region, there are still savings to be made from shopping around”. IFA has completed a survey on the prices of several fertilisers in each county. There is a significant variation in fertiliser prices across the country ranging from €10/t to €30/t. The keenest quotes are for volume orders and or near cash deals. In many cases, bulk purchase and self-collection reduce prices by €10 to 20/t. However, some merchants are offering extended credit terms in order to secure good business. Buyer groups in many instances are securing discounts on the above quotes. Rose Mary McDonagh added that since the beginning of February there’s been aggressive price hikes with increases of €30/t common across most fertilisers despite strong supply. Wholesale prices have increased because of difficulties sourcing raw materials and the impact of Covid-19 on supply chains.

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. 3 RINGS IN OPERATION INTAKE AT 8 A.M. ORDER OF SALE AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE. LEVEL 5 COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE.

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

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Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

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IFA accuses dairy industry of undermining milk price The acting Chairman of the IFA Dairy Committee Stephen Arthur has condemned DII (Dairy Industry Ireland) proposals to change base milk price quotations. Under the proposal, base milk price quotations will change from 3.3% Protein/3.6% Butterfat to 3.4% Protein/4.2% Butterfat. The IFA has written to all milk processors outlining our opposition to the proposed change and requested that the letters be read out at all milk pro-

cessor board of management meetings next month. “The representative structure of milk processors is being undermined by management. Farmers have been sidelined. There is no consultation with elected representatives,” Mr. Arthur said. “This is a change sought solely by management, not by suppliers, and must be reversed. It’s all for optics. Processors want to look like they are paying more for milk when nothing

has changed – we are still getting the same price for our milk as we did 25 years ago”. The IFA says it is advocating that milk price should be stated on a €/kg Milk solids basis in order to enhance transparency. “The real threat from this change is that it will erode the gains farmers have made within the farm gate. Over time, we will end up supplying milk with higher milk solids, but for a lower price,” Mr. Arthur concluded.

Teagasc farm schemes webinar < SEÁN DOORLEY (TEAGASC DRYSTOCK ADVISOR, LONGFORD TOWN)

The Teagasc Roscommon/ Longford Advisory service are continuing with their very popular webinar series on February 22nd at 8 pm, this time focusing on farm schemes. Charlie Devaney (Advisor, Teagasc Castlerea (and Conor Dobson (Teagasc Longford) will be covering the topics of Farm Schemes update and TAMS 2 requirements for the April 16th deadline, respectively. On the webinar, each advisor will give a presentation and participants who view the webinar can put question to each panellist. Farm Schemes Update BEAM, BEEP-S and BDGP are

schemes that are on the mind of most beef farmers currently. The European Commission has recently allowed Ireland flexibility to set a new reduction period under the Beef Emergency Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme and details of this will be outlined in the webinar. The continuation of BEEP-S into 2021 was announced in the budget last October and requirements of this scheme will be presented. And lastly, this year, farmers in the BDGP were given a one year extension. Charlie Devaney will give a re-cap of what is required of farmers in this program in 2021. TAMS 2 It was recently announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, that

The scheme provides grants for on-farm capital investment for items such as farm buildings.

Teagasc Roscommon/ Longford Schemes Webinar Teagasc Roscommon/Longford are hosting Schemes Webinar on Zoom Register here http://bit.ly/RNLDwebinarSchemes or scan the QR code Pictured is Seán Doorley, Teagasc Drystock Advisor, Longford Town.

the current tranche of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) will close on April 16th, 2021. The scheme provides grants for on-farm capital investment for items such as farm buildings, sheep fencing, meal bins, cattle/sheep crushes, weighing scales and much more. Conor Dobson will outline farmer eligibility for TAMS, the application process and rate of payments for farmers. * The online Zoom webinar will last for one hour. You can register here at bit.ly/RNLDwebinarSchemes or follow the hashtag #RNLDwebinars on social media. Remember, if viewing on your smartphone, download the Zoom app.

Monday 22nd February 8pm; Topics & Speakers  Update of BEAM, BEEP-S & BDGP - Charlie Devaney  TAMS 2, requirements for 16th April deadline - Conor Dobson Charlie Devaney

Conor Dobson

@Teagascroscommonlongford

We hope you can join us for the discussion and Q & A session #RNLDwebinars @TeagascRNLD

For more information phone Roscommon (090) 6626166, Castlerea (094) 9620160 & Longford (043) 3341021. Tom Kellegher Regional Manager

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

Farming/NewsPeople

IFA: Minister must maximise latitude on BEAM

IFA President Tim Cullinan said resolving the 5% issue in the BEAM Scheme will require more than the additional six months extension that has been announced. He said the full extent of the latitude given by the EU Commission must be outlined by the Minister for Agriculture, and fully availed of. “It appears the EU Commission is willing to give more latitude than just the six months. IFA has sought a meeting with the Minister to establish the full scope of their response and to ensure it’s applied to the scheme,” Mr. Cullinan said. IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden said the scheme is based on the losses farmers experienced from the devaluation in sterling as a result of the Brexit vote. “The Department of Agriculture

must provide farmers with detailed monthly updates of the actual position on their farm in meeting the target. IFA has consistently identified this information deficit as a critical issue for farmers in complying with the scheme. Without this, key management decisions are being taken in the dark and time extensions alone will not resolve this,” he said. Mr. Golden added that farmers who have a TB breakdown or any other exceptional event on their farm must have this treated as Force Majeure and the 5% requirement removed. “A speedy finalisation of this issue is vital to allow farmers plan the year ahead and avoid any market disruption. This resolution must take full advantage of the autonomy now given to the Minister by the Commission”.

There was a smaller entry of stock presented for sale this week due to inclement weather conditions. Trade and prices for most categories of stock is holding up well, as customers are sourcing stock for further feeding. The calf ring reported a 100% clearance, with a very lively trade reported. The weanling rings reported good clearances this week, as more farmer activity was reported, while the bullocks and heifer rings reported good demand for the quality lots on offer. The cull cows remain a strong trade, with a top price of €2,020 paid, and the runners were in strong demand, with extra farmer interest this week. Springers made from €1210 to €2010 per head, and runners made from €310 for dairy cross lots and up to €820 for continental lots. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 18th), with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with all Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions in place. Sample prices for Bullocks: Ch 445kgs €1100, Lm 415kgs €1030, Ch 425kgs €1070, Ch 510kgs €1290, Lm 505kgs €1200, AA 500kgs €1110, Ch 575kgs €1340, Ch 595kgs €1340, Lim 605kgs €1350, Ch 670kgs €1540. Heifers: Lm 365kgs €1090, Lm 415kgs €1020, Lm 365kgs €960, Lm 465kgs €1530, Lm 450kgs €1190, Lm 440kgs €1150, Ch 605kgs €1350, Sim 530kgs €1250. Dry cows: Lm 1080kgs €2020, BBx 870kgs €1620, Sim 835kgs €1560, Ch 825kgs €1430, Sim 765kgs €1410, Fr 630kgs €840, Fr 725kgs €980. Calves: AA hfr €250, AA hfr €270, Sim bull €350, Fr bull €130, Fr bull €100, Fr bull €70. Weanling bulls: Chx 295kgs €830, Lm 285kgs €750, Ch 265kgs €760, Lm 430kgs €1110, Lm 450kgs €1090, Sax 410kgs €1060, Ch 305kgs €870. Weanling heifers: Ch 235kgs €780, Ch 240kgs €730, AA 250kgs €720, Sim 205kgs €670, Ch 305kgs €900, Lm 345kgs €900, Ch 375kgs €920.

Covid 19 Level 5 – Mart Restrictions

Friday, February 19th at 11 a.m.

Extra Special Spring Sale of Heifers 35 pens on offer Also Bullocks & Dry Cows ----------------------

Friday, February 26th at 11 a.m.

IFA President Tim Cullinan

with all key stakeholders on board to make this happen. “This Bill is about fair play and equality for rural areas; it would ensure that all public bodies, including all Government Departments, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland have due regard for rural Ireland by producing rural impact assessments on their measures, especially where such measures might have a significant socio-economic impact on rural Ireland. “For decades, rural towns and villages have been neglected by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil Governments. Many never recovered from the 2008 economic crash – services were taken away, jobs were lost and never replaced, towns became derelict and businesses closed.

Castlerea MART WATCH

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

All sales shall be ONLINE ONLY on our LSL App Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale. Sellers must drop off their livestock and leave. Animals will be sold subject and Sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone. ----------------------

Claire Kerrane introduces Rural Equality Bill Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson for Rural Development, Claire Kerrane, yesterday (Wednesday) introduced the Rural Equality Bill, which is aimed at ensuring equal investment for rural Ireland. Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Deputy Kerrane said: “This Bill is especially timely as for certainly the first time in my lifetime, we are seeing a move from urban to rural, with people and families leaving cities to settle in rural communities. “With this, we need to ensure adequate investment and services follow to support and sustain rural towns and villages. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity, post-Covid, to get this right. That means a united approach

(Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years)

“The consequences of this neglect has been highlighted by the EU Commission in the case of the West and North West region in downgrading it from a ‘Developed Region’ to a ‘Region in Transition’, because when it comes to investment in jobs, infrastructure and education, we are at the bottom of the table. This has not happened by accident. “We have an opportunity increased access to funding from Europe between now and 2027, during which time the EU will contribute €60 for every €100 invested in the West and North West. We need to take full advantage of this. “I hope that all Deputies will take this opportunity to support our rural communities in backing this Bill”.

Roscommon MART WATCH The numbers on offer at our cattle sale on Friday, February 12th, were smaller than the previous week. Quality lots sold well, however lesser types of stock were a bit more difficult to sell. Bullocks averaged from €2.26 per kilo up to €2.80 per kilo, dry cow numbers were smaller this week with lots averaging from €1.75 per kilo up to €2.12 per kilo, and heifer numbers were also smaller, with prices ranging from €2.30 per kilo up to €2.45 per kilo. This Friday (19th), we will have our special sale of heifers as well as a general sale of bullocks and dry cows. Please note that all customers must wear a facemask or face covering. There was a larger entry of sheep on offer at this week’s sale on Wednesday, February 17th, with

a similar trade for hoggets and cast ewes. Finished hoggets made up to €152 for 63.8kgs, and stag ewes made up to €144. There was also a large entry of in-lamb ewes and ewes with lambs at foot. Cast ewes made from €70 to €144 per lot, in lamb ewes made up to €260, ewes with two lambs at foot made up to €300, and ewes with one lamb at foot made up to €225. Our next online sheep sale for lambs and cast ewes takes place on Wednesday, February 24th at 11 am. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com. Sample prices for dry cows: Char 730kgs €1370, Char X 700kgs €1350,

Char X 770kgs €1340, Char X 730kgs €1310, BBX 660kgs €1170, Char X 600kgs €1160, Simm X 670kgs €1150, Lim X 660kgs €1060, Char X 525kgs €900. Heifers: Char X 540kgs €1200, Char X 420kgs €1030, Char X 440kgs €1000. Bullocks: Char X 810kgs €1760, Char X 765kgs €1630, Char X 635kgs €1580, 2 Lim X 607kgs €1580, 4 Char X 607kgs €1520, 3 AAX 601kgs €1290, Lim X 540kgs €1300, Char X 515kgs €1280, 2 Lim X 427kgs €1070, Char 420kgs €1180, Char X 425kgs €1090. Finished hoggets: 63.8kgs €152, 56kgs €150, 52kgs €150, 54.6kgs €149, 52kgs €147, 50.3kgs €143, 48.1kgs €138, 45.2kgs €130, 42.5kgs €120.

Extra Special Spring Sale of Bullocks Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, February 22nd ----------------------

Friday, March 5th at 11 a.m.

Springtime Special Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 1st ----------------------

Tuesday, February 23rd at 4 p.m.

Special Spring Sale of Weanlings Included in sale 30 in calf Springer Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 18th

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

Springtime Show & Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, March 2nd at 4 p.m. Class 1: Best Male born in 2020 in exhibitors own Herd Class 2: Best Female born in 2020- in exhibitors own Herd Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 25th

Also Sucker Cows ----------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. ----------------------

Wednesday, 24th February at 11 a.m.

Special Entry of 50 Breeding Ewes – 2nd & 3rd Crop Scanned in lamb to Char/Texel Rams - due 17th March onwards ----------------------

Saturday, March 6th at 12 Noon

Organic Sale – Cattle & Sheep Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 1st

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

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Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

Business

Roscommon company wins at National Enterprise Awards

Lidan Designs, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Roscommon, were winners at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The awards, which took place virtually, were broadcast online from the Mansion House in Dublin, are in their 22nd year, and run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices. Lidan Designs, who create modular, energy-efficient buildings from their factory in Roscommon Town, took home the Future Focus award. The judges were deeply impressed by the levels of innovation driven by the climate agenda and recognised the huge market opportunities that exist for this company. Lidan Designs was founded by Dan O’Brien and Liam Casey in 2017 to commercialise their novel, air-tight, timber-frame modular building system in the home office/garden room/ residential markets. Their stylish, factory-produced, nZEB, ultra-low energy modular buildings rank at the very top of the market in terms of build quality, energy-efficiency, aesthetics, price and ease/speed of transportation and installation. Starting with garden-rooms, Lidan Designs have expanded their offering to now include a wide range of residential and commercial buildings, all built modularly in their factory in Roscommon from sustainable materials. They have a very strong focus on innovation and this has been recognised by their success on the Enterprise Ireland Agile Programme, which is helping Lidan Designs to further develop the size and range of energy-efficient buildings that they can construct

Dan O’Brien and Liam Casey.

modularly in-factory using innovative materials and designs. Through the hard work of Dan, Liam and their team, and with support from Roscommon

County Council and the Local Enterprise Office, Lidan Designs has grown into a hugely successful business in a very short time.

Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Roscommon, said: “On behalf of LEO Roscommon, I would like to offer my

congratulations to Dan O’Brien and Liam Casey and all the team in Lidan Designs on winning the National Enterprise Future Focus Award. They are worthy winners with an exceptional business, manufacturing a product of the highest quality and energy-efficiency, from sustainable materials. “Since they started in 2017, they have continuously embraced new technologies and materials, and developed innovative manufacturing processes to become a truly lean and green business. LEO Roscommon are delighted to be part of their journey and success”. Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, said: “Lidan Designs are great ambassadors for County Roscommon, and are an inspiration – not only in terms of the quality of their products and focus on innovation, but also because of Liam and Dan’s personal stories of returning to Roscommon to set up their business and create jobs after successful careers further afield. “I am delighted that an outstanding Roscommon business has been recognised as one of the most innovative and future oriented small businesses in the country, and Roscommon County Council looks forward to working with them as they continue to grow”. All the trophies presented to the National Enterprise Awards winners were designed by Boyle-based sculptor Kate Oram – kateoram.com. The overall winner at the National Enterprise Awards was Mullingar mobile craft canning company, Bevcraft.

Local barber wants sector reopened for two-week window < DAN DOONER

The owner of a Roscommon barbershop is calling on

Barber Bob’s in Monksland

the Government and public health experts to allow the hairdressing and barbering industry to reopen for a period of two weeks, claiming that failure to do so would lead to further Covid-19 outbreaks. Robbie Connaughton, who is the proprietor of Barber Bob’s in Monksland, has written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin as well as members of NPHET, urging them to consider his proposal. Mr. Connaughton claims that there is increased pressure on business owners to reopen and that the continued closure of personal services will lead to mental health implications for many people. He added that those working in the industry cannot continue to survive on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment alone and this will lead to a ‘black market’ for hair services. Mr. Connaughton argues that this ‘black market’ could contribute to the spread of the virus. In his letter, he states: ‘The reality is that customers frequenting barber shops and hairdressers are extremely well protected from Covid-19. During the periods we were permitted to open there were zero Covid-19 outbreaks associated with my own shop, and there is

a clear lack of evidence of any outbreaks connected to the hairdressing and barbering industry. ‘We are one of the few sectors within the hospitality and retail sectors where both customers and staff members are wearing a mask for the entire duration of the visit. This is along with hand sanitisation at entry and exit points and the additional cleaning protocols that have been put in place. ‘Indeed, this industry has long been familiar with the need for sanitisation which pre-dates Covid-19’. Mr. Connaughton wrote that while he understands how difficult it would be to introduce different rules for various sectors, he feels consideration should be given to the public health measures put in place at hairdressers and barbers. ‘I am proposing a two-week window during which barbers and hairdressers would be allowed to reopen with strict health measures in place. This would be workable as this sector does not have the concern of ordering in too much or too little stock, which could be the case for others in the retail and hospitality sector’. Mr. Connaughton said he hopes his proposal receives serious consideration from both the Taoiseach’s office and the National Public Health Emergency Team and that the sector can reopen earlier than expected.

Pictured with a young client is Robbie Connaughton, who is the proprietor of Barber Bob’s in Monksland. Photo pre Covid-19 restrictions.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

NewsPeople

Roscommon Women’s Network embarks on exciting upcycling project Project has EPA funding RWN (Roscommon Women’s Network) is pleased to announce the commencement of its environmental project, Women’s Environmental Community Activation Network (WECAN), with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Enterprise programme. In January, a new Project Manager was appointed to WECAN to oversee the establishment of a textile upcycling social enterprise in County Roscommon. This initiative is part of the Roscommon Women’s Network Strategic Direction as outlined in the RWN Strategic Statement 20192024. The idea for this work initially came from the RWN charity shop volunteers, who wanted to do something to combat the increasing textile waste from charity shops and the growing issue of fast fashion. The appetite for community-led awareness raising, and for training on the issue of climate change, was also very evident during RWN’s consultations with women around the county during the preparations for the RWN Strategic plan in 2018. In response to this expressed need, RWN sourced funding to run a pilot textile Upcycling

Training Project at their base in Castlerea, which had the support of Roscommon County Council (through the EPA funded Local Authority Prevention Network), Patagonia, GRETB Community Education and the Rediscovery Centre in Dublin, as well as St. Angela’s College NUI Galway, who completed an evaluation of the project. Based on the success and learnings of its initial Pilot Textile Upcycling Training Project in 2019, RWN applied for the EPA Green Enterprise programme, which provides funding to demonstration projects that are innovating for the circular economy. The WECAN project was awarded this funding in 2020 to continue training around the county and expand its social enterprise. Further training took place in early 2020 in Castlerea with expansion to Roscommon Town, however both were curtailed due to the Covid-19 restrictions. The initial training that took place in 2019/2020 has already proved effective in the practical application of fabric upcycling, with the trainees in Castlerea forming an upcycling volunteers club and making high quality upcycled items under the CycleUp

brand. Under the guidance of their tutors Michelle Fallon and Jane Ward, the participants learned pattern making, design and sewing skills, and have made some beautiful fashion and home ware items, which can be found in the RWN Charity Shop in Castlerea, Rummage in Roscommon Town, Healy’s Shop in Athleague and the Boyle Craft Shop. The CycleUp online shop on the RWN website was inundated with interest after Minister Simon Harris posted an Instagram image of an Upcycled Owl that the CycleUP group made for him, praising the initiative and in particular the work of the volunteers. Members of the public and local businesses like the Curtain Centre and Frances Finishing Touches in Roscommon town, and even the clothing brand Patagonia, rowed in behind the efforts of the volunteers in 2020 to help their work in making upcycled reusable facemasks to donate to nursing homes and to raise funds for RWN during the pandemic-related closures. This year, the Women’s Environmental Community Activation Network (WECAN) project will build on these achievements, and will roll out fabric upcycling training

Some of RWN’s CycleUp volunteers (photograph taken before Covid-19). (Back row, L-R): Mary-Frances Loftus, Anne Bligh, Phyllis Jordan. (Front row, L-R): Margaret Browning, Nora Fahy (Manager, RWN), Philomena Hourigan.

to further locations around the county. It will also reach out to communities and schools through upcycling and repair workshops and events facilitated by local trainees and project participants. “This project has so much scope to fulfil the sharing of the values of the circular economy and provide a practical example of how the upcycling of fabrics

can be made into a sustainable social enterprise” said Martina Hourigan, WECAN Project Manager. Training will take place in Castlerea, Monksland and Roscommon Town once the appropriate Covid levels are in place. Details from Martina at mhourigan@rwn.ie, call the RWN Offices on 094 9621 690 or message the RWN/ CycleUp Facebook Pages.

Funding a vital boost – Nora “Roscom

mon Women’s Network are be awarded this funding to progressdelighted to community environment initiative, this grassroots Roscommon Women’s Network. ” said Nora Fahy of “This funding enables RWN to actio aim of using community developm n not only our where ordinary people concerned ent as a process with social and environmental issues can act collective us to create innovative ways of prov ly, it also enables opportunities for flexible paid work iding women with ”. Nora also acknowledged the supp Naughten TD in 2018 – for the pilot ort of Denis initiative and the implementation of the RWN visio n for a regional upcycling centre to be based in the county.

Residents and staff of the Sacred Heart Hospital rise to the Jerusalema challenge! Despite inclement weather conditions last Tuesday (February 9th), residents and staff of the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon took to the outdoors to perform their very own take on the popular Jerusalema Challenge. A spokesperson for the Sacred Heart Hospital said: “It has been Jean Butler (aka Mary Higgins, a very tough year for us all, not Clinical Nurse Manager II) pictured least for all residents in long-term participating in the Jerusalema care facilities like the Sacred Heart challenge. Hospital as they have had to endure a year of minimal contact with their families and friends. Any diversion is therefore greatly appreciated and welcomed. “When asked if they would like to participate in the dance, the response from our residents was overwhelmingly positive, with one lady burning the midnight oil as she practised her steps and dance Resident Marie Grogan (a native routine. Another gentleman said he of The Fairways, Roscommon town) pictured participating in the was all for it too. Jerusalema challenge. “Supported by our Director of

Nursing, Bridie Stephens, we recorded a video of our dancing moves, which can be accessed on the Community Healthcare West YouTube account. “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who have supported us with their thoughts and prayers over the past year. To everyone, including community groups, secondary school, primary school, and preschool children who donated gifts for the residents, wrote letters, sent cards with messages of hope, we are so grateful for your kindness and love. “The Sacred Heart Hospital has always been an integral part of the community in Roscommon. This was never more clearly demonstrated than throughout the past year when your constant messages and tokens of goodwill helped to boost the morale of both residents Residents and staff at Sacred Heart Hospital Roscommon pictured participating in the Jerusalema challenge. and staff”.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

PropertyPeople

NEW TO THE MARKET

C.78.5 ACRES FOR SALE ONLINE ON LSL PLATFORM ON FRIDAY 26TH MARCH at 4pm

AND IF RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED THE AUCTION WILL ALSO TAKE PLACE ON THE LANDS AT ARDIKILLEN, STROKESTOWN

I have been kindly instructed by the REPS of the late John Padian, Ardikillen, Strokestown to offer the following lands by Public Auction in Lots as follows:

1. Lands at Cloonastiallas, Strokestown Folio No 9953F comprising of 7.739 hectares (19.12 acres) top quality lands laid out in 1 large field, well fenced, good water supply. An ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to increase their present holding. 2. Lands of Cloonmurray, Strokestown consisting of 3.17 hectares (7.83 acres) and 1.13 (2.79 acres) boglands. These lands are situated about 3 miles from Tulsk in a quiet rural location. They are good clean lands bordering down to a river with an everlasting water supply. 3. Lands at Lissaphuca, Strokestown and Clooncullane, Strokestown consisting of 51.41 acres FOLIO Nos. RN 7807 and 7806. The lands are laid out in 3 divisions, good quality grazing lands with cattle pen and crush. Solicitors: Padraig Kelly & Co., Farnbeg, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

LANDS FOR LETTING

FIRST TIME LETTING FOR A 5 YEAR TERM FROM THE 1ST APRIL 2021 CURRAUN, WHITEHALL AND BALLYTOOHEY, TARMONBARRY 38 ACRES • Included 3 bay slatted shed. • Lands good quality, well fenced with or without entitlements. • For further details contact Auctioneer

CLOONFINLOUGH, STROKESTOWN

54 acres and 6 acres letting from 1st April to 1st December 2021. • Sheep fenced and group water scheme. • For further details contact Auctioneer

BUNNAMUCKA, STROKESTOWN

18 acres from 1st April to 1st December 2021. • For cattle only

SCRINE, ROSCOMMON

Six-bedroomed residence with twobedroomed cottage in Kilteevan On the market with Connaughton Auctioneers this week is this prime property, comprising a six-bedroomed residence (part complete with swimming pool), and a site for a four-bedroomed bungalow adjoining, with planning expired. The residence occupies an area of approximately 6,921 square feet, with an overall site area of 1.8 acres. There is an existing two-bedroomed residence on site, which can be lived in while works are being completed on the larger residence. The two-bedroomed cottage fronting onto the road is in excellent condition, having been renovated and extended. The accommodation includes entrance porch, front hallway, open-plan kitchen/ dining/living room, one bedroom and a bathroom. The extension houses the second bedroom and additional bathroom, as well as a large, open-plan living/sitting room (30’ x 30’) with solid fuel stove and back boiler. There are double sliding patio doors off

to the pool house with fully constructed pool, which has its own pump house at the rear. The roof for the pool house is included in the sale. The property is serviced by oil-fired central heating, mains water, septic tank and electricity. The main residence is part complete – built to roof level with windows installed. There is a large garage (19’ 2” x 18’ 8”) adjoining, with electric roller door to the front. With works to be completed, this property offers a fantastic opportunity to complete the property to one’s own desired specifications. The foundations are laid on site for an additional four-bedroomed bungalow, with planning permission expired. This property is unique in every way and offers an abundance of options. For further information / to request video of property contact the office on 0906663700, email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie or phone Deirdre on 0861713417.

55 acres of prime land to let for a 5 year period commencing April 1st 2021 • Laid out on 7 large divisions • Group water on all paddocks • Cattle pen and crush

OTHER LANDS ON APPLICATION

ENTITLEMENTS 2021

FOR ALL YOUR ENTITLEMENTS, BUYING, SELLING OR LEASING IN OR LEASING OUT CONTACT US FOR KEENEST RATES

LANDS FOR LETTING

FIRST TIME LETTING FOR A 5 YEAR TERM FROM THE 1ST APRIL 2021 22 22ACRES ACRESAT ATOGULLA, OGULLA, TULSK TULSK

••Cattle completelysheep sheepfenced fencedand and electric fenced throughout. Cattlepen pen && crush, crush, completely electric fenced throughout. Groupwater water scheme. scheme. Terrific in in one division. ••Group Terrificlands landsallall one division.

55 ACRES AT CLOONCULLAAN, TULSK

• All in one block laid out in neat divisions. • 3 bay back to back slatted shed, 8 foot tank, suspended passage way, matted on one side. • 2 bay double dry shed for sheep. • Lands are fenced throughout. • Water troughs throughout the land.

NEW TO THE MARKET

C. 15 ACRES AT TUBBERPATRICK, STROKESTOWN FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY I have been instructed by the owner to offer for sale this farm of land situated at Tubberpatrick. The lands are well fenced, neat divisions and an ideal opportunity for any farmer wishing to increase his holding. The lands are situated approx. 2.5 miles from Strokestown alongside the Strokestown to Drumsna road.

NEW TO THE MARKET C.20 ACRE NON RESIDENTIAL FARM AT DOONEEN, HILLSTREET, CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. ROSCOMMON FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY OR BY PUBLIC AUCTION AT A LATER DATE I have been kindly instructed by the registered owner to offer for sale lands situated approximately 5 miles from Elphin in a nice rural location. The lands are laid out in neat divisions, well fenced, cattle pen and crush.

For Viewing, Maps & Information contact the Auctioneer:

Thomas J. Cox & Co., Auctioneer

Valuer & Livestock Salesman, Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Email: thomasjcoxandco@gmail.com Tel: 071 96 33826 / 087 260 2909 PSRA: 002176

Attractive ‘Rose Cottage’ for sale in Strokestown On the market with Connaughton Auctioneers and located in the popular town of Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, is this very attractive, two-bedroomed cottage. Rose Cottage is in excellent condition throughout and has the benefit of a large site (approximately 1.43 acres) of excellent, quality lands, and a stable to the rear of the property. The property is situated within walking distance of all amenities on offer in the much sought-after area of Strokestown, such as shops, church, hotel etc. Accommodation includes the reception hallway, large sitting/living

room with solid fuel stove, kitchen/dining room, two large bedrooms (one ensuite) and the main bathroom. There has been a large extension to the rear hallway, which is currently being used as a utility room, but has potential for further development. The rear gardens are accessed via a gated driveway. There is ample parking to the rear and huge potential for further expansion if so desired by the potential purchaser. For further information, contact the office on 0906663700, email info@ connaughtonauctioneers. ie, or phone Deirdre on 086-1713417.

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

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

NewsPeople Gardaí recover €18,000 in Frenchpark search e than Gardaí in Roscommon recovered mor of a property in €18,000 in cash following a search rnoon. the Frenchpark area on Tuesday afteof Operation The search was carried out as part se of which Thor at around 2 pm, during the cour seized under Gardaí recovered €18,400 which they the Money Laundering Act 2010. at the A man in his early forties was arrested a Station Gard lerea Cast at ined deta scene and was day Tues on ge char out with before being released evening. Director of A file is now being prepared for the . ions ecut Public Pros

Preparations continue for St. Patrick’s Day event As was announced recently, as part of a major initiative to highlight tourism and heritage facilities in County Roscommon, former Minister and Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cúiv will give a special talk on the life of the legendary Roscommon-born priest,

Fr. Michael O’Flanagan, on St. Patrick’s Day. Fr. O’Flanagan (18761942) was born in Cloonfower, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, and he had an extraordinary career as an Irish scholar, inventor, republican leader, and socialist, who had a major

newsbriefs €55 million in roads funding welcomed Funding of over €55 million has been welcomed for regional and local roads in Counties Roscommon and Galway as part of the Government’s 2021 investment programme. The funding includes an allocation of €19.13 million for County Roscommon and €36.23 million for County Galway. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy described it as a “significant investment in the road network”, while Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the funding would cover routine maintenance to safeguard infrastructure. In Co. Roscommon, €300,000 will be provided for the old Dublin to Galway road; €75,000 will be allocated for bridge works in Mountdillon, Curraghroe as well as €15,000 each for bridge works in Bealragh, Elphin and Lisboy, Elphin; €80,000 for bridge rehabilitation will be split between Moore South and Dooghan in Ballydangan and €30,000 will be allocated to safety improvement works in Cloonfad Village Crossroads and €25,000 for junction works in Elphin.

Kerrane: ‘Tackle driving test backlog!’ Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has called on the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, to tackle Ireland’s massive driving test backlog. The local TD’s comments come as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) confirmed to Sinn Féin that there are now 1,087 learner drivers waiting for a test in Roscommon, with 4,881 waiting across Galway County and City and over 92,000 people waiting across the State. Deputy Kerrane said: “With public transport down to 25% capacity and sharing of lifts not feasible due to Covid, this is causing massive problems for people who need a licence to get to work. It’s a huge issue for people in rural Ireland, where public transport simply isn’t an option. “In addition, the driver theory test is still suspended, causing further delays for those learning to drive. Sinn Féin has also called for online driver theory tests to be extended to all categories of learner drivers, to help deal with the growing backlog of those learning to drive”.

Virtual heart failure clinics for east Galway Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the introduction of consultant-led virtual heart failure clinics for GPS in east Galway. At the end of last year, the Heart Failure Service, developed by Portiuncula University Hospital and Galway Primary Care, introduced the clinics to discuss treatment plans and improve patient care. Senator Murphy said: “This is a great example of bringing a service into a patient’s home on the virtual basis…I must complement all east Galway GPs, their staff and HSE officials for getting on board with this initiative”. The service is led by Dr. Aidan Flynn, a Consultant Cardiologist at Portiuncula University Hospital. Catherine Nolan, candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner, also takes part in the virtual heart failure clinics and provides a specialist nurse clinic for patients with heart failure in the primary care centres.

Callaghan welcomes medical card access

Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cúiv.

role in the Irish struggle for Independence between 1914 and 1923. He was a fluent Irish speaker and had a major influence in the USA, where he spent most of his time between 1904 and 1912. He toured the country along with a group of women, promoting Irish industry. They exhibited Irish lace making, carpet weaving and embossed leatherwork all over the United States and Canada. In 1912, he was appointed curate in Roscommon Town and was transferred to Cliffoney County Sligo in 1914, and later, in 1915, to Crossna. Such was his impact on various communities throughout his life, he

was given a State funeral when he died in 1942 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. The talk will be screened live on the Suck Valley Way Facebook Page and website (discoversuckvalleyway.ie) at 7 pm Irish time. The chief organiser of the event, Independent Cllr. Tony Waldron, Chairman of the Suck Valley Way, commented: “The talk about this extraordinary man will be of major interest to people at home and abroad – especially in the USA, where Fr. O’Flanagan made such an impact over his life. His story is inspirational in so many ways”. Cllr. Waldron says that the talk will coincide

with input from various communities and will highlight facilities around the county and along the Suck Valley Way, which stretches from Cloonfad to Ballygar. “We are planning to go ahead with events on Heritage Week, which is August 14th to 22nd, and they will include walking, cycling,kayaking, fishing, talks on heritage, history, environment, and genealogy. “County Roscommon is a hidden gem with regard to tourism facilities, activities and heritage sites, and we want to highlight what the county has to offer for when people are able to visit following the health emergency.” concluded Cllr. Waldron.

Roscommon students earn DCU scholarships Five Roscommon students – Tara Bolger, Emma Gibbons, Adam Hegarty, Aodha Hession and James Farrell) – have been awarded a €500 Academic Scholarship to study at Dublin City University. The scholarships were awarded to the following students in recognition of them achieving 550 points or more in the Leaving Certificate. Tara Bolger, a past pupil of Scoil Muire gan Smal, is studying Actuarial and Financial Maths. Emma Gibbons, also from Scoil

Muire gan Smal, is doing Global Business (France). Adam Hegarty, Aodha Hession and James Farrell are all past pupils of CBS Roscommon; Adam is studying Aviation Management, Aodha is studying Children’s and General Nursing, and James is studying Actuarial Mathematics. Scholarships worth a total of €153,500 were presented to 307 first year students at DCU this year. While a traditional presentation ceremony could not take place due to current

restrictions, school principals will be presented with a plaque to display in the school marking the significant achievement of their past pupils. Scholarships are awarded to students who gain the required number of points, and who meet the specific entry requirements and register to study with any of DCU’s five faculties: Engineering and Computing, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Health, DCU Business School, and the Institute of Education DCU.

Pictured is Aodha Hession, who is among five Roscommon students to win DCU award for academic excellence.

Parents encouraged to avail of special needs supports Independent TD Denis and second level, pupils highest level of support at Naughten has called on in mainstream classes in any given time. parents of special needs primary and second level The scheme is availstudents to submit their schools who are accessable from February application for a 20-hour ing the highest level of 11th for primary school supplementary education the continuum of support pupils and from Februsupport scheme which (this will include pupils ary 22nd for second level will provide in-person with autism, Down Synpupils. It is intended to tuition or care by teachers drome, sensory impairsupplement the remote and SNAs in the home ments and other disabiliteaching provided by the over a four-week period. ties), pupils who were student’s school and can The following categoeligible for the summer be provided by a teacher ries of students are eliprogramme of 2020, and or SNA in a student’s 10am to 4pm. | Thursday : 10am to 5pm : 10am 6.30pm gible: all pupils enrolled | Friday pupils identified by their tohome outside of school in special schools and primary or secondary hours, at evenings and OPEN THROUGH LUNCH special | Phone: classes at094 primary- 962 school0910 as requiring the weekends.

Independent TD Denis Naughten.

Fine Gael Cllr. Liam Callaghan has welcomed the news that medical card entitlement for terminally ill patients will be broadened from twelve months to twenty-four months. Cllr. Callaghan said: “I put down a motion at the November meeting of Roscommon County Council, calling on the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to make the medical card an entitlement for the terminally ill. “That motion was supported by all councillors, and I believed it influenced the Department of Health’s decision. Mon – Wed “The new arrangement will mean patients will not require a financial means test, and will offer greater certainty to individuals and their families at a very difficult time”.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

Classifieds

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

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

ACCOUNTS

PHYSICAL THERAPY

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders, Partnerships & Companies • VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting. Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala

090 66 25818 086 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

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

PODIATRIST

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

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

094 9620009

PODIATRIST

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

The Galway Podiatrist

(registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

Department of Health Approved

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • 20 years experience

CHIMNEY SWEEP 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

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.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

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

Co Galway H53 D7W8

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

• Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss • CCTV camera inspections • Detailed report and CCTV recording provided for insurance claims • Fully insured Also available for powerwashing and gutter cleaning

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

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

VHI and Laya Covered

COUNSELLING

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?

fergalkelly@live.com

Please call Glynis on

Fergal 086 1016899

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

085 2514394

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

FENCING/GATES

CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey

Construction l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

COMPUTERS DC Computer Services

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

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

COUNSELLING

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

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

Tel: 087 2172281 FARMING

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459

< 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

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay

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

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

< FOR SALE: Square bales of hay for sale. Tel: 087 2392729

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

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

087 2346364

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

NO FIX NO FEE

GARDENING

Des Kelly Fencing

FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

< FOR SALE: Round bales of hay for sale. Tel: 086 3776948 < LAND WANTED: Looking for land to rent, 10 to 20 acres, short or long term, Roscommon - Athleague area. Apply to PO Box No 2049 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

ROSCOMMON FARM SHOP

The square downtown, Roscommon Freerange and Organic Eggs/Chickens/Potatoes/ Vegetables/Organic Honey/Kale/Spinach 10 kgs Washed Roosters €3.99 4x7 ozs Irish Chicken Fillets €5.00 30 eggs €2.00 per tray McCains Gluton Free Oven Chips €1.99 per pack

Thank you for keeping us open and keep safe everybody.

www.parklawntreeservices.

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193 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 GATELY GARDENING

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

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

Classifieds TREES FOR SALE All types of trees and hedging for sale. Can be delivered.

Contact Tommy: 087 4177148

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

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 We, Fergal and Eithne Fannon, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for (i) retention of site layout, revised site boundaries, domestic garage, septic tank and dwelling house to include elements which differ to that granted planning permission under PD/99/204, (ii) construction of a single storey side extension, plus all ancillary works at Ballinderry, Four Mile House, Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: MoleskinArchitecture Mote Park, Roscommon 086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Edel Butler 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 Ballybrogan Townland, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon We, Diarmuid Walsh and Nicole Murphy, intend to apply for permission for development at this site Gillstown House, Gillstown, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon F42YK13. The development will consist / consists of demolition of the porch to the front of the house, two storey return and outbuilding to the rear, decommissioning of the existing septic tank and removal of the entire roof to Gillstown house. Construction of a single storey extension to the side and rear, two storey extension to the rear, two storey entrance extension to the front. House to have a new roof with rooflights. Repair and alteration to the garden walls to the house itself. Provision of a new waste water treatment plant with a percolation area, drainage and waste water disposal. Repair of the front gate to the road frontage and all associated site 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, 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: Diarmuid Walsh

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Athleague Hurling Club to construct a pitch side Video Analysis/ Live Streaming Box and associated siteworks at Cloonykelly, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. P: (087) 2222874 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such 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, Alan Moore and Linda Connolly are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated site works at Knockadangan, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Padraig Neylon Kilrush House, Frances Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare. (Agent) on behalf of Alan Moore and Linda Connolly. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling house, domestic store and garage with sewerage treatment plant and percolation area and ancillary site development works at Cloonlaughnan, Mount Talbot.

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Roisin Kelly, intend to apply for planning permission to construct a new residential dwelling and shed at, CAM, Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of a new dormer type house to include shed, new waste water treatment system and ancillary works all on site at CAM, Brideswell, Athlone Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Patrick Conroy, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention of (i) a 46.23m2 garage, (ii) a 15.44m2 turf shed and (iii) a 14.5m2 storage container and all associated site works at Mountpleasant, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Mobile: 086 8551835 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission o observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such 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, Carroll Consultancy, are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Vivian Kenny for planning permission for development to construct a Three Bay Enclosed Slatted Shed with an Underground Slurry Storage Tank along with all associated site works at Carrabane, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant the application. Signed: Carroll Consultancy, Bridge Street, Swinford, Co. Mayo. Telephone: 094 9253742

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Joe and Zara Beirne intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct new Waste Water Treatment System and percolation area to comply with current EPA Code of practice, (disposal system serving single houses) at Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I David Morgan, intend to apply for permission for retention of; a 5 bedroom 372m2 dwelling house from any changes from the previously granted permissions listed on this site under planning reference 11682 & 11682A, Along with permission for retention of 115m2 for domestic sheds, greenhouses, walled garden & boundary walls, situated on an established mature site located at Corriga, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon Town, F42 X018.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph: (090) 6634421 Fax: (090) 6634423 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

USEFUL SERVICES

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

USEFUL SERVICES

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

Evo Roofing & Guttering Experts

PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

Call on 091 734122 or 085 2427727

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

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

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

CONNAUGHT AREA

evoroofingandguttering.com

• All types of roof repairs • Gutter cleaning from €49 • PVC fitted • Roof moss removal • Chimney repairs • Power washing • Ridge Piping • Lead valley repair • New tiles • Quality work, guaranteed

No job too big or too small

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.

PAINTING & DECORATING

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

Contact Luke on

For all your decorating needs

085 7359120

CONTACT JOHN

Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

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

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

Classifieds TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal < 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

< 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 < SPRING SALE: On last years shed stored seasoned screened turf and firewood. Delivered in various sized loads, bags if required. Tel: 087 4350736

086 2721812 (All areas)

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

086 2437376

< TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011

SITUATIONS WANTED < HANDYMAN AVAILABLE: Power washing, painting, hedge cutting and general maintenance. Tel: Daragh 086 0792787 < QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER AVAILABLE: For home school tutoring - morning and afternoon will teach in your own home. Very reasonable rates. Special needs catered for. Contact: 087 1971411

FAMILYNOTICES ....

APPOINTMENTS

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre is seeking applicants for:

Three Vacancies Early Years Teacher Full Time Fixed Term Contract 9:15-6pm Early Years Teacher Fixed Term Contract 1pm-6pm Early Years Teacher 8am -1pm Temporary position covering Sick Leave until July Essential Criteria: • Minimum QQI/Fetac V in ECCE • Ability to ensure the health and safety of children at all times • Experience planning child-centred activities • Experience working as part of a team • Good oral and written communication • Ability to work on own initiative, willing to work flexible hours • Garda Vetting required Subject to Garda Clearance. Please call for a blank Garda Clearance Form. Job description available upon request. A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled, including relief work. Canvassing will disqualify.

The Manager, Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon F42W326 090 662 9844 cuanbhride@outlook.com

CLERICAL ASSISTANT

or alternatively call 090 66 34633

PAT QUIGLEY: 087 7799076 PAUL O’CONNOR: 086 6052649

• Headstones • Kerbed Memorials • Grave Site Care • Headstone Cleaning • Monument Levelling • Gravestone Repair

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

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Interested applicants should send in completed Garda Clearance Form with letter of expression of interest and CV no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 3rd March 2021 to:

ROSCOMMON CO-OPERATIVE LIVESTOCK MARTS LTD

Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie

Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Submit your Classified online

Ros Memorials

A Clerical Assistant is required by Roscommon Co-Operative Livestock Marts Ideal candidates will be educated to Leaving Certificate level, have good IT skills and a good knowledge of agriculture in general. Duties will include assisting the Office Administrator and General Manager with all aspects of the running of Roscommon Co-Operative Livestock Mart. The Clerical assistant will report directly to the General Manager of Roscommon Livestock Mart Please apply with covering letter and Curriculum Vitae to The General Manager, Roscommon Co-Operative Livestock Mart, Circular Road, Roscommon or via email to roscommonmart@gmail.com Closing date for applications is Friday, February 26th

Qualified Electrician Required for Roscommon and Athlone Please send CV to: PO Box No 2046 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

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

Email or call for Sample Pack

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

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MONAGHAN Mary Edmond, London and formerly Gallowstown, Roscommon (7th Anniversary) Who died February 2014

REYNOLDS Sadie & Harry Clooncullane, Elphin, Co. Roscommon (Sadie 4th and Harry 27th Anniversaries) In loving memory of Sadie, who died on 14th January, 2017, and Harry, who died on 20th February, 1994

GIBBONS John and Mary Deerpark, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. In loving memory of John who died on 23rd April 1987 (34th Anniversary) and Mary who died 24th February 2019 (2nd Anniversary)

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: brianmurraystone@gmail.com A silent thought, a silent prayer for a special sister in God’s care.

Remembered with love, her sister Kathleen Langan and family.

CARROLL Patricia Ballinaboy, Roscommon Who passed away on 23rd February 2011 (10th Anniversary)

Mam and Dad, You are the Angels now, it was time to say goodbye Yet still, it’s hard to hide the pain, no matter how we try For you were such special parents, with lots of love to share And knowing you are no longer here, is very hard to bear And though the grief will pass and time will help to heal the pain Somehow life without you Mam and Dad, will never be the same Quietly today your memories are kept No need for words, we will never forget When thoughts go back, as they always do We treasure the memories we have of you

Your lives were a blessing, your memories a treasure, both loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.

From their sons, daughters and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 21st February. Livestreamed at 10 am in Frenchpark Church.

Ballymacfrane, Donamon, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 13th August 2020

Always lovingly remembered by their sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and families. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Elphin on Sunday 21st February, 2021 at 11.30am.

MONTH’S MIND McNEILL Sean

Gallowstown, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Who died 19th February 2020

Though your smile is gone forever and your hand we cannot touch, we have so many memories of the one we loved so much. Your memory is our keepsake with which we will never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

Always loved and sadly missed by her family and friends.

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

MANNION Martin

Tobberoe, Glinsk Co. Galway. Who passed away on the 22nd of January 2021 Aged 53 We the family of the late Martin Mannion would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who sympathised with us on the recent passing of our beloved Martin. We offer our heartfelt thanks to friends, neighbours and all the wider community who have supported us through this difficult time. We were comforted by all who contacted us, left condolences on RIP.ie, sent flowers and mass cards. To everyone who brought food and refreshments to the house your generosity was heart-warming. Thank you to those who organised and took part in the beautiful Guard of Honour for Martin on both Saturday and Sunday, your presence was greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Fr. Donal Morris who celebrated Martin’s Mass in such a beautiful way. We were very grateful for the live-streaming of the funeral mass and burial, and to those who viewed the service online. A special word of thanks to Tom Dowd Funeral Directors for all your advice and support throughout the days of the funeral. Your professionalism was greatly appreciated. Thank you to the gravediggers for preparing Martin’s final resting place with great excellence. To the staff of Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe especially to the Doctors and Nurses in St. Claire’s Ward who looked after Martin with great dignity and care, we thank you sincerely. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we would appreciate if you accepted this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. Lovingly remembered by Martin’s wife Anne, daughters Christina and Bernadette, and son Damien, his mother Mary, his brothers, sisters and extended family. Martin’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Sunday, 21st February 2021 in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk at 10.00 am. Due to current Covid-19 restrictions Mass will be broadcast on local Radio 108.0 FM

WALSH Edward (Eamon)

As we approach the First Anniversary of the passing of Sean McNeill, his wife Mary, his sons and daughters, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and relatives would like to acknowledge and offer gratitude to the many people who provided help and support during Sean’s illness, at the time of his death and indeed since his passing. Thank you for your kind messages and prayers, mass cards, letters and words of support. To our neighbours and friends who offered warm words of comfort and practical support especially Sean and Bernie Mulry and Elizabeth Conboy, we are eternally grateful. Sean passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. This was made possible by his loving carers, loyal family and Palliative Care Nurses. We would like to acknowledge his carer Donna in particular, with whom Sean formed a special bond. We would also like to pay tribute to staff at RUH and acknowledge Sean’s GP, Dr. Robinson for their support during his illness. We would like to thank the many people who travelled long distances to visit our house, attend the removal and Funeral Mass. Thank you to Tom Smyth of Smyth’s Undertakers who carried out the funeral arrangements in the most dignified and professional manner. We would like to offer our gratitude to Fr. Fitzgerald, Fr. Travers and Fr. Michael Donnelly who celebrated Sean’s Funeral Mass with great dignity and respect whilst offering spiritual support. Thank you to those who participated in the Guard of Honour provided by Roscommon Gaels GAA Club as well as the grave diggers, altar servers and those who provided music with the greatest of reverence. We would also like to thank The Abbey Hotel for their services following the Funeral Mass. Sean’s funeral took place shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. We are extremely grateful to be able to have celebrated his life in the way we did. Finally, it would not be possible to thank everyone individually. We hope this acknowledgement expresses our sincere gratitude to you all. First Anniversary Mass will be on Saturday, 20th of February. Broadcast on www.churchtv.ie/ roscommon or 105.9FM at 7pm. “When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.”

Eamon’s wife Kathleen and the Walsh family wish to acknowledge and thank everyone who sympathised and supported them when Eamon passed away. To all who called to the house, attended Funeral Mass and burial and our good neighbours who stood outside their homes as the funeral cortege passed by. We appreciate all the messages of condolences, mass cards and phone calls received in the days and weeks after Eamon’s death. To Dr. O’Mara and staff of Roscommon University Hospital, to the doctors and staff of Castle Street Surgery and to David Hynes and staff of Hynes Pharmacy, we thank you sincerely for all the care and support given to us in caring for Eamon in hospital and at home. We will be forever grateful. To the Public Health Nurses Fiona and Carmel and his carers Ann, Brid and Ollie for always being so kind and helpful. To the Pallative Care team who managed Eamon’s care so sensitively with such dignity in his final days and to the Hospice Night Nurse we thank you sincerely. To Fr. Irek who called to the house monthly for 3 years to bring Eamon Holy Communion and to our present parish priest Fr. Pravin who visited Eamon at home prior to his passing and for celebrating his Funeral Mass, also to our good friend Fr. John Hughes who joined with Fr. Pravin for the Funeral Mass, a sincere and heartfelt, thanks. To the choir Ann, Olwyn and Sharon for the lovely hymns and music that enhanced the Funeral Mass so much. To the grave diggers (our neighbours) who prepared Eamon’s final resting place, and to Pat Smyth and Gillian for handling the Funeral so professionally, we thank you all. We trust this acknowledgement will be accepted by all, as a token of our appreciation, as its not possible to thank everyone individually. A Mass will be offered for all your intentions later.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.C. NOVENA TO ST. JUDE O Holy St. Jude! Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke your special patronage in time of need: to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. (Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s & 3 Gloria’s.) Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised. M.H.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

Classifieds

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES CONNOLLY Kenneth 19th February 1998

MANNION Jack

BEATTIE Sile

Cartron, Kilteevan, Roscommon (15th Anniversary) Who passed away on 24th February 2006

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. (1st Anniversary)

HANLEY Andrew

MONTH’S MIND

Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon Who died on 20th January 2021

(23rd Anniversary) In loving memory of ‘Kenny’ R.I.P.

~ A tribute of love to you Kenny, is all that is left, is all we can do. Just a prayer said for you, just a memory so fond and true, ~ As our thoughts turn once more, to a day a month we won’t forget, when we lost life’s greatest treasure, A Son and Brother, there is no measure. ~ As pain stabs at our hearts with sad regret, as memories float back. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts Kenny you are always there. ~

Sleep tight darling, missing you deeply, loving you forever, Mum, Dad, Alex and family. XXX

I lost a father with a heart of gold, how much I miss him can never be told. He shared my troubles and helped me along if I follow his footsteps I will never go wrong. I miss you from your fireside chair, your loving smile and gentle air. Your vacant place no one can fill, I miss you father and always will.

Loved and missed so much by daughter Sharon and granddaughter Shauna.

DUFFY Martin (10th Anniversary) In loving memory of Martin Duffy Culleen, Knockcroghery and Derryneil, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 23rd February 2011 R.I.P.

In Heaven you rest, no worry or pain, but in our hearts, you will always remain.

In loving memory of a loving partner, daughter, sister, Sile who passed away on 17th February 2020 (Aged 33 years, R.I.P.) Come to Me God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he put His arms around you, and whispered, “Come to me”. With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us that he only takes the best.

From your life partner Tom, heartbroken mother Mary, sister Sinead, brothers Cathal, Fergal and Padraig.

KELLY Annie

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

Always remembered by daughter Marie, son Michael, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. x

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

OATES P.J. and Anne Creevy, Roscommon (15th and 13th Anniversaries) In loving memory of P.J. who passed away on 24th February, 2008 and Anne who passed away on 20th February, 2006.

Will those who think of P.J. and Anne today a little prayer to Jesus say.

Lovingly remembered always by all the family.

TREACY Liam Óg (Cag) and Liam

Tonlagee, Roscommon Who passed away on 16th February, 1998. (23rd Anniversary)

The Hanley family would like to recognise all the prayers and expressions of consolation for Andrew on his recent untimely passing, may Andrew Rest In Peace. Our thanks and appreciation to his many friends and his neighbours in Hawthorn Drive for their support at this difficult time. Please accept our deep gratitude and appreciation. A Mass has been offered for your intentions.

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

Sadly missed by wife Marie, daughters Amanda and Martina, sons Loughlinn and Michael, grandchildren Kate, Hannah, Matthew, Ebha, Isobella, Anthony and Adam, daughters-inlaw Martina and Louise, brothers, sisters and families. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 20th February at 7pm. Mass in private.

2 St. Ciaran’s Park, Roscommon/Ballymoe (2nd and 20th Anniversaries) In loving memory of Liam Óg (Cag) who passed away on 19th February, 2019 and his father Liam, who passed away on 3rd March, 2001. R.I.P. In Our Hearts Along the road of suffering you found a little lane that took you up to Heaven and ended all your pain. You may be out of sight we may be worlds apart but you are always in our prayers and forever in our hearts.

To the best auntie, missed every day, from Daniel, James (your godson), Oscar, Connor, Dylan, Peggy, Oisin and Molly.

Time speeds on, the years have passed, since death its gloom, its shadow cast within our home, where all seemed bright, and took from us these shining lights. We miss those lights and always will, your vacant place no one can fill. Down here we mourn but not in vain, for up in Heaven we will meet again.

MEE (Née McCormack) Margaret

Timicat, Glenamaddy, Galway / Kilkerrin, Galway. We the family of the late Margaret Mee, who passed away on January the 17th, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, wish to express our sincere thanks and deepest gratitude to all who supported and sympathised with us on the recent passing of our dear mother Margaret. Our sincere thanks to those who made phone calls, sent flowers, mass cards and wrote personal messages of condolences on RIP.ie. These kind gestures will never be forgotten and gave us great comfort as a family during this difficult time. A sincere thank you to those who brought food and refreshments to our home, your generosity and efforts were greatly appreciated. In particular we wish to thank all our neighbours and friends that took the time to both stand out and form a Guard of Honour on Monday evening and Tuesday morning, despite harsh weather conditions, to bring our mother to her final resting place. This was a beautiful and moving tribute to her and provided us the family with great comfort considering the limitations presented in this current climate. A very special thank you to Fr. Tom Cummins, for his unwavering support to our mother during the past few months, for his support to our family and the beautiful, personal and heartfelt Funeral Mass. Thank you to Annette O’Rourke and Johnny Meehan for preparing the church. To Seamus and Micheal, for the lovely music and singing in the church, thank you. We would like to extend our thanks to Pat Coneran, Funeral Director and John Kennedy for their great support, empathy and professionalism in the handling of the funeral arrangements. We are incredibly thankful for the live-streaming and recording of the funeral mass and to those who viewed the funeral service online. A special and heartfelt thank you to the gravediggers who worked so diligently in such cold and wet conditions in order to provide our mother’s final resting place beside her beloved Jerry again. We would like to extend our dearest gratitude to John Fleming for his beautiful singing at the graveside. Thank you to Siobhan Collins, Florist, Kilkerrin for her beautiful arrangements of flowers and to Heneghan’s SuperValu, Glenamaddy, who provided the catering for the family. We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those involved in our mother’s care. To her consultant, Dr. Janusz Krawczyk, doctors, nurses and staff from UCHG and to Dr. Cunningham, GP., Glenamaddy, we thank you. We would like to sincerely thank, the Palliative Nurses from Galway Hospice, the Public Health Nurses, Glenamaddy, and Home Help for the compassionate care they provided for our mother in more recent times. We wish to acknowledge the many people who would have liked to have said their personal goodbyes to our mother but could not due to restrictions and even though they could not be there in person we felt their presence. As it is impossible to mention everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere gratitude from her son Luke, daughters Mary, Breege, Margaret, Ann and Kathleen. Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Sunday, February 28th in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilkerrin at 11am. Broadcast on the Local Radio Link at 106.6FM

From your loving family, who miss you both every day, Mary, Donal, Cliodna, Dora, Leah, Liam, Eoin, Faye, David, Aidan and Cathal.

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Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

Sports PEOPLE

Huge support for Colm Horkan Memorial Run < SEAMUS DUKE

Over 4,000 people took part in the first ever Colm Horkan (;eft) Memorial Run last weekend, with the participants running 5k, 10k or a half-marathon. The event was organised by the East Mayo Athletic Club, the Irish Army 62nd Infantry Group and Charlestown GAA Club. Members of the 62nd Infantry Group, who are stationed in Syria, also took part. All funds raised will go towards the development of a memorial pitch at Charlestown GAA Club in memory of the late Garda Detective.

GAA update likely on Monday?

The suspension of all GAA activities until after Easter is unlikely to change over the next couple of weeks, although the situation is expected to be made clearer after the Government releases its ‘Living With Covid’ plan on Monday next, February 22nd. It is widely expected that the association will have to redraft its fixtures plan for the season, with the All Ireland inter-county championship now likely to be played towards the end of the year, similar to the situation that prevailed in 2020. There is a growing feeling that the National Leagues may be played in April and May prior to the club scene starting up, with the All-Ireland intercounty championships kicking in later. * The 2020 PWC All Stars in football and hurling will be announced on a special 90-minute TV programme on RTE1 this Saturday at 6.35 pm.

Launch of ‘100K for Roscommon LGFA’ Roscommon LGFA are pleased to announce the launch of our ‘100K for Roscommon LGFA’, which commenced on St. Valentine’s Day. This is just one of two exciting fundraising initiatives that will be run to raise vital funds so that Roscommon LGFA can continue to provide for all county teams and club competitions (when they are able to resume). It has been one of the most challenging times for fundraising, with Covid-19 impacting on our annual church gate collection. Our executive, with our management teams and our LGFA community, have kindly offered to take part. The aim is for each participant to reach 100km in thirtyone days. You can run, walk or cycle – whatever is easier for you – from February 14th until March 17th. As of Wednesday evening, the fundraiser has already raised €500 of its €10,000 target. A special GoFundMe link has been set up, and can be accessed through Roscommon LGFA’s social media channels.

Pictured is Michelle Hughes Walsh (Secretary of Roscommon Gaels and PRO to Roscommon LGFA), who was recently selected to participate in the ‘Learn to Lead Programme’.

The ‘5k for Roscommon LGFA’ walk/run is for everyone, young or old. Challenge your nearest rivals to get involved! Participants can register on Pop up Races. The entry fee is €5 for U18s, €10 for over 18s and €25 per family. The 5k will take place the weekend of April 2nd to April 5th. All are welcome to participate, from keen runners to casual walkers. It’s all about getting reconnected and active again. Whether you’re at home in Ireland or in your home from home in Sydney, London or Singapore – you can be part of your Roscommon LGFA community again in these challenging times. Combined Draw The winners of our Combined Draw at the EGM meeting were as follows: St. Faithleach’s, Colm Finnerty of Northern Harps, Carmel McGovern of St. Ronan’s, Joe Daly of St. Ronan’s, and Fiona Thompson of St. Croan’s. Congratulations to our latest combined draw winners, who received €350 each and €150 for their nominated club.

Pictured is Roscommon LGFA Treasurer Sandra Shanagher, out walking with her dog as part of the challenge.

Michelle chosen for LGFA Leadership role The Ladies Gaelic Football Association have announced the list of twenty-four participants in the second ‘Learn to Lead’ Female Leadership programme, which includes a representative from Roscommon – Michelle Hughes-Walsh of Roscommon Gaels, who has been chosen in the PR/Media strand. ‘Learn to Lead’ is a unique programme that was launched in 2019, and will be supported this year by Women in Sport funding, through Sport Ireland. The programme was devised to develop the next generation of female leaders within Ladies Gaelic Football, and the 20 graduates from the inaugural programme were honoured in

February 2020. The 2021/2022 course will be delivered once again by experts in the fields of coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media. After an incredible response to the LGFA’s drive, the long-list of applicants was whittled down to twenty-four – four in each strand. Over the course of four days and six evenings, diverse leadership skills will be examined, with the focus firmly on developing the skill-sets and techniques required to master each of the four strands. The final list of twenty-four participants includes leading coaches, officials, administrators and players, representing the four provinces.

A key area in the LGFA’s Strategic Roadmap 2017-2022 is to ‘define a model to promote Female Leadership across the Association’. Following the establishment of a Female Leadership Workgroup, the ‘Learn to Lead’ programme came into being, as part of the overall Female Leadership strategy. Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Marie Hickey commented: “We are incredibly proud to announce details of another ‘Learn to Lead’ Female Leadership programme. “Our inaugural programme proved hugely successful and we were delighted to see twenty talented graduates come through. A fresh 12-month programme once again fulfils

a key aspect of our Strategic Plan – and the content of the programme is of an extremely high quality, as our previous graduates will vouch for. “I am looking forward to following the journeys of our twenty-four participants as they learn from leaders in the fields of coaching, officiating, administration and PR/Media. It is also heartening to notice the startling and rapid progress of our 2019/2020 graduates, many of whom have been making significant and noticeable impacts in their chosen fields, both at local and national levels”. The programme will commence in the coming weeks, and run until May 2022.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

The racing in Ireland today is in the south at Powerstown Park in Clonmel, away at 1.45 pm, subject to an early morning inspection. Tomorrow, racing takes place at Limerick at 2.45 pm, again subject to a morning inspection, and on the all-weather Polytrack surface in Dundalk, first race at 4.30 pm. On Saturday, they race at Gowran Park featuring the Red Mills Hurdle and Red Mills Chase, away at 1.55 pm. On Sunday, racing is at Proudstown Park outside Navan at 1.40 pm featuring the Boyne Hurdle. The Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle has attracted ten entries, three from WP Mullins, two each from Noel Meade and Gordon Elliott with Henry de Bromhead, Joseph O’Brien and Gearoid O’Loughlin one each. Jason The Militant, just beaten by Abacadabras and Saint Roi in a Grade 1 at Punchestown, could give de Bromhead and Rachel Blackmore a winner. The Grade 2 Red Mills Chase has fourteen entries again headed by Mullins with five and Elliott and Meade with two each. Mullins’ Allaho and Bachasson are the two top-rated horses and have had winning runs this season should fight this out with preference for Allaho, but watch for jockey arrangements. The Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle on Sunday has twelve entries in which Elliott has three, including the favourite Fury Road, Commander Of Fleet and Aintree hero Tiger Roll hopefully, depending on conditions, making his seasonal debut.

While all eyes will be on Tiger Roll, the eye-catcher in the field is Matthew Smith’s Ronald Pump only beaten ½l by Honeysuckle at Fairyhouse before Christmas and on that run should thwart Elliott’s attempt to make it five in a row in this race.

Racing Review

The Big Box trained by Peter Fahey, won the Punchestown Grand National Trial last Sunday from Screaming Colours and Moyhenna by ½l and 6½l under a strong ride by Jamie Codd. Codd, riding at 10-11, fought back to lead at the line despite losing an iron at the last. The winner has a couple of engagements in Cheltenham, the Kim Muir Chase and the National Hunt Chase. Last Thursday’s meeting at Thurles failed an early morning inspection but was rescheduled for and went ahead on Monday. Willie Mullins completed a double in the first and last race with Harrie in the maiden hurdle and Cool Jet in the bumper ridden by brother and sister Paul and Jody Townend respectively.

Racing News

The globe-trotting Willie Mullins-trained mare True Self runs in the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia this weekend and will be ridden by Hollie Doyle. The 8-Y-O, who will be taking on twelve horses, has run in Ireland, Britain, Hong Kong, Saudi. Having missed

the cut for the Melbourne Cup she won the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington in November, repeating her win of twelve months earlier. Two of the Irish heavyweights, Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work, and Mullins’ Benie Des Dieux are out of the Cheltenham Festival. Delta Work, the Gold Cup, has suffered a setback and is probably out for the season including the Grand National. The 8-Y-O is a multiple Grade One winner and was fifth behind Al Boum Photo in last year’s race. In the Grand National Tiger Roll is set to carry 11st 9lb, and Elliott would love to run him but the decision rests with the O’Leary’s. Benie Des Dieux has been ruled out by her trainer Willie Mullins. The mare has not been seen since last year’s epic battle up the Prestbury hill with Honeysuckle, who was retaining her unbeaten record by ½l. Mullins is hopeful he will have her ready for Punchestown. Point-to-point riders Jordan Gainford and Shane Fenelon are turning professional joining the Conditional Jockey ranks at Limerick tomorrow, a move probably hastened by the suspension of racing between the flags. Gainford will be associated as a Conditional Jockey with Gordon Elliott and has been booked to ride six horses for the Cullentra trainer. Fenelon first ride as a pro is for Shark Hanlon on Gaulois and his last in the unpaid ranks is on the Shark’s Nechanako today. He has won four races on the track for Eamon Sheedy on Rudy Catrail.

Darts

David’s top after final flourish! David Concannon was crowned the overall champion as the curtain came down on the Roscommon Online Darts League last Friday night. Concannon overcame Martin Fleming 7-5 in a thrilling semi-final which saw Martin hitting the highest checkout of the night (124) and a 15-dart leg. It was David’s consistency which saw him through as he hit ten 140s to Martin’s three and clinched his place in the final. The other semi-final saw Sean Fleming and Paul Carton go head to head in what was another evenly matched pairing. There was a total of 26 100+ scores over the 11 legs, including six maximums as Sean ran out the 7-4 winner and booked his final berth. The final, which took place later in the evening, was a high quality affair between two players bang in form. Sean opened proceedings with a 15-dart leg to take a 1-0 lead before David came back strongly to level matters. Sean reapplied the pressure in the third leg and regained the lead before powering to victory in the fourth and putting daylight between the two at 3-1. David needed a response

in the fifth and he provided it in emphatic fashion, with scores of 100, 121 and 130 sealing a 17-dart leg to narrow Fleming’s lead to the bare minimum. They were quickly back on level terms following the sixth leg as David hit two 140s to seal an impressive 13-dart leg to reel in his opponent from Ballaghaderreen. David was soon ahead for the first time in the match when he sealed a 17-darter and things started to look ominous for Sean when David continued his dominance in the eighth. However, the Ballaghaderreen player didn’t go down without a fight and scores of 100 along with a 180 helped him to a very impressive 14-dart leg to tie the game up at 4-4. The ninth leg saw Concannon regain momentum with two scores of 100 and a 180 leading the Ballinaheglish man to an 18-dart leg to retake the lead at 5-4. David kept the pressure on with a score of 140 at a key time in the tenth leg to see him extend his lead to 6-4. The eleventh leg witnessed a good response from Fleming as three scores of 90+ helped him reduce Concannon’s lead to 6-5 and he was at it again in the twelfth to

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Boyle

David Concannon and Sean Fleming faced off in the final of the Roscommon Online Darts League last Friday night.

tie the match up once more, at 6-6. Concannon responded to Sean’s charge in the thirteenth with scores of 100 and 134 as he began to dictate the tempo once more. However, power scores for Fleming of 140 and 180 proved enough as he went on to record a 17-dart leg to take a 7-6 lead. With his back to the wall and only one leg from defeat, Concannon came out fighting again in the fourteenth leg and thanks

to some clinical finishing levelled matters once more. 7-7. The final leg was a very close affair and while Fleming started quickly with a 140, Concannon responded well with steady scores of 83, 100, 85 and 140, to be topped off by a 93 finish under pressure to complete a 15-dart leg and take an 8-7 win. It was a colossal final which neither man really deserved to lose, but once again David Concannon

finds himself top of the Roscommon Darts tree. The Roscommon Online Darts League saw some wonderful performances over the last few weeks, and, given the current circumstances, proved a very enjoyable way for local players to catch up with one another. For more information on online darts in the county visit Roscommon Online Darts on Facebook. New players are always welcome.

The Boyle Golf Club AGM took place last Sunday (February 14th) on Zoom in order to comply with public health restrictions on indoor gatherings. Lorcan Egan stepped down as chairperson of the management committee and thanked members for their efforts during a difficult year. Treasurer Paul Connolly presented the club’s annual accounts which were noted to be in a relatively healthy condition – although some sources of income declined during the year such as competition revenues and sponsorship. While some extra expenses were also incurred, subscriptions paid by first-time members and Covid-related support grants from Roscommon County Council and sporting bodies helped reduce the deficit greatly. Brendan Gaffney’s report for the year also referenced the increase in new members in 2020. Jonathan Egan took over as chairperson of the management committee for 2021 and thanked outgoing chairperson Lorcan Egan and the management committee for their efforts in 2020. He noted that if the public health restrictions are reduced to Level 4 in April as has been speculated, then the course could reopen and competitions recommence. The management committee for 2021 is as follows – Chairperson: Jonathan Egan; Honorary Secretary: Brendan Gaffney; Honorary Treasurer: Paul Connolly; Course Convenor: Terry Bright; House Convenor: Vincent Egan; Children’s Liaison Officer: Jim Mooney; Committee members: Liam Mullaney, Mandy Toolan, Lorcan Egan, Therese O’Daly, and Mary O’Hara; Trustees: Vincent Egan, Claire Cryan and Pat Brogan. Jonathan Egan will also serve as Men’s Captain for 2021.

Roscommon People Friday 19 February 2021

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