01 November 24 - Roscommon People

General Election race heats up

The General Election race is finally starting to heat up in Roscommon-Galway, with four new candidates emerging early this week.

As we go to press, there has been no decision by Fianna Fáil senator Eugene Murphy with respect to a potential independent run for the Dáil following his party’s decision to not add him to the General Election ticket alongside Dr Martin Daly.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Senator Murphy said: “I am consulting widely with friends, family and the Fianna Fáil grassroots locally. I am heartened by the support I have received” .

Fine Gael has announced the selection of Senator Aisling Dolan to join Dympna Daly Finn on the Fine Gael ticket in Roscommon-Galway.

Meanwhile, People Before Profit and the Green Party have announced their candidates for the Roscommon-Galway constituency.

Activist Andrew Mannion will represent People Before Profit, while former Galway councillor Martina O’Connor

has been selected by the Green Party. Vincent Beirne, a resident of Fairymount, has announced his candidacy for the Roscommon-Galway constituency in the upcoming election, positioning himself as an “anti-Government” non-party candidate. More on page 14.

Senator Aisling Dolan

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

Please explain the rules regarding electric scooters in Ireland. Can they be used on footpaths? Are there fines for misusing and can Gardai confiscate is misused? I would appreciate your thoughts.

An electric scooter or e-scooter is a stand-up scooter powered by an electric motor. E-scooters can be legally used on Irish roads since 20 May 2024. You do not need a licence to ride one and your e-scooter does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

You must be 16 or over to use an e-scooter. An e-scooter must have a CE mark and the retailer must give you a declaration of conformity when you buy it.

E-scooters can be used on cycle and bus lanes and on local, regional, and national roads. You cannot use an e-scooter on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways. Since 7 October 2024, escooters are banned on public transport.

Gardaí can confiscate e-scooters ridden by people under 16. Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time. You must not use your mobile phone while driving an e-scooter.

If you break the road rules or use an e-scooter dangerously, you can be fined. A fixed charge fine is €50. You can be prosecuted if your e-scooter is not kept in roadworthy condition. You may not ride the e-scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Riding under the influence can result in a court appearance and a fine of up to €2,000.

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

SUNDAY

The boyos arrived in Dr Hyde Park bright and early. Boyo 1 had collected their specially made jerseys… half-Elphin colours, half-Strokestown colours. They wore green shorts in case any St Barry’s supporters turned up, and red socks just in case anyone from Pearses came down to check out next year’s opposition.

Canvassing at the Hyde, in hybrid (Elphin and Strokestown) outfits… Endangered Species

Their odd attire attracted some critical analysis when they took their place in the main Stand.

“Are ye shouting for Elphin, or are ye shouting for Strokestown, ye eejits?” a man cried out, on seeing the boyos in their hybrid outfits.

Boyo 1 smiled. “We are neutral!” he declared proudly. “We are here to support Elphin, and we are here to support Strokestown!”

The crowd booed.

AT HALF-TIME

It was a minute or two before Boyo 1 noticed that Boyo 2 had ‘gone missing’. Flicking through the excellent match programme, he heard the commotion on the pitch below. Looking down, he saw Boyo 2 in a ‘discussion’ with stewards.

Boyo 1 raced down pitch-side. It was then that he saw the banner which Boyo 1 had taken from his rucksack.

“What the heck is that?” he enquired as the

Thebarstoolboyos

stewards tried to diplomatically calm the situation.

“I had planned to invade the pitch, in a nice way. All I wanted was to do a lap of honour at half-time, holding this banner aloft”.

His friend looked at the (detailed) banner.

‘Vote for the Barstool Boyos… we stand

up for farmers, small businesses, parents, children, the elderly, the marginalised, and people struggling with the plastic caps on plastic bottles. We’ll stand up for you, at all costs!’

The stewards told them to sit down.

FULL-TIME

As the Elphin supporters celebrated their win in Sunday’s Intermediate final, the boyos mingled with the crowd.

“You probably recognise us from the newspaper” Boyo 1 said as he approached some ecstatic Elphin fans. “We’re thinking of running in the General Election and we’d be delighted if you’d give us a number one… and er, a number two”.

An Elphin man raised two fingers, presumably to signal two votes.

LATER …

In the pub, the boyos were in their natural habitat. They were happy with how their informal canvassing at the match had gone.

“That man on the telly” said Boyo 1, “is an inspiration to us. Like him, we were RIGHT to play the long game! We were RIGHT to time our election run! That man on the telly is here for the long haul, just like us!”

Boyo 2 looked up at the telly… and saw Erik ten Hag looking back at him.

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

Elphin footballers, who defeated neighbours Strokestown to win the Roscommon Intermediate Football title

Kenya’s Moses Kemei, who won last Sunday’s Dublin Marathon (congratulations also to Hollywood star Colin Farrell and Emma Fogarty, who combined to raise €774,000 for Debra, a charity that supports people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare condition)

It’s been a BAD week for…

Erik ten Hag, who was sacked as manager of Manchester United

PIC OF THE WEEK: On the line! Liam Óg Coyle (Four Roads) and Kenny Feeney (Tooreen) battle for possession. Action from last Saturday’s Connacht IHC quarter-final between Tooreen and Four Roads.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

‘Witch-hunt’ ends in success!

< ALANNAH ITA HEALY

A ‘witch-hunt’ which had been underway since earlier this week ended in success on Wednesday!

Local artist Michelle Fallon reached out to the Roscommon People this week after she woke up on Tuesday morning to discover that the elaborate witch decoration she had constructed for Halloween had been stolen overnight.

“To think somebody would stoop that low and do such a thing is so disappointing”, Michelle shared in an Instagram post following the revelation.

“I’m absolutely devastated. My niece and nephew only arrived yesterday and they were so excited about it”.

Happily, the missing witch was found on Wednesday, but unfortunately it was not in the best condition, having been damaged. The ‘witch’ was located on the side of the road.

Michelle pledged to ‘reconstruct’ the witch in time for the Halloween celebrations.

Earlier, the well-known lo-

cal artist, who has featured on several television shows and publications, had documented the process of her witch’s creation online, sharing a video to her 7.5k+ Instagram followers last week. She created the decoration by cutting a silhouette out of an 8x4 sheet of plywood with a jigsaw and painting it black, before adding other details such as a

broom, fabric skirt, and cauldron to finish off the spooky feature. The witch was set up, complete with fairy lights, outside Michelle’s mother’s home for just a few nights before going missing at the beginning of the week.

Speaking before the discovery of the witch, Michelle said: “I have spent hours upon hours making it over the last couple of

Roscommon’s most loved Halloween movies…

With Halloween being celebrated tonight and this weekend, new data has revealed Roscommon’s favourite Halloween movies, with ‘It’ taking the top spot.

The new study, conducted by Virgin Media Ireland, compiled the top fifty highest-grossing horror movies and analysed their monthly Google search volume during the month of October since 2020. By doing this, they’ve identified the films that Irish audiences turn to get into the Halloween spirit.

‘It’ was revealed to be Roscommon’s favourite Halloween film with 540 searches. ‘It’ was joined in the top three rankings by ‘The Conjuring’, with 420 monthly searches during October, and ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ with 390 searches.

The other top ten most popular horror movies in Roscommon are as follows: fourth is ‘Alien’ with 300 searches, fifth is ‘Annabelle’ with 230 searches, sixth is ‘The Exorcist’ with 230 searches, seventh is ‘Halloween Movie 2018’ with 200 searches, eighth is ‘Jaws’ with 180 searches, ninth is ‘The Nun’ with 170 searches, and tenth is ‘A Quiet Place’ with 160 searches.

Whether you’re into creepy clowns, paranormal stories, or classic thrillers, this list has got you covered. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a great night with these favourites.

For the complete list of Ireland’s favourite horror movies, including the most popular movie in each of the country’s other counties, visit virginmedia.ie/play/ irelands-favourite-halloween-movies.

Park, Roscommon... a place of natural beauty and a home to so many species of wildlife.

The woodland provides a natural habitat for children and families as they enjoy the freedom and the nature of this historical setting.

On Saturday, 2nd of November, Mote Park continues its journey in supporting the next generation and to this end, helps to support its neighbour, Ballymurray National School, by opening its gates to the fundraising efforts undertaken by the parents of Ballymurray National School.

Music will dance through the trees of the park as parents and children of all ages are met by witches and ghosts, tea, coffee, music, dancing, magic, games, story-telling, face-painting and lots of fun activities to enjoy throughout the historic Mote Park.

weeks and so many people have got such enjoyment from it”, Michelle commented. “How could someone be so awful to do such a thing?”

Michelle received a lot of support when the story was posted online with hundreds of people expressing their outrage and sympathy upon hearing the news and many sharing the story across social media.

Those 650 acres pay tribute to the work of conservation groups, local authorities, the general public and facilities like Ballymurray National School where people work with nature, recognising its beauty, its benefits, its history and respectfully acknowledging how it can help to support the next generation in displaying how to nourish and nurture our rural landscape so that it can live on for many more generations to come.

A special thanks to all those that recognise the beauty of rural landscapes such as Mote Park and to Ballymurray National School for respectfully helping to keep the history of Mote Park alive. We hope to see you there on Saturday, 2nd of November from noon until 3 pm. Please bring your spirit and your spook!

Martin Shanagher, Shanagher Hearing, Harrison Centre, Roscommon

New research has revealed ‘It’ as Roscommon’s favourite Halloween movie.

Pictured at last year’s Halloween Fun Walk in Mote Park.

Michelle shared a post about the witch’s disappearance to her Instagram followers on Tuesday. Thankfully the witch was found on Wednesday – just in time for Halloween!

THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT

Lose 1 stone in 6 weeks in the run up to Christmas

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LOSE UP TO 2 STONE IN 10 WEEKS

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• Private weigh-ins, motivational tips and support throughout the programme.

• We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans). You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight off when you finish your plan. Programmes available for men and women.

WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.

WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY

At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA: 086-3846302

LOSE 1 STONE IN ONLY 6 WEEKS – just in time for Christmas!

System 10 – helping local people achieve their health and weight loss goals!

The System 10 weight loss plan, which aims to offer participants the chance to potentially lose up to two stone in ten weeks, has been helping lots of local people with achieving their health and wellness goals. The plan focuses on three ‘keys’ to genuine weight loss: diet, exercise, and metabolism correction. According to System 10, the latter is the most crucial, the ‘switch’ that controls the effectiveness of diet and exercise. System 10 runs programmes for both men

and women, with weekly clinics taking place every Wednesday at the Hive, Dublin Rd, Carrick-on-Shannon, and every Thursday at the Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon (F42 DX61). Booking is essential and can be done by calling 086 3846302. For more information, visit system10weightloss.com.

Testimonial from Edward and Margaret Molloy (Sligo)

“We joined the System 10 plan over a year ago, and in that time it has completely

transformed our lives. We had some health issues, mainly brought about by carrying some excess weight, but inside a few weeks, the change was incredible – and has continued up until the present day. Our lifestyle has become so much different in many ways, as difficult tasks beforehand have now become much easier to undertake. This is due to not just the weight loss, but also the exercises – and even more so the confidence gained by the superb programme we undertook.

This Christmas, give the gift of… The Rossies!

years. Now Paraic has produced a limited edition signed framed print featuring these two lovable rogues. Paraic says he got the idea of pro-

ducing the prints last Christmas when his son and daughter – who both live abroad – asked him to do a Rossies cartoon for them to bring back after Christmas. They were delighted to have a little piece of Roscommon to hang on their wall in Canada and Spain.

When his other son, who lives in Dublin, also asked for one, it struck Paraic that these prints would make a great present for any ‘Rossie’ at home or abroad.

The prints are now available in time for the Christmas market and would make an ideal present. There are two to choose from: ‘ONCE A ROSSIE... ALWAYS A ROSSIE’ and ‘HON THE ROSSIES’.

They come in a white 12” x 14”frame and are signed by Pauric. The price is €49.95 (€5 extra if post and packaging is required). You can order your framed print by calling 086 1517537 and/or email paraic.newman@gmail.com Remember, stock is limited so don’t delay!

“We are now more aware of the food we should be eating for a healthy lifestyle, and have enjoyed shopping for many new products that we never tasted beforehand.

“Our advisor Martina has been the rock that lay the foundations for our excellent returns. With great support from the programmes devised, we always felt confident that we could achieve our targets.

“We would strongly recommend everyone and indeed anyone who wants to transform their life for the betterment of their health

to contact System 10 and get on the programme as fast as possible and see the benefits which can be achieved!”

Testimonial from local woman Ita

“After years of struggling to lose weight, I finally discovered System10; from day one, I knew what I needed to do, and with the help and guidance from Martina, I’ve managed to lose two stone!

“It’s greatly improved my health and energy levels and I can’t recommend it enough!”

Castlerea artist Paraic Newman’s weekly ‘Rossies’ cartoon strip has been a popular feature in the Roscommon People for over seven

THURSDAY

King & Moffatt

There was a great atmosphere at the King & Moffatt HQ in Carrick-onShannon today, where the company began a new chapter in its illustrious history with the opening of an Innovation and Technology Hub.

It was a pleasure to chat with management, staff and many of the guests. King & Moffatt is a great success story, providing very significant employment. This was a fitting celebration of another milestone on their journey. Congratulations to King & Moffatt on their continued expansion. See report on page 15.

FRIDAY

On Tarmonbarry…

It’s always a pleasure to spend time in beautiful, picturesque Tarmonbarry. Even Bono, lead singer with one of the greatest rock bands of all time, has found what he is looking for there (being an occasional visitor).

Tonight, we enjoyed a family Dinner in Keenan’s. Barry and Annette and family have built up a fantastic business over the years in this landmark Bar & Restaurant.

Next door, like Keenan’s, the Purple Onion is an award-winning restaurant (recognised last month at the Georgina Campbell Food and Hospitality Awards).

Our enjoyable evening in Tarmonbarry came just under a week since the local St Barry’s club’s fantastic win in the County Junior Football final. I don’t want to sound like the Sunday World’s Pub Spy, but a few young lads having a quiet pint at the bar counter were most likely – and deservedly –continuing the celebrations.

There was no sign of Bono tonight. I hope he’s heard that St Barry’s recently found what they have been looking for (after 17 years).

SATURDAY

Nostalgia trip

Spent some time today moving the past further into the past…

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Sorting out stuff that built up over the decades in your family home is, by definition, a nostalgic journey into yesteryear.

The sheds at our late parents’ home were monuments to our shared past lives. Many (perhaps most) readers will be familiar with this type of chore… throwing out possessions which, for all the undoubted worthlessness of some of them, still have the effect of evoking memories.

Many readers who have done this will surely have wondered how that combination of tools, souvenirs, useful bits and pieces and sheer junk was assembled (mostly without the younger you noticing any of this at the time).

This was real ‘Back to the 1980s’ (perhaps even 1970s) territory.

Fire fenders, picture frames, tiles, paint tins, tools, screws, ornaments, old photos, more screws, old newspaper cuttings… LP records from the era of LP records… outdated books and videos, a few stuffed animals mounted in cases (it was a golden era for taxidermists) and hundreds more bits and pieces, deemed useful once upon a time and now doubling as

symbolic bits and pieces of our past. It all went grand, a lot of stuff horsed into the big skip before the late afternoon rain came.

When I saw the Tom O’Connor autobiography, I knew how ancient these cultural artefacts were!

There was even a Chris de Burgh tape, which had unforgivably survived through the decades on a shelf in one of the sheds. I mean, he was fine at the time, but really… With a coffee break suggested, I theatrically lobbed Chris onto the top of the skip, where I assume he landed in the general vicinity of a stuffed bird or fish…

SUNDAY

Elphin’s day

I have a soft spot for both Elphin and Strokestown GAA clubs. It was a pity today’s driving rain never really relented, but it didn’t stop supporters of the neighbouring clubs making the pilgrimage to the Promised Land of Roscommon GAA, Hyde Park. It was a high-stakes game, by the

end of which Elphin were deservedly crowned county champions. Managed by Nigel Dineen, inspired by Shane Killoran, and with all players making important contributions, Elphin won by 2-9 to 0-7. Congratulations to Elphin. As for Strokestown, they are well capable of making a return to the top tier in Roscommon over the next season or two.

MONDAY

US election

I tune into the US Presidential election campaign most nights, part-fascinated, part-entertained… and also part-appalled.

It’s almost all about Trump, which is not to say that he is certain to win next Tuesday. In fact Harris is probably slight favourite. But Trump, specifically his conduct, dominates the campaign. Tump dominates American politics.

Contrary to the lazy caricaturing, Trump is brilliant at what he does. Some unforeseen confluence of

circumstances has led us to where we are (I am still mystified as to how he managed to become the Republican Party candidate for 2016). However we got here, Trump is now a political phenomenon, the leader of a cult-like movement.

We are living in the era of Trumpism. To a large degree it is unseemly, unpleasant, provocative, perhaps even dangerous. And yet, there is surely no denying that Trump has tapped into genuine concerns, and skilfully positioned himself as the prospective (for some) guardian of American national (self) interest.

When he talks – however colourfully or even outrageously – about immigration, the economy, and many social issues, he is reflecting the views of millions of people. The more outrageous his utterances, the more his ‘base’ laps it up (of course he has to win over undecided voters next week if he is to succeed). His rhetoric is deeply divisive, but then Trump is by now speaking to a divided society, one he is partly responsible for dividing. He is a master of the soundbite era, prospering in a world where fact and fiction dance side by side.

With five days to go, it’s all to play for. I’m not at all sure that Kamala Harris is ‘qualified’ to be President, but then, in a normal political landscape, neither is Trump. To paraphrase George Hamilton (1990 World Cup)… the world holds its breath.

The late Carol Brandon

Our hearts go out to our long-time columnist Frank Brandon on the sad passing of his beloved wife, Carol (RIP). Carol passed away peacefully last Saturday, after a period of illness.

Carol (nee Kelly) was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother, and a much-loved member of the local community in Creggs. Many times over the years we saw how close and inseparable Frank and Carol were.

Our deepest sympathies to Frank, their children Mark, Tara, Lisa and Paul, Carol’s sisters, brother, grandchildren and extended family. May she rest in peace.

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED)

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED) - PART 8

NOTICE IN RELATION TO SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) that Roscommon County Council proposes to carry out the following development:

Pilot Electric Vehicle Charging Hub Scheme at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon

Roscommon County Council in conjunction with Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) have collaborated on the premise of a pilot project for the provision of an Electric Vehicle Charging Hub Scheme at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. A block of sixteen standard existing car parking spaces has been selected as being at the optimal location for the charging hub. The project involves:

• electric vehicle charging hub infrastructure – civil works with trenching, ducting, RC bases and plinths

• electric cabling and associated equipment

• control boxes and subsequent installation of electric vehicle chargers with all ancillary equipment and connection to customer substation / switchroom power source for the purpose of creating an electric vehicle charging hub for use by Roscommon County Council sta and the general public.

An Appropriate Assessment screening report in respect of the development has been carried out and is available for inspection. The report concluded that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment.

Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased (at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) for a period of four weeks from 1 November 2024 during public opening hours at the o ces of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98. Plans and particulars may also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council website at www.roscommoncoco.ie

A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made, in writing or via email before 13 December 2024, marked “Pilot Electric Vehicle Charging Hub Scheme at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon” and submitted to: Roscommon County Council, Roads and Transportation Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 or roads@roscommoncoco.ie

Signed: Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services

Date of Notice: 1st November 2024

Bookings now open for Derrane Graveyard Recording Workshop

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend a hands-on Graveyard Recording Workshop at Derrane graveyard, F42 F592 on Thursday, November 7th and Saturday November 8th from 10am to 3.30pm.

Learn how to properly document and preserve the inscriptions on old gravestones. Get up close and personal with history as we explore the stories etched in stone. Parking is at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Derrane F42 F592.

The workshop is suitable for anybody with an interest in local history, archaeology and Irish heritage.

No previous training is required. Participants will learn how to understand a graveyard. Most of Ireland's old graveyards are organised in a similar way. Participants will also learn how to read seemingly illegible headstones using conservation friendly techniques.

The workshop is being given by an archaeologist from the www. historicgraves.com project. This project has surveyed and published over 900 Irish graveyards with community groups all over Ireland. Attendees are welcome for an hour or for the full two days. The joy of reading a headstone is like doing a sudoku or a crossword. It can become addictive while also teaching one about their parish history and its' former residents.

The workshop is an ideal opportunity to learn valuable skills while honouring the memory of those who came before us. See you there! This is a free event but booking is required. Email heritage@roscommoncoco.ie or phone 090 6632513 to book your place. A light lunch will be provided. Participants are urged to bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

The day will begin with a welcome and course introduction

from 10am, followed by a talk on the theme of ‘Understanding the geography of a graveyard - how to number headstones. This will be followed by advice on photographing gravestones, followed by headstone readings using torches, mirrors and watering cans.

Lunch will take place from 12.45pm while from 1.30pm to the close of the day at 3.30pm there will be an afternoon session of recording gravestones. This project is an action of County Roscommon Heritage Plan and is funded by the Heritage Council.

Participants are advised to prepare for all weather by packing everything from sunhats to umbrellas. Raincoats and water proof pull ups/leggings are advised as are hiking boots if possible or wellingtons. Thicker soled boot gives better support. Participants will be provided with equipment from clipboards to flash lamps and blackout curtains.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Apprenticeship Training Centre

‘of

huge benefit’

Galway Road, Roscommon Dear Editor,

The proposed Apprenticeship Training Centre would be of huge benefit for Roscommon Town and county.

Roscommon Town has not secured a decent IDA project in 40 years (while) all neighbouring county towns have.

We need a decision now to go ahead with this project for the sake of the region and its young people. Politically, this is an opportunity for the Government parties to regain some credibility in Roscommon.

Yours sincerely, John Carroll

OIFIGIGH CHLÉIREACHAIS SHEALADACHA de dhíth ar CHOIMISIÚN NA SCRÚDUITHE STÁIT

Baile Átha Luain, Contae na hIarmhí.

Tá Oifigigh Chléireachais Shealadacha ag teastáil ó Choimisiún na Scrúduithe Stáit (CSS) san oifig i mBaile Átha Luain chun déileáil leis na tráthanna is mó brú oibre agus próiseála i ndáil leis na scrúduithe teistiméireachta.

Athraíonn na téarmaí agus coinníollacha a ghabhann leis an obair seo, lena n-áirítear fad na gconarthaí sealadacha a thairgtear, de réir chineál an phoist.

Achoimre ar an bPost:

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• Beidh gné den obair a bhaineann le láimhsiú i gceist leis an bpost freisin;

• Fostófar na hiarrthóirí a n-éiríonn leo ar conradh téarma seasta;

• Ní bheidh na huaireanta tinrimh níos lú ná 41.25 uair an chloig chomhlán sa tseachtain agus, de ghnáth: Dé Luain – Déardaoin 9.12 am - 5.00 pm Dé hAoine 9.12 am - 4.45 pm

• Beidh sé riachtanach uaireanta oibre breise a dhéanamh le linn na tréimhse is gnóthaí de na scrúduithe.

• Beidh an bunráta pá de réir scála pá Oifigeach Cléireachais agus de réir mar a chinneann rialacháin na Roinne Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe.

Conas iarratas a dhéanamh: Ní ghlacfar ach le hiarratais a dhéantar ar líne.

Beidh an tsaoráid iarratas ar líne ar fáil ó 9.00 am, Dé Luain an 4 Samhain, 2024 go dtí 5.00 pm Dé hAoine an 15 Samhain, 2024.

Chun an Iarrthóir Leabhrán Eolais a léamh agus chun an iarratas a dhéanamh cliceáil ar an nasc seo a leanas: https://www.examinations.ie/recruitment/temp-staff/ Ba chóir oideachas ginearálta maith a bheith ar na hiarrthóirí a chuireann suim sa phost agus Béarla maith, idir scríofa agus labhartha, a bheith acu freisin. Cuirfear painéal d’iarrthóirí oiriúnacha ar bun chun na poist shealadacha a líonadh a thagann chun cinn le haghaidh scrúduithe 2025. Is féidir go gcuirfear bliain eile leis an tréimhse sin faoi rogha an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh. Is cóir d’iarrthóirí a thabhairt dá n-aire gur cúis dícháilithe í an stocaireacht. Is fostóir comhdheise é Coimisiúin na Scrúduithe Stáit.

Roscommon – Galway Candidate Dr. Martin

TEMPORARY CLERICAL OFFICERS required in the STATE EXAMINATIONS COMMISSION, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) require Temporary Clerical Officers, for its office in Athlone, to meet the peak processing needs of certificate examinations. The terms and conditions, including the duration of temporary contracts offered will vary from post to post.

Summary of the Job:

• General clerical work;

• Working as part of a team in delivering services;

• Supporting line-managers and colleagues;

• Communicating and dealing with the public/customers;

• The job will also involve an element of manual handling;

• Successful applicants will be employed on a fixed term contract;

• The hours of attendance will be not less than 41.25 hours gross per week and generally: Monday – Thursday 9.12 am - 5.00 pm Friday 9.12 am - 4.45 pm

• There will be a requirement to work additional hours during peak examination period.

• The basic rate of pay will be in accordance with the Clerical Officer pay scale and as determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations.

How to Apply:

Applications will be taken on-line only.

The on-line applications facility will be available from 9.00am, Monday 4 November, 2024 until 5.00pm, Friday 15 November, 2024.

To read the Candidate Information Booklet and to apply please follow this link: https://www.examinations.ie/recruitment/temp-staff/

Interested applicants should have a good general education and also have a good command of English both written and oral.

A panel of suitable candidates will be established to fill temporary positions arising for the 2025 examinations. This may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the CEO.

Applicants should note that canvassing will disqualify.

The State Examinations Commission is an equal opportunities employer.

Elphin supporters Frankie, Éabha and Ríona O’Connor pictured at last Sunday’s Roscommon IFC nal between Elphin and Strokestown. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

APPOINTMENT ADVERTISEMENT

JOB VACANCY at

(Proudly serving farmers for over 65 years)

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Roscommon Mart are currently recruiting for the position of an

ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Processing invoices – keeping records and making payments to suppliers.

• Maintain a record of income and expenditure.

• Bank Reconciliations on a monthly basis.

• Payroll – preparing payroll journals and completing the payroll on a weekly basis.

• Vat – prepare bi-monthly VAT Returns and quarterly VIES returns.

• Debtors – to maintain the debtors ledger and allocate payments to account, reconcile bank.

• Accounts – to prepare annual accounts and vat returns for the company’s accountant.

To apply for this position, please email CV to roscommonmart@gmail.com

LEGAL NOTICE

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court No. 86.3

Public Dance Halls Act, 1935

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Castlerea District No. 4 Liam Callaghan Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Liam Callaghan of Rathmoyle, Castlerea, Roscommon, Ireland, N/A intends to apply to the District Court at Castlerea District Court on the 06 Dec 2024 at 11:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit:

LOCATION

Kilmurray Parish Hall, Castlerea Co. Roscommon situate at Kilmurray, Castlerea, Castlerea, Roscommon, F45 T996 in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

null

Signed: Mahon Sweeney Solicitors LLP Solicitor for Applicant

The Square, Roscommon, Roscommon

To the: Garda Superintendent, at MR.Roscommon.CE@Garda.ie, Roscommon Garda Station, Abbey Street, Roscommon, Roscommon, F42 HN32

To the: Fire Officer, at fire@roscommoncoco.ie, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon, Roscommon, F42 VR98

To the: Co Council Official, at info@roscommoncoco.ie, Church Road, Roscommon Town, Roscommon, F42VR98

To the: District Court Clerk, Roscommon District Court

Public meeting tonight to discuss rural crime

A public meeting has been organised for Dowd’s in Glinsk at 8.30 pm tonight (Thursday, October 31st) to discuss the recent spate of burglaries in the area.

The meeting, billed as ‘Rural Crime: Enough is Enough’ is being organised by Cllr Anthony Waldron and like-minded concerned members of the local community

and follows the protest rally held by the same group in Castlerea recently.

The meeting follows three backto-back burglaries which occurred over the weekend on the Roscommon-Galway border, which are currently under Garda investigation.

On Friday, October 25th, a bur-

glary occurred in the Ballygar area, in which a number of items were taken. Gardaí are also investigating a burglary reported on the same day, which occurred in the area of Clonberne, Co Galway.

Additionally, Gardaí have confirmed that they are investigating a burglary in the Kilkerrin area, which was reported on Satur-

day, October 26th. A number of items were taken in the course of this incident, including a sum of money.

The Gardaí have asked anyone with information to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 9631890. The public is also asked to report any suspicious activity/ vehicles witnessed in the area.

Daly calls for National Screening Programme for osteoporosis

Fianna Fáil General Election candidate

Dr Martin Daly is drawing attention to the shortage of specialist osteoporosis and rheumatology services in Roscommon and Galway, which he says is leaving high-risk patients with complex osteoporosis without adequate care.

Despite general practitioners (GPs) doing their best to step in with opportunistic screening, Dr Daly says the region’s speciality services are “critically weak,” putting vulnerable patients at risk.

His comments follow a new study released for World Osteoporosis Day by Professor John Carey and team, which Dr Daly says paints a troubling picture.

“70% of men and 54% of women at very high risk of fractures are not receiving needed treatment. The situation is even worse for those in the at-risk category, where 80% of men and 70% of women are not on appropriate medications, exposing a significant gap in care” he said.

“While GPs are stepping in to help, opportunistic screening cannot replace a comprehensive, integrated national screening programme for bone health,” said Dr Daly. “The current patchwork approach fails to catch many high-risk individuals who would benefit from early intervention”.

Dr Daly is calling for a national initiative to establish systematic screening and timely specialist access for those at risk, which he believes would not only im

prove patient outcomes but also alleviate the burden on GPs who are “currently stretched thinly”.

He is urging the Government and health authorities to prioritise a National Screening Programme for osteoporosis, aiming to close the treatment gaps, enhance patient outcomes, and ultimately lower long-term healthcare costs.

Such a programme would, he says, address the chronic under-treatment of high-risk populations and alleviate the enormous burden on both patients and the health service caused by the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of osteoporosis.

RSPCA Church gate collections

The Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) will be holding Church gate collections at local churches over the weekend of the 9th and 10th of November 2024. Collections will be held at St Nathy’s Cathedral in Ballaghaderreen on both Saturday, November 9th, and Sunday, November 10th. A collection will also be held at St Michael’s Church in Croghan on Sunday, November 10th. This collection is a great opportunity to raise much-needed funds for animal welfare work and also to raise awareness of the RSPCA’s mission and vision. If you would like to learn more about the RSPCA, please visit roscommonspca.ie or call 087 0505594. Your support would be greatly appreciated, with all donations received going directly towards animal welfare in the county.

Bridge Clubs’ results

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows: Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Phyllis O’Shaughnessy and Judy Adamson; 2nd: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe; Gross: Chris and John McGrath.

St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: Mary McDermott and Anne Kilduff; 2nd: Mary Law and Mike Pollinger; Gross: Peggy Neilan and Mary Jo Riordan.

Ballymurray Bridge Club – Section A North/South, 1st: Evelyn Curley and Judy Adamson; 2nd: Mary Raftery and Fred Kelly Henry; Gross: Michael Dolan and Kevin Coyle. Section A East/West, 1st: Maria Hickey and Rita Roughneen; 2nd: Maura Dowling and Martina Mulvey; Gross: Valere and Pat Finneran. For Section B, 1st: Anthony Mahony and Colm Hayes; 2nd: Peg Grady and Frances Grady; 3rd: Maria

Roscommon ICA

Property Services Providers Licence No.

Delaney and Anne Mooney. Kilbride Bridge Club – 1st: Frances Keane and Brid Gillooly; 2nd: Bernie Fallon and Phil Murray-O’Brien; 3rd: Anne Igoe and Gertie McDermott. North/South, 1st: Anne Igoe and Gertie McDermott; 2nd: Annette Gaffney and Jane Hunt; 3rd: Phil Murray O’Brien and Margaret Scott. East/West, 1st: Margaret Mullen and Pauline Leonard; 2nd: Pauline Donoghue and Martina Brennan; 3rd: Kitty Burke and Mary Kelly.

Morning Larks Bridge Club – 1st: Anne Kilduff and Mary McDermott; 2nd: Pat Lyons and Jill Farrell; 3rd: Carmel Plunkett and Kathleen Holmes.

Roscommon Town ICA Guild will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, 5th of November at 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel. New members are always welcome.

St Michael’s/St Ronan’s fans Mia Martin, Hannah Gilchriest, Aoibhan Cox, Rose Morahan, Faye Sibhnan, Seren Gillboy and Erin McGuinness pictured at the recent Junior C final against St Dominic’s in Castlerea. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Dr Martin Daly

Blessing of graves at Ballinderry Cemetery

A blessing of the graves at Ballinderry Cemetery will take place at noon this Sunday, November 3rd.

The voluntary Ballinderry Cemetery committee will also be holding their annual collection at this time. The committee have carried out a great deal of upgrading work during the year, with their latest project being an information map/sign – to be erected and unveiled this weekend.

The committee would like to express their gratitude to everyone who supported and contributed last year. They would appreciate your optional contribution on Sunday. The committee also wish to advise that regrettably, due to recent adverse weather conditions, off-road parking will not be available this year. Finally, the committee wish to extend their sincere condolences to all who had bereavements during the past year. May their souls rest in peace.

Garden Club meeting

Roscommon Garden Club will hold its next meeting on Monday, 4th of November in Hannon’s Hotel. Guest speaker on the night will be Paula Sharkey who will give a talk on growing herbs/flowers for medicinal/cosmetic purposes. All are welcome.

Ballintubber Community Alert meeting

A Community Alert Meeting will be held at the Old School House, Ballintubber, at 8 pm on Monday, November 4th All are welcome to attend, so do try to come along if you can. We are looking forward to having representation from Ballintubber and all surrounding villages.

Athleague Community Auction is this Sunday

Over 250 Lots

The much-anticipated Athleague Community Auction is on this Sunday, 3rd of November in Athleague Community Centre from 1 pm. Viewing of lots is from 11 am on the day. With over 250 lots already entered, bargains will be had on the day with all lots selling without reserve. Items for the auction include livestock (lambs & calves), animal feed/products (nuts, hay, silage, vouchers, etc), new and second-hand furniture, hampers suitable for Christmas gifts, unwanted gifts, vouchers for local businesses, household items, etc. Pictures of items in the auction can be seen on Facebook – WeAreAthleague Page. Donations are welcome up to 4 pm on Saturday next (2nd of November). All

sponsors will be included on the auction catalogue. Also on the day will be a BricA-Brac, tea/coffee/sandwiches and tickets for the Monster Draw for hampers, bingo books, jackets and many other items. Athleague is the place to be on Sunday! Come along for a family day out and support the Athleague community in their continued efforts with Tidy Towns, Christmas Lights and future projects including proposed Village Loop Walk, currently at feasibility stage and progressing to planning shortly.

For further details contact Shirley Whyte on 087 4903667, email: athleaguecommunityauction@gmail.com or contact any committee member.

Proposed Derryfadda Wind Farm

Public Consultation Session

Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables invite you to attend a Public Consultation Session on the proposed Derryfadda Wind Farm at any of the following venues:

Tuesday 5th November Ballyforan Community Centre, Ballyforan, 5pm - 8.30pm Co Roscommon, H53 H7D1

Wednesday 6th November Mattie McDonagh Centre, Market Square, 5pm - 8.30pm Ballygar, Co Galway, F42 V211

Thursday 7th November Ahascragh Community Centre, Ahascragh, 5pm - 8.30pm Ballinasloe, Co Galway, H53 FK35

The project team will be on hand to discuss queries and to provide the most up-to-date information on the proposed development.

The proposed wind farm will be jointly developed by Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables and will contribute towards goals set out in Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2024. Working together, both companies will leverage their extensive expertise, resources and presence across Ireland to generate positive outcomes for the local communities, local economies and climate change.

Members of the Athleague committee.

Lola was county winner in Petmania’s ‘Puppy of Year’

Pet experts Petmania have announced the winning pup in their Puppy of the Year competition Roscommon puppy Lola was the local county finalist in Petmania’s Puppy of the Year competition, beating all other Roscommon pups to attend the grand final last weekend. This year’s competition marks the 9th year of the annual canine competition with it becoming more popular each year.

Lola’s genuine and engaging personality won the hearts of the judges, gaining the title of Roscommon Pup of The Year.

In first place was cavapoo Harley Alves from Athlone. His proud owners, Jane and Lily Alves, received a prize worth €1500, including a 12-month grooming care plan with Petmania, a year’s supply of dog food from Beta, a two-night staycation in a dog-friendly hotel courtesy of Blue Book, as well as a professional photoshoot and a brand ambassador contract.

In second place was corgi Luna Roberts Higgins from Portlaoise, while in third place was Doberman pinscher Quirky Dude (Marcus) from Wexford.

After reaching the grand final of the competition, Lola’s owner, Maura from Roscommon, stated, “It means so much to us that Lola has reached the final. She is the best little puppy and we are so proud of her. Thanks to our family, friends and Petmania shoppers for voting”.

Local graduates receive Degrees from DCU

Twelve separate ceremonies took place in the Mahony Hall in The Helix on DCU’s Glasnevin campus over four days last week (October 21st to 24th), featuring students from across the university’s five faculties (the DCU Business School, the Institute of Education, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of

Science and Health, and the Faculty of Engineering and Computing) – including graduates from Roscommon.

Addressing the graduates, Professor Daire Keogh (President of Dublin City University) praised the students’ achievements and character, saying that they had shown themselves to be “self-

starters, self-possessed and devoid of entitlement”.

He added: “The world has never needed graduates like you more than it does now. It needs people with your attitude and skills – creativity, innovation, adaptability, and critical thinking – to address the huge challenges we face”.

Local projects funded by Community Climate Action Programme

Roscommon County Council is delighted to announce the allocation of more than €400,000 to 15 Roscommon projects under the Community Climate Action Programme Stand 1 and an additional €118,000 to two further projects under Strand 1a – a Roscommon-based project with a Northern Ireland partner.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice said, “I wish to congratulate those communities that have been successful in securing funding for their communities throughout the county under the DECC Community Climate Action Programme.

“15 communities throughout the county will share over €400k to develop climate actions in their area. In addition, two communities secured €118,000 for cross-border projects in collaboration with counterparts in Northern Ireland.

Credit is due to all communities that applied and it is anticipated that there will be an additional tranche in the near future for those unsuccessful in this phase”.

Making the announcement of funding for projects across Ireland, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan said, “I am delighted to support these vital local projects un-

der the Community Climate Action Programme, a landmark fund which is making €24 million available to climate action projects across Ireland, alongside a €3 million contribution from the Government’s Shared Island Fund.

“Communities and Local Authorities know best the climate actions that work for their area and can deliver the most effective climate solutions on the ground. I look forward to seeing the transformative effect these projects will have not only in tackling climate change, but in making our cities, towns and villages better places to live and work”.

Breata Coyle (Community Climate Action Officer with Roscommon County Council) says the work of local communities is having a positive effect on climate efforts across the county: “This allocation of funding is of huge significance in the realisation of climate action measures for community groups across the county.

“There was a large number of applicants for the fund showing the appetite amongst communities to increase their climate resilience and a further round of funding is expected to be rolled out in the coming months”, she concluded.

Adam Hegarty (Lanesboro) – who received a BS in Aviation Management and Development – pictured with his parents Pauline and John, sister Natasha, and partner Tom Hayes, during DCU’s recent autumn graduation ceremony.

Lauren Shanagher (Elphin, Co Roscommon), Aoife Kilkenny (Carbury, Kildare), Caoimhe Madden (Gowna, Cavan) and Kiah Farrelly (Edenderry, Offaly) pictured during DCU’s autumn graduation ceremony.

Roscommon puppy Lola was the county finalist in Petmania’s recent Puppy of the Year competition.

Emily Lynch (Boyle, Co Roscommon) and Laura Hagan (Ballygunner, Waterford) pictured during DCU’s recent autumn graduation ceremony.

Leah McCormack (Leixlip, Kildare), Aoife Hennessy (Glasnevin, Dublin), and Lia Harte (Athlone, Co Roscommon) – who received a BA in Early Childhood Education – pictured during DCU’s recent autumn graduation ceremony.

Margaret a finalist in Right at Home’s Carer of Year Awards

Margaret Callaghan has been announced as the Mayo/Roscommon regional winner and finalist in Right at Home’s Carer of the Year Awards 2024. The awards recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of care staff who play a significant role in their communities, enabling elderly people and people with disabilities to continue to live independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

Presented by Right at Home, a provider of in-home care and assistance for seniors and adults, the awards were established in 2020 to highlight the heroic work of carers. Nominations for Right at Home’s Carer of the Year finalists were submitted by those who they work closest with including clients, clients’ families, co-workers, managers, and supervisors.

Margaret will join six other candidates from all throughout Ireland at a special awards ceremony in November, where Right at Home’s National Carer of the Year 2024 will be crowned as they advance to the final stage of judging over the upcoming weeks.

Speaking about the awards, Natalie Crowe (Managing Director of Right at Home Mayo/Roscommon) said, “We are thrilled to announce Margaret Callaghan as our

Mayo/Roscommon Carer of the Year. For Margaret, it’s more like a friendship than a client relationship when it comes to her role with Right at Home, and those she cares for in the community. We know the adults and seniors really value this and it is so wonderful to see her hard work appreciated by those around her.

“Without question, Margaret goes above and beyond for her clients and never lets anything get in the way when ensuring their needs are met. She is an invaluable member of Right at Home Mayo/Roscommon and we are so proud of the work she does in the community”, she concluded.

Speaking about her award, Margaret said, “I am truly overjoyed to be nominated for the Right at Home Carer of the Year Award. I take great pride in my work in the community and with our wonderful clients. I am especially proud to represent the amazing co-workers of mine at Right at Home Mayo and Roscommon and I am so delighted to have been nominated for this award”.

The national winner of Right at Home’s Carer of the Year will be announced at an awards ceremony in Athlone on November 8th, where the winner will be unveiled.

Over-60s ‘climate’ programme

A free six-week programme aimed at supporting the over-60s population in reducing their carbon footprint is set to run in the Courthouse in Roscommon town from 10 am to noon on the following dates: November 5th, November 12th, November 19th, November 26th, December 3rd, and January 7th. The workshop will be hosted by Jacinta Barrins, CEO of the 60+ Climate Drive. Research shows that over-60s are concerned about climate change – and their environmental choices could be very impactful, considering many in this age group own their own home and

can influence the type of changes needed to reduce greenhouse gases. Many people over the age of sixty began their lives in the 1950s and ‘60s, when greenhouse gas levels started to rise steeply, and have contributed to this rise since (through their lifestyles and career paths), often unknowingly. This programme offers participants a friendly space to learn about and discuss climate change, with a focus on how to calculate one’s carbon footprint, what actions have a high/medium/low greenhouse gas impact, the positive changes that

can be made, and the supports available to do just that, all while fostering the opportunity to meet new friends with similar aims and hopefully help reduce the high per capita emission rates in Ireland. If you are interested in taking part in the programme, please contact Nuala McDonagh of Ballygar Tidy Towns on 086 3636007 or via email at mcdonaghnuala56@gmail.com, or any member of Ballygar Tidy Towns. Contact Jacinta Barrins at CC60PLUS@outlook. com.

Pictured is Margaret Callaghan, who has been announced as the Mayo/ Roscommon finalist in Right at Home’s Carer of the Year Awards 2024. Pic: Enda Regan

General Election 2024: THE RACE HEATS UP

New candidates emerge, Murphy tight-lipped for now

< EMMETT CORCORAN

The General Election race is finally starting to heat up in Roscommon-Galway, as the parties and others continue to confirm candidacies.

Murphy’s law

As we go to print, there has been no decision by Fianna Fáil senator Eugene Murphy with respect to a potential independent run for the Dáil following his party’s decision to not add him to the General Election ticket alongside Dr Martin Daly.

Dr Daly narrowly defeated Murphy at convention in recent weeks, by a margin of 106-98 votes. Speaking to the Roscommon People, Senator Murphy said: “I am consulting widely with friends, family and the Fianna Fáil grassroots locally. I am heartened by the support I have received” . It is understood that Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin has been in contact with Senator Murphy since the party’s national executive decided not to add him to the ticket. While some have suggested that he begin a Seanad reelection campaign, he would not be in a position to do so unless Fianna Fáil ratified his candidacy. Murphy says he will be making an announcement some time in the coming week following a series of talks with a number of stakeholders, including some of his Oireachtas colleagues.

New candidates

People Before Profit and the Green Party have announced their candidates for the Roscommon-Galway constituency in the upcoming General Election.

Activist Andrew Mannion will represent People Before Profit, while former councillor Martina O’Connor has been selected by the Green Party.

The pair will be vying to win seats in a traditionally competitive constituency dominated by established parties.

Andrew Mannion, a native of Ballinasloe and a long-time advocate for people-powered movements, has highlighted the need for systemic change.

According to Mannion, his campaign aims to empower local communities by involving trade unions, tenant groups, and other community action organisations in the fight for social change.

In a statement, Mannion said: “I’m proud to have been selected to be the People Before Profit-Solidarity candidate for Roscommon-Galway for the General Election. In this election, we will have the opportunity to finally end 100 years of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil rule”.

Mannion expressed criticism of the policies of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, arguing that their legacy includes a housing crisis, extended hospital wait-

ing lists, and insufficient resources for vulnerable populations; “They leave behind a legacy of a housing crisis, hospital waiting lists and a chronic lack of resources and supports for children and people with additional needs. It’s long past time to be rid of them”.

Mannion’s campaign platform is rooted in a vision for an alternative Ireland, which he claims would prioritise public services.

Greens running former Galway City councillor

Meanwhile, the Green Party has selected Martina O’Connor, a former

councillor and long-standing nurse, as its candidate.

O’Connor, who lost her seat on Galway City Council in the recent local elections, brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare and is known for her commitment to environmental issues. She has been vocal about how health and environmental sustainability are intrinsically linked, a perspective she says was instrumental in her decision to join the Green Party.

According to the Green Party’s website, O’Connor’s priorities include supporting the housing needs of the Traveller community, increasing green spaces, fostering urban biodiversity, and promoting women’s participation in politics. On the Green Party website O’Connor said her background in nursing and community work has shaped her understanding of the interconnectedness of social issues: “I feel as though our health is tied into our environment and this belief is what kicked off my interest in the Green Party”.

First of the Independents

The first of the non-party candidates has put their name forward for the General Election. Vincent Beirne, a resident of Fairymount, has announced his candidacy for the Roscommon-Galway constituency in the upcoming General Election, positioning himself as an “anti-Government” candidate.

Beirne, who previously organised a protest in Castlerea against plans to house 52 refugees in the Riverwalk apartments, says he wants to address the “disconnect” between the Government and the people. He says he wants to provide an alternative voice for the people of the Roscommon-Galway constituency.

Fine Gael selects Senator Aisling

Dolan to run in General Election

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Following the recent sudden and untimely passing of Councillor John Naughten, Fine Gael has announced the selection of Senator Aisling Dolan as his replacement for the Roscommon-Galway constituency in the forthcoming General Election. Dolan, from Ballinasloe, had narrowly missed out on the nomination at the party’s convention, finishing a handful of votes short.

She now joins Dympna Daly Finn as Fine Gael’s representatives in the constituency, mark-

ing a notable moment with two female candidates on the party’s Roscommon-Galway ticket.

“It is an honour to be asked by An Taoiseach Simon Harris to go forward as a Fine Gael General Election candidate for Roscommon-Galway,” Dolan said, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity. She added that she aims to build on her record of securing substantial funding for community projects over the past five years.

Since becoming a senator in 2020, Dolan says she has been involved in multiple local initiatives, including the €450 million Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue

road development and expansions at the Sacred Heart Residential Hospital in Roscommon and Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe. She emphasised that healthcare, investment and the environment will be central to her campaign, while also underscoring the need for the expansion of Portiuncula Hospital’s emergency department. Dolan highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by rural communities, noting that, although the west has benefited from €60 million in rural development and town regeneration funds over the past five years, issues such as housing vacancy and

dereliction persist: “Retrofitting older homes to bring down heating costs, more vacant home refurbishment to create new homes for families, are all issues I hope to continue working on”.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, the senator also acknowledged the mounting pressures on farming families, calling attention to the regulatory challenges faced by producers of “the highest quality grass-fed beef and dairy”. Dolan affirmed her commitment to advocating for increased supports for farmers, emphasising their importance to rural communities.

Dolan, who received 5,466 first-preference votes in the 2020 General Election before being eliminated on the fourth count with 6,162 votes, hopes to build on her past performance and strengthen Fine Gael’s presence in the region: “To secure inward investment, I strongly believe we need a Fine Gael government TD for Roscommon-Galway to be a strong voice for the west”. Fine Gael’s selection of Dolan and Daly Finn positions the party to address key local issues ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested election in Roscommon-Galway.

Senator Aisling Dolan

King & Moffatt to create 50 new jobs as Innovation and Technology Hub unveiled

Guests attending the official opening last Thursday of King & Moffatt’s new €600,000 Innovation and Technology Hub in Carrick-on-Shannon were told that the company is planning to create 50 new jobs over the coming months.

Hubert Fitzpatrick, the Director General of the CIF (Construction Industry Federation) formally opened the magnificent new facility, located at King & Moffatt’s Headquarters in Attirory Business Park, Carrick-onShannon.

Guests included industry personnel from Ireland and the UK, local public representatives and leading figures in the worlds of enterprise and construction.

Established in 1978 by Pat King and John Moffatt, King & Moffatt has grown into a major Mechanical & Electrical Contractors, now operating in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.

Thursday’s gala launch was told that estimated turnover for a trading year that will end in June 2025 is €225m, while the company is confident of breaking a “half billion euro” annual turnover target by 2030.

Guest speakers applauded the phenomenal growth of the company, the roots of which are in the Roscommon-Leitrim area.

Renowned for its embracing of innovation and technology, King & Moffatt was hailed as a leading light domestically and internationally.

Recalling the company’s humble beginnings, joint CEO Pat King said that he and John Moffatt both went to “price a house” in 1978, and rather than “engaging in a price war” they decided to set up a partnership. Many “sleepless nights” followed, but a breakthrough con-

tract from Hanley’s factory in Rooskey, followed by one with Glennon’s Sawmills, put the company on the road to success. Later came major expansion into the UK market. Now King & Moffatt is established in Northern Portugal and also developing its presence in other countries.

Paying tribute to the company’s 500-plus staff worldwide, Mr King said the opening of the new Innovation and

Technology Hub would see the company continue to embrace technology, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). It would also lead to the creation of 50 more jobs in the coming months, he revealed. Mr King said that the company’s staff are “our key drivers”, adding that innovative thinking and optimum use of technology is what marks the company out.

Tom Kelly, Head of Innova-

tion and Competitiveness Division at Enterprise Ireland, complimented King & Moffatt on building a strong local domestic market and then “internationalising” the business so impressively.

Formally declaring the Innovation and Technology Hub open, Hubert Fitzpatrick, the Director General of the CIF (Construction Industry Federation) complimented King & Moffatt on a fantastic journey to date and

wished the company continued success as it continues to grow nationally and internationally. Brendan Sweeney, Co-CEO of the company, former Government Minister Tom Parlon, Leitrim County Council CE (Chief Executive) Joseph Gilhooly, and Cllr Paddy O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, also addressed guests. Shane Tiernan, Roscommon County Council CE, was also present.

Pat King, joint founder and joint CEO of King & Moffatt, addresses guests at last Thursday’s official opening of the company’s new Innovation and Technology Hub in Carrick-onShannon.

Photo: Emma Healy

Hubert Fitzpatrick (left), Director General of the CIF (Construction Industry Federation), unveils a plaque to mark the official opening of King & Moffatt’s new Innovation and Technology Hub in Carrick-on-Shannon last Thursday. Also pictured are joint CEOs Brendan Sweeney and Pat King. Photo: Emma Healy

Pictured at last Thursday’s official opening of King & Moffatt’s new Innovation and Technology Hub in Carrick-on-Shannon were (left to right) Pat King, joint CEO of King & Moffatt; Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director General of the CIF (Construction Industry Federation); and Brendan Sweeney, joint CEO of King & Moffatt. Photo: Emma Healy

Pictured at the official opening of King & Moffatt’s new Innovation and Technology Hub in Carrick-on-Shannon last Thursday were (left to right) Evelyn and Eamon Hanley and Paul Healy (Editor, Roscommon People). Photo: Emma Healy

Pictured at the official opening of King & Moffatt’s new Innovation and Technology Hub in Carrick-on-Shannon last Thursday were (left to right) Cllr Leah Cull and Cllr Valerie Byrne. Photo: Emma Healy

Pictured at last Thursday’s official opening of King & Moffatt’s new Innovation and Technology Hub in Carrick-on-Shannon were (left to right) Tom Parlon and Paul Healy. Photo: Emma Healy

< PAUL HEALY

Attendees pictured at the official opening of King & Moffatt’s new Innovation and Technology Hub in Carrick-on-Shannon last Thursday, with Pat King (joint founder and joint CEO of K&M) second from left in back row. Photo: Emma Healy

Tom Kelly of Enterprise Ireland addresses last Thursday’s official opening of King & Moffatt’s new Innovation and Technology Hub in Carrickon-Shannon. Photo: Emma Healy

FarmingPeople

Roscommon’s ‘Fit Farmers’ project shortlisted for Awards

Roscommon Sports Partnership, Age Friendly Roscommon and Healthy Roscommon are finalists for the Age Friendly Active & Healthy Ageing Award at the 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards. Their innovative ‘Fit Farmers’ Project, based in Co Roscommon is shortlisted for its exceptional contribution to making Ireland an outstanding place to grow older. Recognised by Age Friendly Ireland, these projects exemplify best practices which are both impactful and can inspire similar efforts across the country. Curated by Age Friendly Ireland, the annual awards celebrate individuals, organisations, and agencies nationwide that are spearheading initiatives to improve the lives of older

adults in Ireland. The 2024 awards ceremony will take place on the 7th of November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Northwood, Santry, Dublin, hosted by Fingal County Council.

Speaking on the annual awards, Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service said: “The shortlisted projects represent the gold standard of innovation and dedication, showcasing how communities are coming together to improve the quality of life for older adults across

Ireland. These initiatives stand out not only for their immediate impact but also for their potential to be replicated across the country”.

The 2024 National Age Friendly Awards include eight categories, each aligned with a World Health

Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly Theme. These include awards for best in Age Friendly Transport; Active and Healthy Ageing; Business Innovation; Safety and Security; Communications; Environment; Community Innovation; and Housing.

Roscommon MART WATCH

Cattle: There was a large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s (October 25th) special sale of heifers.

Heifers fetched an average of €3.13 per kilo up to €6.23 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.21 per kilo up to €2.96 per kilo. There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.21 per kilo up to €2.96 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX -920KG -€2200 -€2.39 per kg, CHX- 895KG- €2250€2.51 per kg, LM -815KG- €2360- €2.90 per kg, BBX -775KG -€2060- €2.66 per kg, CHX-705KG€1910- €2.71 per kg, LMX-675KG -€1725- €2.26 per kg, and LMX- 635KG- €1440-€2.27 per kg.

Heifers ranged from an average of €3.13 per kilo up to €6.23 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX-755KG€2450- €3.25 per kg, LMX- 685KG- €2420 - €3.53 per kg, LMX-645KG- €2840- €4.40 per kg, CHX585KG- €1990- €3.40 per kg, LMX- 515KG- €3210€6.23 per kg, CHX - 495KG - €1870-€3.78 per kg, and LMX- 445KG- €1890-€4.25 per kg. Weanlings

There was a large entry of quality weanlings on offer at our special sale held on Tuesday evening, October 29th, with a strong trade for bulls and heifers. The next sale is Tuesday, November 5th Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.43 per kilo up to €4.52 per kilo, heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.29 per kilo up to

€4.68, and cows made an average of €3.62 per kilo up to €5.31 per kilo. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active.

Bull weanlings ranged from an average of €3.43 per kilo up to €4.52 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX- 580KG -€1960 -€3.38 per kg, CHX- 530KG€1790- €3.38 per kg, LMX-480KG- €1800 -€3.75 per kg, CHX -410KG- €1530- €3.73 per kg, LMX -390KG- €1460 -€3.74 per kg, CHX -330KG -€1300 -€3.94 per kg, LMX- 300KG -€1270 -€4.23 per kg, and LMX-285KG-€1200- €4.21 per kg.

Heifer weanlings ranged from an average of €3.29 per kilo up to €4.68 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX-340KG -€1390- €4.09 per kg, CHX -360KG€1290-€3.58 per kg, LMX-295KG- €1180-€4.00 per kg, CH- 320KG- €1330- €4.16 per kg, LMX- 270KG€930 -€3.44 per kg, CHX- 250KG- €900- €3.60 per kg, and CHX-210KG-€800- €3.81 per kg.

Sheep

We had a smaller number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and stag ewes on Wednesday, October 30th. Prices for spring lambs made up to €187 while stag ewes topped out at €216.

The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, November 6th. 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.

Castlerea MART WATCH

Cattle: Larger numbers of stock presented for sale on Thursday last, October 24th, with increased numbers of heifers and weanlings hitting the rings. Trade and prices continue to strengthen, aided by increased numbers of buyers trying to source stock.

The heifer ring witnessed a good clearance with over €4 a kilo paid for top quality breeding heifers while the weanling rings witnessed the bulls peak at €4.25 a kilo, while heifers hit €4.75 a kilo.

Cows with calves at foot made up to €2800 while springers made up to €2340. There was a big increase in dry cows on offer with lots topping out at €2210.

Heifers, sample prices: Lm 425kgs €1490, Ch 425kgs €1470, Lm 405kgs €1440, AA 395kgs €1400, Lm 380kgs €1390, Chx 485kgs €2010, Lm 470kgs €2000, Lm 480kgs €1660, Ch 625kgs €2020, Ch 500kgs 1910, and Ch 580kgs €1900. Dry cows, sample prices: Ch 780kgs €2210, AA 860kgs €2170, Lm 735kgs €2140, Lm 785kgs €2140, Fr 645kgs €1520, Fr 535kgs €1310, Her 560kgs €1260, AA 680kgs €1730, and BBx 670kgs €1830.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1100 to €2800. Springers made from €740 to €2340.

Better quality calf/runner lots presented for sale last week, with lots making from €300 to €1200

for continentals with an average price of €710 paid.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: Ch 295kgs €1190, Ch 280kgs €1120, Ch 265kgs €1100, Ch 260kgs €1050, AA 290kgs €980, Lm 400kgs €1700, Lm 345kgs €1400, Ch 320kgs €1360, AA 350kgs €1290, and Ch 310kgs €1280.

Weanling heifers, sample prices: Ch 285kgs €1180, Ch 280kgs €1050, Ch 280kgs €1010, Lm 225kgs €990, Ch 215kgs €900, Lm 355kgs €1470, Lm 355kgs €1240, Ch 300kgs €1110, and Lm 300kgs €1000.

Bullocks

Over 300 lots were presented for sale on Monday, October 21st. Overall a good trade prevailed, with quality stores making up to €3.73 a kilo while heavier lots made up to €2290.

Sample prices: Ch 475kgs €1680, AA 490kgs €1590, Lm 490kgs €1550, Ch 520kgs €1940, Ch 515kgs €1740, Lm 509kgs €1640, AA 515kgs €1600, Ch 565kgs €1940, Lm 570kgs €1820, Lm 625kgs €2020, Ch 680kgs €2290, and AA 705kgs €2100.

120 Pens on offer. Also, Dry Cows and Heifers

Tommie Regan

Annual Springer Sale

50 Outstanding Springing Heifersviewing @ 5 p.m. Sale @ 7 p.m.

Selection of Roans, Limousin, Charolais and Belgian Blues. In-calf to easy calving AI Limousin 5 Star Bulls (Loyal) and Sex Semen (Knell) Scanned and guaranteed in calf. Calving from 8th Nov. onwards. AI Certs supplied on evening. Calving down at 2½ to 3 years old. Tested and clear from BVD. Star Rated as per ICBF. All heifers can be Export Tested. Vaccinated for Leptospirosis.

Friday 8th November @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers and Breeding Heifers

Also, Dry Cows and Bullocks Bookings accepted until Monday 4th November @ 5 p.m. **************

Midland and Western Charolais Club

Unhaltered Pedigree Female Sale (Time TBC)

Tuesday 5th November @ 4 p.m.

Show & Sale of Weanlings

Also, ANNUAL SPRINGER SALE on Behalf of Kieran McConn – 30 Springers on offer on the night

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Mondays with our

090

and on Thursdays

Cllr Larry Brennan (7th from left), Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, recently attended the launch of the Roscommon ‘Fit Farmers’ project.

WDC and LEADER sign MOU to support local community projects

The Western Development Commission (WDC) and Roscommon LEADER Partnership (RLP) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at supporting community projects and social enterprises throughout County Roscommon.

The partnership builds on the success of a pilot project during the previous LEADER programme, where WDC provided term loans and bridging finance totalling €2.6 million to 31 projects across the county.

This MOU formalises the collaboration between the two organisations to streamline access to match funding by way of term loans and bridge finance for the Leader grant for projects funded through the LEADER Programme 2023-2027 in Roscommon. It aims to ensure that community-led initiatives and social enterprises can secure the necessary funding to maximise their grant drawdown and meet their development goals.

Under the agreement, WDC will offer bridging finance and term loans to eligible projects, with loan amounts ranging from €50,000 to €200,000.

Gillian Buckley (Investment Manager at WDC) emphasised the importance of this partnership in driving economic and social development in rural communities: “The Western Development Commission is committed to supporting community groups and social enterprises across the Western Region. This Memorandum of Understanding ensures

Kerrane presses Taoiseach on advanced paramedic cover

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has asked the Taoiseach to honour a commitment made by his party on the occasion of the closure of the Accident & Emergency Unit in Roscommon Town.

Raising the issue in the Dáil with Taoiseach Simon Harris, Deputy Kerrane said that on the closure of Roscommon A&E in 2011, a commitment was made by Fine Gael and the HSE that there would be 24/7 advanced paramedic cover in Roscommon, in light of the distance to the next nearest A&E.

Deputy Kerrane says that in the last year especially this commitment has not been honoured and “there is no longer 24/7 cover in place”.

The TD said that she has raised this issue repeatedly with the National Ambulance Service and with the

Minister for Health.

“The National Ambulance Service tell me they cannot fill the advanced paramedic post – yet at the same time they suspended training advanced paramedics in early 2023”.

Addressing the Taoiseach, Deputy Kerrane said “Advanced paramedics are critical and especially in a county like Roscommon where we have no A&E. I am asking you to honour the commitment you made to the people of Roscommon”.

In response, the Taoiseach acknowledged the difference between an advanced paramedic and a paramedic and agreed to speak to the Minister for Health on this issue. He committed to revert to Deputy Kerrane.

The late Peter McNiff: a tribute from Keadue Tidy Towns

Peter McNiff, our great friend and neighbour, sadly passed away on the 1st of October 2024.

Peter was first and foremost a committed family man, and having such a loving and close family meant so much to him, and provided a wonderful base whereby he became a committed community volunteer.

Peter was much respected and admired for the tremendous contribution he made to his work and his community. His involvement in the many varied voluntary groups in the area is testament to his great interest in, and dedication to, his much-loved community. Whether it was with the Keadue

Development/Tidy Towns, O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School, St Ronan’s Hall, Arigna Miners Way, Arigna Mining Experience, Kilronan Parish Players etc, Peter gave of his time tirelessly and applied himself wholeheartedly. His involvement was essential to all of these activities. He was Chairman of Keadue Tidy Towns Committee, and the winning of the All-Ireland Tidy Towns titles by Keadue in 1993 and 2003 and the Entente Florale Competition in 2003 and 2022 were just some of the many highlights he experienced in this role.

We will remember Peter as a gentleman and as a gentle man

in every sense, with a kind and generous spirit, who will be greatly missed. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann (we’ll never see the likes of him again).

that these vital projects in County Roscommon can access the flexible and affordable finance they need to thrive.

“Our successful collaboration with Roscommon LEADER Partnership during the last LEADER programme highlighted the positive impact this kind of support can have on our communities, and we look forward to building on that success in the years to come”, she said.

Michael Frain (Chairperson of Roscommon LEADER Partnership) also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting its potential to strengthen the community: “This MOU is a clear demonstration of our commitment to fostering sustainable growth in County Roscommon. By working with the Western Development Commission, we are enabling local communities to overcome financial barriers and access the funding they need to develop impactful projects. These initiatives will not only create jobs but also build stronger, more resilient communities”, he said. The collaboration between RLP and WDC underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that County Roscommon maximises the benefit of the LEADER Programme, helping to sustain rural development, create jobs, and strengthen community ties.

For more information on bridging loans and MOUs with the Western Development Commission, see westerndevelopment.ie.

St Ronan’s Hall to host ‘O’Carolan – Music and Stories’

Welcome to ‘O’Carolan – Music and Stories’ – an exciting in-person, acoustic event celebrating the music and legacy of Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738).

Join musicians Fiachra Guihen and Mossie Martin as they celebrate the wonderful melodies, fascinating history, and local legends of a man whom many consider to be Ireland’s greatest bard and composer.

This in-person, acoustic event will be held at 7 pm on Sunday, November 3rd, in the recently-renovated St Ronan’s Hall in the village of Keadue. After the performance, there will be a cuppa for all and an invitation to join Fiachra and Mossie for a few tunes – bring your instrument, all are welcome!

Fiachra (harp, flute) and Mossie (fiddle, whistle) both grew up just outside the village of Keadue in north Co Roscommon.

Ireland’s greatest bard and composer rests in the ruins of Kilronan Abbey, which is also just outside Keadue. His legacy is celebrated in the village every August during the O’Carolan Harp Festival, and Fiachra and Mossie are enjoying learning and sharing his music, his history and his stories. Tickets cost just €10 for this event, and can be purchased with cash at the door on the night or online via Eventbrite at eventbrite.com. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment!

Roscommon Sports Partnership launches Good2Go! training

Roscommon Sports Partnership is excited to announce the launch of Good2Go! training at Athleague Community Centre, starting this November.

Good2Go! is a specially designed programme aimed at equipping participants with the skills and confidence to lead sociable, healthenhancing physical activities for older adults and adults with disabilities.

This training is ideal for leaders within community groups, organisations, and services looking to deliver inclusive, suitable activities to their members or users. The programme is particularly beneficial for Active Age Groups, Community Groups, Men’s or Women’s Sheds, care providers, and

Disability Service providers.

The training will comprise five free weekly three-hour workshops (running every Tuesday for five weeks) at Athleague Community Centre, from 10 am to 1.30 pm (includes refreshments) on November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th and December 1st. Participants are expected to attend all sessions to maximise the training’s benefits.

The workshops accommodate various fitness levels, though participants should be prepared for both seated and standing activities, including demonstrations of games and adapted low-impact exercises. To book your place, call or text Elle May on 083 4101623 or email csdo@rosactive.org.

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

Tickets on sale for Boyle Musical Society’s ‘The Sound of Music’!

With just a few weeks until opening night, tickets for Boyle Musical Society’s spectacular production of ‘The Sound of Music’ will go on sale from 1 pm this Saturday, November 2nd. In-person bookings and ticket purchases can be made at the new booking office, located at the New Art Gallery in An Ríoga (former Royal Hotel), from 1 pm to 4.30 pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until November 23rd. Telephone bookings can be made via 087 062 7789. Tickets will also be available at the door of the hall each night.

‘The Sound of Music’ will be staged in St Joseph’s Hall, Boyle from Wednesday, November 20th, to Saturday November 23rd, and the performances will be at 8 pm nightly. There will also be a special matinée performance at 2.30 pm on Saturday, November 23rd.

Tickets can be booked for all five performances, and there are special concessions available for the opening night and matinéé performances.

For more information, please visit boylemusicalsociety.com or follow the society on Facebook and Instagram.

Bualadh Bos to stage oneact plays in Glenamaddy

Glenamaddy Town Hall will host Bualadh Bos Drama Group, Oranmore, on Saturday, November 2nd, for one night only. The group will perform two once-act plays –‘Melody’ (directed by Iggy Bownes) and ‘Adrift’ (directed by Michael Irwin) In ‘Melody’ by Deirdre Kinahan, a widow and bachelor meet by chance and a growing friendship develops until revelations throw their world into turmoil.

‘Adrift’ by George Infini is a story wherein mutiny while being lost at sea might end up not being such a good idea.

These two plays have both received tremendous responses in recent weeks, from audiences in Oranmore, Athenry, Gort and most recently Balla, Co Mayo.

‘Melody’ ran as part of Galway Fringe Arts festival earlier this summer and ‘Adrift’ will continue to entertain audiences as part of the DLI One-Act Circuit this season.

Glenamaddy audiences are fortunate to have the opportunity to see both these plays in one evening. Bualadh Bos Drama Group is twenty years entertaining their local audiences in Oranmore.

The event begins at 8 pm, and admission at the door is €15. Parental discretion is advised.

Launch of inaugural Ballinasloe Journal

Ballinasloe and District Heritage Society’s inaugural journal – ‘The Hostings’ – will be launched at a special event in Ballinasloe Town Hall at 6.30 pm on Friday, November 8th. Guest speaker on the evening will be awardwinning journalist and Irish Independent travel editor Pol O’Conghaile, a native of the town. A panel discussion will take place and copies of ‘The Hostings’, priced at €15, will be available to purchase on the evening.

The Heritage Society will also outline its membership plans and a draft programme of events for 2025 at the event.

New podcast to explore connection between creativity, people and place

A new podcast, ‘PLACEWAYS’, created in collaboration with Dr Anna King and Creative Places Ballaghaderreen, has been officially launched.

The podcast series is a space where listeners can explore the intricate ways in which places are known, imagined, felt, and remembered. Through conversations with artists, creatives, and community voices, the podcast host will dive into the stories that shape our understanding of place – both personal and collective.

The debut episode features talented visual artist Maria May. The conversation weaves through Maria’s unique artistic vision and offers listeners a deep, reflective journey into the sensory experience of place. She shares how her work endeavours to balance hope with the gravity of the climate crisis message, how plastic has become her unlikely ally, as well as how her art practice helped her navigate her way through personal grief.

In particular, Anna and Maria hope that their conversation will spark a wider conversation within Ireland and beyond about the powerful way in which art can help people move through experiences of loss and grief.

A special online exhibition of Maria May’s artwork complements the podcast, offering an immersive visual exploration alongside the audio. The first episode and the online exhibition are available now on the ‘PLACEWAYS’ website, allowing listeners

to engage with art and storytelling in a truly unique way.

This series is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of art, culture, and the human experience of place. For more information and

Roscommon author shortlisted in An Post Irish Book Awards

County Roscommon author Patsy McGarry has been shortlisted for the highly-regarded An Post Irish Book Awards.

In making the shortlist, McGarry joins a host of talented authors, with this year’s shortlist featuring a diverse and exciting mix of exceptional writing from new and established writers across twenty categories.

Ballaghaderreen native McGarry was shortlisted in the ‘Dubray Biography of the Year’ category of this year’s awards for his book, ‘Well, Holy God: My Life as an Irish, Catholic, Agnostic Correspondent’, released earlier this year.

The category winners selected from this shortlist will be announced at an awards ceremony in the Convention Centre, Dublin, on Wednesday, November 27th. A TV programme announcing the overall ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year’ winner will be broadcast on RTÉ ONE on Thursday, December 19th.

The shortlist of six for the short story and poetry categories was selected from the monthly winners between

November 2023 and October 2024 by Ciaran Carty, New Irish Writing’s Editor since 1988, and Associate Editor Dermot Bolger. The overall winners of both categories will be chosen by two of New Irish Writing’s most successful and respected alumni –John Boyne and Paula Meehan.

Other categories include ‘Novel of the Year’, ‘Children’s (Junior and Senior)’, ‘Newcomer’, ‘Lifestyle’, ‘Crime Fiction’, ‘Biography’, ‘Popular Fiction’, ‘Non-fiction’, ‘Sports’, ‘Teen and Young Adult’, and ‘Irish Language’. To tie in with the announcement of the An Post Irish Book Awards shortlist, the public are now being asked to have their say and cast their votes for the best books of the year on the An Post Irish Book Awards website, via anpostirishbookawards.ie/vote. All voters will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five €100 National Book Tokens vouchers. Voters may cast their votes from 8 pm on the 24th of October until voting closes on the 14th of November at 5 pm.

to listen to the first episode, visit annaking.ie/ podcast-placeways/podcast.

‘PLACEWAYS’ is generously supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and Roscommon County Council.

Two hilarious comedies coming up at Roscommon Arts Centre

Come along to the Roscommon Arts Centre this November for two hilarious comedy performances – there’s something for everyone!

Enya Martin will be performing at 8 pm on Saturday, November 2nd. According to top comedian Joanne McNally, Enya is a “comedic machine”.

Her new show, ‘Is it just me?’, is Enya’s search for answers: Is it just my relationship that’s like this? Was it just my upbringing that has me this way? Is it just me who experiences this on holiday!?

Join Enya Martin as she brings her unforgettable

comedy show to Roscommon this autumn. Tickets cost €20. On Saturday, November 16th, Gearóid Farrelly will perform at 8 pm. According to comedian Sarah Millican, Gearóid Farrelly is “hilarious”, while Joanne McNally calls him “my absolute favourite”.

Gearóid Farrelly is following his mammoth ‘Glamour Hammer’ tour with a hilarious new standup show, touching on the many, many, many things that make his blood ‘boil’. Tickets cost €21.

Tickets for both shows are available now from box office on 090 662 5824 and from roscommonartscentre. ie.

Enya Martin

Roscommon author Patsy McGarry has been shortlisted in the ‘Dubray Biography of the Year’ category of the 2024 An Post Irish Book Awards for his book, ‘Well, Holy God: My Life as an Irish, Catholic, Agnostic Correspondent’.

‘Connectivation’ by Maria May.

GOING OUT

Local twins celebrate 90th birthday! Twins John Tarpey and Mary McDermott (sitting) pictured with family members for their 90th

celebrations, held in Ballinlough last weekend.

John Joe Nally recently retired from the Ambulance Service and a retirement function was held in his honour in the Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon. John Joe receives a presentation in acknowledgement of his long service with the National Ambulance Service. Photo: Emma Healy

John Joe Nally recently retired from the Ambulance Service and a retirement function was held in his honour in the Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon. John Joe is pictured with his daughters Emma and Ava, and wife Jean. Photo: Emma Healy

Guests pictured with John Joe Nally and family at John Joe’s retirement party in the Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon.

Photo: Emma Healy

Pictured are friends, family members and work colleagues in the Coachman’s Inn for John Joe Nally’s retirement party. Photo: Emma Healy

Pictured at John Joe Nally’s retirement party in the Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon were lan Taylor, John Taylor and Michael Corbett. Photo: Emma Healy

Pictured at John Joe Nally’s retirement party in the Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon were Padraig Brehon and Ray Richardson. Photo: Emma Healy

TOP: Pictured at John Joe Nally’s retirement party in the Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon were Jean Nally, Ian Mullen and Linda Frost.

LEFT: Pictured at John Joe Nally’s retirement party in the Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon were Maria Richardson and Jean Nally.

Photos: Emma Healy

Remax Team Earley

home offers modern amenities and an eco-friendly

lifestyle amidst abundant green areas and in close proximity to all town conveniences. Remax Team Earley would like to advise that they are urgently seeking residences in the Oldwood area of Roscommon town for disappointed underbidders. For further details or to

arrange a free consultation, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact one of the auctioneers directly by contacting Cormac on 086 3519492, Cathal on 086 1409158, or Keith on 086 0848590.

Agricultural lands new to the market at Remax Team Earley

Cathal Meares of Remax Team Earley proudly presents for sale approximately 28.8 acres of agricultural land at Rathnaglye, Tulsk, Co Roscommon – comprised in folio RN17522.

This sale represents an excellent opportunity to acquire approximately 28.8 acres of exceptional quality agricultural land situated in the scenic and accessible area of Rathnaglye, Tulsk, Co Roscommon. The sale is subject to land lease until January 1st 2028 at

an annual rent of €7,500 per annum.

This expansive property is well suited for a variety of agricultural uses, making it an ideal choice for livestock, general farming, or hobby farming. The property features a charming derelict stone building located at the entrance of a secondary road access point, offering potential for restoration or use as a unique feature.

For further details or to arrange a

viewing, please contact the auctioneer. This is a rare opportunity to secure a substantial and valuable landholding in a convenient and sought-after location.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact auctioneer Cathal on 086 1409158.

61 Oldwood, Roscommon town.

Rathnaglye, Tulsk, Co Roscommon

Awards success for Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa

Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa in Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon, has been recognised with five prestigious awards at the 2024 Irish Hotel Awards, held at Johnston Estate recently.

Chef Daniel Willimont won ‘Best Chef of the Year 2024’ for his exceptional culinary creativity and dedication to delivering outstanding dining experiences.

Spa Manager Rachael Dougal and her team’s hard work and passion for wellness were also celebrated, winning the ‘Spa Manager of the Year’ award for ensuring every guest enjoys a world class rejuvenating experience.

Ann O’Rourke won for ‘Breakfast Manager of the Year’ – a well-deserved recognition for her commitment to starting every guest’s day with a memorable, delicious breakfast.

The ‘Great Irish Breakfast award –Connaught Regional Winner’ award was also won, recognising the hotel’s commitment to providing an exceptional breakfast experience, featuring a selection of locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.

And last but not least, the ‘Gourmet Getaway of the Year 2024’ was also won, highlighting the overall excellence of the gourmet experiences on offer.

“We are absolutely delighted with these accolades,” said General Manager Andrew McGovern. “These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team. At

Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa, we are committed to delivering the highest standards in hospitality, and it’s wonderful to see this being recognised on such a prestigious platform”.

Customer Appreciation Day at Fresh Today, Roscommon

Fresh Today in Roscommon Town held a very enjoyable Customer Appreciation Day last Saturday (26th of October). Even Elvis turned up! There were many special guests present and local children and parents alike greatly enjoyed the proceedings!

Members of the Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa team pictured at the recent 2024 Irish Hotel Awards ceremony.

Classifieds

ANONYMOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS

If you WANT to stop gambling ... and REMAIN stopped ... you CAN!

GAMBLERS

ANONYMOUS MEETING every Monday at 8.45 pm at St. Kieran’s Community Centre, Athlone (N37 W7P3).

CHIMNEY CLEANING

COMPLETE CHIMNEY SERVICES

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Chimney cowls and crow guards tted Telephone: 087 2798704

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING

Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess)

- Open re - Stoves - Ranges

Chimney CCTV Inspection

OIL BOILERS SERVICED

Burners Repaired

CARPETS CLEANING

Satellite and Digital

TV Installation

All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851

Care Practitioner 086 3562718 kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.ie

Stephen Casey Construction

● General Building

● Extensions & Roo ng

● Groundworks

● Renovations

● Chimney CCTV Inspections

● Chimney Repair - Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

FARMING

 FARM REPAIR SHOP

– Roscommon/Lanesboro area. Tel 087 2755738.

 FOR SALE – round bales of dry bedding. €15 each. Castlerea area Tel. 086 7351912.

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com NO JOB TOO BIG OR

COUNSELLING

& HYPNOTHERAPY

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

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

• Sprayers tested on owners premises

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

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

All sprayers tested in 2020/2021 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

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

FOR SALE - Hohner 2 row button accordian. 2915 Pokerwork, BC Tuned, refurbished, new straps and bag. €725 or nearest o er. Tel 094 9633718.

FUEL FOR SALE

 FOR SALE: Turf and rewood for sale. Tonne bags. Excellent quality turf and rewood at €50 per bag delivered. Call Tom 086 2628439.

FOR SALE TRAILERS

TRAILER

SERVICING & REPAIRS to all makes and models (LED Lights, Brakes, Re-Wiring, etc.) Call TrailerFix on 086 4041875 Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

 LINE DANCING CLASSES in Quad Centre, Roscommon town every Friday at 11.15am and Sundays at 6pm. Also in Four Mile House on Tuesdays at 7pm to 9pm with JIVING CLASSES and more from 9pm to 11pm. Tutor, Christopher Beirne: 086 8474744

MANNION

Martin Joe Culleenervin, Dysart, Co. Roscommon

We, the family of the late Martin Joe Mannion, who passed away on 7th October, 2024, wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who sympathised with us and supported us our recent sad loss.

Thanks to all those who attended Martin Joe’s Reposing Prayers, Removal and Funeral Mass and those who travelled long distances.

Thanks also to those who sent Mass cards, messages, phonecalls online condolences and oral tributes.

Thank you to Fr. Francis Beirne for his kindness, support, prayers and for making the Funeral Mass so meaningful. Thanks to all who helped and participated in the Mass, prepared the Church on the day and to Liam and Sabina for the beautiful music and singing.

A special word of thanks to Michael Dempsey, Dempsey Funeral Directors, for his professionalism and support with the Funeral arangements and to the gravediggers who prepared Martin Joe’s nal resting place with such attention, care and respect.

We are eternally grateful to Martin Joe’s wonderful neighbours and friends who were always such a great help and support to him while at home and during his time in Oakwood Nursing Home.

Thank you to all the sta in Oakwood Nursing Home for all the care and kindness given to Martin Joe over the past two years. Thank you most sincerely to Dr. Martin Daly, Home Helps and Public Health Nurses for the care provided to Martin Joe while at home.

A special thank you to all who assisted in the preparation of Dysart Community Centre and to The Peppermill Restaurant & Catering who provided the food after the Funeral.

As it would be impossible to thank everybody individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deep appreciation and thanks.

Martin Joe’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 3rd November at 10 am in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart.

CUMMINS

Noreen

Aughmagree, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) Who passed away on the 15th November 2021

A wife, a mother, a grandmother too, this is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight, you gave us strength, you gave us might.

A stronger person would be hard to find, and in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, not just as a wife not just as a mother. For all of us you gave your best, now the time has come for you to rest.

So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep. Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep.

Sadly missed by your loving husband Billy and family.

Mass

DEVANEY

Mary

(Mamie)

Teemanagh, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 5th November 2023

We, the family of the late Mary Devaney, wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who sympathised with us on our recent loss.

We are grateful too, for all the messages of sympathy, Mass cards and condolence messages on RIP.ie which we received and to everyone who travelled long distances, attended the funeral home, requiem mass & burial.

We extend a special thank you to the Home Help sta , the Healthcare sta including the sta in Aras Mhathair Phoil and the Doctors and Nurses in Mayo University Hospital , for their exceptional care and kindness shown to Mary.

Our sincere thanks to James Kenny and Paul Gaynor for their support and utmost professionalism.

We are deeply grateful to Fr. Pat O’Toole who prayed with us during the family prayers and contributed to making the Funeral Mass so meaningful.

To Eoin Kenny, Natalie and Emily Murray for their beautiful music and singing which added so beautifully to Mary’s mass.

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

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

Mary’s First Anniversary Mass will take place on Saturday 2nd November at 7pm in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber.

, LANNON (née Cryan) Frankie Racecourse Road, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

On the 1st Anniversary of Frankie’s passing, her sons Michael and Frank, daughter Mary and their extended families would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude for all the support and sympathy we received during the sad loss of our wonderful Mam.

A special word of thanks to all the sta at Sonas Inishree Nursing home, Ballyleague where Mam shared many precious moments during the nal years of her life. Mam loved the company of others and in this regard we send a special thank you to her many dear friends, wonderful neighbours, and to all her frequent visitors who called to her home for chats, tea and appletart!

Thank you to Fr Ray Milton, PP Knockcroghery, for a beautiful Funeral Ceremony, to Fr Kevin Fallon for prayers, to our Funeral Mass singer Claire, and to Smyths Funeral undertakers for their professionalism. Thank you to all who called during Mams reposal, attended the funeral mass and attended Mams Final resting place she shares with her beloved late husband, Frank.

Finally a word of thanks to Hannon’s Hotel for providing a beautiful post funeral meal.

As it would not be possible to thank everybody individually please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our heartfelt gratitude. Mass has been o ered for the intentions of all.

HOBAN

Lena

Ballyglass, Ballymacurley (21st Anniversary)

The day you left and gained your wings my heart just broke in two. I wish you could have stayed but Heaven needed you. You left me with the memories and I love you dearly still. No matter how much time goes by you know I always will. You were a very special person with kindness in your heart. And the love we had together grows stronger now we’re apart. I know I cannot bring you back although I wish it everyday. But a piece of me went with you the day you went away.

Remembered always by your loving husband Bill, sons Liam, Enda and Marty, daughter Sinéad, son-in-law Brian, daughters in-law Ruth, Elaine and Gillian, grandchildren Dylan, Nathan, Noah, Cría, Caoimhe, Donnacha, Conor, Lorcán, Daire and Cormac and extended family.

Anniversary Mass in Cloverhill on Saturday 2nd November at 7pm.

HANLEY

Michael (Mickie) Castlestrange, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Michael who passed away on the 5th November 2018

Rest In Peace

Lonely is the home without you, life to us is not the same. All the world would be like Heaven, if we could have you back again.

Sadly missed by your family. Mass has been offered.

www.brianmurraystone.com

MORGAN

Tom

Bracklagh, Williamstown, Co. Galway

In loving memory of Tom, who passed away on 6th November 2023. Rest in Peace. (1st Anniversary)

As we fondly remember Tom on his First Anniversary, we his family, wish to acknowledge the kindness and support shown to us during our very sad loss. We wish to extend our appreciation to our relatives, our very good neighbours and friends for their support at this very di cult time.

Thanks to all who attended Tom’s Reposing and Funeral Mass, for all the Mass cards, messages, phonecalls and online condolences and for all who travelled long distances to be with us.

Thanks to Fr. Julian and Co-celebrants, to the Sacristan and Altar Servers. Thanks to Feeney Funeral Directors, thank you for your professionalism, guidance and kindness. Also thanks to the Paramedics for their help and compassion on night of Tom’s sudden passing.

Our sincere thanks to our lovely neighbours for the beautiful Altar that was outside our family home the night Tom was reposing at home. Sincere thanks to everyone who brought food to our home at this sad time. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our appreciation.

Anniversary Mass for Tom will be celebrated in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe on Saturday, 9th November at 6 pm.

MORGAN

Tom

Bracklagh, Williamstown, Co. Galway

In loving memory of Tom, who passed away on 6th November 2023. Rest in Peace. (1st Anniversary)

If we had all the world to give, we’d give it, yes, and more! To hear his voice, to see his smile and greet him at the door. But, all we can do, dear Father, is go and tend your grave, and leave behind tokens of love to the best Dad that God made.

Loved and sadly missed from your daughter Sharon, Gerard, Shauna, Ethan and Ava.

Noreen’s Anniversary

will be held on Sunday, 10th November in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan at 10am.

M cGOVERN

Michael Curraghrevagh, Creggs, Co. Galway (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of a dear father and grandfather who passed away on the 2nd November 2021

R.I.P.

A special day, another year, a loving thought, a silent tear, a little prayer to keep in touch with somone loved and miss so much.

Lovingly remembered by his daughters Mary, Ann, Sheila, Biddy, Claire, Michelle, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Michael’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 3rd November at 11.30am.

DOWD

Eileen

In loving memory of Eileen Dowd, whose birthday occurs on Thursday, 21st November and whose 14th anniversary occurs at this time.

Sadly missed and always remembered by her family.

TREACY

Mary Ballyfinnegan,Ballintober, Co. Roscommon Who passed away peacefully on the 7th November 2022 (2nd Anniversary) Rest in Peace

Alone, but never quite alone I face an empty chair. But sometimes in the silence I imagine you are there. My companion for so many years, no longer here with me. And, yet, in some mysterious way, you keep me company.

Loved and sadly missed by her husband Andy and the Treacy and Finneran families.

Anniversary Mass for Mary and her sister-in-law Pauline will take place on 6th November at 6.30 pm in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber.

MULLIGAN

Tommy

Curraghreevagh, Creggs. Died 12th November 2017 (7th Anniversary)

No farewell words were ever spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God can tell us why. It broke our hearts to lose you But you did not go alone For part of us went with you The day God called you Home.

Lovingly remembered by his parents, Tommy Joe and Mary, sisters Elizabeth and Maria, brother-in-law Joe, niece Dayna, nephews Dylan and Patrick.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 3rd November at 11.30am.

KILLION

John

Clooncagh, Ballymurry, Roscommon Who passed away on the 5th November, 2023 (1st Anniversary)

We have lost a father with a heart of gold, How much we miss him can never be told, He shared our troubles and helped us along, If we follow his foot steps, We will never go wrong.

We miss you from your fireside chair, Your loving smile and gentle air, Your vacant place no one can fill, We miss you father and always will.

Sadly missed by his daughters, Mary, Carmel and Elaine, sons-in-law, Alan and Kieran, grandchildren Catherine, Eoin, Meabh, Aine and Sarah.

1st Anniversary Mass on Sunday 3rd November 2024 at 10am in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DELANEY

Mary (Molly)

Creemully, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon 8th November 2003

In God’s care you rest above, In our hearts you rest with love, Never more than a thought away, Loved and remembered every day.

Always remembered by your family.

Anniversary Mass in Fuerty Church on Sunday, 3rd November at 11.30am.

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

KILCOMMONS

Brian Enda Derreen, Glinsk. (20th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Brian Enda, whom God called home on 2nd November 2004.

A secret thought, a silent tear, every day wishing you were here.

A rose may fade, a tear will dry, our love for you Enda, will never die.

Sadly missed, Mam and Dad, brother and sisters, family and friends.

CORCORAN

Marie (9th Anniversary)

In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother, Ballygurry, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on October 3rd 2015

The moment that you died our hearts were torn in two, one side filled with heartache the other died with you. We often lie awake at night, when the world is fast asleep and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon our cheeks. Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday, but missing you is the heartache that never goes away. We hold you tightly within our hearts and there you will remain, until the joyous day arrives that we will meet again. Sadly missed by all the family. Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 3rd November at 11.30am.

CORCORAN

Willie & Martina Ballygurry, Knockcroghery, Co.

(Willie’s 14th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 2nd May 2010.

the 2nd October 2018.

Loving you is easy, we do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away.

Always remembered by your family.

Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 3rd November at 11.30am.

Anniversary Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 3rd November at 10am.

Treasured memories of a wonderful ancée, Enda.

My life was much enriched by having known you. Stacey.

DOYLE

Anthony (Tony)

Grange, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon (12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Anthony who passed away on the 8th November 2012

A special day, another year, a loving thought, a silent tear, a little prayer to keep in touch with someone loved and missed so much. Always remembered by his loving family.

May he Rest In Peace.

Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan on Saturday, 9th November at 7pm.

Roscommon

(Martina’s 6th Anniversary) Who passed away on

WALSH (née Beattie)

Mary Moher, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 25th September, 2024

We the family of the late Mary Walsh who passed away suddenly on the 25th September, 2024 wish to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all who sympathised with us and supported us on the recent sad loss of our Mother.

Thanks to all who called to the house, attended the Removal, Requiem Mass and Burial, those who travelled long distances, sent Mass cards, sympathy cards, Perpetual Enrolment Masses, letters and thoughtful online condolences. A special thanks to our family, friends and neighbours who provided comfort and food at our home.

We are extremely grateful to all the wonderful sta of the Ambulance Service, Portiuncla A&E and St. Francis’s Ward – the exceptional care and kindness shown to Mary through her short illness will forever be in our minds.

Thank you to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their compassion and professionalism in taking care of the Funeral arrangements. Also to Peter Gormley for his care in preparing Mary’s nal resting place. We would also like to express our thanks to Fr. Larry Behan, Fr. Casey and Fr. Baxter for the beautiful Funeral Mass and to Teresa Donlon for the beautiful music and singing. And nally thank you to Stephen Dowd for preparing the food and to St. Faithleach’s for the use of their premises for refreshments after the Funeral.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude to all who helped us in any way through this di cult time.

Mary’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Holy Rosary Ballyleague on Friday 8th November 2024 at 7pm.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CORMICAN Tadhg Garreer, Ballygar Who died on 3rd November, 2023 R.I.P.

May his gentle Soul rest in peace.

Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartache, when someone speaks your name. Just a prayer from the family that loves you, just a memory, fond and true. In our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you.

Always loved and sadly missed by his Mother and Father; brother Liam and sisters Orla, Deirdre and Niamh: daughter-in-law Natalie; son-in-law Niall; nephews Joey, SJ and Danny and nieces, Amy and Zoe.

Grieved and mourned by his Aunt Mamie, Uncles, Aunts and cousins.

Anniversary Mass Saturday 2nd November 2024 in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads at 10am.

“You’ll never walk alone”

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Brendan Cooney, am applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission and Retention Permission:

1. Permission to retain as constructed portal frame,

2. Planning permission to complete extension and alterations to shop and stores,

3. Planning permission to demolish western gable end circa 16m2.

4. Permission to retain existing treatment system and planning permission to install new tertiary treatment unit and polishing lter,

5. Planning permission to form new boundary on eastern side of site to incorporate the proposed polishing ler, and all ancillary site development works at Teevnacreeva, Tibohine, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45EY06.

Design Consultation Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural 086 3482387

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365. Mob: 085 1299470.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Elaine Byrne and Emmet Brennan wish to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission to construct 01 no. Dwelling, garage, waste water treatment system and percolation area and alter existing entrance onto road and all associated site works at Kilcar, Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 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: Elaine Byrne and Emmet Brennan.

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE

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

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 o fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

Submit your Classified online

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, John and Claire Larkin, intent applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning

Permission to

• renovate existing derelict former dwelling,

• construct extension to the rear,

• widen the existing entrance, and

• install new treatment system and percolation area together with all associated site works, at Termon beg Td., Tarmon, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co Roscommon 0862328484

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

PRAYER FOR THE INTERCESSION OF ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA

Dear God, You generously blessed Your servant, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, with the gifts of the Spirit. You marked his body with the ve wounds of Christ Cruci ed, as a powerful witness to the saving Passion and Death of Your Son. Endowed with the gift of discernment, St. Pio labored endlessly in the confessional for the salvation of souls. With reverence and intense devotion in the celebration of Mass, he invited countless men and women to a greater union with Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Through the intercession of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, I con dently beseech You to grant me the grace of (here state your petition). Glory be to the Father… (three times). Amen. K.D.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. K.D.

GRATEFUL THANKS

Grateful thanks to The Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Martin, Fr.Rookey, St. Peregrine, Blessed Carolos Acculis, St. Jude and all the Saints for favours received. K.D

●

●

●

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. Many thanks. Una.

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 nd 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 owers 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. L.F.

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 nd 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 owers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow.

M.C.

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

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

GARDENING

www.westsidegardening.ie

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

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

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal

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

&

All eyes on Apprentices title

Horses for Courses by

Racing today (Thursday) over the sticks at Thurles has been cancelled due to the ground not being suitable for national hunt racing; too dry. It has been refixed for the 29th of November.

Tomorrow (Friday) sees racing on the all-weather under lights in Dundalk, stalls for the first opening at 5 pm with a national hunt meeting at 12.25 pm in the north at Down Royal.

Saturday sees the second day’s jump racing at Down Royal featuring the Grade 1 Champion Chase and the Grade 2 Down Royal Chase, first race at 12.25 pm.

On Sunday, racing over the sticks is in Cork outside Mallow at 12.38 pm and on the flat at headquarters in the Curragh featuring the Group 3 Loughbrown Stakes at 12.25 pm with no racing on Monday.

TV coverage starts on Saturday on ITV with four races from both Ascot and Wetherby, featuring two Grade 2 races, the bet365 Hurdle and the Charlie Hall Chase, from Wetherby. On

Tom Red

Saturday night there are three races from the Breeders Cup meeting at Del Mar in America on ITV including the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic on dirt. Sky Racing covers the rest of the card and also Friday’s card. With the approach of the end of the flat in Ireland on Saturday with only two meetings left only the apprentice title is up for grabs. Wayne Hassett and James Ryan were joined on 31 by Adam Caffrey after the 3rd race at Dundalk yesterday with a double on Skontonovski and Dark Ace. James Ryan won the fillies maiden on Ger Lyons’ Ethical Code on the closest finish of the day – a short head, a short head and a head separated the first four home – to move into the lead and increased it to two in the last on Tom McCourt’s Glyde Ranger. Ryan leads by two from Hassett and Caffrey with two meetings to go. Leading jockey will be Colin Keane, 103 winners to date, and the leading trainer Aidan O’Brien with 131 winners.

Down Royal on Saturday sees the Ladbrokes Champion Chase with seven runners. Gordon Elliott’s Gerry Colombe is oddson to retain his title, and is joined by stablemates Conflated, Delta Work and Found A Fifty. Henry de Bromhead’s Envoi Allen, last year’s runner-up, Gavin Cromwell’s Visionarian and Shark Hanlon’s supplemented Hewick make up the field. Very hard to see Gerri Colombe beaten but Hanlon will be hoping to go out on suspension with a big bang. Last weekend’s Cheltenham meeting proved very successful for Irish-trained horses with six winners – two on Friday and four on Saturday. Path d’Oroux started the run on Friday winning the Novice Chase for Gavin Cromwell and jockey Keith Donoghue at 8/15.

In the concluding handicap hurdle for conditional jockeys, Cian Collins provided Danny Gilligan with a winner, Impero, at 6/1.

On Saturday racing with Co Meath trainer Ian Donoghue’s Lisnamult Lad providing Sean Bowen with a 20/1 winner in the novice handicap chase. Intense Approach won the Novice hurdle for John McConnell and

Roscommon Darts League round-up

English jockey Harry Cobden at 2/1f. The Handicap Chase went to Co Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead’s Senior Chief who beat stablemate The Short Go by 1¼l at 11/1 ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe and the final Irish winner was The Wallpark trained by Gordon Elliott with Jordan Gainford in the saddle at 9/2 co-favourite.

Also on Saturday Jessica Harrington’s Hotazhell won the Group 1 race in Britain, Doncaster’s Futurity Stakes, at 11/1

Short putts

BALLAGHADERREEN

from the 15/8 favourite Delacroix trained by Aidan O’Brien by a nose after a battle over the final furlong. Shane Foley rode the winner and Ryan Moore was aboard the runner-up.

Racing news

Aidan O’Brien’s Jan Brueghel has been ruled out of the Melbourne Cup after failing a mandatory pre-race veterinary check. The three-year-old had travelled to Australia in a bid

LADIES: A big thank you to our Ladies’ Captain, Sarah McDonagh, who organised a very enjoyable weekend of golf for all the ladies last weekend.

Tee off commenced on Saturday morning at Claremorris Golf Club where the ladies enjoyed playing an 18-hole round in glorious sunshine. The night was rounded off with Dinner and prize-giving at the McWilliam Park Hotel.

RESULTS: Congratulations to Breege Flanagan, winner of last weekend’s 18-hole competition which was sponsored by J Keane & Sons.

DATES FOR DIARY: The annual Mass for deceased members of Ballaghaderreen Golf Club will take place in the clubhouse on Thursday, November 14th at 7 pm. The AGM will take place immediately afterwards.

to give the trainer his first success in the race. He will now run in the Hong Kong Vase in December.

Juddmonte have retired the Prix de l’Arc winner Bluestocking. The Camelot filly won five of her thirteen starts for owner-breeder and trainer Ralph Beckett, also enjoying Group One success in the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland and the Prix Vermeille in France on her way to landing Europe’s premier middle-distance prize.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

The Gents Winter 15-hole Turkey League Competition is running for five weeks. Overall winner will be decided by your cumulative points total for your best three cards. Entry Thursday to Sunday. Play off White or Yellow tees. 15-hole competition over holes 1-10, hole 13 and holes 1518. Entry fee is €10 per round.

50/50 DRAW: The 13th round of the 50/50 Draw was held last Friday night. Congrats to the winner of €510, Cormac Greene (Carrick-on-Shannon). Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

ROSCOMMON

This week’s men’s competition was sponsored by par4thecourse.ie and was won by Mick Fitzpatrick with 42 pts. Cat. 1 winner was Padraic Kelly with 35 pts. Cat. 2 was won by Brendan Mulry with 39 pts and Cat. 3 was won by Seamus Duke with 36 pts.

LADIES: The Senior Ladies Christmas Hamper competition was won by Mary Cunningham with 28 pts with Marie Keane (28 pts) as runner-up.

Gerri Colombe and Jack Kennedy in last year’s race.

A group of Ballaghaderreen golfers enjoying a social evening in Claremorris which was organised by Lady Captain Sarah McDonagh.

legs).

We’re champions! Elphin captain Martin McCaffrey pictured with his daughter Freya and partner Stacey Dwyer moments after his team won the Roscommon Intermediate Football final last Sunday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

SportsPeople

Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Tullow tops after thrilling encounter

Creggs 1st team made the long journey to Tullow Rugby Club in County Carlow for the first round of the All-Ireland Junior Cup, losing by eight points in a hard-fought contest with the forward power of the home pack proving a major factor.

Shane Purcell landed an early penalty for Creggs but second row for Tullow, Martin Cole replied with a try on eight minutes which outhalf Adam Johnston converted.

Shane Purcell added two penalties to put Creggs ahead 9-7 after 30 minutes, before he picked out Darren Gately with a precision kick. The fullback made a lot of ground before transferring to prop forward Tom Farrell who crashed over for a well-worked try.

Purcell bisected the posts from a difficult angle to put Creggs nine ahead after 35 minutes. Unfortunately Creggs failed to clear their line which allowed Tullow to score a try from hooker Brian Keogh. Outhalf Johnston converted to leave Creggs leading 16-14 at the change of ends.

The third quarter proved very costly for Creggs with Tullow tacking on two tries from powerful number 8, Smith, plus two conversions and a penalty from the sure-footed Johnston to lead 31-16 with little over 20 minutes remaining.

Creggs hit back with a well-taken try by Shane Purcell under the posts, converted by Purcell in the 71st minute to give the team a lifeline. Purcell followed with a well-struck penalty leaving Creggs trailing by just five points, 31 to 26.

Any prospect of a remarkable comeback disappeared when Tullow swept upfield after the restart to force a penalty which Johnston slotted to close the scoring. Overall Tullow deserved their 34-26 victory but Creggs will regret the many unforced errors, with the concession of several penalties in possession on the ground a particular disappointment.

Creggs return to league action this Saturday with an away game against Tuam. Kick-off is 7.30 pm. This will be an opportunity to get back on track before facing the same opposition in the Cawley Cup final the following weekend.

U-17 BOYS: Creggs U-17 boys played Sligo RFC in their league match at home on Sunday. There was a minute’s silence before kick-off as a mark of respect to the late Carol Brandon.

Cian Fitzmaurice scored first under the posts

BUCCANEERS RFC

about three minutes into the game. This was followed by a penalty by Kaylum Curran to create a 10-0 lead.

Sligo pressure paid off when they broke the Creggs defence to open their scoring. A try by Cian Kiernan and two more by Sligo left the score tied on 17-17 at half-time.

In the second half Sligo were starting to extend their lead with three tries (two converted) but Creggs kept playing their game and scored again with a try by Ivan Bikoi just after being introduced. This score sparked a revival for Creggs.

Two more tries by Kaylum Curran followed while there was also one disallowed. It was Creggs that were finishing the stronger. At fulltime it was 48-41 to Sligo. A trip to Sligo for the rematch on Sunday, 24th of November awaits.

U-18 GIRLS: Creggs U-18 girls came away with a hard-fought win against Ballinasloe RFC in the U-18 Girls league on Tuesday of last week on a scoreline of 24-19. This was an excellent game, played in a good spirit. Creggs took the early lead with a try from Siofra Hession which she converted after seven minutes, but

Ballinasloe hit straight back with a try to leave the score 7-5.

Jemima Adams Verling was next on the scoresheet to extend Creggs’ lead to 12-5, but Ballinasloe hit back with a converted try to leave the half-time score 12-12.

Ballinasloe scored early in the second half to take a 19-12 lead and were unfortunate not to score again before Creggs took more control of territory and scored two tries from Siofra Hession, one of which was converted. Creggs led 24-19 with seven minutes remaining and held on for the victory.

CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to Creggs RFC and Roscommon CBS player Leo Anic on being selected for the Irish U-18 team travelling to Italy this week to play two internationals.

HARVEST FESTIVAL: Creggs RFC played their part in the local harvest festival on Monday by hosting a number of events on the grounds. These included live music, a BBQ, archery classes from Wolfshead Company of Archers, agility tests, a penalty kicking competition, along with tag rugby and wet sponge throwing

Old Crescent inflict fifth loss on Buccs

Buccaneers succumbed to a fifth successive defeat when outscored by a reinvigorated Old Crescent 43-12 in their Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A match at Takumi Park, Limerick, on Saturday.

IN IRELAND SQUAD: These are heady days for rising Buccaneers starlets Kailin Blessing and Andrew Henson who have been named in the Ireland U-18 Clubs squad for a two-match series away to Italy this week. Ireland played Italy at Eugenio Municipal Stadium last night (Wednesday) and will do so again at Gianni Visentin Municipal Stadium on Saturday, November 2nd. Another Buccs regular, Sean Glennon from Ballinasloe, was also selected.

U-16s: Our U-16s welcomed Corinthians to Dubarry Park on Saturday in perfect autumnal conditions. Buccs were well pumped up for this Connacht League game and they won a well contested contest 17-14. This was

Corinthians’ first defeat in three seasons and they took the loss with great dignity. It would be unfair to single out any Buccaneers players in what was an outstanding squad effort.

U-15s: Buccaneers U-15s ‘Black’ team lost at home to Monivea 22-14 in the league.

FIXTURES: A busy weekend of fixtures is in prospect for Buccaneers with attractive competitive fixtures for our Seconds and U-20s.

First up is the visit of Connemara to Dubarry Park for a Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A League match which takes place, unusually, on a Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is 2.30 pm. The U-20s make the short trip to Galway on Sunday where they square up to Galwegians in the JP Fanagan Leinster League. This Premier 2 clash between two Connacht clubs kicks off in Crowley Park at 2.30 pm.

Buccs U-17s ‘Yellow’ squad are away to Ballinasloe in the Connacht League on Sunday

with a 12 noon showdown for this derby. The U-15s ‘Yellow’ team are also away for a Connacht League Division 2 game facing Gort at 2.30 pm on Saturday. Meanwhile, the U-15s ‘Black’ side take on Corinthians in Division 1 at home on Saturday. Kick-off 2.30 pm. Both U-14s teams are also in Connacht League action with the ‘Black’ squad home to Sligo while the ‘Yellow’ side travel to Ballinasloe. Both matches are on Saturday with 1.30 pm kick-offs.

Girls teams also have league games with the U-18 squad entertaining Gort/Monivea at Dubarry Park while the U-16s travel to Sligo. Both fixtures are scheduled for 12 noon kickoffs on Saturday.

A Girls Blitz is pencilled in for Sunday morning for our U-8, U-10 and U-12 players so it looks like the pitch booking system will be under pressure this weekend!

(at Michael Glennon, Connacht Rugby Development Officer). Hundreds of people turned up to try out the different events.

LOTTO: The jackpot was not won and now rises to €2,700. Congrats to Danny Arnold who won the lucky dip draw. Please support our lotto. GAMES CALLED OFF: Late on Saturday evening Sligo RFC notified Creggs that they were unable to field a team and thus cancelled their league match with Creggs.

As a mark of respect to the late Carol Brandon (RIP) the men’s seconds game versus Westport was postponed on Sunday morning. The club wish to send their sympathies to Frank and their children Mark, Tara, Lisa and Paul.

The Creggs girls U-18 team.

Andrew Henson and Kailin Blessing pictured at Ireland U-18s’ Development camp.

Enjoying the fun at the Creggs Harvest Festival (Creggs RFC hosted a number of events).

Tooreen tops as Four Roads falter

AIB

Connacht IHC quarter-final: Tooreen 2-25 Four Roads 3-12

Roscommon’s poor record in the Connacht Club hurling championship over the past decade continued at Dr Hyde Park last Saturday when Four Roads were defeated by Mayo champions Tooreen, who finished the game the stronger team.

The ten-point margin at the end was a little unfair on the Roscommon side as they battled away well and in fact were in control for most of the first half. They actually led by six points at the break. However, a red card for Conor Morris after 23 minutes was a big setback for Four Roads and they simply ran out of steam in the second half.

Goals from Conor Mulry early in the opening half and Tommy Morris late on saw Four Roads lead by 2-8 to 0-8 at half-time. Despite that red

card the Roscommon champions were in a good position at the break.

However Tooreen powered into the match after half-time and took over completely. They outscored their opponents by 2-17 to 1-4 in that second half and did most of the damage in the third quarter.

The Boland brothers, Shane and Fergal, were on song with Fergal grabbing an opportunist goal to give his side the lead. In fairness to Four Roads they battled back and Adam Donnelly grabbed their third goal in the 50th minute.

The Mayo men finished strongly with Fergal Boland scoring his second goal of the game to put the game beyond the reach of Four Roads.

Tooreen: Bobby Douglas (0-2, 1 free); Jack Trench, David Kenny, Oisin Greally (0-1); Sean

Kenny, Stephen Coyne, Joe Boyle (0-1); Daniel Huane (0-1), Kenny Feeney; Fergal Boland (22), Shane Crinnigan, Liam Lavin (0-5); James Byrne, Enda Delaney (0-3), Shane Boland (08, 3 frees). Subs: Brian Morley for Byrne (h/t), Fionnan Burke (0-1) for Trench (38), Ciaran Finn (0-1) for Crinnigan, Oisin Casey for Lavin (58).

Four Roads: Noel Fallon; Conor Coyle, James Dillon, Rory Coyle; Tommy Morris (1-0), Jack Donnelly, Eamon Mulry (0-1); Trevor Fallon, Cathal Dolan (0-6, 2 frees, 1 s/l); Brendan Mulry, Conor Mulry (1-1), Conor Morris (0-3, 2 frees); Liam Og Coyle (0-1), Mikey Lohan, Adam Donnelly (1-0). Subs: Jamie Kelly for L Og Coyle (56)

Referee: B Keon.

Action from last Saturday’s Connacht IHC quarter-final between Tooreen and Four Roads. Mikey Lohan (Four Roads) picks the sliotar out of the air. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Action from last Saturday’s Connacht IHC quarter-final between Tooreen and Four Roads. Mikey Lohan (Four Roads) leaves Tooreen’s Fergal Boland grounded and prepares to pass before Stephen Coyne can close in! Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Four Roads players and subs pictured prior to throw-in in last Saturday’s Connacht IHC quarter-final against Tooreen. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Wasteful Clann wide of the mark

Unlike the county final, where Clann na nGael were able to undo their sluggish first half with a devastating secondhalf display, they couldn’t recover from a similarly below-par period of approximately 30 minutes either side of half-time on Sunday afternoon in the Connacht Championship.

While the presence of KilkerrinClonberne casts a long shadow over the Connacht senior championship and it’s unlikely that Clann cost themselves silverware in Johnstown last weekend, they will still be bitterly disappointed that they denied themselves a possible chance to have a tilt at the three-in-arow All-Ireland champions later in the year, and there will be no shortage of regrets in Mark Cunningham’s camp. Much of it will stem from their inaccuracy, with 12 wides racked up over the course of the hour’s play, including six in the third quarter when they badly needed a score. Some were out of their control, such as the injury to Orla O’Neill with roughly ten minutes of action remaining, depriving the county champions of their natural leader on the field of play.

Bad luck, in the form of a contentious penalty decision, will also factor into the equation, but ultimately Clann had the quality and the platform to overcome all those setbacks, and they failed to do so. There were no issues for the opening 22 minutes, when after trading the first

two points of the game, they moved the ball quickly and went 0-6 to 0-2 in front, with Ruth Finlass the instigator and finisher of much of their best moves in the attacking sector.

The team captain didn’t have anything like the same scoring support around her however, with just three scores from play registered by the rest of the team over the course of the hour.

Muireann Devaney’s penalty dragged Glencar-Manor back into the game, and ensured a level game at half-time, 0-6 to 1-3, though Finlass found the net three minutes into the second half to once again give Clann control of the game.

That Finlass goal was to be Clann’s only score until the 54th minute, by which time they had allowed the Leitrim champions to gain the ascendancy. Jenny Higgins and Ciara Quinn enjoyed the better of things at midfield and Clann had no shortage of possession in this time, but whether it was an errant pass, an errant shot or a handling error, one thing or another derailed them and a goal from Dearbhla Rooney left them on the back foot, 2-7 to 1-6 adrift.

The cause wasn’t lost, with Finlass again doing the heavy lifting as she set up a goal for Róise Lennon, who then kicked the equaliser. But in a finale that was in keeping with the hour that preceded it, Clann couldn’t create the

high-percentage chance they needed, while the impressive Ailbhe Clancy swung over the winner from 30 metres out to end the South Roscommon side’s campaign.

Clann na nGael: Éadaoín Lennon; Ava Gavin, Aisling Curley, Emma Kildea; Megan Kelly, Orla O’Neill (0-1), Mia Macken; Ciara Quinn, Jenny Higgins; Hope Glynn, Ruth Finlass (1-2), Shauna Bannon; Kara Earle, Róise Lennon (1-4, 0-3f), Kayleigh Dunning.

Sub used: Meabh O’Higgins for Bannon (48), Caitlin Gavin for O’Neill (53), Caoimhe Lennon for Earle (56).

Glencar-Manorhamilton: Michelle McNulty: Emma McLoughlin, Lauren Devaney, Annette Foley; Melissa Hewitt, Rebecca Rooney, Karen Connolly; Aoife Gilmartin (0-2), Anna Devaney; Dearbhla Rooney (1-0), Muireann Devaney (1-2, 1-0 pen), Megan Rooney (0-1); Ailbhe Clancy (0-3, 0-1f), Grace Devaney, Róisín Rooney.

Referee: Kevin Corcoran (Mayo).

STAT ATTACK

Red cards:

Clann 0; Glencar-Manorhamilton 0

Yellow cards:

Clann 0; Glencar-Manorhamilton 0 Wides:

Clann 12; Glencar-Manorhamilton 7 Player of the Match: Ruth Finlass.

St Ciarán’s foiled at the finish

< KEVIN EGAN AT MULHERN PARK

Grey, overcast skies meant it wasn’t quite full daylight in Mulhern Park on Sunday afternoon, but it still felt like daylight robbery when Clara Nally finished the ball to the net with the last attack of the game to

send Annaghdown through to a Connacht final at the expense of the home side, St Ciarán’s. Over the course of the hour, the Roscommon club were perhaps slightly the better team, but there was very little between them. Annaghdown were faster, more cohesive, and more balanced, but St Ciarán’s were

more physical, relentless in the tackle, and inspired by a true leader in former county captain Laura Fleming. Still, when one side (St Ciarán’s) comes from four points down to hit the front at the start of stoppage time, holding their opponents to just a single point in 29 minutes of play, it feels like they are the team that has earned their win.

Perhaps due to nervousness, the muscle memory from Éire Óg’s last-kick winning goal in the 2023 county IFC final, or perhaps due to Fleming’s rib injury, sustained in the lead-up to Ciara Dowd’s eighth point to make it 0-12 to 1-8, St Ciarán’s retreated into their shells after taking that lead, inviting Annaghdown to try and salvage something.

The first attack from the North Galway club ended in a fly-hack shot from Aisling Carey that flashed just wide of the post, the only Annaghdown wide of the game. The second resulted in Ciara Hegarty’s high ball getting parried by goalkeeper Éabha Dowd right into the hands of Nally, who gratefully wrote her name into the Annaghdown history books.

Perhaps the biggest reason that Annaghdown won this game was that the style of their attack always looked likely to yield more goal chances. Ciara McCarthy, Caoimhe O’Neill and Jemma Burke all put their names on excellent points from play in the first half and they were at the heart of some excellent running moves. Hegarty scrambled one goal and there could easily have been a couple more, with Shauna Fitzmaurice denying one opportunity with a glorious full-length diving block.

With Annaghdown 1-5 to 0-6 ahead at half-time, Sarah O’Grady managed to put the ball over the bar from inside the small square when it looked like it would have been far easier to hit the net, but when that was followed by a good team move that Hegarty finished off to make it 1-7 to 0-6, the Galway side’s passage through to a Connacht final clash with Drumcliffe Rosses-Point looked inevitable. St Ciarán’s, for their part, didn’t have the same goal threat. But Ciara Dowd was accurate from tough positions, their high press trapped Annaghdown in their

own half, and Fleming was almost unstoppable, so they gradually, point by point, reeled in that lead.

Annaghdown’s pace and running ability was of no use when they couldn’t get hands on the ball, and the strong lateral breeze and driving rain meant that when they did, strong St Ciarán’s tackling forced uncharacteristic spills and handling errors. Sheena Kilroe, Ciara Carr and both Rachel and Shauna Fitzmaurice were all to the forefront of their effort as they piled on the pressure, eventually hitting the front.

Three minutes too soon, as it turned out.

Teams & scorers

Annaghdown: Eleanor Lynch; Martina Canavan, Isabel Claffey, Rebecca Fahy; Chelsie Crowe, Chloe Crowe, Bronagh Quinn; Sarah O’Grady (0-1), Regina Naughton; Ríona Quinn (0-1), Jemma Burke (0-1), Caoimhe O’Neill (0-1); Ciara McCarthy (0-2), Ciara Hegarty (1-2, 1 free), Emma Keane. Subs used: Clara Nally (1-0) for Keane (44 mins), Aisling Carey for O’Neill (58 mins), Kathryn O’Grady for Chelsie Crowe (58 mins).

St Ciarán’s: Éabha Dowd; Honor Ennis, Emma O’Roarke, Jenny Flynn; Ciara Carr, Rachel Fitzmaurice (0-1), Aideen O’Brien; Laura Fleming (0-3), Sheena Kilroe; Méabh Tiernan, Hollie Gavin, Rachel Murray; Shauna Fitzmaurice, Ciara Dowd (0-8, 0-5f), Elaine Daly.

Subs used: Tara O’Brien for Daly (34 mins), Anna Murray for Gavin (44 mins).

Referee: John Niland.

STAT ATTACK

Red cards: Annaghdown 0; St Ciarán’s 0 Yellow cards: Annaghdown 0; St Ciarán’s 0 Wides: Annaghdown 1; St Ciarán’s 3

Player of the Match: Laura Fleming

Ciara Quinn (pictured in action in the recent county final v St Brigid’s)… impressed in midfield alongside Jenny Higgins. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Ciara Dowd (in action in the recent Intermediate final v St Barry’s) scored eight points for St Ciarán’s last weekend. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Elphin surge back

< SEAMUS DUKE

Elphin will dine at the top table of Roscommon club football again in 2025 after this deserved win against neighbours Strokestown in last Sunday’s Intermediate Football final at a very wet Dr Hyde Park.

Nigel Dineen’s men dominated the first-half exchanges, and while Strokestown responded by playing their best football in the third quarter to draw level, Elphin were able to pull away again to win by a flattering eight points in the end.

The winners had some superb performers on the day, with Shane Killoran outstanding. Gavin Murray, Nessan Lenehan and Fintan Cregg were not that far behind him with subs Conor Lenehan and John Finnerty also making significant contributions.

For Strokestown, it was a disappointing day out. They never really got going, with only Shane McGinley and sub Kevin Finn prominent.

The heavy rain made conditions very difficult for the players on both sides. It was Elphin who settled best. They scored the first three points of the match with an Aaron Brady ’45 in the third minute, a fisted Shane Killoran point in the 9th minute and a fine team move in the 11th minute being finished by Gavin Murray.

Strokestown were struggling to make inroads, particularly around the middle of the field, although Diarmuid McGann got them off the mark with a 35-metre free in the 14th minute.

Elphin were on top. Fintan Cregg pointed a 35-metre free in the 17th minute and then five minutes later disaster struck for Strokestown. There didn’t appear to be too much danger but goalkeeper Niall Curley lost possession under pressure from Shane Killoran who poked the ball into the empty net for the softest of goals. Now Elphin were six points ahead. Pointed frees from Diarmuid McGann and Shane McGinley gave the ‘Town some hope as the teams went in at the break with Elphin leading by 1-4 to 0-3. Strokestown played their best football in the third quarter. Kevin Finn was on as a sub and he injected much-needed energy into their attack. Points from McGinley (free), McGann (another free) and two splendid efforts from Finn levelled the scores (1-4 to 0-7) by the

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

42nd minute.

Elphin captain Martin McCaffrey raises the cup which was presented to him by John Keane (right) of sponsors J Keane & Sons Ltd. Also in photo (on left) is Roscommon County Board Chairperson Brian Carroll. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Action from last Sunday’s Roscommon IFC final between Elphin and Strokestown: Evan Gunn (Elphin) eludes Dillan Casey (Strokestown). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Action from last Sunday’s Roscommon IFC final between Elphin and Strokestown: Shane Killoran (Elphin) celebrates his goal. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

into senior ranks

But just when it looked like the momentum was with Strokestown, Elphin regained the initiative. Veteran Fintan Cregg pointed a free in the 44th minute and three minutes later came the goal that settled this final. Again it was Shane Killoran who did most of the damage, this time with a super run. He passed to Gavin Murray whose ball across the penalty area was flicked to the net by Fintan Cregg who got the slightest of touches to divert it past Niall Curley.

The fight had gone out of Strokestown at that stage and Fintan Cregg was the main man as Elphin pulled away. He knocked over three of the game’s last four points (Evan Gunn with the other) to see his side comfortably over the line.

It was a deserved win for Elphin who now take their place in the senior championship, while Strokestown will have to wait at least another year to get back into the top rank. It is another indication of just how hard it is to win the Roscommon intermediate football championship.

Elphin: Aaron Brady (0-1, ’45); Alex Gleeson, Niall Higgins, Enda Killoran; Gavin Murray (0-1), Martin McCaffrey, Shane Beirne; Nessan Lenehan, Luke Mollahan; Gerry Cregg, Shane Killloran (1-1), Damien Cregg; Evan Gunn (0-1), Fintan Cregg (1-5, 3 frees), Frankie Cregg. Subs: Rossa Brennan Kelly for E Killoran (h/t), John Finnerty for Frankie Cregg (37), Conor Lenehan for G Cregg (40), Cathal Brady for Beirne (58), John Rattigan for D Cregg (60) Strokestown: Niall Curley; David Neary, Dylan Owens, Timmy Gibbons; Ciaran Regan, Keith Murphy, Michael Fallon; Colm Neary, Fionn Cusack; Adam Tighe, Colin Compton, Dillan Casey; Colm Lavin, Diarmuid McGann (0-3, frees), Shane McGinley (02, frees). Subs: Kevin Finn (0-2) for Tighe (h/t), Cian Corcoran for Lavin (50), Mikey Kavanagh for Owens (59).

Referee: Ian Monaghan.

Elphin celebrations begin: Elphin captain Martin McCaffrey pictured with his daughter Freya and his brother, Diarmuid. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Man of the Match

Shane Killoran (Elphin)

Elphin players and management celebrate with the cup. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Action from last Sunday’s Roscommon IFC final between Elphin and Strokestown: Shane Killoran (Elphin) is pursued by Keith Murphy. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Action from last Sunday’s Roscommon IFC final between Elphin and Strokestown: Luke Mollahan (Elphin) and Shane McGinley (Strokestown) lose their footing on the slippery turf. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Dineen’s delight as Elphin crowned

< SEAMUS DUKE

Nigel Dineen is one of the most experienced managers on the Roscommon club scene. He steered Elphin to the Roscommon Intermediate Football Club title this year, culminating in an impressive win over Strokestown last Sunday.

Dineen was a happy man as he stood in the rain in Dr Hyde Park as the cup was being presented.

“That was a tough game. We had a great start… and up to half-time. But we knew that Strokestown would come back at us. They dominated for the first 15 minutes of the second half and we couldn’t get our hands on the ball around midfield but we settled again and our fitness levels saw us over the line in the end”.

Dineen paid tribute to all the Elphin players, noting that it was a collective effort by the starting 15, subs and panel members alike.

“Shane Killloran, Fintan Cregg, Gavin Murray and Nessan Lenehan were outstanding. But we needed all our players to step up and they did that and I am delighted for them. They worked hard all year and they are getting their rewards today. It’s a great day for the club”.

GAA results

J Keane & Sons Ltd Roscommon IFC Final Elphin 2-9 Strokestown 0-7 AIB Connacht IHC quarter-final Tooreen 2-25 Four Roads 3-12 Connacht LGFA IFC Club semi-final    Annaghdown 2-8 St Ciarán’s 0-12 Connacht LGFA SFC Club quarter-final   Glencar Manorhamilton 2-8 Clann na nGael 2-7

GAA fixtures Friday 1 November

Cora Systems U-20 Division 1 FC (Group A) Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v Strokestown. 8 pm

Cora Systems U-20 Division 1 FC (Group B) Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Pádraig Pearses. 8 pm Saturday 2 November

Cora Systems U-20 Division 3 FC (Group A) Athleague: St Ciarán’s v St Dominic’s. 7 pm Sunday 3 November

Cora Systems U-20 Division 1 FC (Group A)

Abbey Park: Boyle v Clann na nGael. 12 noon

Cora Systems U-20 Division 2 FC (Group A) Orchard Park: Elphin-Ballinameen v St Aidan’s. 12.30 pm

Cora Systems U-20 Division 2 FC (Group B)

Enfield: Oran/St Croan’s v St Dominic’s. 11 am

Cora Systems U-20 Division 3 FC (Group A)

Ardcarne Park: St Michael’s-St Ronan’s v Castlerea St Kevin’s. 12 noon

Cora Systems U-20 Football Championship (Group B)

Ballyleague: St Faithleach’s v Kilglass Gaels/St Barry’s. 11 am

Nash Park: Western Gaels v Tulsk Lord Edwards. 11 am

Fintan hails role of subs

< SEAMUS DUKE

Veteran Fintan Cregg, a superb servant to Elphin for many years, was understandably thrilled after the final whistle in last Sunday’s Roscommon IFC final in which his team defeated Strokestown by 2-9 to 0-7.

“We are over the moon to be honest. We are waiting a long time for this. The conditions were not good but we stuck to the game plan and it paid off”.

He agreed that there were a few tricky moments early in the second half,

most obviously when Strokestown drew level.

“We needed to adjust and get our feet back on the ground and once we did that we were grand. The substitutions made a huge difference there at the end. John Finnerty, Conor Lenehan and Rossa Brennan Kelly were superb. It was all about a full team effort”.

Fintan says that this win is as sweet as any he had been involved with in his career.

“We have waited so long for this. It’s fantastic. I waited a long time for a county medal but now it’s happened. I’m thrilled”.

Elphin GAA Club President Martin Travers celebrates with manager Nigel Dineen after their team’s victory over Strokestown in last Sunday’s Roscommon IFC final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Elphin players celebrate at the final whistle. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Ciara, Irene, Niall, Martin and Gavin Higgins celebrate Elphin’s IFC title win at Dr Hyde Park. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell