20 November 2020 Roscommon People

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20 November 2020

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Eugene

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The Transition year Art students of Roscommon Community College have teamed up with the Roscommon Chamber of Commerce to create a ‘Walking Art Exhibition’ in Roscommon town, aimed at promoting shopping local in the town. Pictured at the launch on Monday were Aisling Cooney, Jade Cunningham and Orianna Cribbon. Picture: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

NewsPeople With over 30 years’ experience, Aengus Oates Financial Services provides expert financial advice and bespoke financial solutions to our highly valued clients

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

090 647 8433

www.bccsolicitors.ie Grandchildren Inheritance

I would like your advice about my will please. I am a widower and made a will a few years ago leaving my entire estate to my five children equally. Each of my children has children and if any of my children were to die before me I would like for my grandchildren to inherit their share. Is this possible? If not who inherits my child’s share?

Normally when a beneficiary (person receiving the inheritance) pre-deceases a Testator (person who makes a will) the gift will lapse and fail. However, an exception to this rule is contained within Section 98 of the Succession Act 1965. Section 98 provides that where a child pre-deceases a testator leaving children and such children are living at the time of the death of the testator the bequest shall not lapse.

Therefore, in your situation if your child predeceases you leaving grandchildren, the benefit that would have been received by your child is preserved and will pass to your deceased’s child’s estate.

Clever cats…and a Tiger in deep water Wow! What about Hogan? He’s just amazing!

Who? HOGAN! The great Hogan…Houdini Hogan!

I don’t follow…

HOGAN! The cleverest (Kilkenny) cat of them all!

Oh HIM! He’s some boyo!

Yeah, but such skill, such genius, such talent…

Well, steady on…

No, no, I can’t steady on! Not when I see CYCLING ACCIDENT Hogan in full flow! He’s unique!

He’s certainly that!

If you were involved in a cycling Such speed of thought, such audacity, suchaccident daring,contact such cheek!

Byrne Well, cheekCarolan definitely!

Cunningham Solicitors You’re a ‘tough audience’!

Look, I don’t agree with this hero-worshipping of Hogan…he’s a cheeky so and so!

And he’s ruthless!

Yes, HE IS RUTHLESS! So what? That’s what makes the Kilkenny Cats great! I mean, did you see what he did…did you see the spin?

Yeah, I saw the spin alright…and the denial, and the arrogance.

Huh? Phil Hogan! The cleverest cat of all! I saw how he responded to Golfgate. But I don’t know why you’re still going on about it!

Nah! Not PHIL Hogan! Richie Hogan!

Did you not see his wonder goal against Galway in the Leinster Final? Such skill, such cheek! Such spin!

Oh, THAT Hogan!

Yes! Richie, the clever cat!

(They pause to ponder what became of Phil Hogan) Thank God for the ould sport, my friend!

Agreed!

Better than judges fighting and politicians fighting.

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

I see the Big T had a nightmare score on the golf course!

Trump? Playing rubbish, is he?

No, not Trump! Tiger! He had a 10 on a par 3, at the Masters!

I saw it!

He’s not great, is he? I mean, he went into the water three times, or at least his ball did. I’d have hit the first shot to the back of the green, rolled the putt down carefully, and finished with a three or a four.

Yeah, right!

Granted, it’s a tricky hole…but a 10!

He’s not great, is he?

NOT GREAT? He’s won 15 majors!

Yeah, but a 10 on a par 3…I think Tiger’s overrated. Media hype, if you ask me.

Well, I’m not asking you!

(They pause to ponder briefly on life itself)

Yes! Hate to see people fighting…

Still, Katie was great, wasn’t she?

Oh yeah, well obviously I like to see Katie fighting!

And Mayo and Galway was a decent enough game…

TOO SOON! Huh? I’m still not ready to talk about Connacht football…it’s too soon after Roscommon’s defeat.

Ah we’ll bounce back…sure it’s only six months or less to the next All-Ireland series!

I suppose…

And we’re wishing Mayo well, aren’t we?

Absolutely!

(They pause to direct four delivery drivers with online shopping to four expectant households)

He still won’t give in! And he’s rubbish at golf!

Stop giving out about Tiger!

No, I’m talking about Trump! He’s still in denial!

Refuses to quit!

Yeah, like Hogan!

Phi…?

YES, PHIL, NOT RICHIE! Trump is hanging on for dear life…same arrogant style!

Still, he’s not great, is he?

WHO? Trump? Phil? Richie?

No, Tiger!

Stop slagging Tiger!

Still, he’s like Phil and Richie…he’s a bit of a cat, is our Tiger…

Can appear passive, even cuddly, but could pounce at any moment?

Exactly!

I hope Trump’s not a closet cat…

Why? I don’t want him to have nine (political) lives!

It is important to note that the bequest will go to your deceased’s child’s estate and not necessarily to your grandchildren. The bequest will be divided in accordance with the terms set out in your deceased child’s will. Example: Your child dies before you leaving two children.

She has made a will leaving her entire estate to her partner. Your bequest to her will not lapse by virtue of the fact she left children but this bequest will go to her partner under the terms of her will.

What we liked…

Congratulations to Roscommon ladies on a great victory over Offaly, which secured an All-Ireland Intermediate Football semi-final place for the Rossies (against Westmeath).

If you wish for your grandchildren to inherit rather than for the bequest to pass to your child’s estate then it would be important to update your will providing that such a bequest would pass to your grandchildren.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

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

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

PIC OF THE WEEK: The Transition year Art students of Roscommon Community College have created a ‘Walking Art Exhibition’ in Roscommon town, aimed at promoting shopping local in the town. Arleta Makowska puts up the poster in the Comfy Cafe. Picture: Mick McCormack

Byrne Carolan Cunningham

What PEOPLE are talking about ...

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

There’s ongoing speculation about what Christmas 2020 will look like in the context of Covid-19 restrictions; progress on Covid vaccines; Katie

SOLICITORS

info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

Taylor’s latest impressive defence of her world lightweight title; Mayo march on to an All-Ireland semi-final.

What we didn’t like…

Footage of revellers drinking and partying in Dublin city centre was worrying. Such irresponsible behaviour could threaten the progress that is being made (in the battle against Covid-19) under Level 5.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Pictured is the new home economics room at Roscommon Community College.

Pictured is the new, state-of-the-art science laboratory at Roscommon Community College.

ADVERTORIAL

Roscommon Community College continuing its commitment to delivery of excellence in education in Roscommon Town Roscommon Community College welcomed the unofficial opening of its new €1.8 million extension in September of this year.

The new extension consists of a one-storey building over 700 metres squared in size, designed by McCarthy O’Hora Architects and built by McKelvey Construction.

The extension will provide the school (which currently has almost 550 students and over almost 60 staff) with six spacious general-purpose classrooms, a cutting-edge science laboratory and a state-of-the-art home economics room. Works were completed on the extension in spring of 2020, and have officially come into use this academic year.

The large home economics room and science laboratory are fantastic new additions to the fast-growing school, with generous space for practical work and teaching. Students can learn in a multi-functional space facilitated with exceptional technology and specialised equipment. The generalpurpose classrooms are bright and airy with large windows and high ceilings, making for an ideal space for learning and teaching.

Student numbers at Roscommon Community College have been growing steadily year

on year. Principal, Ms. Keena stated: “As the fastest-growing school in Roscommon Town, our school offers the broadest range of subjects in Roscommon Town, allowing us to foster interests, skills and talents in a variety of sectors.

“This new extension reflects the growth of our student population and the commitment of the GRETB to provide the very best of facilities and resources to the students in our care, maintaining an environment conducive to the delivery of exceptionally high-quality learning and teaching”.

The substantial investment in Roscommon Community College not only reflects the commitment of the GRETB to enhance educational provision in Roscommon Town but also the social and economic infrastructure of the area.

The school first opened its doors on Thursday, September 3rd, 1937 as Roscommon Vocational School to 109 young people of Roscommon Town and its environs.

With the evolution of the Irish education system, various milestones such as the Group Certificate and the introduction of free education in the 1960’s, encouraging the development of a Leaving Certificate programme, meant that there was a consequential increase

in student numbers. Thus, by the early 1980’s, the school had become too small to facilitate all its functions. In response to this, a new, purpose-built school was established to meet the needs of the young people in the town, incorporating playing fields and working farm, still in existence and use today.

Since then, the school has expanded not only its buildings, but also its curriculum, with provision providing a broad range of subjects across Junior and Senior Cycle – inclusive of the various sciences, humanities, business and technology subjects. Newly-established subjects such as politics and society have been added to the vast array of Leaving Certificate subjects on offer.

The school leads the way in adapting to the ever-changing modern world evolving to meet the needs and interests of its diverse cohort of students.

The transition year programme is also offered at the school and is compulsory. The programme focuses on encouraging and helping students to embrace change and opportunity, whilst developing cognitive, social and emotional skills in a way that compliments the transition to senior cycle.

In addition, the school offers a ‘Learning for Life Programme’ – a programme designed to

meet the academic, social, vocational and behavioural needs of students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Student services within the school have also developed with the needs of the pupils in mind.

Long-standing Deputy Principal and parent representative at the school, Dr. Jude Lohan, stated: “It has been very rewarding over the past twenty years to have witnessed the expediential growth and progression of RCC. This high level of progression has been the culmination of two primary areas: the coming together of a brilliant staff over the years, whose inherent vision was that all children from the one family could attend the same school regardless of gender or ability, where the needs of all children are catered for; the wonderful families of children and their parents who have assisted and supported the staff in shaping our school into the successful entity that it is today.

“Roscommon Community College by its very nature exudes the meaning of the words family and community.

It has been very humbling to have had the pleasure of being part of our students’ educational journey and to witness them become remarkable and independent adults. The success of the school has been driven by the high calibre of student attending our school. Their success has become our success”.

Extra-curricular and sports provision is extensive within the school, with a dedicated team of talented and esteemed teachers coordinating such activities. In recent years, we have been witness to the successes of students hailing from Roscommon Community College in the spotlights of some of the most prestigious school events across school communities nationally, ranging from BT Young Scientist to the Angus Beef Schools Competition, George Moore Award and Junk Kouture.

Students have graced the stage

of Roscommon Arts Centre entertaining the local community with popular musicals such as the legendary Grease and Hairspray. Advancement and successes of Roscommon Community College have also been seen in their sporting achievements with the Senior Girls’ Volleyball team swooping up the All-Ireland title in 2019.

Anticipating further structural developments to come within the school, Ms. Keena stated: “Given the high quality of teaching and learning, the exponential growth in our student population and the confidence shown by our parents and patrons, Galway Roscommon ETB, in the delivery of exceptional teaching, we anticipate the further expansion of our school in the near future”.

For further information on Roscommon Community College visit roscomcol.com.

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

All weekend The US Masters (Thursday to Sunday) didn’t disappoint. It was great TV entertainment (except for Sky’s constant ad breaks).

Watching Tiger Woods take ten shots on the par 3 12th at Augusta (he hit it into the water three times), millions of run-of-the-mill golfers presumably shook their heads and assured themselves: “I could do better than Woods did there!”

Watching Tiger Woods recover from a significant career embarrassment to then birdie five of the final six holes – including the closing four – put an end to all such daydreaming!

His response to the horrors of Amen Corner wasn’t significant in terms of the ‘business end’ of the 2020 US Masters – won comfortably by the nerveless Dustin Johnson – but it was a reminder of the permanence of Woods’ enduring class.

Sunday (1.30 pm) I watched Galway v Mayo with just about the right mixture of curiosity and envy. First I flicked to The Championship on BBC, where they had quite a coup, with Mickey Harte guesting on the very weekend in which his reign as Tyrone manager finally came to an end.

Harte had arguably become the Arsene Wenger of the GAA; a brilliant, stubborn, innovative high achiever who probably stayed on too long.

But, make no mistake, his legacy is a great one – three senior All-Irelands for starters. Far from nursing any wounded ego, Mickey was in great form. I got the strong impression that this great GAA man will be back in a dressing room soon enough.

Mayo will be back soon too, their epic All-Ireland quest still very much alive after their deserved win over a Galway team that finished very strongly. Below, I indulge in some humour on this one, but on a serious note, I’m tipping Mayo for the final. It would be the ultimate irony if our neighbours get within 70 minutes of Sam (again) without the wonderful fan-inspired carnival of excitement normally associated with their campaigns.

Here’s hoping Mayo can do it.

Sunday (4 pm, not 3 pm) As the first half neared the 25th minute, Dublin were only beating Laois by three points.

Strange world indeed.

Approaching 4 o’clock, I switched the radio channel in the car…to get the news headlines.

Aidan O’Shea lifts the Nestor Cup as Mayo captured their 47th Connacht football title when they held off a late Galway rally at Pearse Stadium.

Although it was actually 4 o’clock, the newsreader said: “And now, the news headlines…at 3 pm”. If that amused me, it was nothing compared to what was coming.

The bulletin included a clip from an interview that Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney had given to Sky News (regarding Brexit).

“Fish don’t hold passports” Minister Coveney announced. He went on to explain that most of the mackerel caught in Scottish waters are “born in the West of Ireland”. They mature here and then “they swim as adults into Scotland’s waters…”

In full agreement that fish don’t hold passports, I switched back to Croke Park, where Dublin were finally beginning to…eh…reel Laois in.

Sunday In the late 1970’s, I was starting out as a lifelong Leeds United fan. I would remain loyal to the great Elland Road club. But, like millions of other neutrals, I was living on ‘Planet ‘Pool’ in that era, as Bob Paisley’s wonderful Liverpool side dominated English and European football.

There were times when their football was pure poetry. Often they crushed opponents. The atmosphere at Anfield on European Cup nights – always Wednesdays – was electric, the Kop

swaying with a hypnotic beauty.

Liverpool had many great players – Keegan, Hansen, Souness, McDermott, Heighway, Hughes – and others.

The Liverpool goalkeeper was the magnificent Ray Clemence. For many years he duelled with Peter Shilton for the England No. 1 jersey.

I remember the goalkeepers of that era with great fondness. QPR had Phil Parkes, Big Joe Corrigan was at Manchester City, the peerless Pat Jennings at Arsenal. A little later, Neville Southall was phenomenal at Everton.

Clemence was unquestionably one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the English game, and his death on Sunday – at just 72 years of age – has touched millions of people. He was a great figure of our childhood, respected and loved. He will never walk alone.

Monday It had been a busy morning for the Mayo diehard.

With no celebrations following the Connacht final win – with the pubs being closed and all that – he’d been up bright and early, painting a mural on the side of the hayshed.

All of a sudden, he began to have new flashbacks about that dream he’d had last year. He’d gone to bed after Mayo’s 2019 championship

exit, wondering when – if – the great football famine would end. And he’d had the strangest dream…

Now, parts of that dream were coming back to him. It might be an omen. In the dream, a genie had told him that Mayo might win an All-Ireland soon “if the world was stopped in its tracks by an unprecedented pandemic”.

The Mayo diehard had scoffed. But the genie had persisted.

“You don’t understand, a pandemic would mean the All-Ireland will revert to being knockout, you won’t have to worry about the Super 8s”.

The Mayo diehard had scoffed again. But the genie had continued with his unlikely message.

“You’ll probably draw Leitrim, then Roscommon in the Hyde” the genie had mused.

“Roscommon in the Hyde won’t be easy, not with the passionate Rossies in the stand” the Mayo man had grumbled.

“But there will be NO spectators allowed in” the genie had said. “Not even Paddy Joe”.

“The GAA allowing Mayo v Roscommon without any takings at the gate?” the Mayo diehard exclaimed. “Far-fetched! This really must be a dream!”

Still, the genie had definitely been building a case for Mayo’s All-Ireland famine to end.

The now impatient Mayo man had shaken his head.

“Look, I appreciate all you’re saying, but we’re just jinxed in September”.

“Ah” the genie had responded, “but the 2020 All-Ireland final will be held in December!”

On hearing this ludicrous claim, the Mayo man distinctly remembers looking at the genie as if it had two heads, or just an annoyingly cheerful one that seemed to have sprung out of a lamp.

By then fully aware that he was actually in the midst of a dream, the Mayo man had decided to play along. “Will we have any political influence, will the all-powerful one be in high office?”

“Yes!” the genie had said, “Joe Biden will win”. But the Mayo man was crestfallen, because he’d been referring to Michael Ring.

Hadn’t the genie also said something about Cork beating Kerry, to set up a Munster final showdown with Tipperary? About Tyrone and Mickey Harte being ‘out of the way’?

About Joe Brolly definitely not returning to The Sunday Game? About Jim Gavin retiring…

The Mayo diehard looked at his mural – James Horan’s head superimposed on to Joe Biden’s body – and he began to wonder more about that strange dream from last year.

Of course, as with most dreams, he cannot for the life of him remember how it ended…

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

NewsPeople Parenting in the digital age: online event

Take a holiday with a difference in 2021

Roscommon Town Team, with support from The Healthy Ireland Fund, are hosting a free webinar about online safety and youth wellbeing, aimed at parents and carers of young people. It is due to take place via Zoom, on Wednesday, November 25th, at 7 pm. Register in advance on Eventbrite.

Two key presentations on the evening include feedback from a youth consultation undertaken by Foróige and a talk

by Mr. Brendan Smith from the Insight Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). Mr. Smith is a technology expert and is hugely experienced in youth community outreach and education as part of his role in NUIG. There will also be time for discussion in groups to start a conversation about challenges parents face with Internet safety and potential solutions for overcoming them.

A number of key local organisations have contributed to the event including Foróige, Vita House, Child and Youth Services Committee (CYPSC) Roscommon, South Roscommon Family Resource Centre and Roscommon County Council.

We look forward to welcoming you on Wednesday, November 25th, at 7 pm.

Craic N Campers have the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas We have launched our 2020 Christmas Gift Certificates These are an ideal gift for someone who you struggle to buy for!!

A Covid-19 friendly holiday with your transport and accommodation all in one To avail of a Gift Certificate please call 0877959839 or email craicncampers@gmail.com

Gerry to chair Western Development Commission Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced the appointment of a new board to the Western Development Commission, with Roscommon town resident, Gerry Finn, assuming the role of Chairperson.

Announcing the new board, Minister Humphreys said: “The Western Development Commission has played an important role in promoting economic and social development in the western region since it was established in 1999.

“Over the past three year in particular, the WDC has established itself as an important contributor to development of the region, supporting the objectives of Project Ireland 2040 to make Ireland a better country for all.

“I have asked Mr. Gerry Finn, who has been a member of the WDC board for the last three years, to take up the position of Chair, and I wish him well in that role”.

Craicncampers

Club Rossie draw gets O’Leary backing!

Club Rossie’s ‘Win A Home In London’ draw, due to take place on December 30th, received a timely boost last Friday when former X Factor presenter, Dermot O’Leary, gave the fundraiser his backing.

The well-known TV presenter and radio personality, a patron of the London Irish Centre, one of Club Rossie’s charity partners, took to social media to encourage people

to buy a ticket for the Roscommon GAA fundraiser.

The draw, being held in conjunction with the Ballymore Group, will see a lucky winner getting the keys to a two-bedroomed apartment worth €815,000 at London City Island.

O’Leary said: “The good people of Roscommon GAA, my second favourite county in the whole of Ireland, have got together with the Lon-

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“In true Irish style, it would either be a meat hamper or someone’s actual house! From all of us here at London Irish Centre, thank you so much. We really appreciate your support”.

Tickets for the Win A House In London draw are priced at €100 and are available a www.winahomeinlondon.com.

Dermot O’Leary

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

NewsPeople

2020 IPB Pride of Place Virtual Awards Ceremony to be held this Saturday Nominated: Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed, Kilteevan Tidy Towns, Roscommon Gaels GAA All Stars Ireland’s largest community awards will take place online this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be held this Saturday, November 21st at 7 pm.

This year more than ever, the work of our communities is even more important, as they manage the challenge of Covid-19 and ensure our vulnerable people are looked after.

The Pride of Place awards is an annual competition organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance. It promotes and celebrates the best in community development and recognises the extraordinary, inspirational and tireless work being done by communities all over the island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to

live, work and socialise.

Local authorities from across the island nominate groups who they feel have made a significant contribution within their community.

This year, Roscommon County Council nominated Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed, Kilteevan Tidy Towns and Roscommon Gaels GAA All Stars. These groups are among the

eighty-two groups to have been nominated in 2020.

The 18th anniversary of the awards will be hosted by RTE’s Marty Morrissey and livestreamed at prideofplace.ie, on Saturday, November 21st 2020 at 7 pm.

Roscommon County Council would like to wish each group the best of luck in the upcoming awards cer-

emony, and would also like to invite members of the community to view the virtual awards online to show their support whilst following all government guidelines and avoid congregating in groups indoor or outdoor to view the virtual awards.

For more information on the 2020 IPB Pride of Place Awards, visit prideofplace.ie.

Feighan pledges €480k for drug, alcohol services

newsbriefs RSG Memorial Mass is this Saturday County Roscommon Disability Support Group’s (RSG) annual Memorial Mass will take place at 12 noon on Saturday, November 21st, in Kilbride Parish Four Mile House.

The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Conaty for server users, board of management, friends, staff and family members. May they rest in peace.

Spillage clean-up after R368 crash Fire services and a Roscommon County Council crew were called to the scene of a “lengthy oil spill” near Carrowkeel on the R368 between Elphin and Carrick-onShannon on Monday morning.

A single-vehicle collision occurred at around 8.35 am on Monday morning at an area known locally as Taylor’s Turn, approximately halfway between both towns.

No serious injuries have been reported and the road was treated and warning signs put in place.

Cannabis worth almost €12,000 seized in Ballaghaderreen Gardaí in Ballaghaderreen seized cannabis plants and herb worth almost €12,000 following an intelligenceled search operation in the town on Tuesday evening.

A number of cannabis plants as well as an amount of herb, worth a total of €11,600, were found in a house in the town.

A man was arrested following the discovery and brought to Castlerea Garda Station for questioning.

Learn to drive in 2020 with

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551 Businesses: Reach your target market!

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Out shopping: Olga and James Skelly are pictured at the opening of Cosgrove/McGuinness SuperValu in Strokestown on Thursday last.

The Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD, has announced the provision of €480,000 in onceoff funding to support the restoration of drug and alcohol services during Covid-19.

The €480,000 will be made available to the network of 24 Drug and Alcohol Task Forces for distribution to community and voluntary drug and alcohol services in their areas.

Each task force will receive up to €20,000 in once-off funding to meet Covid-19-related costs.

Making the announcement, Minister Feighan said: “A key priority for Government during Covid-19 is to protect, safeguard and support health, social care and other essential services. The safe resumption of community-based drug and alcohol services is a key component of this approach, and as a result, this has been a major aspect of my Department’s work since the arrival of this pandemic to our shores.

“As Minister with responsibility for this area, I want to state that we fully recognise the vital role being played by drug and alcohol services across the country in reducing the harms of substance use and supporting rehabilitation and recovery”.

Patients waiting 63 weeks for audiology services < DAN DOONER

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has said the current situation regarding audiology services in Roscommon is “completely unacceptable” and has called on the Minister for Health to take action.

Speaking to the Roscommon People yesterday (Wednesday), Deputy Kerrane said she had raised her concerns with the HSE after a constituent was told that he would be waiting a minimum of one year for an appointment.

“I find this incredible,” Deputy Kerrane said. “It’s completely

unacceptable that patients will be forced to wait over 63 weeks just for an appointment with the Audiology Department”.

Deputy Kerrane said that according to figures released to her by the head of Primary Care Services, 1,129 people are currently awaiting treatment in Galway, Roscommon and Mayo (CHO2).

She added that according to the HSE, the six vacant Audiologist positions in CHO2 remain unfilled.

The Sinn Féin TD was also informed that due to Covid-19, clinical services have been unavail-

able in Roscommon since March of this year due to restrictions in the use of the facility at Clonbrusk Medical Centre, Athlone.

The HSE has told Deputy Kerrane that the new facility at Roscommon Primary Care Centre was expected to be functional in the coming weeks and that normal services would resume.

Responding to HSE claims that Covid-19 had posed significant challenges for service areas, Deputy Kerrane said that using Covid-19 as an excuse provided little comfort to those who remain on waiting lists.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

NewsPeople Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Gary Lineker @GaryLineker I WON THE WORLD CUP. – The broadcaster and former England footballer responds to Donald Trump tweeting ‘I won the election’ Simon Davidson @TVSimes Eric & Ernie will give him a warm welcome. They may even let him sing. Rest in peace #DesOConnor – There was a huge outpouring of love and sympathy following the death of TV legend Des O’Connor

Peter Stefanovic @PeterStefanovi2 After a Gov’ boycott of 202 days @ piersmorgan finally gets a chance to hammer squirming Health Secretary Matt Hancock with a charge sheet of failures in a rip roaring master class of how to hold a Gov’t to account – On Tweet Street, people were highfiving one another over the oncedetested, now back in favour Piers Morgan’s confrontational and skilled interview with the rather smug UK Health Secretary Joe Brolly @JoeBrolly1993 That was terrific. Great uninterrupted pre match conversation on @ BBCSport. No ads, no competitions

Hilary O’Brien

( Q. Who are the current All Ireland football champions? A. Dublin B. Zebra sanctuary C. Choc ices) And a smiling Mickey Harte.

– We find some of Joe’s tweets rather… well, sarcastic – even petty – but he probably thinks the same about ours; this one was spot on…The Championship on BBC was excellent on Sunday, with a mature discussion on Mickey Harte’s legacy and an impressive appearance by the man himself (as a guest analyst for Cavan v Down). See also P. 37 Jacinta @Jay_cinta93 Being from Grangemockler I grew up hearing the story of Bloody Sunday. But seeing Eamon Hogan point at the spot where Mick Hogan was shot as he lay down has me bawling. A massacre of innocents. #BloodySunday1920 – Viewers were impressed, upset and angered when watching an excellent RTE documentary on Bloody Sunday (shown on Monday night) Ellen Murphy @elliemurphie My phone sent me a reminder today of the last time I was inside a restaurant waiting for a pal.

Nowadays a big evening is waiting on the stairs while my apple pie cooks – We totally get this, we absolutely agree. Now, what’s that smell? Hey, can someone check on that apple pie?!

Hilary’s Acupuncture & Homeopathy L.Ac., HOM, NAT, B.A., P.G.C.E.

Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Reflexology & Naturopathy Tel. 087 91 91364 • Email: hilo944@yahoo.co.uk Jamestown, Clondra, Co. Longford www.hilarysacupuncture.ie

Now taking appointments for December

Des O’Connor

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: Junction 13 M6 (Athlone West) Period of Closure: Eastbound sliproad on from 7pm Monday 23rd November to 6am on 24th November Westbound sliproad from 10pm on Tuesday 24th November to 6am on 25th November Alternative Routes: Diversions at Junction 12 and R446 Reason for Closures: Emergency Stud Replacement

Matt Hancock

Shane Tiernan Director of Services

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Athlone Road, Roscommon town. Tel. 090 66 37644 Check out our daily menus and order via App https://hannonshotel.clickandcollection.com/ or Scan the QR code above right

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• Collections between 1pm andon 8pm Scan the QR code right • Collections are staggered for Social Distancing updated Facebook page • Collection Point in the Lobby Please onsite guidance Please daily phone myon officeour • Menus updated daily –on our observe Facebook page

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10

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

The

G

D News page

Ballyfarnon priest ‘lets it grow’ for charity < DAN DOONER

A Ballyfarnon priest based in Sao Paulo, Brazil is letting his hair and beard grow ahead of a ‘Haircut Auction’ in December in order to raise much-needed funds to provide food parcels for his parishioners during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Fr. Brendan Foley, who is a Spiritan or Holy Ghost Father, will ‘face the chop’ on Friday, December 18th and the event will be streamed live on Facebook.

Recently, Fr. Foley reached out to Athleague woman, Margaret Haughey, a volunteer with the Apostolic Work charity, in a bid to raise

awareness of the fundraiser in the Diocese of Elphin.

Margaret said the Apostolic Work charity has been supporting Fr. Foley since 2005.

“At one stage Fr. Brendan was being transferred to Bolivia and he needed to raise funds in order to purchase a motorbike and supplies,

Ballyfarnon priest, Fr. Brendan Foley, is letting his hair grow ahead of a ‘Haircut Auction’ on Friday, December 18th in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Filming of ‘The Cellar’ begins in Roscommon town < DAN DOONER

There was much excitement in Roscommon town as shooting began on new horror movie, ‘The Cellar’, starring Elisha Cuthbert and Eoin Macken earlier this week.

The Roscommon County Council car park was taken over by cast and crew members and support staff (including catering vehicles) earlier this week as scenes were filmed on location at Áras an Chontae.

The movie is an Irish-Belgian co-production with Savage Productions and Hail Mary Pictures and is directed by Brendan Muldowney. It tells the story of Keira Woods (Cuthbert) whose daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house in the country. Keira soon discovers that there is an ancient and powerful entity controlling their home that she must face or (else) risk losing her family’s souls forever!

Filming for the feature will also take place on location in Castlerea and Boye in November and December.

It is seen as a great opportunity to showcase County Roscommon and it is estimated that it will have knock-on economic benefits in the region of €1.4 million as well as providing a boost to the tourism sector.

which would cost over €2,000. We didn’t have that kind of money at the time but we said we’d see what we could do,” Margaret said.

Volunteers put their heads together and hatched a fundraising plan to knit ‘Easter Chickens’ which could be sold as gifts around the holiday. When Fr. Brendan returned home that year, Margaret and her fellow Apostolic Workers were able to present him with a cheque for €6,000.

“We have continued knitting Easter Chickens ever since. So far the chickens have raised close to €250,000 and helped about 60 Mission projects,” Margaret added.

In a recent email, Fr. Brendan told Margaret that he and his parishioners were looking for “novel ways to raise money” in order to provide muchneeded support for the parish. This year’s idea is Fr. Brendan’s ‘Haircut Auction’, which will take place on Friday, December 18th.

A post on the event’s Gofundme page reads: ‘Our Spiritan peripheral parish

in São Paulo has suffered greatly over the last ten months with the coronavirus. Since the outbreak of the virus the local population has suffered greatly with high unemployment, schools closed, increased poverty and a steady rise in violent crime. We have had a central role in distributing food parcels to the poorest of families in the parish from our food bank.

‘We need your support to maintain this needy outreach service in the parish…for that immediate reason, we have launched a Haircut Auction of Fr. Brendan Foley’s own hair.

Fr. Brendan is working as the parish priest in the Spiritan Perus Mission in São Paulo. He has so kindly grown his hair since last March’.

The auction haircut night will take place on Friday, December 18th (at 11 pm Irish-time) and will be streamed live on Facebook. For more information or to make a donation, check out the Fr. Brendan Haircut Auction page on gofundme.

It’s a ‘hurl’ according to 75% of Rossies!

NOW TV has settled the age-old question as to whether it’s a hurley or a hurl and just 25% of Roscommon people have ended up on the winning side of the debate!

Following a week of campaigning by hurling All Stars Lee Chin and Séamus Callanan and over 25,000 votes, the people of Ireland have voted in favour of hurley.

Like US Presidentelect Joe Biden, hurley won the popular vote.

This was despite the fact that hurl topped the poll in a whopping 22 counties overall.

Munster proved to be the vital swing state with Cork, Kerry,

Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick and Clare all voting in favour of hurley.

The most die-hard ‘hurl’ counties are situated

along Munster’s borders. Roscommon, Galway, Mayo and Leitrim voted in favour for the term, while Sligo prefers hurley!

Fr. Brendan Foley and two of his fellow parishioners pictured with some of the food parcels which are being provided to those in need in Sao Paulo during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Residents in Sao Paulo, Brazil with food parcels which have been made available by Fr. Brendan Foley and his fellow parishioners.

Local Men’s Shed is Pride of Place finalist! < DAN DOONER

Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed has been announced as a finalist in the ‘Community and Wellbeing’ section of the 2020 IPB Pride of Place Awards which will take place online at 7 pm this Saturday, November 21st.

The awards ceremony will be presented this year by RTÉ’s Mary Morrissey and will be streamed online on the Pride of Place website (www.prideofplace.ie) due to Covid-19.

Reacting to the news earlier this week, Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed chairperson, Pat Towey, said this was very much a “good news” story for the county.

“Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed are proud to be associated with the Irish Men’s Shed Association and to be representing Roscommon County Council under the Community Wellbeing initiative,” he added.

Mr. Towey also invited people from across Roscommon to tune in to the awards ceremony this Saturday evening.

Pride of Place Liaison Officer, Claudette CollinsCarley, said it was “only right that community groups right across Ireland were honoured and celebrated in front of a large audience”.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

NewsPeople

Council receives €2,617,852 in commercial rates rebate Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government Peter Burke TD have written to the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council to reiterate the Government’s support for local government.

The Ministers sent the joint letter as the second tranche of commercial rates rebates were issued to local authorities across the country.

Roscommon County Council has so far received €2,617,852 with further payments to issue.

As part of the July Stimulus programme, a €600m commercial rates waiver was announced for businesses impacted by Covid-19.

A letter from Santa …

Dear children of Roscommon, Hi guys…it’s Santa Claus here! How are you all keeping? I’m sure this is a big surprise for you all! So, the big news is that the Roscommon People Editor has invited me to write a weekly letter to all my little friends in Roscommon… naturally, I was delighted to accept this kind invitation!

Well, if it’s big news that Santa is going to write to all the children of Roscommon every week, I have even bigger news now!

What’s my BIGGER news? Well, here goes!

Covid-19 or not, I will DEFINITELY be coming to Ireland at Christmas. And Ireland includes Roscommon (one of my favourites places in your beautiful country!).

So kids, do not worry, Covid-19 will not stop me or my elves! We will be calling to your house on Christmas Eve night…just like we do every year!

Over the next few weeks, I will tell you how our preparations are going. Of course, we will be taking Covid-19 very seriously, and we will make sure to stay safe and to protect others.

Actually, I’ve just checked in on the elves to make sure they are socially distancing – and they are!

Now, just before I sign off, I have one more piece of news for you. The kind people in the Roscommon People say they would be delighted if all their young readers send in their ‘Letters for Santa’. They will then pass them on to me at The North Pole; they might even publish some of them in the newspaper!

So, if you haven’t already sent your letter to me, you can be thinking about what you’d like me to bring to you this Christmas! And you can send a copy of your Santa letter to ‘Santa letters, The Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon’ or email them to news@roscommonpeople.ie.

So children, until I chat with you again next week, please take care and stay safe. Be kind to your parents and brothers and sisters. I know you are all being very good. Here in Santa HQ, we’ll keep working on those toys!

I’ll be in touch again in next week’s Roscommon People. Now I’m off to have a nice coffee!

Bye!

Santa Claus (Mrs Claus says hi!)

This covered 100% of commercial rates from the end of March to the end of September. As part of Budget 2021, a further €300m commercial rates waiver was announced to cover rates to the end of the year.

Commenting, Minister O’Brien said: “The €900m commercial rates waiver will mean that the local government sector won’t be at a loss or having to make ‘either/ or’ decisions when it comes to providing vital services for people.

“We are very aware that commercial rates are the backbone of local authority income which means that services such as playgrounds, sports facilities and library services can keep operating. We want to ensure that local authorities

Call for freedom to access ‘real’ Christmas trees “We are being asked to shop local, and buying a real Christmas tree from a seller in your own area helps to inject money into the local economy,” stated Marian Harkin TD as she called for a special dispensation to be given for people to travel necessary short distances beyond their homes for the purpose of purchasing natural Christmas trees.

“The once-a-year opportunity for Christmas tree growers to sell their output cannot be missed if their business is to survive”, she said, pointing out the need for “necessary flexibility in the administration of current Covid-19 regulations governing travel and trading”, in this regard.

“Tree sellers had a core threeweek period in which to sell their

annual output. Bearing in mind that tree suppliers vary in scale, with some selling direct from farms, others utilising open air ‘pop ups’, and the bigger producers needing the right to distribute widely, special consideration has to be given to the industry and their routes to market”, Deputy Harkin emphasised.

Accordingly, she said she would be contacting the Ministers for Agriculture & Forestry, the Minister for Justice, the Minister of Health and Damien English, Minister for State for Retail Business, requesting that the threat to the annual Christmas tree trade be averted, and the feel-good Christmas factor associated with buying a natural Christmas tree be preserved.

continue their important work and Government have not been and will not be found wanting in respect to support for the sector.

“We will continue to work with our colleague Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to support local authorities meet costs and income losses that have arisen as a direct consequence of the pandemic. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all our local authorities for the exceptional leadership they have shown through their response to the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Minister Peter Burke added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on every facet of life and the response of local government to date

has been phenomenal. Whether through the Community Call Fora or adapting their library services so people could continue to enjoy them, local authorities have adapted swiftly and innovatively to the situation.

“As local authorities begin to engage in their 2021 budgetary process, they do so in the knowledge that the Government has supported them with a commitment of just under one billion euro in commercial rates rebates. As Minister with special responsibility for local government, I will continue to advocate for and work on behalf of local authorities across the country to ensure they can continue to provide key services at the heart of our communities,” he concluded.

Covid-19…we’re sickened and sore!

Bridie Fitzmaurice (aged 84) Donamon Covid-19 we are all sickened and sore, So it is time for you to leave Ireland’s shores.

It feels like we are living in another land, Frightened and confused, Our minds ever tasked with remembering to wash our hands.

Using gloves and alcohol-based gel, and not touch surfaces or our faces.

Staying apart and staying at home to save lives.

Will we ever live once again?

We were doing so well and getting on just fine, Until you came along to disrupt our bodies and minds.

We have an existence now of uncertainty and anxious fear.

How will we ever get over this awful disease?

The virus has taken so many loved ones so far.

Oh Dear God, may they all Rest in Peace.

We have yet to grieve our losses.

So don’t take any more loved ones from us, do you hear?

For God’s sake, please go away and never come back!

We pray for God’s strength to overcome all we have lost so far.

We are all in this together we are told, Although life goes on, but yet everything is on hold!

€8.1m greenway project welcomed Deputy Denis Naughten has welcomed the allocation of €8.1m to construct the new greenway cycle bridge over the River Shannon and progress the route design from Athlone Castle to Spanish Arch in Galway City.

“This investment is a significant boost to deliver this vital tourism project from Athlone through Ballinasloe and on to Galway City, which will be a major attraction for international visitors,” said Denis Naughten.

“While this project, through East Galway, is at an early stage of planning, I hope that

in the short-term Athlone Castle and the Battle Site at Aughrim can be linked using both on-road and off-road sections, in order to create a Siege Cycleway, linking both historic sites. I believe this would enhance the local tourism offering, as well as attract visitors to Aughrim, which was the bloodiest battlefield in Irish history.

“It is important that local communities let the consultants working on the project know what local areas have to offer and to also express their support, in principle, for a cycleway link-

ing Athlone to Ballinasloe to Athenry and right through to Galway City.

“However, the bridge over the Shannon and the link to Ballinasloe, also provides an opportunity to develop safe routes for children in South Westmeath, South Roscommon and East Galway to cycle to school as well as reducing their carbon footprint.

“I hope the local communities and Councils can now work together to provide a new safe cycling opportunity for school children and families,” concluded Denis Naughten.

€2.25m in payments to farmers welcomed Fianna Fáil Senator for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy has welcomed the fact that over €2.25 million will be issued to some 3,054 sheep farmers in counties Roscommon and Galway under year four of the Sheep Welfare Scheme. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD,

recently announced that a total of €14.7 million would issue to some 18,200 farmers nationally participating in the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

Senator Murphy said that a breakdown of the figures showed that €1.58 million would issue to 2,167 sheep farmers in County Galway and

a total of €679,027 would issue to 887 sheep farmers in County Roscommon.

“This is a significant financial boost to individual farmers, and the scheme reflects the commitment the Government has towards Ireland’s sheep. It is most welcome that Minister McConalogue has secured funding for

an additional year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme as we enter the CAP transitional period. The additional year of the Scheme will be opening in February 2021 and, as in previous years, there will be an opportunity for new entrants to the sector to join the scheme,” explained Senator Murphy.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

NewsPeople

FRANK BRANDON Critics of GAA managers should have a Harte!

FRANK BRANDON’S

Frank on the perils of team management, the perils of facing Katie Taylor…and the €1.6m pigeon!

Among the many big sports stories that made the news this week (including championship defeats for both the Galway hurlers and footballers – although the hurlers still have a back-door chance – the unbelievable boxing performance from our golden girl Katie Taylor on Saturday night, and a Masters golf win for world number one Dustin Johnson), the standout news for me was the effective removal of Micky Harte from his position as manager of the Tyrone football team.

The remarkable thing about the change at the top was not so much that the Tyrone GAA executive turned down Harte’s request for another year at the helm, but rather the fact that any man would want to manage a county team, in either

football or hurling, after already being in charge for eighteen years. If there is a more thankless job anywhere, I cannot imagine what it might be. After all, the minute anything goes wrong, the manager is fair game for every type of criticism and abuse.

This week for example, Kerry manager Peter Keane must be wondering what he’s let himself in for with all that’s being said and written about his management and tactics as a result of the Kingdom coming down against archrivals, Cork. Keane, a successful businessman, has been talked about in several papers I’ve read this week, and it’s made me wonder what makes a fellow put himself out there and be the target of unwarranted personal abuse – abuse that oftentimes extends to members of his immediate family.

Even this week, I was hearing rumours that Padraig Joyce was being questioned by Galway supporters after a poor return to action after the lockdown. As I write this on Sunday evening, I can only imagine the flak he will have to deal

unique take on life ...

with after losing the Connacht final to Mayo this afternoon.

Over in England, we have high profile managers in charge of Premier League teams, with both the players and bosses earning immoral amounts of money. Meanwhile, our county players and managers all have to report for work on Monday mornings. It is of course worth mentioning that it has been rumoured that some of the managers may be handsomely rewarded for their efforts (although the GAA hierarchy continues to deny it). Even if they are, it is my opinion that no amount of money could compensate them for all the time, effort and commitment the job requires. To all intents and purposes, being manager of a county team is a full-time job.

Twice in my life I have managed the Creggs footballers. Despite all the allegations that are made against all managers regarding their knowledge (or lack thereof), tactics (or lack thereof), picking favourite players and ignoring better ones, and any other perceived weakness-

Katie Taylor and Miriam Gutierrez

Katie’s opponent Miriam also a hero While I was very impressed with Katie Taylor and her amazing, punch-perfect performance on Saturday night, I have to acknowledge the extraordinary bravery of her opponent. Miriam Gutierrez managed to make it through the entire fight despite being hit by everything Katie could throw at her for every one of the ten rounds – but it is for her life outside the ring that she is a true hero.

As a victim of domestic violence herself, she has devoted the last thirteen years of her life to work in advocacy and support of victims of

such violence. In her early twenties, her then-partner beat her, breaking several bones in her face, all while she was pregnant. As a result, she stepped away from boxing for eighteen months. Eventually she came back to the sport, where she has made a really good career for herself.

In her own words, the effect of domestic violence has been the biggest thing she has had to overcome in her life. She has recently been elected to the Municipal Council in Madrid, where she continues to do her support work

for domestic violence victims.

After all she has been through, I suppose it’s no wonder that despite Katie throwing the kitchen sink at her, she was still standing proudly at the end of it all.

There is no doubt that for all of us in Ireland, Katie is our hero. However, her Saturday night opponent Miriam Guterrez is, for different reasons, every bit as big a hero. I can only say well done to her – keep up the good work. She probably won’t be a boxing world champion, but in lots of other ways she is a true champion.

es in the management structure, I must say that for everyone who takes on such a role – from the lowest club team to the top county team – they all have in common the fact that they are doing what they do with the sole intention of trying to make that team better.

It doesn’t always work to plan, but in Micky Harte’s case his record stands right up there with the best of them. On today’s papers, he is ranked up there with Mick O’Dwyer, Kevin Heffernan, Jim Gavin and Sean Boylan. So as he leaves Tyrone behind, he can do so with his head held high. I wish him well in whatever the future holds for him.

On a personal note: during my time as Creggs manager, we won the Tansey Cup (in 2014). I was sure some of the big counties would come calling, but sadly none of them did. As with my playing career, my management career never took off. However, you can tell them not to bother calling now – the job is way too demanding for a man in fulltime retirement.

Pricy pigeon!

Many years ago – not far short of fifty by now – and during my working days in the Bank of Ireland in Dundalk, Vincent Atkinson, the bank porter and a lovely quiet man, kept a pigeon loft at his house, where he bred racing pigeons.

On a couple of occasions he invited a few of us round to see them in their little houses – I think they called them ‘coops’. To tell you the truth, we all thought he was mad. All we could hear was incessant squaking, and all we could see was loads of bird droppings that had to be constantly cleaned.

Vinny, however, loved them. At weekends he would let them off, winging their way all over the place in different races, often to England or mainland Europe. Remarkably, they invariably made it back to Vinny’s house, usually after a couple of days, and whether they won or not he was just so delighted when they made it home.

Whenever an odd one went missing and failed to return, the loss of one of his beloved birds would devastate Vinny for ages. He thought of them as his pets, just as one thinks of their dog or cat, and he loved and minded them as such.

Way back in World War One and World War Two, carrier pigeons of the Racing Horner breed were used to carry important messages. Thirty-two such birds were honoured for their gallantry and devotion to duty, and were awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Anyways, that was the last I thought

of a racing pigeon until today, when I saw that a Belgian bird, called New Kim, was sold at auction last week for €1.6 million to a Chinese buyer (a world record price). I don’t know if the buyer intends to breed or race her, but you would imagine at that price she will be breeding – it would be a bit risky to have her flying round the world with that price tag. I just wonder what Vinny would think if he was still here, about the money that racing pigeons now command.

And finally…

Finally for this week, I have to tell you that after a good number of years working in the recruitment industry, my young lad Mark (not so young now) has gone out on his own and opened up his own recruitment agency.

The agency, BenchMark Recruitment, is based in Galway, with express aim of finding and placing candidates into the best possible roles with interested companies. His website is benchmarkrecruitment.ie, and if you are looking for a job, or represent a company looking for suitably qualified employees, look him up.

I have sent him on my 35-page CV, and despite what I told you earlier, if he can get me an interview I might just take the Tyrone manager’s job.

‘Till next week, bye for now

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

NewsPeople

Letters to the Editor

Send your letters to: Abbey Street, Roscommon Town.

Fax: (090) 66 34303 or email: news@roscommonpeople.ie

In praise of ‘A Dictionary of Roscommon Biography’ Dear Editor, ‘A Dictionary of Roscommon Biography’ is a unique and distinguished book by Strokestown native Michael Lennon that gives an insightful glimpse into County Roscommon’s colourful past through the lives of its people.

It is a compilation of 5,000 fascinating individual life snippets, ranging from the 17th century up to current times. I believe it would make a wonderful gift for a relative of those featured, or indeed for anyone with Roscommon connections.

It is also a social reference guide for the avid local historian and could be described as a ‘coffee table book’ that one can dip in and out of as one wishes, most especially now in these ‘stay at home’ days, with our slowed-down lives

broadening our insights.

The book is an enriching read about the people that have gone before us, who have played their part in shaping our county and further afield. It describes the careers of people from our part of the west of Ireland who came from all areas of life and who made an important impact.

Over the past weeks, I have been savouring the detail throughout this wonderful book, and am pleased to report that I have noticed some folk I’ve known personally. I am thrilled to see that their lives’ endeavours are noted in this fantastic tome.

I have noted so far a fine selection of Ballintubber, Castlerea and Roscommon town native business people and a broad spectrum of politicians, teachers, medics, priests, nuns and other various professionals.

I have learnt of historical figures of influence, like Hugo O’Conor (of the O’Conor Don family), who was known as the founding father of Tuscon, Arizona! I was delighted to find out that Lexington, Kentucky and the equine industry there can be traced back to Bernard Treacy (a native of Frenchlawn), who was a noted horse breeder and trainer.

I wish to commend Michael on his outstanding achievement in researching, editing and publishing this remarkable book, and can safely say that many folk will delight in owning what is a much-coveted publication. It is available throughout the county including in Mulvihill’s Newsagents, Castlerea. Make sure you get a copy!

Yours sincerely, Cllr Anthony Waldron

newsbriefs Use carparks and keep town free!

Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher has renewed her appeal to staff members working in shops and offices asking them to use free car parks rather than on-street parking in Roscommon town in order to free up spaces for shoppers.

She said: “Many shops are now providing the ‘Click and Collect’ service for goods and restaurants are offering takeaway food for customers. If parking is available on the street it makes this new shopping experience more accessible for people.

“It has also been brought to my attention that people are using the one hour green parking spaces for all day parking.

“With over 200 free car park spaces available within walking distance of the town there is no excuse for people to use the town centre for all-day parking.

“Customer service starts by parking the car in the carpark and leaving space for the customers”.

Roscommon CU launches new website and app Roscommon Credit Union have launched their new website ‘roscommoncu.ie’ and mobile banking app ‘Roscommon CU’ today, Thursday, November 19th, making it easier and faster for members to transact with full use of their services.

Visit roscommoncu.ie today and download the app.

‘Disabled Driver Scheme reinstated’ Independent TD Denis Naughten has welcomed news that the Disabled Driver Scheme has been reinstated after it was withdrawn last year.

The HSE has been directed to recommence the processing of Primary Medical Certificates for disabled drivers and passengers

by Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe.

The Minister, responding to Deputy Naughten during committee stage of the Finance Bill, stated that he has instructed the HSE to start processing applications in the same manner as they did before. He also stated that he intends to carry out a review of the Disabled Drivers Scheme next year.

Deputy Naughten welcomed the announcement but questioned whether public health doctors would be in a position to process a backlog of 1,500 applicants and if the same interpretation of the rule will apply.

Minister Donohoe said he was unaware of any problem with public health doctors processing applications and that last year’s rules for both applications and appeals would continue to apply until the review of the scheme is completed in 2021.

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Proprietor Stephen McGuinness is pictured with butcher Mark Heffernan at the opening of Cosgrove/McGuinness SuperValu in Strokestown on Thursday last.

McDermott outlines progress on Roscommon town projects Cllr. Marty McDermott has welcomed a number of positive developments in the county town. In a press statement, Cllr.

McDermott said there has been welcome progress in relation to flooding at Lough Road, the need for resurfacing works in Abbey Street, roadworks in the Ballinagard Road area, and on speeding concerns on Antogher Road.

Cllr. McDermott said that he had been in regular contact with Roscommon County Council in relation to flooding at Lough Road and has now received confirmation that the Council will be taking steps to try to alleviate this flooding.

“There will also be new road markings (at Lough Road). Local residents have been concerned about speeding in the area, particularly in the mornings. I would appeal to motorists to please adhere to the speed limits in this area and to be mindful of the safety of everyone”.

He said he was very grateful for the Council’s “engagement and support” in relation to the Lough Road in recent days.

Cllr. McDermott said that he was pleased

to confirm that resurfacing works in Abbey Street will be carried out over December/ January period. These will apply from the ‘Garda Station roundabout’ to ‘McNeill’s roundabout’.

Stating that roadworks are starting on the Ballinagard Road level crossing, he warmly welcomed this initiative, adding that residents have been concerned about flooding/surface water in that area. Work will also be carried out there in relation to footpaths, drainage and resurfacing.

Concluding, Cllr. McDermott said that concerns over speeding at Antogher Road had been raised with him during the local election campaign and he now understands that “progress is imminent” in relation to safety measures being put in place there.

Cllr. McDermott said that he was pleased to see residents’ concerns being addressed and he pledged to work to ensure that there is speedy progress in respect of all these matters. He said he wishes to thank Roscommon County Council personnel for their cooperation, efficiency and courtesy.

Cllr. Marty McDermott pictured at the Lough Road, Roscommon.

The Church year ends today with a vision of the end of time. The scene in the Gospel is stark and resounds with Old Testament echoes.

The Son of Man is enthroned over all nations and peoples of every language (see Daniel 7:13–14). The nations have been gathered to see His glory and receive His judgment (see Isaiah 66:18; Zephaniah 3:8). The King is the divine shepherd Ezekiel foresees in today’s First Reading, judging as a shepherd separates sheep from goats.

Each of us will be judged upon our performance of the simple works of mercy we hear in the Gospel today.

These works, as Jesus explains today, are reflections or measures of our love for Him, our faithfulness to His commandment that we love God with all our might and our neighbour as ourselves (see Matthew 22:36–40).

Our faith is dead, lifeless, unless it be expressed in works of love (see James 2:20; Galatians 5:6). And we cannot say we truly love God, whom we cannot see, if we don’t love our neighbour, whom we can (see 1 John 4:20).

The Lord is our shepherd, as we sing in today’s Psalm.

And we are to follow His lead, to imitate His example (see 1 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 5:1).

He healed our sickness (see Luke 6:19), freed us from the prison of sin and death (see Romans 8:2, 21), and welcomed us who were once strangers to His covenant (see Ephesians 2:12, 19). He clothed us in baptism (see Revelation 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:3–4), and feeds us with the food and drink of His own body and blood.

At “the end,” He will come again to hand over His kingdom to His Father, as Paul says in today’s Epistle.

Let us strive to be following Him in right paths, that this kingdom might be our inheritance, that we might enter into the eternal rest promised for the people of God (see Hebrews 4:1, 9–11).

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

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NewsPeople Five Covid cases at Ballyleague nursing home < DAN DOONER

Management at a Ballyleague nursing home have this week offered reassurance to family members and loved ones that best practice policy and procedures are being followed after five of its residents tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement to the Roscommon People, Sarah and Shay Costello said that staff are continuing to monitor residents closely.

The statement read: “Following routine serial testing, we can confirm that five residents have returned with a positive result for Covid-19. All next of kins have been informed as to the Covid status of their loved ones and are being updated regularly about the condition of their loved ones.

All residents here are being monitored closely by nursing and medical staff.

“We are working with a team of healthcare experts including public health experts, infection control specialists and consultants in the care of older persons. We are fully staffed and have a plentiful and continuous supply of PPE and equipment needed for the comfort of our residents”.

The Costellos added that they were receiving “great help and support” from the HSE and “robust and reassuring” leadership and direction.

They concluded: “All best practice, policy and procedures are being followed. We are doing everything possible to ensure the ongoing care and safety of residents and staff. Our priority is caring for our residents, their families and our staff. We assure you that all our residents are comfortable and receiving the best possible care”.

Feighan: ‘Let’s open churches for Christmas!’

Minister for State for Health, Frank Feighan, says that he has received assurances from Taoiseach Micheál Martin that the planned reopening of churches will take top priority in the build-up to Christmas.

The Boyle TD said: “I feel that it is important to give people some hope during the build-up to Christmas that they will be able to attend their local church and Taoiseach Micheál Martin agreed with me on the need for Government to give people as much reassurance as possible on this matter.

“Keeping the Covid-19 ‘R number’ low is vital to ensure churches will be permitted to reopen in December. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan stated recently that there is a worrying trend developing across the country and that a lack of social distancing and adherence to public health guidelines at funerals has been linked to outbreaks.

“We understand that this is a difficult time for families but it is really important that we do everything we can to avoid the circumstances which promote transmission of the virus”.

Slight rise in PUP payments here There was a slight increase in the number of people in Co. Roscommon receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) according to figures released earlier this week.

A total of 3,462 people received the payment on Tuesday, an increase of 99 from the previous week’s figure of 3,363.

Numbers receiving the payment are still much lower than the peak figure of 7,100, which was recorded earlier this year.

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Covid: County has fifth highest incidence rate swer!

You asked, wedearsn asked the

24 cases on Tuesday – but welcome fall on Wednesday

rea A number of concernedether residents from other Roscommon People wh ive for Covid-19 at Covid test counties who test posit on are included among this centres in Co. Roscomm ers…. are county’s daily case numb HSE Community Healthc Here is the HSE’s reply: t a positive Covid-19 test West wishes to state thacounty where the person lives result is counted in the y got the test taken. as opposed to where the

< DAN DOONER

There were five confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Co. Roscommon yesterday (Wednesday) representing a significant drop in cases from the previous day’s total of 24.

Roscommon now has the fifth highest 14-day incidence rate in the country – at 158.0 – following confirmation that there were 102 new cases in the county from November 4th to 17th.

Nationally, there were a further 379 new cases of the virus and twelve

further deaths, which brings the total number of Covid-19 deaths since the pandemic began to over 2,000. There have now been 2,006 deaths and 69,058 cases.

As of 2 pm on Wednesday afternoon, 282 patients were being treated for Covid-19 in Irish hospitals including 33 in ICU. There had been a

further 24 hospitalisations in the previous 24 hours.

Speaking following yesterday’s announcement, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan said: “Today we sadly report over 2,000 deaths associated with Covid-19 in this country. This pandemic has impacted, directly and indirectly, on families and communi-

Dr. Tony Holohan

ties all across Ireland. It is important that we continue to work together if we are to suppress this virus and protect as

many people as possible.

For the next two weeks, work from home, stay at home, and follow public health advice”.

24 cases on Tuesday… and a familiar information vacuum COMMENT PAUL HEALY Complacency is an enemy.

In last week’s Roscommon People, our ‘Covid update’ headline was fairly positive: ‘Drop in Covid cases in County Roscommon’.

But if a week is a long time in politics, it is also a long time in the face of a ruthless pandemic.

Not that the drop in numbers referred to in our edition last Thursday was particularly noteworthy.

We have learnt over the months that the number of cases in a given county can invariably fluctuate, frustratingly so.

Which brings us to this week.

The stand-out news came on Tuesday evening, with confirmation of a worryingly high 24 cases in Roscommon being notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in the previous 24 hours.

News of this stark surge coincided with confirmation that five residents at Costello’s Nursing Home in Ballyleague had tested positive for Covid-19. These residents, their families and the management and staff of this nursing home are very much in our thoughts this week. I have had engagement with this facility in recent years and know that it is a popular and highly regarded facility with excellent staff. As I say, all concerned are very much in our thoughts.

As to where the remaining cases (from earlier this week) relate to in this county, we are in a familiar information vacuum.

The health authorities do not generally give any indication of where any cluster of cases is concentrated in a given county.

We have sought such information in the past, but to no avail.

Most frustratingly, at the height of reports of multiple positive

cases in the Kepak meat facility in Athleague, there was a distinct lack of transparency on the part of the powers that be.

This is an issue, because many people feel strongly that it would be much more desirable if the wider public were informed of where multiple cases/ clusters are concentrated.

The Roscommon People therefore cannot enlighten our read-

ers as to where in Co. Roscommon the 24 cases reported on Tuesday are. Clearly many or most of these may be isolated cases within the community.

Hopefully contact tracing will help keep this mini-surge under control. As we went to press, Wednesday’s 5 cases brought the number of reported positive cases in the county over a 7-day period to 63.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

SportsPeople

NewsPeople

Public Transport’s ‘Staff Respect’ campaign launched The National Transport Authority launched its ‘Staff Respect’ campaign on Monday afternoon to highlight the important role public transport employees continue to play during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Damien O’Neill, manager of Local Link, Longford-Westmeath-Roscommon, says respect for staff can have a powerful impact.

“When tourists visit Ireland, one of the things they remark on is that people always say ‘thanks’ to their bus driver. It is remarkable in the truest sense that visitors always pass comment on it,” he said.

“The ‘Staff Respect’ campaign has been developed to highlight the important role played by bus, tram, train and taxi drivers in keeping Ireland moving in these uncertain times especially the significant efforts made by workers in our industry to ensure that essential workers within healthcare, education and beyond get to work.

“It is really appreciated by all our operators when our customers say thanks and

< DAN DOONER

Local Independent TD Denis Naughten says it’s time to scrap the current Covid-19 restrictions model and replace it with one based on Irish data in order to reopen as much of society as possible while preventing further lockdowns in 2021.

Deputy Naughten said that too many of the current restrictions are based on European advice: “We have reports again

Local Independent TD Denis Naughten

by Tom Red

Very impressive bumper winner Hollow Games with Jamie Codd aboard.

Damien O’Neill, manager of Local Link, Longford-Westmeath-Roscommon

I think, more so than ever, that wee word has the power to deliver a powerful message of respect and appreciation to people who are working really hard every day to get people to where they need to be,” he added.

‘Time to scrap Covid restrictions model!’

TD warns of spring and summer lockdowns

Horses for Courses

this week that the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and its members are looking to Europe for answers as to what will be opened for Christmas here in Ireland.

“We need to use Irish data to inform Irish decisions and not continue to rely on NPHET advice, which is based on what the EU health authorities are saying. Managing the virus in France and Germany is very different to a rural island in western Europe,” he said.

The Roscommon TD highlighted an article by UCD professor, Dr. Paddy Mallon, in the Sunday Independent earlier this month, which called for authorities to make decisions based on Irish data.

He added: “The problem with lockdowns is we do not know which bits work and which do not. While they do contain the spread of a virus, they also impose huge costs on communities, businesses and, most importantly, individuals.

“The costs imposed by the recent move to Level 5, including a major increase in unemployment, the removal of social outlets for most of us, and the possible permanent closure of many businesses, were insisted upon by the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET. “Each of these measures is having a direct impact on the mental health of everyone in this country and we need to see an opening up of society in the run up to, and during, Christmas”.

Deputy Naughten did however warn that based on the current Covid-19 wave model researched by Dr. Philipp Hoevel and a team at University College Cork and presented to the HSE in June, Ireland will have entered its third wave of Covid-19 infection by February of next year.

“If we do not have proper systems in place,” he said, “we could have another lockdown on St. Valentine’s Day and our fourth lockdown over the June Bank Holiday weekend. This cannot be allowed to happen”.

There is only one meeting today in Thurles starting at 12.50 pm.

Tomorrow, racing is at Gowran Park in the afternoon starting at 11.45 am and on the all-weather at Dundalk, off at 3.55 pm.

On Saturday, only one meeting at Naas away at 11.45 am. On Sunday there is only one meeting at Proudstown Park outside Navan at 12.10 pm and last Sunday’s cancelled meeting at Cork has now been rescheduled for this Sunday, off at 12.25 pm. With the going soft to heavy at present and rain forecast racing could be called off at some of the venues, keep a check on the racing news.

Sunday at Navan sees the Grade 2 BetVictor Make Your Best Bet Chase with a small but quality field.

In Ravenhill, the National Hunt Chase, and Milan Native, the Kim Muir, Gordon Elliott has two Cheltenham Festival winners, Henry de Bromhead’s Minella Indo was twice runner-up at the festival including to Champ in the 2020 RSA Novice Chase, WP Mullins’ Brahma Bull, won a Grade 3 Novice in Cork and Carefully Selected fell at Prestbury Park, when a beaten 3rd, behind Ravenhill and Noel Meade’s Dream Conti completes the field. Minella Indo looks to have the better form and makes the most appeal with Brahma Bull looking the danger.

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase on Friday was won by Kingswell Theatre at 22/1 trained by Michael Scudamore and ridden by his brother Tom by from Beau du Brisais and Potter’s Corner.

Easyland finished fourth and Tiger Roll pulled up.

On Saturday, the Elliott trained Duffle Coat kept his unbeaten run

in Triumph Hurdle Trial beating Adagio and Balko Saint by 5l and 4¼l at 2/1 a nice price if you took last week’s advice. Henry de Bromhead’s Zarkaeva finished fourth in the Grade 2 Novices Chase.

In the listed handicap hurdle Paul Nolan’s Mrs Milner finished second beaten a neck and The Jam Man and Millen To One did not run.

Farouk D’alene was a non-runner in Fairyhouse.

On Sunday, Elliott had a 4-timer in Punchestown with Pencilfulloflead and Rachel Blackmore winning the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase, Jack Kennedy had a double on Fury Road in the Grade 2 Celebration Hurdle and Abracadabras in the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle and Jamie Codd made it four in the bumper aboard the very impressive Hollow Games, one for the notebook.

Racing News

Dermot Weld has confirmed the plan for the Aga Khan’s Breeders Cup winner Tarnawa is to stay in training as a 5-Y-O and she will be trained for another autumn campaign next year with the Prix Del l’Arc in mind for the triple Group 1 winner who has won eight out of fourteen runs.

Taunton’s very first midweek race broadcast on ITV4 this day week ended in disaster for conditional rider Alexander Thorne and Twin Star as he failed to weigh in after winning the race and the pair were disqualified and the second Robinshill was awarded the race. Thorne was also suspended for 21 days.

At Fontwell last Sunday Dharma Rain was declared the winner of the final race at Fontwell having been

Abacadabras and Jack Kennedy skip the last from Coeur Sublime, finished fourth.

the only horse of nine to complete the course. The first six horses home were all disqualified for failing to jump the third-last hurdle as was the eighth and final finisher.

The racecourse’s ground staff appeared to be in the process of dolling off the third last flight as the field approached in fading light, but they were not.

The winning jockey Jack Tudor realised that the markers were behind, not at, the flight, and on instinct he reluctantly jumped it. The other seven riders thought the markers were in position at the flight and duly veered around it. No action was taken against the riders in the subsequent steward’s inquiry, but no action was taken against the track authorities either.

Point to Point Corner

Saturday’s racing in the north is at Kirkistown in Co. Down with 97 entries. On Sunday, there are two meetings scheduled, one at Boulta in West Waterford with 111 entries and at Lingstown in Co. Wexford with 120, and all three meetings are scheduled for a 12 midday start.

Jonbon, a full brother to Douvan, was sold at Goffs November P2P Sale at Yorton Farm this day week for a record €570,000. The winner of the 4-Y-O maiden at the Dromohane meeting Sunday week, trained

by Ellemarie Holden for her father Paul and ridden by Derek O’Connor, was bought by JP McManus and is the most expensive point-to-pointer ever sold at public auction. He cost €140,000 as a store at last year’s Derby Sale. Following the success of this sale Goffs will be holding another on the 17th of December.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Has Big Brother called time on our right to choose for ourselves?

I’m sure eagle-eyed readers will have noticed the so-called ‘physical barriers’ that have sprung up overnight in supermarkets or ‘mixed-trade’ retailers across the county. Indeed, some of you may be wondering what they’re doing there.

Well, as part of a new law, (introduced under Section 22 of the Public Health Alcohol Act 2018), they are an attempt to keep alcohol away from the rest of the shop, with HSE Environmental Health Officers monitoring the process. Amazing isn’t it, that the HSE can find the time and the resources to ‘monitor’ the sale of alcohol, yet they failed to properly plan to oversee the Covid-19 contact tracing initiative.

Then there’s their alleged failure to

keep track of the ‘missing’ flu vaccine, a revelation that forced them to ‘pause’ deliveries of doses until they could be ‘located’ –meaning I could be forgiven for declaring the whole alcohol enforcement fiasco a chronic waste of taxpayers’ money. For the record, the HSE denies any vaccines went AWOL! Apparently, these new laws regarding the sale of alcohol are designed to protect us from ourselves. To empower us to grab a bunch of bananas then slither by that physical barrier without sneaking a peek over its minimum height of ‘not less than 1.2 metres’ in a desperate attempt to view the hidden-harms enclosed within.

I don’t know about you folks, but

I reckon I’ve got the whole fullydeveloped adulating phase of my life sorted, and I’m very annoyed with what I’d call this audacious political paternalism directive allowing our government the power to essentially decide what’s best for us. Now while this is just my opinion – and many may disagree with me – when our leaders start using their powers to act under the guise of protecting us from ourselves, and we start allowing it, our liberty and our solidarity as a nation will change.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t for one minute think we’re living under a totalitarian regime (not yet anyway), but I do worry about what seems to be the subtle emergence of policies that force

us to change certain aspects of our everyday lives. Policies and plans, laws and strategies that, once we accept them as being ‘the norm’, serve as a moral assault on both our personal and our individual autonomy.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly doesn’t know me, nor does An Taoiseach Michéal Martin. They don’t know my interests, my fears or my needs. They don’t know I’m a responsible adult capable of making my own decisions. More importantly, by enforcing these new paternalistic hide-the-alcohol, hide-the-sweets, and impose a no-fry-zone banning ‘unhealthy’ food outlets from being located within 400 metres

of schools, they don’t care about me and my right to make my own informed choices.

The government should respect that you and me, as adults, through a method of trial and error, interaction with our families, friends and those who love us, and through experience and education, have a right to decide to change our behaviour if we ourselves wish to do so. Here’s a thought, Michéal: instead of treating us like morons and not trusting us to self-regulate with your suffocating statutory alcohol and food controls, why not honour us by spending our taxes to empower future voters by introducing a healthy living toolkit as a core subject into the school curriculum?

HSE must roll out an honest and reliable national vaccine policy The world is eagerly awaiting delivery of the ‘most promising’ vaccine against Covid-19.

Therefore, as we’re on course to get 3.3 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine, and given that this particular jab requires two doses, the HSE will have enough to immunise 1.6 million of us.

Now while it’s great news that this vaccine will initially be rolled out to those in the high-risk category, the question remains: what about the rest of us? How long will it take before we see a nationwide distribution?

I only ask because, worryingly, the Department of Health has allegedly stated that “no specific funding was set aside in Budget 2021 for Covid-19 vaccines”. One could be forgiven for thinking that purchasing a life-saving vaccine in the middle of a pandemic should be top of our government’s list. But hey, even if we do manage to secure a one-for-all deal, has anyone thought about how we’re going to administer it?

Has anyone questioned the efficacy and the efficiency of a health executive that actually asked and expected patients to do their own contact tracing? (Something that doesn’t really inspire confidence).

Has the HSE put in place an administrative team structure capable of receiving, logging and storing the doses? (The missing/not missing flu vaccines spring to mind again). Has the HSE got enough syringes and alcohol swabs? Maths was never my strong point, but 3.3 million vaccines require 3.3 million syringes and swabs.

Have they hired a logistical and communication’s strategist to devise and deliver a publicity campaign in a convincing yet honest manner to a worried nation? In addition, has the HSE and the government realised that if they don’t demonstrate willingness and a competency to the EU to receive and administer the vaccine we, the poor sods who depend on it, may be denied our right to have it? Or not to have it – depending on personal choice!

I missed my calling…

British forces confront Irish citizens in Dublin, 1920.

Ninety seconds that changed our history This Saturday, November 21st, marks the centenary of Bloody Sunday, one of the darkest and saddest days in our country’s history.

On that day, one hundred years ago, at a Dublin versus Tipperary match, fourteen innocent souls, Irish men and women, were massacred in a hail of bullets, rained down on them by the evil that was then the British forces.

In what was a ninety-second onslaught, consisting of a volley

of one hundred and fourteen rounds of rifle ammunition, an unknown number of rounds from revolvers and fifty rounds from an armoured vehicle, seven souls were shot, dying instantly. Five were wounded, only to die later, and two were trampled to death in a bid to escape. These were unarmed, innocent civilians, and we must never, ever forget their sacrifice and the way in which they lost their lives.

For me, the fact that Tipperary,

the team that lost Michael Hogan on that tragic day, are, a century later, taking part in this year’s Munster final, is no coincidence –nay, its fate.

I’ll bet Michael and the other innocent angels, cut down for no reason than that they were Irish, will be cheering them on as Tipp don the commemorative green and white jersey in their honour.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse. Tá bród orm a bheith I mo bhean Éireannach.

As neither the government nor other sitting TDs in Leinster House appear to know what to do about Justice Séamus Woulfe, the controversy regarding his attendance at ‘golfgate’, and his subsequent handling of it, I have to say I find both the Constitutional and political crisis to be highly amusing!

As there’s a separation of powers between government and the judiciary, with Bunreacht na hÉireann (the Constitution) only stating that a judge of a higher court can only be removed from office for ‘stated misbehaviour or incapacity’ (failing to specifically classify what’s deemed as being ‘misbehaviour’), it kinda makes them the untouchables!

Therefore, as there’s no legal interpretation regarding the whole ‘misbehaviour’ part, I’m now wishing I’d studied law, criminology and criminal justice instead of journalism, media law and psychology!

Shoulda’ been a judge, folks; I could ‘misbehave,’ and rock that robe with style. Sure even hubby swears my sartorial expressions are enough to make even the innocent plead guilty!

#Roscommon Together Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

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A multimedia Christmas campaign

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

EMPLOYMENT & ENTERPRISE 18

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

This week’s focus: Our employment creators

LOCAL & LOYAL

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

GREAT SERVICE A multimedia Christmas campaign

Service Matters, especially during a pandemic!

Service Matters was established in 1997 by Vincent Collins, who, along with his wife Margie, has grown the business to become Ireland’s leading independent mat and hygiene rental, washroom and workwear specialists.

Recently, DAN DOONER got the lowdown on the Roscommon town company from Dysart native, Ann-Marie Kelly, who has been Service Matters’ Financial Controller since November 2018. Ann-Marie lives in Ballinamore Bridge with her husband, Niall Lohan, and their two children, Phoebe (5) and Hughie (4).

“I took up this position with Service Matters two years ago following ten years working in Dublin, of which the last three I was commuting and remote working from Ballinamore Bridge. Our head office and production facility is located here in Roscommon. We also have three other locations; Dublin, Limerick and Tyrone, and we offer services to customers across the island of Ireland,” she said.

Service Matters employs over 90 people, with the majority of staff based at the head office in Roscommon town. Employees fulfil a wide variety of key roles such as production operatives, drivers, customer service representatives as well as other professional and administration roles.

“Service Matters is a great place to work. It is very much a local company and has a good family feel to it here in Roscommon. I worked in a variety of finance roles with a large multinational during my time in Dublin and I have to say that working with Service Matters has given me more experience in the different elements of the

business as opposed to just the ‘number crunching’,” AnnMarie said, before highlighting the other advantages working in Roscommon town has over city life.

“Working in a rural SME certainly hasn’t been a negative experience in terms of my own career. There hasn’t been a compromise (in returning to work in Roscommon) and I am still able to grow and develop.

There is less of a commute too (compared with Dublin) and Roscommon is a bustling town with a nice atmosphere and lovely people. There is a busy main street with plenty of cafés and shops and everything else you could want,” she added.

The current Covid-19 pandemic has however posed a number of challenges for the company, as Ann-Marie explains.

“There’s no doubt that the early part of the year was challenging. We had a great start to the

year and then the Covid-19 pandemic hit and many of our customers, such as schools, hospitality and other businesses, were forced to close.

“We have continued to operate throughout the pandemic and that has meant changes to the way we do things, including workloads and working from home – all in order to ensure the safety of our employees and customers.

“We recognise that this can have an impact on employees and cause stress and anxiety.

The company has supported employees in 2020 by providing new benefits such as access to an Employment Assistance Programme and a free flu vaccine”.

As well as supports for its employees, Service Matters is also committed to local employment and supporting local suppliers.

Ann-Marie says the company has therefore performed a slight

Vincent Collins pictured outside Service Matters, which was established in 1997 and has now become Ireland’s leading independent mat and hygiene rental, washroom and workwear specialists.

pivot in terms of the services it provides.

“We have had to manage this

pandemic and we have used our capacity to launder garments for healthcare workers and we have

RELOCATION ROSCOMMON How Ann-Marie joined Service Matters See Ann-Marie’s story on Roscommon People YouTube channel, our Facebook page and Roscommon Chamber Facebook from today!

Dysart native, Ann-Marie Kelly, has been Service Matters’ Financial Controller since November 201.

adapted our product line to offer new products such as reusable facemasks and Covid-19 mats for businesses with social distancing messages on them. We have also increased our stocks of hygiene products and have enhanced the range available in our online shop,” she said.

Service Matters is in a unique position to assist local businesses, schools and clubs in reopening safely. The company has also supported Ireland’s frontline workers by donating supplies of sanitisers and cleaning products to local nursing homes and to organisations which assist vulnerable people throughout the Roscommon area.

As Ann-Marie says, it may have become a nationally renowned business in the 23 years since its inception, but Service Matters remains a company with its roots planted firmly in local soil. #RoscommonTogether

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

19

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

Cllr. Laurence

FALLON

CATHAOIRLEACH, ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ‘Please shop local.

When shopping online, support local businesses’ Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Tel. 090 6488232 Mobile: 086 8575512 cllrlfallon@roscommoncoco.ie

Shop local, support local, stay local, stay safe!

A phenomenal success story

Philip and Nilson ensuring Service Matters continues their weekly service to customers. Picture: Mick McCormack

Comment PAUL HEALY

It’s hardly an exaggeration to describe Service Matters as a phenomenal success story. Established in 1997, the company has grown from the proverbial humble beginnings – as all enterprises essentially do – into an acclaimed, nationally known business with a tremendous reputation.

Service Matters stands out as a beacon shining brightly on the commercial landscape here in Co. Roscommon.

It is easily one of the county’s largest employers, a great private sector triumph.

Service Matters, run

by Vincent and Margie Collins, is a Roscommonborn success story. Its success is evidence of what can be achieved by vision, courage and hard work. It’s also evidence

of how companies can prosper in rural Ireland.

Service Matters – its HQ located at Golf Links Road, Roscommon – reminds us of what can be achieved here in our

county, where the quality of life is so special and the environment more than capable of facilitating such forward-thinking companies. One only has to think (for further examples) of other successful, family-run businesses such as Sean Doyle & Sons and Paul Byron Shoes.

I’ve been working in

Roscommon town since 1988 and, like everyone else here, I’ve observed the ongoing expansion of Service Matters, now employing over 90 people. The vast premises at Golf Links Road can sometimes take the breath away when you observe it; it has been expanded over the years as demand has required.

Quality inspections of mats taking place prior to dispatch. Picture: Mick McCormack

Service Matters are now established as Ireland’s leading independent mat and hygiene rental, washroom and workwear specialists.

On your travels (when we can resume making them!) you will from time to time see Service Matters’ vehicles on our roads and motorways – a welcome symbol of a positive Roscommon success story.

This week, as part of our positive community campaign – #RoscommonTogether – in conjunction with Roscommon Chamber, the Roscommon People salutes Vincent, Margie and all at Service Matters.

In this special feature we report on the company’s ongoing growth.

See also further reports, photographs and exclusive video on the Chamber and Roscommon People social platforms.

And remember – service matters! #RoscommonTogether

- Shop local this Christmas - Support local businesses - Stay local, stay safe!

Eugene Murphy

Senator

Scramogue, Strokestown

Mobile: 087 1668775

EMAIL: eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

Stay Local - Shop Local Support Local

Cllr Marty McDermott,

From

Leas-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council

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

#RoscommonTogether… how to stay updated with the campaign!

Like the Roscommon Chamber on Facebook – www.facebook.com/roscommonchamber Follow the Roscommon Chamber on Twitter – www.twitter.com/ChamberRos Visit the Roscommon Chamber website – www.roscommonchamber.com Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/Roscommon-People Follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/RoscommonPeople Follow us on Instagram – www.instagram.com/roscommonpeople Check out our website – www.roscommonpeople.ie

20

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Topline Ward’s has all the essentials! < DAN DOONER

As one of Roscommon town’s major employers and an essential business, Topline Ward’s has remained open throughout the current Level 5 restrictions.

The business is located on the Circular Road, and is run by John and James Ward while their brother, Michael, manages JJ Ward’s shop on Goff Street.

John told the Roscommon People earlier this week that while there have been ups and downs this year due to the pandemic, business in general has been good.

“We opened for Christmas in 2014 and it’s been very successful so far. We have seen some ups and downs during the lockdown earlier this year but other than that we are doing well.

“We employ 18 staff here on the Circular Road and we stock a wide variety of DIY and hardware goods as well as household products, plumbing accessories, farming supplies and a wide range of fuels,” John said.

Topline Ward’s also boasts a vast array of power and hand tools and fixings. During lockdown gardening equipment and paint and décor supplies have also proven to be big sellers with local shop-

pers. At the moment, the shop is decorated with Christmas decorations of all kinds. If you want to go big with the festive cheer this year then Ward’s has you covered!

The #RoscommonTogether campaign has been welcomed by John and James and the rest of the staff at Ward’s. John believes Roscommon is a good town in which to do business and encourages people to shop local.

“There are a variety of shops in Roscommon town and easy access to those shops. The free parking is essential and it is less stressful for shoppers here than it would be in other towns,” he said.

John was also quick to pay tribute to those who have kept their shopping trips local this year.

“We’re very thankful to our staff and our customers for supporting us throughout the year. We have seen different generations from the same family shopping with us over the years and it’s something we hope continues long into the future!”

Topline Ward’s is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday and offers a wide range of services including delivery, key cutting, paint mixing, and gift-wrapping. Staff will also carry your purchases to your car and free quotations are available.

A multimedia Christmas campaign

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

21

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

‘A walk in the park’ My Happy Place TOM FLYNN

A family steeped in the town’s commercial life John Ward – the Ward family have been in business in Roscommon town for generations. Picture: Mick McCormack.

Comment PAUL HEALY

One of the most exciting projects in the county town in recent years was the development of the ground at Circular Road, Roscommon where Topline Ward’s is now – already – a landmark presence.

The Ward family is steeped in the commercial history of the town. JJ Ward’s continues to trade at Goff Street, notwithstanding the major expansion (in 2014) at Circular Road.

Generations of Roscommon families will fondly remember when Ward’s at Goff Street included an oldstyle public bar!

Indeed I recall doing a feature on that quaint premises many years ago for the Roscommon Champion. Ward’s bar was one of a handful of pubs in the town which were permitted to open very early in the morning (6-7 am as I recall) to facilitate farmers who were queuing overnight for Roscommon Mart!

The pub is no longer there, but JJ Ward’s continues to trade on Goff Street, the shop a beautiful, cosy and popular outlet.

Meanwhile, Ward’s made that big move in 2014, developing a state-of-the-art store which incorporates hardware, home, garden and DIY products, etc.

This week in our multimedia #RoscommonTogether campaign with Roscommon Chamber, we’re featuring major local, family-run employers.

Ward’s certainly fits into that category. The family has provided significant employment over the years and their business is a byword(s) for friendly service, local knowledge and good old-fashioned Roscommon decency!

We’re delighted to include Topline Ward’s in our campaign, both in the newspaper today and on our online platforms, and those of Roscommon Chamber.

There is one place I go to get away from the madness for a couple of hours – and that’s Mote Park.

Not only is it a great location for exercise but it’s also the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature.

As someone who has suffered with severe anxiety and depression, I’ve found a walk in Mote Park a fantastic way to clear my head and catch my breath.

Taking a walk with my partner, Shannon, and my dog, Shankly, helps me to realise exactly what is important, especially during times of anxiety. * Tom Flynn is a member of staff at the Abbey Hotel – and a podcaster

Shannon Cook, ‘Shankly’, and Tom Flynn…ready for a walk in Mote Park!

China Palace

Thai & Asian Restaurant 11, Main Street, Roscommon

090 6626337 090 6630648

Tel.

Gift Vouchers available

22

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

THIS CHRISTMAS

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

23

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

#RoscommonTogether…how to stay updated with the campaign!

Like the Roscommon Chamber on Facebook – www.facebook.com/roscommonchamber Follow the Roscommon Chamber on Twitter – www.twitter.com/ChamberRos Visit the Roscommon Chamber website – www.roscommonchamber.com Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/Roscommon-People Follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/RoscommonPeople Follow us on Instagram – www.instagram.com/roscommonpeople Check out our website – www.roscommonpeople.ie Check out the Roscommon People’s new YouTube channel for all videos relating to #Roscommon Together Also on Roscommon People Facebook page and Roscommon Chamber Facebook page

‘A gorgeous town and the people are lovely’ What I do ...

Inspector David Cryan (An Garda Síochána) Tell us a bit about yourself….

I’m originally from Tulsk and I’m married with two children. I have been a member of An Garda Síochána for the past twenty years and have spent most of that time stationed in Dublin.

I recently transferred to begin my duties as an Inspector in the Roscommon-Longford Division.

I was also a leader on RTÉ’s Operation Transformation in 2017!

What time does your day start?

At the moment, my day starts at 7 am when I get up. I help out with the kids and then I’m in work for 8 am. It’s the nature of the job that my work hours are changeable, however, and with shift work I work from 7 am to 7 pm two days a week and 7 pm to 7 am for two days on a four days on, four days off basis.

What’s the first thing you have to do?

When I arrive at work I check all incidents that have happened in the previous 24 hours and check in with the Sergeant. This is a gorgeous town and the people are lovely but I am the only Inspector in Roscommon, so that means it’s a different kind of busy to what I was used to in Dublin!

Inspector David Cryan (An Garda Síochána)

What do you do for lunch?

What I learned from Operation Transformation is to bring a packed lunch with you to work! When you’re busy or stressed you tend to go for the

quick, unhealthy option so I like to do a bit of planning and preparation.

There’s also the lovely Loughnaneane Park beside Roscommon Castle and I try to go for a run there on my break whenever I can.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I have to say I love every second of my job. I love helping people and building relationships in the community and being there for people. It’s not all about catching the bad guys!

What’s the worst thing about your job?

I suppose the frustrating thing about the job is when you try to help someone but it just doesn’t work out for whatever reason.

Sometimes it’s just beyond your powers or you don’t have the resources or maybe the person you’re trying to help is unreachable.

Shift work can also be hard in general.

Who’s at home?

My wife Siobhán, my daughter Zoe and my son Dylan.

How do you wind down in the evening?

I try to do a bit of exercise if I haven’t managed to do it on my break. I’ve built a bit of a gym in the house, so that helps. We live close to Roscommon town too so I’m usually home in twenty minutes and that means I can put the kids to bed, which is also a nice way to finish off the day.

Interview: Dan Dooner

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together ‘Definitely a place where I could live and work long-term’ 24

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

Generation Roscommon Kavana Donlon

Kavana Donlon

Kavana Donlon (21) is currently studying for a degree in business at Athlone Institute of Technology.

He works part-time as a supervisor at Euro Giant at Centrepoint Retail Park in Roscommon town.

Kavana believes Roscommon town residents have been luckier than most during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He says: “We are fairly lucky as most facilities are close by and thankfully many of the local businesses have managed to remain open, which made life a lot easier for us in comparison to

other rural parishes and towns.

“In these uncertain times I feel we have to be thankful for the little things and support those local businesses as much as possible.

“With everything that is going on around us in relation to Covid-19, it’s hard know what to expect in the future, but in my opinion Roscommon has a lot of opportunities if you’re willing to work and make an effort in seeking employment.

“The question is whether Roscommon has the potential to attract investment and create

employment for younger workers…

“Personally speaking, Roscommon is definitely a place where I could live and work long-term.

“On the other hand, travelling would be a great experience and no doubt offer a wide range of opportunities too.

“After finishing education I do think a lot of young people tend to move away from Roscommon due to opportunities and the city lifestyle in places like Galway, Dublin or even abroad. It can be hard for towns like Roscommon to keep young people at home.

“However, if Roscommon can create employment opportunities the town can hold on to young workers while attracting business people, and this will ultimately help the town to thrive in the

future!” Kavana says there are many positives to town life.

“We actually benefit from the town not being as big as others so I think that brings us closer together!

“There are also plenty of clubs and groups in the town. I play with the local soccer club, Roscommon United. We are lucky enough to be able to enter two teams into the Roscommon & District League.

This has been a massive boost for the club and local players.

“Of course sport is one of the major outlets in any town and that Roscommon community spirit is very obvious come championship time at Dr. Hyde Park!” * Interview: Dan Dooner #RoscommonTogether

Transition Year students from Roscommon Community College pictured on their ‘Walking Art Exhibition’ in Roscommon town on Monday. Picture: Mick McCormack

Two Transition Year students from Roscommon Community College who took part in the ‘Walking Art Exhibition’ in Roscommon town on Monday. Picture: Mick McCormack

Sophie Nash presents her poster to Dan Dooner, who accepted on behalf of the Roscommon People. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon Community College students launch ‘Walking Art Exhibition’ in support of local businesses

Katie Reddington presents her poster to Tom Madden of Madden Meats. Picture: Mick McCormack

Katlyn Lynch presents her poster to Declan Molloy in Molloy’s Artisan Bakery. Picture: Mick McCormack

Two Transition Year students from Roscommon Community College who attended the launch of a ‘Walking Art Exhibition’ in Roscommon town on Monday. Picture: Mick McCormack

25

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

PropertyPeople

PROPERTY PARTNERS All offers after €150,000 to sell.

A most attractive 3 B/R bungalow residence located in a select residential area close to Roscommon town center. The said property offers spacious living accommodation throughout together with lawns to the front and storage shed to the side. The auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries, viewings and all offers after €150,000 to sell. BER: D1.

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

EARLEY

Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

PSRA Licence No. 001481

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

PRIME LANDS AND BOGLANDS APPROX 12.964 ACRES OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS TOGETHER WITH APPROX 4.40 ACRES OF BOGLANDS LOCATED AT

A QUALITY 3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1.130 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

THE WALK, ROSCOMMON TOWN F42 XY24

ipav

VESNOY, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

ON OFFER LANDS OF VESNOY: Lot 1: Comprised in Folio RN 25903 approx 4.937 acres - a Roadside field Lot 2: Comprised in Folio RN 30039 approx 4.247 acres - a Roadside field Lot 3: Comprised in Folio RN 9364 approx 3.780 acres - a Roadside field Lands can be sold in one lot or independently, dictated by market interest.

ON OFFER BOGLANDS: Lot 4: Comprised in Folio RN 35083 approx 2.943 acres - KILMORE TD Lot 5: Comprised in Folio RN 30039 approx 0.610 of an acre CLOONRADOON TD Lot 6: Comprised in Folio RN 25903 approx .849 of an acre - CLOONRADOON TD This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire prime quality roadside lands at this location with potential for site development, subject to relevant planning The said boglands located at Cloonardoon and Kilmore are located convenient to town The auctioneer invites viewings and offers for this said property Legal: Messers Mahon Sweeney, The Square, Roscommon Tel 090 66 27350

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

Former Sliabh Bawn hotel sold

The former Sliabh Bawn hotel property located in Ballyleague

This week, John Earley of Property Partners Earley is pleased to state that he has closed the sale of a landmark building – the former Sliabh Bawn hotel property located in Ballyleague village – for a “very satisfactory” price.

John described the property as being “a substantial, twelve-bedroomed, former hotel property, standing on a hugely attractive parcel of lands, approximately 3.5 acres in total. The said

CO. ROSCOMMON

property holds an unrivalled location, overlooking Ballyleague Marina and the famous River Shannon, within walking distance of Lanesboro town and all amenities”.

Solicitors with carriage of sale were Messers Smith Foy, 59, Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin.

John further commented: “We have experienced a very busy selling period, with quality properties attracting strong interest

in all areas. Due to demand, we are now seeking properties in all areas for disappointed underbidders and cash buyers. We welcome all submissions and offer a free appraisal service”.

For further details, or to arrange a free consultation, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 662 6579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log on to propertypartners.ie.

€300,000

CRUBY HILL HOUSE, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN.

Call 090 662 7200

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON Find out more at mysherryfitz.ie

CO. ROSCOMMON

€215,000

RAMPARK HOUSE, CORRACREIGH, ELPHIN, CO ROSCOMMON

• A rare opportunity to acquire a seven bedroom detached property in a great location less than 5 minutes from Roscommon Town.

• Bright and spacious with south facing conservatory .

• Large mature garden surrounding the property allowing great privacy.

• Close to all amenities such as Secondary School, Primary School, Church, train station and supermarkets.

BER: D1. Eircode: F42FX53 CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

CO. ROSCOMMON

CLOONCAH, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON.

€20,000

• An Impressive 4 bed newly renovated country style home on its own gated private grounds • Sits quietly on a private and stunning site of approximately ¾ acre.

• Property finished to a high standard.

• Ideally located 6 minutes to Tulsk, 8 minutes to Elphin and 25 minutes to Roscommon • Surrounded by manicured lawns with 2 large sheds and decking to the rear BER: C2. Eircode: F45CY56

• C.1 acre site being sold subject to planning permission.

• Located in a sought after residential area of Clooncah, Strokestown.

• It is approximately 5 minutes from Strokestown and 10 minutes from Roscommon town.

• This site boasts fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

• Close to all amenities schools, supermarkets, church, restaurants, playschool.

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

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

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

PSRA No. 001316

Ahmed superstore on Circular Road, Roscommon

A welcome for Ahmed superstore!

It’s always great to see a new business open, and this holds true for the opening of Ahmed superstore on Circular Road, Roscommon, which has been welcomed by Sherry FitzGerald P Burke, who wish the best of luck to the new owner, Mohammad Ashad.

This unit, the sale of which was negotiated by Sherry FitzGerald P Burke of Goff St., Roscom-

mon, is situated in a highly convenient location.

P Burke said that this superstore opening is great for the town, saying that it is an indicator of Roscommon town’s attractiveness.

“It’s great to see our town progressing and expanding. We must continue to shop local this year – it is vital for our local shops and our community”.

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

26

PropertyPeople Auctioneers & Valuers PSRA no. 001090

NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003. FAX 090 66 26296 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com Web: www.pathughesauctioneers.com

### URGENTLY REQUIRED ###

Due to continued success Hughes & Company are urgently looking for all types of property in and around Roscommon for a number of disappointed underbidders. If you are thinking of buying or selling talk to Pat, let him advise you, his advice is free.

Phone: 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

For Sale CARROWNALASSON, FOUR MILE HOUSE, ROSCOMMON

Strong interest in circa 26 acres at Carrownalasson This week, Pat Hughes & Company are confirming that there has been a lot of interest in circa 26 acres of land with an old residence thereon at Carrownalasson, Four Mile House, Roscommon.

The lands are situated a short distance off the main Boyle to Roscommon road in a much sought after and renowned farming area.

For further details, or to make an appointment, contact the office on 090 6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Abbey Street Investment property building sold

in Castlebar Circa 26.5-acre Residential Farm. The lands are located a short distance off the main Boyle to Roscommon Road. All of the lands are of top quality with an old 3 roomed dwelling thereon.

For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Final Offers

ARE NOW BEING SOUGHT AT

MULLYMUX, ROSCOMMON S FINAL OFFER

Circa 26.5 acres of top-quality land. The lands are located ½ mile off the main Tulsk to Roscommon Road. Compact farm located close to Roscommon Town.

For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------

On the market this week with Pat Hughes & Company is a three-bedroomed investment property in need of modernisation at Pound Road, Castlebar.

Accommodation consists of a sitting room, living room, small kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom. The property needs to be totally modernised, and is selling to offers in excess of €80,000.

For further details, or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090 6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Three-bedroomed country house at Glinsk Connaughton Auctioneers are delighted to bring to the market this imposing, twostorey country residence on a mature site on the outskirts of the village of Glinsk, Co. Galway.

Originally the schoolmaster’s residence, the property is steeped in history, and offers charm and originality to the discerning buyer. In need of some completion of renovation works internally, this building has much to offer in terms of size, location and potential, representing an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in bringing a fine house back to its original glory.

Ground floor accommodation consists of the entrance hallway, living room, kitchen and sitting room. First floor accommodation consists of three large bedrooms and a main bathroom.

Services include oil-fired central heating, septic tank, mains water and electricity.

Also included in sale is circa 1.43 acres of boglands.

To arrange a viewing, contact the office on 090 6663700 or email info@ connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Evening, weekend and bank holiday viewings are available by prior appointment.

This week, Pat Hughes & Company has confirmed that they have recently sold a large commercial building at Abbey Street, Roscommon.

The property, which was on the market for a number of months, is currently being modernised. Similar properties are required for disappointed underbidders.

If you are thinking of selling your property, contact the office on 090 6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Final offers invited

This week, Pat Hughes & Company are confirming that they are accepting final offers on circa 26.5 acres of land located at Mullymux, Roscommon.

The lands are contained in one block and have recently been reseeded. Located approximately two miles from Roscommon Town just off the main Boyle to Roscommon road, the lands have site potential subject to planning permission being granted.

Pat is confirming that they are hopeful of closing the sale in the coming days. For further details, contact the office on 090 6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers. com.

For Sale NEWTOWN, BALLYMURRAY, ROSCOMMON

Circa 17.5 acres adjacent to Athleague village

Athleague lands for sale

Circa 6 acres with excellent road frontage and dual entrance. It would be suitable for development subject to planning permission being granted. The lands are located only 2 miles from Roscommon Town with access to the Carrowmore and Athlone Roads.

For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------

URGENTLY REQUIRED

Slatted Shed convenient to Roscommon.

No Feeding Required.

Winterage To Let Circa 40 acres convenient to Castlecoote for Cattle Glinsk, Co. Galway.

Connaughton Auctioneers are inviting offers in the region of €110,000 for circa 17.5 acres adjacent to Athleague village on the turn for Four Roads.

The lands have extensive road frontage onto Four Roads and Ballygar roads and comprises of good quality agricultural lands. Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton invites enquiries and offers for immediate sale.

For further information, contact the office on 090 6663770 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.

27

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

PropertyPeople

Cruby Hill House is conveniently located on the Galway Road, less than five minutes’ walk from the secondary school, primary school, church, train station and all the amenities that Roscommon town.

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a quality home

A wonderful opportunity has arisen to acquire a quality, spacious, five-bedroomed property on the outskirts of Roscommon Town.

Cruby Hill House is conveniently located on the Galway Road, less than five minutes’ walk from the secondary school, primary school, church, train station and all the amenities that Roscommon has to offer.

This is a bright, spacious, five-bedroomed, detached property, standing on a large, private, mature site and commanding excellent views of the surrounding, picturesque countryside.

The property is surrounded by a tarmacadam driveway on three sides, and the rear yard is paved with cobblelock.

The property would be ideally suited to func-

tion as a guesthouse/B&B, considering its location and the number of bedrooms.

The front entrance hall is welcoming and warm, with beautiful parquet flooring and stairs to the first floor. It gives access to the lobby/dining room with oak flooring, and the conservatory straight ahead. To the right, there is a large living room with mahogany surround open fireplace and double doors leading to the rear garden. On the left of the hallway lies the sitting room, also with mahogany surround open fireplace and timber flooring, which leads to the kitchen at the rear, with utility, store and WC just off. Located left of the sitting room is a bedroom, study/bedroom and bathroom, which

would be ideal for a spacious private home, providing office space.

On the first floor, there are five bedrooms (three ensuite), a family bathroom and a hot press. In addition, the property features a large garage/workshop to the rear.

On the market with an asking price of €300,000, this property presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a truly unique property in a great location less than five minutes from Roscommon Town.

For more information, contact the selling agent, David Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald P Burke, Goff St., Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon, on 090 6627200, or email pburke@ sfpburke.ie.

Property of the week at Earley’s

Looking to sell?

We have buyers!

• • •

•

Our services include: Sales – Sell your home!

Lettings & Rentals Property Management – We will manage all aspects of your rental property Valuations – FREE pre-sale valuation No Sale – No Charge

Web: www.kleavyauctioneer.com Tel. 071 96 34737

This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon, is offering for sale a substantial eight-bedroomed (all ensuite), dormer-style residence of circa 3,100 square feet, located at ‘Cairn House’, Curry, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

John describes the property as being “a stunning and substantial eightbedroomed (all ensuite), detached, dormer-style residence, finished to the highest of standards throughout. This imposing property stands on a beautiful, mature, elevated site of approximately 2.37 acres, with unobstructed views of the rolling green countryside to the front.

Offering approx. 3,121

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE FOR MONEY FOR SALE BY ONLINE AUCTION 26th NOVEMBER

37 GLENVIEW, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN, F42 K773

Spacious 4 bedroom family home presented in good condition, the said residence also benefits from a tarmacadam driveway, large and private rear garden with Garden Shed all set in a convenient and sought after location in Roscommon Town. Offering exceptional value. Viewing comes highly recommended and enquiries are now invited. Online bidding commences Thursday the 26th November, 2020. Interested parties should register in advance of the auction on BidNow.ie.

AMV: €140,000

FINAL OFFERS NOW INVITED CLOVERHILL, ROSCOMMON TOWN

‘Cairn House’, Curry, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

square feet of spacious living accommodation throughout, this fine property is ideally positioned to operate as a guesthouse or indeed a substantial family residence”.

The auctioneers highly recommend viewings and all offers are invited for immediate sale. BER B3.

For further details or to arrange a viewing, contact

John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon, on 090 6626579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log on to propertypartners.ie.

Six-bedroomed old schoolhouse at Ballyforan Located in the village of Ballyforan is this six-bedroomed, twostorey residence within walking distance of the national school, shop, church, post office and all other amenities.

The residence, which is on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers, is in excellent condition and ready for occupation. Services include mains water, sewerage and electricity.

This property is definitely a must for viewing. Contact the office for

more information and to arrange an appointment to view by phoning 090 6663700 or by emailing info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Top quality 31 Acre Residential holding of land set out in one or more lots and considered renowned lands in the locality. Convenient to Roscommon Town, the said lands benefit from substantial investment over recent years. The 3 Bed residence is in need of refurbishment and offers obvious potential as a quality family home.

The lands offer dual road frontage onto the main Castlerea/Castlebar road and a side road thus holding potential for a residential site subject to planning.

This said sale must offer any would be purchaser an excellent opportunity to acquire an attractive roadside parcel of lands in a good farming district which can be sold in one or more lots should market interest dictate.

Immediate enquiries advised

ROSCOMMON TOWN

T: 090 66 30001 • W: www.reacarthy.ie Ballyforan

PSRA Licence No. 002782

28

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

FarmingPeople Number 002414

Elphin Mart Monday evening, 23rd November Dry Cows at 6pm Clearance sale for Mark Durkin 25 Suckler Cows in-calf to pure bred 5 star Sim Bull calving mid January to mid February and 14 incalf Heifers, 2 year old. Charolais X incalf to Aberdeen Angus Bull calving February onwards.

Clearance sale of 15 Suckler Cows from Neil Cox Lim and Simmentas incalf to Lim Steck Bull calving December onwards. Sale at 7.30pm Ring 2: Weanling Sale at 6.30pm Bookings taken by phone.

Usual Sheep Sale at 7.30pm Wednesday, 25th November Special Bullock and Special Heifer Sale including Special Beef Sale of Bullocks and Heifers - Sale at 11am - 200 on offer

Action needed from Minister McConalogue to set up independent appeals panel IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe said the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue must implement the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Department appeals system as a matter of urgency.

This review was carried and published in 2017. It includes a recommendation to establish a new appeals panel with an independent chairperson, and to

include a farmer nominee.

IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe acknowledged the commitment in the recent Programme for Government to establish the panel, but he said action was needed to make it happen.

“Farmers do not perceive the current appeals office to be sufficiently independent. While we don’t agree with everything in the review, it was widely ac-

knowledged as being a step forward and yet it continues to sit on the shelf,” he said.

Brian Rushe said the review group was established in response to genuine concerns about the appeals system. The review recognised the need for change, making several significant recommendations, including the establishment of an Agricultural Appeals Review Panel

Vet medicine proposals a threat to competition – IFA

Please contact: 071-9635061

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS MONDAY WEEKLY:

BULLOCK SALE FORTHCOMING SALES: THURSDAY 3RD DECEMBER, FOR SALE IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR USUAL SALE:

6 TWO AND HALF YEAR OLD SPRINGING HEIFERS DUE END OF JANUARY ONWARDS TO PB LIM BULL.

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

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

TEL: (090) 96 88606

(090) 96 88830

(090) 96 87651

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

Lowest price GUARANTEED

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Daily collection

with an independent Chair.

“The Minister must ensure that the independent Agriculture Appeals Review Panel with farmer representation is established and the recommendations of the Committee are implemented without delay. Farmers can then have confidence in the appeals system, and that their cases will be dealt with fairly, impartially and efficiently,” he said.

Marian Harkin TD

Funding too low for agri-environment schemes – Harkin In the Dáil debate on the Budget last week, Marian Harkin TD told Minister of State for Agriculture Sean Fleming that the funding allocated for environment schemes would not meet requirements.

Referring to the rolling over of funding for certain agricultural schemes, she said that the money

allocated to the new pilot rural environment scheme, REPS, was insufficient for the numbers of farmers exiting the current rural agrienvironment protection schemes.

“These include AEOS and the green low carbon agri-environment scheme Glas, involving up to 25,000 farmers. The €80

million allocated is totally insufficient to deliver a viable scheme.

“Farmers need proper payment for participating in the pilot environment scheme – or the new REPS as it is called – and those farmers exiting Glas and AEOS must not be left high and dry,” Marian Harkin TD concluded.

IFA Animal Health Chairman Pat Farrell says the new EU Veterinary Medicine Regulation has the potential to severely impact on competition in the supply of anthelmintics to farmers.

IFA’s campaign has focused on the task for the Minister for Agriculture and our MEPs to recognise the unique situation on the island of Ireland by facilitating the prescribing of these products by ‘Suitably Qualified Persons’.

Pat Farrell said that the regulation may threaten the future viability of Licensed Merchant stores and veterinary pharmacies if the Department of Agriculture doesn’t resolve the issue.

“The Health Products Regulatory Authority has determined that anthelmintics must be categorised as POM from 2022 onwards, which means a prescription will have to be issued before the product can be purchased. This raises serious issues for the competitive supply of these products if Suitably Qualified Persons in the licensed merchants are not allowed to prescribe these products for farmers,” he said.

Pat Farrell said derogation in the Regulation allows for Suitably Qualified Persons in Northern Ireland and the UK to prescribe these products, and this must be facilitated for the supply of anthelmintics here.

“The Department of Agriculture cannot stand over the creation of a two-tier supply system on the island of Ireland that puts farmers here at a competitive disadvantage and jeopardises the future viability of licensed merchant stores and veterinary pharmacies who play a crucial role in supporting farmers and rural economies,” he said.

Castlerea MART WATCH Bullock sale: Slightly smaller numbers were presented at our Bullock sale on Monday, November 9th, but trade held up very well, with an excellent clearance taking place.

Bullocks, sample prices: Lmx 435kgs €1150, AAx 455kgs €1090, Ch 435kgs €1120, Ch 530kgs €1270, Lm 500kgs €1220, Lmx 580kgs €1380, Lm 635kgs €1450, Lm 740kgs €1510, Lm 695kgs €1490, and AA 670kgs €1350.

Heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings sale: Similar

numbers were presented again this week at our sale on Thursday, November 12th, with a good number of store heifers on offer.

Breeding lots in particular are a fine trade at the moment, while the numbers of forward lots on offer are reducing. Breeding stock are also in strong demand at the moment, while in the weanlings rings, quality lots are holding in price, while plainer-type lots are a little easier. Dry cow numbers are falling also, but trade was similar to last week, with a good clearance of lots.

Heifers, sample prices: Lmx 415kgs €1040, Ch 400kgs €960, Lmx 470kgs €1350, Ch 455kgs €1240, Lm 580kgs €1350, BBx 505kgs €1300, Ch 700kgs €1440, and Lm 695kgs €1430.

Dry cows, sample prices: Ch 860kgs €1500, AA 795kgs €1310, Fr 490kgs €290, Sim 1015kgs €1430, and Ch 690kgs €1100.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: Ch 295kgs €870, Ch 265kgs €810, Ch 290kgs €850, Ch 345kgs €930, Ch 335kgs €950, Ch 380kgs €1020, Ch 375kgs €1020, and Lmx 450kgs €1040.

Weanling heifers, sample prices: Ch 275kgs €850, Lm 270kgs €800, Ch 235kgs €690, Ch 355kgs €980, Lm 325kgs €850, and Ch 400kgs €940.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1050 to €1500, springers made from €940 to €1510, and runners made from €310 to €780 for continental lots.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings on Thursday, November 19th. All sales commence at 11 am.

29

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

FarmingPeople

Murphy: This government does care about farming!

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy was in bullish mood this week as he defended Government support for both rural Ireland and Irish agriculture, highlighting an 11% increase in funding in this year’s Budget.

“Contrary to what some opposition TDs claim, this Government is very pro-farming and pro-rural Ireland.

“Indeed, Budget 2021 saw an 11% increase in funding for Agriculture, food and fisheries as well as €79 million in new funding for a number of pilot measures in the agri environment area to support farm incomes and incentivise climate and environmental action into the future” he said.

Senator Murphy added his belief that he was a “real voice” for the farming community in RoscommonGalway and afforded local farmers a

“direct line” to his party colleague and Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue.

He said that €102 million has been provided through schemes such as the Beef Data and Genomics Programme and the BEEP Scheme, €450 million had been put towards GLAS and ANCs, and €80 million through TAMs. He also highlighted legislation being drafted to establish a food ombudsman in 2021 and that Bord Bia grant-aid had increased by €4 million.

In terms of the environment, the Fianna Fáil Senator said that €23 million had been ring-fenced from the Carbon Tax and an additional €56 million in EU funding would be allocated to a range of new pilot environmental measures.

Murphy wants 20 buyers allowed at marts Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has made representations to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue seeking to allow 20 buyers into

marts in a socially distanced setting to ensure a fair approach for all farmers.

Senator Murphy said: “I think it’s important that a

small number of buyers are allowed into marts as parts of Roscommon and Galway have very weak broadband and we need to ensure fairness across

the board and having all sales online will not allow that. Some farmers and buyers may also be unfamiliar with the online system”.

Roscommon MART WATCH Dry cows, heifers and bullocks: The numbers on offer at our weekly sale of dry cows, heifers and bullocks on Friday, November 13th, were similar to last week.

There was a flying trade for bullocks, with 95.5% of lots sold. Bidding was rapid, with buyers having to bid briskly to secure lots. Prices ranged from an average €2.25 per kilo up to €3.04 per kilo. Heifer numbers were small this week due to upcoming special sale of sixty pens.

Lots fetched from an average of €2.05 per kilo up to €2.43 per kilo. Prices for dry cows averaged from €1.54 per kilo up to €2 per kilo.

On Friday, November 20th, we will have our special sale of heifers, with sixty pens on offer, as well as a general sale of dry cows and bullocks. Sales commence at 11 am with intake from 7.30 am-9.30 am. Viewing is by appointment only, from 10-10.45 am. Bidding is online only through our facility with LSL. Gates close at 9.45 am.

On Friday, November 27th, at 11 am, we will have our special, end-ofmonth sale of bullocks, and general sale of heifers and dry cows. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, Novem-

ber 19th.

Dry cows ranged from €1.54 per kilo up to €2.00 per kilo: Sample prices: Lim X 850kgs €1600, AAX 855kgs €1550, Lim X 745kgs €1490, Lim X 815kgs €1460, Char X 820kgs €1340, Lim X 740kgs €1280, Lim X 685kgs €1100, and SHX 680kgs €1000.

Bullocks ranged from an average of €2.25 up to €3.04 per kilo. Sample prices: Char X 870kgs €1840, 4 Char X 751kgs €1820, Char X 820kgs €1810, Lim X 765kgs €1800, Char X 780kgs €1770, AAX 750kgs €1590, Char X 605kgs €1550, AAX 710kgs €1540, Char X 535kgs €1490, 2 Char X 530kgs €1370, AAX 580kgs €1370, 2 Char X 547kgs €1410, 3 Char X 528kgs €1340, Char X 430kgs €1310, Lim X 500kgs €1310, Lim X 500kgs €1300, and Char X 340kgs €960.

Heifers ranged from an average of €2.05 per kilo up to €2.43per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 705kgs €1220, AAX 565kgs €1100, Lim X 455kgs €1090, Lim x 590kgs €1080, AAX 465kgs €830, Lim X 365kgs €890, SAX 395kgs €910, Char X 420kgs €960, and Char X 465kgs €1010.

Weanlings Sale & suck-

ler cows: There was a smaller entry of stock on offer at last Tuesday’s sale.

However, trade was firm for both bulls and heifers, with prices well up on the comparative sale last year. Prices for bulls ranged from an average of €2.49 per kilo up to €3.48 per kilo, weanling heifers fetched from an average of €2.60 per kilo up to €3.62 per kilo, suckler cows made from €1075 up to €1550, and cows with calves at foot made up to €1740.

On Tuesday, November 24th, we will have our special, end-of-month sale at 4 pm. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, November 19th.

Included in the sale will be a special entry of twenty Cont. X Suckler Cows, in calf to pb CH and pb SIM Bulls, due February/ March/April. Photographs are available on our website and Facebook.

Weanling heifers made from an average of €2.60 per kilo up to €3.62 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 355kgs €1280 - €3.60 per kilo, Lim X 350kgs €1270 - €3.62 per kilo, Lim X 430kgs €1240 - €2.88 per kilo, Lim X 365kgs €1190 - €3.26 per kilo, Lim X 330kgs €1060 - €3.21 per kilo, Char X 365kgs €930 - €2.54 per kilo, Char X 315kgs €930 - €2.95 per

kilo, Char X 345kgs, €920 - €2.66 per kilo, Lim X 265kgs €840 - €3.16 per kilo, Char X 250kgs €780 - €3.12 per kilo, Char X 225kgs €650 - €2.88 per kilo.

Weanling bulls made from an average of €2.49 per kilo up to €3.48 per kilo.

Sample prices: Char X 370kgs €1250 - €3.37 per kilo, Lim X 410kgs €1250 - €3.04 per kilo, Lim X 350kgs €1220 - €3.48 per kilo, Char X 370kgs €1100 - €2.97 per kilo, Char X 345kgs €1060 - €3.07 per kilo, Lim X 320kgs €850 - €2.65 per kilo, Char X 335kgs €1020 - €3.04 per kilo, Lim 290kgs €820 - €2.82 per kilo, Char X 270kgs €700 - €2.59 per kilo, Char X 240kgs €690 - €2.87 per kilo, Lim X 230kgs €610 - €2.65 per kilo.

Sheep: There were larger numbers on offer at our weekly sheep assembly on Wednesday, Novem-

ber 18th, with firm trade for both lambs and ewes.

Finished lambs made up to €128.5 for 55.2kgs, and stag ewes made up to €120. Please note that all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set.

Our next sheep assembly for lambs and cast ewes takes place at 11 am next Wednesday, November 25th. Sheep must be prebooked. Yard open at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am.

Finished lambs, sample prices: 55.2kgs €128.5, 51.5kgs €128, 55kgs €128, 55.8kgs €127.75, 54.2kgs €127.5, 52.8kgs €126.5, 51.2kgs €126.50, 50.5kgs €125.50, 49.1kgs €125.25, 49.4kgs €124.50, and 46.9kgs €124.

Store lambs, sample prices: 40.4kgs €103, 40.8kgs €100.5, 36.1kgs €91, 39.3kgs €90, 33.6kgs €85, and 31.3kgs €78.

Cast ewes made from €70 to €120 per lot.

Covid-19 Level 5 mart restrictions Due to Level 5 restrictions, all cattle sales will be done online via our LSL app.

Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale, and sellers must drop and leave.

Animals will be sold subject and sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone.

Instructions for setting up the LSL app is up on our Facebook and website.

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

Covid 19 Level 5 – Mart Restrictions

All Cattle sales shall be ONLINE ONLY on our LSL App Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale.

Sellers must drop off their livestock and leave.

Animals will be sold subject and Sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone.

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

Special Cont X Sale of Heifers Friday, November 20th at 11 a.m.

60 pens on offer Also Bullocks and Dry Cows Yard opens at 7.30 a.m.

All stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m.

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

End of Month Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, November 27th at 11 a.m.

Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 19th ----------------------

Christmas Cracker Special Sale Bullocks & Heifers Friday, December 4th at 11 a.m.

Also Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 26th ----------------------

End of Month Special Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, November 24th at 4 p.m.

Also Suckler/Springers Saler X Weanling Bull will be auctioned for Charity on evening of the sale Included in Sale – Special Entry of 20 Cont. X Suckler Cows in calf to PB CH and PB SIM Bulls Due Feb/March/April – photos on our Website/Facebook Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday November 19th ----------------------

Christmas Bonanza Special Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, December 1st at 4 p.m.

Also Suckler Cows/Springers Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 26th ----------------------

Sheep Assembly for Lambs & Cast Ewes at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, November 25th Sheep must be pre-booked Yard open at 8 a.m.

Sheep must be penned by 10 a.m.

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

Premier Sale (On Line) of Pedigree Shorthorn Cattle Saturday, November 21st at 12 Noon ----------------------

Organic Cattle & Sheep Saturday, November 28th at 12 noon Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 19th

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Find us on facebook

30

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Business

Positive news for Kilteevan company!

Positive Carbon’s regional win at InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn Competition Positive Carbon from Kilteevan, Roscommon have been crowned ‘Best New Start’ company at the Connacht and Leinster regional final of the 2020 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition.

The company fought off tough competition, having delivered an investment pitch via videoconference in front of an expert judging panel.

Seedcorn is the island’s biggest business competition for innovative new start and early stage businesses in any sector.

The winners from each of the four regions will go on to compete in the all-island final later in the month where the overall ‘Best New Start’ and ‘Best Early Stage’ companies will be announced, winning €50,000 each. Ultimately the ‘Overall Winner’ will pocket €100,000

to contribute to their business growth.

Established in May 2020 by Mark and Aisling Kirwan, Positive Carbon provides intelligent food waste monitoring technology to help businesses save food and money.

Commenting on their win, Aisling Kirwan, Director of Operations at Positive Carbon said: “We’re thrilled to win the ‘Best New Start’ company in the Connacht and Leinster final and progress to the next round.

At Positive Carbon, we make food waste tracking simple. We allow companies to see where they are throwing thousands of euro worth of product into the bin each day.

“We entered the competition because we believe food waste is not only an important social issue but also a massive busi-

ness cost and Seedcorn is helping move our business forward commercially”.

Since the competition’s inception in 2003, more than 3,100 companies have been through the programme, and finalists have raised in excess of €256m in equity funding, emphasising Seedcorn’s position as the premier competition for high growth start-up companies on the island.

Congratulating Positive Carbon, Connor Sweeney, Seedcorn Programme Manager at InterTradeIreland said: “It’s a great achievement to win the regional final, the standard of entries from Connacht and Leinster this year has been particularly high. I wish them luck as they go on to compete against other jurisdictions in the competition’s overall final next month”.

Pictured are Aisling and Mark Kirwan of Positive Carbon, which recently won €20,000, having been crowned ‘Best New Start’ company at the Connacht and Leinster regional final of the 2020 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition.

Cosgrove/McGuinness SuperValu in Strokestown opens…

Manager Martin Mullen is pictured with Sabrina, Sheila and Brenda at the Deli counter at the opening of Cosgrove/McGuinness SuperValu in Strokestown on Thursday last.

Baker Wioleta is pictured with freshly baked muffins at the opening of Cosgrove/McGuinness SuperValu in Strokestown on Thursday last.

Manager Martin Mullen, assistant manager Ann Carolan and proprietor Stephen McGuinness are pictured at the opening of Cosgrove/McGuinness SuperValu in Strokestown on Thursday last.

Manager Martin Mullen is pictured presenting flowers to longest serving staff – Breege Shannon, Catherine Wallace, Carmel Lynch, (assistant manager), Ann Carolan and Sheila Corolan – at the opening of Cosgrove/ McGuinness SuperValu in Strokestown on Thursday last.

31

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Classifieds

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

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

ACCOUNTS

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Stephen Casey

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

Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala

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

CHIROPODIST

PODIATRIST

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

Department of Health Approved

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

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

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

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

CONSTRUCTION

Construction General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l

l

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

087 2798704

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

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

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

VHI and Laya Covered

FENCING/GATES

< CAR FOR SALE: BMW Mini Cooper Diesel 2015, 4 door, 45,000 miles, one lady owner, service history.

Black and white metallic, good clean car. Phone 071 9635361 or 087 2801282

Des Kelly Fencing

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

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

Telephone:

CAR FOR SALE

NO FIX NO FEE

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

COUNSELLING

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

COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

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

Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

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

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

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

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay

DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FENCING/GATES

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

For all your fencing needs.

GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l

Tel: 087 2172281

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

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

< ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

JOE HEALY

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: Kitchen dresser, solid oak, 80x190, excellent condition. €150 o.n.o. Tel: 087 9278989

Phone:

WALTER BEGLEY

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

Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428 < G A R D E N I N G : Painting, fencing all odd jobs, 10 mile radius of Glenamaddy.

Phone: 086 2200520

< ONLINE SPANISH TUITION/GRINDS: For 1st, 2nd and JC pupils. (small classes). Fully qualified teacher with 20+ years teaching 1st-Hons.

Level L.C. Top results in state exams.

Mobile: 083 0198884. Facebook: Miss McSpanish.

Email:missmcspanish@ gmail.com

MATHS GRINDS

NOW ONLINE! - Weekly live classes - Highly interactive - Continuous assessment - Excellent results record Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine Kenny 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

Tree Services

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

087 2721193

GARDENING

GRINDS

ROSCOMMON

FARMING

Telephone:

094 96 20099

GATELY GARDENING

087 2346364

EDT Lessons Available

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

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

GARDENING

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

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

l

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

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

Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

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

Can we help you?

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

32

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Classifieds PAINTING & DECORATING

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

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

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079 PERSONAL < WANTED: A wonderful lady to keep me company between ages 45 and 55.

Tel: 087 2327295

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

< TO LET: 3 bedroom apartment to let in Donamon area, no pets allowed. All mod cons. Tel: 086 8655375 < TO RENT: Double room to rent in Roscommon town.

Walking distance to all amenities. Sharing with one other female working professional. Tel: 087 9016261

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

PLANNINGS

Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd., on behalf of Kieran Greene and Caroline Mills- Greene, of Muckanagh, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, intend to seek permission for retention of development at the aforementioned address, for the following: [A] Revised elevations, comprising alterations to the south-facing, west-facing, and east-facing elevations, to that previously granted under planning register reference PD/99/147. and [B] An as constructed, single-pitch, lean-to ‘sunroom’ extension, adjoining the west-facing elevation of the dwelling-house [area ca.

34m2].

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Planning permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council on behalf of Mark Creavin and Caitríona Fallon for the construction of extension and refurbishment works to existing dwelling at Tonlegee, Kilteevan, County Roscommon.

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

Signed: John Paul Creavin B.E. Civil Eng., M.E. Civil Eng., MIEI, Consultant Engineer, Drumdaff, Roscommon.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, John Beirne am applying to Roscommon Council for planning permission to construct dwelling house, domestic garage, and to connect to existing main sewer along with all ancillary site development works at Srah Townland, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: James Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd, Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling house and domestic garage with septic tank and percolation area and ancillary site development works at Cornaseer, KIltoom, Co. Roscommon.

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

PODIATRIST

REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

TERESA BURKE BNS (Hons). M.Sc (Hons) (MNRRI)

Certified Reflexologist Give your mind and body a relaxing experience with a reflexology treatment.

Through massage of the feet reflexology can • rebuild energy levels in the body • assist in relieving stress • encourage relaxation • improve general well- being Reflexology is based on the principle that the foot has “reflex” points that correspond to the various structures and organs throughout the body.

Contact TERESA for appointment at

087 9001212

Teresa Burke Brideswell, Co. Roscommon N37 EW 20

USEFUL SERVICES

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

ForFor Bookings Contact: College Road, Bookings Contact:

(087) 707 5803

Mountbellew, Co Galway H53 D7W8

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

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8

USEFUL SERVICES

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered.

Domestic and Industrial, All work considered.

No Job too small.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802.

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

If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090 6626752

Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc ....

094 96 31880 087 9100477

• Cow Sheds • Slatted Sheds • Sheep Sheds • Yards • Milking Parlours Contact Padraig today for a keen quote

086 6027509 WE CLEAN THE MESS YOU HAVE NO STRESS!

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment. < CLEANING: We do cleaning, painting, decorating, gardening. For more details call:. 089 9632912 or 083 3369829 We also do sewing.

PEAT BEDDING

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

086 2437376

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

Furniture Removal & Collection Garden Maintenance

Phone John: 085 2113317

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

Agricultural Powerwashing Services

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

SERVICE

ONLY €80

USEFUL SERVICES

< FIREWOOD & TURF: High quality seasoned hardwood timber split and turf, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in 500kg bulk bag and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed.

Call 086 3312411 after 6pm. < TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011

< TURF FOR SALE: In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €50. Bag and delivery also included in price. Tel: 086 8534011

< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free.

• 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 < HARDWOOD TIMBER FOR SALE: 8x4 trailer loads, tonne bags or red netted bags. Tel: 083 0204799

SITUATIONS VACANT < PART-TIME SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST: Required for busy G.P. Practice in North Roscommon. Apply with CV to PO Box No: 2038 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon before Friday, 20th November 2020. < CHILDMINDER WANTED: To mind children EITHER in childrens own home or in childminders home (Athleague area). School drop off and pick up required.

Phone: 087 3282507 < CARER REQUIRED: Fulltime/part-time hours, Ballymoe/Williamstown/ Glenamaddy area. Apply with to: PO Box No 2039 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon < CHILDMINDER: In Castlerea/Williamstown area required to mind 2 children 1 and 4 years old . Must have own transport and some flexibility required. Please contact PO Box No 2040 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or email findchildcare00@ gmail.com

Carpenter/Builder We are looking for carpenters with general construction knowledge in house renovations from grounds to finish.

Email: silveira911@gmail. com

33

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Classifieds

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

APPOINTMENTS

Shannon Lodge

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTS

NURSING HOME

Position available in a busy accounting practice for an immediate start in Castlerea.

Duties will include office administration and accounts preparation.

Key skills required: l Excellent Communication Skills l Excellent IT skills l Payroll Processing – not required but an advantage l Sage Accounts Production – not required but an advantage l Background in farming – not required but an advantage l Ability to work towards deadlines and on own initiative

Rooskey, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon. N41 YE03 requires

EXPERIENCED STAFF NURSE Harmac Medical Products, Castlerea is a subsidiary of Harmac Medical Products, Buffalo, New York, a market leader in the manufacturing of high and CARE ASSISTANT Harmac Medicalquality Products, Castlerea is a subsidiary of Harmac Medical Buff disposable medical devices.

The Castlerea plant produces a wideProducts, range York, a market leader in the manufacturing of high quality disposable medical Please forward CV with written Medical Device Industry world-wide. references to the Director of Castlerea Nursing. plantAtproduces a wide range of Medical Products andbeen provides a Harmac we make life saving medical products. Our focus is, has and Or email: always will be to provide world class medical products and services. manufacturing service to the Medical Device Industry world-wide.

Harmac’s approach towards our employees is no different. With a work shannonlodgenh@gmail.com of Medical Products and provides a full contract manufacturing service to the

Please apply on or before Wednesday, 25th November 2020 to:

cdrury@gats.ie

dev full

environment as diverse as our products and services, Harmac is dedicated to

findinglife the saving right professionals will fosterOur the organization’s continuing At Harmac we make medicalwho products. focus is, has been and always w evolution and are willing to add their individualism into our company’s provide world class medical products and services. culture and vision.

Our vision is to build long-term partnerships by creating mutually beneficial relationships.

This isour trueemployees with our customers, and employees.

Harmac's approach towards is nosuppliers different.

With a We work environ Multi-Skilled Maintenance Technician- Apprenticeship Programme are looking for individuals who share our values of respect, accountability, diverse as our products and services, Harmac is dedicated to finding the right prof integrity, innovation and teamwork.

Learn while you earn!

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie

or alternatively call 090 66 34633

who will foster the organization's continuing evolution and are willing to a

We are currently inviting applicants for the following roles: We are currently seeking to recruit individuals to join our maintenance team, and who individualism into our company's culture and vision. want to start their careers as Multi-Skilled Maintenance Technicians.

At the end of a 4 year period, you will be qualified as an electrician with QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate, once qualified as an electrician there will be an option Reporting to a Production Supervisor,by Operators are mutually required to perform vision is to build long-term partnerships creating beneficial relationsh of undertaking a part time degree in mechatronics engineering over a two Our year period. assembly and / or packing of a range of medical products. The role involves As part of this apprenticeship, you will gain exposure in areas such as mechanical/ is true with our customers, suppliers and employees.

We are looking for individuals w working in a dynamic, fast paced environment, as part of a team to reach electrical maintenance and engineering skills within highly automated food production targets, while complying with SOP’s, Safety and Quality our values accountability, integrity, innovation and teamwork. manufacturing environments, you will perfect your trade in maintaining and repairing a of respect, requirements. Applicants must have a minimum Leaving Certificate, or 3-6 variety of manufacturing equipment. months related experience, along with a good command of the English Ideal candidates must have a can do attitude and a willingness to learn. You may be language. work ethic, and teamwork are essential We areStrong currently inviting applicants for theattributes. following roles: required to travel to other sites in Ireland so a driving license is an advantage.

Applicants should be aware that shift work may be required.

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV to: To apply, interested applicants must Team submit aMembers completed application form, Operator Claire Finneran, HR Manager, Kepak Athleague, Athleague, Co. Roscommon available from reception at Harmac Medical Products, IDA Business and or email claire.finneran@kepak.com Technology Park, Castlerea.

Closing date for applications Wednesday, 25th November Reporting to a Production Supervisor, Operators are required to perform assembly

PlanningsEXTRA ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Sinead Kenny am applying to Roscommon Council for planning permission for the following.

1. Permission to demolish side boiler house 2. Planning permission to construct extension to existing dwelling house 3. Planning permission to upgrade existing treatment system with new proprietary treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Rathcarran House, Rathcarran, Ballintubber Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

F45 HX29

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

Signed: James Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd, Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Further information.

We, ESB Telecoms Ltd hereby give notice that significant further information has been submitted in relation to our planning application, planning reference 19/396, for the construction of a 36 metre high free standing lattice communication structure and its associated antennae, communication dishes and ground equipment, within a 2.4m high palisade fence compound at ESB’s existing Flagford 220kV substation, Townland of Culleenatreen or Flagford, Co. Roscommon.

Significant further information in relation to the application has been furnished to the planning authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

Operator Team Members

Public Notice

This isof anmedical excellent opportunity join the Harmac team. working If you think in youa dynamic, fa packing of a range products.toThe role involves have the required skills and experience, and wish to develop your talents in environment, as part ofresult a team to reach production targets, complying wit a dynamic orientated environment, then please forward awhile C.V. in strict confidence to Harmac Medical at careersie@harmac.com.

Safety and Quality requirements. Applicants must have a minimum Leaving Certific Harmac Medical equalcommand opportunities employer 6 months related experience, alongProducts with isa an good of the English languag work ethic, and teamwork are essential attributes.

Applicants should be aware that shift work may be required.

To apply, interested applicants must submit a completed application form, availa reception at Harmac Medical Products, IDA Business and Technology Park, Castlerea

The Upholstery Co are requesting quotations for the construction of a

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB?

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

This is an excellent opportunity joinNEWSPAPER the Harmac team.

If you think you have the THE MOSTtoREAD IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

skills and experience, and wish to develop your talents in a dynamic result or COMMERCIAL environment, then please forward a C.V. in strict confidence to Harmac Me UNIT careersie@harmac.com.

The local paper!

Please contact: Harmac Medical Products is an equal opportunities employer James Lohan

james@jlce.ie

Quote submission deadline is Wednesday 25th of November by email Quotes after this date will not be accepted

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL:

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

34

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Classifieds

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

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

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

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

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

KELLY Patrick (Paddy) Mullymux, Co. Roscommon (18th Anniversary)

HAUGHEY Noel

CURLEY Tom

Correal, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

Muff, Castlecoote, Roscommon Who died on 4th November 2012 (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Paddy, late of Mullymux, who died on 21st November 2002, his wife Anna Marie, who died on 16th June 1985 and their son Martin, who died on 11th December 1985

In loving memory of Noel who died on 23rd November, 2015.

Time passes, Memories stay, Quietly remembered everyday.

Will those who think of them today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

Loved and remembered by all the family.

Masses offered.

McHUGH (nee Lennon) Lena Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: anthonymurrayandsons@gmail.com

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surounding areas)

In loving memory of a life so beautifully lived, and a heart so deeply loved.

Loved and remembered by all her family.

BEIRNE Willie, Catherine and Kitty

11 St. Ciaran’s Park, Roscommon town.

Your life was one of kindly deeds A helping hand for others needs Sincere and true in hearts and mind Beautiful memories left behind.

Sadly missed by your daughter Bridie.

Anniversary Mass has been offered in Knock Basilica.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

HANLEY Padraic 6 Shannon Heights Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon

At this time we remember our late mum Kitty, who died on 26th November, 30 years ago, our dad Willie who died on the 20th November, 19 years ago and our sister Catherine, who died on 21st November, 17 years ago.

Will those who think of them today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

Email or call for Sample Pack

DOYLE Claire

In loving memory of my dear Mother who died on the 22nd November 1965 R.I.P.

Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Loved and remembered Margaret and family.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 22nd November, in private due to current restrictions.

Loved and remembered by his family.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

DONLON Theresa Moher, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

Thomastown, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Peter who passed away on 19th October 2008 and Molly who passed away on 24th November 2018 (12th and 2nd Anniversaries)

You are the Angels now, it was time to say goodbye.

Yet still it’s hard to hide the pain, no matter how I try.

For you were special parents, will lots of love to share.

And knowing you are no longer here, is very hard to bear.

And though the grief will pass and time will help to heal the pain.

Somehow life without you Mam and Dad will never be the same.

Always lovingly remembered by your daughter Mary.

Mass offered privately due to Covid 19 restrictions.

MULLIGAN Bridie and Thomas Monksland, Athlone and Ahalative, Creggs In memory of Bridie who died on 4th January 2010 and her husband Thomas who died on 23rd October 1994.

(11th and 26th Anniversaries)

Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

Late of Fearmore, Derrane, Roscommon

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

What he suffered he told but few, he did not deserve what he went through, tired and weary he made no fuss, but tried so hard to stay with us.

No matter how life changes, No matter what we do, A special place within our hearts is always kept for you.

CURLEY Peter and Molly

Always remembered by Willie, Mairead and families.

To dearly loved to be forgotten, cherished memories of Padraic.

Always remembered by his mother Kathleen, father Patsy, sister Marie and brother Alan.

In loving memory of Nana Theresa, who passed away on 24th November 2012 Rest in Peace These days are full of memories, of happiness and tears, of birthday celebrations We shared throughout the years.

Although we’ll always miss you, the endless joy you brought, warms our heart with gratitude and fills our every thought.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by their family.

Anniversary Mass will be held in Ss. Peter & Paul’s Church, Athlone on Friday, 20th November at 9.30am via http://www.churchservices.tv/athlone May they Rest in Peace.

Wherever you are resting one thing is for sure, we loved you then, we love you now and will forevermore.

We remember you with fondness, with love and kindness too, and we celebrate your birthday, but we spend it missing you.

Fondly remembered and missed everyday by your loving husband Tom, beloved children Carol, James, Susan and Pamela, dear grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Private Mass will be celebrated in memory of Theresa on Tuesday, 24th November.

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

35

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MURRAY John Joe

Oran, Donamon, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who died 25th November 2019 R.I.P.

HILL Robert (Bob) Abbey Street, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

MULRENNAN John Joe and Anna

Cloonakilla, Strokestown.

(1st Anniversaries) Who died on November 5th and November 19th, 2019.

R.I.P.

• Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com In loving memory of Robert who passed away on the 25th November 2017 His wife Anne, sisters Eileen and Geraldine, nieces, nephews and extended family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all who sympathised with them on their bereavement. Thank you to everyone who attended the removal and funeral Mass and to those who travelled long distances to be with us.

A sincere thank you to Fr. Irek, Fr. McManus and the Priests from the Divine World Missionaries, Donamon for concelebrating the funeral Mass.

Thank you also to the choir for their lovely contribution to the Mass, to the readers and to Johnny Ward for his assistance.

Thanks to everyone who sent Mass Cards, letters of sympathy and to those who telephoned.

Our thanks to Tom and Pat Smyth, Funeral Undertakers for their professional attention to the funeral arrangements and to our very kind neighbours who prepared the grave with such care and attention to detail. Thank you to Ann Harlow for the floral arrangements.

A sincere thank you to Dr. Gerry O’Mara and his team for the expert care given to John Joe during his brief illness. To Mr. Liam McMullin, Consultant Surgeon, thank you.

To the wonderful nursing staff whose care was exceptional and professional during John Joe’s stay in hospital. A sincere thank you to the care assistants, suport staff, Allied Health professionals and catering staff who were so helpful and kind.

A special word to thanks to Anne’s former colleagues at Roscommon University Hospital for their help and support.

To Geraldine Keane for your excellent care and support, thank you and you will never be forgotten.

Thank you to Fr. Fitzgerald, Fr. Beirne and Sr. Gabriel for your care which meant so much to John Joe. Thank you to everyone who visited John Joe during his stay in hospital.

We also remember and appreciate the help of the staff in the Primary Care Centre.

Thank you to David Hynes and his staff for their help.

To Ursula Hannon and her staff, we very much appreciate the lovely meals and refreshments provided on both days and following the Month’s Mind Mass.

Thank you to everyone who made a donation to Roscommon Palliative Care.

A special word of thanks to Jon Joe’s niece Mary Geraghty for her immense support during his illness and very difficult time, it was invaluable.

Anne would also like to acknowledge the support and kindness she has received from her late sister Maureen’s family during the past year as they also were dealing with their own grief.

Appreciation also to our kind neighbours who have given their help to me during the year.

Anne would expecially like to thank her former colleagues and friends who have supported her during the past year either by calling, phoning and sending Mass Bouquet cards.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

John Joe’s Anniversay Mass will be celebrated privately on Wednesday, 25th November due to Covid 19 restrictions.

Loving memories never die as years roll on sad days pass by.

In our hearts a memory is kept of ones we loved and will never forget.

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again.

So Rest In Peace dear Bob And thanks for all you’ve done, We pray that God has given you.

The crown you’ve truly won.

Lovingly remembered by his wife Mary, daughters, Jackie, Marina and Lisa, sons Robert and Aidan, daughters-in-law, sons-inlaw and grandchildren.

Masses offered.

DOLAN Leo & Delia Munsboro House, Sligo Road, Roscommon In loving memory of Leo and Delia Dolan. Leo who passed away on 4th June, 2009 and Delia who passed away 1st December 2016 R.I.P. (11th Anniversary)

John Joe and Anna’s family extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful relations, neighbours and friends whose incredible support carried us through our losses last November. Our close community - you turned up tirelessly and did the things that we could not.

To the many who provided us with food and refreshments, kind words, texts, calls, Mass Cards and flowers, who travelled long distances, who visited Cloonakilla and the Hospital, who sat up late at night to say your goodbyes, your support was overwhelming and we will never forget it.

A special thank you to the staff in Mullingar Hospital and Dr. Cronin, to Dr. O’Donnell and the numerous other medical professionals who did so much for John Joe and Anna in their final weeks and also the years previous.

To John Joe and Anna’s carers, your kindness provided them with immeasurable strength and happiness in their home. Fr. Gannon – you were a light in the darkest of times.

To the support provided by Pat McHugh, Funeral Director, the gravediggers, the Mass participants, and the Guard(s) of Honour, we know John and Anna continue to smile upon you all. …………………………………..

We talked and laughed with you today, and of course that’s nothing new, we mourn you both in this dark month, and all the months before it too.

Your memories are our treasures, from these we could never part, God holds you in His arms, we cradle you in our hearts.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie

DOLAN Caitriona 22 Beechgrove, Ardnanagh, Roscommon town

(4th Anniversary)

BIrthday remembrance for Caitriona Dolan whose birthday occurs on the 22nd November, 2019 Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and still very dear.

Missed and remembered by all their family.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 5th December at 11am.

Submit your Classified online

Birthday wishes we send today to a star in the sky not far away.

Engraved in gold on a cloud above, just for you Caitriona with all our love.

Love Mam, Marie, Pat, Enda and Roseanne . xx ~~~~~~~~ Today is your birthday in Heaven above, our blessings we send on the wings of a dove.

Love Martin and Leah xx

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Memoriams and Anniversaries If you wish to place acknowledgements, memoriam notices, birthday and anniversary remembrances, please email them to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or call us on

086 8054227 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to

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The local paper!

McCROSSAN Daniel

2 Lus Leana, Celtic Avenue, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who died 25th November 2019 R.I.P.

We Josephine and family of the late Daniel McCrossan (Roscommon Town and formerly of Tyrone), wish to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the kindness, support and sympathy shown to us on the recent sad loss of our wonderful husband and father Daniel.

Our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the Funeral Mass, sent mass cards and sympathised with us, all his relatives who travelled long distances to attend the funeral.

Thank you to Dr. John Keenan and also Roscommon Palliative Care for calling to the house to make Daniel comfortable in his last few days, also to all the doctors and nurses of Roscommon Hospital.

Thank you to his very kind neighbours Carmel and Andy who always called in to see him. Thank you to Fr. Pravin who officiated at Daniel’s funeral and Christy O’Brien who played the bagpipes at his removal. To Fr. Travers who called to see Daniel at his home and at Roscommon Hospital, thank you so much.

A special word of thanks to Pat Smyth, Funeral Undertakers, for the professional and sensitive manner in which the funeral arrangements were made, we will be forever grateful.

To David Hynes and staff of Hyne’s Pharmacy for all your kindness. John and Patricia O’Beirne and Gerry Young, Hannon’s Hotel, for providing refreshments after the funeral.

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

A wonderful nature warm and kind, these are the memories he left behind.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, 21st November at 7pm.

THANKSGIVINGS UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. E.T.

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36

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

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37

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

Sports PEOPLE

She stoops to conquer! Roscommon’s Sinead Glennon in action during Sunday’s TG4 All-Ireland championship game. See pages 38-39. Photograph: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Joe & Mickey

BREAKING BALL…with Seamus Duke

Camogie team’s All-Ireland final quest Despite having lost heavily to Armagh in their opening championship game, the Roscommon Junior Camogie team will face Cavan in the All-Ireland

semi-final in Athleague at 1 pm on Saturday.

Roscommon were short at least ten players for the game against Armagh,

and most are back on the panel for this weekend’s game.

Cavan have had the benefit of three games so far – against Tyrone (twice)

This weekend’s GAA action This Saturday it’s the last chance saloon for the Galway hurlers when they face Tipperary in the AllIreland quarter-final in Limerick (throw-in at 1.15 pm).

It will be an uphill task for Galway to lift morale after last weekend’s late capitulation against Kilkenny in the Leinster final. In the other quarter-final, Clare face Waterford, also on Saturday, in Cork at 3.45 pm.

In the football championship, there are three provincial finals scheduled for this weekend.

On Saturday at 7 pm, Dublin will be going for ten Leinster titles in a row when they face Meath at Croke Park.

On Sunday, Donegal will be hot favourites against Cavan in the Ulster final in Armagh (4 pm), while Cork will want to build on their great win against Kerry when they face Tipperary at Pairc Ui Caoimh at 1.30 pm.

and Louth – and have won all three.

However, with home advantage helping, Roscommon will fancy their chances of progressing.

Westmeath calling for our ladies

Roscommon ladies footballers’ AllIreland Intermediate semi-final against Westmeath has been fixed for Sunday, November 29th, but no venue or time has yet been announced.

Mayo on the move!

Mayo won their 47th Connacht SFC title last Sunday when they survived a late Galway rally at Pearse Stadium to edge it by the minimum margin (0-14 to 0-13).

James Horan’s men will now face Tipperary or Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final in two weeks’ time.

Bloody Sunday Commemoration To mark her 100th appearance for Roscommon, a special presentation was made to Jenny Higgins by Roscommon Assistant County Secretary Martina McHugh before the game against Offaly last Sunday. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

The tragic events of Bloody Sunday (November 20th 1920) will be commemorated this Saturday in Croke Park, with a special ceremony which will be televised live on RTE TV.

I find some of Joe Brolly’s attention-seeking – on Twitter and elsewhere – somewhat tiresome, but then I guess Joe has almost achieved ‘national treasure’ status.

He has certainly added to the gaiety of the nation.

Last weekend he launched a few good-humoured jibes at his old ‘Sunday Game’ pals, partly by way of praising the quality of an informal half-hour segment on the BBC’s ‘The Championship’.

I seldom watch ‘The Championship’ – I’ve also found it tiresome over the years(!) – but I happened to see Sunday’s build-up to Cavan v Down. Guesting with anchor Mark Sidebottom were Oisin McConville, Peter Canavan and Mickey Harte.

Harte’s presence was a real coup for the show, and he was excellent.

Not surprisingly, given the week that was in it (his reign as Tyrone manager ended when his request for ‘one more year’ was turned down) Harte had a mischievious twinkle in his eye.

Sidebottom spent almost half an hour in Harte tribute mode, while also asking the serious questions.

Canavan and McConville paid nice, genuine tributes to Harte, in some contrast to more lukewarm/ erratic contributions on RTE over the weekend. It was a good sendoff for Harte, a polished, entertaining and well-judged tribute.

– PH

38

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

SportsPeople

Ladies set up All-Ireland semi-final derby date with Westmeath!

TG4 All-Ireland Ladies IFC (Round 2) Roscommon 5-10 Offaly 4-4 < SEAMUS DUKE

A strong final-quarter display, boosted by a number of important substitutions, saw Roscommon ladies through to an AllIreland semi-final where they will meet neighbours Westmeath on the weekend of the 28th/29th November following this entertaining and very well contested round two game played at a cold and damp Kinnegad last Sunday.

Despite being the favourites to advance, it was only in the final 15 minutes that Roscommon pulled away from an Offaly side who proved very dangerous opponents throughout. However, the strength of the squad of players available to manager Michael Finneran was a key factor in what was a very hard-fought success.

The nine-point winning margin flattered Roscommon and does scant justice to the efforts of an impressive Offaly side for whom Kate Kenny was a constant threat at full-forward. However Roscommon were by far the more balanced outfit, while Offaly were too reliant on Kenny throughout.

There were nine goals scored in the game and there could have been at least five or six more as both sides missed some great chances, with both goalkeepers also making a number of top class saves. It was certainly not a match in which defences were on top. It was a cracking contest all through as both sides were totally committed to attacking football.

After Aimee O’Connor pointed an early free, Joanne Cregg blasted home Roscommon’s first goal in the 7th minute after a great run from Rachel Fitzmaurice. Offaly were back in business in the 11th

minute when Kate Kenny was on hand to prod the ball to the net after a shot from Grainne Egan was saved by Helena Cummins.

Two fine points from the hardworking Laura Fleming (one free) saw Roscommon three ahead by the 16th minute, but Offaly struck for a second goal a minute later when Marie Byrne was on target.

The goal-fest continued in the 20th minute. Aimee O’Connor was quickest to react when the ball broke to her, putting Roscommon three ahead once again. Two points from Kenny narrowed the gap for Offaly before Sinead Glennon was on target with a fine point for Roscommon.

Then, in first-half injury-time, Offaly struck again when Ellie McEvoy scored a fine individual goal. When the sides went in for the break it was Offaly 3-2 Roscommon 2-4.

On the resumption, the pattern of the game continued. Points from Aimee O’Connor and Aoife Gavin saw Roscommon edge into the lead by the 39th minute.

Two minutes later Offaly were ahead again when Grainne Egan scored her side’s fourth goal.

Pointed frees from Aimee O’Connor and Laura Fleming tied up the scores (2-8 to 4-2) by the 45th minute, the game hanging in the balance at that stage.

Roscommon made a few crucial substitutions that swung the game in their favour in the final quarter.

Lisa O’Rourke, the Irish boxing international from Castlerea, Sarah McVeigh and Kate Nolan all made a big impact when they came on. Indeed it was O’Rourkle who scored an excellent goal in the 46th minute with almost her first touch. It gave Roscommon a bit of breathing space.

In the 50th minute Roscommon were awarded a fourth goal in controversial circumstances.

While Sinead Glennon fisted the

ball to the Offaly net, the referee and umpires adjudged that the ball was touched by goalkeeper Sinead Byrne on its way in, and the goal was given. Roscommon were now on a roll and the fifth goal arrived in injury-time when Glennon powered her way through to shoot low and hard to the Offaly net.

For Michael Finneran’s side, Roisin Wynne, Jenny Higgins, Laura Fleming, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Aimee O’Connor, Sinead Glennon and sub Lisa O’Rourke all stood out. However, the Roscommon team management will be working hard to shore up a number of defensive gaps that were very evident last Sunday in time for their big semi-final clash with the Lake County.

For Offaly, Ellie McEvoy, Grainne Egan and Marie Byrne all played well, while Kate Kenny was outstanding for the Faithful County and certainly did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Honor Ennis, Sinead Kenny, Elaine Murren; Niamh Watson, Ellen Irwin, Roisin Wynne; Caroline Conway, Jenny Higgins; Laura Fleming (0-3, all frees), Rachel Fitzmaurice, Joanne Cregg (1-0); Aimee O’Connor (1-5, 3 frees), Aoife Gavin (0-1), Sinead Glennon (2-1). Subs: Lisa O’Rourke (1-0) for Gavin (40), Sarah McVeigh for Murren (47), Kate Nolan for Fitzmaurice (51), Louise Brady for O’Connor (57), Megan Kelly for Cregg (62).

Offaly: Sinead Byrne; Roisin Ennis, Anne Marie McCormack, Nicole Farrelly; Emer Flynn, Amy Gavin-Mangan, Annie Kehoe; Ellie McEvoy (1-0), Emma Maher; Chloe Sheridan, Lorainne Keena, Marie Byrne (10); Roisin Egan, Kate Kenny (12, 1 free), Grainne Egan (1-2, 2 frees). Subs: Michelle Mann for Sheridan (40), Aoife Carey for Lorraine Keena (45).

Referee: Shane Curley (Galway).

Roscommon’s Lisa O’Rourke is pictured with her eyes on the ball during Sunday’s TG4 All-Ireland game in Kinnegad. Lisa made her debut on the day, scoring a goal four minutes into the game. Photograph: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon’s Jenny Higgins and Offaly’s Emma Maher in action during Sunday’s TG4 All-Ireland championship clash at Kinnegad. Photograph: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon’s Rachel Fitzmaurice in action during Sunday’s TG4 All-Ireland game. Photograph: Michelle Hughes Walsh

39

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

SportsPeople

Lethal Lilywhites rout Rossies Keane insists hurlers can bounce back Christy Ring SH Cup semi-final Kildare 3-24 Roscommon 1-9 < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s Roisin Wynne comes under pressure from Offaly’s Annie Kehoe during Sunday’s TG4 All-Ireland championship clash at Kinnegad. Photograph: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Five goals helped ladies achieve their goal! < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon manager Michael Finneran was a relieved man when he spoke to the Roscommon People after the match.

The Roscommon manager acknowledged that it had been a very competitive and close-fought match against Offaly.

“It was very tight all the way. I think that the conditions played their part too. There were a lot of goals in the match – and a lot of goal chances too – and we came out the right side of it. It’s what we were aiming to do and thankfully it worked out well”.

Michael says that the strength of his panel is now a major factor going forward.

“We have a very strong panel this year. There are seven or eight more girls involved who didn’t come on and who are well capable of doing a good job there but we needed fresh legs to come on there in the second half. We needed players to come in and to do the right thing with the ball and they did that”.

He confirmed that reaching an All-Ireland semifinal had been the panel’s aim for some time.

“We are where we wanted to be. We have two weeks now to knuckle down and work hard. We know that it will be a huge challenge against Westmeath but we will be ready for that when it comes around”.

Roscommon hurling is in a good place and the emergence of some very talented young players suggests there’s a bright future ahead – that was the defiant message of team manager Johnny Keane as he reflected on a heavy defeat for the hurlers in last Saturday’s Christy Ring Cup semi-final.

Keane said that Roscommon are intent on playing a “positive brand of hurling” and will bounce back from Saturday’s bruising experience.

Roscommon bowed out at the semi-final stage of the Christy Ring Cup for the second year in succession when they were overwhelmed by Kildare in a one-sided affair at St. Conleth’s Park.

Looking at the final score, it is hard to believe that with 20 minutes gone Roscommon actually led by 0-5 to 0-4. But the visitors’ challenge totally collapsed after that and it was plain sailing for the Lilywhites in the end. The home side scored a whopping 3-10 before Roscommon managed another score, at which point (the 42nd minute) the contest

was well and truly over.

Having beaten the same opposition in Athleague last year, hopes were high that Johnny Keane’s side could cause an upset and get to their first ever Ring Cup final. It all started very well too with Peter Kellehan, Eamon Flanagan, Shane Curley, Niall Kilroy and Cathal Dolan prominent. Roscommon were competing well and not allowing Kildare to settle.

Cathal Dolan, with three points (one a free), and further scores from Niall Kilroy and Conor Mulry saw the visitors ahead by 0-5 to 0-4 after 20 minutes. The home side looked rattled. But once the lethal twin strike force of Jack Sheridan and Brian Byrne found their range for the home side they simply blew Roscommon away.

Byrne pointed two longrange frees and a point from play to help his side into a 0-9 to 0-5 lead by the 26th minute. The alarm bells were starting to ring for Roscommon.

In the 29th minute a fine team move saw James Burke fire home a goal and by half-time Kildare led by 1-11 to 0-5.

Any hope that Roscommon might have had of a revival was crushed within seven minutes of the restart when Kildare rattled in a further two goals and three points. In the 37th minute Tadgh Forde was fouled and Jack Sheridan converted the resultant penalty, and four minutes later Sheridan pounced on a poor puck-out for a clinical finish. Now it was 3-14 to 0-5.

In fairness to Roscommon, they never gave

Where to now? Cillian Egan featured for Roscommon hurlers in last weekend’s disappointing Christy Ring Cup exit.

up the ghost and were rewarded when Johnny Coyle scored a consolation goal in the 68th minute. However, Kildare coasted to a very easy win and will now face Down in the final next weekend.

Roscommon will have to go back to the drawing board for 2021 and they know that they have a big gap to bridge between themselves and the top teams in this competition.

Kildare: Paddy McKenna; Simon Leacy, John Doran, Cian Shanahan; Niall O’Muinneachan (0-1),

Rian Boran (0-1), Kevin Whelan (0-1); Cathal Dowling, Paul Divilly (0-2); James Burke (1-2), Jack Sheridan (2-6, 1-0 pen, 4 frees, 1 ’65), Conor Dowling (0-1); Tadgh Forde, Brian Byrne (0-8, 4 frees 1 ’65), David Slattery (0-1). Subs: Shane Ryan (0-1) for Dowling (47), Cathal McCabe for Forde (49), Sean Christiansen for Dowling (51), Cathal Dervan for Sheridan (57), Mark Doyle for McKenna (60).

Roscommon: Naos Connaughton; Paul Dolan,

Peter Kellehan, Padraig Brennan; Paul Kenny, Micheal Byrne, Eamon Flanagan (0-1, free); Shane Curley, Oisin Kelly; Eamon Kenny, Johnny Coyne (1-0), Eoin Coyle; Cathal Dolan (0-6, 4 frees), Conor Mulry (0-1), Niall Kilroy (0-1). Subs: Pat Nolan for P Dolan and Cillian Egan for Coyle (42), Ben McGahon for E Kenny (46), Jack Lohan for Mulry (55), Paul Kelly for P Kenny (57).

Referee: Thomas Gleeson (Dublin).

Johnny’s still Keane on future! < SEAMUS DUKE

Despite having just watched his side lose by 21 points, it was a remarkably upbeat Roscommon manager Johnny Keane who spoke to the Roscommon People after the game.

“It was a disappointing result in the end, but look, we are trying to play a positive brand of hurling here in Roscommon. The easiest thing for us to do was to put nine or ten players back defending… we didn’t do that. I’m not having

a go at Kildare, but they played with two sweepers today. It’s very hard to break down that system.

We went six forwards against six backs and we want to play a positive brand of hurling here.

“They have class forwards. Give them an inch and they will take a mile. They were very impressive today. I say good luck to Kildare, I’d love to see them winning this competition. They are a long time knocking at the door”.

Despite this setback, the Roscommon manager is very posi-

tive about the future of Roscommon hurling.

“I have been involved for three years with this team along with Ciaran (Comerford) and now on my own as manager, and I know the lads well. We have plenty of young players coming up. We brought on a few here today near the end and it’s a great experience for those lads.

“We are hoping to go back training as fast as we possibly can, whenever we are allowed to do so. We will start as soon as we

can because we feel that on our day we are just as good as any other team in the Christy Ring Cup. “I know it didn’t show today, but Roscommon have some great hurlers. The final score today doesn’t look good. We are disappointed but we will be over that disappointment very fast and I guarantee you if we get a right run at it and everyone buys into what we are doing we will be able to compete with the best of them next year” he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 20 November 2020

40

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