21 January 2022 Roscommon People

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21 January 2022

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 767

Covid: Optimism in the air!

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There is growing optimism that Covid-19 restrictions around the hospitality and entertainment sectors will be eased next week after the Taoiseach said the Government would provide clarity to the public after it meets this Friday.

Speaking earlier this week, Micheál Martin said the Government must remain mindful of disease levels and possible future variants but that “we can be optimistic about the medium term”.

The news comes as the Health Protection Surveillance Centre was notified of 6,843 PCRconfirmed cases as of Wednesday evening (yesterday), while there were 5,295 registered positive antigen tests on Tuesday.

See page 4.

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Get in! Mikey Dunne leads the celebrations following St. Faithleach’s’ extra-time win over Naomh Anna in the AIB Connacht IFC Final at Pearse Stadium last Saturday. See inside for full match coverage and special souvenir pull-out.

Pic: Mick McCormack

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02

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

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www.bccsolicitors.ie Public Road and Stone Walls

I live in a beautiful part of County Roscommon where stone walls are a common sight. The problem I have is that a landowner refuses to maintain their stone wall and stones from the wall often fall onto the road causing a hazard for passing motorists and cyclists. I cycle along this particular road quite frequently and I have asked the landowner to maintain the wall but he refuses. Please advise me.

Under the Roads Act, 1993, the owner or occupier of land is obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation on their land is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road.

Similar strict provisions exists within the act in relation to a structure wherein the owner or occupier of any land on which a structure is situated is obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the structure is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road.

It could be argued that a stone wall comes within the definition of a structure. Regardless, it would appear that the wall in question is situated on the landowner’s property and he is obliged to ensure that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road.

I note that you have already approached the landowner and he has refused to maintain the wall in question. If you feel that you have exhausted options with the landowner then there is provision within the Roads Act for the Local Authority to act. Section 70(1)(b) provides that if a structure is a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road or where it obstructs or interferes with the safe use of a public road, a road authority may serve a notice in writing on the owner or occupier of any land on which the structure is situated to remove, modify or carry out specified works in relation to the structure within the period stated in the notice.

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

‘I’d like to buy that flat pack wardrobe… that’s if you can give me the one that’s on display!’

So, how are you going on New Year’s resolutions?

Excellent!

Really?

Yes, ‘cos I didn’t make any!

Oh! And you? Did you get an opportunity yet to see your dream come true?

CYCLING ACCIDENT Huh? You said your ambition for 2022 was to If you were involved a cyclingto sell you a flat convince a shopinassistant contact packaccident item that’s ON DISPLAY… Byrne Carolan Well, I’m not saying it’s my ONLY goal Cunningham for 2022… Solicitors Okay, okay…

Actually, it’s funny you mention it…

It is?

I was in a big store on Saturday…

Yeah…

We had our sights set on a wardrobe…

Yeah…

It looked lovely on… …DISPLAY? Yeah!

What happened?

We committed to the purchase of said wardrobe.

Great…

But I made it conditional. I WENT FOR IT! I walked with confidence to the lad beside the counter, then I adopted a persona whereby you wouldn’t really know how to read my mind…I was blank of expression actually.

THAT, I can believe…

I engaged all of my life experience, my shrewdness…I effectively adopted a poker face pose and the air of a world class wheeler dealer…

What did the young chap say?

Eh…he ignored me initially. He was scrolling on his smartphone.

Then?

Well, I cleared my throat, gave myself a

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

brief motivational speech, then commanded his attention…

By your sheer presence?

Eh no, I tapped the counter three times…

Then?

He looked up, with a slightly startled, indifferent expression.

I guess it’s been a long January. So what happened THEN? I said ‘Excuse me, but I am CONSIDERING purchasing that wardrobe.

But, with respect, it would be on condition that you kindly permit me to take the one that’s on display! It’s not that I lack the skill and patience to assemble said wardrobe from its flat pack status, it’s because I have an ongoing issue with a back strain…’

YOU SAID THAT? Yes!

What we liked…

That magnificent, dramatic Connacht Club Intermediate Football Final victory by St Faithleach’s on Saturday. Well done to everyone associated with the club!

What we didn’t like…

Reports of a spate of break-ins in and around Roscommon Town and environs, continuing a worrying trend that was also a cause of concern before Christmas.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

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

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

What PEOPLE are talking about…

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

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So what happened THEN? Well, the young lad was standing beside the counter, on his phone, but he did look up when I made that er…pitch. He was mildly responsive….

Best you can hope for sometimes…

I continued to explain how my slight back strain might hinder the prospect of me successfully and painlessly assembling said flat pack wardrobe, and how it would be much appreciated if he could stretch to an act of such kindness and courtesy as to agree to my request.

He was buying your tale about your back?

Well, he hadn’t said ANYTHING at that point, I was still in my assertive mode. I didn’t want to show any weakness, so I continued…I explained that when I bend down, my back is prone to aching….that occasionally I’m bent over and unable to move!

Wow, you REALLY DID WANT THE STORE DISPLAY MODEL! Then, after I’d completed my speech, the young lad standing at the edge of the counter finally put his phone down… and spoke.

AND? He said…

YEAH? “I don’t actually work here, I’m collecting my sister, she’s in the storeroom!”

HA HA! Yeah, very funny!

So that was it?

That’s not even the worst of it! Suitably embarrassed, I stormed off, but the young lad wasn’t done…

Huh? He says “Mister, it’s not a flat pack you need…it’s a flat back!”

Cheeky sod!

PIC OF THE WEEK: Delighted young supporters pictured at the Connacht Club Intermediate Football Final, won by St. Faithleach’s of Roscommon. Pic: Mick McCormack

Many things…but mostly the brutal and tragic murder of Ashling Murphy. This shocking murder has stunned the nation and led to a huge outpouring of grief, sadness and anger. Ashling, her family, school colleagues (teachers and pupils) and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

03

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

Cloontuskert NS Cloontuskert, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon N39 AT80

Covid: Growing optimism as restrictions to be eased < DAN DOONER

Now enrolling for September 2022 Cloontuskert NS is a mixed, Catholic primary school, located in the village of Cloontuskert, less than 4km from Lanesboro and Ballyleague.

There is growing optimism that Covid-19 restrictions around the hospitality and entertainment sectors will be eased next week after the Taoiseach said the Government would provide clarity to the public after it meets this Friday.

Speaking earlier this week, Micheál Martin said the Government must remain mindful of disease levels and possible future variants but that “we can be optimistic about the medium term”.

The news comes as the Health Protection Surveillance Centre was notified of 6,843 PCRconfirmed cases as of Wednesday evening (yesterday), while there were 5,295 registered positive antigen tests on Tuesday.

There were sadly 52 newly notified deaths since Wednesday, January 12th, and as of 8 am yesterday morning, 910 Covid patients are hospitalised, of whom 90 are in ICU. Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Transport Eamon

Protesting Elphin students want hybrid Leaving Cert

A private bus service is available to transport the children to and from the school or to the local after-school study in Lanesboro.

If your child is due to begin school in September 2022, please return completed Enrolment form to the school before Monday, 14th February 2022.

To obtain an Enrolment form, please contact us by: Email: cloontuskertns63@gmail.com Telephone: 043 3321817 Or post: Cloontuskert NS, Lanesboro, Roscommon. N39 AT80 www.cloontuskertns.ie

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Leaving Certificate students at Elphin Community College staged a protest outside their school on Wednesday morning (yesterday), calling for a hybrid approach to this year’s State exam.

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Ryan said that he believes that there will be a lifting of restrictions by the end of next week.

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme on Wednesday, the Minister said: “It will be towards the end of next week that I expect we’ll see restrictions starting to be lifted.

We’ve to be careful with Covid because nothing is certain…but the position we are in at the moment is a lot better than it looked a number of weeks ago”.

Leaving Certificate students at Elphin Community College staged a protest outside their school on Wednesday morning (yesterday) calling for a hybrid approach to this year’s State exam which would allow students the option of sitting the exam or being awarded predicted grades based on previous exams and schoolwork.

Elphin students joined protesters across the country urging Minister for Education Norma Foley and her Department not to go ahead with the ‘traditional’ Leaving Certificate this year due to the disruption students and teachers have faced during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

05

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

Consider your CAO options at St Angela’s College, Sligo ADVERTORIAL

For those choosing their CAO preferences for September 2022, we invite you to explore the range of courses available here in Sligo, Ireland’s next University Town. Course choices at St. Angela’s College include home economics (including teacher education with additional subject options), general nursing, intellectual disability nursing, and nutrition, food and business management.

The college continues to provide the study of home economics at third level to an exceptionally high standard, with a reputation that speaks for itself. The National Centre of Excellence for Home Economics was established at the college in 2021, coinciding with significant changes to the structure of its very popular teaching degrees.

From September 2022, students will undertake a four-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), which will gain them sufficient credits to register as fully qualified teaching professionals on

graduation. Additional subject options with home economics include biology, religious education or Irish. The college will also offer a new B.Ed. Home Economics (single-subject) degree for those who may not wish to undertake an additional subject.

In addition, the School of Home Economics offers a

four-year BA (Home Economics), which focuses on three core disciplines – food studies, family resource management, and textiles, fashion and design – and prepares graduates for roles in community and industry settings. Graduates of the BA (Home Economics) may also explore teaching, through further postgraduate studies.

With an emphasis on practical food and nutrition, combined with business modules, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition, Food and Business Management continues to produce graduates who gain employment in Ireland’s many food and beverage companies, as well as abroad. This four-year degree will prepare

graduates for the challenges of producing foods safe for human consumption, developing more nutritious, healthier food options for dynamic, everchanging markets.

The School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies offers a Bachelor of Nursing Science with a choice of two disciplines – general or intellectual disability. Student nurses enjoy clinical placement each year of their degree and gain valuable experience in a variety of real-world settings. Placements include both community and hospital settings within a diverse range of HSE and other healthcare providers services here in the north-west. In just four years, BNSc students can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and are qualified to gain employment here in Ireland and internationally. Graduates also have the option to complete further postgraduate studies to specialise in specific areas of nursing based on their experience on practice placements.

St. Angela’s College is currently in the process of incorporating with IT Sligo and will subsequently become one of nine campuses of the new Atlantic Technological University designated in April 2022.

Acting College President Dr. Edel McSharry recognises the efforts that school-leavers have made to get to this point: “Leaving Cert students this year have faced challenges since the start of the pandemic.

We will endeavour to ensure that students who come to study with us at St. Angela’s College can look forward to enjoying learning on campus and college life as it should be.

“With the development of the Atlantic Technological University, we envisage that Sligo will become an increasingly popular student destination and from that we can further enhance the overall student experience”.

For more details of the CAO courses on offer as well as updates on the incorporation process, see nuigalway.ie/stangelas.

06

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

Thursday The sense of shock, grief and anger – shame too – is enormous.

The country is reeling in the aftermath of the murder of Ashling Murphy. To some degree we have become a bit desensitised to ‘bad news’, but the shockwaves created by this vicious, despicable crime have spread into every townland and house in Ireland.

This is horror. A young woman exercising in broad daylight, on a popular route, near a relatively busy bridge, in a friendly midlands’ town (of course women should be safe in any environment, at any time). Her life is cruelly taken, her future ruthlessly closed down. It’s sickening, cruel, evil. People are heartbroken, sad, despairing, but there is massive anger too. We can only hope that the murder of Ashling Murphy will indeed be a watershed of some kind, a turning point in relation to violence against women. Sadly, it is by no means certain that this will be the case.

In the meantime, there is shock, grief, anger, shame, and any other number of emotions. In a united show of solidarity, the people of Ireland have rallied behind Ashling’s family. Through words and actions, we have displayed our grief and anger. Ashling’s life – and the great impact she made – is being celebrated too.

And yet, a family’s future has been moulded by an evil act. A life – with all its promise – has been stolen. In these bleakest of days, a dark cloud hangs over our country.

May Ashling Murphy rest in peace.

Friday A vigil in memory of Ashling Murphy in Roscommon Town this evening was poignant and touching. In the new-look Square, candles flickered, people stood in silence, a photo of Ashling rested by a memorial card drawn by a child. For an hour or so, people gathered in silent memory of the young woman. Similar candlelit vigils were held in various locations throughout County Roscommon – as nationwide – over the course of the weekend.

paul@roscommonpeople.ie “Do you think you’re a strange man?”

Gabriel Byrne (turns tables): “I do think I’m a strange man, yeah. Do you think I’m a strange man?’”

Tommy Tiernan (briefly in trouble): “Yeah…but I’d be attracted to you though!”

Next, Byrne spins the interview around, asking Tiernan if HE’S a strange man. There follows a deep, thoughtful response from the host – complete with a quote from a Bob Dylan song – before Tommy (kind of) quips: “So I am a strange person…I would be difficult to live with…but I’d be ultimately harmless”.

You’d be watching ‘Tubs’ a long time to get that exchange…

Sunday

A number of years ago, when the present-day People HQ was Roscommon Champion HQ (long story), the great RTE reporter Jim Fahy arrived to interview me about Farm Manager Sean Mooney with students Dylan Treacy and Sean Allen from Roscommon Community College whose project ‘An investigation into a novel alternative some West of Ireland issue of the day. to synthetic fertilisers for a future of sustainable agriculture in Ireland’ featured at the 58th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition which took place virtually from 12th to After filming on Abbey Street, 14th January. Dylan and Sean were Highly Commended in the Biological and Ecological genial Jim said he’d like to get the Category. opinions of one or two members of the public, i.e. (literally) the man or leach’s could have won it with a late woman on the street. We could have Saturday effort, but, after apparently flirting popped down to The Square, but All week, hopes were high that St with the crossbar, the ball fell just instead Jim collared the first man he Faithleach’s could follow in the footshort. Then Naomh Anna looked cersaw passing, who happened to be a steps of Padraig Pearses and achieve a tain to have swooped the great prize, middle-aged cyclist (complete with famous win for themselves, and a senedging in front with a point that knifed bike!). sational New Year double for Roscom- through Ballyleague hearts.

The man agreed to be ‘vox mon football. On the face of it, taking “30 seconds to go” Willie said, midst popped’, and duly gave his opinion on Galway opposition at a Galway various references to that night’s €19m to camera, one foot on the bike, one venue seemed daunting (it was too). lotto jackpot. Some prizes money can’t on the road. But Jim wanted a retake.

We have faith in Faithleach’s – a great buy. It seemed too much to hope for, “A bit more passion!” he goodclub – but winning today’s Connacht that St Faithleach’s might somehow humouredly asked of the slightly Club Intermediate Football title was snatch a draw and take the game to embarrassed ‘victim’. “Give it a bit going to be very, very difficult. the silliness of Verdict By Penalties. more!”

Once I linked up with Willie’s comFew enough dramas get written in 30 With that, Jim almost literally mentary (Willie needs no introduction, seconds. Then, an unexpected fairytale shook the man into a new level hence I’ve ceased using his surname) dramatically revealed its punchline. A of enthusiasm, to the point where I was absolutely gripped. Not being an last-gasp goal turned the game on its the interviewee was suddenly and expert on the Connacht IFC scene, I head. The referee (aptly, his surname is miraculously worked up about the will leave the detailed analysis to othJudge) consulted his umpires, but the subject. ers. Suffice to say that after an initial goal stood. The pendulum had stopped “Now let’s do it again!” Jim purple patch by the Ballyleague men, in Ballyleague, via Pearse Stadium. laughed, gesturing to the camerathis was quite a rollercoaster. With the It was very tough on the Galway man. The man with the bike went teams level at full-time, and Shanmen, but that can be the nature of for it again, this time expressing his nonside briefly switching to Longford sport. Heartbreak and glory are uneasy opinion much more forcefully than v Dublin, I popped into Timothy’s but permanent bedfellows. It was before.

Londis for a few groceries. One or two magical for St Faithleach’s.

A minute or two later he was off on chats later and I was back in the car for his bike, perhaps wondering if it was the frantically nerve-racking extrasafe to ever come up Abbey Street Saturday night time period. again. Jim Fahy, meanwhile, was all It was incredibly tense. St FaithTommy Tiernan (to Gabriel Byrne): smiles, a little trick of the trade hav-

ing given his report a bit more life and colour!

Jim, who sadly passed away on Saturday (aged 75), was an outstanding and charismatic reporter who truly was the ‘voice of the west’ for many years. An absolute gentleman too, Jim made a great contribution to Irish life during a wonderful career.

May he rest in peace.

Monday In the early hours of Monday morning, I watched Waterford golfer Seamus Power continue his rich vein of form on the PGA tour, as he strutted close to the top of the leaderboard in the Sony Open in Hawaii. All of a sudden, Power is in the world’s top 50 (49th) – truly a new star is born.

It rounded off a nice sporting weekend, following the heroics of St. Faithleach’s. Meanwhile, connoisseurs of ‘the beautiful game’ will have noted that Leeds United rediscovered much of the flair and form of last season, defeating West Ham 3-2 in a thrilling match. Relief all round for Roscommon’s many Leeds fans!

Tuesday On today’s Liveline, there was a lovely 40 minutes or so spent on memories of ‘The Riordans’, the trip into the past prompted by a call about RTE’s marking of the station’s 60th anniversary. Some relations of members of the cast of the famous old drama, which ran from 1965 to 1979, rang in to share their memories.

Joe Duffy made the point that the stars of The Riordans were the celebrities of the day in Ireland. I was reminded of our own brush with Riordans’ stardom in Rooskey, when word went around that the actor Joe Pilkington (who played Eamon Maher) was the owner of a most unusual boat/raft which was moored for several months near the harbour.

As a young lad, I remember seeing the quirky boat (but not its alleged owner), nestling in the embrace of reeds and rushes, waiting for the return of summer – and its relatively famous owner. *My tribute to the late Monsignor Charles Travers is on page 18.

07

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

LEO Roscommon clients created over 208 jobs in 2021

Michael celebrates his 105th birthday Michael Coyne pictured celebrating his 105th birthday with his godson Austin Waldron and nephew Neil McGarry in Dennis Dodd’s Crescent Bar, Boyle. Pic: Brian Farrell.

Michal Coyne pictured celebrating his 105th birthday with a glass and a ‘small one’ in The Crescent Bar, Boyle. Pic: Brian Farrell.

St. Bride’s National School BALLINTUBBER

At a live virtual event on Monday, An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment Leo Varadkar announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2021, which showed that Local Enterprise Office Roscommon supported companies created 208 jobs in 2021. This figure was up significantly from jobs created by LEO Roscommon in 2020.

The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Roscommon-supported clients in 2021 was 104, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland. In 2021, there were 131 transfers nationally by Local Enterprise Office companies to Enterprise Ireland. The new figures show that the LEO Roscommon financially supported 167 small businesses in their portfolio across the county and these companies in turn employ 940 people.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD

said: “Over 35,000 people employed in small businesses around the country have been helped in some way by our Local Enterprise Offices. They are at the heart of communities in every county, always on hand to provide advice, training or financial backing and have proved invaluable throughout the pandemic, during which I know a huge amount of people relied on their local office”.

LEO Roscommon Head of Enterprise Louise Ward said: “These results are a testament to Ireland’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain themselves.

The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced.

“The Local Enterprise Offices across the country have gone above and beyond in their support of small businesses but there is renewed optimism. We are seeing new opportuni-

ties for Irish businesses here and as always with tough economic periods we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish.

“This year will be no different, and as we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports, there are certainly green shoots emerging across the country”.

The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support over 7,158 small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide.

Since their establishment in 2014, they have been for the ‘first stop shop’ for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices, go to LocalEnterprise.ie.

Tisrara National School Four Roads, Roscommon

Enrolment 2022 Tisrara NS is currently accepting enrolments for 2022/23 Now accepting enrolments for September 2022 Enrolment forms available by emailing the school at stbridesns@gmail.com Or by phone and leaving contact details on 094 9655276

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to host our annual Open Evening this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Closing date for applications - Friday 18th March For further information, telephone:

The Principal, Larry Tiernan 090 66 23367 Email: tisrara.primaryschool@gmail.com

08

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople newsbriefs

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Appeal for information following burglary of pub in Ballintubber Gardaí in Castlerea are appealing for information following a burglary at a well-known pub in Ballintubber.

Kenny’s Bar suffered significant damage late last Thursday night/early Friday morning and raiders made off with cash tills, cigarettes and personal items.

A number of rooms were ransacked in the incident while a cigarette machine was ripped from the wall.

The machine was later found abandoned in a stolen trailer at Carane in Ballintubber. The perpetrators cut electrical wires and also made off with CCTV footage and personal belongings.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Ballintubber area, or who may have CCTV or dash cam footage, is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094-9621630 or any Garda Station.

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Niamh Begley @NIAMHBL One empty chair. One lone fiddle. Sadly, the world is one less but no one will ever forget #RIPAshlingMurphy -A dark week for Ireland, as murder victim Ashling Murphy is mourned (this tweet refers to a moving tribute to Ashling on the Late Late Show) Michael Rosen @MichaelRosenYes May 20 2020 Number 10 party.

Damn, I missed it. I was in a coma. Just my luck.

-The people are revolting… against Boris Lloyd Hardy @LloydHardy It’s time to get that Party out of No 10.

-Anger at arrogance…

Witamy Enjoying the Connacht Club Intermediate Football Final, won by St. Faithleach’s of Roscommon.

Pic: Mick McCormack

St.Faithleachs GAA @FaithleachsGAA Connacht Champions!!!! A proud moment for our selector Gerry Beirne as he lifts the Gene Beirne trophy named in the memory of his brother.

Along with Brian and Diarmuid Murtagh #rosgaa -It was a glorious weekend for St Faithleach’s…

Stephen Ormsby @OrmsbyStephen I’ve been fortunate enough to win big things with my county early on in my career. Yesterday I cried tears of joy for the first time ever after winning a football game even though I didn’t get on the pitch. The club championships are the jewel in the GAA crown. Up faithleach’s -And Stephen puts the emotion of that great weekend in perspective Frankie Beats @itsbeats #RIP Summer days in Roscommon, the smell of Apple tart in the oven, the kettle boiling on the range, me drawing a picture while pushing the cat away, my granny and parents laughing and in the background hearing “Jim Fahy, RTE News, Galway”. RIP Jim and thank you #JimFahy #RTE -The late, great Jim Fahy is being fondly remembered this week

Bienvenue

Rory’s Stories @RorysStories Imagine winning 19 million at 8:05pm on a Saturday night and not being able to go down to your local and throw on a free bar because you have missed last order -It would be disappointing, yet somehow bearable…

Willkommen

Gaelscoil de hIde y Bienvenue WitamRoscomain

St. Mary’s NS KNOCKCROGHERY

Now Enrolling Willko m men

Tel. 090 66 61963

Everybody Welcome Gaelscoil de hIde • Supervision from 8:30am Roscomain

STEM,Enrolling Music, Sport, Sveiki Bem Now Coding, Drama, Art, German Everybody Welcome Vin da • Green School

St. Mary’s N.S. Knockcroghery invites you to apply for enrolment for September 2022

• Supervision from 8:30am

Bem Vin da

Please email the school from the 1st of February expressing interest and the school will post you the relevant forms.

• Homework Club

• Collection for After-school care • Schoolthbus available

Sveik Svaag i at he

Svaag at he

Open Day: 27 Jan 2018 11-1pm th Open Day: 27 Jan 2018 11-1pm More Information: Keen Print 090 6625787 Keen Print 090 6625787

Facilities include: Breakfast Club, Afterschool in GP Hall, Astro Pitch, Ballpool, Sensory Garden, Sensory Room, Occupational Therapy Room, Playground, New Basketball Court.

Principal - Mark Creavin

• Green School

• Collection for After-school care • School bus available • After-school club activities

St. Mary’s National School Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Tel: (090) 6661963 Email: stmarysnsknockcroghery@gmail.com Website:knockcrogheryns.scoilnet.ie/blog/

• Homework Club

STEM, Music, Sport, Coding, Drama, Art, German • After-school club activities

Príomhoide: Ní Chuinneagáin MoreOrla Information: Príomhoide: Orla66 Ní 28860 Chuinneagáin Fón: 090 Fón: 090 66 28860 www.gaelscoildehide.ie www.gaelscoildehide.ie eolasgaelscoildehide@gmail.com eolasgaelscoildehide@gmail.com

09

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

‘I am now known as the man who saved Roscommon Hospital’ FEIGHAN RESPONDS TO COLUMNIST MIRIAM….

Dáil Éireann, Dublin Dear Editor, I read with interest last week’s edition of the ‘Roscommon People’ and the column by Miriam Kerins. I enjoy and admire her interesting and informative writing, however I feel I need to address and clarify some points.

The context of the full article debates the merits or otherwise of our decision as a Government to introduce minimum unit pricing to ensure that cheap, strong alcohol in supermarkets and offlicences are not available to children, young people, and highrisk harmful drinkers at extremely low prices. The measures introduced are in the interest of public health aimed at reducing hospital admissions, assaults, public order offences, tackling domestic violence too, but most importantly saving lives. All research undertaken has suggested that these measures work, having been introduced in Scotland in 2018 – and I am confident that they will work here too.

Some interesting facts – in 1960, pure alcohol consumption levels were 4.9 per cent per capita in all adults over fifteen years of age. In 2001, it climbed to a staggering 14.3 per cent. However, with education and other measures such as this we have reduced the figure to just over 10.8 per cent, which still equates to 41 bottles of vodka or 116 bottles of wine or 441 pints of beer per adult. Our goal is to reach 9.1 per cent per adult which research says will increase life expectancy, reduce health care costs, and could save 5-10 lives weekly.

Minimum unit pricing is a sincere and researched initiative to ensure as a State we do everything in our power to reduce the practice of underage and binge drinking in our society.

I further note that in the opinion column, she refers to me as “the TD who disgracefully voted to downgrade emergency services at Roscommon Hospital”.

newsbriefs Murphy pays tribute to late RTÉ correspondent Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has expressed his condolences on the death of Jim Fahy, RTÉ’s first Western Correspondent in 1974, who passed away at the age of 75 on Friday last. “Jim’s sincere understanding of rural Ireland was demonstrated throughout his career, from his early days in the Tuam Herald,” Senator Murphy said. “His humanity also allowed him to tell global stories, including his coverage of the famine situation in Africa and his reporting on the September 11th terror attack in New York. On the occasions that Jim interviewed me, his passion and interest in life and society in the west of Ireland was always palpable. His enthusiasm was contagious, and it was a pleasure to speak with him”.

25th Anniversary of Retired Nurses Association I would like to remind readers that I made a very difficult decision in 2011 to stay in Government to fight for funding and development opportunities to secure and enhance the future of Roscommon Hospital. I helped to deliver over €20 million in funding for the development and expansion of services. These services included the introduction of the Air Ambulance and Advanced Paramedics which has resulted in hundreds of lives being saved in County Roscommon and further afield.

I am immensely proud of the incredible progress Roscommon Hospital has achieved over the last ten years and I want to thank the hard-working staff, professional management and all the stakeholders who have helped make this happen. Politics can be a cruel and lonely vocation, however my support for Roscommon Hospital has never wavered.

Under my watch in Government, Roscommon Hospital is bigger and busier. There are over 500 people employed there, and patients are much safer. I will continue in my role as TD and Minister to work and ensure that Roscommon Hospital will continue to have a voice in Government.

I believe I am now known as the man who saved Roscommon Hospital.

Yours sincerely, Frank Feighan TD

Ballymurray National School Ballymurray National School is currently

The Retired Nurses Association celebrated its 25th anniversary on September 16th, 2021 at the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise, where its founders met for the first time in 1996. Minister of State Mary Butler was in attendance along with retired Nurses Association President Joe Cunningham and National Secretary Joe McGill, and scrolls were presented to honour the founding members.

The event also included a tree-planting ceremony, dinner, and social dancing. Mass was celebrated by Monsignor John Byrne. The Retired Nurses Association is a national umbrella organisation for retired nurses of all disciplines. It was founded on September 3rd, 1996 with the purpose of advancing the cause of all members with regards to pension entitlements, preserving living standards and maintaining a fair and consistent quality of life. The association is non-profit making, non-sectarian, non-religious and has branches in all counties. Its members are currently involved in the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme and the association has approximately 5,500 members.

A statement from the association on its anniversary read: “Throughout a career in nursing, foundations of friendships are laid and this has always been the premise of great working teams and structures within the health system. When a nursing career ends, it can be traumatic and very isolating for some. The Retired Nurses Association bridges that gap and continues the link, helping new friendships to be formed.

“Many retired nurses may not be aware of the wonderful benefits of being part of this association. Nurses from all disciplines are very welcome to join the association at any time for a nominal fee. Please forward your name and county to National Secretary, Joe McGill, at joemcgill52@gmail. com and he will organise membership”.

!

VED O EM AV H WE

accepting National enrolments for 2022/2023 Ballymurray School is currently accepting applications for September 2022.

Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway. Tel. 090 66 24780 OPEN: Monday - Friday 9:00 - 18:00, Saturday 9:00 - 16:00

Unfortunately, we cannot host an Open Evening this year due to Covid 19 restrictions.

For further information or an application form, please contact the principal, Tom Gately at e.mail: principal1.ballymurrayns@gmail.com

Closing date for applications is Monday, February 28th.

Closing date for applications is Monday, February 28th

New Year, New Prices!

Call in to see our reduced dispensing fees on prescriptions Good luck to St Brendans Ladies Football club in the All Ireland Club Semi Final this Sunday

Pfizer Vaccine for 1st, 2nd and booster doses available in pharmacy – Call to arrange an appointment...

Keep an eye on social media for upcoming news & offers

10

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

The

D News page

G

Texaco Children’s Art Competition opens for Roscommon artists

Roscommon Arts Centre presents ‘Breath’ featuring Steve Wickham and Karl Quinn.

Chance to draw ‘Breath’ at Roscommon Arts Centre

Carpet Theatre presents ‘Breath’, a music play by Ciarán Taylor with Steve Wickham and Karl Quinn at Roscommon Arts Centre this evening (Thursday, January 20th) at 6.30 pm.

Rock/folk fiddler Steve Wickham of The Waterboys, joins actor Karl Quinn to playfully explore our recent experiences; combining classical, folk and rock on fiddle, concertina, and a didgeridoo - played like never before!

We’ve all been holding our breath, but for one man, with the family working and studying at home, is pressure is building along with the sanitising, news overload, and work Zooms.

He’s trying to hold it together with online yoga, home baking, and dancing in the kitchen...but one sneeze could blow it all apart!

Carpet Theatre’s Breath is infused with the joy of music, and the whisper of hope, as everybody catches their breath.

Steve Wickham has been based in Sligo for many years, and previously worked with director Ciarán Taylor and Carpet Theatre actor Karl Quinn on the successful Pigeon, and the site-specific Wexford Firestation Tour. He has played with the greats of Irish rock, with his band No Crows; and toured the world with The Waterboys since the 1980s.

Carpet Theatre have been touring lively explorations of Irish life at home and abroad since 2004; including their hit shopping satire ‘The Blanch’ and ‘Two for Dinner for Two’, a music play with live cooking. Breath is supported by the Arts Council and the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund in partnership with Business to Arts.

Tickets are €16/14 and are on sale now from Roscommon Arts Centre’s box office on 090-66 25824 and from www.roscommonartscentre.ie

Last year, Roscommon student, Róisín Sturgeon (7), from Glanduff National School, brought distinction to the county winning a Special Merit Award in the Competition for her artwork entitled ‘Stargazing’.

Christmas FM raises over €330k for Barnardos Christmas FM, the popular radio station that is seen by many as the official soundtrack to the festive season, has announced that it has raised €331,515 for Barnardos, their chosen charity for 2021.

This figure has well surpassed the original goal of €250,000. Listener donations raised for Barnardos will be used to pro-

vide targeted and intensive support for over 6,800 children most in need – providing nutritious food, support with education, and therapeutic services with their trained support teams.

The 2021 fundraising figure brings to over €3 million the total amount the radio station has raised for a range of charities since its inception in 2008.

HHI O’Flynn Group Heritage Prize for Clonalis House The historic Clonalis House in County Roscommon has been awarded the HHI O’Flynn Group Heritage Prize for 2022.

Now in its second year, the award is designed to highlight the work of those committed to preserving historic Irish houses. The inaugural award was won

by Geralyn and Kieran White, for their preservation of Ballysallagh House in Kilkenny.

Following a thorough adjudication process, Clonalis House, which today is run by Richard and CarolAnne O’Conor Nash, who succeeded Richard’s parents, Pyers and Marguerite O’Conor Nash, received the award for its devotion to preserving the house’s unique history and architecture.

The search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun.

Now in its 68th year, it is widely acknowledged as the longest running arts sponsorship in Ireland. The closing date for entries is Monday, February 28th. Judging will take place in April with winners to be announced in May. Last year, Roscommon student, Róisín Sturgeon (7), from Glanduff National School, brought distinction to the county winning a Special Merit Award in the Competition for her artwork entitled ‘Stargazing’.

Details are available at www.texacochildrensart. com or at Texaco service stations throughout the county.

Christmas FM cheque presentation to Barnardos at the BAI.

Miss Ireland 2021 Pamela Uba, a former pupil of Gorthaganny National School in Co. Roscommon. The search has officially begun for Miss Roscommon 2022.

Search begins for Miss Roscommon 2022

The search has officially started for Miss Roscommon 2022 as the Miss Ireland organisation celebrates its 75th Jubilee this year.

The winner of Miss Ireland 2021, Pamela Uba (26), a former pupil of Gorthaganny National School in the county, captured the hearts of the nation last year with her incredible story and has since appeared on TV shows in Los Angeles, London, and Johannesburg.

Pamela spent a month in Puerto Rico representing Ireland at Miss World and is all set to jet back out there in March for the overall final.

Established in 1947, Miss Ireland has been the launch pad for many eminent, successful, and inspiring women in Ireland.

In recent years the Miss Ireland franchise has raised over €300,000 for various charities including Laura Lynn, Temple Street, Alzheimer’s Ireland, Pieta House, The Cari Foundation and this year are proud to partner, once again, with Variety Ireland, an Irish charity helping sick, disadvantaged and children with special needs since 1951.

The winner of Miss Ireland 2022 will receive a lucrative agency contract and a host of prizes including jewellery, gowns, professional photo shoots, beauty and hair products and then jet off to represent her country at the Miss World Festival which is televised in over 100 countries around the world.

To find out more, visit www.miss-ireland.ie.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

Gardaí investigate spate of burglaries New Diocesan role for Rooskey native Following the appointment of Archbishop Francis Duffy as the new Archbishop of Tuam, the College of Consultors have elected Rooskey native, Father Tom Healy, Parish Priest of Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, as Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois.

The role of the Diocesan Administrator is to administer the day to day affairs of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

Following his appointment, Father Tom said: “I thank the College of Consultors for entrusting me with this role.

I will endeavour to carry it out to the best of my ability. I would like to acknowledge the generous stewardship of Archbishop Francis Duffy over the past eight years. I wish him God’s Blessings in his new ministry in the Archdiocese of Tuam. I ask for your kind

support and prayers in the time ahead”.

Father Tom Healy is a son of the late May and Rutledge Healy of Rooskey village on the Leitrim/Roscommon border.

He attended St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained for the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois in 1986.

After serving as Curate in Pullough, Co. Offaly (1986-1988) he was appointed Curate, St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford (1988-2005) and later served as Administrator, St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford (2005-2017), during which time he worked along with a number of parish teams on the restoration and reopening of the cathedral in the aftermath of the Christmas Day fire of 2009.

He was appointed Parish Priest in Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford in 2017 (to present) and Diocesan Secretary/Diocesan Financial Administrator, also in 2017 (to present).

Gardaí in Roscommon are continuing to investigate a spate of burglaries at a number of locations in the county last weekend.

Six properties were broken into between Friday morning and Sunday evening last.

Two incidents occurred in the Rox-

for the virtual AGM. We would ask that you do not share this access link with anyone else. Registration closes on Thursday, January 27th, at 1 pm, and registered members will receive a reminder email one day before the event.

All members are invited to attend the AGM, which will focus on the past financial year (October 1st 2020 to September 30th 2021). A comprehensive AGM pack (including the 2021 AGM booklet and statements of account) have been either posted or sent electronically to each member, depending on their own chosen method to receive notifications. Members who have signed up to receive their AGM pack electronically will receive an email containing all details. Members are

asked to log onto their Credit Union online access area to view and print their e-statements.

Questions can be submitted in advance of the AGM, and will be responded to on the night.

Members can submit questions by emailing ceo@roscommoncu. ie under the subject title ‘AGM Question’, or by calling 090-6626657.

The closing date for submission of questions in advance of the virtual AGM is Thursday, January 27th, at 1 pm.

Voting on the night will be by virtual means. Time permitting, the floor will be opened to attendees on the night.

Admittance to the AGM is open from 7.45 pm and closes at 8 pm sharp – after this time, members will not be

On Sunday, a house in Strokestown was also broken into some time between 3.30 pm and 4.45 pm.

Gardaí are asking anyone who might have noticed any suspicious activity in the areas on Saturday, or who may have dash cam footage, to contact them at 090-6638300.

Supporters pictured at the Connacht Club Intermediate Football Final, won by St. Faithleach’s of Roscommon. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon Credit Union members invited to AGM Roscommon Credit Union members are invited to attend the 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Roscommon Credit Union Ltd. This year’s meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and takes place on Thursday, January 27th, at 8 pm.

Members are required to pre-register for this event, and only pre-registered members can access the online AGM. To register, simply enter your contact details via our website (roscommoncu.ie/ eAGM), speak with a member of staff in person, or call 090-6626657.

Members can also email info@roscommoncu.ie to request registration.

Once registered, members will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours with log in details and further information pertaining to the e-AGM. The meeting is hosted via Zoom, so members will not need to download anything prior to the meeting. Please note the access link is unique to each member and acts as an identifier

boro area between 1 pm and 9.45 pm on Saturday. Cash and property was taken in one house and small value items were taken in the other.

A property at Cloontogher, Kilteevan was also broken into some time between 1 pm and 8 pm on Saturday.

allowed access to the AGM. Members who log on before 8 pm will be placed in a virtual waiting room, and the broadcast will automatically start at 8 pm sharp. Once logged on, the member will not have to do anything further until asked to place their vote or submit a question during the AGM. All members in virtual attendance will be automatically entered into a draw to win a €100 One4All voucher. The winner will be selected at random and announced at the end of the AGM. If you have any questions about the 2021 e-AGM, please visit our website roscommoncu. ie/eAGM, email info@ roscommoncu.ie, phone 090-6626657, or speak with a member of staff in person. We look forward to welcoming our members to our 55th annual AGM via Zoom.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by moving our AGM online and we look forward to our next AGM in person.

12

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique

take on life ...

Rare sighting of broken down motorist brought memories flooding back!

Our man Frank on a rare sighting while out driving, proposals for a tax on the wealthiest in society, the high cost of not returning videos in Texas, and the murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore…

As I was driving somewhere recently, I spotted something on the roadside that has become almost a rarity on Irish roads – a broken down motorist.

He was pulled in on the side of the road with

the bonnet open. Luckily there was someone there to help him, so I presume he got sorted fairly quickly and (hopefully) carried on with his journey. Nowadays, most insurance companies offer breakdown assistance at a very low cost with their policies, so for anyone with an older car, it is something worth having.

Anyway, as I passed the stricken motorist, I thought back to my early driving days when breakdowns were a regular occurrence, something I would always expect every time I hit the open road. For me, a lot of them were sort of self-inflicted because I used to play a type of Russian Roulette with my petrol tank. I would always let it run down to the very last drop before putting any more in.

As there were no gadgets back then to warn you that the tank was almost empty, many is the time that I would come to a shuddering halt on roads all over the country. Every car nowadays warns you to refuel in loads of time before you run out, but not so when I was a young fellow.

What was worse is the fact that on most of my cars, the fuel gauge didn’t work anyway, and as a result, I used to run out of ‘juice’ on a regular basis.

However, I always had a fuel can with me, so all I had to do was pull into a safe place, stick out my thumb, and wait for a kind-hearted motorist who would bring me to the nearest petrol station. Funnily enough, on numerous occasions the good samaritan would actually wait

for me to get my can filled, bring me back to my car, and wait until I got started again before continuing on with their journey.

One of the big risks with running out of petrol was that you could flood the engine when trying to get it going again, and the carburetor, plugs, and points were all items that continually gave me trouble. I don’t know if modern cars have those things, but I never hear of anyone drowning their plugs or flooding the carburetor any more.

All that was a long time ago, and cars and drivers have improved greatly since then. Thankfully, it is a rarity nowadays to see a broken down motorist, and even older cars are pretty reliable.

Here’s to happy motoring for all in 2022.

Is proposed wealth tax a bit rich?

It’s a beautifully frosty Monday morning, and as I sample my bowl of cornflakes, I see that the pandemic has been good (financially speaking) for the wealthiest section of society. This was seen both in Ireland and the rest of the world, with the nine Irish billionaires (wonder who they are) increasing their wealth by €18.3 billion (now totalling €49.7 billion).

As someone whose old age pension rose by €10 a week since 2018, it’s hard to grasp that just nine people could control such an enormous sum of money. However, even those figures fade into insignificance when compared to the wealth of the top ten people in the world, whose combined wealth has more than doubled to a mind-blowing €1.3 trillion during the two years of the pandemic.

Oxfam tells us that the income of 99 per cent of humanity has stagnated and fallen during the same two years, and that 160 million people have been forced into poverty. So, their call for an extreme wealth tax in Ireland and worldwide seems fairly reasonable to me. They estimate that a 1.5 per cent tax on Irish millionaires (but only on those worth €4 million or more, so I’d be okay) would bring in €4 billion in revenue, while a similar tax on the billionaires would raise €700 million.

To the ordinary two and sixpence who’s struggling with the cost of everything increasing by the minute, it would seem to make a lot of sense. However – as with a lot of ideas that make sense – the chances are that it will never happen.

And finally…

Texan, Caron McBride, charged with embezzling video cassette of ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’.

Texan wanted for failing to return video!

Strange things happen everywhere, but over in the United States, a Texan named Caron McBride got a huge shock when she went to update her personal information after getting married. She learned that she had a criminal record, and was a wanted felon in the State of Oklahoma.

On enquiry, she discovered that it was all to do with a VHS tape (Sabrina the Teenage Witch) that someone had rented in her name from a video store in 1999.

The tape had not been returned, charges had been filed, and McBride was charged with wilfully and unlawfully embezzling the video cassette of the value of $58.59.

In the meantime, she had been fired from a number of jobs with no explanation, but now she realises that they must have looked up her records and seen the two words ‘felony’ and ‘embezzlement’ against her name.

It’s safe to say that all of us who rented out videos during

the video craze would have been guilty at one time or another of forgetting to return the cassette, but hopefully Gerry Kerrigan or Xtra-vision didn’t register our crimes with the authorities – or else we could still face the full rigours of the law!

As for McBride, she can shortly have the charges dismissed against her, but it will still cost her, as she will have to engage a lawyer to clear her name. Sabrina the Teenage Witch has a lot to answer for.

It’s been a strange week, but one that puts a lot of things into perspective.

Despite the ongoing saga around Novak Djokovic’s attempts to defend his Australian Open tennis title, and even the winning in Mayo of the enormous €19 million lotto sum, everything fades into insignificance when compared to the horrendous murder of Ashling Murphy, which occurred last week last in Tullamore.

It’s been a long time since any single event has had as big an impact on Irish people and Irish society. The hope has to be that at long last, proper and necessary action will be taken against all men who abuse women – be it mentally or physically.

This week, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee promised that there will be a major commitment by the Government to ensure that women in our communities are protected.

There is no doubt that such an initiative would be very welcome, although it sadly comes too late for Ashling Murphy and several other women who violently lost their lives in recent years.

As a parent, I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and horror the Murphy family are going through, but hopefully in time the huge outpouring of anger and grief by people all over the world will ease some of the pain.

Hopefully Ashling’s death may mean that in the future, other women will not be subjected to the outrageous abuse that is currently going on.

‘Till next week, bye for now

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

Roscommon Herald Customer Correction Proof

A candlelit vigil took place in Roscommon town on Friday last to remember Ashling Murphy, the young primary school teacher who was brutally murdered in Tullamore on Wednesday, January 12th.

ROXBORO National School welcomes enrolment applications for Junior Infants 2022 until Jan 31st.

‘Toxic masculinity needs to be stamped out’ Lisaniskey N.S. Application forms are available on www.roxborons.ie or from the school office

Email: officeroxborons@gmail.com Ph: 090 6625703

Customer Name: S DOYLE & SONS

Customer Hundreds attend vigils No: across the 2060848 county in memory of Ashling Murphy

Rep Contact Details:

Order No.: 857583 Copyline: business Date: 05/04/2021 | M

Alan beirne

090- 6627377

Donamon,Co. Roscommon candlelit vigil in Roscommon town, where lo- alan.beirne@roscommonherald.com cal people held a minute’s silence in memory of Ms. Murphy.

Addressing the large gathering in the Square, organiser Niamh Molloy called on those present to ensure that the event becomes “a wa< DAN DOONER tershed moment and a line drawn in the sand” Hundreds of people attended vigils and26/10/2021 me- when it comes to violence against women.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Ms. Molmorial events across County Roscommon last 30/11/2021 weekend in memory of Ashling Murphy, the loy said she had wanted to stand in solidarity young primary school teacher who was brutally with the Murphy family.

All enquiries please to: murdered in Tullamore on Wednesday, January 6 “I was going to come here with my daughter and if it was just the two of us then at least we 12th.

Candlelit vigils were held in Roscommon could stand in solidarity with Ashling and her town, Strokestown, Castlerea, and Elphin, friends and family in Tullamore who are going while walks and memorial events were hosted through such a difficult time at the moment,” by sports clubs and communities in Lisacul, she said.

For further information, contact “It’s very important that the men and women Knockcroghery, Boyle and a number of other Noel Dervan, Principal on of Ireland come out and say that this should not areas.

The Roscommon senior football team also happen in this day and age. We need to stop vio- are not going to be a bystander any more.

“Once the Irish people decide that, the legislatook the decision not to wear the number 23 jer- lence against women, we need to stop harassRoscommon Herald Home,Interiors,DIY 4C (CMYK) ment, and we need to stop the culture around it. tion will follow because at the end of the day, sey for the FBD League Final against Galway “I think we need a whole societal and cultur- we are the voters and the ones who can push on Friday last as a mark of respect.

The 23-year-old Durrow National School al change and shift. It’s about people stand- this across the line. I think it’s important to think teacher tragically lost her life following an at- ing up when they hear these simple conver- of this as the start of a movement and it’s someLocally owned ... tack in broad daylight while out for a run along sations that have connotations in terms of thing that has to happen sooner rather than later. the banks of the canal at Cappincur, Tullamore sexual harassment or so-called ‘locker room It’s such a stain on our society that people think in the heart of the talk’. Toxic masculinity needs to be stamped violence against women isn’t as serious as it is,” on Wednesday week last. community out and it’s important that people say they she concluded.

There was a strong turnout at last Friday’s

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2022-2023 ACADEMIC YEAR

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newsbriefs A thank you from Church gate collectors

The organisers of recent church gate collections in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital wish to thank all those who supported their efforts.

A grand total of €881.55 was raised overall, of which €203.85 was raised at Kilteevan Church. Thank you for your support.

Activities at Cloonycolgan Community Centre

Activities will resume at Cloonycolgan Community Centre at 3 pm on Wednesday, January 26th, following Christmas and the Covid-imposed break.

Ann McCormack will hold a craft class, where traditional St Brigid’s crosses will be made, and everyone is welcome to attend. If you can find suitable rushes, please bring them with you. Thelma Keenan will resume ‘Keep Fit’ classes in the centre in February at 11 am on Friday mornings.

Ardcarne Parish Graveyard Committee AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Ardcarne Parish Graveyard Committee will be held on Monday, January 31st at 8 pm in the John McGahern Barracks, Cootehall. New members especially welcome.

info@lisaniskeyns.com

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

A brutal and barbaric murder that shocked and angered a nation to its core The brutal, senseless and barbaric murder of 23-year-old Ashling Murphy in a public place in broad daylight has shocked and angered a nation to its very core.

So gruesome is this nightmare, I’d bet that if any of the men reading this were to sit quietly and listen carefully to the ladies in their lives, they may be able to pick up the barely audible murmur of fear we feel deep down inside of us. This fear is so visceral, so instinctive and so common, that every time women like me, (who’re not easily scared), go walking alone, we actually consider the possibility of being terrorised, attacked, raped, or even murdered, as being a fact of our daily lives.

Regular readers may remember that I’ve previously written about my horrific experience of being attacked and raped some years ago. I’m still carrying both the physical and emotional scars of this brutal assault, and as a mother and a grandmother, the thing that scares me most in life is the chilling, bloodcurdling thought that something similar could happen to either of my two daughters or my two granddaughters.

Therefore, last Friday, rather than joining a vigil for Ashling in Roscommon, I drove to Dublin at 6 am to spend the day with my girls.

We had lunch in Malahide, we chatted, we bought flowers and candles, and then at 4 pm, arms linked, we joined my former neighbours and my old teen-hood pals in a vigil to remember a beautiful young life stolen by a barbaric act of gender-based depravity. It was not lost on us that Ashling’s brutal murder occurred along Fiona’s Way, a path named in memory of a seven-months’ pregnant Fiona Pender, another local young woman, who disappeared without a trace in 1996.

This week, while our thoughts turn to Ashling’s heartbroken family and what must be their immeasurable grief, they also turn to the thousands of women distressed by this latest murder – the ones now considering altering their daily routines, terrified it could so easily have been them.

On the morning following Ashling’s ruthless death, he-who-hates-any-form-of-exercise asked if I’d like for him to accompany me on my walk that day. My answer was “Thanks, but no thanks”.

You see ladies, grateful though I am for hubby’s offer, I feel there’s little use in him ‘escorting’ me on one of my walks. I mean, what happens on the days he doesn’t come with me? What do I do then? Sit home Miss Havisham-style, never venturing outdoors again?

Yes I am fearful, and yes I hate myself for allowing these emotions to change my behaviours to the extent that while I’m out walking, I’m now constantly looking over my shoulder, scanning my surroundings like an army reconnaissance scout. But will I stop walking? No! Why? Because I feel angry.

Like all women, I should feel able to walk confidently and unhindered, and I refuse to allow fear to get in the way of that. Therefore,

Is the end of Covid finally in sight?

While I’ve no doubt that restrictions around Covid-19 are being continuously assessed, encouraging signs such as a decline in daily cases could mean we may have reached the peak of this invasive Omicron variant. Woo hoo! I feel like Mel Gibson in Braveheart – only I’m not shouting ‘freedom’, I’m shouting ‘saoirse’!

However, as someone who’s a born worrier and germaphobe, I think I’ll still continue to wear a mask and carry hand sanitiser long after this pandemic has been declared over.

Mind you readers, I was delighted to have received a text from the HSE this week to inform me my ‘booster cert’ was now ready to download. I’ll do this over the weekend. Himself and myself received our boosters in early December from our doctor (and so grateful to have been offered it), however as our email addresses weren’t documented, we had to wait on our details to be uploaded to the HSE’s system.

My reason for mentioning this is due to so many of you stopping me to say you hadn’t yet received your own certs, and you were worried in case they didn’t arrive etc. I have nothing to do with the HSE – in fact, trying to get through to their helpline to get some info for you nearly drove me to the brink of distraction.

However, if you’ve got access to a computer and the internet, log onto gov. ie, click on ‘how to get your EU Digital Covid certificate’ and follow the instructions. If you don’t have an email address, no problem. Just tick the box that asks if you wish for a hard copy (paper version) of your cert to be posted to you. I’ve done this for my parents and it took me a matter of minutes.

Listen to our young people, Norma!

Messages of solidarity for Ashling Murphy, pictured at a vigil held in her memory in Dublin.

rather than seeing my anxiety as a weakness, instead I’ll see it as an emotion that’s preparing my gut instinct for what could possibly happen to me when I’m out alone. I’ll console myself with the knowledge that what I’m experiencing every time I set out is simply an appropriate response to the epidemic of gender-based violence perpetrated against us. Therefore, should someone think they can make me a victim (again), this panic programmed into my psyche will give me the strength I need to be a survivor.

Let me stress that it’s ‘not all men’ – indeed it must be dreadful to be deemed a threat simply by virtue of your gender. I can tell you lads, it’s equally dreadful to be frightened for your very life, again, by virtue of your gender.

However, even though conversations are being had, revulsion is being expressed, and promises are

being made by our Government to eliminate attacks on us, it’s my concern that this is merely lip service.

The sadistic and the predictable behaviours of some men towards women will never be addressed, nor will they ever change.

The Gardaí are doing a great job and I’m sure the perpetrator of this heinous crime will be made take sole responsibility for their actions, and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. However, afterwards, as society moves on, it’s likely that women’s safety may never be prioritised, nor will anything concrete be done to protect us.

To put it simply ladies, you and me will continue to be forced to deal with and live with the horrific, pervasive, and unquenchable perception that in the eyes of some men (not all), we are, and always will be, nothing more than mere prey. May Ashling’s gentle soul rest in peace.

It’s very seldom I’ll agree with a TD, however I have to say that Independent Roscommon/Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice makes a lot of sense when he says students should be allowed to avail of the hybrid exam system that was in place last year.

I don’t have anyone sitting their Leaving Cert this year, but having put two daughters through school/college, I do know that one of the most stressful times in a family’s life is the run-up to the Leaving Cert. I do have a granddaughter sitting her Junior Cert, and I’d like to think that if she was in sixth year facing her Leaving Cert, and she was one of the 68 percent who voted to sit a hybrid State exam model, that her voice, along with her peers, would be heard!

Having their voices heard is key to our young people’s social cohesion. As Minister for Education, you should know this, Norma Foley!

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople The things people say…

TAKE A BREAK

“You couldn’t script it any better than that. If you saw a film with that ending you would not believe it” -Wally Burke, manager of St Faithleach’s, on his team’s sensational victory in the Connacht Club Intermediate Football Final, achieved via a last-gasp goal in extra-time

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

NEW JERSEYS….PLEASE!

It would be fair to say that Roscommon star Conor Cox was ‘in the wars’ during last Friday’s FBD League Final between Roscommon and Galway at the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan! In photo 1, Johnny Heaney looks accusingly at Conor, as if to suggest that the Roscommon player might have had something to do with his torn jersey! In our second photo, a philosophical Conor is pictured after receiving the same ‘fashion makeover’ from an opponent (not necessarily the one in photo!). Pics: Mick McCormack

Gary Barlow (English singer-songwriter and former Take That member, turns 51 on Thursday)

David Lynch (American filmmaker, will be 76 on Thursday)

It’s been a GOOD week for…

The heroic footballers of St Faithleach’s, who won the Connacht Club Intermediate Football title in dramatic style, with a last-gasp goal in extra-time securing the Gene Byrne Cup and sparking emotional scenes

Emma Bunton (English singer and former Spice Girls member, celebrates her 46th on Friday)

Rainn Wilson (American actor and comedian, turns 56 on Thursday)

For updates, check our social channels

Whoever purchased that winning lotto ticket in Mayo, the winner set to collect a jackpot of €19.06m, bringing to an end a seven-month period during which the jackpot wasn’t won (as Deadpan Deputy Bernard Durkan reminded everyone) Waterford’s in-form golfer Seamus Power, who er…powered into the top 50 of golf’s world rankings, with yet another impressive performance on the PGA tour, this time finishing joint third (in the Sony Open in Hawaii) Rising Irish actress Clare Dunne, known for her roles in the TV drama Kin

and the movie Herself, who has been chosen as one of the European Shooting Stars of 2022, a programme organised by the European Film Promotion (EFP) agency with the aim of promoting acting talent across the continent

It’s been a BAD week for…

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, with the World No. 1 being deported from Australia after losing the judicial review against the cancellation of his visa, his departure bringing to an end an on/off saga regarding whether or not he would be permitted to take part in the Australian Open (he won’t) Boris Johnson (again), the UK Prime Minister currently a regular in this column, Brazen Boris forced to eat humble pie to belatedly go with the beer he and his friends/work colleagues consumed in the Downing Street garden in May 2020, when everyone else was in lockdown (at the request of Boris)

Supporters pictured at the Connacht Club Intermediate Football Final, won by St. Faithleach’s of Roscommon. Pic: Mick McCormack

Andy Friend

Andy Friend’s Connacht team, defeated 29-28 by Leicester Tigers in heartbreaking fashion, the visitors to the Sportsground winning via a controversial late try Rafael Benitez, sacked as manager of Everton after a particularly sticky patch for ‘The Toffees’, the end coming after a 2-1 defeat to lowly Norwich was seen as the final straw, Everton hovering worryingly close to the relegation zone

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

Death of a broadcasting legend who loved the west The first time I ever met with Jim Fahy, the legendary RTE Western Correspondent, I was on the set of the RTE Fair City soap opera programme in Donnybrook. It was way back in 1995. A cub reporter, I was up in Dublin at the time for what was called a trial weekend of TV news production, part of a two- or three-stage process to try and get an actual job in RTE News.

Our task was to go out with a camera crew on a sort of a ‘mock story’ which was to be filmed some place around the campus in Montrose. We were to show what we could do in the generation of the plot for the story, the filming of its detail, interviews with the various key ‘mock’ contributors, and the editing process that would follow.

We were told to come back in an hour with a decent showreel for our efforts – albeit with content that the former President of the United States might accurately call ‘fake news’.

None other than Jim Fahy was called in that weekend to assist the juniors in the training workshops. Throughout the morning he sat in the classroom surroundings with us in a very casual and carefree style, only rarely showing any form of animation or energy for what was going on in the theory section of our training day.

An hour later it was a very different story when the ‘practical’ session began. We made our way firstly as a group in the company of the greyhaired old fox down from the newsroom to the set of the Fair City show at the back of the complex in RTE. There, we prepared to put our plot in place for the story to be shot just outside the façade of McCoy’s fictional public house. The ‘story’ we were to shoot was a contrived protest that was to be filmed…and would involve a group of local residents allegedly opposed to the development of a new crèche in the area.

Now the vastly experienced Western Correspondent soon shot into action. Jim quickly organised the camera crew and the cub reporters with their tasks and within minutes the camera was rolling. In 1995 this was a very tame and very green young reporter from the midlands who was behind the camera – in quite a nervous state. In contrast, Fahy, the veteran, was full of high octane energy and took over the set like a frenzied director on a Hollywood film shoot. The man was running around the street, buzzing with ideas and suggestions for both the reporter and the cameraman, and within a few minutes I was settled down to carry out a set-up interview with a man who was supposed to be the key promoter behind the new creche development.

As the camera rolled, this journalist was asking a few tame enough questions in front of the ‘pub’ – but little did I know that the Western Correspondent had more drama in mind for the background to the interview, suddenly emerging into the corner of the screen shouting and roaring at the interviewee in front of me.

“Get out of our town!” Fahy yelled repeatedly – waving a rolled-up newspaper at the interviewee

The late Jim Fahy, RIP.

and then running up and down repeatedly towards our camera, and even taking a swipe at the cameraman and the interviewee who was in front of it (with his folded-up paper).

The scene in front of me had now turned into one of anarchy. Fahy was the master in churning up both drama and action on the set. It is fair to say that as a rookie reporter, this young journalist was left speechless by it all. I was certainly given a baptism of fire on TV news and filming – thanks to the great master from the west. He was such a powerful character – and full of life and mischief too!

Jim Fahy was reared in the east Galway village of Kilrickle and always said he originally wanted to be a pilot, but his application to Aer Lingus was turned down on eyesight grounds. In fact his natural calling was journalism, and in 1965 he was taken on by Jarlath Burke, then editor of the Tuam

Herald, the start of what was going to be an accomplished career as a storyteller and bard with RTE. In the early days in the Herald Jim developed a successful social diary called ‘Nitescene’. He left the Herald in March 1974 to take up the position of RTE’s Western Correspondent, a post he held until his retirement in December 2011. He was RTE’s longest serving regional correspondent and it was there he put his own personal stamp on journalism with a style that won him award after award, year after year, over the next 40 years.

These were of course non-digital days of radio and TV, and Fahy travelled around with a big and cumbersome reel to reel tape recorder in the car to record what was to be a fantastic series called ‘Looking West’ on RTE Radio One. In over 450 radio programmes, Jim brought the nation the unique stories of the diverse lives of storytellers

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and musicians and wise old men and women and characters in remote locations all over Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. My favourite was a wonderful exchange in the kitchen of an elderly lady in the heart of the Aran Islands. Jim was in full flow with the questions and the interviewee was responding in equally descriptive terms in the English language when suddenly the door of the kitchen opening in the background was to be heard on air. In the midst of her answer, the Bean an Tí was clearly being greeted by the family pet who was to be heard attempting to jump up and meet her as she tried to complete her interview.

Then came the most delightful moment of radio broadcasting gold.

“Suigh síos Tadgh” said the woman in the middle of her answer, “suigh síos” – obviously speaking to the dog in the heart of the kitchen and ignoring her interrogator with the RTE mic – but of course the master that was Jim Fahy simply left this magical response in place in the recording and carried on with his own questions. It was the sort of broadcasting style he was to make famous and one that made for such naturally authentic radio. I thought it was a beautiful moment.

The Jim Fahy TV showreel was equally impressive in later years. Memorable reports included the famous exchange with the late Monsignor James Horan standing by the bulldozers in what turned out to be a runway in a Mayo bog in 1981.

When Jim asked him what he was up to, Monsignor Horan said he was “building an airport” but hoped “the Department of Transport doesn’t hear about it!”

Fahy’s reign on the highways and byways of the west was a fiercely competitive one too. He ‘hunted’ the big stories week after week and told the nation of every development in Derrada Wood, Ballinamore as the army searched for businessman Don Tidey, who had been kidnapped by the Provisional IRA in 1983. He covered the murders carried out by Brendan O’Donnell in Clare and Galway, and later developed a taste for radio documentaries when he made a series of interviews with producer Dick Warner, interviewing Mother Teresa in Calcutta in 1976. He subsequently won dozens of awards at home, and also at international festivals for his memorable television documentaries with producer Caroline Bleahan from Ballinasloe.

The documentaries profiled the role of Irish aid workers in far-flung corners of the world such as Belarus, Haiti and Somalia, Jim fulfilling a lifelong dream to travel to the island of New Ireland off Papua New Guinea.

Jim Fahy died at the age of 75 on Friday night last following a short illness. He lived in Gardenfield in Tuam. He was a superb colleague. We all extend deepest sympathy to his wife Christina (nee O’Reilly), their children Shane and Aideen, grandchildren, extended family and a long line of friends. We will not see his likes again. May he rest in peace.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

Letters to the Editor

Send your letters to: Abbey Street, Roscommon Town.

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

Reader says ‘unvaccinated people have been ostracised’ Roscommon Town Dear Editor, This time two years ago the coronavirus began to enter public consciousness in this country as news of the disease spread from China. When Italy imposed a lockdown due to high numbers of infections, I knew the same was soon to happen in Ireland and globally. From the last week of February 2020, most equity markets dropped severely as panic set in and the price of a barrel of oil even briefly went negative. And then there was a lockdown in Ireland – businesses closed, schools moved online, and every citizen’s movement was restricted to within 2km of their homes.

Despite these measures, a number of people caught the virus and did not recover, in particular elderly people in nursing homes.

Like a lot of people at that time, I followed the news updates and case numbers quite closely.

There was a sense of urgency, and because nobody knew what we were dealing with, I believe the public health measures taken by the Government at that time were what they thought was best. However, after a few weeks of observation it became clear to me as a reasonably healthy young man that if I were to contract Covid, the odds of it manifesting as anything but a mild flu were miniscule.

The recovery rate from the illness is 98.28% globally, and I imagine much higher for people under the age of 70, and very close to 100% for people in their 30s and younger. The median age of deaths from Covid in Ireland is 82, which is about the average life expectancy. It is very sad that some elderly citizens died unnecessarily from the coronavirus, and I do believe the vulnerable should have been better protected from the outset.

As time passed, I realised my life was not in danger and that neither were the lives of anyone I was in contact with. Bearing that in mind, I mostly tried to ignore the unprecedented restrictions in freedom and to live as best I could. I took walks to Mote Park – about 2.5km from my home – and even met some of my friends to socialise.

By May/June of 2020, the evidence was clear to me that this panic was being overblown and the ‘crisis narrative’ was now beginning to be used

for profit by powerful and opportunistic ‘bad actors’. The stock markets recovered rapidly as the Federal Reserve in the US printed trillions of dollars. Big tech companies led this recovery charge with the Nasdaq index reaching an all-time high price almost 200% up from the March 2020 lows.

With the power these tech firms have in controlling information and shaping public narrative to fit their desired agenda, it is important to consider what benefits their bottom-line needs. It suits Amazon quite fine for retail business worldwide to be closed. It suits Google and Microsoft quite fine to onboard millions of companies to their remote working software. Panic and hysteria are great for clicks on Facebook and Twitter.

Of course, pharmaceutical companies were also set to benefit from the pandemic as research was undertaken and then accelerated on the search for a Covid vaccine. While these corporations do a certain amount of good for the world in producing necessary medicines, many people will agree when I say pharma is one of the most corrupt and morally bankrupt industries in the world. It has been reported that some of these corporations have shipped substandard products (often vaccines) to Third World countries which have failed approval in the west. In the 1980s, Bayer knowingly sold HIV contaminated plasma to tens of thousands of hemophiliacs and many were infected thus by AIDS. Johnson & Johnson allegedly sold baby powder laced with asbestos. In the last twenty years in America around half a million people have died from opioid overdoses in an epidemic fuelled almost exclusively by drug companies. There is widespread price-gouging, legal patent battles to control medicines, funding of sympathetic research and doctors, suppression of alternative cures and viewpoints within the medical community. It is also worth knowing that the long-time CEO of Reuters, James C. Smith, stepped down in 2020 to serve on the board of Pfizer. When it comes to the deeply worrying conduct of some in this industry I could go on, but these few examples should be enough to justify some mistrust of the sector.

During the early stages of the pandemic if you were to suggest that the world was heading for

mandatory vaccine passports and further limitations in freedom, you were called a conspiracy theorist. When the vaccines were developed and rollout began, I decided not to get the experimental gene therapy as I was a reasonably healthy young man who trusted my own immune system to deal with mild viruses. Having said all I have about the general shady practices of some pharma corporations, I do believe the scientists involved did their best within their framework and that the vaccines have been shown to be somewhat effective against certain strains of coronavirus. The long-term side-effects of an experimental medicine are yet to be seen however, and it has been reported that there are possible links between different heart conditions and mRNA treatments. I don’t want to scare anyone – I would reiterate that – however, from the data so far, it appears the vaccine is useful for Covid-vulnerable people, but the vaccinations are far from the pandemic-solver we were promised.

Once vaccines were available to all who wanted one in Ireland, the Government imposed certain discriminatory steps. Anyone who had opted against the vaccine was now a persona non grata in most public places. We were not to be served food in restaurants or drinks at bars. Since December we are not allowed to work out in a gym or have our hair cut in a barber shop. I am not allowed to read a book at the library. This is supposedly for the safety and protection of people who did get a vaccine, which is itself a tacit admission that the jabs are ineffective. In reality, the exclusion is a punishment for people who defy the regime. For a country which voted that the right to ‘bodily autonomy’ was above the right of an unborn child to live, it baffles me that the vast majority of people are quite content to allow our society to ostracise the unvaxxed over what is essentially a question of bodily autonomy. Many people have told me that the only reason they reluctantly took a vaccine was because of the consequences of a refusal. Some people do not even have the luxury of choice as an employer’s mandate would threaten their livelihood.

In my own case, this actually should not be an issue. Much to my surprise, I tested positive for

Covid last October after taking a test ahead of travelling. I hadn’t noticed any symptoms, but isolated until I tested negative a few days later.

It didn’t occur to me to subject myself to HSE bureaucracy by getting a PCR test, but of course now I am not eligible for a Covid recovery certificate. In a way it felt good to get Covid over with and I was lucky to not be sick and still get the benefits of natural immunity. Even the biggest pharma supporters such as Professor Luke O’Neill will say that natural immunity is a more effective protection against Covid variants than vaccines, which only target a specific iteration of the virus.

I was quite convinced of this over Christmas after spending time with several people, all of them vaxxed and boosted, who contracted the Omicron variant whereas I did not. And yet these people were permitted to take part in the annual Christmas socialising, whereas I wasn’t. The exclusion hasn’t bothered me all that much, but on occasions one would lose patience. I would prefer to think I lived in a high-trust community where if I told someone I had recovered from Covid that my word would be believed without a QR code.

Maybe that is naive, but if it is, it’s depressing.

All politics is local. From what I saw and heard over the Christmas holiday period, many people are similarly weary of the restrictions and see that some of the moves being made are not in the interest of the people. There is a lack of consistency to them, and there are obvious contradictions. If their aim is to stop the spread of the virus, they do little to do so. Thanks to all who had room at their inn for an unvaccinated person this Christmas and hopefully more will question the need for further boosting and document checkpoints.

In South Africa, where the Omicron variant originated, case numbers peaked and came back down in a month or so. Data so far from western countries suggests that this winter will have excess deaths, lower than the average annual number from flus. Once this current wave runs its course, there will be no immediate existential risk from Covid – but nothing will change unless you start acting as if that is the case.

Yours sincerely, Coman Browne

It’s time to end epidemic of male violence against women Dear Editor, The tragic murder of 23-year-old Ashling Murphy has sparked a national conversation on what we can do to stop this from ever happening again.

Vigils have been held all around the country to share solidarity, thoughts, and prayers with all those who knew and loved Ashling Murphy.

Since 1996, a staggering 244 women have died violently in Ireland, while 18 children were killed alongside their mothers.

In the just over 100 years since this State came to be, women have been seen as second-class citizens, up until very recently. This culture of second-class citizenship however still remains in this country, even in 2022.

We need to change the way women are viewed and treated in society. We have a responsibility to keep women safe. It is vital that conversations are had from a young age. We need to teach men that it is unacceptable to disrespect, degrade, attack or view women as their possessions. It’s time for men to step up against violence

and to call out their friends when they are harassing women.

Just last October, I was in a bar with a couple of friends. There were three men sitting at a table beside us. One of the men made a comment about “her knickers” while the waitress was nearby. His friends said nothing to rebuke him. The waitress was visibly afraid when I walked over. I asked the man to repeat what he said and asked his friends why they hadn’t stuck up for the waitress.

“He didn’t really mean it,” was their response.

If you have someone in your life, be it an uncle, a brother, a friend, grandfather or even father, who behaves like that man in the bar, you must call it out, otherwise you too are excusing this behaviour.

A common line I hear is that “not all men are bad”. I am aware of that, every woman is. But the problem is, there are enough men to make us feel unsafe. How are we to know which men are safe? Men use “Not all men” to escape an uncomfortable conversation they’d prefer not to have. We cannot allow this to happen.

It is time for a change.

I also frequently hear people say “Imagine if it was your mother, your aunt, your sister, your girlfriend”.

It shouldn’t take for men to have a mother, girlfriend, aunt, sister, or girlfriend for them to treat women with basic respect. Imagine if it was a woman.

Tragic events should not be the only reason for issues such as these to come to the surface. This is a time for men to listen and to take action.

Yours sincerely, Isabelle Flanagan

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

A gentle man with special qualities, ‘The Monsignor’ shared our joys and sorrows and practical support, with the right amount of humour thrown in.

He had a great relationship with young people, with a lifelong commitment to education. He offered words of praise. At least as importantly, he offered words of encouragement.

I liked a phrase someone wrote on Twitter this week, when they said that Monsignor Travers “saw life through the other person’s eyes”. I thought that was very apt, reflecting as it does how interested he was in people, his caring nature and natural empathy ensuring that he looked out for others first and foremost.

Looking back on a long life devoted to spreading the word of God, I would sum up Monsignor Charles as a gentle man of great faith and special personal qualities. He made an enormous contribution to community life here, impacting positively on so many individuals and families.

Charles Travers – ‘The Monsignor’ – is gone to his well earned reward. On Tuesday, he was laid to rest in the grounds of the Sacred Heart Church, still close to the beating heart of our community. It will no doubt be a calming and rewarding experience to pause there in memory of him. His legacy – and spirit – will live on.

May he rest in peace.

< PAUL HEALY

“He did so much for so many”.

The words of Fr Eamonn O’Connor, during the Homily at Tuesday’s funeral Mass for Monsignor Charles Travers.

“His life has been a great gift to us” Bishop Kevin Doran added, as local clergy led a celebration of the long life of their much-loved colleague.

You knew, given his uniquely humble nature, that Monsignor Travers never particularly wanted to be at the centre of anything.

And yet he was at the very centre of parish and community life in Roscommon for decades, to the point where he had a very special place in the affection and hearts of generations of families here.

Monsignor Travers, who died on Saturday at the age of 94, was a remarkable person.

A curate, later parish priest, he became ‘The Monsignor’. He was known to some people as Monsignor Travers, Father Travers, Monsignor Charles, Charlie even…and to a great many people as simply ‘The Monsignor’.

‘The Monsignor’. It was said with warmth and affection – ‘The Monsignor’ – because, in the context of our parish, our town, our county, our community, our monsignor, it was a byword for the best of values and the best of qualities.

The Monsignor. Those two words, uttered at any time within 10 or maybe even 20 miles of Roscommon Parish, immediately brought to mind one man – and all that man stood for.

Life is full of ups and downs, of joys and sorrows, and Monsignor Charles Travers navigated that uncertain journey with thousands of parishioners with an empathy, compassion and kindness that was applied in just the right way at just the right time.

In many ways the Monsignor became a custodian of our community, a Church leader of course, and also a wise and kind presence in everyday life.

A man of exceptional humility and selflessness, he gave of his time with great generosity.

That he seemed not to realise just how special he was was in itself one of the personality characteristics that marked him out.

Monsignor Charles Travers, RIP

As the imprint of his great pastoral work grew over the decades, one could only admire – and be grateful for – the enormity of his deeds. He got things done, quietly, with a smile…his actions marked by courtesy and humanity, and that distinctive unassuming manner we came to know so well. His gentle persuasiveness worked wonders as he helped thread together important parish initiatives and drive and support positive community causes.

In times of need we looked to him for support; usually he was already there. His easy-going nature was underpinned by that endearing humility and total lack of ego.

For so many years he always seemed to be

present for all Church occasions, large and small. Monsignor Travers celebrated thousands of ceremonies for thousands of local families…baptisms, communions, confirmations, weddings and funerals. He shared our joys and sorrows.

He also visited people in their homes and in hospital, engaging with young and old everywhere he went (including on pilgrimages abroad).

To watch him in a room – for example at a launch in one of the local hotels – could be fascinating. This gentlest of men would chat to everyone, always in that familiar and inspirational way…a mixture of serenity, holiness

“

Life is full of ups and downs, of joys and sorrows, and Monsignor Charles Travers navigated that uncertain journey with thousands of parishioners with an empathy, compassion and kindness

Outpouring of tributes as Monsignor Travers laid to rest < DAN DOONER

There has been an outpouring of warm tributes to the late Monsignor Charles Travers (94), who was laid to rest following funeral Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Tuesday afternoon.

‘The Monsignor’ as he was affectionately known, passed away on Saturday morning following a short illness.

A native of Ardeash, Croghan, Monsignor Travers gave almost 70 years’ service as a priest in the Diocese of Elphin. He was appointed parish priest of Roscommon in 1987 and greatly contributed to the local community through his pastoral work and as a member of a number of voluntary groups.

Born in 1927, he was one of five sons

of Owen and Rita Travers and was educated at the College of the Immaculate Conception, Summerhill, Co. Sligo.

Following his Leaving Certificate, he became a seminarian for the Elphin Diocese and attended St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth before being ordained in 1952.

Fr. Travers spent the first ten years of his priesthood in London, initially in the Archdiocese of Southwark and then in the Archdiocese of Westminster.

Returning to Roscommon, Fr. Travers served as curate in Kiltoom and Ballinafad before being sent to the Corpus Christi Catechetical Institute in London, where he completed a Diploma in Religious Education.

He returned to Ireland in 1969 to take up the role of Diocesan Examiner for

Religious Education before serving as Administrator of the Cathedral Parish in Sligo from 1975 to 1987.

He was named a ‘Prelate of Honour’ (Monsignor) in 1985 and went on the serve as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Roscommon town and Vicar General of the Diocese from 1987 until his retirement in 2002, having reached the canonical age of 75.

Paying tribute to Monsignor Travers this week, Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran said that while “his physical strength began to fail him in recent years, he lost nothing of his desire to serve or of his interest in what was going on in the world around him”.

“For Charlie, retirement was not about giving up his priesthood. On the contrary, it meant that, having been freed of the burden of administration, he had

more time to devote to the pastoral care of people. He continued to serve as curate in the parish of Roscommon until 2016. His final appointment was as Chaplain to the Sisters of Mercy in Roscommon, a role which he exercised faithfully up to the time of his death in January 2022”.

Bishop Doran extended his sympathies to Monsignor Travers’ nephews and nieces, to his fellow priests and to his many friends and former parishioners.

Local schools took to social media to pay warm tributes to Monsignor Travers this week.

CBS Roscommon said the school community was saddened to hear of the passing of Monsignor Travers, “a true friend and spiritual leader” who inspired the school community with

his “wisdom, kindness, devotion and gentle nature”.

Convent of Mercy in Roscommon town described the Monsignor as a “wonderful friend, confidante and spiritual guide” to staff and students whose door “was always open to those in need”.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy, who served with Monsignor Travers on a number of voluntary groups, said: “Monsignor Travers was a man who was way ahead of his time. He always advocated for youth and for fairness in education. He consistently worked to ensure that no young person would be inhibited from receiving a proper education”.

Monsignor Travers was laid to rest in Sacred Heart Church grounds following funeral Mass there on Tuesday.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

Lough Funshinagh flood relief hearing to take place after Easter < DAN DOONER

The High Court action taken by Friends of the Irish Environment concerning flood relief works at Lough Funshinagh will not be heard until the courts resume following the Easter holidays following a decision on Friday last.

Mr. Justice Garret Simons also continued the temporary prohibition on any works taking place until the matter returned before the court on January 28th.

Last month, FIE secured permission to bring judicial review proceedings setting aside Roscommon County Council’s decision in October approving the emergency flood relief scheme.

Reacting to the High Court ruling on Friday last, Roscommon County

Council issued the following statement: “Friends of the Irish Environment asked the High Court to make an order continuing a prohibition on flood relief work at Lough Funshinagh, whilst awaiting the outcome of their pending legal challenge. The argument did not conclude.

“The Court adjourned to January 28th to allow lawyers representing the State to make submissions, and to allow the parties address the court on a relevant judgment that was delivered earlier today (Friday).

“The High Court also prescribed a timetable for the legal challenge, which would see the main case ready for hearing in May 2022. The interim stay on construction works remains in place until January 28th”.

Local councillor Laurence Fallon described the decision as a “further

delay and more disappointment” for residents living close to Lough Funshinagh.

“This is very disappointing and a further delay for residents and landowners around Lough Funshinagh.

I can only hope that progress can be made (later this month) because we have had probably the driest autumn in many years and the lake is only 400 millimetres lower than last year.

If we had a normal winter then we would be in real trouble,” he said.

“The lough is still at an extremely high level and still a major worry for those who are in danger of having their homes and land flooded.

It’s disappointing and annoying that efforts to protect homeowners have been overruled and that there seems to be a lack of real concern for families in the area”.

Calls for investigation into alleged unauthorised development < DAN DOONER Monsignor Charles Travers, RIP

‘A very special man’ < SEAMUS DUKE

There has been a huge sense of loss and sadness in the Roscommon Town area and throughout the county at news of the death at the weekend of Monsignor Charles Travers. A native of Croghan, Co. Roscommon, ‘The Monsignor’ as he was affectionately known, made a massive contribution to life in the local community from the time he was appointed parish priest here in 1987.

Monsignor Travers was first and foremost a very holy man. He had a genuine interest in people, a characteristic which made him a very special person. When you chatted to him, regardless of whether it was when he was out for a walk, at a wedding, a meeting, or some other function or event, he always took the time to

enquire about how you were getting on, how your family was, and what they were doing. He was genuinely interested. And he always had such a pleasant and happy disposition whenever you met him.

In his work as parish priest and then as a chaplain in the parish, Monsignor Travers had the ability to always say the right thing, to come up with the right words for the occasion. Whether it was a desperately sad funeral, the joy of a wedding, or a time of national disaster, he was always able to provide a few well chosen sentences. Empathy was one of his greatest qualities.

It was a pleasure to have known Monsignor Travers, and in the Roscommon area we were lucky to have had him among us for so long. The people of Roscommon have lost a very special man with his passing. Sincere sympathy to his family. May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace.

Local councillors have called for an investigation into works that have been described as “carrying all the hallmarks of an unauthorised development” in the south of the county.

Addressing an online meeting of the Athlone Municipal District this week, Cllr. Donal Kilduff said he had received a number of calls from local people concerned at “what appeared to be an unauthorised development”.

The Independent councillor said any such development would “further exacerbate the situation on the N61”, which he said had already exceeded its traffic capacity.

Cllr. Laurence Fallon said that there were stringent guidelines in place for people carrying out construction in the county and that these rules must be applied fairly across the board.

Cllr. John Keogh said the planning enforcement section of the local authority must exercise the

“full power of the law” in such cases, while Cllr. Tony Ward said that he had also received a number of phone calls in relation to the alleged development, and he had “full confidence in the Council’s planning enforcement section to do its job”.

Addressing members’ concerns, area coordinator, Paul Browne, confirmed that any such development would be investigated by the local authority.

Ayman Amouneh from the Syrian-Arab Republic, Jordan Hall from Dunfanaghy in Co. Donegal, Ethan McCluskey from Meath, and Juliette Liddy Hill from Roscommon, pictured after graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering from the Department of Aerospace, Mechanical and Electronic Engineering at the Institute of Technology Carlow’s recent conferring ceremony. Pic: Mary Browne

Green light for long-awaited Kilbegley graveyard extension < DAN DOONER

The late Monsignor Charles Travers pictured at St Coman’s Wood primary school in Roscommon a few years ago (also pictured, left to right: Fr. John Cullen, Bishop Kevin Doran, Una Feeley (Principal) and Deputy Denis Naughten).

The decision to proceed with a long-awaited extension to Kilbegley graveyard in south Roscommon was welcomed by members at a meeting of the Athlone Municipal District on Tuesday morning.

The extension will see the addition of 188 new grave spaces at the cemetery which serves the Moore and Creagh areas of the county. The extension will also include construction of a new boundary wall and footpath access.

Speaking following Tuesday’s meeting, Fine Gael councillor John Naughten said the extension was

something the community had been seeking for a “long number of years”.

“Both Roscommon County Council and the graveyard committee have been involved in securing this extension and I would like to thank the landowner who facilitated this by making the land available for the extension,” he said.

“I would like to thank the committee and the landowner for their patience and also my fellow councillors, in particular Cllr. John Keogh, for their support in progressing this issue as well as the staff of Roscommon County Council for the time put into the extension,” Cllr. Naughten concluded.

The news was widely welcomed by members of the Athlone Municipal District with Cllr. Keogh praising Cllr. Naughten for the “Trojan amount of work” he had put into the project.

Former County Manager Frank Dawson and former councillor Paddy Kilduff were also acknowledged for their efforts over the years to obtain an extension.

Cllr. Laurence Fallon said it was “a measure of how councillors work together to get something done” before cautioning that a number of other local graveyards faced similar issues around grave spaces in the years ahead.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

NewsPeople

#NotAllMen? How discussion on women’s safety gets derailed Let’s talk about ... #NotAllMen (A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy The weight of the tragedy of Ashling Murphy’s murder in Tullamore on Wednesday of last week has been felt across the nation, and in the days since, an outpouring of condolences and sympathy has been expressed towards those who knew her in recognition of the unimaginable grief they must be dealing with. The loss of a loved one is an incredibly difficult thing to go through in any circumstances, and like the rest of the country, my thoughts are with her family and friends.

The tragedy has shone a light on the realities of femicide in Ireland and the disproportionate dangers women are facing in their day-to-day lives. Despite increased awareness around women’s issues and the progress that we have seen in more recent years, women’s safety and their freedom to go about their daily lives without harassment/assault remains far from assured.

Given the circumstances of last week’s tragedy, a lot of discussion has been generated across the country around these issues of femicide and women’s safety. However, while topics such as these deserve to be given due focus, and while open discussion is key to raising awareness and instigating change, it seems that a lot of these conversations are getting derailed straight out of the gate.

For instance, there’s the phrase that somehow never seems to escape discussions on women’s safety – ‘not all men’. The expression is a rebuttal directed towards generalised statements about the dangers affecting women, emphasising that ‘not all men’ commit violent crimes or harass women, that it is only ‘the bad few’.

The problem, of course, is that no one is arguing with any sincerity that every single man harasses or assaults women. Yet, the distinction is always brought up – as soon as the topic of women’s safety is raised, we are urged to remember that ‘not all men’ hurt women. We are urged to pause our grieving, anger, and fear, to clarify what is already obvious to everyone. All that sentiments like ‘not all men’ achieve in doing is distracting from the important issue at hand, and it is incredibly worrying to see

A candlelit vigil took place in Roscommon town on Friday last to remember Ashling Murphy, the young primary school teacher who was brutally murdered in Tullamore on Wednesday, January 12th.

how often the immediate response to women being in danger is for people to become defensive of men. At its core, the expression ‘not all men’ reveals a clear prioritisation of men’s reputation – the need to be deemed ‘one of the good ones’ – over the lives and safety of women.

Outside of ‘not all men’s habit of stealing focus away from important issues, one of the most disheartening implications of the phrase is the presumption that there are two groups of men – the good ones and the bad ones – and that the person repeating the phrase lies firmly in the ‘good ones’ category. The idea is: “It’s unfair to generalise men as bad, because not all men are bad… including me”. However, that presumption – that you play no part in the imbalance because you don’t actively hurt women – is a dangerous and naïve one.

Like many others, Irish society is one with deep patriarchal roots.

Many of the things that define us as a country have historically excluded women (such as sport, the Church, rural living, pub culture

“

The idea is: “It’s unfair to generalise men as bad, because not all men are bad… including me”. However, that presumption – that you play no part in the imbalance because you don’t actively hurt women – is a dangerous and naïve one.

Tommy Morris and Mairead Lohan from Roscommon Community College whose project ‘An investigation into improving the recovery process of adolescents when moving from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system’ featured at the 58th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition which took place virtually from 12th to 14th January. Tommy and Mairead were Highly Commended in the Social and Behavioural Sciences Category.

etc), and the impact of this perseveres today. Despite progress, men remain the default and women are accommodated.

The issue is that these problems don’t go away easily – they require critical discussion and individual introspection in order to be dealt with effectively. Casual instances of sexism all feed into the larger problem, and people need to be critical of the impact their daily actions have, down to every ‘harmless’ joke. If you presume you’re one of the ‘good ones’, you won’t be willing to do better. You won’t genuinely listen to people’s lived experiences and face the truth of how you feed into the problem, and nothing will change.

On paper, we are a progressive country continually striving to treat all our people better, but in everyday Irish society, men are actively protected and everyone else is not. No, not all men commit violent crimes against women, but yes, all men benefit from the same deeply embedded patriarchy that harms these women.

All that women are asking for is to have their lived experiences listened to. It is incredibly upsetting to have these issues affect your daily life, and to never feel they’re being addressed properly, never with enough seriousness, enough attention, enough nuance. It is heartbreaking to know that people only begin to pay attention to women’s experiences when a tragedy occurs.

No woman is unfamiliar with the feeling of being fearful of her own safety, even more so when a tragedy like this occurs.

It’s important that their voices and their experiences are magnified during times like this, that we take the time to listen to women and trust in what they’re saying. It’s important not to let these conversations get derailed, because the space to have them doesn’t come by often.

Lanesboro Community College students, Paul Lee and Edgars Veinbergs, took part in the BT Young Scientist Exhibition last week with projects examining glues from the past and the use of physics to make video games more entertaining. Pictured at Lanesboro Community College were Michael Lyons (Deputy Principal), Hazel Hannon (Principal), Edgars Veinbergs and Paul Lee, and science teacher Fechin Heery.

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

GOLDEN GOAL…how St Faithleach’s made history!

4-page pictorial souvenir pull-out

Inset: Mikey Cox celebrates his winning goal. Mikey Cox rises to fist the ball to the back of the Naomh Anna net to win the AIB Connacht IFC title for St. Faithleach’s at Pearse Stadium. Pic: Mick McCormack

St. Faithleach’s players wheel away in celebration following Mikey Cox’s last-gasp goal in last Saturday’s AIB Connacht IFC Final at Pearse Stadium. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

Glory for St Faithleach’s

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

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St. Faithleach’s players, management and supporters pictured following their AIB Connacht IFC Final win over Naomh Anna at Pearse Stadium on Saturday last. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

Business

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Roscommon store opens as part of Petmania’s northwest expansion Petmania has opened a new superstore at the Centre Point Retail Park in Roscommon town as part of a major three-year northwest expansion programme launched in 2020.

As part of the expansion, the Irish owned pet-retailer has created 30 new jobs in the northwest, bringing the total number employed by the company to over 200.

Westport native Liam Laffey has filled the position of store manager with Ollie Quinn employed as assistant manager of the Roscommon Branch.

Further jobs will be creted for pet-care advisors, full-time professional dog groomers and wash and dry assistants.

Emily Miller of Petmania said: “We are delighted to expand our Petmania family across the

northwest with the opening of our Roscommon store. We are passionate about animal welfare and pet care.

“Our skilled team is excited to help all pet parents in Roscommon keep their animals safe and well with excellent advice, the best nutritional supplies and petcare accessories. Petmania is committed to setting exemplary standards in the pet retail sector.

We look forward to being part of an active pet lover’s community in Roscommon”.

The new Petmania store will be open seven days a week and features weight check facilities, specialist pet food and nutritional supplies plus accessories, bedding, safety equipment and much more. A state-of-the-art dog-grooming studio will open in mid-February.

Aldi set to create 16 new jobs in Roscommon and neighbouring counties Aldi has announced it is creating up to 16 new jobs in Counties Roscommon, Longford, Leitrim and Sligo in 2022. This follows the announcement that the retailer is seeking to recruit and train 600 new store employees throughout 2022, to support its ongoing growth and expansion in Ireland.

Aldi will increase its hourly pay rates for store colleagues from February 1st, maintaining its position as Ireland’s best paying supermarket. Store assistants will earn up to a market leading €14.90 an hour, while its entry rate of pay will be €12.90 an hour, matching the Living Wage Technical Group’s recommended living wage rate.

Employment opportunities are available at store assistant, assistant store manager and Store Manager levels across the country.

All new recruits will receive full training from experienced store teams.

Aldi currently employs more than 4,650 people across its 149 Irish stores.

Niall O’Connor, Aldi Group Managing Director said: “We are delighted to create 16 new roles to join the store teams in Counties Longford, Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo.

“Our store teams are dynamic and fast-paced, offering plenty of exciting new challenges every day. There’s something for everyone, from new starters looking to take their first step on the job ladder to more experienced team leaders seeking a new challenge.

“Our amazing colleagues are central to everything we do at Aldi and remain one of the key factors in our success, and we’re looking forward to hiring new members for our team to provide an even better in-store experience for our customers”.

Westport native Liam Laffey has filled the position of store manager at the new Petmania store in Roscommon.

Over 23,000 Roscommon homes may be underinsured by up to 30%

Half of the 23,962 homes in County Roscommon may be substantially underinsured, according to figures released this week by online broker, Insuremyhouse.ie.

The firm claims that an internal review of “thousands of customer renewals” indicated that over 23,000 of the county’s

homes could now be underinsured “by anywhere from 10 per cent to 30 per cent” due to an increase in building costs not reflected in the rebuild cost covered by insurance.

With rebuilding costs having increased by an average of 21 per cent since 2016, the broker has called on homeowners

in Roscommon to check their policies to ensure an accurate rebuild cost has been submitted.

Commenting, Jonathan Hehir, MD of Insuremyhouse.ie said: “At renewal time, homeowners in Roscommon should use the opportunity to reassess not only the cost of their premium, but also the details of what they

are covered for - including the rebuild cost of their home.

“However, many will openly admit that they haven’t considered this in the recent past and so the sum insured has not changed, meaning that these people are underinsured and so hugely financially exposed in the event of a claim”.

Advantio creates 40 new jobs in Sligo Cybersecurity provider, Advantio, is set to create 40 new jobs in Sligo with the establishment of new headquarters in the county over the next three years.

Established in 2009, Advantio is privately owned and one of Europe’s leading cybersecurity firms. It will be recruiting for full-time roles across a range of functions including Product Management, Security Consulting, Project Management, and Human Resources.

Local Minister of State Frank Feighan welcomed the news this week.

“I was delighted to learn of the 40 new jobs for Sligo from my colleague, Tánaiste and party leader Leo Varadkar TD,” he said.

“This is another vote of confidence in Sligo as a regional growth centre and an attractive city to locate.

“It is worth noting that this is an IDA supported company which has the confidence to locate here based on getting the right qualified employees based here in the north west region.

“I believe that we have a great quality of life with good schools including sport and leisure infrastructure which I am sure is one of the main reasons that Advantio chose Sligo to establish their headquarters in Ireland,” concluded Minister of State Feighan.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY 20TH JANUARY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS, INCLUDING CLEARANCE SALE OF 10 SPRINGING COWS, ONE COW WITH CALF AT FOOT. 3 AA BULLOCKS, 2 AA HEIFERS, 8 BULL WEANLINGS AND 3 AA HEIFER WEANLINGS. GENUINE STOCK THURSDAY JANUARY 27TH

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS, INCLUDING SALE OF 3 LIM COWS WITH LIM CALVES AT FOOT AND 17 SPRINGING COWS DUE MARCH ONWARDS TO PB LIM BULL.

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

Castlerea MART WATCH Over 300 animals presented for sale at our first sale of 2022 and trade has started very brightly with excellent demand on offer for all categories of stock.

In the heifer ring, quality store heifers were in strong demand with the top breeding heifers peaking at €2020 or €2.94 a kilo while the heavier lots made up to €1,890. The bullock ring had a similar tone with a fine trade on offer.

The weanling ring saw a top price of €1,530 paid for a BB bull weanling or €3.77 a kilo while the heifer weanlings saw €880 reached for a 215kgs or €4.09 a kilo.

The cow trade remains similar to pre-Christmas with an excellent clearance taking place while the first batch of calves for 2022 witnessed an excellent clearance. There were 20 calves on offer with prices ranging from €110 to €260 per head with a full clearance taking place. Runners ranged in price from €350 to €700. Springer cows made from €1,240 to €1,490 per head.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 20th) with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for bullocks: AA 485kgs €1250, AAX 510kgs €1290, Lm 550kgs €1390, AA 625kgs €1730, Hex 525kgs €1240, Ch 540kgs €1140, Lm 475kgs €1170, Fr 515kgs €1000.

Heifers: AAx 390kgs €990, Lmx 460kgs €1300, Lm 480kgs €1250, Sim 430kgs €1120, Lm 685kgs €2020, Ch 715kgs €1890, Ch 665kgs €1770, Ch 635kgs €1650.

Dry cows: Lm 785kgs €1750, Lm 765kgs €1730, Lm 730kgs €1690, Lm 730kgs €1620, Fr 600kgs €950, AA 620kgs €1110, Fr 655kg €1180, Hex 600kgs €1060.

Weanling bulls: Lm 295kgs €940, Ch 280kgs €820, Lm 265kgs €800, BBX 405kgs €1530, Lm 380kgs €1040, AA 260kgs €760, AA 225kgs €620, Ch 270kgs €740.

Weanling heifers: Ch 280kgs €890, Lm 215kgs €880, Ch 220kgs €700, Lm 365kgs €1020, Ch 305kg €850, Ch 315kgs €900, Lm 275kgs €800.

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

Teagasc: Get the most from your slurry in 2022 < BY CONOR DOWLING, TEAGASC DRYSTOCK ADVISOR, CASTLEREA

With fertilizer, prices at all-time highs cattle slurry will be a key resource on farm to reduce the impact of high N, P and K prices.

Retaining more slurry N results a larger proportion of N from slurry to grow grass in the early part of the year. This will provide opportunities to reduce chemical fertilizer N inputs in 2022.

The use of LESS (trailing shoe / band spreader) is one of the key technologies available to meet our national ammonia-gas reduction target between now and 2030.

Step 1: Know the value of slurry N, P K & S We now must look at cattle slurry the same as bag fertilizer and focus on utilising all the major nutrients as efficiently as possible. Low emission slurry spreading techniques helps supply a larger proportion of the crops total N requirements than ever before. This change delivers a double dividend in that it helps to reduce agricultural

emissions and our overall farm fertilizer bill annually. The first step to utilising the nutrients in slurry is to know how much N, P & K is in each 1,000 gallons of slurry.

On farms where dirty water/parlour washings are entering the slurry tank a more dilute slurry is available.

Typical cattle slurry has a dry matter (DM) of 6 per cent. More dilute slurry (2-4 per cent) will have reduced N, P and K values which may result in the under fertilization of crops such as grass or maize silage if the slurry is assumed to have more typical nutrient content.

These crops should receive a large proportion of their N, P and K in the form of slurry in 2022.

Take slurry DM into account and make adjustments to application rates to ensure sufficient nutrients are applied to meet crop requirements during the growing season.

The DM percentage of slurry can be measured on farm with a slurry hydrometer or alternatively by sending a sample of

LESS allows for improved flexibility with slurry applications as a result of reduced contamination of herbage leading to quicker return to grazing.

agitated slurry for nutrient analysis to a laboratory (N, P, K & DM%).

Step 2: Timing of slurry applications The second step to increasing slurry N efficiency is optimizing the timing of slurry applications. Spring applications of cattle slurry typically have higher recovery of N, by up to 50 per cent, compared to summer applications. Weather conditions in springtime will be more favorable to improving the recovery of N from the slurry.

For example, during cool (< 13C), damp, overcast days, N loss through ammonia emissions are lowest.

Step 3: Using the right equipment Spring applications using LESS further increases N availability by 65 per cent compared to summer applications. For example, where a grass silage crop receives 33m/ha (3,000 gallons/ac) in springtime, this will supply 33 kg/ha N (~25 to 30 per cent of the crops N requirement).

However, when applied in summertime it will only supply 20 kg/ha.

Other benefits of LESS include: Improved flexibility with applications as a result of reduced contamination of herbage leading to quicker return

to grazing; Opportunity to apply slurry into larger grass covers which creates a wider window for application in better soil conditions particularly in spring; More even application of slurry across the spread width; Smells released during and after application are reduced.

Teagasc provides a local advisory and education service to farmers.

They have offices based in Roscommon town (0906626166), Castlerea (0949620160), and Longford town (043-3341021). You can find Teagasc on social media. Email: RoscommonLongfordAdvisory@ teagasc.ie

Roscommon farmers invited to share their views about the future of farming Ifac, the farming, food and agribusiness professional services firm, is encouraging Roscommon farmers to complete its farm survey and have their say about what’s important to them, their families and their farm businesses.

The online survey takes approximately four minutes to complete and closes on January 28th. Additionally, all participants who complete ifac’s survey will be entered into a draw for a €500 One4All voucher.

The findings of ifac’s nationwide survey will be published in its Irish Farm Report 2022. It is one of the most comprehensive farm surveys undertaken in the State.

The report will combine the results of this comprehensive farmer

survey (1,700 farmers across the country participated in 2021) with emerging trends across all sectors.

Tommie Fallon, partner at ifac’s Roscommon office said: “Our annual Farm Survey uncovers invaluable insights about farming in Ireland today. The findings help our clients to make wellinformed and positive financial decisions, and they inform our business strategy and the products and services our financial experts offer all our Roscommon clients to support their business goals, from budgeting and succession planning to structure reviews and looking after their farm team.

“Last year’s Irish Farm Report (2021), containing our survey findings, highlighted the accelera-

tion of technology usage across the farming community, prompted by the global pandemic. It also confirmed the sustained lack of succession planning for the third year in a row and revealed the true impact of the pandemic on farmer wellbeing across the country. It also provided evidence of the positivity and resilience still in Irish farming.

“We repeat our survey each year to ensure we can continue to support and meet the evolving needs of our farming clients, and help them with planning to enhance their profitability and secure their futures. Participants can take ifac’s online survey at www. surveymonkey.com/r/farmsurvey22”.

Bord Bia promotional campaign welcomed

IFA President Tim Cullinan has welcomed a new promotional campaign for pig meat running on TV, social media and other channels.

“We met Bord Bia recently to discuss the crisis in the sector. 50 per cent of our pig meat is consumed on the home market, so it’s important that our product is promoted and that Irish consumers support Irish pig farmers at this challenging time,” he said.

“It’s vital that consumers look for the Bord Bia QA mark to ensure that the pig meat products they are buying are Irish”.

Speaking after the meeting, IFA Pigs Chairman Roy Gallie said he was concerned that food service outlets were not using Irish pig meat.

“As regards food service, it’s vital that our hotels, restaurants and canteens insist on Irish pig meat from their suppliers,” he said.

“IFA has a DNA testing system in place and we can verify if any piece of meat comes from the Irish pig herd. We are actively taking samples all over the country and we will call out any food service outlet which is not using Irish pig meat”.

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651 Lowest price GUARANTEED Daily collection

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

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

IFA President Tim Cullinan.

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

27

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

FarmingPeople

Minister must welcome all new applicants to Sheep Welfare Scheme – Fitzmaurice As the sixth year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme was announced this week, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has called for all new applicants to be welcomed to join.

Currently, the Department of Agriculture considers a new entrant to be a person ‘who has acquired a herd in the past year in their name or who has been added in the last year’.

A person who has not farmed breeding ewes in the last two years in their

herd number is also considered eligible to be considered a new entrant.

Speaking on the matter, Fitzmaurice said: “Over the past few years, the budget outlined for the Sheep Welfare Scheme has not been fully allocated.

But yet farmers wishing to partake in the sixth year of the scheme are being turned away.

“I have been contacted by a number of farmers in the past week who have been told they do not qualify

as they are not considered new entrants.

“Given that this is the final year of the scheme as it stands, due to the introduction of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), I am calling on the Minister to relax the rules and allow all applicants to benefit from the scheme once they adhere to the measures.

“The decision to amend the reference year for existing participants is a welcome development, al-

lowing farmers to choose the higher option between the existing reference year or their 2017 sheep census return.

“Given that the deadline for applications to the sixth year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme closes on February 1st, I hope that Minister McConalogue will move swiftly in order to allow all applicants have an equal chance of availing of the benefits of the scheme,” Deputy Fitzmaurice concluded.

Affected Roscommon farmers urged to consider Brexit Impact Loan Scheme The Chairperson of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association’s Farm Business Committee has urged Roscommon farmers to apply for the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme amid rising costs this year.

Shane O’Loughlin has said that with a current interest rate of less than three per cent, the cost of finance is highly competitive.

“The scheme terms and conditions state that the

funding can be used for the working capital or farm investment. The terms available vary between one and six years with unsecured loans up to €500,000 available and up to €1.5 million secured,” he said.

“In addition, the scheme allows the refinancing of existing debt subject to that being a maximum of 30 per cent of the new loan amount. Given the interest rates currently available to

farmers and the cripplingly high cost of inputs at the start of 2022, low cost finance is essential for farmers and with a rate of less than 3 per cent, the Brexit Impact Loan scheme is an attractive option.

“ICMSA thinks farmers should consider it if they require finance and the refinancing element is also attractive as a cost saving measure,” Mr. O’Loughlin concluded.

Irish MEPs must defend live animal transport - IFA IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden has said the recommendations from the ANIT Committee in the European Parliament for live animal transport has the potential to severely impact the competitive trade in this country.

Mr. Golden said this approach is not acceptable and must be rejected by our MEPs when voted on in the full parliament.

He said the unique island status of Ireland must also be recognised in any proposals in order to ensure Irish farmers continue to have unfettered access to the single market.

“Irish farmers support and implement the highest welfare standards in the world and this includes the strictly controlled transport of animals. Seeking to change the rules because other countries fail to implement them is not acceptable,” he said.

“These proposals could be voted on next week. Our MEPs must ensure they are rejected and that the original compromise amendments are tabled and supported”.

Mr. Golden added that IFA is directly involved at EU level through Copa and with farm organisations from other member

states in having these unnecessary recommendations rejected.

“These recommendations serve to remove competition from the sale of animals and create the potential for welfare issues by prohibiting transport of unweaned animals under 35 days of age and transport for unweaned calves over 35 days to a maximum of two hours,” he said.

The Livestock Chairman said the recommendation to prohibit the transport of in-calf animals within the last third of gestation will effectively change the landscape for farmers and marts in the

sales of breeding females.

“Farmers have taken huge strides in raising the genetic profile of the breeding herd, providing efficiencies that will contribute to meeting our climate targets,” he said.

“A critical component in raising the genetic merit of our breeding herds for farmers is the purchase of higher index replacement heifers. Suckler farmers in particular seek out the very best heifers in specialist sales of in calf heifers, these proposals will prohibit the sale of animals within three months of calving”.

Roscommon MART WATCH There was a small entry at our opening sale of weanlings held on Tuesday, January 18th. Prices were firm for both weanling bulls and heifers. Weanling bulls fetched from an average of €2.41 per kilo up to €2.89 per kilo, and weanling heifers made from an average of €2.63 per kilo up to €3.09 per kilo. Customers were active both online and at the ringside. Springer heifers made from €1,000 up to €1,700, and cows with calves at foot made from €1,800 up to €2,100.

There will be no weanling sale on Tuesday next, January 25th. A special sale of weanlings and general sale of suckler cows takes place on Tuesday, Feburary 1st at 4 pm. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm today (Thursday 27th).

There were smaller numbers on offer at our second sale of the New Year on Wednesday, January 19th, with an easier trade. Hoggets made up to €152, stag ewes fetched up to €169, and ewes and lambs made up to €330 for two ewes

with four lambs at foot. All lots were sold, with the exception of one stag ewe.

Cast ewes made from €54 to €169 per lot, ewes with single lambs at foot made from €175 to €275, and ewes with two lambs at foot made up to €330.

Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. Our next sheep sale for lambs and cast ewes is on Wednesday, January 26th, at 11 am. The yard open at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am. The sale can be viewed

(Proudly serving farmers for over 62 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

New Year Special Sale of Heifers Friday, January 21st at 11 a.m.

16 pens on offer Also Bullocks & Dry Cows ----------------------

End of the Month Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, January 28th at 11 a.m.

Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, January 24th ----------------------

Friday, February 4th at 4 p.m.

Special Spring Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, January 31st ----------------------

Tuesday, February 1st at 4 p.m.

Special Spring Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler/Springer Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 27th

live on livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for weanling heifers: Char X 375kgs €1100 - €2.93 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €940 - €3.03 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €940 - €3.03 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €900 - €2.81 per kilo, 2 Char X 340kgs €880 - €2.58 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €850 - €2.74 per kilo, Char X 300kgs €800 €2.66 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Lim 375kgs €1050 - €2.80 per kilo, Lim 400kgs €1050 - €2.62 per kilo, Lim X 395kgs €980 - €2.48 per

kilo, Simm X 395kgs €960 - €2.43 per kilo, 2 BBX 290kgs €750 - €2.58 per kilo, BBX 245kgs €700 - €2.85 per kilo, Char X 290kgs €840 - €2.89 per kilo, Lim X 315kgs €850 - €2.69 per kilo, AAX 320kgs €910 – €2.84 per kilo.

Finished hoggets: 53kgs €152, 51.20kgs €150,49.30kgs €148, 48.50kgs €140, 47.90kgs €144, 51.70kgs €150.

Store hoggets: 37.50kgs €100, 37.60kgs €104, 40kgs €115.

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

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

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

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28

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

PropertyPeople

NewsPeople

ROSCOMMON & GALWAY

THIS WEEK...

On The Political Beat This week, local public representatives discuss a unified approach to end gender-based violence, hybrid Leaving Certificate exams, legislation to tackle the housing crisis, and the impact of Local Enterprise Offices on job creation…

Calls for unified approach to tackle gender-based violence

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has this week called for a unified approach to addressing the “scourge of gender-based violence” following the murder of Tullamore teacher Ashling Murphy.

“I believe that it is most important for the community to come together and support each other and the Gardaí in their work,” he said.

“In the broader context, we also need to look at how our society can confront domestic, sexual, gender-based violence.

“I believe that fear of harassment and violence should never be normalised and no one should have to be thinking about its occurrence as they go about their daily life”.

The Fianna Fáil Senator said there is “work underway” under the guidance of Justice Minister Helen McEntee and that her Department would be seeking public feedback in the coming weeks for a new plan targeting domestic, sexual and gender-based crime, which he described as “the most ambitious to date”.

current Leaving Certificate students showed that almost 70 per cent wished to avail of the hybrid exam system this year,” he said.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said that a number of teachers he had spoken to on the ground claim they hadn’t been consulted on the matter.

“I understand there is a concern that some of the students sitting the Leaving Certificate this year would have had their Junior Certificate exams in third year disrupted by Covid-19 also, making it difficult to determine calculated grades.

“But there are a significant number of students who completed transition year who would have their Junior Cert results from when they sat the exams in the summer of 2019.

“These students would have also sat regular exams, alongside mocks and other class tests – which should mean that there is sufficient work and results on file to make calculated grades a real possibility”.

SF’s plans to reform derelict site rules

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has urged the Government to back legislation aimed at tackling the housing crisis by addressing the failure to collect Derelict Site Levies.

Speaking at the launch of her party’s legislation on Thursday last, Deputy Kerrane said: “Right across this State, there are thousands of potential homes falling further and further into disrepair.

“The Derelict Sites Levy was introduced as one of a number of tools available to local authorities to tackle dereliction. This has failed and it is time for the Minister, the Government and local authorities to be held to account for this failure.

“Sinn Féin’s legislation would impose transparency and accountability across local and national government where there are failures to collect the Derelict Sites Levy”.

Deputy Kerrane said the legislation would create a requirement for local authorities that collect less than 75 per cent of levies to publish a report outlining reasons why they failed to do so.

“We are talking about over €12 million in untapped potential revenue…Every derelict property in this State is an insult to those trapped in the housing crisis,” she said.

‘LEO support helped create 208 new jobs’

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice

Fitz wants ‘hybrid’ Leaving Certificate

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has echoed recent calls for a hybrid exam system for this year’s Leaving Certificate students.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said he recently visited St. Cuan’s College in Castleblakeney, where students held a demonstration to showcase their frustration with the Department of Education over plans to forego predicted grades this year.

“The recent results of a national survey of

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan has welcomed recent figures which show that 208 new jobs were created last year by 167 small businesses in receipt of Local Enterprise Office support in County Roscommon.

Reacting to the results for 2021, which were announced by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Senator Dolan said LEOs were the first port of call for many local companies.

“Businesses are growing in our region, they are ambitious and winning new markets. 208 new jobs were created last year in Roscommon with a net gain of 104 jobs by LEOsupported clients across the county last year,” she said.

“During a tough year for small businesses, this is hugely positive news for Roscommon and highlights the ambition, determination and hard work of business owners and employees across the county.

“A total of 940 people employed in small businesses across Roscommon benefited from LEO support over the past year”.

Built on Experience & Trust PSRA Licence No: 004430

NEW TO THE MARKET – FOR SALE Four Bed Residence

33 Forest View, Ballygar, Co. Galway F42 Y962

• Four Bed, three bath detached house • In the town of Ballygar with all amenities & schools within a short walk • Adjacent Aughrane Forest & c. 5 miles of forest walks • Newly painted & decorated. Turnkey property.

• Patio area & fully fenced garden to rear • On the bus route to Roscommon & Galway • Services include OFCH, mains water, mains sewerage

For further details and to arrange a viewing contact

Deirdre at Bradley Homes on 086 171 3417 or sales@bradleyhomes.ie www.bradleyhomes.ie

Built on experience and trust: Bradley Homes Roscommon and Galway present new property to the market New to the market with Bradley Homes is a four-bedroomed residence, located at 33 Forest View, Ballygar, Co Galway (F42 Y962). PSRA Licence No: 004430 This four-bedroomed, detached house with three bathrooms is located in the town of Ballygar, with all amenities and

schools within a short walking distance. The property is situated adjacent to Aughrane Forest, within circa five miles of forest walks, and is located on the bus route to Roscommon and Galway.

The house is newly panted and decorated, and is presented in ‘turn-key’ condition through-

out. There is a patio area and a fully fenced garden located towards the rear of this property.

Services include OFCH, mains water, mains sewerage For further details and to arrange a viewing, contact Deirdre at Bradley Homes on 086 1713417, email sales@bradleyhomes.ie, or visit bradleyhomes.ie.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

PropertyPeople Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 Email: teamearley@remax.ie Licence No. Web: www.teamearley.ie PSRA004420

NEW TO THE MARKET 5 BEDROOMED DETACHED RESIDENCE

SHEEPWALK, FRENCHPARK, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 HE48 AMV: €340,000 An excellent quality 5 bedroomed dormer style bungalow residence of approx 2,500 sq ft standing on a beautiful mature site area of approx 1.5 acres with immaculately maintained manicured lawns and landscaped to the highest standard The property is presented in excellent condition throughout and in turn-key condition.

Comprising briefly of Ground floor: an entrance hall, Sitting room, kitchen cum living room, dining room/ living room, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and utility room First floor: 3 bedrooms.

2 bathrooms and office Heated via oil fired central heating Viewings strictly by appointment only.

The Auctioneer now invites immediate viewings and all offers to sell

NEW TO THE MARKET 3 BEDROOMED DETACHED BUNGALOW RESIDENCE

KILLINORDAN, SCRAMOGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON OFFERS AFTER €200,000

WANTED WANTED WANTED LANDS FOR LEASE SHORT AND LONG TERM IN ALL AREAS FOR EXISTING AND NEW CLIENTS

This bungalow is presented in excellent condition and extends to approx 1,200 sq. ft.

Accommodation is comprised of the entrance hall, living room, kitchen/dining room, utility, sitting room, main bathroom and 3 bedrooms - master of which features an ensuite and built in wardrobes. Heated via oil fired central heating, a solid fuel stove with back boiler that heats all the radiators and a solid fuel feature fireplace. Double glazed windows are fitted throughout. The cavity walls are pumped with insulation and the attic is heavily insulated.. Externally the bungalow occupies an excellently maintained site of approx. 0.5 acres of mature lawn, shrubs, trees and 2 water features. There is a spacious garage to the side of house The auctioneer invites viewings and all offers to sell

WE OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL PRE-MARKET ANALYSIS OF ALL PROPERTIES TOGETHER WITH AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIRTUAL TOUR TECHNOLOGY IN ALL MARKETING.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No: 003201

NEW TO THE MARKET

Main Street, Roosky, Co. Roscommon N41 V9R3 Superb two storey residence located on a large private site within walking distance to all town amenities including shops, pubs, church schools etc. Finished to a high standard with large garage to side, this property comprises entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/ dining room, 4 large bedrooms all with built in wardrobes and family bathroom.

Overall, this is a much sought after mature residence in an unrivalled location for which the Auctioneers invites viewings and offers

Price Region: € 229,000 BER Rating: D1

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NEW TO THE MARKET

Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon F42 A400 Quality detached 4 bedroom residence located at the heart of the Heritage town of Strokestown and within walking distance to all town amenities including shops, schools, church etc.

Situated on a large private site with maintenance free rear paved yard, this house comprises entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, toilet and w.h.b. and downstairs bedroom. First floor, 3 large bedrooms all with fitted wardrobes, master ensuite and family bathroom.

Impressive four-bedroomed property for sale with Oates Auctioneers On the market with Oates Auctioneers is an impressive four-bedroomed residence, located at 3 The Fairways, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon (F42 X023).

This impressive property is finished to a very high standard, and is located in a mature residential area on the Golf Links Road, adjacent to Roscommon Golf Club. The spacious accommodation includes an entrance hallway,

sitting room, living room, kitchen/dining room, utility, four large bedrooms, and a family bathroom.

Overall, this is a quality residence overlooking a large green area and the auctioneer invites all viewings and offers. The price region for this property is €320,000, and the BER rating is D1.

For more information, contact Oates Auctioneers on 090-6627878, email info@oates.ie, or visit oates.ie.

Price Region: € 149,750 BER Rating: D2

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NEW TO THE MARKET

Ballinwully, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon F42 RH28 Charming 2 Storey countryside residence situated on a mature c. 0.54 acre site with excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

The residence, which is located between the towns of Roscommon, Lanesboro and Strokestown is in need of renovation and comprises entrance hallway, kitchen/ dining room, sitting room, utility and bathroom. First floor, 2 large bedrooms.

Benefits include traditional cut stone outhouse together with 2 bay hay shed, private water supply and solid fuel central heating.

Price Region: € 100,000 BER Rating: G

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NEW TO THE MARKET

The Widow Pat’s, Knockcroghery Village, Co. Roscommon F42 T220 Former public house presented for sale in excellent condition throughout and suitable for a variety of uses including pub/ restaurant/commercial/office or residential etc subject to planning permission.

Situated on a large site area with private garden to rear and ample parking space to the side.

Viewing strictly by prior appointment with the Sole Selling Agent.

Price Region: Open to offers BER: D1

Church Street, Roscommon Town, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877 E-mail info@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

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

RE/MAX Team Earley close sale of Ballyleague residence This week, RE/MAX Team Earley are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of a three-bedroomed, semi-detached, residence located at 9 Cluain Dara, Ballyleague, Lanesboro.

Extending to approximately 1,027 square feet, the property was presented in excellent condition throughout.

Living accommodation is comprised of an entrance hall, living room, kitchen/dining room and WC on the ground floor level. Proceeding to the

first floor, there is a landing, main bathroom, and three bedrooms (master ensuite).

Cluain Dara is a quiet cul-de-sac with a wonderful family friendly atmosphere, located within walking distance of the town. The village enjoys scenic views of the River Shannon and benefits from an array of local shops, supermarkets, schools, bars, restaurants, various sports facilities, an abundance of water activities, public transport

links, Lanesborough Commons Woodland Walk and Ballyleague Marina. Lanesborough is located between the towns of Longford (fifteen minutes away) and Roscommon (ten minutes away).

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt Roscommon on 090-66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact auctioneer Cormac directly on 086-3519492.

31

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

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ACCOUNTS

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders, Partnerships • 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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIROPRACTOR

COUNSELLING

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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

COMPUTERS

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

NO FIX NO FEE

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

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

Telephone:

087 2798704

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

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey

Construction l

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

l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV Inspections l Chimney Repair - Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

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

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

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

Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

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

DRIVING LESSONS

GARDENING

Tree Services

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

Phone:

EDT Lessons Available

087 2721193

Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

CORBETT

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FARMING < FOR SALE: Round bales of hay for sale can be delivered locally. Tel: 086 3776948 < FOR SALE: First and second crop of Suffolk ewes, scanned in lamb to 5 Star Charolais ram, due mid March. Tel: 087 7617300

FENCING/GATES

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

087 2346364

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

For all your fencing needs.

GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l

Tel: 087 2172281

FOR SALE < PUPPIES FOR SALE: Happy bouncy Jack Russell cross puppies for good homes. 9 weeks old, vaccinated and microchipped.

Both mum and pups on good diet, well socialised. €250 each, no offers. Ring 083 8124647 for details.

PLANNINGS

JOE HEALY

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

GARDENING

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

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

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

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

www.parklawntreeservices.

GATELY GARDENING

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

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Robert and Geraldine Wout, hereby give notice that we are appling to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to retain (1) extensions to rear and side elevations of existing house (2) septic tank system on site and (3) garage on site and all associated site works at Creemully and Aghagad Beg, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon.

Signed Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon.

Mobile: 086 8551835 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such 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.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

32

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Cormac Sheehy intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a proposed boundary wall incorporating vehicular entrance and associated works at Barrymore, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

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

Signed:

Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

T: 090 6624681 M: 087 635 8949 E: stephen@sbarchitect.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Sharon Nash am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following: 1. Retention permission for Stables at rear of property.

2. Planning permission for a two-bedroom extension to rear of existing domestic dwelling house and all ancillary site development works at Milltown Castleplunket Castlerea Co. Roscommon F45EV57.

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designers – Consulting Engineers

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Sinead O’Brien am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house with domestic garage along septic tank and percolation area along with all ancillary site development works at Lisbrock, Brideswell, Athlone, Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designers – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Sarah Mee, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house with domestic garage and proprietary treatment system and tertiary unit along with all ancillary site development works at Emlagh More, Donamon, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designers – Consulting Engineers

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!

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Gerry and Joan McDermott are applying to Roscommon County Council for the following: 1. Planning permission to construct extension to front and side of existing dwelling house 2. Planning permission to close up existing house entrance and to relocate new entrance further down towards site boundary 3. Permission to retain as constructed side window/ door on existing dwelling house 4. Permission to retain as constructed commercial premises at rear of property 5. Permission to retain as constructed rear extension on existing house And all ancillary site development works at Circular Road Roscommon F42 NX94

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designers – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Donal Kilduff wish to apply to Roscommon County Council for retention permission and permission for development at this site; Carnagh West, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The development will consist of the following: (1) Permission for retention and completion of a domestic garage, with integrated home office; (2) Retention of alterations to balcony features on the dwelling house and retention of minor alterations to the access from the public road from that originally granted under Planning Ref. Nos. PD/08/1436 and PD/11/252; (3) Permission for the construction of a pergola type feature attached to the southern elevation of the dwelling; and (4) all associated site works.

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

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

PODIATRIST FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain.

Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

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

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

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

Co Galway H53 D7W8

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

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

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

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

The local paper!

085 1503353 086 8538404

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

Phone:

083 0684011

< W O O D / F I R E W O O D : High quality seasoned split hardwood timber, 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. < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Net bags of seasoned firewood only €3 per bag, buy 20 bags get 1 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf only €35 per bag. Half tone bags of Ash/Beech only €35 per bag. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 or Tony 087 7055800

Also loads of Peat bedding for livestock (delivered)

EXCELLENT BLACK TURF Stored in a hay shed, hand reared, screened on delivery.

Also Ash, Beech and Oak Firewood.

Delivered throughout.

Phone:

087 3831953

< 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

Find us on facebook

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

EVERY FRIDAY

< GRINDS: French and German exam preparation up to Leaving certificate higher level. Tel: 087 3515985

Bulk bags of Turf available

Tel: 087 2264951

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

Department of Health Approved

TUITION

TURF AVAILABLE

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

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

< TAROT READING: Would you like to know what your future holds, have a Tarot Reading and Angel Reading with Kerry Lee, based near Glenamaddy. Tel: 089 4256426

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST

TAROT READING

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

33

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

Classifieds

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

USEFUL SERVICES

USEFUL SERVICES

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS:

< AVAILABLE: Qualified, experienced installer available to repair and install fascia, soffits, gutter and downpipes. Tel: 089 4173239

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

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc ....

094 9373445 087 9100477

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 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.

USEFUL SERVICES

USEFUL SERVICES

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

If so ring:

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

087 9657933 or 090 6626752

WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn.

We are safety certified and insured.

For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798

Phone:

086 2437376

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

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

or Mobile:

Window Protection Ireland Commercial/Domestic Registered and Insured All areas covered Also protecting windows during construction see windowprotection.ie GUTTER CLEANING ALSO AVAILABLE Telephone

087 2683079

087 9795226

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

< CARER: Part time Carer Ballymurray, Roscommon required for elderly lady in Roscommon Town area. Tel: 087 7541730 < LADY REQUIRED: One morning/afternoon weekly for general household duties in Roscommon Town, good english and references Domestic, Commercial, Industrial essential. Tel: 087 2765421

Experienced Painters Required IMMEDIATE START Contact Tom Crean on 086 81 645 83 or email your CV to info@tomcreanandson.ie Roscommon Office: 090 66 61047 Dublin Office: (01) 525 2029 W: tomcreanandson.ie

SHANNON LODGE NURSING HOME Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

CARE ASSISTANT FULL TIME POSITION AND MORNING HOURS • Premium for Sundays and Bank Holidays.

• Free meals, tea and coffee.

• Paid lunch breaks.

• Pension Scheme facilitated.

• Cycle to work scheme available.

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB? 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!

TELEPHONE:

090 66 34633

EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

The local paper!

SITUATIONS VACANT

HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED

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

Appointments

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

Applications, including CVs can be emailed to: shannonlodgenh@gmail.com Garda vetting and references will be required.

ADDITIONAL NURSE REQUIRED (16hrs per week) for six months initially for Strokestown Medical Practice, usual range of GP activities include routine bloods, 24 hr BP monitor, venesection, childhood vaccine programme, CDM etc.

Experience desirable but not essential as on site training provided.

If interested please forward CV & reference detailing registration & indemnity to: Dr. Hugh O’Donnell, Principal GP, Strokestown Medical Practice Primary Care Centre, F42 PX61 Telephone: 071 9633390

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

< CHILDMINDER: Required for 3 days per week in the Creggs area. To look after two toddlers. Hours 8.30am to 5.00pm. Call: 089 602 5022.

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication.

Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper.

Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

34

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

Classifieds

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

Appointments

Become part of a great team in SuperValu We’re hiring at Fleming’s Supervalu in Roscommon Town.

We are looking for staff for a number of positions:

DELIVERY DRIVER

(Must be over 25 and hold a Full DL)

SALES ASSISTANTS

Enquiries to 394-roscommon-manager@supervalu.ie or send CV to: The Manager, Fleming’s SuperValu, Main Street, Roscommon

Tully’s totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea, Community Pharmacy of the year 2019

Tully’s Pharmacy are recruiting for the following position:

DISPENSARY STAFF OR TECHNICIAN • Fully Supported Role • Experience preferred but not essential • All enquiries kept in the strictest of confidence

Send CV to ntully@totalhealth.ie TULLY’S

PHARMACY

Main Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon T: 094 9620009

C o l o r C om m u n i ca t i on s E u r op e Ltd W E M A K E C OL OR S EL L ® Color Communications Europe (CCE) is the industry leader in the design, production, and manufacturing of the world's top color merchandising, solutions, systems, and tools. Our products cater to a wide variety of companies with a need for accurate color solutions.

CCE is proud to supply products that assist in the color selection process for most of the world's leading paint brands. If you can dream it, we can make it unforgettably colourful.

Due to ongoing expansion and development, we are now recruiting the following qualified staff to join our dynamic team in Castlerea, Co Roscommon.

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB? To have your advert seen by over

Vacancies

80,000 people every week advertise

Senior Production Supervisor

with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

*********

Coating Line Operator Job Specifications available on request For further information please email teresa@ccecolor.eu or send your CV in strictest confidence to: Teresa Dos Santos, Human Resources, Color Communications Europe Limited, Station View, Castlerea, Co Roscommon F45 HE24

The local paper!

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

35

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

AtYourService BLINDS

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

CARS

FARMING

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

BRENDAN DOOLIN

TEL: (090) 96 88606

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

(090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted.

End of life certs can be provided.

Also scrap metal

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt: Tel: 090

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

Chimney Problems

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

INSULATION

S tephen H oare

Cleaning Services • Roscommon

New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial H91 P5k5 BlockEstate, 12, Galway Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

Tel: 090

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36

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES SHEA Sonny Lisnaria, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who passed away on 23rd January 2021.

MANNION Martin Treasured memories of Martin who passed away on January 22nd 2021.

O’BRIEN Kathleen

GALVIN Maureen

Milltown, Kiltoom, Athlone.

(5th Anniversary)

Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon (14th Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear wife and mother, who passed away on 18th of January 2008

MAYOCK (nee Murray) Ann Clare, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

(1st Anniversary) Toberroe, Glinsk Co. Galway.

Beloved husband of Betty and much loved dad to Peter, Mags, Libby and Tim. He is very sadly missed by his loving family, grandchildren Megan, Ethan, Elsie, Emily, Tadhg, Tomás, Cian and Ellen, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

May Sonny Rest In Peace.

REGAN Ann Liscoffey, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (17th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 21st January 2005

As we look back over time we find ourselves wondering did we remember to thank you enough for all you have done for us?

For all the times you were by our sides to help and support us to celebrate our successes to understand our problems and accept our defeats?

Or for teaching us by your example, the value of hard work, good judgement, courage and integrity?

We wonder if we ever thanked you for the sacrifices you made to let us have the very best?

We’re thanking you now and we are hoping you knew all along, how much you meant to us.

Missed always by James, sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law and all your grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Fuerty Church on Saturday, 22nd January at 7pm.

A golden heart stopped beating A loved one put to rest God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best.

It’s going to be lonesome here without you, We will miss you more each day Life doesn’t seem the same Since you’ve gone away.

When days are sad and lonely And everything goes wrong We seem to hear you whisper ‘Cheer up and carry on.’

Each time we see your picture You seem to smile and say ‘Don’t cry, I’m in God’s keeping We’ll meet again someday.’

Loved and missed every day by his wife Anne, daughters Christina and Bernadette, and son Damien, his mother Mary, his brothers, sisters and extended family.

Martin’s Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, 30th of January 2022 in St. Michael’s Church Glinsk at 10am. Mass will be broadcast on local Radio 108.0 FM

MacGUIGAN John M.V. “Letteree”, Sleaveen, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

In loving memory of Kathleen who passed away on the 21st January 2017

Sadly missed by Tom, Helen, children and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.

R.I.P. Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 23rd January at 10am.

GATELY Dara Castlecoote, Roscommon (10th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Ann who passed away on 21st January 2021 Silent memories keep you near as time unfolds another year.

Out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you still live on.

Loved and remembered

by George and family, neighbours and friends.

Anniversary Mass in The Church of the Good Shepherd, Tisrara on Sunday, 23rd January at 11am.

McDONNELL Michael In loving memory of Dara, who passed away on the 24th January 2012.

Time passes, memories stay, quietly remembered everyday.

Will those who think of him today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Fuerty Church on Sunday, 23rd January at 11.30am.

KELLY Frank Mullymux, Roscommon (14th Anniversary)

Lisheenanerine, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 21st January 2002 (20th Anniversary)

I thought of you today but that is nothing new, I thought about you yesterday and the days before that too.

Your memory is a keepsake from which I’ll never part, God has you in His arms, I have you in my heart.

Lovingly remembered by Ruth, Mark, John, Jessica and his granddaughters.

In loving memory of Frank, Husband, Father and Grandfather When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

Loved and missed by all your family.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 22nd January at 11am.

Loved and rememberd always by your sisters, brother, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

First Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Four Mile House, on Friday, 21st January at 8pm.

Rest In Peace

McNAMARA Frank Rockfield, Roscommon (13th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 23rd January 2009

Silent memories keep you near as time unfolds another year.

Out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you still live on.

Lovingly remembered by Damien.

THANKSGIVINGS NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

In loving memory of our father, John, who passed away on 23rd January 2019.

It does not take a special day to bring you back to mind.

For a day without a thought of you is very hard to find.

You were very special, generous, kind and true, you will never be forgotten, we thought the world of you.

Holy Spirit, you who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideals.

You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen.

You must say the prayer for 3 days consecutively without saying your wish. You will receive your wish after the 3rd day. Though how difficult it is. A promise to publish the prayer after your favour is granted. E.L.

Will those who think of him today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Remembered by Chris and family.

HOARE Annie Racecourse Road.

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

Remembering you always, love all your family.

MEE Colm

Lysflynn, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon First Anniversary and Acknowledgement In loving memory of Colm Mee whose first anniversary occurred on 8th January 2022.

As we lovingly remember Colm on the first anniversary of his passing, his daughters Bernadette, Fionnuala and Ethna, his sisters Maura, Gina (Madeline) and Margaret, together with our families wish to extend our warmest thanks for the many kind expressions of condolences and support which we received.

We are very proud and privileged to have had Colm as our wonderful father, grandad, a great friend and loyal community man. His life’s work and purpose were for his family. He lived a full and fulfilled life in accordance with his Christian faith and values.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to his and our many friends, relatives and neighbours. To those who sent mass cards, floral tributes, online condolences, telephoned, letters of sympathy, attended outside the church and online during the Funeral Mass, and who provided emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time. We are truly grateful.

Special thanks to Colm’s cousin Fr. Michael Donnelly, to Deacon Willie Gacquin and Fr. Michael McManus PP for the Funeral Mass, the beautiful musical accompaniment provided by Grayson and Fiona Reid.

The online stream that gave his friends and relatives the opportunity to participate in the celebration of his life and to say goodbye in some small way, in the difficult Covid-19 pandemic conditions and restrictions.

Thank you to Enda McHugh Undertaker for the care and respect shown throughout the funeral and the days surrounding it and most sincerely for facilitating Dads final journey, a very poignant journey, the road lined with neighbours and friends, all who showed their respect and offered their prayers. The support even from a distance meant so much to us as a family.

To the gravediggers who prepared Dad’s final resting place so carefully, a beautiful and important ritual that he would so much have appreciated.

His neighbours, friends, Roscommon Gardaí and Ambulance Crew, who came to Dad’s aid on the day he passed away our sincerest thanks.

To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable.

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

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Thank you one and all.

Colm’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Sunday, 30th January in St. Brigid’s Church Curraghboy.

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories”

37

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HANLEY Andrew Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon Who passed away on the 19th January 2021

Time can not heal the heartache or stop a silent tear.

It won’t take away the memories of one we loved so dear.

Missing your always Andrew.

Anniversary Mass was held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Wednesday, 19th January at 11am.

KELLY Kathleen

HOARE Jerry

NEARY Mary Teresa

NEARY Christina and Matthew

Ardmore, Donamon, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary) Who passed away on 24th January 2012

3 Ard Comain, Henry Street, Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

Slatta, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 26th January 2021

In loving memory of Christina who passed away on 22nd January 1990 and Matthew who passed away on 14th January 1988

To us you were someone special, someone set apart.

Your memory will live forever, engraved within our hearts.

THANKSGIVINGS

Sadly missed by all your family.

GRATEFUL THANKS Grateful thanks to Our Lady, St. Anthony, Padre Pio and the Holy Souls for many favours received. E.L.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, January 29th at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

BANAHAN Johnny

Cappagh, Curraghroe Who passed away on 9th December 2021

My darling husband, when I lost you eight years ago I lost part of myself, but I think you would know I have tried my best to muddle along but it cannot be the same now you’re gone.

So on this day as I do every year I hope you can see just how much I care and until we meet again my love just keep watching me from your cloud above.

Always remembered and loved by your heartbroken wife Kathleen.

Losing our Dad was our rock shattered, we may no longer have been children but oh how Dad mattered.

Our foundations are shaky and we wobble and fall.

So when this day arrives each year we do our best to show how we still care we hope Dad knew how much he was loved and that he is looking down on us.

I miss you brother, I miss you my best friend.

Just sitting here in thought until we meet again.

GERAGHTY Brian

CURLEY Josie

Rocksavage House (21st Anniversary)

Castlestrange, Fuerty, Roscommon Whose 8th Anniversary occured on 18th January 2021

We are grateful to all our relatives, neighbours and friends who have shown support by phone calls, leaving condolences on RIP.ie, sending mass cards and texts.

Thanks to Johnny’s GP Dr. Valerie Morris for her care and kindness over the past number of years. Heartfelt thanks to Declan and all the staff in Oakwood Nursing Home for their professionalism and exceptional care they provided Johnny in the last 3 years, we are eternally grateful to you all.

Sincere thanks to Fr. Dan for celebrating the beautiful Funeral Mass. To the singer Fred Mulryan, stewarts and everyone who prepared the church for the ceremony.

Deepest appreciation to Smyths Funeral Directors for their professionalism, compassion and support they have shown to the family during this time. A big thank you to the grave diggers and everyone that stood out for the funeral cortège.

As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, we hope that you will accept this notice as an expression of deep gratitude and appreciation.

Sadly missed by Johnny’s wife Betty, sons, daughters and extended family.

Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated online on Churchservices.tv/Ballyleague on Thursday, 20th January at 8pm.

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. E.L.

CLARKE Kathleen (née Neary) 4 Stoneyvale, Rooskey, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 24th January 2020

Sadly missed by your son and brother Christopher.

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

Always remembered and loved by his heartbroken children and grandchildren.

Love from John, Liz and your brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Tuesday, 25th January at 11am.

The family of the late Johnny Banahan wish to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who sympathised, consoled and supported us on the sad loss of Johnny.

~~~~~~~~~~

Days will pass, turn into years but we will always remember ye with silent tears.

Always loved and remembered in prayer and especially at Holy Mass

by Anna, Arthur, Brian, Padraic, Niall, Eddie and Ciaran.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Sadly missed by Christopher.

Masses have been offered.

KEEGAN Paddy

Email or call for Sample Pack

Beechwood, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Paddy who passed away on 21st January 2019 (3rd Anniversary)

Cherished memories of a kind and loving husband and father who died 22nd January 2001 Oh you, whom I have loved so much on Earth, pray for me and live in such a manner that we may be reunited for ever in Blessed Eternity.

(St. Bonaventure) There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this, I long to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

PS 26

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 Mary and Kathleen and thanks for all you’ve done.

We pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won.

In loving memory of our beloved mother Josie Curley, Castlestrange, Fuerty, who passed away on 18th January 2014 R.I.P. As each day dawns we think of you as each night falls we pray for you and in between no matter where deep in our hearts you are always there.

Always loved and remembered by all your loving family.

For those who think of him today a little prayer to Jesus say.

Lovingly remembered by Kathleen, Maura, Bernie, Richard and Eric Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Sunday, 23rd January at 10pm.

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: info@anthonymurrayandsons.com www.anthonymurrayandsons.com

38

Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses There is racing in Ireland this week, starting tomorrow on the all-weather at Dundalk away at 3.40 pm.

On Saturday, racing action is at Navan, first race at 12.30 pm and on Sunday at Thurles, first race at 1 pm. Sunday features two Grade 2 races, the Horse and Jockey Chase and the Kew Gardens Irish EBF Novice Chase.

Cross channel, Lingfield hold a three-day winter festival, The Lingfield Million with a flat card on the allweather sandwiched between two national hunt meetings.

Only three Irish runners in Lingfield tomorrow with Emmet Mullins’ Carrarea and Sevenna Star, both in the Sovereign Handicap Hurdle where they will meet Sean Thomas Doyle’s Lucky Max. Paul Townend is booked to ride Carrarea, his only ride tomorrow, and he will ride Energumene for boss Willie in Ascot on Saturday in the unlikely event that he tackles Shiskin in Clarence House Chase. There are no Irish entries on Saturday’s Lingfield card on the all-weather.

Gavin Cromwell’s Darver Star, second in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown and in the 2020 Champion Hurdle, could run on Sunday at Lingfield in the Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hurdle which has twelve entries. He also has Wolf Prince entered in the race as has Gordon Elliott and Sean Thomas Doyle with San Felicien and Lucky Max, who runs tomorrow, respectively. In the Fleur De Lys Chase Joseph O’Brien has Fakir D’oudaries entered where he will meet Bristol De Mai trained by Nigel TwistonDavis. Emmet Mullins sends over So Scottish, the sole Irish runner in the opening bumper and Gavin Cromwell has Fameaftertheglory in the Winter Festival Novice Hurdle.

There is racing on TV tomorrow with four races from Lingfield and four from Market Rasen, including the

by Tom Red

Winter Million Hurdle from Lingfield worth £26,015 to the winner. Saturday racing is from Ascot, with four races including the Grade 2 SBK Mares Hurdle, Haydock, three races including three Grade 2 races and one from Taunton, the Portman Cup Chase. Sunday racing is again from Lingfield with five races including two hurdle and three chase races.

(News from local golf clubs)

Roscommon C. Doherty won the Men’s Senior competition on Thursday last (13th) with a score of 38 points. Other results: Cat 1: M. Farrell (35); Cat 2: M. Lennon (35); Cat 3: B. McCormack (35); Over 80: T. Farrell (28); Deuces: M. Lennon and T. Farrell.

Ladies’ Senior results: 1st: S. Kelly, 2nd: M. Madden, 3rd: M. Lalor.

The Spring Matchplay returns after a two-year break due to Covid-19.

Entry is limited to 32 ladies plus reserves. For more information, see the entry list in the locker room.

Racing News Grand National hero Tiger Roll could make his seasonal return over hurdles at Navan on Saturday. Trainer Gordon Elliott has entered him for the Navan Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles.

Willie Mullins-trained Allaho could appear in Sunday’s Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles. It had been indicated that he would head directly to the Cheltenham Festival after winning the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown. The 8-Y-O won the Grade 2 event last year, also included among the ten entries is Fakir D’oudairies, also entered at Lingfield, and the Elliott-trained pair Samcro and Battleoverdoyen.

In This World, second favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, is out for the season due to complications with an injury he sustained when he won at Warwick back in November, reported his trainer Dan Skelton for whom, on his first English run, won easily at Warwick.

Who would have thought that Prince Andrew’s shenanigans would have any bearings on racing? Not so, York racecourse is to distance itself from Andrew proposing changing the name of the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes, the race that bears his former title. The race has been run over different distances and at various times of the year since 1895 and was introduced in honour of the then Duke of York, later King

Short putts

Athlone

Carrarea gets the better of Willie The Coo, on the rails, in a bumper at the Lenebane June meeting.

George V. One proposal is 1895 Duke of York Stakes.

If they change the title of the race, which honours the office, not the man, why not change the name of the racecourse itself?

The 2022 Cheltenham Festival The Willie Mullins trained Galopin Des Champs, winner at Leopardstown over Christmas on his chasing debut, heads the 47 entries for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

He won the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the Festival and the Grade One Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival. Best of the home team looks to be the Paul Nicholls-trained Bravemansgame, who took his unbeaten record over fences to three in the Kempton’s Kauto Star Novices’ Chase. There are 24 other Irish-trained entries.

Like a lot of the Irish en-

tries in the festival, Galopin Des Champs is also in the Turners Novice Chase where Henry de Bromhead’s Bob Olinger is odds on for the two and a half mile race. Venetia Williams has a leading contender in L’Homme Presse, who maintained his 100 per cent record over the bigger obstacles in the Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham’s New Year meeting. The de Bromhead charge, winner of the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle in 2021, is among 44 entries with 23 from Ireland.

The Mullins-trained Ferny Hollow is the stand-out name in the Sporting Life Arkle Novices’ Chase, which has 24 entries, 12 of which are trained on this island. They are headed by WP Mullins’ Ferney Hollow, winner of a Grade One at Leopardstown on St. Stephen’s Day. Mullins has nine entries including Blue Lord, Haute En Couleurs and Saint Sam. Edwardstone, trained by Alan King,

leads the home defence after winning the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton.

In the National Hunt Novices’ Chase, 21 of the 48 entries are Irish-trained, headed by Gordon Elliott’s pair of Run Wild Fred and Fury Road, and Willie Mullins’ Stattler and Capodanno.

Point-to-Point Corner No point-to-point racing this weekend probably due to the insurance problems referred to in the column some weeks back. There is a hunter chase in Thurles which now will have all our top amateurs available. David Christie’s stable in form runs Winged Leader, a winner of a hunter chase at Listowel under Barry O’Neill, who will probably ride him again. O’Neill has ridden him to ten successes and the partnership should make it legs eleven.

Best wishes to St. Brendan’s Ladies Junior footballers who take on Mullinahone (Tipperary) in their All-Ireland semi-final in Callan, Co. Kilkenny this Sunday. Pic courtesy of Peter Daly

Frankie Donnelly’s charges lead the Winter League with a combined score of 474 while Gerard Rowlands and company are in second place on 459 and Eamonn Kenny’s team are just two points further back.

It’s tight at the bottom of the table, where just eight points separate the teams in 16th and 19th places. The last day for qualifying rounds in January 31st with the top 16 teams qualifying for the final on February 12th.

The Wednesday Golf Society had its first outing of 2022 on Thursday last with a good field of 33 in action.

T. Carmody was the winner with 26 points. Other results: Class 1: T. Campion (26); Class 2: N. Dowling (24); Class 3: PJ Harris (23); Class 4 (Veterans): V. Connaire (24).

The recent Ladies’ 12-hole competition was won by Maeve Holmes with 25 points. Denise Lally was runner-up with 22 and Sylvia McInerney was third with 21.

Meanwhile, Carol McGettrick won the 97 Club competition with 23 points, with Chris Fuery (23) second, Deirdre Connolly (22) third, and Kathleen McDonnell (21) fourth.

Last weekend, Gerry Brennan (33 points) was the winner of the Gents’ 12-hole Stableford. Other results: Cat A: Adrian Kelly (27); Cat B: Cathal Donnelly (29); Cat C: Aidan McGowan (30); Cat D: Michael O’Faolain (26).

Carrick Congratulations to the overall winner of the Gents’ Winter League, Frank Duffy, with a score of 103 points. The weekly winners were as follows: Week 1: Ciaran Cafferky (25 points); Week 2: Oliver Duignan (21); Week 3: Oliver Duignan (21); Week 4: Keith Tighe (19); Week 5: Frank Duffy (20); Week 6: Andy Connellan (22); Week 7: Shamzuri Hanifa (21).

The Club AGM will be held at 5.30pm Sunday 30th January. Zoom Details will be sent on Friday 28th January. We apologise for the delay but we are working hard on putting plans in place for 2022 to share with you all at the AGM. The Spring League - Email will be sent on Monday with link to booking page to join the Spring League! We have missed out on this the last 2 years due to Covid19 so we hope to see a big entry this year. The golf course and restaurant remains open. We ask that all members adhere to the current public health guidelines in using the facility.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 January 2022

SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Soccer

Expressions of interest sought for RDFL Women’s League The Roscommon & District Football League are inviting expressions of interest in a new RDFL Women’s League for the coming season.

Any club interested is asked to contact rdflsecretary@gmail.com by this Friday (January 21st) so a meeting can be arranged.

Soccer results Norio’s RDFL Premier Division Ballaghaderreen FC 2 Castlerea Celtic 3

Soccer Fixtures

Creggs beat Buccs to earn home semi-final

The Creggs first team that defeated Buccaneers on Sunday to advance to a home Connacht J1A League Semi-Final. Missing from the picture are Tom Callaghan and Peter Lohan.

Creggs RFC 29 Buccaneers RFC 18 (Connacht J1A League): Creggs Creggs secured a home league semi-final with a good win over Buccaneers on Sunday last in Creggs. Picking up the winning bonus point to go top of the Connacht J1A League, there were tries from captain Brian Diffley, Ronan Cahill, Tom Callaghan and Mark Purcell, with the remaining nine points from the boot of Shane Purcell.

It was a rusty performance from Creggs for much of the first half, and they conceded a try early on.

However, when they eventually got going, they looked threatening from all over the pitch and their four tries were hard earned but well deserved.

A strong Buccaneers side, with lots of AIL experience, never gave up and when Creggs had Peter Lohan harshly yellow-carded, the Athlone men got two unconverted tries in those last ten minutes.

Creggs have next weekend off and will then play Castlebar RFC in Creggs on Sunday week in the last pool stages match of the Connacht J1A League.

Creggs RFC monthly draw update arney

rard Ke Congratulations to Ge m Castlerea and Fiona Flanagan froly prize of a on winning the month nd ring in fantastic €5,000 diamo 00euro.com’ the Creggs RFC ‘Win500 Draw. uper holiday The January prize is a s he winner 0. T ,00 €2 of ue val to the r Campotel can choose from KelAi nce or Fra in s operated resort also choose Spain. The winner can or 2023. This 22 20 r he eit in vel to tra with Keller prize is in partnership Travel. ruary, you can Also coming up in Febickenham for Tw to o tw for trip win a d Six Nations the big England v Irelan hts, Flig th.

12 game on March match tickets d an n, tio da mo om acc are included. d be in for Buy your tickets now and the big an ws dra all the monthly 00. Tickets draw in April for €50,0tp://www. ht at: e lin on ble availa Win50000euro.com.

Carrick-on-Shannon RFC 30 Creggs Development 25 (Connacht J1C League): The Creggs Development team travelled to Carrick for Sunday’s league game and came away with a losing bonus point from a closely contested game, the outcome of which was in doubt right to the end.

Carrick fielded a very strong and physical team, but the lighter Creggs team battled superbly throughout, and attempted to move the ball through the backs as much as possible to minimise the number of scrums and line-outs.

Carrick scored an early try before Creggs responded with an excellent try by John Martin, who scored under the posts after a storming run. Michael Holland added the conversion, but Carrick hit back quickly with a penalty and a converted try to lead by 17 -7 after half an hour.

A well-worked try by scrum-half Brian Cleary, which Michael Holland converted, reduced the deficit to three points but Carrick added another converted try just before half-time to lead 24-14 at the end of a very lively opening half.

A Holland penalty kept Creggs in contention, but Carrick also kept the scoreboard ticking along with a penalty before they got through for a crucial

fourth try with ten minutes remaining.

Creggs threw everything at the Carrick defence in the closing stages and the superb Brian Cleary knifed through for his second try, while Michael Holland closed the gap to five points with a closerange penalty. ln addition to the scorers, Michael Feeley was immense in the back row, while Jordan Kennedy, Brian Coady and Darragh Gunning also impressed but each member of the squad contributed hugely to a highly entertaining contest, which sets Creggs up for a tough away encounter with Ballinasloe next weekend.

Youth Rugby Congratulations to the six Creggs girls, Aoibhinn Murray, Jemima Adams Verling, Roisin Maher, Eabha Dowd, Nadine Fitzmaurice and Sarah Purcell represented the Connacht U-18s PTS side recently in Athlone. Sarah was also on the scoresheet with two tries.

Mini Rugby Next Saturday, Creggs will host Carrick-on-Shannon RFC at all ages in a Mini Rugby Blitz.

Saturday, January 22nd Norio’s RDFL Premier Division At Lecarrow: Ballaghaderreen FC v Moore United. 8 pm Sunday, January 23rd TP Brennan Connacht Cup Ballinasloe Town v Fahy Rovers Boyle Celtic v St. Bernard’s Dynamo Blue v Kilkerrin United Ballina Town v Ballymoe FC TP Brennan Connacht Shield Dunmore Town v Party Athletic Shiven Rovers v Ballygawley Celtic RDFL Division Two Ballaghaderreen FC B v Skyvalley Rovers B

Gaelic Football

CBS exit Connacht Colleges Championship

Roscommon CBS bowed out of the Connacht Colleges Senior ‘A’ Football Championship yesterday following a 0-15 to 1-5 first round defeat to St. Gerald’s, Castlebar.

Trailing by 0-7 0-3 at half-time, CBS staged a brave fight back in the third quarter with a Darren Gately goal providing a brief glimmer of hope midway through the second half.

St. Gerald’s weren’t to be denied, however, and hit five points without reply after the second water break to book their quarter-final place against St. Jarlath’s next week.

Hurling

Rossies set for Connacht League action

Well done to Aoibhinn Murray, Jemima Adams Verling, Roisin Maher, Eabha Dowd, Nadine Fitzmaurice and Sarah Purcell who represented Connacht U-18s recently. Also, well done to Sarah on scoring two tries on the day.

The Roscommon hurlers begin their competitive season this week with two games in the new Connacht League. The Rossies played Leitrim last night (Wednesday) at the Connacht GAA air dome and the winners will face the winners of the Mayo v Sligo game on Saturday at 6 pm with the losers in action on Friday evening.

These are the first matches for the team under their new manager Francis O’Halloran from Clare.

Roscommon have been preparing for the new season with challenge games against Mayo club side Tooreen and Galway IT in recent weeks.

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Rossies fall at final FBD hurdle

Enda Smith blasts home during the FBD League Final between Roscommon and Galway at the Connacht GAA air dome on Friday last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Connacht FBD League Final Galway 1-18 Roscommon 1-16 < SEAMUS DUKE

Conor Cox gathers possession during the FBD League Final between Roscommon and Galway at the Connacht GAA air dome on Friday last. Pic: Mick McCormack

A third quarter surge, which saw Galway outscore Roscommon by 0-9 to 0-2, was key to the outcome of this ultracompetitive FBD League final played at the Connacht GAA air dome on Friday evening last. However, Roscommon never threw in the towel, and they were in the match right to the final kick with a flurry of late scores.

Speaking at full-time, manager Anthony Cunningham said he was pleased with how 2022 was progressing so far.

“It was a great experience for us. We’d be happy with progress. We had a lot of young players there in their first year of playing. Galway are very experienced and they are a fine team, but we’re happy with our work so far,” he said.

“It’ll be in the next couple of years that you’ll really see some of these young guys and the talent and the will that they have. We’re disappointed with the start of the second half that we didn’t get to grips with the game but they rallied late on and we were always in it”.

Roscommon were excellent in the opening half. Conor Cox was in superb form up front while Enda Smith, Ultan Harney, Cathal Heneghan and Donie Smith were also very prominent for Cunningham’s side. Three fine points from Cox (1 free) and another from Enda Smith saw Roscommon lead by 0-4 to 0-1 after only four minutes.

But Galway, with Paul Conroy outstanding, got into the match after that.

Three points from Donie Smith (2 frees) and another from brother Enda saw Roscommon lead by 0-8 to 0-4 by the 22nd minute. The exchanges then became tetchy and it was clear both sides were determined to lay down a marker ahead of bigger tests ahead.

In the 24th minute, a sweeping Galway move involving Dessie Conneely and Patrick Kelly ended with Sean Flana-

gan fisting to the Roscommon net, and five minutes later it should have been goal number two for Galway but Johnny Heaney’s thunderbolt crashed against the Roscommon crossbar. By half-time, Roscommon led by 0-10 to 1-6.

At the interval Padraic Joyce rang the changes with the multi-talented Shane Walsh and powerful attacker Matthew Tierney coming on for the Tribesmen and they had an immediate effect on the game. Two points from Rob Finnerty, and other scores from Tierney, Paul Conroy and the very impressive Sean Kelly, helped Galway into a 1-15 to 0-12 lead by the 57th minute. Roscommon had gone 16 minutes without a score until Enda Smith pointed in the 46th minute.

Just when it looked like Galway would pull away, Roscommon got back into the match in the 60th minute when Enda Smith pounced for a fine goal. Cathal Sweeney scored two excellent points for Galway to extend their lead again by the 66th minute but Roscommon refused to lie down and they came strong towards the end of the game.

Points from Conor Cox (2 frees), Ciaran Sugrue and Ultan Harney kept the Rossies in the contest and despite a late scare for Galway, when Ciaran Sugrue had a chance of a goal before getting crowded out in injury-time, the Tribesmen had done enough to take the title.

So two very valuable work outs for Roscommon ahead of the big league clash against Cork at the end of the month and while Anthony Cunningham has seen a lot of fringe players over the past two weekends, the playing conditions will be so different when they venture outside to play in the National Football League in two weeks’ time.

“That’s (NFL) going to be difficult, Cork are absolutely flying it under new management. They’ve a lot of players back and it looks like they’ve even more players back from Australia and places, so they’re going to be really tough.

They’re a top-class team. There’s nothing soft with Cork first and Meath the following weekend,” Cunningham said.

Of the new players to make appearances in this FBD campaign, Colin Walsh,

Eoin McCormack, Shane Cunnane, Cathal Heneghan, Ben O’Carroll and Keith Doyle have certainly done enough to warrant further chances.

Note: Roscommon management decided not to use the number 23 jersey on the night as a tribute to the murdered Tullamore national school teacher Ashling Murphy and a minute’s silence was held in her memory before throw in.

Teams and Scorers Galway: Conor Flaherty; Cillian McDaid, Sean Fitzgerald (1-0), Liam Silke; Dylan McHugh, Sean Kelly (0-1), Johnny Heaney (0-2, 1 ’45); Paul Conroy (0-3, 1 free), Paul Kelly; Cormac McWalter, Owen Gallagher, Finnian Ó Laoí; Paddy Kelly, Rob Finnerty (0-5), Dessie Conneely. Subs: Shane Walsh (0-3, frees) for McWalter (25), Tony Gill (0-1) for McDaid (25), Matt Tierney (0-1,’45) for Conneely (half-time), Cathal Sweeney (0-2) for Ó Laoí (45), Tomo Culhane for Gallagher (48), Dylan Canney for Finnerty (48), Kieran Molloy for S Kelly (61), Jack Glynn for P Kelly (66), Liam Costello for Canney (69).

Roscommon: Patrick O’Malley (0-1, ’45); Eoin McCormack, Colin Walsh, Richard Hughes; Ciaran Lawless, Ultan Harney (0-1), Dylan Ruane; Fergal Lennon, Shane Cunnane; Cathal Heneghan (0-1), Enda Smith (1-3), Diarmuid McGann; Andrew Glennon (0-1), Donie Smith (0-3, 1 free), Conor Cox (0-5, 3 frees). Subs: Keith Doyle for Cunnane (38), Cian McKeon for Glennon (43), Ben O’Carroll for Heneghan (47), Thomas O’Rourke for McGann (53), Brian Derwin for Lennon (53), Cathal Kenny for Lawless (56), Aengus Lyons for Ruane (57), Ciaran Sugrue (0-1) for D Smith (58), Evan McGrath for E Smith (60), Adam McDermott for Walsh (60).

Referee: John Gilmartin (Sligo).

Stat Attack Wides: Galway 6 (3 first half ) Roscommon 7 (4 first half ) Red cards: None Black cards: None Yellow cards: Galway 2 (Finnian Ó Laoi, Dessie Conneely) Roscommon 2 (Eddie Nolan, Donie Smith) Man of the Match: Sean Kelly (Galway) Attendance: 300

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Wally: ‘You couldn’t write a better script!’ < SEAMUS DUKE

Like everyone else who witnessed what happened in Pearse Stadium last Saturday, Faithleach’s manager, Wally Burke, was stunned, elated and almost disbelieving at the final whistle as he watched his charges snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

“You couldn’t script it any better than that. If you saw a film with that ending you would not believe it.

We stuck to our task, but really the black card killed us in the first half. We conceded 1-5 in ten minutes after a great start. We missed a few chances in the second half and I thought our subs were excellent again,” he said.

“I didn’t see who got the final touch to the ball for the goal but I don’t care who got it. It went in and that’s all that matters!”

Wally said that it was his team’s best performance of the championship.

“That was our best performance in this campaign and in fairness to Naomh Anna, it was a fantastic game of football. It was some game for the middle of January. The pitch was excellent too and we had a huge following from the parish. I don’t think there is anyone left in Lanesboro or Ballyleague today,” he said.

Wally said that his players wanted to win the Gene Byrne Cup, named after the St. Faithleach’s club legend.

“We talked about Gene Byrne there in the dressing room today. Gerry (his brother) is a selector but he couldn’t go out and play. We wanted this title so badly. We stuck to our guns. We looked dead and buried in that second half and we pulled it out of the fire. When we go into extra-time we always seem to find something,” he said.

“We were hoping to get a point to level it and then we sent it in high and you saw what happened. It’s a tough way to lose it for them (Naomh Anna). They won it in 2009 but today it’s our turn. What a day for the club and for everyone involved,” he concluded.

St. Faithleach’s manager, Wally Burke, pictured with Man of the Match Diarmuid Murtagh. Pic: Mick McCormack

All-Ireland club semi-finals details confirmed The venues and times have been confirmed for the All-Ireland Senior and Intermediate Club Championships semifinals on Saturday, January 29th.

Connacht intermediate champions, St. Faithleach’s will take on Trim at 1.30 pm in Mullingar on Saturday 29th.

Later on that evening, Connacht senior champions, Pádraig Peares will face Leinster champions Kilmacud Crokes of Dublin at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan at 5 pm.

‘Gene would be so proud’ – Valerie

St. Faithleach’s manager, Wally Burke, celebrates at the full-time whistle with Gerry Byrne after the Ballyleague side defeated Naomh Anna in the final of the AIB Connacht Club IFC at Pearse Stadium. Pic: Mick McCormack

‘Mikey doesn’t need to score again!’ < SEAMUS DUKE

Joint captain Ciaráin Murtagh has experienced many a big day with St. Faithleach’s and Roscommon over the years but he said after the final whistle on Saturday that this was the best day of his football career.

“This is absolutely unbelievable; I can’t put it into words, to be honest. I thought it was over but when I saw Mikey Cox in attack there at the end I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

“We were in trouble in the middle of the second half but

we have the belief…and the great thing about the last four or five games is that we know that we can always come back if we are a few points down.

We stuck at it and when we got it to extra-time we knew we had a chance.

“Mikey Cox has scored about one point for us in the past five years (laughs) and after today he doesn’t have to score any more! It’s a massive day for the club. We actually had buses here today and that’s the first time that has ever happened in our club. It’s hard to take it all in,” he concluded.

Cllr. Valerie Byrne (HAC), to whose late husband Gene the Connacht Club IFC cup is dedicated, has congratulated St Faithleach’s on their magnificent and dramatic victory in the final of the competition last Saturday.

Contacted by the Roscommon People, Cllr. Byrne said that she was greatly impressed

by St Faithleach’s’ heroic performance. They won the Gene Byrne Cup when they defeated Naomh Anna of Galway by 2-14 to 2-12 (after extra-time).

Valerie said: “My late husband, Gene, would have been so proud to see the cup coming back to St Faithleach’s and Ballyleague. I want to congratulate the team and management on their great success and wish them well in the upcoming All-Ireland semi-final”.

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Diarmuid and Brian Murtagh and Gerry Byrne lift the cup, named after Gerry’s late brother and St. Faithleach’s legend, Gene Byrne. Pic: Mick McCormack

Gerry Byrne is embraced at the full-time whistle following St. Faithleach’s extra-time win over Naomh Anna in the AIB Connacht IFC Final at Pearse Stadium. Pic: Mick McCormack

EXTRA SPECIAL! Faithleach’s

Cox rocks with last-gasp goal!

AIB Connacht Club IFC Final St Faithleach’s 2-14 Naomh Anna (Galway) 2-12 (after extra-time) < SEAMUS DUKE

A goal bundled into the net by full-back Mikey Cox in the 83rd minute gave St. Faithleach’s a breathtaking victory in what was a thrilling, nail-biting and tremendously exciting Connacht intermediate football final played at Pearse Stadium last Saturday.

When Myles Mac Donnacha pointed from 30 metres out in the 81st minute for the Galway side, it looked like the Roscommon champions were beaten. But in one last desperate attack Cathal Gunn lofted the ball goalwards and when a number players went for it, including the Naomh Anna goalkeeper Eoin Ó Currain and Faithleach’s Conal Kennelly and full-back Mikey Cox, it was Cox who got the decisive touch to send the ball over the line.

The Galway players strongly protested a ‘square ball’, but referee Barry Judge consulted with his umpires and

the score was allowed to stand. On the kick-out the final whistle sounded and Faithleach’s had won in the most extraordinary fashion possible.

This was a right rollercoaster. In almost perfect weather conditions, Faithleach’s started in total control and with Conal Kennelly, Dave Rooney, Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh on fire, they quickly ran up a handsome lead.

Diarmuid Murtagh, who was at his brilliant best on the day, opened the scoring with a point in the second minute and Dave Rooney and Jonathan Hussey followed up with

excellent points inside the opening five minutes, with Naomh Anna’s only reply coming from the boot of Iarla Ó Currain.

In the 7th minute we were treated to a quite brilliant goal from Diarmuid Murtagh. With plenty to do when he received the ball 30 metres from the Naomh Anna goal, he beat two defenders with an outrageous dummy solo and duly planted the ball in the top corner with his right foot. It was a goal that would grace any stage. Faithleach’s were rampant.

Further points from Jonathan Hussey (mark) and Dave Rooney (a ’45) saw

Faithleach’s ahead by 1-5 to 0-1 with only 13 minutes on the clock. It could have been even more as Diarmuid Murtagh was denied a second goal by a superb block by Sean Andy Ó Ceallaigh in the 13th minute.

The whole complexion of this final changed in the 14th minute when Karl Nerney was black-carded for a foul on Oisin Mac Donnacha. Naomh Anna powered forward after that and points from Oisin Mac Donnacha and three from Dylan Seoige (one free) narrowed the gap.

Ciaráin Murtagh lifted the siege with a point in the 21st minute, but three

Diarmuid Murtagh rifles home St. Faithleach’s’ opening goal in the AIB Connacht IFC Final at Pearse Stadium. Pic: Mick McCormack

minutes later the Galway side were within a point after Matias Eoin Bairead finished off a great team move with a well-taken goal. Two points from play from Conal Kennelly in the final minutes of the half saw Faithleach’s go in at half-time leading by a single point, 1-8 to 1-7.

The Galway champions played their best football on the resumption and at one stage early in the second half it looked like Faithleach’s were going to be swamped.

Oisin Mac Donnacha opened the scoring in the 32nd minute to level the scores, and two minutes later, after Faithleach’s

gave away the ball in defence, Warren Seoige took full advantage to shoot past Michael O’Donnell.

When Oisin Mac Donnacha scored again it was 2-9 to 1-8 for the Connemara side on 36 minutes.

But Faithleach’s hung on. In the 44th minute Matias Eoin Bairead burst through only for Michael O’Donnell to make a brilliant save. It lifted the Roscommon side. Diarmuid Murtagh pointed a free in the 45th minute and a minute later the same player made a scintillating run and his powerful shot flew just over the crossbar. Conal Kennelly lofted over a mighty point from

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conquer Connacht after thriller St. Faithleach’s celebrate following their extra-time win over Naomh Anna in the AIB Connacht IFC Final at Pearse Stadium last Saturday. Pic Mick McCormack

40 metres and now there was only a point between the teams again.

In the 57th minute, Diarmuid Murtagh grabbed the score of the game – a spectacular point from out near the sideline – to tie up the scores. There was still time for both sides to win it. First, Ciaráin Murtagh’s free from 40 metres fell short, and then Naomh Anna sub Ferdia Breathnach was wide with a 30-metre effort, also from a free. Extra-time was now required as it finished St. Faithleach’s 1-12 Naomh Anna 2-9.

In the first period of extratime, the rampant Diarmuid Murtagh kicked two super points from play. With Naomh Anna replying

through Ferdia Breathnach, it was 1-14 to 2-10 to Faithleach’s at the break.

The second period of extra-time was incredibly tense. For long periods it looked odds-on that we would need a penalty shootout to resolve the issue.

In the 73rd minute, Myles Mac Donnacha pointed to level the scores, and when the same player added another in the second minute of injury-time at the end of extra-time it looked like Faithleach’s’ goose was finally cooked. However, there was one last chance – and when Cathal Gunn lofted in that high ball in the 83rd minute the rest was about to become history.

Faithleach’s had many heroes on the day but none more so than Diarmuid Murtagh, who was at his brilliant best. His contribution of 1-6 included a couple of tremendous points and a spectacular goal. Conal Kennelly,

Dave Rooney, Karl Nerney (when he came back from his black card), Michael O’Donnell, Ciaráin Murtagh and sub Cian Glennon were all excellent on a day that Faithleach’s will never forget.

The Murtagh brothers

brought selector Gerry Byrne up to receive the cup which is named in honour of Gene, his late brother and Faithleach’s legend. What a day for the Ballyleague-based club.

It was a fantastic way to win a title but a horrible

way to lose and Naomh Anna played their part in what was a cracking game of club football. Roscommon clubs are now Connacht champions at senior and intermediate level for the first time ever – a fantastic achievement.

See souvenir photo special (pages 21-24)

St. Faithleach’s: Michael O’Donnell; Karl Nerney, Mikey Cox (1-0), Adrian Murtagh; Paddy Farrell, Darren Nerney, Kevin Farrell; David Rooney (0-2, 1 ’45) Conal Kennelly (0-3); Brian Murtagh, Ciaráin Murtagh (0-1), Cathal Gunn; Mikey Dunne, Diarmuid Murtagh (1-6, 2 frees), Jonathan Hussey (0-2, 1 mark).

Subs: David Harrison for P Farrell (37), Cian Glennon for Hussey (40), Darragh Hussey for Rooney (56), Stephen Walsh for D Hussey (70), James Browne for B Murtagh (78).

Naomh Anna: Eoin Ó Currain; Colm Mac Donnacha, Sean Andy Ó Ceallaigh, Eoin Mac Donnacha; Ciaran Bairead, Chris Seoige, Evan Ó Flaharta; Oisin Mac Donnacha (0-3, 1 free), Eamon Ó Lionsiagh; Warren Seoige (1-0), Matias Eoin Bairead (1-0), Padraig O’Ceallaigh; Dylan Seoige (0-4, 3 frees), Aongus O’Flaharta (0-1), Iarla O’Currain (0-1).

Subs: Ferdia Breathnach (0-1) for I O’Currain (48), Myles Mac Donnacha (0-2) for O’Lionsiagh (52), Eoin O’Flaharta for O Mac Donnacha (70), Keith O’Flaharta for A O’Flaharta (78).

Stat Attack Wides: St Faithleach’s 6; Naomh Anna 6 Red cards: 0 Black cards: St. Faithleach’s 1 (Karl Nerney, 14); Naomh Anna 0 Yellow cards:

St. Faithleach’s

(David Rooney, Cathal Gunn)

Naomh Anna 3

(Oisin Mac Donnacha, Warren Seoige,

Ferdia Breathnach) Attendance: Approx. 3,000 Man of the Match: Diarmuid Murtagh

Teams and Scorers

St. Faithleach’s celebrate following their extra-time win over Naomh Anna in the AIB Connacht IFC Final at Pearse Stadium last Saturday. Pic Mick McCormack

Referee: Barry Judge (Sligo).

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