21 May 2021 Roscommon People

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€2.6m Castlerea e-Mental Health Hub ‘not being funded’ Serious concerns have been raised regarding the €2.6 million e-Mental Health Hub, which opened in Castlerea in place of the Rosalie Unit in June of last year, following HSE confirmation that funding for staff recruitment at the facility has so far not been Roscommon-Galway Constituency made available for 2021.

The funding shortfall was revealed following a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane, who described the news as “bitterly disappointing” for families of former Rosalie Unit resi- The e-Mental Health Hub at Castlerea which opened in June of last year. dents. See page 9 Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

People WATCHING With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

Alisson, Clifford and Costello shine, and you’re partying like it’s 1985!

Grandparent Access to Grandchildren My son’s relationship with his girlfriend recently broke down. They have two children who used to spend a lot of time with me but all contact has now been cut. My son is not pushing for access but I would love to see my grandchildren frequently. Is a grandparent entitled to access to their grandchildren?

Unfortunately, grandparents do not have an automatic right to access to their grandchildren. However, grandparents may apply to their local District Court for such access.

The grandparent must first get permission from the Court to bring their application for access. The Court takes a number of factors into consideration before deciding whether to grant permission to bring the application. The Court will have regard to: The Applicants connection with the child The risk, if any, that the application will disrupt the child’s life The wishes of the child’s guardian are taken into account If grandparents are successful at this first stage, they may then bring a second application to the Court for the access itself. The Court will hear evidence from both sides before making a decision. Applications take place behind closed doors and are completely private.

A grandparent may make the application themselves, employ a Solicitor to make the application on their behalf or they may apply to the Legal Aid Board for representation.

What a night!

What happened?

I was SO groggy!

Why the grogginess?

I fell asleep in the chair, in front of the TV… Were you watching Grogglebox?

Huh? Oh forget it!

So I…fell asleep watching TV… Was it The Week in Politics? It must have been the Week in Politics. That usually puts me to sleep…

NO! I was just drowsy, so drowsy!

Were you watching Drowston Abbey?

Huh? Oh forget it…so you were tired…

Yeah, just a bit dazed…

Were you watching daze-time TV? It can have that effect on me too…

Huh? Oh forget it! Anyways, you fell asleep in front of the TV? Yeah…

And… When I woke up, I saw Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis on TV, they were battling it out on the black ball in the World Snooker Final…

Oh yeah, that was 1985, there was a documentary on Sunday night…

Yeah, but I was so groggy, I thought IT WAS 1985...NOW! Really?

Yeah, I was SO disorientated. For about ten minutes, I thought I was back in 1985!

Gosh! It must have been brilliant to feel so young again, to have your whole life before you!

Not really…I was unemployed, there was mass emigration, and Phil Collins was number one in the charts! I was quite traumatised for those ten minutes! I even went into the kitchen at one stage to look for a SodaStream!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

(They pause briefly to allow time for younger readers to Google SodaStream) Oh dear! What happened in the end?

Well, Davis missed a sitter, and then Dennis potted the black. It was great!

(They pause again, which Steve Davis wishes he did) That attack caused havoc at the weekend…

Absolutely…

Roscommon badly affected…

Yeah, that’s the thing about cyber attacks…

No, not the cyber attack, the Dublin attack! Against Roscommon!

Oh right…anyways, how come you were so tired and groggy on Sunday evening?

Well, I’d been all over the country!

Oh, that IS tiring…

Well it was only on the TV, I mean I didn’t actually go anywhere…

Oh for God’s sake!

Yeah, I was brought on a great nationwide tour on the TV. Kerry and Galway on Saturday, Roscommon and Dublin on Sunday, other matches too! Quite tiring!

So you eventually conked out in front of the TV? Yep! In fairness, it was quite a sporting weekend…did you see David Clifford’s hattrick?

Yep! His third goal was Messi-like!

It was amazing!

And how about the Rossies?

Ah our lads did well enough! But Cormac Costello was deadly, he scored 1-13 for the Dubs!

Yeah, they’re decent!

(They pause to visualise a forward line of Clifford, Costello and…Messi) Allison…

I AM listening…

No, I mean Allison, the Liverpool goalkeeper! Did you see his amazing goal against West Brom? He scored with a last-minute header!

Yeah, I haven’t seen a goalkeeper that far up the field since Shane Curran in his heyday!

Nice one! So, who’s your sportstar of the weekend?

Huh? Is it Cormac Costello? David Clifford?

Allison? Which of them is it? Tell me!

Well…

Yeah?

None of them actually…

NONE OF THEM? Then…who?

Simple…Dennis Taylor! He was amazing on Sunday night!

What we liked…

Given that legal action may cause further strain to an already difficult relationship it may be best if you, the grandparent, sought to communicate with your son’s ex-girlfriend with a view to negotiating access arrangements prior to embarking upon litigation.

A mediation service may also be employed which may assist parents and grandparents sort out a mutually acceptable arrangement regarding access.

The reopening on Monday of nonessential shops means all retail stores can now trade again. It’s a welcome development for businesses and consumers, but it’s vital that we remain vigilant and adhere to all Covid19-related guidelines.

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

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

Pic of the Week: Checking the score! The scoreboard operator pictured at Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack

What we didn’t like…

The cyber attack on the HSE computer systems by The cyber attack on the HSE/Department of Health; Non-essential retail reopening; The return of Gaelic foot- a criminal gang (or gangs) ball, with David Clifford scoring a hat-trick for Kerry against Galway, and Roscommon losing their league is having a devastating imopener to the all-conquering Dubs; Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson heading a crucial winning goal in injury-time pact on an already stressed health service. against West Brom...

What PEOPLE are talking about

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

Service Matters in Roscommon town.

Managing Director Vincent Collins

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Introducing the new Veraco Safe Wrap technology – Creating clean and safe touchpoints

Brand new to the Irish Market, Service Matters is delighted to launch Veraco Safe Wrap. This highly innovative product, designed to safeguard people from bacteria and germs on key touchpoints.

Anti-microbial and coronavirus tested, Veraco Safewrap has been developed by leading innovators in hygiene solutions for frequently touched surfaces.

Harnessing the natural power of antimicrobial silver ions, the Veraco Safe

Pad™ range reduces microbe growth by up to 99.99 percent. This antimicrobial silver ion technology breaks down the biological makeup of microbes, preventing microbes from reproducing, multiplying and forming biofilms.

Having been used in medical settings for years, the antimicrobial silver ion technology also reduces the viral load of the human Coronavirus and bacteria associated with E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and MRSA. With a simple one-minute installation,

the Safe Pad™ products securely affix to each communal touchpoint with a strong adhesive. Once secured on the touchpoint, each Safe Pad™ product provides up to two years of targeted antiviral and antibacterial protection.

Ian Morgan, Global Sales Director of Veraco, also offered his thoughts: “We have learnt over the last year that creating safe environments is about putting multiple measures in place that combine to reduce the risk. Our products work continuously and provide

World

visible reassurance that touch surfaces are protected.

“Antimicrobial silver technology is not new and has been used in hospitals and critical care for a long time. We are proud to make this innovative technology available to protect all staff and customers”.

Vincent Collins of Service Matters said: “At Service Matters we pride ourselves on offering the best to our customers across the hygiene industry.

The emergence of Coronavirus has

made this all the more important for everyone. The addition of Veraco Safe Wrap to our product and service offering, is an exciting new range that adds protection, and can also reduce cleaning costs for the business; whilst delivering fantastic safeguarding technology”.

Stock is available from our Roscommon Head Office. Get in touch for more information.

Tel: 090-6627477, Email: info@ servicematters.ie.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

The late Paula Leddy, a lady who will be fondly remembered by all who knew her < PAUL HEALY

Like everyone else acquainted in any way with the Leddy family, I was shocked to hear of the untimely death of Paula Leddy, which took place on Monday, 10th of May last.

News of Paula’s passing led to an outpouring of sadness and sympathy in Roscommon Town

The late Paula Leddy.

and throughout the wider community.

Our thoughts at this extremely difficult time are with Paula’s husband Adrian, their children Hugh, Áine, John, Ruairí, Emmet and Aoife, Paula’s sisters, brother and grandchildren, her extended family and many friends.

The tributes that have been voiced since Paula’s death are a testimonial to a devoted family woman, reflect her strong community involvement over many years, and the esteem in which she was held by those who knew her.

Paula Leddy was one of the founding members of Roscommon Women’s Network. Nora Fahy, Manager of RWN, this week remembered her late friend as “a woman of integrity and strength… who was never afraid to vocalise the needs of the women of County Roscommon”.

Meeting Paula and her husband Adrian at social gatherings over the years was always a pleasure.

While Adrian became extremely well known through his high profile role in both the IFA and in rugby circles, Paula also had a great commitment to volunteering in the community.

Paula endeared herself to everyone she met. An absolute lady, she had a great personality and a very friendly nature. She was extremely highly regarded by her many friends.

Paula worked as a photographer for the Irish Farmers Journal for many years. She covered hundreds of IFA functions, other farming events, and general community gatherings too. She worked closely with the local newspapers in the region.

When I was editing the Roscommon Champion (and more recently the People) her photographs frequently featured and she was always a pleasure to deal with.

Paula had fought ill health over many years with remarkable courage and dignity. She always seemed to be in a posi-

Pictured in 2016 were the founders and former board members of the RWN (Roscommon Women’s Network), including the late Paula Leddy (second from left).

tive frame of mind, which was quite inspirational to observe. While she had experienced ill health for a considerable period, her death was unexpected.

Paula Leddy (née Reddin) of Ardsallagh Beg, Roscommon Town and formerly of Convoy, Co. Donegal and Bluebell,

Dublin died on May 10th, 2021 at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe.

Predeceased by her sisters Ann, Jackie and Lana, Paula is mourned by her husband Adrian, children Hugh, Áine, John, Ruairí, Emmet and Aoife, sisters Celine and Mairead, brother Tim, grandchil-

dren Anna, Harry, Ruby and Jake, wider family members, neighbours and friends.

Removal took place on Friday morning to the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. Following Funeral Mass, burial took place in St. Coman’s Cemetery.

The late Paula Leddy will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Her untimely passing leaves a significant void in the town and is a huge loss to Adrian, their children, and extended family, to whom sympathy is extended.

May she rest in peace.

Women’s Network pays tribute to Paula Roscommon Women’s Network has paid tribute to late founding member, Paula Leddy, who passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe on Monday, May 10th.

Paula of Ardsallagh Beg, Roscommon town and formerly of Convoy, Co. Donegal and Bluebell, Dublin worked as a photographer with the Farmers Journal and other regional newspapers.

Paula was the wife of Adrian Leddy, retired Irish Farmers Association Regional Development Officer. She is also sadly missed by her children Hugh, Áine, John, Ruairí, Emmet and Aoife.

Roscommon Women’s Network manager Nora Fahy de-

scribed Paula as a “woman of integrity and strength” who would be greatly missed by all the members of RWN. “Paula was one of the founding members of Roscommon Women’s Network in 1997. She and other members worked tirelessly over years without any Government funding or support until RWN secured CDP funding in 2007.

“Those early years of RWN were difficult, and Paula was very active on a voluntary basis, representing Roscommon women at Connacht and regional seminars. Great credit is due to the founding members of RWN as they flew the flag for the women of the county long before funding or support was in place,” Nora said.

“I always remember Paula smiling, and even though she had various health problems over the years, she always had a smile on her face and never missed a board meeting. Paula was a woman with empathy, understanding and a quiet determination. She was never afraid to vocalise the needs of the women of County Roscommon and she always encouraged other women to believe in themselves. She was great at empowering other women and we owe her great credit.

“I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Paula’s husband Adrian and her sons and daughters and extended family on behalf of everyone at RWN,” Nora concluded.

newsbriefs ‘First 5 Little Library’ initiative launched

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman, and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys have announced the roll-out of the First 5 Little Library Initiative.

The project, which includes local libraries in Co. Roscommon, aims to support the development of little libraries in early learning and care settings and encourage a love of books and reading among young children.

Under the initiative, early learning and care settings

are invited to collect free book bags and other resources from their local library as they reopen.

There are two book bag types produced containing five books each: a book bag for general early learning centres containing one Irish title and the remainder in English, and a book bag of all Irish titles for providing to the Naíonraí.

Each bag contains five storybooks for children up to five years. The bag also contains a number of resources from the libraries including a service library card and a guide to that local library.

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

€375,000 for road upgrade works welcomed < DAN DOONER

Over €375,000 has been made available for repairs and improvement works on non-public roads in rural Roscommon, as part of the Government’s ‘Our Rural Future’ programme.

The funding is part of nationwide funding of €10.5 million recently announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan welcomed the announcement earlier this week.

“This is great news for local communities in Co. Roscommon as the

funding announced under the Local Improvement Scheme will improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes and rivers.

“The focus of the scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways in Co. Roscommon that are not normally maintained by local authorities, but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents,” she said.

Local Independent TD Denis Naughten said the funding was part of €1.25 million announced for Counties Roscommon and Galway.

“Roscommon-Galway has received

a significant share of the nationwide funding allocated for repairs to private/non-public roads since I helped secure the reintroduction of the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) during the last Government.

“The upgrading work will start immediately, and this will have a significant practical impact on the ground for people across Roscommon and Galway,” Deputy Naughten said.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said the funding represented a 5% increase from 2020.

He urged both Roscommon and Galway County Councils to complete repair works as soon as possible.

Report it, don’t ignore it: How you can report litter and other issues instantly!

What do you do when you see litter or illegal dumping while you are out an about – report it, or just ignore it? Now there is a simple way to report it. Roscommon County Council have launched a convenient online system called ‘My Online Services’, where members of the public can easily report any littering they come across. You can even download it to your phone and access the system 24/7.

Increasingly, people are accessing services using apps and websites, and now you can access Roscommon County Council services in a similar way.

The facility to report issues to the local authority through this self-service

option has proven very useful to customers. Over 2,500 people have used the self-service option on My Online Services, and this number is continuing to grow.

Reporting litter and illegal dumping is only one of the many things that can be done online. A number of online services are being delivered by Roscommon County Council including grant applications, reporting issues, rents management as well as a rates account and motor tax payments. This enables staff to react quickly to issues, and allows Roscommon County Council to deliver services that are responsive, efficient and innovative.

Log onto roscommoncoco.ie and click on the ‘My Online Services’ icon at the top right of the website to see the range of online services available. Here, you can access the ‘Report It’ service, which allows you to report an issue that, once logged, will be acknowledged and assigned

to the relevant department to deal with it. You will also receive an update about your issue if you provide an email address or mobile number.

If you want to learn more about Roscommon County Councils’ online services, visit roscommoncoco.ie.

Disabled driver scheme backlog to be cleared in eight weeks – Naughten Local Independent TD Denis Naughten has been informed by the HSE that it expects to clear the backlog of applications for the disabled driver scheme across the West of Ireland over the coming eight weeks.

“Many applicants entitled to access to the disabled driver scheme, which was suspended last June, have been waiting over six months to get a decision on their application, but now, thanks to a concerted effort by the HSE doctors, applicants are being contacted and applications are even approved via phone consultation where appropriate,” explained Deputy Naughten.

Approximately 150 people across the country should receive approval for a primary medical certificate, which allows them to access a re-

duction in VRT and VAT when purchasing or adapting a vehicle. The scheme also exempts them from motor tax and tolls and offers a fuel grant.

Deputy Naughten said he had campaigned for the reinstatement of the scheme and paid tribute to local doctors who adapted their assessment process “to ensure that many disable people did not have to travel for medical assessment”.

“The broader issue of eligibility under the current scheme is currently being reviewed by the Minister for Finance and anybody with a view on the operation/eligibility under the current scheme can email me at dnaughten@oir.ie, and I will pass those views directly to the Minister for Finance,” concluded Denis Naughten.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Friday

The radio bulletins and social media sites crackle with breaking news. ‘Cyber attack on HSE’. ‘HSE hit by ransomware attack’.

‘Taoiseach: We won’t pay ransom’.

Hold it right there! What’s happening?

Does it star Liam Neeson, or have they gone all Hollywood and cast Dwayne Johnson? Is this why Matt Damon has been spending so much time in Ireland? I mean, it’s got to be a futuristic film, hasn’t it?

Apparently not. This is the world of today.

A cyber attack has shut down key HSE systems. There is chaos, with cancellation of appointments and services for patients. A criminal gang is demanding money in return for releasing the data it has encrypted. Hence the term ‘ransomware’.

It sounds like a movie plot, a payday for Liam or Matt or Dwayne. But it’s not. And the awful reality is reflected in the human stories behind the high-tech labels. The newspapers brim with reports of the hurt caused to families, as seriously ill patients suffer due to the callousness, cruelty and greed of criminals. It may sound like a TV thriller; unfortunately, it’s real life.

Later on Friday The Friday evening TV schedule offers a tasty 90 minutes of viewing on BBC One. First up at 8.30 pm is Would I Lie to You?, followed by Have I Got News for You, then at 9.30 there’s the latest series of This Time with Alan Partridge (played by Steve Coogan).

For readers not fully acquainted with Partridge’s latest career move, ‘This Time’ is the excellent spoof on daytime TV which peaked in 2019 with the famous ‘Come out, Ye Black and Tans’ episode. Coogan played Martin Brennan, an Irishman being interviewed by Partridge (also played by Coogan) who suddenly bursts into Irish rebel songs on air. It was hilarious and daring…Coogan at his best.

‘This Time’, while not flawless, is a clever, original and very entertaining comedy.

Coogan – who guested on Boyle native Chris O’Dowd’s ‘Moone Boy’ – is one of the most gifted artists of recent decades.

Up to a few years ago, Have I Got News for You was my favourite TV show of all time. However, that was then. These days, I consider it a shadow of its former self, a show that has outstayed its welcome.

I’m not sure when I began watching HIGNFY, but I have a fond memory of my late dad laughing during an episode at the time of the OJ Simpson murder trial. Have I Got News for You wasn’t really meant to

Also on Saturday It doesn’t shock me that Kerry superstar David Clifford scored 3-6 against Galway today. The threat is ever-present: he’s capable of anything, including turning much of what we’ve ever known upside down.

I’m hardly an expert, but it strikes me that this guy could turn out to be the best Gaelic footballer – forward at least – of all time.

I was privileged to be present in Croke Park at the All-Ireland Minor Football Final in 2017, when the mesmerisingly elusive Clifford scored a stupendous 4-4. That day, I knew I was watching greatness reveal itself. It felt like Roy of the Rovers, GAA version. That day four years ago, I thought: ‘This kid may be the best ever’. Nothing about his future will surprise me.

Sunday This Time with Alan Partridge (played by Steve Coogan).

be for his generation. I was pleased that my dad ‘got’ the humour. That was 1995. I guess it was peak HIGNFY time. (The show began in 1990, and the current team captains are as then: Ian Hislop and Paul Merton).

Over the years, HIGNFY was challenged by Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, etc. Would I Lie To You? began in 2007. In my opinion, it is by far the best panel show on the scene now.

Host Rob Brydon and David Mitchell (one of the team captains) are excellent, but Lee Mack (the other team captain) is the star of this brilliant show. His quick-fire wit is a joy. Regular guest Bob Mortimer is priceless, madcap comedy gold.

Anything involving Coogan (as Alan Partridge) is special. Would I Lie To You? is laugh-out-loud funny. By contrast, HIGNFY has aged badly.

Still, out of respect and nostalgia for its peak years, I’ll always stay loyal to it. My dad wasn’t brought up on comedy panel shows, but he appreciated Merton. The show’s greatness in its early years will always overshadow its subsequent decline.

So, if you want a 90-minute break from the real world (including the ever-declining Late Late Show), Friday night on BBC One is recommended.

Saturday Asked to comment on a very undistinguished game that he’d just played in, Irish rugby great Moss Keane memorably quipped: “The first half was even, the second half was even worse”.

After a scoreless first half in today’s FA Cup Final, the BBC pundits didn’t have much to

talk about. The first half had been kind of even (Chelsea a little on top) – thankfully the second half was far from ‘even worse’.

That second half was notable for three outstanding moments/major talking points: a superb goal

by Leicester’s Youri Tielemans, a sensational save by their ‘keeper, Kasper Schmeichel, and a dramatic finale when Chelsea thought they had equalised, only for the ‘goal’ to be ruled out by VAR. I was delighted that Leicester held on for a 1-0 win. Once unfashionable, in recent years this club has audaciously snapped at the heels of football’s richest and most successful clubs.

Their extraordinary Premier League title win in 2015/2016 endeared Leicester to millions of neutral fans. Now, today’s win is a first ever FA Cup Final triumph for the club. No disrespect to Chelsea, but I was smiling. For years, I’ve admired Leicester’s lethal, captivating ‘lone wolf’ striker, Jamie Vardy. Their manager, Brendan Rodgers, is also a class act.

Just as they were savouring their spectacular rise, Leicester were hit by tragedy in 2018 when the club’s owner and three others passengers died in a helicopter crash. Suddenly, fate had determined that glory and grief would form an emotional backdrop to the remarkable emergence of Leicester as a 21st century football force.

After Leeds, Leicester is now my favourite ‘other club’. Besides, just now, any trophy win by a team outside the self-styled ‘Big Six’ – the clubs that were plotting a European Super League – feels like vindication for grassroots, for tradition, for football’s soul. Go Leicester!

A strange experience in Dr. Hyde Park, where I attended the Allianz National Football League game between Roscommon and Dublin.

With no spectators allowed in – due to the pandemic – there was no contest for the ‘Fans of the Day’ award. That goes to the two Dublin ladies, clad in their county colours, who marched up and down OUTSIDE the stadium, waving a Dublin flag… while taking photos, presumably so they could record their pilgrimage to the Hyde on social media.

Meanwhile, INSIDE our revered ground, a few dozen accredited people were sprinkled around the main stand. GAA personnel, and representatives of the local and national media, had a bird’s eye view of the action – speaking of which, there was a steady flow of birds circling and chirping from the vicinity of the top of the stand.

Unsurprisingly, the lack of atmosphere was very notable. Still, midst the surrealness, we watched an entertaining, free-flowing match, with Dublin winning comfortably, but with Roscommon competitive throughout, and producing some fine football. Full coverage in our sports section.

Monday And when all the inventive geniuses out there have a moment to spare, maybe one of them could devise packets of biscuits (I’m thinking McVitie’s digestives, Jacob’s cream crackers, etc.) that can be opened without the top two or three biscuits crumbling straight away. It’s not an absolute priority, but it does need to be tackled.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

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

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Colm Parkinson @Woolberto

that ref the better. #Rosgaa -Dublin: Very good; Roscommon: good; Referee…ahem Ciara McShane @Ciara87C

Hurling referee Willie Barrett proposed the new penalty rule (compromise as hurling people didn’t want black card).

It was voted in by a crowd of administrators at congress. Now football is stuck with it (for a year at least) even though literally no one was asking for it.

-Brilliant! The first ‘Sure it makes no sense’ themed GAA row of the season begins…

Louise_x @louisenew_x Good morning to everyone who’s keeper scored a goal yesterday -Not unreasonably, Liverpool fans can’t stop talking about THAT goal (by their ‘keeper, Alisson)

I don’t wanna jinx it but I’m on the train home listening to Jeff Buckley and I think I might be.. happy?

-As Basil Fawlty memorably – and sarcastically – said, “Happy? I remember that!”

Michael O’Regan @Michael_O_Regan

Alisson

Hell is not hot enough, nor eternity long enough, for the HSE hackers.

Attacking the ill is heinous.

-We’re struggling to argue with Michael’s heartfelt reaction to the shocking cyber attack…

Did you know that it’s actually possible for you to say, “I don’t know enough about this to have an opinion”

Decent battling display by the rossies today against the best side in the land. 9 point margin somewhat harsh, less said about

-Now there’s food for thought... although, in my opinion...

ROSCOMMON

Celebrate your child’s communion or confirmation day at the 4* Abbey Hotel Roscommon Special occasions deserve a special setting.

The 4* Abbey Hotel Roscommon are now taking bookings for Communion & Confirmations.

Email us at: events@abbeyhotel.ie or Telephone 090 6666211 to book your special occasion.

Gift vouchers are available to purchase on our website www.abbeyhotel.ie

Abbey Hotel Roscommon delighted to be Travellers’ Choice Award winners for 10th consecutive year

Richard Feynman @ProfFeynman

Ross4life @Rossie4life

ABBEY HOTEL

Michael O’Regan

The Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award celebrates hotels that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers around the globe, and this year, it has been awarded to the four-star Abbey Hotel Roscommon for the 10th consecutive year.

The Abbey Hotel Roscommon, owned and managed by the Grealy Family since 1963, have earned positive traveller reviews and ratings over the past year. Tom Grealy (Junior Manager at the Abbey) welcomed this great news, paying tribute to the loyalty and support of staff and customers, and says they look forward to the hotel reopening soon.

A Tripadvisor representative commented: “In this particularly challenging year, you stood out by providing great service and experiences to your guests”.

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Knockcroghery native, Padraig O’Connor, set up P’Nuts Powerwashing Service in May 2020 and the business has been going from strength to strength ever since.

Padraig, whose nickname lends itself to the name of the business, is from an agricultural background and is no stranger to working in sheds and farmyards.

“Business has been going well and when you do good work it spreads by word of mouth thanks to happy customers,” he said.

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The results speak for themselves so contact Padraig O’Connor on 086-6027509 to find out what P’Nuts Powerwashing Service can do for you.

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08

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

Tributes to couple following fatal house fire

Nuala Kenny and Joey Tumulty died following a house fire at their home at Rooty Cross, Drumlya near Ballinasloe on Thursday morning last (May 13th).

There was shock and sadness in south Roscommon following the tragic death of a popular local couple in a fire at their home at Gurth na Sharvogue near Ballydangan in the early hours of Thursday morning last.

Tributes have been paid to Joey Tumulty (54) and Nuala Kenny (44), who died in the fire which broke out at their home at around 2 am on Thursday morning (May 13th).

Mr. Tumulty was from the local area, was a plasterer by trade, and worked in a local farm supply business. Ms. Kenny was a healthcare worker from nearby Cappaleitra. Mr. Tumulty had two children

from a previous relationship and Ms. Kenny had three children.

Gardaí confirmed that following results of preliminary post-mortem examinations and an examination of the scene that they were not treating the fire as suspicious.

Fr. Michael Molloy, the parish priest in Moore, said it was terrible tragedy: “It’s a terrible shock, a terrible tragedy for the families involved and the shockwaves spread through the community. It’s a closeknit community and the families are well known, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time”.

John Murray Agricultural Supplies, where Mr. Tumulty worked, paid tribute on Facebook: “We

are shocked and saddened at the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Joey, and his partner Nuala. The Tumulty family have a long association with the business, and we would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mary, David and all the Tumultys “We will miss Joey, his infectious laugh and his warm smile. May both Joey and Nuala rest in peace”.

The Moore Community Hall committee also offered condolences and vowed to stand with the family over the coming days and months.

Local TDs Denis Naughten and Claire Kerrane and Ballinasloe Senator Aisling Dolan also paid their respects following the tragedy.

Meanwhile, local councillor John Keogh said the couple had been wellknown in the area and offered condolences to both Mr. Tumulty’s children and Ms. Kenny’s.

Part of his post on social media read: “Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. May the peace that comes from memories shared comfort you now and in the days ahead”.

Ms. Kenny will be laid to rest this morning (Thursday) at Moore Cemetery following funeral mass in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Clonfad.

Mr. Tumulty will be laid to rest at Kilbegly Cemetery following funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church Moore on Friday morning.

Glass famine memorial at Strokestown Park An installation of 1,845 hand-blown glass potatoes called ‘1845: Memento Mori’ is set to be displayed for the first time at The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park from May 29th to July to kick off a national tour.

The touring exhibition

will be launched virtually on Saturday, May 29th at 12 pm by Irish Ambassador to the US Dan Mulhall as part of the Irish Famine Summer School Conference.

1845: Memento Mori is a Famine Memorial dedicated to the Irish Potato Fam-

ine, made by Seattle based Irish artist Paula Stokes and has taken 15 years to complete. 1845 is significant as it references the year that the potato blight came to Ireland, marking the beginning of a period of mass starvation, disease, and emigration.

An installation of 1,845 hand-blown glass potatoes called ‘1845: Memento Mori’ is set to be displayed at The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park from May 29th.

newsbriefs Bealach Nua webinar on Wednesday, May 26th Bealach Nua, which means New Way in English, is the suitably titled name of an innovative service for families and friends of people with mental health difficulties.

First established in 2015 in Mayo, the service has now expanded to Roscommon and Galway. An interesting aspect of this service is the support it offers families in challenging times, which in turn lends support to loved ones experiencing mental health difficulties.

Bealach Nua will host an informative Zoom webinar on Wednesday, May 26th from 10 am to 12 pm. Guest speakers included Noel Feeley (Roscommon Sports Partnership), who will discuss the benefit of nutrition and exercise for our mental health; Loretta Bracken (Psychotherapist), and Peter Livingstone (Clinical Nurse Specialist).

Join Bealach Nua on the day gain an increased understanding of taking care of your and your family’s mental health and learning the signs of when and how to seek help.

To register for this free event please contact Mary by phone at 087-3725891 or by email at Mary.OConnellGannon@ hse.ie. Zoo link: https:// us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZYsceisqD0tGtXgYs_ Jcut4x5N991JLbO0q.

Waste metal collection in Ballaghaderreen Ballaghaderreen Community Park is holding a waste metal collection next month in the Community Park grounds.

All scrap metal apart from white goods (fridges, washing machines, dryers, microwaves etc.) paint cans or gas cylinders are accepted.

Further details will be published later. For now, the organisers ask that all scrap metal is gathered up and ready. All proceeds will go to the repayments, insurance, and general upkeep of Ballaghaderreen Community Park.

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre reopens Rathcroghan Visitor Centre reopened to the public on Monday (17th) following the easing of Government Covid-19 and will remain open Monday to Saturday from 9.15 am with last entry at 4 pm.

The museum will be open as usual with a maximum capacity in place and one-way system in operation. Tickets can now be purchased through the website at www. rathcroghan.ie. The tour will still visit the site of Oweynagat but due to social distancing, visitors will not be brought into the cave itself.

There are clearly defined entrances and exits from the shop and café and visitors are asked to please follow directions into and out of Rathcroghan Visitor Centre.

The café will offer a takeaway service only this month.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

No funding for Castlerea e-Mental Health Hub < DAN DOONER

Serious concerns have been raised regarding the €2.6 million e-Mental Health Hub, which opened in Castlerea in place of the Rosalie Unit in June of last year, following HSE confirmation that funding for staff recruitment at the facility has so far not been made available for 2021.

The funding shortfall was revealed following a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane, who described the news as “bitterly disappointing” for families of former Rosalie Unit residents.

In a letter to Deputy Kerrane, HSE Chief Officer for the region, Breda Crehan-Roche, confirmed that Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Psychiatry of Later Life (POLL) day care services had been severely

disrupted by the funding shortage.

According to the Chief Officer, the HSE has been running a reduced CAMHS Connect service with the assistance of nursing staff and the CAMHS Community Mental Health Team. It is believed the Psychiatry of Later Life services received no funding in either 2020 or 2021.

She added that the Head of Service was continuing to advocate for the additional funding in order to get the services fully operational.

Deputy Kerrane said funding had been provided for a social worker, consultant, nurse, and occupational therapist last year.

“Funding for the remaining posts was due this year but the facility has received nothing for either those remaining posts or the ones that were filled last year,” Deputy Kerrane said.

Pictured at the opening of the e-Mental Health Hub in Castlerea in June of last year were Dr. Delia McGuinness, Consultant Clinical Director; Breda CrehanRoche, Chief Officer Community Healthcare West; Dr. Amanda Burke, Executive Clinical Director, Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services; Lisa Coyne, Assistant Director of Mental Health Nursing; Charlie Meehan, Head of Mental Health Services Community Healthcare West; Jim Daly, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People; Abiola de Mojeed, Senior Occupational Therapist; David Walsh, National Director of Community Operations; Paul Reid, CEO of HSE.

“Crucially, and I know this will be a sore point for the Rosalie families and those who worked there

previously, there has been zero funding for the Day Hospital for Psychiatry of Later Life either this year

or last year. This is so disappointing”.

Deputy Kerrane confirmed that she would

be raising the matter in the Dáil with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar later today (Thursday).

The HSE were contacted for comment but none was forthcoming as we went to print.

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10

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

The

D News page

G

John’s Suck Valley Way Run for Mayo Roscommon Hospice < DAN DOONER

Roscommon man John Fitzmaurice is set to run 115km along The Suck Valley Way in a day on Saturday, June 5th in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice’s Palliative Care Nursing Services.

John grew up in Castlerea and lives in Fuerty, Co. Roscommon and has set up a GoFundMe page ‘Suck Valley Way in a Day’ to raise funds.

John, a member of Roscommon Harriers, says it’s the longest distance he has ever trained for and he hopes to use the event to raise awareness of the beauty of The Suck Valley Way. “The hard work is done and now I’m tapering my runs ahead of the 5th of June,” he said.

“It’s like an ultra marathon really and I’ve never run anything like it before. My sister Julie McMullen is an ultra runner though and she ran Mizen to Malin Head last year and I

ran a couple of days with her on that.

“The Suck Valley Way itself is a fabulous amenity and I would have fished on the river when growing up in Castlerea. You never know what you might meet on it in terms of wildlife…it’s really like being out in the wild.

It’s a lovely mix of bogs, woods, fields and country roads and it’s accessible to everyone and they’ve done huge work on it in Castlerea and out in Glinsk with new paths and stiles”.

The ‘Suck Valley Way in a Day’ GoFundMe page has already raised over €1,000 for Mayo Roscommon Hospice services, which John says are invaluable to families across the region.

“Our family, like many others, are aware of and grateful for the support that Palliative Care Nurses provide. However, some people don’t realise that the Hospice services and supports are there for them until they’re in real trouble.

There are great supports available for patients and their families, and it doesn’t necessarily

have to be an end-of-life scenario,” he said.

John has received wonderful support from his wife Anne Marie, who will be coordinating car support, maps and the all-important food. His children Sarah, Rachel and Daniel, who have been given social media duties, will also be running part of the route with him.

John is also very grateful for the support of his fellow Roscommon Harriers members including Frank Murphy, who he says has done “huge work” with adult runners in Roscommon.

John says he would really appreciate any support on the day and has encouraged people to come and say hello anywhere along the route.

All funds raised from the ‘Suck Valley in a Day’ challenge will be used to support Mayo Roscommon Hospice Palliative Care Nurses in the vital work they do.

To support John’s fundraising efforts log onto the GoFundMe page and search for ‘Suck Valley Way in a Day’.

Roscommon man John Fitzmaurice is set to run The Suck Valley Way (115km) in a day on Saturday, June 5th in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice’s Palliative Care Nursing Services.

The Luan Gallery reopens with ‘Percept’

Pictured is one of the Roscommon recipients of the AIT Scholarship of Excellence Award, Keelan Gallagher, a first-year AIT microbiology student who attended Roscommon Community College.

AIT scholarships for Roscommon students Thirty students received awards at the Athlone Institute of Technology Scholarship of Excellence ceremony last week – the highest number of recipients since the awards’ inauguration four years ago.

Among them were a number of students from Co. Roscommon including: Keelan Gallagher, first year microbiology student at AIT, who previously attended Roscommon Community College; Jane Horan, Pharmacy Technician, Convent of Mercy; Niamh Kenny, Applied Psychology, Athlone Community College; Sarah McTiernan, Applied Psychology, Convent of Mercy; Bryan Hughes, Applied Psychology, Marist College, Athlone; and Jack Norton, Applied Psychology, Marist College.

Scholarships of Excellence are conferred upon first-year students who have distinguished themselves academically at second level, achieving more than 500 points in their Leaving Certificate exams.

Art enthusiast, Fiona O’Donnell, enjoyed her visit to the reopened Luan Gallery on Tuesday last (11th) to view ‘Percept’, an exhibition of work by Colm Mac Athlaoich.

Luan Gallery, Athlone reopened on Tuesday last (11th) with ‘Percept’, a solo exhibition by Irish artist Colm Mac Athlaoich, which remains on display until July 11th.

Mac Athlaoich’s paintings deal with ideas of materiality, process and perception. His work sits between figuration and abstraction, exploring the space between.

Colm studied at NCAD Dublin and LUCA School of Art, Brussels where he is now based. He has been a member of The Graphic Studio Printmakers and The Black Church Print Studio and was co-founder and director of Monster Truck Gallery and studios, Dublin.

Percept aims to address our ways of seeing and re-calling what has been told, how is an image, a scene and an object perceived upon a second viewing.

The central image of the exhibition, Flavian Garden, is based on a holiday photograph of the Colosseum in Rome, the original image continuously repainted and abstracted through several processes including scaling, digital collage and colour inverting.

The rest of the exhibition’s paintings draw from a personal photographic archive and includes both figurative and abstract work.

Luan Gallery will be operating within public health guidelines and the gallery will operate at a limited capacity, with social distancing measures in place throughout the premises. Visitors are required to wear masks at all times and hand sanitising is also required on entry.

The gallery is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am – 5 pm and Sundays from 12 – 5 pm.

Visitors flock back to Athlone Castle Athlone Castle Visitor Centre reopened to the public on Thursday, May 13th and the team were delighted to see so many happy faces enjoying what the attraction has to offer.

The popular tourist site is now open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5.30 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 5.30 pm throughout May. To book tickets, visit www.athlonecastle.ie.

Clooncagh NS says ‘thank you’ The Fraczyk family enjoyed their visit to Athlone Castle last weekend.

Clooncagh National School would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Strokestown Hardware who made a donation to assist in upgrading the school’s library!

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

PEOPLE PLATFORM Your say, our say….in everyone’s favourite local newspaper!

Letter to the Editor Being held to ransom over cyber attacks Carrowduff, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon Dear Editor, This is an outrage...Paul Reid (Director-General of the HSE) is on €400,000 a year, and the same goes for high earners at every level in the HSE at the cost of the taxpayer.

If a fraction of those salaries was taken for cyber security, we wouldn’t have had the ‘Ransomware’ issue.

Reid and the HSE need to be confronted on this because it’s not enough to go on the air and moan about it.

How is it that no other private corporation was attacked? That’s right…because they take steps to make sure they aren’t!

Ballyfarnon priest working in pandemic-hit Brazil < DAN DOONER

Local woman, Margaret Haughey of the Apostolic Work charity was in touch recently to update readers on the important work of Ballyfarnon native, Fr.

Brendan Foley, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Fr. Brendan, a Holy Ghost Father, had been in contact with Margaret to let her know that his recent haircut auction (featured in the Roscommon People last

Yours sincerely, Ian Hester

‘Exasperated’ reader says new football rule(s) should be binned

Ballyfarnon native Fr. Brendan Foley pictured with colleagues in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Dear Editor, I would like to express my confusion and exasperation at the ‘new rules’ as represented in the Roscommon v Dublin game on Sunday last.

I accept that the rules are ‘new’ and not ‘bedded in’ but from Sunday’s showing they are certainly not fit for any purpose and should be binned at the earliest opportunity. This is after just a one-game viewing!

To give a penalty for a free committed outside the ‘traditional zone’ demonstrates little logic to me. The ‘traditional zone’ has been a core part of the game for decades. There is a popular legal maxim which says ‘hard cases make bad law’. I presume that this is a reaction to a memorable Sean Cavanagh defensive foul some years ago.

I initially thought that the first penalty was for a foul ‘inside’ the traditional penalty zone, which was questionable in itself. But, since it transpires that the penalty was given for a foul committed from ‘outside’ the traditional penalty zone, it makes no sense to me.

This suggested that the attacking player was denied a real goal-scoring opportunity. Then, to add insult to injury, it also draws a ‘black card’ which is a doubling of the penalty. This system meant that Roscommon were playing with 14 players, against Dublin mind, for nearly 30% of the game.

If I was confused by the first penalty incident its absurdity was certainly endorsed by the second penalty which was just way over the top in suggesting it was a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

So now the penalty zone encompasses two pitchwide (?) generous strips of 20 metres at both ends of the playing pitch, i.e. forty metres, plus, I believe, the exclusion arcs.

This may not cut that deep in the league scenario but the upcoming one-game showdowns in the championship could give rise to real drama and resentment.

There is an expectation that after the Covid nightmare the ‘crowds’ will automatically return to attending the games. If the GAA administrators continue to go down these puzzling routes, that may not be the case.

I have not mentioned my feelings about ‘the mark’ here as Sunday’s second penalty trumped all, for now, in its absurdity.

Yours sincerely, Tony Conboy

Some of the young people who live in Fr. Brendan’s parish in Sao Paulo.

November) had raised €2,660 which went a long way to assisting his parish.

Sadly, Covid-19 has hit Fr. Brendan’s parish hard since its onset last year and overcrowding as well as a lack of resources has meant that the poorest people in the country have suffered as a result.

In his email to Margaret, Fr. Brendan shared harrowing stories of how some parishioners sadly passed away while waiting for treatment in ambulances and hos-

pital corridors. He also shares horrific stories of violence from his neighbourhood, explaining: “The level of violence is bewildering and (so is) the complete lack of sense of love or God in people’s lives”.

Fr. Brendan describes the South American country as “broken in every way” and that the poorest “are suffering greatly”.

“The death count from the virus is made up of two thirds of the poorest who have no access to

healthcare,” he explains.

Fr. Brendan said that state Governors were taking the lead on the vaccination roll-out and that vaccines were slowly “filtering down” through society.

He added that while a new Mission appointment was expected from Paraguay soon, he was busy trying to prepare his parish ahead of a number of imminent retirements in coming years. He said he hoped to return to Europe for a two-month break in 2021.

A final word on the old jail…

Circular Road, Roscommon town, Dear Editor, Many thanks for publishing my recent letter on Main Street. My opinions are primarily based on Frances Plunkett’s survey of 1736 which is based on a deed map from 1700.

I believe the person who brought this to the public’s attention was the late Brian O’Carroll (RIP). Indeed, we owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. O’Carroll for bringing this to the attention of the wider public.

There is a framed copy of the deed map of 1700 at The Central Bar in Roscommon town so when things open up again perhaps your readers would like to view that while enjoying a coffee or perhaps something stronger!

My final comments are again based on this map and in particular the stand-alone tower which was located on the east side of Castle Avenue, where the old jail was situated.

There is a popularly held belief that this tower was once located at the junction of Castle Street

Five possible reasons for ‘round tower’

and Lanesboro Street. Alas, in the early 1700s there was no evidence of this and indeed there was no Lanesboro Street at this time.

What then was the purpose of this small tower standing forlornly and in isolation on the edge of the town square?

All evidence points to its use as a lock-up for Local historian, John Kerrigan, has town drunkards and others imprisoned for disorderly conduct. Its isolation was to ensure that informed the Roscommon People that the good people of Roscommon were not dis- a 1997 archaeology report by Jim Higturbed by the raucous behaviour of the wretches gins offered five possible reasons for that would appear before the magistrate the fol- the stand-alone tower in 1700s Roscommon town. lowing morning.

According to the report, the five posMy son Conor carried out some research on my behalf and this tower was known as a sible reasons for the tower were: It ‘round-house’, a phrase commonly used in 19th could have been erected as an ‘eyecatching’ structure; a windmill; a Century literature.

To quote Charles Dickens’ ‘Barnaby Rudge’, military tower to protect the castle; a which was published in 1841, ‘Mr. Dennis hav- dovecote to house pigeons and birds ing been made prisoner late in the evening was or it was just a simple folly.

John said: “I wouldn’t put money a removed to a neighbouring round-house and carried before a justice for examination on the on any of those possibilities and I’ll stick with my original opinion that it next day’. was used to house town drunkards and Yours sincerely, those accused of public disorder!”

John Kerrigan (local historian)

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

Cyber attacks cause havoc for Irish society Our man Frank on ruthless cyber attacks, a new book about a family of ‘hitmen’, Monday’s reopening of the retail sector, and a horror show for the Galway footballers…

It’s Monday morning, and criminals and their many different types of crimes are on my mind amid growing fears that a ruthless Eastern European gang are about to wreak cyber-war havoc on many sections of Irish society.

Having totally disabled our healthcare systems last week, it now seems that as a result of their €16 million ransom demand not being met, they are possibly going to go after another

Irish department, with the Department of Social Protection a likely target.

Should that happen, all social welfare payments might have to be stopped.

This would result in all those on jobseekers benefits, pensions, and other welfare benefits being left without any money. This would cause untold hardship for everyone, possibly leading to further mental health problems for a society already reeling from the effects of the Covid pandemic.

Now I am the first to admit that I know nothing at all about cyber stuff – even trying to sort out my mobile phone is usually beyond me – but the fact that criminals can hack into our systems so easily is a big worry.

Surely there should be some way to put a stop to this outrageous type of blackmail?

On a personal level, a friend of mine who has been waiting for an MRI scan for nearly two years, finally

got an appointment for this week, but has now had the scan postponed until God knows when as a result of everything being shut down. So, as well as trying to rob €16 million from the Irish people, it also shows how little regard these cyber criminals have for the welfare and health of the most vulnerable members of society.

It’s a long way removed from my younger days, when I thought riding a bike at night without a light was a crime. While in my twenties, I was brought to court for having bald tyres on my car, and I can still see the headline on the Roscommon Champion – ‘Frank Fined Fifteen’ (I was fined fifteen pounds). Down through the years I’ve also had a court appearance or two for having no tax on my car, and that to date amounts to my criminal record. At the moment, I have no plans to embellish it in any way either!

Latest book is a real ‘hit’ Sticking with criminals, I’ve been reading ‘The Hitmen’ by Stephen Breen and Owen Conlon, which, in their words, is “the shocking true story of a family of killers-for-hire”. The book shines a light on the Wilsons, a family of five who were all hired assassins, and who asked no questions as long as the price was right.

In the family there were three brothers (Eric, Keith, and John), their cousin (Alan), and nephew (Luke), all of whom were prepared to murder anyone they came across, without the slightest hesitation.

It’s hard to believe that such people could exist in our supposedly progressive and caring society.

Living in rural Ireland, you’d think all of the bad stuff would take place in either Dublin or Spain, where a number of mind-boggling horrific murders have indeed took place.

However, at different times, when pressure from the Gardaí got too much, members of the Wilson family got out of Dublin, rented houses in country areas near Portarlington, Carlow, and Naas, and from those very unlikely bases, carried on their family business of bloodshed, mayhem and murder.

Today, Eric is serving 23 years in a Spanish prison for the brutal murder of Dan Smith, an Englishman he shot eight times after a minor disagreement in a Spanish pub. Keith is serving a life sentence here in Ireland for the murder of another gun-for-hire, Daniel Gaynor, and older brother John was murdered in 2012. The other two family members, Alan and Luke, are both serving shorter jail sentences.

As such, the Wilsons, who Gardaí believe were responsible for more than a dozen deaths and

many other terror-related incidents during their relatively short-lived careers, are more or less out of business. However, as with everything in the criminal world, there is always someone else to step in and take their place.

I recently told you about all the incidents of local theft of farm machinery, trailers, cement mixers, and other items. Throw in cyber crime and guns-for-hire, and it seems that no matter how much the authorities try to stop it, crime, in its many shapes and forms, is alive and well, and looks as if it will always be part of our society.

As for me, my criminal record (all relating to minor road traffic offences, three in total) doesn’t look so bad, and ‘Frank Fined Fifteen’ is no longer causing me any concern – I just hope I paid the fine!

Traffic mayhem but plenty of parking!

It is now Tuesday afternoon and the retail sector has been reopened since Monday. Judging by what I saw, the whole country must’ve been waiting at their front doors ready to make a burst for it, because everywhere seemed to be choc-a-bloc.

I’m told (though I wasn’t actually there) that there were major queues at Dunnes Stores in Roscommon. As it happened, I was up in Galway in the late afternoon and saw first hand that it was pretty crazy.

An unexpected visit to the Emergency Department at UCG Hospital meant that I was leaving Creggs at about 4.30 pm, and, aware that I would be hitting Claregalway at a bad time, I was well prepared for some heavy traffic. Thankfully the road into the city wasn’t too bad, but in all the times I have gone to the ‘Western capital’ (even during the Galway Races), I don’t think I have ever seen the outgoing traffic as heavy. It was backed up as far

as Corinthians Rugby pitch, with a never-ending stream of cars joining it – I thanked God I was going the other way.

In the city itself, traffic was very heavy as well, but the cyber-attack had a silver lining as, in cancelling nearly all outpatient services, there were loads of parking spaces available at the hospital for the first time ever. Even better, as I was parked up for more than four hours, they weren’t charging for it

at all. Mind you, I have just come back from it again today, and while parking was still free, spaces were back to normal, and it was almost impossible to get parked anywhere.

As shops have had such a difficult time over the last fifteen months or so, it was great to see that the people have made the effort to get back out there. As always, remember to shop local and keep your rural towns and villages alive.

And finally…

Even though I am a bit of a diabetic, I have a sweet tooth (don’t tell my doctor). Two of my favourite treats are Kit Kat bars and Cadbury’s Flake, and there is some good and bad news to tell you about those two particularly lovely items.

First, the good news: all of a sudden, we have a multitude of new varieties of Kit Kat minis, with orange, hazelnut, dark mint, dark chocolate, and Kit Kat original all readily available from what I’m told is up to forty different varieties. The bad news is that for all of us who love our 99s, the flake may be in short supply during the summer months.

Cadbury were taken by surprise at the huge surge in demand for them over the spring, and may not be able to meet the expected requirements.

I am pretty despondent at the thought of a summer without any proper 99s, but thankfully, the orange Kit Kat is in a league all of its own. It might just help me get over the Flake shortage.

Last but not least, as a Galway man, I just have to comment on the awful display last Saturday by Galway footballers when Kerry beat them by more than twenty points.

All I really can say is that the Rossies must be licking their lips at the thought of what they’ll do to them this weekend.

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

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Cyber attack: Disruption for local hospitals Roscommon Herald

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION

The giving of the Spirit to the new people of God crowns the mighty acts of the Father in salvation history. The Jewish feast of Pentecost called all devout Jews to Jerusalem to celebrate their birth as God’s chosen people in the covenant Law given to Moses at Sinai (see Leviticus 23:15–21; and endoscopy services. A small been advised to attend chemo- ber with them when they come Deuteronomy 16:9–11). < DAN DOONER number of inpatient and day therapy appointments unless to the hospital or any letter that In today’s First Reading, the mysteries prefigured in that they have received from the hosfeast are fulfilled in the pouring out of the Spirit on Mary The Saolta University Health case procedures may go ahead contacted.

A statement on the Saolta web- pital as this will contain informaand the Apostles (see Acts 1:14).

Care Group has said the recent and patients will be contacted site reads: “We ask patients to tion which will make it easier to The Spirit seals the new law and new covenant brought ransomware cyber attack on the directly.

Patients can also expect signifi- contact their GP or GP Out Of find existing medical records.

by Jesus, written not on stone tablets but on the hearts HSE’s IT systems continues to of believers, as the prophets promised (see Jeremiah 31:31– have a considerable impact on cant delays at the Roscommon Hours Service in the first in- Patients should also bring a list Injury Unit as the existing IT stance if their health problem is of any medications they are tak34; 2 Corinthians 3:2–8; Romans 8:2). The Spirit is revealed local hospital services. not urgent. ing. as the life-giving breath of the Father, the Wisdom by which As of yesterday (Wednesday), systems are not in use.

Maternity services are going “Where possible patients “We would like to thank our He made all things, as we sing in today’s Psalm. all outpatient clinics remain canIn the beginning, the Spirit came as a “mighty wind” celled at Roscommon Universi- ahead at Portiuncula Hospital, should bring their existing pa- patients for their understanding sweeping over the face of the earth (see Genesis 1:2). And in ty Hospital as well as diagnostic Ballinasloe and patients have tient number or hospital num- at this difficult time”. the new creationCustomer of Pentecost, the Spirit again comes as “a Name: Rep Contact Details: Order No.: 836743 strong, driving wind” to renew the face of the earth.

As God fashionedStheDOYLE first man out of& dustSONS and filled him Alan beirne Copyline: business with His Spirit (see Genesis 2:7), in today’s Gospel we see the New Adam become a life-giving Spirit, breathing new life 090- 6627377 Date: 30/11/2020 | M into the Apostles (see 1 Corinthians 15:45, 47). Like a river of living water, for all ages He will pour out His Spirit on His alan.beirne@roscommonherald.com No: body, the Church,Customer as we hear in today’s Epistle (see also John 7:37–39).

Lough Ree Lanesboro An- wheelchair users to ‘roll-on’ We receive that 2060848 Spirit in the sacraments, being made a gling Hub, based in Bal- and ‘roll-off’, eliminating the “new creation” in Baptism (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians lyleague, is set to compete need for lifting or hoisting.

6:15). Drinking of the one Spirit in the Eucharist (see 1 in the Health and Wellbeing National Lottery funding Corinthians 10:4), we are the first fruits of a new humanity category of the National Lot- assisted the group in the con- fashioned from out of every nation under heaven, with no tery Good Causes Awards on struction of their ‘Access for Start Date: distinctions of wealth or language or race, a13/04/2021 people born of Saturday, May 29th.

All’ boat, which had its debut the Spirit.

The National Lottery Good on Lough Ree in Au- Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred End Date: 27/04/2021 Causes Awards honour the voyage gust 2020.

Heart Church). inspiring work and achieveThe Awards have six categoNo. of Inserts: 3 ments of thousands of pro- ries: Sport, Health and Welljects, clubs and individuals being, Heritage, Arts and Culfrom all over Ireland, who, ture, Community and Youth. with the help of National Lot- A seventh category, Irish tery Good Causes funding, Language, will have a special Waldron welcomes River Suck have had an extraordinary award, to be announced on works impact on their local com- the night at the awards final.

Edition: Class: Colour: munities.

Each category winner will Local Independent councillor Anthony Waldron has In 2015, Lough Ree Lanes- receive €10,000, while the welcomed the news that essential works onHerald the River boro Angling Hub apoverall Good Cause of the Roscommon Home,Interiors,DIY 4C (CMYK) Suck between Laragh, Ballintubber and Ballymoe Bridge proached the Irish Wheelchair Year will get an additional will commence next Monday (24th).

Association and a number €25,000 on top of this. The Cllr. Waldron said: “The clearance of fallen trees and of disability groups to draw winners will be announced other debris will be part of these works and will make up designs for a unique ves- at a virtual event, hosted by this stretch of the river suitable for kayaking, fishing and sel. Local people with dis- Grainne Seoige live from the other activities. This will be a welcome addition to tourist abilities designed their own Mansion House on Saturday, Pictured is Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub with the Access For All boat. facilities in the area. boat, which would allow May 29th.

“I have been lobbying Galway and Roscommon County Councils on this issue for some time and am pleased that this work is now proceeding”.

Customer Correction Proof

Lough Ree Lanesboro Angling Hub set for Lottery awards

newsbriefs

Addiction and mental health webinar on May 27th Mayo Drug & Alcohol Family Support Development group would like to invite you to a webinar entitled ‘What Lies Beneath: Exploring the Trauma - Mental Health Addiction Connection’ with experts from the field from 11 am to 12.30 pm on Thursday, May 27th.

The webinar will take place on Zoom and will feature three experts from the fields of mental health and addiction: forensic psychologist Dr. Sharon Lambert, Dual-Diagnosis co-founder Carol Moore and clinical psychologist Dr. Seán Foy. The organisers will also showcase a short video highlighting real life experiences, and there will be a raffle for books on topics such as trauma, mental health and addiction.

For further information and a link to register, please email mags.dillon@wrdatf.ie (Tacú. FRC and WRDATF).

Sacred Heart Church: Mass arrangements station areas The parish areas for this weekend (May 22nd and 23rd) are as follows: 7 pm (Vigil) on Saturday at Old Wood/ Cluain Ard/The Spinney/Lough Road; 9 am on Sunday at Goff Street/Fallon/Lanesboro Street/Main Street – The Square, and 11.30 am on Sunday at Greenfields Road/St. Teresa’s Road/Rathbrennan.

Thank you for your cooperation with this arrangement.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Why didn’t HSE analysts see ‘zero-day’ hack coming?

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll know that last week, our entire healthcare system fell victim to what was an extremely sophisticated and significant cyber-attack, apparently known as a ‘zero-day’ assault.

Now as I understand it folks, the criminals behind this ambush managed to skilfully exploit what was, to them, a clearly obvious vulnerability in our systems; a weakness it seems, which apparently was neither observed, nor even identified by the HSE’s own well-paid cyber security analysts.

Due to this massive fizz-up, an avenue leading to a threat so acute, was opened up long enough to not just cripple our entire healthcare system, it also left HSE bosses with egg on their faces and rendered us, their taxpaying clients, as vulnerable as sitting ducks! Yes, I’m aware I’m using a lot of idioms here, but this is a family publication meaning the use of more

colourful language is not an option!

Mind you, however you look at it, it’s my opinion that, by their nefarious misdeeds, these healthcare hackers have called attention to the urgent need for the HSE and other Government bodies to forensically scrutinise the risks, to take appropriate action and to urgently put in place more stringent security measures! As in, wake up and act today please!

It was always obvious that the HSE would become an easy target for these malicious malware jockeys for the simple reason it aggregates a major amount of our personal information and data – especially recently, due to Covid testing and of course through the vaccination registration portals etc.

For that very reason, I’d like to pose the following questions. Did the government and the HSE under-anticipate such destructive breaches occurring? If they did, has this remarkable

ineptitude led to them under-investing in their IT systems? In addition, would this type of tardiness effectively make a hacker’s job effortless? If the answer to these questions is yes, then I’d have to say that hacking our systems and stealing our nation’s data must, to those so inclined, be akin to shamefully stealing candy from a baby.

In this instance, as the HSE and you and I are that proverbial baby, it’s likely that due to this one single attack, a large amount of the public’s personal data has probably been maliciously stolen. At the time of writing, officials were trying to determine “what level of data may have been compromised”; either way the floodgates have been thrown wide open for our medical records - which should have been protected - to become potential money-makers for the criminal gangs.

What’s even worse, seriously ill

Roscommon reopens: Happy days are here again!

It was a landmark week for Rossies as socall ‘non-essential’ retail got to re-stock their shelves, throw open their doors and welcome back shoppers!

With that happy sentiment in mind, as local businesses need our support, now, more than ever, can I urge readers to please, please don’t ignore them and do drop into them. After all, you won’t have to queue outside a local fashion boutique with a gang of frustrated shoppers desperate to buy the same outfit as everyone else!

And yes, I do love the cheap and cheerful, budged-friendly fashion chain stores, sure who doesn’t. I go to them for all my ‘essentials’

patients are now going without vital treatment, forcing them into a perilous and distressing situation. I cannot imagine the pain, suffering and worry these vulnerable people are going through. My heart goes out to them.

I don’t know about you readers, but it makes me livid at the thought that the integrity, confidentiality and the privacy of our most personal and intimate information may now become a commercialised and monetised commodity; hawked to the highest bidder! In fact, I think I’m right in assuming that this breach has not simply instilled a sense of fear and vulnerability into tax payers, it has also eroded any confidence we may have had in our government’s and in our HSE’s ability to protect us against future ambushes.

On the other hand - and forgive me readers for trying to see a glimmer of humour in this gigantic cock-up, I don’t do it lightly because I believe

the HSE and their analysts should have seen this hack coming. However, my anger and indignation aside, it occurred to me that when these cyberterrorist (I’m going to use a word our editor dislikes me using), scumbags - sorry Ed - do peddle our most intimate, deep and personal data, their victims - you and I - won’t even get a cent from the financial cut?

Sincere condolences…

I’d like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the couple who tragically lost their lives in a house fire in south Roscommon last week. I didn’t know this couple at all, but my heart goes out to those who loved and cherished them and to their local community who will surely miss them. May they both rest in peace.

and my ‘bits and pieces’ etc., But if I need that one-off bespoke, special-occasion, head-to-toe dressing experience, I know I simply won’t get better than my local boutique, especially when it comes with the shop owner’s expert and friendly advice about that dress, that suit, or that blouse I thought would look fab on me but doesn’t actually live up to my expectations. It’s called the ‘personal touch’.

Remember readers, when we keep our business local, we’re quite literally stimulating our own communities, kind of like helping to shape not just their unique characters but their very futures. Happy shopping!

Is this a prime example of ‘snowflakery?’ I think it is If ever there was a prime example of pure and utter ‘snowflakery’ it was this. Last week, in an attempt to be courteous and welcoming to commuters, a train announcer in the UK received a backlash from an infuriated non-binary passenger for greeting everyone with the term, ‘Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls’.

A Twitter user, named ‘Laurence’ complained to London North Eastern Railway

(LNER) because they didn’t like the company’s use of gender-specific plural nouns, i.e. ladies and gentlemen. You see, as a non-binary individual, ‘Laurence’ as is they’re right, wishes to be referred to by the pronouns they or them.

Yes folks, I kid you not, ‘Laurence’ - who clearly likes to begin his sentences by using a conjunction – something which personally drives me nuts - bemoaned, ‘so as a non-binary person this

announcement doesn’t actually apply to me so I won’t listen.’ (Sic). ‘Laurence’s’ travelling companion ‘Jarley’, who clearly prefers using the past-participle as a parallel to what is actually happening, tweeted, ‘I was sat with Laurence when this tweet was sent. Both of us are non-binary and we were both alarmed and uncomfortable by the lack of inclusion.’ (Sic).

Before I go on folks, let me say that as someone who

champions equality and embraces diversity I fully respect everyone’s right to be identified by whatever terminology they so choose. Therefore, if you do not wish to be identified by the pronouns he or she, him or her, and instead prefer they or them, then that is your absolute right.

What I don’t respect, and what really irritates me is the behaviour of what has now become the generationfind-fault-with-everyone-

else brigade. The people who take widespread issue, make signs and protest because there’s a shortage of avocadoes for their ‘avotoast.’ The, just-because-Iexist-the world-owes-meeverything snowflakes, who, if they bored us any more they would probably strike oil!

In addition, I also have no respect for LNER who actually issued an immediate apology, stating its train managers

‘should not be using language like this.’ Language like what? Your managers issued a greeting, a harmless, mannerly welcome to people using their service. If I was on a train packed full of men and I was the only woman, I wouldn’t give a fizz if the manager said ‘good morning gentlemen’.

I don’t know about you readers, but I think ‘Laurence’ and ‘Jarley’ need to join OutragedNit-Pickers-Anonymous!

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

Hospice launch ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’

Together for Hospice, the national Hospice movement, is launching a ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’. This online space has been created for people to dedicate a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one, whilst helping to raise much-needed funds for local hospice and home care services throughout the country this June.

The ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’ campaign has been launched to raise funds for Hospice Sunflower Days.

Twenty-six hospices nationwide, including Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, have joined to provide an online space where loved ones can be

remembered and precious memories celebrated, reminding us that we are not alone.

The Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden will run for the full month of June. Members of the public are invited to dedicate a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one and make a donation to their local hospice at togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays. These dedications can be shared with friends or family members to let them know they are in your thoughts, with every euro raised going directly to the local hospice service.

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said:

“We have been amazed and are so grateful for the continued support from the people of Mayo and Roscommon throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and we ask that if you can, you support this unique Sunflower Day Campaign this year.

“We have continued to fund Palliative Care Services in the community, as well as building our Roscommon Hospice, which will be completed later this year. Every cent raised locally through this campaign stays local”.

For more information and details of your local hospice and homecare service, log onto togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays.

Pictured (left to right) at the new Roscommon Hospice Unit for the launch of Hospice Sunflower Days are Mayo Roscommon Hospice board members John Murphy, Director, Mike Smith, Chairperson, Martina Jennings CEO, Ollie McGuinness, Director, and Paul Foxe, Director.

Pamper yourself with Beautybelle.ie and local style blogger Geraldine Grealy of Geri’s Closet!

Self care is more important now than ever as we exit a year-long lockdown.

Allocating time to yourself is a great way to recharge your batteries, improve your mood and give your skin a much needed pampering.

For that reason, local lifestyle blogger Geraldine Grealy of ‘Geri’s Closet ‘ has teamed up with Beautybelle.ie, one of Ireland’s leading online hair and beauty retailers.

They supply salon quality hair and beauty products to give you a salon look at home without the price tag. Their brands include Timeless Truth premium face masks, Silcare and Quinn Hair Tools.

“During lockdown I used their range of products including their salon quality face masks. The award winning Timeless Truth brand are the world experts in premium sheet masks and include a range of 28 face masks and neck lifting masks and pre-

mium skincare products.

They offer a five star spa facial at home, giving you perfect skin for that special occasion, or just as a selfcare treat,” explained Geraldine.

“Other Silcare products in the range include hair, foot, nail and body care to pamper you from head to toe made with gorgeous

natural ingredients.

“The signature products in the range include the NAPPA pedicure, hair care , nail care and So Rose So Gold cosmetics line.

“The Silcare QUIN haircare range is a bestseller which include products to give your hair the salon look every day,” added Geraldine.

Win a ‘Spring Selfcare Box’ with Geri’s Closet Simply follow @ggrealy on Instagram and tag two pals. The lucky winner will receive a complete range of award-winning hair and beauty products from BeautyBelle.ie selected for Summer 2021. Treat yourself to the ultimate selfcare box, share with a friend, or it’s the perfect gift this summer for a bride-to-be who wants the ultimate glow on her wedding day.

The prize includes: • Timeless Truth Apple Stem Collagen Bio Cellulose Mask • Timeless Truth Gold Flakes Black Charcoal Mask • Timeless Truth Collagen Under Eye

Rejuvenating Mask • Nappa Morning Dew Foot Scrub 110ml • Silcare Regeneration Serum For Hair 30ml • Silcare Q10 Co-Enzyme Anti-Ageing Hand Serum 30ml • Silcare Max Hand Gel Hand Sanitizer with Papaya Fragrance. 50ml You can get 20% off a range of products at Beautybelle.ie using Geraldine’s special discount promo code: GGBEAUTYBELLE20.

Follow Geraldine on Instagram at Geri’s Closet @ggrealy. The winner will be announced on May 30th on Geraldine’s Instagram page.

If you are a pharmacy, skincare brand, beauty outlet or lifestyle brand looking to promote, collaborate or product test a new range of skincare or beauty brands please get in touch with Geraldine on 086 3276584 to feature in her free blog Spotlight.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

FarmingPeople Castlerea MART WATCH 500 cattle presented for sale on Thursday last (13th), and despite poor growth and wet ground conditions, trade is holding for most categories of stock. The bullocks, with fewer numbers on offer, reported a good clearance, while the heifers reported strong demand this week, especially for the forward lots.

In the weanling rings, the bulls topped out at €3.54 a kilo, while the heifers peaked at €3.01 a kilo. The dry cows, with good numbers on offer, also reported a good clearance, with the top lots peaking at €2.36 a kilo. The calf trade, with increased export demand, remains firm this week, while breeding stock were also in good demand.

Cows with calves at foot made from €760 to €1,900 per head, and springers made from €730 to €1,170 per head.

Good numbers on offer for calves this week, with Fr bulls making from €30 to €65, while Hereford cross and Angus cross calves made from €120 to €250, and continentals made up to €410.

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

Sample prices for Bullocks: Ch 390kgs €1090, AA 430kgs €1040, Lm 375kgs €910, Lm 570kgs €1380, Lm 610kgs €1540, Lm 525kgs €1140, Lm 460kgs €1070.

Heifers: AAx 385kgs €1100, Lm 405kgs €1080, Lm 405kgs €1000, Lm 455kgs €1200, AA 455kgs €1150, Hex 705kgs €1570, Ch 655kgs €1530, Sax 510kgs €1360, Ch 510kgs €1350.

Dry cows: Ch 765kgs €1630, Lm 770kgs €1590, AA 735kgs €1580, Lm 695kgs €1520, Lm 630kgs €1490, Fr 490kgs €690, Fr 455kgs €560.

Weanling bulls: Chx 285kgs €1000, Ch 265kgs €940, Ch 270kgs €840, Ch 235kgs €780, AA 530kgs €1260, Ch 345kgs €1070, Ch 370kgs €1040.

Weanling heifers: Lm 275kgs €770, Ch 260kgs €750, Lm 255kgs €720, Ch 360kgs €1060, Lm 350kgs €950, Ch 335kgs €920, Ch 415kgs €1250.

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED VIEWING AT 10 A.M. COVID -19 RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE.

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

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

TEL: (090) 96 88606

(090) 96 88830

(090) 96 87651

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Lowest price GUARANTEED Daily collection

Cullinan: Theory tests must resume immediately IFA President Tim Cullinan has called for the immediate resumption of the Driver Theory Test Service.

“I previously wrote to Minister Hildegarde Naughton pointing out that there are many essential workers who need to secure a Category B and/or

W Driver Licence in order to deliver essential services on farms during the summer, and as part of employment with agricultural contractors,” he said.

The service was supposed to resume last week, but it remains suspended until further notice.

Minister Hildegarde Naughton confirmed in the Dáil last week that the Driver Theory Test has not been classified as an essential service and will remain closed.

An online pilot allows candidates to take their Driver Theory Test for

buses and trucks remotely from their own home.

While pre-pandemic capacity was approximately 15,000 tests per month, the roll-out of this online option for cars is planned to begin during May, with up to 3,000 online car Driver Theory Tests being con-

ducted per month.

Tim Cullinan concluded by saying that the backlog of candidates waiting for a test continues to grow and that capacity must be increased to make online testing available for essential workers without further delay.

IFA: D-Day approaching for Irish agriculture IFA President Tim Cullinan has called on the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and the Government to act decisively to protect farmers and rural Ireland in advance of upcoming European negotiations on CAP. IFA has intensified its CAP campaign with the publication of its Six Key Objectives policy document.

Mr. Cullinan said: “Decisions in the coming weeks and months will decide the direction of our sector between now and 2027. We need our Minister for Agriculture to show real mettle during the key negotiations ahead”.

IFA is holding a series of regional CAP meetings over the next fortnight.

Details of the online meetings, which start at 8 pm, are as follows: Munster: Tuesday, May 18th; South Leinster; Wednesday, May 19th; Connacht: Thursday,

May 20th and Ulster/North Leinster: Monday, May 24th.

The week beginning May 24th is crucial with CAP ‘super trilogue’ discussions between the EU institutions taking place.

In addition, the Council of Agriculture Ministers will also take place that week.

IFA met with the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue this week where Tim Cullinan outlined to the Minister IFA’s six key campaign demands: 1. Minimise the impact of the Eco-scheme on farmers’ Basic Payment.

2. Hold the line on 75% internal convergence.

3. Maximise national cofinancing of Pillar II farm schemes.

4. €1.5bn of carbon tax revenue for agri-environmental measures.

5. Practical implementation of Good Agricultural Environmental Conditions

IFA President Tim Cullinan and Minister Charlie McConalogue on the farm of Ronan Delany in Co. Meath discussing IFA’s Six Key Objectives on CAP Reform. Pic: Finbarr O’Rourke

(GAECs)/cross-compliance.

6. Phasing out of longterm leasing of entitlements, with appropriate definition of genuine farmer.

The IFA President said: “The Minister must ensure that Pillar II schemes such as ANC, GLAS, TAMS,

BDGP (suckler cows), the Sheep Welfare Scheme and Organics are properly funded. In addition, we need a new scheme for tillage farmers to stop the exodus from this sector.

“The EU is going down a dangerous path by moving away from the principle that the CAP ensures food

security. Greater ambition on climate action will not be achieved if the viability of primary producers is taken for granted. The value of farm payments has been continuously eroded by inflation and the various reforms over the years.

Many farmers are now at a tipping point”.

Ifac provides financial planning advice to Roscommon deposit holders < BY MARTIN GLENNON, MARTIN GLENNON, HEAD OF FINANCIAL PLANNING AT IFAC.

Ifac, the farming, food and agribusiness professional services firm, is providing sound advice to Roscommon deposit holders to help them plan for their financial security.

The squeeze is on as household deposits surged by €14 billion in 2020.

The Central Bank reports that they are now at record highs of €125 billion as Covid restrictions significantly dampened spending habits. The recent news has not been good with bank closures, reductions in interest rates on State savings, and Credit Unions charged negative interest rates.

All this news should prompt deposit holders to reflect and review their options. But what to do?

Rainy Day Fund Holding money for the

‘rainy day’ or emergency makes sense. How much you hold depends on your personal preference. As a guideline, we recommend at least three months’ income.

Planned Spending You also need to able to access funds for planned expenditure such as changing your car, home improvements, a wedding or college fees - expenditure likely needed over the next 2 to 4 years.

These two steps ensure that you have the right money set aside for the expected and unexpected.

The priority is access, not growth, so do not fret too much about the interest rates.

Repay Debt With interest rates ranging from 17% - 23%, it makes sense to clear credit cards first. It is like your deposit money has earned the level of interest rate applying to your card. Personal loans incur interest rates of 6.5% to 8.5%, so they are worth

a look also.

The same applies to the mortgage. What interest rate are you being charged?

Does it make sense to clear down all or a portion of this loan?

A key consideration when repaying debt is that the money you repay is gone.

You no longer have access to it. If you need to apply for a loan or mortgage in the future, how confident are you that you will receive the funds?

Investing Explore growth opportunities for the deposit money that you do not plan, or want, to spend in the short/ medium term.

When assessing your investment options, it is important to get the correct balance between the growth you want and the level of risk you are comfortable taking. Beating inflation and maintaining the real value of your funds is one of the main goals here.

If you are considering investing, I would strongly

Martin Glennon, Martin Glennon, Head of Financial Planning at Ifac.

recommend that you talk to a Financial Advisor. A good adviser will assess your risk appetite by looking at your ability, need and tolerance for risk. This will help find the best investment option suited to your circumstances.

Make savings work for you Life is unpredictable so

it’s important to keep your personal finances under review. Making your savings work for you can make a big difference to your financial security.

Regardless of your circumstances, it makes sense to shop around for the best deals. For more information and/or advice, contact your local ifac office.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

FLOCKMINS EWE & LAMB

Maximising Flock Health at Grass

www.betterforareason.com Tel: 01 437 6894

John Murray Ltd Ballinasloe

P Coffey & Sons Ltd Lecarrow

J Grennan & Sons All Stores

- - - - - - - - - ADVERTORIAL - - - - - - - - -

Flockmins Ewe & Lamb: Helping to meet turnout demands!

With ewes and lambs going out to grass, it is important not to forget their mineral needs and to take the opportunity to allow the ewe to rejuvenate. Milk supply will be important so continued supplementation will be important to deal with inconsistent grass quality and supply.

At this time of year there is always the risk of tetany in lactating ewes so free access to magnesium while grazing is important.

Topflock’s Ewe & Lamb bucket lick has been developed with this in mind along with other important concerns. Along with milk supply and tetany, the

Flockmins Ewe & Lamb also helps deal with two of the sheep farmer’s major concerns, lameness and worm burden. Through supplementing with protected zinc and biotin, it helps the ewe build up a stronger hoof from within, thereby reducing the risk of lameness and helping to recover from foot problems.

Flockmins Ewe & Lamb has also taken advantage of recent research on how through a combination of protected protein and diatomaceous earth, it helps to reduce worm burden by up to 40%.

This is achieved through

improved digestive efficiency, helping to bind and flush out the eggs more effectively.

Of course, lambs will also benefit through free access to important trace elements including cobalt to help them thrive on grass. Flockmins Ewe & Lamb is a simple choice for the farmer at this time of year, enabling the ewe to cope with turnout risks, rejuvenate and helping lambs thrive.

All Topflock bucket licks are available from local Farmcare stockists. For more information call 01 4376894, or go to www. betterforareason.com.

per kilo up to €2.88 per kilo.

Our next weanling sale takes place on Tuesday, 25th at 4 pm.

Bookings will be accepted until 5 pm today (20th).

There was a larger entry of sheep on offer at our sale on Wednesday, with a similar trade for spring lambs, hoggets and cast ewes.

Spring lambs made up to €170 for 56.5kgs, finished hoggets made up to €169 for 54.6 kgs, and stag ewes made up to €164.

Our next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, 26th at 11 am. The yard opens at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note that all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set.

The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for dry cows: Char X 975kgs €1990, Char X 915kgs €1980, Char 920kgs €1910, Lim X 880kgs €1900, Lim 780kgs €1760, Simm X 845kgs €1800, AAX 600kgs €1240, Lim X 660kgs €1430, Char X 740kgs €1580, Lim X 715kgs €1550, Lim

,

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

Please note that Sales will be held both On Line with LSL and at Ringside with Limited number of Buyers ----------------------

Friday, May 21st at 11 a.m.

Special Bealtaine Sale of Bullocks 31 pens on offer Also Heifers & Dry Cows ----------------------

Friday, May 28th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up until 5 pm on Monday 23rd May ---------------------Flockmins Ewe & Lamb, covering all concerns for the flock at this time of year.

Roscommon MART WATCH There were good numbers on offer at our sale on Friday, May 14th. There was a firm trade for bullocks, with lots fetching from an average of €2.06 per kilo up to €2.35 per kilo, and heifers fetched from an average of €2.36 per kilo up to €3.52 per kilo. Again this week, there was a good entry of dry cows, with lots making from an average of €1.90 per kilo up to €2.25 per kilo. There was good demand for quality lots, while plainer cattle were more difficult to sell.

This Friday (21st) at 11 am, we will have our special sale of bullocks and general sale of heifers and dry cows.

There were increased numbers on offer at our sale on Tuesday, May 18th. The sale took place both online, and with limited numbers at the ringside. There was an improved trade, with brisk bidding for lots, especially heifers. Prices for weanling heifers were from an average of €2.64 per kilo up to €3.29 per kilo, and weanling bulls fetched from an average of €2.34

MCL Agri Lanesborough

Tuesday, May 25th at 4 p.m.

Special Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up until 5 pm on Thursday May 20th

X 580kgs €1150, Lim X 665kgs €1220, BBX 615kgs €1300, Lim X 700kgs €1560, Lim X 795kgs €1710.

Heifers: MAX 530kgs €1740, BBX 485kgs €1710, AUX 670kgs €1700, Lim X 515kgs €1690, BBX 545kgs €1680, Lim 560kgs €1520, AAX 610kgs €1410, BBX 565kgs €1400, Char X 530kgs €1380, Char X 575kgs €1460, Char X 520kgs €1370, Lim X 475kgs €1360, Char X 455kgs €1170, BBX 475kgs €1260, Lim X 480kgs €1330, Lim X 390kgs €1020, Char 410kgs €1000, Lim X 345kgs €1070, Lim X 305kgs €860, Lim 280kgs €780.

Bullocks: Char X 710kgs €1540, Hex 660kgs €1420, AAX 590kgs €1200, AAX 505kgs €1120,Lim X 420kgs €990, HEX 430kgs €900.

Weanling heifers: Char X 425kgs €1140 - €2.68 per kilo, Char X 390kgs - €2.89 per kilo, Lim X 390kgs €1100 - €2.82 per kilo, Char X 380kgs €1100 - €2.89 per kilo, Simm X 385kgs €910 - €2.36

per kilo, Char X 315kgs €990 €3.14 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €1050 - €3.28 per kilo, Char x 325kgs €1070 - €3.29 per kilo, 2 Char X 307kgs €850 - €2.76 per kilo, and Lim X 315kgs 830 €2.63 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Char X 450kgs €1180 - €2.62 per kilo, 2 Lim X 380kgs €1020 - €2.68 per kilo, Char X 370kgs €1000 - €2.70 per kilo, BA 395kgs €970 - €2.45 per kilo, Lim X 325kgs €890 - €2.73 per kilo, Char X 380kgs €930 - €2.44 per kilo, Lim X 255kgs €670 - €2.62 per kilo, Lim X 270kgs €780 - €2.88 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €780 - €2.64 per kilo, and Char X 340kgs €980 €2.88 per kilo.

Spring lambs: 56.5kgs €170, 54.5kgs €169, 45kgs €167, 47.4kgs €166, 48.5kgs €165, 49.2kgs €165, 52kgs €164, 45.1kgs €163, 46kgs €159, 44.2kgs €156.

Finished hoggets: 54.6kgs €169, 50kgs €144, 50kgs €142, and 44kgs €118.

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

Lambs, Cast Ewes, In Lamb Ewes & Ewes with Lambs at foot - Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m.

Gates close at 10 a.m.

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

Saturday, May 22nd at 1 p.m.

Irish Limousin Cattle Society Pedigree Sale 61 Bulls & 8 Heifers Viewing from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Find us on facebook

18

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Business

More jobs promised as Intuity Technologies and myITdepartment merge Tuesday saw the announcement of the merging of one fastest growing of Ireland’s Irelands fastest Managed IT providers, IntuManaged ity Technologies Technologieswith withmyITdemyITpartment, a Roscommon based department, a Roscommon MSP MSP with with an eighteen-year based an eighteentrack track recordrecord in delivering indeyear in delivering pendent IT services from deskindependent IT services from top to data desktop to centre. data centre.

This latest merger brings the This latest merger brings Intuity Technologies team to the Intuity Technologies team 85 85 professionals and and is theisnext to professionals the step in a strategic growth plan next step in a strategic growth for thefor business which will see plan the business which new see jobsnew created the team will jobsascreated as expands its customer the teamand expands and its base cusdiversifies. tomer base diversifies.

The Themerger mergersees sees two two likeminded businesses, businesses, with with a customer-first focus, shared customer-first come together together to cater to the increasing needs increasing needs and higher level of services required required of of a post-Covid-19 business post-Covid-19 business customer. Together, the businesses will deliver Managed IT, man-

will Managedsolutions, IT, manageddeliver print, business aged print, business and cyber security solutions, solutions and cyber throughout security solutions for SMEs Ireland for SMEs throughout within multiple sectors.Ireland within multiple Speaking at sectors. the announceSpeaking at theofannouncement, ment, CEO Intuity TechCEO of Intuity nologies, GerardTechnologies, Cox said: “I Gerard Coxinsaid: “I recognise recognise Seamus Quinn in Seamus Quinn and myITdeand myITdepartment shared partment sharedwith values along values along a shared with a shared andinnodeambition andambition desire for sire for innovation andTogether growth. vation and growth.

Together we can provide largwe can provide a largerascale, er scale,agile more agile technimore and and technically cally sophisticated solution sophisticated solution for for all all of our clients continue of our clients andand continue to to investininemerging emerging technoloinvest technologies gies and and best best in class solutions. solutions.

Our Our knowledge knowledge and and expertise expertise combined combined is is incomparable incomparable and and we we look forward forward to continuing continuing to grow grow our diverse diverse teams, teams, crecreating ating new new job opportunities opportunities as as we we continue continueto toexpand”. expand”.

Seamus SeamusQuinn.

Quinn. who who now now joins joins the the leadership leadership team team at at Intuity Technologies, agreed:

New effort to revive Roscommon tourism seeks ‘County Champions’

VisitIreland.tv is launching an appeal for ‘County Champions’ to fund the creation and distribution of thirty-two new county destination video guides. Each county guide will feature up to thirty of the county’s great visitor experiences, and will be promoted globally, giving Roscommon’s beleaguered tourism sector a much-needed promotional boost, and stimulating demand from international holiday-makers.

The campaign is being spearheaded by Martin O’Regan, CEO of InflightFlix, a Shannon-based supplier of destination video content to the airline industry.

InflightFlix has been a supplier of destination video content to Aer Lingus since 2018, and recently added Emirates to the list of airlines it works with.

Once filming is complete, the video will be broadcast for two years across a content distribution network that includes the inflight entertainment systems of multiple airlines, hotel bedroom TVs, overseas Irish bars, social media, and diaspora networks. Critically, the campaign will go out at no cost to the Roscommon tourism businesses and attractions featured in the videos.

Commenting on the announcement, Martin O’Regan said: “Over the past year, we’ve been critically aware of the devastation lockdowns and travel restrictions have caused Ireland’s tourism sector, including that of County Roscommon. We understand the crucial role this sector plays in employment and community cohesion, so VisitIreland.TV uses our inflight entertainment contacts, content, and contracts to reach people globally, engaging them with thirty experiences to enjoy in Roscommon, and inspiring them to book, stay longer, and return.

“The marketing budgets of Roscommon tourism businesses have been decimated, so our campaign will rely on the generosity of people all over the world, who love Roscommon, to fund the campaign. While our funding target is €100,000 per county, we estimate the production and media value of the campaign to be in excess of €3 million to Co. Roscommon”.

VisitIreland.TV is currently accepting contributions from corporations, and from county and community champions at home and abroad, of up to €100,000 per county. For more information, visit VisitIreland.tv.

Intuity Technologies, agreed: “The team and I are very ex“The I are very cited team aboutand merging with exIncited merging With with this Intuity about Technologies. tuity Technologies. this development we areWith investing development we consolidation are investing and building and building consolidation in a marketplace, which with in a marketplace, which needs with dispersed workforces, dispersed workforces, needs a a strong, reliable, broad rangstrong, reliable, with broadpeople ranging ing IT provider on IT people onI the theprovider ground with nationwide. am ground I am exexcited nationwide. for us to begin develcited us to begin developing opingforthis together and to esthis togetherour andposition to establishing tablishing as that our position as that provider”. provider”.

With Withover overforty fortyyears yearsinin the the industry, industry, Intuity Intuity Technologies Technologies has has enjoyed enjoyed fast-paced fast-paced growth growth in in recent recent years. years. The The company company partners partners with with clients clients in in the the financial financial services, services, legal, legal, proproduction duction and and manufacturing, manufacturing, MedTech BioBio Pharma, and MedTechand and Pharma, construction and engineering and construction and engisectors has offices Galneeringand sectors and hasinoffices way, Dublin,Dublin, Sligo Sligo and Roin Galway, and scommon.

Roscommon.

Pictured the announcement of one of Ireland’s growing Cloud First Managed IT providers, Intuity More jobsat promised as Intuity Technologies mergesfastest with myITdepartment Technologies myITdepartment Seamusfastest Quinn, Key Accounts Director, Intuity Aoife Pictured at thewith announcement of onewere of Irelands growing Cloud First Managed ITTechnologies; providers, Intuity McNena, Head of HR, Intuity Technologies; Michelle Power, of Service Delivery, Intuity Technologies Technologies with myITdepartment were Seamus Quinn, KeyHead Accounts Director, Intuity Technologies; Aoifeand Gerard Cox, CEO, Intuity Technologies.

Photo: Andrew Downes, McNena, Head of HR, Intuity Technologies; Michelle Power, Headxposure. of Service Delivery, Intuity Technologies and Gerard Cox, CEO, Intuity Technologies. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure.

€34,000 Heritage Council funding boost for local tourism

AOI President and Roscommon-based optometrist John Weldon was one of the first optometrists in Ireland to deliver a Covid-19 vaccination injection – and has encouraged his colleagues to also join Ireland’s vaccination drive.

Roscommon optometrist leads colleagues in vaccination drive < DAN DOONER

Optometrists have joined Ireland’s Covid-19 vaccination drive after members delivered the profession’s first jabs to the public recently, and Roscommon optometrist, John Weldon, is leading the charge.

The Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) President was the one of the first optometrists in Ireland to deliver a Covid-19 injection last weekend at the Aviva mass vaccination centre.

Mr. Weldon, who is based in East Galway and with practices in Roscommon town and Gort, said this was a positive step for optometrists and urged members of the profession to complete the relevant training and join the public health response.

The eye-care specialists are one of a number of additional healthcare professions approved by the HSE to provide Covid-19 vaccinations, subject to completing HSE approved training.

There are almost 700 AOI members in Ireland, and Mr. Weldon said

approximately 10% have now been trained, and a further 10% are in the process of completing the certification process.

“Our profession is committed to supporting public vaccination that is safe and delivered to our citizens as soon as possible. This also opens the door for optometrists to play a greater role in public vaccination programmes into the future,” he said.

“If booster vaccinations for Covid-19 variants become a regular part of life like the seasonal flu vaccination, AOI envisages a future when people can receive these vaccinations at their local certified optometrist, similar to at a GP practice or pharmacist.

“This is an example of the many things optometrists can provide to improve public health. With approval from the HSE, we can also carry out greater prescribing and help with the care of chronic eye conditions in the community working with our hospitals. This would greatly help to reduce our large eye-care waiting lists”.

< DAN DOONER

Four projects in Co. Roscommon will share €34,000 under a special grant scheme run by The Heritage Council.

The funding is aimed at boosting local economies, growing tourism, and enhancing community spirit by supporting local heritage projects.

Under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme, €3,980 has been allocated to The Irish Heritage Trust (Strokestown Park) to digitise archival records and fund accompanying educational videos.

There is also €8,000 for work on the mediaeval structures of Kilmaine Church and Mausoleum at Mote Demesne.

In addition, €10,780 is earmarked for conservation and stabilisation repairs of the ruins of Ryefield Church.

The Palynology Gramatan Heritage Group receives €11,400 for a digital interpretation project.

Reacting to the announcement, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said: “This allocation of funding is a welcome boost to many community groups around the country.

“In my own local area, Glinsk Community Development So-

ciety received €5,000 to carry out a conservation report for Ballinakill Abbey. Over the last ten years or so, the state of the abbey has deteriorated, and this funding will hopefully set the wheels in motion to potentially restore it in the future. The abbey is of significant historical importance and it would be a shame to let it go to rack and ruin.

“A number of other projects across Galway and Roscommon also received funding, including Dunmore Heritage Group who received €6,848 to highlight the history and development of the town.

“Meanwhile, in Roscommon, the Irish Heritage Trust were awarded just shy of €4,000 for the ‘Treasures of the Strokestown Famine Archive Virtual Exhibit’ at Strokestown Park.

“This funding will go a long way towards supporting community heritage right around the country,” he concluded.

Under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme, €1.2 million has been allocated to community groups and not-forprofit organisations across Ireland. This follows an award of €374,599 made to community heritage projects in April.

13 19

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

NewsPeople

TAKE A BREAK The column that smiles through lockdown!

Update on ‘No Surrender’ photo… almost certainly of FF Trade War rally in 1932!

“

A higher influence! Well, they do say football is a religion! This fabulous photograph of high fielding during Sunday’s Roscommon-Dublin game in Dr. Hyde Park is enhanced by the fact that the Sacred Heart Church is prominently visible in the background! Picture: Mick McCormack

Here in your popular local community newspaper, we like a story with a political twist…so here goes with ‘No Surrender…the latest twist’!

Readers will recall that we published a fascinating photo on this page a few weeks ago (edition dated 23rd of April). The photo, from the M.A. Farrell Collection, featured a gathering near The Square in Roscommon Town. A banner with ‘No Surrender’ on it caught the eye – and had us all wondering what the occasion was.

A number of readers got in touch.

Sean Mahon wrote: “Could the photograph be of an event associated with the Trade War between the UK and Ireland in the 1930s?”

Thankfully, we didn’t for one moment dismiss Sean’s theory…although we were swayed quite a bit by correspondence from Declan Kavanagh in Strokestown. Declan thought the photo might relate to a protest over the jailing of IRA men in or around 1918.

But now, an update...and that twist. Declan Kavanagh has been in contact again. He went to the trouble of sourcing the original photo from Sean Browne in Castlerea (as ever, Sean obliged).

Declan writes: “Sean Browne kindly sent me a better quality print of that photo which has changed my opinion on what it’s about. My theory on the 1918 im-

prisonment story, whilst plausible, cannot be true when the details on the photo become clearer.

“Firstly, there is an unarmed Garda walking on the right-hand side, meaning the photo was taken after 1922 (pre-Free State it would have been an armed RIC man). Secondly, there is a ‘telegraph’ pole on the left, and it seems that Roscommon town got electricity circa 1930, placing the photo after 1930.

“But the biggest giveaway is the banner underneath the ‘No surrender’ one, which on close inspection reads ‘Fianna Fáil’, which wasn’t founded until 1926. There is a man (politician) to the left of this banner making a speech. So the person who said it was connected to the ‘Trade War’ is correct. My belief is that this event is from a 1932 Fianna Fáil election rally protesting at the sanctions

caused by the ‘Economic War’, which lasted from 1932 to 1938.

Fianna Fáil and Dev (Éamon de Valera) won that election, largely as a result of their opposition to the sanctions”.

This is a fascinating update from Declan, which would appear to solve the mystery of the ‘No Surrender’ photo. My thanks to Declan for his time and effort. And a belated acknowledgement to Sean Mahon for his brilliant initial theory, which appears to have been spot on! * As recently featured in the Roscommon People, Declan Kavanagh’s mother, Brigid, recently wrote her first book (at the age of 95). Brigid’s book ‘In My Mind’s Eye – Walking Amongst Ghosts’ features a section titled ‘Living through the Economic War’.

– PH

The things people say…

“Before you criticise someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticise them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes” — Jack Handey (American humorist) For updates, check our social channels

Throwback Thursday!

Happy Birthday to…

Famous birthdays today

(May 20, 2021)

Here’s two evocative photographs from the occasion of a visit to the National Famine Museum in Strokestown by President Michael D Higgins in 2013. Photos show President Higgins being greeted by Jim Callery (centre) and John O’Driscoll; in our second photo, pupils and teacher prepare to welcome the special guest. (Watch out for #ThrowbackTuesday on our social media platforms).

Louis Theroux (Journalist and documentary maker, 51)

Cher (Singer and actress, 75)

Petr Čech (Footballer, 39)

20

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

PropertyPeople Auctioneers & Estate Agents Main Street, Ballygar.

Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664

Email info@moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472

moranandco.ie

Funchinagh, Four Roads, F42 DC82

3 Bed. Bungalow on c. 0.5 acres

New to the market Great location in scenic countryside c. 20 mins. drive from Roscommon & Athlone Large site with room to extend Ideal family/retirement property.

Full details from the auctioneer David Moran

14 Cul na Cille, Ballygar F42 XY36

4 Woodview, Ballygar F42 H322

Exceptional 4 Bed. Semi-Detached

New to the market Prime residential area.

Well finished and tastefully decorated.

A bright spacious family home c. 1440 sq.ft.

Full details from the auctioneer David Moran

Delightful 3 Bed. Bungalow

New to the market Prime town centre location.

Beside all amenities.

Ideal family/retirement property.

Full details from the auctioneer David Moran

Prime Tulsk lands new to the market at Earley’s This week, John Earley of Property Partners Earley is offering, new to the market, prime lands containing approximately 27.1 acres at Shrove, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. Price Guide: €120,000.

John describes the lands as “Prime lands located in a renowned farming district, on which stands a derelict onestorey residence and a three-bay hay shed. The lands can be sold in one or two lots should market interest dictate”.

The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. Legal: Marita Dockery, Solicitor, Elphin, 071-9635350.

For further details or to arrange a map, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

Offers invited for prime Ballygar residence This week, John Earley of Property Partners Earley is inviting offers for a most attractive, four-bedroomed, detached, twostorey residence of approximately 1,365 square feet, located at Tully, Ballygar, Co. Galway (F42 HY88).

John describes the property as “A luxury, fourbedroomed, detached residence of approximately

1,365 square feet, standing on a large and mature site area of approximately 0.59 of an acre.

“The property offers a superb location, adjacent to Ballygar town on the main N63 Roscommon/Galway route. Offering spacious living accommodation and all modern conveniences, this is a quality family home that must be viewed

to be fully appreciated”.

The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell.

For further details, or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners. ie.

Earley’s close sale of Whitehouse Hotel in Ballinlough This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of the landmark Whitehouse Hotel in Ballinlough village for a very

satisfactory price.

John described the property as “A quality, nineteenbedroomed (all en-suite including bridal suite) hotel, located in the heart of Ballinlough village, strategical-

ly positioned on the main N60 Dublin/Castlebar and Knock Shrine route. Standing on approximately 0.8 of an acre, the property was presented for sale in turnkey condition, offering luxury dining and bedroom accommodation together with a spacious function/ ballroom servicing. The property is situated beside some of the areas most renowned fishing lakes, and offers unlimited potential.

We wish the owners the very best of luck with their new venture”.

John further commented, saying: “We have experi-

enced a very busy selling period, with quality properties attracting strong interest in all areas. Due to demand, we are now seeking properties in all areas for disappointed under bidders and cash buyers. We welcome all submissions and offer a free appraisal service”.

For further details, or to arrange a free consultation, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) at Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 090-66 26579, email jearley@propertypartners. ie or log onto propertypartners.ie.

21

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

PropertyPeople

PROPERTY PARTNERS

ipav

Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

PSRA Licence No. 001481

EARLEY

FOR SALE BY ONLINE AUCTION ON THURSDAY 27TH MAY 2021 FROM 10 am (unless previously sold).

To register, pay deposits, bid and download legal packs in advance, log onto www.propertypartnersonlineauctions.ie

A MOST ATTRACTIVE 4 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1,850 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

BUMLIN, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON F42 N990

A QUALITY 2 B/R SEMI-DETACHED BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 846 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

(standing on approx. 2.37 acres of lands extending onto the famous Scramogue River and located directly opposite Strokestown Golf Club).

2 OAKWOOD RETIREMENT VILLAGE, HAWTHORNE DRIVE, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON F42 F683

Reserve: €199,000

Reserve: €100,000

UNIT 2 STONECOURT, THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON F42 KV80 Reserve: €48,000

Auction 10:30am – 11:30am.

Auction 10am – 11am.

An impressive 4 B/R bungalow residence.

Standing on a substantial site area of approx. 2.37 acres.

Running onto the famous Scramogue river.

Located directly opposite Strokestown Golf Club only a few minutes from the centre of Strokestown.

BER: C1.

Legal: Frank Aron Murphy Solicitor, Buncrana, Co. Donegal.

086 374 2847 A MOST ATTRACTIVE 2 B/R FORMER SCHOOL PROPERTY FORMERLY KNOWN AS “CARNISKA NATIONAL SCHOOL” LOCATED AT

CARNISKA, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON F42 FK07

Auction 10:15 am – 11:15am.

Situated in the exclusive Oakwood Retirement Village.

Beside Roscommon town, Roscommon University Hospital and all local amenities.

Presented for sale in turn key condition throughout.

Spacious living accommodation.

Peaceful setting with ample parking facilities.

BER: E2.

Legal: Sean Mahon, Messers Mahon Sweeney & Co, Roscommon.

090 66 26012.

FORMER RESIDENTIAL LICENSED PREMISES LOCATED AT

ELPHIN STREET, STROKSTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON F42 V329 Reserve: €75,000

Reserve: €75,000

A primely located commercial unit of approx 700 sq.ft.

(Former East West travel agents) Located in the busy Stonecourt development on the Town Square.

Benefiting from ample free car parking facilities at the rear and on the Square.

The said unit would suit various commercial pursuits due size and location.

BER: G. Legal: Marie Conroy, Messers Mahon Sweeney & Co, Roscommon. 090 66 26012.

A 3 ROOMED RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

WILLSGROVE, BALLINTUBBER, CO. ROSCOMMON. Reserve: €15,000.

Auction 10:45 am – 11:45am.

Standing on a beautifully mature site area of approx. 1 acre.

The said property has been carefully redesigned as a family residence.

Offering spacious living accommodation.

Maintaining many of its original charms and schoolhouse features throughout.

Planning permission has been granted for the installation of a new septic tank system under planning reference PD/21/51.

BER: Exempt.

Legal: Thoma Queally, Messers Michael F Butler & Co, Longford. 043 33 41118.

Auction 11:30 am – 12:30pm.

Former licensed premises.

Former bar cum lounge area with ladies and gents toiletes, kitchen and coldroom servicing.

4 bedrooms in all on the 1st floor with sitting room and bathroom.

Garden area and storage shed set to the rear.

BER: G. Legal: Hanahoe & Hanahoe Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare. 045 897784.

Auction 11:45am – 12:45pm.

Standing on a site area of approx 0.660 of an acre.

Water and Electricity services at roadside A much sought after location and approx 2 km to Ballintubber Village on the Castleplunkett Road.

Offering a redevelopment opportunity in a select location close to the village and the local GAA grounds (St Croans).

BER: Exempt.

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405 PSRA Licence No. 001481

22

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

PropertyPeople SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SEAMUS CARTHY

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SEAMUS CARTHY ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE SALE TYPE TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE SALE OFFERS TYPE TAGLINE ONLINE AUCTION 27TH MAY FINAL INVITED  Property 4 key feature 1  Property 2 key feature 1  Property 3 key feature 1  Property 1 key feature 1   Property 2 key feature 2  Property 3 key feature 2  Property 1 key feature 2 Property 4 key feature 2 SLIGO ROAD, BALLAGHADERREEN, SHANKILL, ELPHIN, CO. ROSCOMMON SITE AT ANTOGHER ROAD, ROSCOMMONTOWN  Property 4 key feature 3  Property 3 key feature 3  Property 1 key feature 3 Property 2 key feature 3 c.13.5 acres of prime land contained with folio RN23584, attractively CO. ROSCOMMON F45 XV56 A most select plot of land AMV: containing 0.107 Hectare/.26 Acre ¤000,000 AMV: ¤000,000 AMV: ¤000,000 ¤000,000 set adjacent to Elphin Town along the R369AMV: from Tulsk.

2 No. Semi Detached Two Storey houses set convenient to situated within walking distance to all amenities. The said lands are The said lands offer quality agricultural land on an elevated and Ballaghaderreen Town. The saidSALE housesTYPE requireTAGLINE complete offering potential for a single dwelling.

SALE zoned TYPEresidential TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE mature setting benefiting from 2 No. Stone outbuildings situated refurbishment.

To the rear, there are a further 2 acres of land offering Enquiries and offers in excess of €50,000 now invited. thereon offering attractive setting for a dwelling subject to planning. obvious potential. AMV: €60,000 Substantial road frontage on the outer suburbs of Elphin Town.

Immediate enquiries advised.

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 4 key feature 1  Property 2 key feature 1  Property 3 key feature 1  Property 1 key feature 1  Property 4 key feature 2  Property 2 key feature 2  Property 3 key feature 2  Property 1 key feature 2  Property 4 key feature 3  Property 2 key feature 3  Property 3 key feature 3  Property 1 key feature 3

SALE TYPE NEW TAGLINE TO THE MARKET

AMV: ¤000,000

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE SALE TYPE TAGLINE  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 5 key feature 2  Property 5 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE SALE TYPE TAGLINE  Property 6 key feature 1  Property 6 key feature 2  Property 6 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE SALE TYPE TAGLINE  Property 7 key feature 1  Property 7 key feature 2  Property 7 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE SALE TYPE TAGLINE  Property 8 key feature 1  Property 8 key feature 2  Property 8 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

090 66 30001

www.reacarthy.ie

Bridge House Apartments sold for €386,000 by Seamus Carthy ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 5 key feature 2  Property 5 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 6 key feature 1  Property 6 key feature 2  Property 6 key feature 3

REA Seamus Carthy online sales are consistently delivering excellent results for their clients following the recent sale of Bridge House Apartments.

Seamus Carthy said: “Last Thursday, after 78 bids, we successfully sold six apartments situated within the soughtafter Árd Clár Residential Scheme in the heart of Claremorris Town, for €386,000.

“With twenty registered parties and four underbidders, we now urgently require similar type properties for awaiting clients”.

Contact REA Seamus Carthy in confidence today on 090-6630001/0868035538, or email info@reacarthy.ie.

AMV: ¤000,000

Tulsk, Co. Roscommon prior to auction through their online auction platform BidNow.ie.

REA Seamus Carthy offers

clients’ unrivalled marketing exposure, as well as a host of sale methods including our hugely successful online sales platform, BidNow.ie.

Over the past number of months, REA Seamus Carthy have successfully sold a number of properties through their online auction platforms and are currently seeking properties in all areas for a substantial list of under bidders.

If you are thinking of selling, give your property the best chance of securing the best price by contacting REA Seamus Carthy today on 090-6630001 or emailing info@reacarthy.ie.

REA Seamus Carthy running out of properties!

REA Seamus Carthy have advised that so far, 2021 has been exceptionally busy, with many residential, commercial and agricultural sales conducted through their office.

REA Seamus Carthy pride themselves on their knowledge, ambition and professional service.

Seamus says: “We are always thinking of ways to improve our service and ensure that your property is showcased to the right audience. We offer unrivalled market exposure, promoting properties on all the top websites, to include reacarthy.ie, rea.ie, myhome.ie, daft.ie, rightmove.

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 7 key feature 1  Property 7 key feature 2  Property 7 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 8 key feature 1  Property 8 key feature 2  Property 8 key feature 3

Final offers invited for five-bedroomed cottage in Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co. Roscommon AMV: ¤000,000

Connaughton Auctioneers are inviting final offers for a fivebedroomed cottage with an outbuilding at the front, located on the Roscommon/Galway border, and standing on approximately 0.61 acres of land.

This property would be an ideal renovation project for someone who wishes to renovate and complete a residence with character to their own specifications.

The property is located in a scenic, rural area with unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside on a quiet country road just outside the village of Creggs. The village of Creggs is situated in a central location, with the towns of Roscommon, Castlerea and Glenamaddy

AMV: ¤000,000

090 66 30001

www.reacarthy.ie

Traditional Tulsk bungalow sold prior to auction On Friday last, REA Seamus Carthy successfully sold a detached, traditional bungalow set in a scenic, rural location at

PSRA Licence No: 002782

co.uk, and perfectproperty.ie”.

If you are thinking of selling, and would like a free sales appraisal, please phone 086-8035538, email info@reacarthy.ie or contact Seamus on 090-6630001.

“Rest assured all matters will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence,” Seamus added.

PSRA Licence No: 002782

within 15 to 20 minutes’ drive.

Accommodation includes a reception hallway, living room, kitchen/dining room, back hallway, five bedrooms and a bathroom, and overall, this property represents huge potential for the

discerning buyer.

For further details, contact the office on 090-6663700, email inf@connaughtonauctioneers. ie or contact Deirdre on 0861713417. Final offers by Friday, May 28th, at 12 pm.

Final offers for four-bedroomed house in Ballyleague, Lanesboro Connaughton Auctioneers are inviting final offers on this prime, four-bedroomed, semi-detached bungalow, located in the much sought-after area of Ballyleague, Lanesboro. The property, which is newly arrived the market, is in an excellent location, with unrivalled views of Lough Ree on the River Shannon. In need of minor renovations internally, there is potential to develop the attic area for additional living space if so desired.

Accommodation includes a porch to front, leading into a good-sized entrance hallway with wooden flooring. From here, the sitting room is located to the right, with wooden flooring and open fireplace with tiled surround. The dining room is to the left of the hallway, and features a solid fuel stove and back boiler, with a galley style kitchen off that has an access doorway to rear of house. All four bedrooms all have wooden flooring, and the master bedroom has an ensuite. The main bathroom is fully tiled, and complete with bath, shower, sink and toilet.

Externally, there is a range of outbuildings including a two-bay hayshed (30’ x 15’), open shed (20’ x 13’) and large outbuilding, set out in four areas (overall size is 25’ x 12’).

The property has a host of additional features,

including unrivalled views of Lough Ree from every window at the front of the house, vehicular access to the side and rear, a large garden that extends to the rear, fully laid lawns with an assortment of mature hedging and trees on site, ample parking, and a dual heating system (both solid fuel and oil-fired central heating).

Seldom does an opportunity arise to buy a property in Ballyleague that has the potential that this property represents with a large garden at the rear.

For further information and a video of property, contact the office on 090-6663700, email info@ connaughtonauctioneers.ie or contact Deirdre on 086-1713417. Final offers by Thursday, June 3rd, at 3 pm.

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

23

24

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Classifieds

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

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

PODIATRIST

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

PODIATRIST

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Stephen Casey

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

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

Construction Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

The Galway Podiatrist

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:

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

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

Tullys

087 2798704

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

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

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

Co Galway H53 D7W8

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

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

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

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

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

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

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

• 20 years experience

CONSTRUCTION

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

Fergal 086 1016899

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

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

VHI and Laya Covered

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

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

NO FIX NO FEE

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

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

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

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

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

Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

COUNSELLING

FENCING/GATES

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Des Kelly Fencing

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

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay

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

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FENCING/GATES

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

For all your fencing needs.

GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l

Tel: 087 2172281

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

087 2346364

GARDENING

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

l

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

GATELY GARDENING

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

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

GARDENING

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

LIFE COACH

Mindset Life Coach Online

l Personal

Development/Life Coaching l Membership Club l Workshops l Retreats CONTACT

Emer Watchorn

BSc. Arch Tech, HDip Executive & Life Coaching

087 7718842 website:

emerwatchorn lifecoach.com REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

25

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Classifieds FARMING

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

• Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers All sprayers are required to be tested every 3 years according to Dept. of Agriculture regulations.

Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

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

PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Wayne Auchmuty (Lakeside Engineering Design Ltd.) and Errol Auchmuty for the construction of a divided workshop unit consisting of a workshop for the design and fabrication of prototype farm machinery and general metal fabrication, site fencing, lighting, wastewater treatment system and associated siteworks at Carrownure House, Carrownure Upper, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors.

Ph: (087) 2222874 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Daniel Cunniffe, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for development at Moyvannan, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The development shall consist of: the construction of a new dwelling house; a detached garage; new conventional septic tank and percolation area; a new vehicular entrance; and all associated site development works.

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

Signed: MMA Architects

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, John and Kay Kelly are applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct extension to side of existing dwelling house along with upgrading existing treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Termon More, Castlerea Co. Roscommon

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €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:

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Padraic and Helen Cryan am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct dwelling house along with domestic garage, new treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Ballinvoher, Frenchpark, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €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: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

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

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Richard O’Gara am applying to Roscommon County Council for the following: 1. Permission to retain and complete constructed extension to rear and side of house 2. Permission to retain as constructed domestic garage 3. Planning permission to construct two storey extension to side of existing house and all ancillary site development works at Castle Street, Roscommon.

F42WT10.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Paddy McCormack am applying to Roscommon County Council for permission for the following: 1. To construct extension to side of existing dwelling house 2. To Retain existing treatment system and to upgrade percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Clooneenbaun, Co. Roscommon. F42 HY70.

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: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

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: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for erection of two no semi detached single storey dwelling houses with connection to services and all ancillary development works at Ballypheasan Td. Roscommon.

PLANNINGS eagle blueprint A Home for LIfe

Planning a new house or extension?

Signed: John Igoe Free consultation on your design needs.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee Affordable plans/drawings with 40 years experience. not exceeding the reasonable cost www.eagleblueprint.com 087 2605 695 of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five weeks beginningEagle on the Blueprint Business Cards.indd 1 12/05/2021 11:29 date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd., are applying to Roscommon County Council, on behalf of Scott Cassidy and Charlene Moloney for planning permission for the construction of a storey and a half dwelling house and a detached garage, together with the installation of a domestic waste-water treatment system and percolation area and all necessary ancillary site works, at Mountdillon Td., Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd. [Agent] Email: info@conlonconsulting.ie Web: www.conlonconsulting.ie Tel: 090 6665341 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 may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making its 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!

The local paper!

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

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

26

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Classifieds TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

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

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

FARMING

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas) < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free.

• 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 < FOR SALE: Large lorry loads of turf. Screened and delivered. Tel: 086 7236301

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

USEFUL SERVICES

USEFUL SERVICES

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered.

Domestic and Industrial, All work considered.

No Job too small.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

OPMS NO JOB TO SMALL

Call 0874357682 for a quote today!

PAINTING

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Cleaning Sheds, Painting Roofs and Hay Barns

Pat: 086 8937186 Sean: 089 9661849 We steam clean all Domestic Roofs remove moss and can apply dye to roof tiles

DRIVING LESSONS

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022 SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS:

Handyman and property maintenance services

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

USEFUL SERVICES

P’Nuts Powerwashing Service • Driveways • Cobblestones • Slatted Sheds • Footpaths • Patios • Yards NOW DOING Drain Cleaning and Unblocking

Residential, Commercial & Agricultural Call Padraig

086 602 7509

WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie

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

If so ring:

087 9657933

or 090 6626752

CARS

ROSCOMMON Driving School Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted.

End of life certs can be provided.

Also scrap metal

Tel: 087 0944027

PAINTING & DECORATING

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

086 4679798 PAINTING & DECORATING

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

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079 HOME MAINTENANCE < PAINTER & DECORATOR AVAILABLE: For all your painting needs, keen and competive prices. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802

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

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!

PUBLIC NOTICE APPLICATION TO ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL FOR A WASTE FACILITY PERMIT Notice is hereby given in accordance with Articles 7 and 8 of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007, (as amended), that McKeons Sand & Gravel Ltd. of Culliaghbeg, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon intends to apply for a Waste Management Facility Permit at their quarry at Culliaghbeg, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon to operate a construction and demolition waste recovery facility which will involve the importation and recycling/recovery of construction and demolition waste. The application for a waste facility permit will be made to Roscommon County Council within 10 working days of the date of this notice.

The Classes of Activity at the site, as specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended), are as follows; R 5 Recycling/reclamation of other inorganic materials, which includes soil cleaning resulting in recovery of the soil and recycling of inorganic construction material (Principal Activity) R 3 Recycling/reclamation of organic substances which are not used as solvents (including composting and other biological transformation processes), which includes gasification and pyrolisis using the components as chemicals R 4 Recycling/reclamation of metals and metal compounds R11 Use of waste obtained from any of the operations numbered R1 to R10 The Classes of Activity at the site, as specified in Part I of the Third Schedule of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 and the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2008, is as follows; Class 7 (Principal Activity) Recovery of inert waste arising from construction and demolition activity, including concrete bricks, tiles, or other such similar material, at a facility (excluding land improvement or development) where (a) the annual intake shall not exceed 50,000 tonnes, and (b) the maximum quantity of residual waste consigned from the facility for collection, onward transport and submission to disposal at an authorised facility shall not exceed 15% of the annual intake.

Class 10 The recovery of waste (not mentioned elsewhere in this part of the third schedule), other than hazardous waste or an activity specified in Category 5 of Annex I of Council Directive 96/61/EC, where – (a) the annual intake does not exceed 50,000 tonnes, and (b) the maximum quantity of residual waste consigned from the facility for onward transport and submission to disposal at an authorised facility shall not exceed 15% of the annual intake.

A copy of the application for the waste permit will as soon as is practicable after receipt by the Local Authority, be available for inspection or purchase at the principal office at Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon, F42 VR98.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Classifieds

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES McNAMARA Eugene Late of The Walk, Roscommon In loving memory of Eugene who passed away on 24th May, 2009 (12th Anniversary)

KELLY John (Jack)

“Avondale”, Ballyleague, Lanesboro.

Who passed away, 24th May, 2020

MacGUIGAN Mary “Letteree”, Sleaveen, Roscommon.

(2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of our mother, Mary, who passed away on 25th May 2019.

Remembering a much-loved Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad on his first anniversary. Eamon, Freda, Liam and Mary together with their extended families would like to say thank you for the many kind messages of sympathy and support we received on dad’s death Acknowledgement last year – Mass and sympathy cards, phone calls, texts and those that posted condolences on RIP.ie Acknowledgement Like so many other families,th we particularly missed John (Jack) Kelly, “Avondale”, Ballyleague, Lanesboro.

24 celebrate May, 2020 dad’s life and being able to gather to fully say goodbye to him but Grandad our gratitude to everyone John (Jack) Kelly, “Avondale”, Ballyleague, Lanesboro.

24th May, 2020 Freda, Liam Remembering a much-loved Dad, Grandad and Great on his first anniversary.

Eamon, stood outside Smyth’s Funeral Home asmany dad and Mary togetherwho with their extended families would like to say thank you for the kind messages of Remembering a much-loved Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad on his first anniversary. Eamon, Freda, Liam started on his dad’s final journey and toandhis neighbours, sympathy and support we received last year – Mass sympathy calls,for texts and Maryon togetherdeath with their extended families would likecards, to sayphone thank you the and many kind messages of friendssympathy and former work colleagues stood asandbeing on RIP.ie LikeESB sowe many other families, wewho particularly missed able to R.I.P. those that posted condolences and support received on dad’s death last year – Mass sympathy cards, phone calls, texts and his cortege arrived at the Church and then proceeded gather to fully celebrate dad’s lifethat andposted say goodbye to him our gratitude to everyone who stood outside missed being able to In God’s care those condolences onbut RIP.ie Like so many other families, we particularly to the cemetery.

Smyths Funeral Home as dad started oncelebrate his final journey hisgoodbye neighbours, formertoESB work who stood outside gather to fully dad’s lifeand andto say to himfriends but ourand gratitude everyone your rest above, To asDr. John Keenan and thethen staff at journey thetoMedical hisSmyths cortege arrived at the and the Funeral Home asChurch dadall started on hisproceeded final andcemetery. to his neighbours, friends and former ESB work in our heartscolleagues who stood Centre, Roscommon cared forat the Jack over theproceeded to the cemetery. colleagues who stood aswho his cortege arrived Church and then you rest with love.

To Dr. John Keenanyears, and all thank the staffyou at theand Medical Roscommon cared for Jack over the years, alsoCentre, to the Staff of who Sonas Nursing Never more than thank you and alsoHome. to the Staff ofJohn Sonas Nursing To Dr. Keenan andHome all the staff at the Medical Centre, Roscommon who cared for Jack over the years, thank you and also to the Staff of Sonas Nursing Home a thought away, Your left us beautiful We will be eternally grateful to the staff of St. Brigid’s loved and remembered Ward, University Hospital University who treated We will be eternally gratefulRoscommon to the staff of St. Brigid’s Ward, Roscommon Hospital who treated dad memories, every day. so well during his final daddays soWe well during his final when many will like be eternally grateful todays the staff of St. like Brigid’s Ward,other Roscommon University Hospital who is treated your love still dad when many other heartbroken families, Covid restrictions meant that we could so well during his final days when restrictions like many other heartbroken families, Covid restrictionsour meant that we could families, Covid meant that not be with him. heartbroken guide, Fondly remembered by not be withbe him.with him. we could not and though we Sarah, sons Michael, cannot see you, th Francis, James and Jack Kelly - 1st Anniversary & Nancy Kelly – 8 Anniversary you are always Nancy & th Nancy Kelly – 8th Anniversary - 1st Anniversary Patrick, daughters-in-law,24th May, 2020 Jack Kelly Jack 25 May, 2013 th May, 2020 25th May, 2013at our side.

24 grandchildren, brothers, (8th Anniversary)

sisters and extended family and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Monday, 24th May, at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

MALONE James (Jimmy) Time may pass

(1st Anniversary) 24th May, 2020

25th May, 2013

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

EGAN Bridie Time may pass

Time may pass Cloonadra, Ballyleague memories memoriesofofyou you but memories of youbutbut willnever never (10th Anniversary) will diedie. will never die No longer in our No longer Who passed away on 20th May in our No in our liveslonger to share 2011 lives to share lives to share,

But in our hearts But in our hearts but in our hearts you are always there. you are always there.

you are always there.

Ballinderry , Four Mile House,

Co. Roscommon Those we love Those we love Those we love don’t go away, don’t go away Who passed away of the 21st don’t go away theywalk walkbeside besideususThey walk beside us of May, 2018 They everyday. everyday Rest in Peace everyday Unseen, unheard Unseen, Unheard (3rd Anniversary) Unseen, Unheard but always near, But always near But always near still loved still missed Still loved Still missed Still loved Still missed and very dear. and very dear and very dear

Jack and Nancy’s Anniversary Mass will take place on Jack & Nancy’s Anniversary Mass will placeRosary, on Sunday, 23rd May at 11am. the on Church of take the Holy Jack & Nancy’s Sunday, Anniversary Mass will take in place Sunday, 23rd May at 11.00a.m. in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague.

Ballyleague.

23rd May at 11.00a.m. in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague.

We will never forget your name, and in our hearts you will always remain.

Missed by his wife Geraldine, children Paul, Aidan, Barbara, Sarah and Linda, daughters-inlaw, sons-in-law and 13 grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass will be held in Holy Rosary Church, Ballyleague Church on Saturday, 22nd May at 7pm.

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CAULFIELD Frank

Harrow, London and Kilcorkey, Ballinagare Who passed away, 20th May, 2020

The family of the late Frank Caulfield would like to thank everybody who sympathised with them on Frank’s passing.

Thank you for the huge amount of Mass/sympathy cards, phone calls, letters and messages of sympathy on R.I.P. Thank you to Fr. Micheál Donnelly for a lovely Mass, to Carmel McLoughlin for her beautiful singing in the Church.

To the gravediggers and stewarts Tom and Kevin, thank you, Thanks to everybody who stood outside the Church, your presence indeed was very much appreciated in these difficult times.

A special thank you to Tommy Sharkey, Undertaker and to the Undertakers in the UK for the professional handling of the Funeral arrangements and for making it possible to have Frank’s wishes carried out to be buried in Drummin Cemetery.

Anniversary Mass for Frank in Donamon Castle on Friday, 21st May at 9.30am.

The local paper!

Memories we keep one by one, of things you said and songs you sung.

They bring a smile sometimes a tear, but always a wish that you were here.

Sheehaun, Curraghroe, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Tom who died on 28th May 2020

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Sacred 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. L.F.

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A bouquet of beautiful memories, sprayed with a million tears.

Wishing God could have spared you, if just for a few more years.

DEMPSEY Conor

CARTER Pat (Patricia)

The Walk, Roscommon Who passed away on 22nd May 2012 (9th Anniversary)

Who died 24th of May, 2019 (2nd Anniversary)

Sadly missed by his loving wife Marion, son Stephen, Tanya and baby Abbie. ~~~~~~~~~~ Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end.

They simply mean we miss you, until we meet again.

~~~~~~~~~~

I found a picture of you one that I had not seen in awhile I held it gently in my hands lost for a moment in your smile.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday.

Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

I found a card from you, written in your own special way, I held it gently in my hands, lost for a moment in that day.

Sadly missed by his bother Malachy and family. And sister Mary and family.

Sadly missed by all members of the Cahill family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh, Co. Roscommon on Saturday, 29th May 2021 at 8pm.

CRUISE Bridget (24th Anniversary)

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by the Egan family.

Bridie’s Third Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Four Mile House Church on Sunday, 23rd May at 11am.

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

MURPHY Tom

In loving memory of Bridget Cruise Derrycahill, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe Co Roscommon, who died 19 may 1997 R.I.P.

The hands of time keep turning, as the years they pass away.

But in my heart and memory, you are with me everyday.

Always remembered by your daughter Rosaleen.

Memories, sweet gifts from you, to allow my heart a breath, to let me be lost for a moment, to remember life, not just death.

Forever missed by Mum, Dad, Laura, Alex, Emma, Derek, Ann Marie, Damien, nephews and nieces.

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

In loving memory of a dear wife, mother, grandmother and sister God saw you were getting tired, when a cure was not to be, He closed his arms around you and whispered “come to me” In tears we watched you sinking, we watched you fade away, and though our hearts were breaking, we knew you could not stay, A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, it broke our hearts to see you go, God only takes the best.

Sadly missed by her loving husband Noel, daughters Shannon and Sheila and granddaughter Ruby, friends and neighbours.

“Your memories will always keep us smiling”

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

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

29

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Classifieds

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

MULLEN

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES Eddie

Ballybride, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

MULLEN Eddie

Ballybride, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who passed away on the 24th of May 2020

GATELY Joe Cullawinna, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 21st May 2018 (3rd Anniversary)

CONNAUGHTON Bridie

Oran, Donamon, Co. Roscommon.

Who passed away 21st May, 2020

HAMROCK Liam Athleague, Co. Roscommon who died on 15th May 1995 (26th Anniversary)

KELLY Margaret (Peggy) Derrane, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 25th May 2017 (4th Anniversary)

Who died on the 24th of May 2020

The sadness of the day you died will never go away.

Although we miss you dearly we knew you could not stay.

Our hearts are full of pride when we speak your name,

The sadness of the day you died will never go away.

Although we missonyou dearly wewill knew life goes without you but neveryou be thecould same. not stay.

Our hearts are full of pride when we speak your name, we have a silent housewill withnever an empty life goesNow on without you but bechair, the same.

Now we have a silent house with an empty chair, memories and reminders are scattered everywhere. memories and reminders are scattered everywhere.

A loving husband, father and too, too, A loving husband, father andgrandfather grandfather this is how we will remember you. how we will remember you.

Goodbyes are this notisforever, goodbyes are not the end, they simply mean we miss goodbyes you untilarewe again.

Goodbyes are not forever, notmeet the end,

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

they simply mean we miss you until we meet again.

Your loving wife Madge, children Catherine, Mary, Joseph, Mairéad, Paula and John

Softly in the morning, you heard a gentle call you took the hand God offered you and quietly left us all.

You never looked for praise, you were never one to boast, you just went on quietly working, for the ones you loved the most.

OREVER IN OUR HEARTS, your loving wife Madge, children Catherine, Mary, Joseph, Mairéad, Paula and John

We the family of the late Eddie Mullen wish to

Your dreams were seldom spoken, your wants were very few, and most of the time your worries, went unspoken too.

express our gratitude and appreciation forsupport shown to us on the great loss of Eddie Mullen wish to express ourdeepest deepest gratitude and appreciation for the kindness and We miss your smile, themass kindness and support ustextonmessages the great veryone who sent cards, sympathy cards, made shown phone calls,to sent and to those who leftyour messages of condolences joking ways, of byEddie. thanks to everyone sent Rathbrennan and Roscommon e were deeplyloss touched all of ourSincere wonderful family, neighbours and friends who from Ballybride, town we miss the things mass cards, sympathy cards, made phone calls, sent use, their homes and outside the church as Eddie made his final journey to the Sacred Heart Church and resting place in St Coman’s you used to say, text messages who e streamed the funeral as they could and not be to withthose us, we thank you.left messages of condolences and support on R.I.P.ie.

and when old times

do recall, Weforwere deeply byprayers. all of our family, o thank Fr Pravin the funeral masstouched and graveyard Hugewonderful heartfelt gratitude to Siobhan, Padraig andwe Anthony who brought it’s given thentowe miss neighbours andwith friends from Rathbrennan mes a week and always treated him compassion and Ballybride, respect. Words cannot express the exceptional care Eddie overyou the most of alland care andWellstone Roscommon town stood outside our Pharmacy house, for their kindness, consideration erlin Park and the Clinic. Special thankswho to Dr John Keenan and Molloy’s homes and outside the church made especially liketheir to thank Pat Smyth for his professionalism, respect as andEddie sensitivity shownhis to us during this most difficult time and extend final journey to the Sacred Heart Church and resting The gates of memory ggers. place in St. Coman’s Cemetery. To those that live

will never close,

to thank everyone individually, trust this acknowledgement be accepted all with and gratitude.

The streamed thewefuneral as they couldwill not be withbyus, weour sincere appreciation we miss you more than will be offeredthank for all your intentions you. anyone knows.

We would especially like to thank Fr. Pravin for the Eddie’sMass anniversary will be held prayers. on Saturday Huge 22nd of May at 7pm Funeral andmass graveyard heartfelt gratitude to Siobhan, Padraig and Anthony who dá anam brought Eddie forSuaimhneas dialysis sioraí three times a week and always treated him with compassion and respect.

Words cannot express the exceptional care given to Eddie over the years by all the staff in Merlin Park and the Wellstone Clinic.

Special thanks to Dr. John Keenan and Molloy’s Pharmacy for their kindness, consideration and care over the years.

We would especially like to thank Pat Smyth for his professionalism, respect and sensitivity shown to us during this most difficult time and extend our thanks to the gravediggers.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust this acknowledgement will be accepted by all with our sincere appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions Eddie’s Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday, 22nd of May at 7pm.

Always loved and remembered by Bridie, Lorraine and Aidan.

We the Connaughton family wish to thank everyone who sympathised with us on Bridie’s passing. Thanks to those who sent Mass/sympathy cards, condolences on RIP.ie, phone calls, text messages, floral tributes and food to our house. Many thanks to all who lined the route from Smyth’s Funeral Home to the church and cemetery, it was very much appreciated.

Thanks also to Fr. Irek Kuzmicki for celebrating Bridie’s Funeral Mass and Ann Corcoran for singing in the Church.

Thanks to Pat Smyth, Funeral Director for his professionalism, care and respect in the handling of Bridie’s Funeral arrangements and the gravediggers for preparing Bridie’s final resting place. Thanks to the Kelly Henry, Medical Practice for the care given to Bridie over the years.

Sincers thanks to the staff in Sonas Nursing Home, Cloverhill for the wonderful care given to Bridie.

Thanks to everyone who visited Bridie and sent Mass bouquets/cards to her in Sonas, it was very much appreciated by us.

To Tracy, Ann and Miriam who cared for Bridie at home and whose visits she enjoyed, we thank you very much.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation and thanks.

Bridie’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 22nd May at 7pm in Cloverhill Church.

O’ HARA Tom and Ruth (19th and 9th Anniversaries)

Out of our lives you may be gone, but in our hearts you will always belong.

Sadly missed by your wife and family.

Anniversary Mass in, St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Friday, 21st May at 7pm.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Sacred Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.K.

We hold you close, within our hearts, and there you shall remain.

To walk with us, throughout our lives, until we meet again.

Loved and missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

In loving memory of Tom who passed away on the 5th April 2002 and Ruth who passed away on the 20th May 2012

~~~~~~ There’s always a face before us, a voice we would love to hear.

A smile we will always remember of a brother we loved so dear.

Never forgotten, Liz, Catherine and Padraig.

Anniversary Mass will be held in Dysart Church on Saturday, 22nd May at 7.30pm.

Suaimhneas sioraí dá anam

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Remember me when the flowers bloom early in the spring.

Remember me in sunny days in the fun that summer brings.

Remember me in the fall as you walk through leaves of gold and in the winter time Remember me in all the stories that are told.

But most of all remember each day right from the start we will be forever near for we live in your heart.

Sadly missed by M.J, Pauline, Amanda, Michael, Emma, Laura, Tommie and great-grandchildren Evan and Grace.

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 and thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart for favours received. Heartfelt thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin, St. Martin, St. Anthony and Padre Pio for wonderful favours received. Requests never unanswered. Amen. K.D.

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: anthonymurrayandsons@gmail.com

30

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Classifieds

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

APPOINTMENTS SITUATIONS VACANT < BAR STAFF: Part time Bar staff required for pub, 5 mins from Roscommon Town. Tel: 087 7541730 < CARER: Part time Carer required for elderly lady in Roscommon Town area. Tel: 087 7541730 < EXECUTIVE CHEF: With 5 years experience required for Food Fusion Restaurant in Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Salary €32k per annum 39h per week. Contact: 085 2516251 or info.aryancatering@gmail.com < CLEANER REQUIRED: For occasional cleaning at a private residence in Roscommon Town. Garda Vetting & References required.

Hourly rates only. Tel: 086 3276584 < AN EXPERIENCED PAINTER DECORATOR REQUIRED: For a large interior painting job in the hospitality sector in Roscommon.

Must be available to start immediately.

Tel: 086 3276584 < EXPERIENCE RETAIL ASSISTANT: Required parttime. Must have computer skills. References essential.

Apply to PO Box No 2067 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon < WELDER WANTED: Welder trainee or improver, part-time, full driving licence required. Tel: 086 8267966

SITUATIONS WANTED < A TEENAGER IS AVAILABLE: For garden chores and odd jobs this summer.

Roscommon town. Hourly rates €10. Tel: 086 3276584 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.

Be a key member of our Kobelco service team providing pre and after sales support to the Kobelco excavator range.

McSharry TRACK are the exclusive dealer for Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We are now recruiting to fill these different roles.

Solving Undercarriage Needs

We keep machine downtime to a minimum by carrying the largest stock of undercarriage parts in Ireland. We are the exclusive dealer for Berco (Italy) and a range of other OEM manufacturers.

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Full-Time & Part-Time positions available candidates

FULL-TIME CONSTRUCTION Our success is based on the qualityPLANT of the partsFITTER

RESPONSIBILITIES: This role is a and front-line position between our head office in Four Mile the service wemoving provide.

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Be a keyofmember of the ourproduct Tracks team the sales of underIt involves all aspects supporting rangesupporting (mini – heavy line excavators) from pre-delivery to after sales support. carriage parts to our broad base of customers throughout Ireland.

SUPPORT: You will be provided with a service van, phone and diagnostic tools. You will receive ongoing training and support.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: We are looking for a qualified fitter with considerable experience of working with excavators. This person should have a proven track record demonstrating their ability to meet the varying demands this role.

ROLE: of Learn all about undercarriage parts so that you can SALARY: Negotiable

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Shannon Lodge NURSING HOME

Rooskey, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon. N41 YE03 requires

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PART-TIME NIGHT STAFF NURSE & FULL-TIME CARE ASSISTANT Please forward CV with written references to the Director of Nursing.

Or email: shannonlodgenh@gmail.com

RESPONSIBILITIES: Learn become a construction plantteam fitter who services, diagnoses You will beto working in the Tracks that consists of and resolves technical concerns in mobile construction equipment.

other office and workshop members. You will liaise with

EXPERIENCE other AND SKILLS: This is an opportunity someone who has finished school and would members to ideal organise jobsfor and deliveries. like to learn an apprenticeship. We like positive people and we are looking for someone to make a positive contribution toEXPERIENCE our team. & SKILLS:

We are lookingThis for that to show good problem solving skills and communication is aperson starting position.

Experience of plant machineryskills. We also like people with good work practices including time keeping, personal presentation and safety awareness.

and parts is an advantage though not absolutely necessary. On the job training will be provided. Good commuSEND CV / nication CONTACT: skills including computer skills are required. The McSharry, McSharry role has variedNiall demands so the ability toTRACK, cope with these Old Brick Site, Four Mile House, Co. and Roscommon demands including planning, organising working Tel: + 353 90 6629500 independently and as part of a team are essential.

Email: niall@mcsharrybros.com RENUMERATION: NegotiableI www.mcsharrybros.com www.mcsharrytrack.com SEND CV / CONTACT:

Niall McSharry, McSharry Bros, Old Brick Site, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon Tel: + 353 90 6629500 Email: niall@mcsharrybros.com

Qualified Practice Accountant

Submit your Classified online

with relevant experience to manage a portfolio of clients Full-time position with the option of flexi hours and/or remote work.

Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

We are a growing accountancy practice based in Roscommon Town providing accountancy and tax consultancy services.

Due to continued growth we currently have the following vacancy in the practice:

GENERAL ADMIN ASSISTANT Required for a busy office Part time position with a view of full-time position after 3 months.

You must have the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.

Main duties: performing data entry, maintaining filing system and databases.

Experience desirable but not essential.

Please email your c.v to: submitcv19@gmail.com

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Please send CV to paul@foxeaccountancy.ie

Expressions of Interest

St. Michael’s Special School is compiling a list of qualified Teachers and SNA’s available for work on the July Provision In-Home programme.

Details will be shared with parents/guardians.

Submit details via email before 2nd June to: stmichaelsroscommon@gmail.co.

or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Two Bus Escorts

Are required immediately for St. Michael’s School, Castlerea. Part time hours (before and after school).

A panel maybe formed for subsequent appointments.

Apply in writing before 2nd June (with CV) to: Chairperson/Principal, Board of Management, St. Michael’s School, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Sports PEOPLE

31

Rossies can upstage Tribesmen in first act Allianz National Football League Division One South (Round 2): Galway v Roscommon on Sunday in Pearse Stadium at 2 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

Cathal Cregg pictured in action for Roscommon against Dublin last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack

It may be only the second week of action since the season returned, but this Sunday’s game between old rivals Roscommon and Galway in Salthill takes on huge significance following opening defeats for both teams last weekend.

It will be a wounded Galway team which takes the field this Sunday, and Roscommon will smell blood following the Tribesmen’s drubbing at the hands of David Clifford and Kerry last time out.

Padraic Joyce’s men were simply non-competitive on their long-awaited return to action, while Roscommon never gave up the ghost against Dublin and were unlucky to have been beaten by nine points in the end.

The likelihood is that both sides will be involved in relegation play-offs later in the league campaign, but the really big date for them is July 4th and the Connacht semi-final meeting at Dr. Hyde Park. Both sides will be eager to put down a marker ahead of that game.

Roscommon can be reasonably pleased with their display against Dublin. The attack looked

sharp and it was good to see Ciaráin Murtagh back to his best. This weekend there may well be a starting place in attack for Conor Cox, who came off the bench against Dublin.

Eddie Nolan and Shane Killoran deserve another chance at midfield where they will probably clash with Peter Cooke and Paul Conroy who look to be Galway’s strongest combination.

Roscommon’s defence did well last weekend but Sean Mullooly’s absence is a blow and Anthony Cunningham will be hoping to have him back soon.

Galway have Damien Comer and Shane Walsh in the full-forward line. Both are outstanding players who did not make any impression last weekend against Kerry. They will be determined to put that right on Sunday.

Once again, the kick-out strategy will be very important and Colm Lavin and the backroom team will have been working hard on that this week. Last weekend the long ball was not a success, so expect to see more variety on Sunday.

Most Galway people will tell you that this game is absolutely huge for Padraic Joyce and his players. After what happened in Tralee last

O’Hora ready for Fermanagh challenge

weekend they will want redemption. They will be pulling out all the stops to show that the Kerry horror show was a once-off.

The feeling in Galway is that while Joyce is viewed as one of the county’s all-time greats, another defeat could see him come under pressure. Such a scenario would have been unthinkable when he was appointed to replace Kevin Walsh at the start of 2020.

Games between these two rivals have been close in recent years and both sides can point to big wins. The forthcoming championship game on July 4th is the primary concern, but Galway need to recover from the humiliation they suffered in Tralee and get their season up and running.

For Roscommon, a win against the Tribesmen is always welcome and two league points ahead of the visit of Kerry would be a huge boost for Anthony Cunningham and his men.

This promises to be a fiercely fought encounter. The winners will gain a big advantage going into the championship game in early July.

Prediction: Roscommon Note: The game is live in GAA GO – details on the GAA website.

Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 3A (Round 1): Roscommon v Fermanagh at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

A new era begins for the Roscommon Ladies football team at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday when former Mayo All-Ireland winner Diane O’Hora takes over as manager for the league opener against Fermanagh. The aims remain the same as have been the case in recent years, namely promotion from this division and a tilt at the All-Ireland Intermediate championship.

The Ballina woman has overseen a busy training regime since the resumption of activity on April 19th and the management team will have a tough job reducing the panel for the championship as there are currently 35 players on the extended panel. Sinéad Kenny will once again be the team captain with Natalie McHugh named as vice-captain.

“I have been very happy with the way things have gone since training resumed. There has been great intensity among the group because

there is big competition for places. We have an extended panel of 35 at the moment and all the girls want to get into the top 30,” Diane told People Sport on Monday.

In terms of injuries, Diane said: “Sinead Lennon is out for a few weeks and she is a big loss but after that there are just a few niggly injuries”.

The Roscommon manager is cautious ahead of Sunday’s game with Fermanagh.

“Remember that they won the Junior AllIreland last year so they will be a dangerous team. I came up against them when I was involved with Down and they will be young, fit and fast. One thing about them is that they score a lot of goals so we will have to be on our guard against that,” she said.

“It’s great to be in Dr. Hyde Park. I’m following in the footsteps of another Ballina person who managed Roscommon, Kevin McStay, who had some great days there. To

lead Roscommon out at the Hyde is fantastic.

“We want to get off to a good start on Sunday. Since training resumed we have had loads of trials. We didn’t play any challenge games and that was my decision. I wanted to see where we were at ourselves,” she added.

Promotion in the league and progression in the championship are the clear priorities for Diane and her charges.

“Our first game is at home, and we really need to see good intensity and focus to set us up for the rest of the year. It’s going to be a challenge, but one I am looking forward to”.

This Roscommon team made great strides under Michael Finneran over the past number of seasons and have become a force to be reckoned with. Now, it’s time for the team to take the next step and it would be more than a mild surprise if the new era was not to start with a win on Sunday.

Prediction: Roscommon

Pictured are Natalie McHugh (vice-captain) and Sinéad Kenny (captain) of the Roscommon Ladies Intermediate football team.

32

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

‘Man of the Match’ awards for Buccs duo There were two high-profile ‘Man of the Match’ awards for Buccaneers players recently as Niall Murray starred in Connacht’s nail-biting Rainbow Cup win against Munster in Thomand Park on Friday last.

Buccs had no fewer than six players in the Connacht pack on the night including Shane Delahunt, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham and the Masterson brothers, Eoghan and Sean. Kiltoom man Jack Carty was also introduced to the fray.

Meanwhile, Athlone man, Robbie Henshaw continued his blistering form as he picked up the Man of the Match accolade for his performance as Leinster edged out Ulster at the RDS.

This weekend’s action Racing this weekend starts this evening over the jumps at Tipperary, off at 1.30 pm.

There are two meetings tomorrow, both over the jumps at Downpatrick in the afternoon at 1.55 pm and in the evening at Wexford at 4.30 pm.

Racing on Saturday, 1.45 pm, and Sunday, 1.30 pm, is at headquarters in the Curragh featuring both Guineas races, first two classics, the 2000 on Saturday and the 1000 on Sunday both races are Group 1 and sponsored

by Tattersalls.

There are two Group 2 races on Saturday, the Weatherbys Ireland Greenland Stakes, and the Lanwades Stud Stakes. The Group 1 Tattersalls Cup heads the Sunday card. Action returns to the west with national hunt racing at Ballinrobe on both Monday, at 4.30 pm, and Tuesday both evening fixtures.

In the 2000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday, Jessica Harrington’s Lucky Vega, third in Newmarket, may be the answer to this race. Newmarket second Poetic Flare might still take his chance after the French race last Sunday. Hearts will be with Monaasib trained by octogenarian Kevin Prendergast, who won with Awtaad in 2016, and he must have a chance on his run third behind Poetic Flare in Leopardstown. Ballymore have three, Van Gogh, Wembley, and Battleground, in the field all finished down the field in Newmarket. There are two British challengers in the field of 14, Charlie Appleby’s La Barrosa and Hugo Palmer’s The Rosstafarian and both have a squeak. Lucky Vega on his Newmarket run to win.

There are 18 left in the

BUCCANEERS Rugby Football Club

Chosen Thyme with Eoin O’Brien beats Sonny Don’t Go Away, Patrick Mullins.

1000 Guineas with the Aidan O’Brien’s Joan Of Arc well supported to beat his son Joseph’s Pretty Gorgeous. Richard Fahey’s British raider Fev Rover, who will probably take her chance, cannot be discounted but Ken Condon’s Miss Amulet is e/w value at 10/1, having given the French race a miss due the soft ground.

In the Tattersalls Gold Cup Aidan O’Brien supplies seven of the 15 runners and they fill the first seven places in the market.

Can’t see beyond the great mare Love who won the English 1000 Guineas and Oaks last year.

ITV4 starts its coverage with five races from Haydock on Saturday coupled with two from Goodwood. RTÉ 2 is covering five races from the Curragh on Saturday and again on Sunday.

Last Friday evening Chosen Thyne made a winning debut in the Kilbeggan bumper. The winner was bred by Bertie Mannion, trained by Philip Fenton, and ridden by Eoin O’Brien who got a great run up the rails to beat a Willie Mullins hot pot

Sonny Don’t Go Away ridden by son Patrick.

St. Mark’s Basilica gave Aidan O’Brien his fifth victory in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains, the French 2000 Guineas, at ParisLongchamp on Sunday. The 3-Y-O colt was a 9-4 chance ridden by Ioritz Mendizabal who switched his charge wide to deliver a challenge. St. Mark’s Basilica produced a turn of foot charging to the front, and he was well on top at the line beating Collesso and Breizh Eagle by 1 ¾ l and a short neck.

Jim Bolger’s Poetic Flare, trying to make it a Guineas Double, got stuck behind a wall of horses in the straight and was staying on at the finish and passed the post in sixth.

O’Brien’s Mother Earth failed by 1¼l to complete a 1000 Guineas double when beaten by outsider Couersamba.

Racing News

There are 29 horses entered in the Epsom Derby with 14 Irish trained. Ballymore has eight of which Bolshoi Ballet,

winner of the Derrinstown, heads the market which also includes the winter ante-post fav High Definition. There are five other Irish trainers with runners entered Luke Comer two, and Johnny Murtagh, Jim Bolger, Jessica Harrington, and Joseph O’Brien one each. Charlie Appleby’s Hurricane Lane is third in the betting behind the O’Brien pair.

Joe Mercer, jockey of the legendary racehorse Brigadier Gerard, has died at the age of 86. Associated with the Dick Hern stable, he was very popular rider in his time. Smokey Joe, as he was known because of his pipe smoking, enjoyed a lengthy career at the top becoming champion apprentice in 1953, riding over 2,800 winners in a remarkable 36 seasons in the saddle and was champion jockey in 1979. He rode eight British Classic winners. Best remembered for what is considered race of the century, the 1975 King George Queen Elizabeth Stakes, when he finished second on Bustino, beaten ½l, to Pat Eddery and Grundy to whom he was giving 11lbs, the high-class mare Dahlia was third. He partnered his last winner in 1985, Bold Rex, in the November Handicap at Doncaster.

Point-to-Point News

Couersamba, centre, beats Mother Earth, right, in the French 1000 Guineas.

This, the penultimate weekend, there is a two-day meeting at Ballingarry in Co. Tipperary on Saturday, with 123 entries, and Sunday with 122. There is a second meeting on Saturday when the Kildares race inside the track at Punchestown with 144 entries. On Sunday, the second meeting is in North Kerry at Tralee with an entry of 147 horses. Unfortunately, racing is still behind closed doors.

Tag Rugby Summer League The 2021 Tag Rugby Summer League will be getting under way next month, with starting date to be confirmed shortly. Further details are available on the IRFU website at irfu.ie.

Condolences Buccaneers RFC’s deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Liam O’Neill, whose son Keith played for the Buccs for many seasons, as did grandson Alan Gaughan. Heartfelt condolences are also extended to Anthony Mitchell and family on the death of his mother Teresa, and to Adrian Leddy (Connacht Branch IRFU) on the unexpected passing of his wife Paula.

‘Super League’ discussed as soccer returns < DAN DOONER

Roscommon & District Football League officials have held a number of Zoom meetings recently with a view to a return to action in just a few weeks’ time with talks of a ‘Super League’ for the top eight teams among the discussions.

The new season is expected to kick off in August and teams have resumed training with matches permitted from June 7th. It has been confirmed that last season’s entry fees and FAI registration fees will cover clubs this time around.

Details of a summer cup competition to mark the league’s 50th anniversary are also expected to Creggs RFC Report

be announced shortly. Teams will be most likely be divided based on what division they previously played in with the top two in each group competing for the Cup while the next two will compete for a Shield. The remaining teams will play in a Plate competition.

Officials also plan to hold the RDFL AGM at the end of June and have called on clubs to give serious thought to the Super League idea as it’s likely to appear on the agenda.

Meanwhile, a Masters League for over 35s will also commence in June but any player signed for a club’s first or second league team will be ineligible to take part.

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs Rugby supports Ohana ZERO Suicide Creggs Rugby has been working hard as of late to create awareness about mental health. Club members are now taking this a step further to do their part to help tackle the issue of suicide.

Creggs RFC member, and one of the IRFU Representatives to World Rugby, Su Carty, introduced the club to the Irish suicide prevention movement ‘Ohana ZERO Suicide’. Creggs are asking all members to spend just 30-35 minutes to complete a free online suicide prevention training programme.

Creggs coach Mattie Corcoran says: “Studies are showing that the incidence of suicide was significantly higher during periods of lockdown, and when there was a ban on training. However, sadly, it is a fact that serious mental health issues are always present in society. We believe this is an ideal time to roll this out”.

“The training that Ohana ZERO Suicide provide is like CPR for mental health,” says Su Carty. “Everyone should do it and have the skills that they

need should someone in their life need their help at a critical moment”.

“It runs you through various scenarios with professional advice on seeing the signs, asking the right questions and taking the next step to get the right help in each case.

“We haven’t been able to train in gyms or on the pitch, missing practically all of our season, so it’s a great time to acquire these skills and possibly be there for a team mate, friend, family member or colleague if they seem to be struggling”.

There is no cost for the training, and it can be completed in one sitting, or paused and returned to later.

Participants are issued with a digital certificate, and clubs are asking their members to post a screenshot of their cert on social media and challenge their friends to complete the training and spread the word.

For more information, visit ohana.ie and follow the simple instructions. As their tagline says: “Show you care. Ask the question. Make the call”.

33

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

SportsPeople

Hurlers face relegation battle after Mayo defeat Allianz National Hurling League Division 2B (Round 2) Mayo 1-20 Roscommon 1-9 < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon hurlers are now facing a relegation battle following a heavy loss to Mayo at Dr. Hyde Park last Saturday. With games against Derry and high-flying Kildare to come, things are not looking good for Johnny Keane’s men after just two rounds of the new league.

It all started fairly well for the

home side as the teams were level at 0-5 apiece after 24 minutes. Mayo’s ‘big three’ in attack Keith Higgins, Shane Boland and Cathal Freeman were being contained, and Roscommon were competing well all over the field.

But as the torrential rain began to fall, Mayo came alive towards the end of the half. Six points without reply saw them with a comfortable lead by the break.

Keith Higgins (2), Shane Boland, Kieran Kiely, goalkeeper Gerard Kelly and Cathal Freeman were all on target and with the score at 0-11 to 0-6, Roscommon knew that they had an uphill struggle ahead in the second half.

There was brief hope at the start

of the second period when Jack Lohan bundled in a goal for the home side, but Mayo stepped on the gas and pulled away again towards the end.

A Mayo penalty, which saw Sean Trundle ‘sin binned’ was put over the crossbar by Cathal Freeman in the 45th minute and then a minute later, disaster for Roscommon, when Keith Higgins’ mishit free flew into the net off the stick of Enda Lawless. Mayo never looked back after that and they coasted to an easy victory.

For Roscommon, Peter Kellehan was their best player on the day while Oisin Kelly, Conor Mulry and Cathal Dolan also did well.

However, the normally deadly accurate Dolan had a rare off day missing five frees over the course of the game.

Roscommon’s next game is at home to Kildare (who scored 4-29 against Donegal last weekend) on Sunday, June 6th. The reality is that it will take a massive effort to escape relegation on the basis of the first two games in this division.

Action from last Saturday’s National Hurling League Division 2B match between Roscommon and Mayo at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Stat Attack Wides: Mayo 12 (5 first half)

Action from last Saturday’s National Hurling League Division 2B match between Roscommon and Mayo at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon 10 (7 first half)

Teams and Scorers:

Mayo: Gerard Kelly (0-1, 1 free); Stephen Coyne, Michael Morley, Sean Kenny; John Cassidy, Pearse McCrann (0-2, frees), David Kenny; Kieran Kiely (0-1), Daniel Huane; Adrian Phillips (0-1), Cathal Freeman (0-3, 0-1 pen), Sean Regan; Jason Coyne, Keith Higgins (1-4, 2 65s, 1-0 free), Shane Boland 0-5, 3 frees).

Subs: Brian Morley (0-1) for Regan (48), Corey Scahill (0-2) for Coyne (51), Brian Hunt for Phillips (56), Conor Henry for Cassidy (63), Eoin Delaney for Boland (64), Bobby Douglas for Kelly (65), Conor Murray for Kenny (68).

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Paul Dolan, Darren Fallon, Sean Trundle; Eoghan Costello, Peter Kellehan, Eoin Coyle; Oisin Kelly (0-1), Ben McGahon; Conor Mulry, Adam Finnerty (0-1), Naos Connaughton; Cathal Kenny, Cathal Dolan (0-6, 5 frees), Jack Lohan (1-0).

Subs: Jason Kilkenny for Kenny and Cillian Egan for Coyle (h/t), Diarmuid Treacy for Connaughton (51), Conal Kennelly (0-1) for O Kelly (53), Shane Naughton for Costello (58), Diarmuid Mulry for Finnerty (58).

Referee: Rory McGann (Clare)

Red cards: None Yellow cards: Mayo 2 (Sean Regan 54 mins), Gerard Kelly 64 mins) Roscommon 2 (Naos Connaughton 30 mins, Sean Trundle (sin bin) 40 mins)

Man of the Match: Roscommon manager Johnny Keane speaks to his charges during last Saturday’s National Hurling League Division 2B match against Mayo at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Keith Higgins (Mayo)

Fallon fires Roscommon to opening win Littlewoods National Camogie League Division Four (Round 1) Roscommon 2-11 Mayo 2-2 It was the proverbial ‘game of two halves’ at Ballyforan last Saturday as Roscommon, under new management, began a fresh chapter with a good victory against Mayo with Shauna Fallon (1-5)

leading the charge.

Manager Frank Browne has brought back a number of experienced players to the Roscommon panel this year and the blend of youth and experience paid off in an impressive second-half performance.

But it took a while to get going, and Mayo were the better side in the opening half in very tough conditions for both teams. The visitors were very competitive and grabbed early goal through

Lisa Scahill.

Roscommon hit back when Shauna Fallon’s free went all the way to the Mayo net but the visitors were head again when Meabh Delaney’s free ended up in the Roscommon net, and at half-time it was Mayo 2-2 Roscommon 1-4.

Roscommon were a different team on the restart. They dominated in all sectors and their second goal arrived from sub Lena Gacquin in the 44th minute. A

string of fine then saw them ease to a comprehensive victory in the end. It was a very good start to the campaign for Roscommon and Shauna Fallon, Aine O’Meara, Niamh Conway and Rebecca Brennan were outstanding on the day.

Roscommon manager Frank Browne was satisfied with how his charges performed.

“The big thing for us was that our leaders really stood up in the second half and our fitness levels

were really good all the way to the end, which is testament to the work of our strength and conditioning team. It was important to get the first game under our belt.

We’ve a long trip to Louth next weekend but when you win your first game, it puts you on the front foot,” he said.

Roscommon team and scorers: Michaela Fallon; Rachel Dolan, Eimer McNally, Chloe WhyteLennon; Niamh Conway, Joanne Beattie, Aine O’Meara (0-1); Ra-

chel Fitzmaurice, Niamh Watson (0-1); Niamh Coyle, Kelley Hopkins (0-1), Shauna Fallon (1-5, 1-2 from frees, one ’45); Nicola Crean (0-1), Sinead O’Brien (01), Rebecca Brennan. Subs used: Lena Gacquin (1-0) for Hopkins (35), Tara Naughton for Crean (42), Leah Rowe for O’Brien (56), Alisha Lenehan (0-1) for Conway (60). *Roscommon’s next game is against Louth this Saturday at 2 pm at a Louth venue.

34

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Allianz National Football League Division One South (Round 1): Dublin 1-22 Roscommon 0-16

Cunningham takes aim Battling Rossies fail to slow Dublin machine < SEAMUS DUKE

It was a frustrated Anthony Cunningham who spoke to the media at the full-time whistle of last Sunday’s Allianz National Football League Division One defeat to Dublin.

The Roscommon manager was pleased enough with his team’s showing in the nine-point loss, but did take exception to the implementation of the new rules by Tipperary referee, Derek O’Mahoney, on an afternoon which saw the All-Ireland champions awarded three penalties.

Cunningham said the rule regarding goal-scoring opportunities within the 20-metre line was “unfair to teams”.

“I’m not going to give out about the referee, but the people who make the rules are the ones I can comment on,” he said.

“The rules committee in the GAA are trigger-happy and they seem to be changing the rules every year for the sake of it. I didn’t think there was any need in the game for this new rule. The rule is that if you have players back to cover it doesn’t apply and we had players back in both incidents today.

The rules committee does not have any top class referees on it and then they go and make these decisions. It’s messing around with the game,” he said.

Away from the controversy, Roscommon’s hopes of a fairytale return to action were dashed by a clinical display from the six-in-a-row AllIreland champions, who notched just two wides throughout the entire 70 minutes, and never looked like losing.

“Some aspects of our play were really good and some other aspects we need to learn from,” Cunningham said.

“Dublin are a great side and we can learn plenty from them. We asked our lads for a huge effort and we got that.

We need to improve and I think the graph is going the right way.

“I thought we were excellent in the third quarter. We played well at times throughout and remember that Dublin had been together up to December and they have a very strong panel. But I can take plenty of positives out of today. We just can’t sit on it though and we have to learn from our mistakes.

We missed a great goal chance early on and maybe a second one and if you don’t take those you will be punished by the likes of Dublin,” he said.

While there may have been a case for Dublin’s first penalty and Brian Stack’s resulting black card in the 18th minute, the spot-kick awarded in the 39th minute and the sin-binning of Feargal Lennon looked dubious.

To add to Roscommon’s frustration, Dublin were awarded another penalty in injury-time for a foot-block from Niall Daly though the Pearses man was at least two metres from Brian Fenton when he struck for goal.

Despite Cunningham’s frustration, however, it has to be said that Dublin were always in the ascendancy. With Dean Rock not featuring, the main scoring fell to Cormac Costello and

‘Time seemed to stand still as the ball was crossed to an unmarked Diarmuid Murtagh, but his palmed effort struck the woodwork when it looked easier to score.’

Picture: M. McCormack.

he didn’t disappoint with a fantastic personal performance and 1-13 into the bargain.

Roscommon started well and went toe to toe with their illustrious opponents in the opening ten minutes, with Donie Smith and Ciaráin Murtagh kicking fine points.

On ten minutes, Roscommon should have scored what would have been a great team goal. A move involving Colm Lavin, Enda Smith, Ciaráin Murtagh and Cathal Cregg finished with the inrushing Diarmuid Murtagh fisting the ball against the upright with the goal at his mercy.

Sparked into life, the Dubs upped the ante after that and Costello sent Lavin the wrong way with his 18th minute penalty, which was awarded after Stack was adjudged to have dragged Paddy Small to the ground. Daylight was beginning to appear on the scoreboard and by half-time it was Dublin 1-12 Roscommon 0-9.

Roscommon’s cause was not helped by a long kick-out strategy, which saw midfield possession being gobbled up

by Brian Fenton, James McCarthy and Tom Lahiff.

The hosts enjoyed their best spell after half-time with Ciaráin Murtagh, Donie Smith, David Murray, Niall Daly and Enda Smith doing well. At the 44th minute mark the gap was just

four points but in truth Dublin never looked in trouble.

The Dubs’ second penalty came in the 39th minute when Feargal Lennon

fouled Dara Mullin. But the ‘foul’ was close to the end line and players and management alike were aghast when referee O’Mahoney pointed to the

Action from last Sunday’s Allianz National Football League Division One South (Round 1) Dublin v Roscommmon at Hyde Park, Roscommon. Picture: M. McCormack.

spot and sent the Clann na nGael man to the sin bin. Costello hit the penalty well but Colm Lavin made a great save, pushing the ball on to a post.

Dublin kicked some great scores late on with Ciarán Kilkenny on target with three outstanding efforts from play. In injury-time, Costello lofted his third penalty over the bar after a harsh foul given against Niall Daly.

The nine-point deficit was harsh on the home side and there were plenty of positives for Roscommon to take out of the match as they prepare for a vital clash with Galway on Sunday.

The kick-out strategy will have to be looked at, although there will be very few teams with players of the ability of Brian Fenton and James McCarthy to deal with in that regard.

The defence was well marshalled

by David Murray, Feargal Lennon and Niall Daly while Eddie Nolan and Shane Killoran deserve another chance at midfield.

Ciaráin Murtagh was Roscommon’s best player on the day and Enda and Donie Smith also did well up front.

This Sunday’s clash in Pearse Stadium will offer a far more accurate barometer of where the team is at this early stage of the season. With Kerry on the way to Dr. Hyde Park in two weeks’ time, a win would be a massive morale booster.

Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

Allianz National Football League Division One South (Round 1): Dublin 1-22 Roscommon 0-16

at ‘trigger-happy’ GAA Teams and scorers Dublin: Michael Shiel; Seán McMahon, David Byrne, Eoin Murchan; James McCarthy, John Small, Robert McDaid; Brian Fenton (0-1), Tom Lahiff (0-1); Niall Scully, Con O’Callaghan, Dara Mullin (0-1); Paddy Small (0-2), Cormac Costello (1-13, 8 frees, 1-1 pens, 0-1 mark), Ciarán Kilkenny (0-4, 0-1 mark). Subs: Mick Fitzsimons for McMahon (50), Colm Basquel for Mullin (50), Conor McHugh for Small (57), Peadar Ó Cofaigh- Byrne for Lahiff (57), Eric Lowndes for McCarthy (65), Ryan Basquel for O’Callaghan (65), Philip McMahon for Murchan (69).

Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Gary Patterson, Feargal Lennon; Conor Hussey, Niall Daly (0-1), Brian Stack; Eddie Nolan (0-1), Shane Killoran; Niall Kilroy, Cathal Cregg, Enda Smith (0-1); Donie Smith (0-6, 5 frees), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-1), Ciaráin Murtagh (0-6, 2 frees).

Subs: Conor Devaney for Kilroy (h/t), Cian McKeon for Cregg (41), Conor Daly for Stack (45), Conor Cox for Diarmuid Murtagh (50), David Neary for Lennon (50), Hubert Darcy for Killoran (57), Richard Hughes for Conor Daly (63).

Referee: Derek O’Mahoney (Tipperary)

Stat attack Wides: Dublin 2 (1, first half ); Roscommon 4 (2, first half ) Red cards: 0 Black cards: Dublin 0 Roscommon 2 (Brian Stack 18, Feargal Lennon 39) Yellow cards: Dublin 0 Roscommon 3 (Conor Hussey, Conor Cox, Niall Daly) Scores from play: Dublin: 0-11 Roscommon 0-9 Man of the Match: Cormac Costello (Dublin)

Action from last Sunday’s Allianz National Football League Division One South (Round 1) Dublin v Roscommmon at Hyde Park, Roscommon. Picture: M. McCormack.

A bird’s eye view… as football returns Paul Healy VIEW FROM THE STAND The Hyde was strange on Sunday, which was, of course, to be expected.

In the main stand, the presence of the media and County Board personnel signalled a welcome socially distanced return to match day. Above us, a chorus starring crows, gulls and other birds.

It was a distraction at first, but we got used to it.

It’s odd being at an inter-county game when there are no spectators present.

You hear the birds, you hear the coaches’ instructions, and you even hear the silence.

To our right, the Dublin subs sat, serious specimens, a stark reminder of the might of that squad. Below, on the pitch, the six-in-a-row All-Ireland aristocrats go through their devastatingly well honed paces. How they maintain their hunger is remarkable.

Above the Dublin subs, Willie Hegar-

ty and the TG4 commentator sang their song of joy – reflecting an excitement for the return of football that instantly reminded one of the enormity of what was taken from us.

There was one man standing, leaning in fact – as well he might – in the stand on the Athlone Road side. One man, one stand. It was poignant to see the Hyde almost completely deserted.

It was an enjoyable match, featuring some super football. Roscommon played really well. It was 0-3 apiece after just eight minutes; even the crows were impressed.

In the 11th minute, a terrific, flowing Roscommon move had goal written all over it. Time seemed to stand still as the ball was crossed to an unmarked Diarmuid Murtagh, but his palmed effort struck the woodwork when it looked easier to score.

The difficulty when playing Dublin is that no matter how well you play, it’s unlikely to be enough (to get a win).

Dublin are masterful at taking their chances, punishing errors, remaining patient. They were typically clinical.

Roscommon did so many things well

on Sunday, and our players will have learnt much from the experience.

By half-time, Dublin led 1-12 to 0-9.

There was frustration in the Roscommon ranks with a penalty award to Dublin. By game end, the Dubs had been awarded three penalties. The new rule which was central to this is likely to prove very controversial; I won’t be surprised if it’s history soon.

Early in the second half, the birds were ‘challenged’ by some persistent baa-ing (I’m pretty sure it wasn’t booing) by sheep in a nearby field. Another of the background noises we wouldn’t hear if there were a few thousand fans in the Hyde.

As Cormac Costello arrowed points over for fun (he finished with 1-13), Roscommon’s fate was sealed. But the home team battled well, closing the gap to four, scoring some delightful points along the way.

A second man had now appeared in the stand on the Athlone Road side, but he was perhaps thirty feet from the other man. (Both were accredited). An advertising hoarding with the words ‘WB Yeats’ separated them;

that’s as poetic as the scene became.

“Cox-y, make sure the next time” Anthony Cunningham bellowed as sub Conor Cox saw an attempt for a point drop into the ‘keeper’s hands. When a Roscommon forward misplaced a pass, he looked to the skies in despair, like an art collector who had lost a valued item and was now wondering how long it would take to get it back.

The third penalty – for a foot-block – seemed a daft call, as Niall Daly was definitely socially distancing at the time. Spare us from such wayward refereeing this summer. A team’s dreams could die in an instant.

Rather than try for a goal, Cormac Costello sheepishly kicked the ball over the bar, reminiscent of an embarrassed parent returning a fifty euro note to a relative’s pocket, insisting that it was far too much for their toddler.

By the final whistle, it was magnificent Dublin by nine, with Roscommon heads held high. We departed the Hyde, grateful for the return of football, magnanimously leaving the crows and sheep to enjoy the rest of the day, and whatever else the summer will bring.

Manager Anthony Cunningham.

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Roscommon People Friday 21 May 2021

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