22 September 2023 Roscommon People

Full range of back to school laptops

Natasje Van Niekerk and Clewin De Witt, originally from South Africa, pictured with their daughter Catherine during the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

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Public Road and Stone Walls

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

Under the Roads Act, 1993, the owner or occupier of land is obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation on their land is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road. Similar strict provisions exists within the act in relation to a structure wherein the owner or occupier of any land on which a structure is situated is obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the structure is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road.

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

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

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

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

A star that seemed to just fall from the sky! (And the 2 Johnnies)

Wow!

Huh?

WHAT A STAR!

Huh?

A dazzling star, one that took our breath away at the weekend!

You’ve been watching wall to wall rugby, haven’t you? Or better still, were you at all the Roscommon Intermediate Football Championship games? Have we a new Davy Clifford? Tell me, tell me!

NO! Tell me all about it!

Mr Kielty was excellent!

Had he an amazing line-up of guests?

Well, ahem…

Huh?

Well, he officially became the first Late Late Show host to prevent Hector from taking over!

Good! So Paddy kept all under control, and no guest talked too much?

If you were involved in a cycling accident contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

Huh?

This new star you’re on about…this star that “took our breath away” last weekend…what or who did I miss?

A star like none we’ve ever seen before… well, not in decades, at least.

WHO???

A star that seemed to come from nowhere, that seemed to just fall from the sky!

Ah! I have it! I heard about that daft story at Portmarnock beach!

Huh?

The big hole that appeared on the beach… and Virgin Media did a news report, speculating that it had been created by a meteorite! That’s the star that ‘fell from the sky’ that you’re talking about!

Actually…

…only problem is, no meteorite had crashed into the beach at Portmarnock, it turned out that two (big) lads had just dug a big hole there the previous day!

ACTUALLY, I was talking about the arrival of Patrick Kielty! What a star! The brightest to hit our screens since Gaybo

Endangered Species Thebarstoolboyos

himself!

Oh, okay! Didn’t see the Late Late myself!

(They pause to usher some butterflies out of their respective houses)

YOU DIDN’T SEE THE LATE LATE?!

Well, Tommy Tiernan was there… Any A-listers?

Yes! The 2 Johnnies!

Oh dear!

(They pause to update their record of Late Late Show appearances, moving Hector, Tommy and the 2 Johnnies above Diarmuid Gavin, but still well behind runaway leaders Dermot Bannon and Jason Byrne)

Mary McAleese was on too, and Laurita Blewitt. They were excellent!

Great!

Laurita even gave Roscommon-Mayo Hospice a good mention!

Brilliant! So Mr Kielty did well?

A very solid debut!

And the 2 Johnnies were…. bearable?

Not too bad! Actually, they’re starting a new TV series, based in a pub!

Really?

Yes! The concept is two daft characters who are too fond of their own voices will ramble on about any old rubbish in their local pub – on the assumption that the public will find it entertaining!

(Editor: It will never work!)

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

The very personable Patrick Kielty, who presented the Late Late Show for the first time last Friday night

Castlerea, Éire Óg, Elphin and Padraig Pearses, all of whom qualified for the semi-finals of the Roscommon Intermediate Football Championship last weekend

Castlerea-based hair salons Silke Hair Studio, and The Salon, both of which were honoured at the Irish Hair & Beauty Awards

Irish actor Paul Mescal, who has been included on TIME Magazine’s 100 Next list of influential people

Local resident and former RTE Midlands Correspondent Ciaran Mullooly, this after his third book – ‘The Future is Now’ – was launched at Longford County Library on Saturday

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

Virgin Media News (well, slightly embarrassing at least), this after they ran a news report speculating that a hole which appeared on Portmarnock beach may have been caused by a meterorite…when it had instead been dug by a couple of beachgoers

PIC OF THE WEEK: A St Croan’s mascot pictured during the Roscommon IFC quarterfinal between Éire Óg and St Croan’s on Sunday in Elphin. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Timothy’s Abbeytown

Book launch in Athleague on Friday night

The launch of a new book – ‘The Elusive Mrs Walcott: An 18th Century Entrepreneur and the Rookwood Estate’ – by Nuala Farrell-Griffin will be held on Friday, September 22nd, at 8 pm in Athleague Community Centre.

Following the presentation, there will be a complimentary social hour where book signing and sales of the book (€30) will take place.

‘The Elusive Mrs Walcott: An 18th Century Entrepreneur and the Rookwood Estate’ is a quintessential companion for those who cherish local history and have a fascination for the intricate threads of genealogy.

Utilising deeds, wills, and other primary records, the story progresses from the creation of the Rookwood Estate in 1710 by Arthur Ormsby, to the introduction of ‘middlemen’ landlords, to tenant evictions post-Famine, to its gradual dissolution around 1860. However, the facts are not limited to tenants of the estate, but include individuals and families who connected, however tenuously, to ‘The Elusive Mrs Walcott’.

Straddling the meandering River Suck in Athleague parish, counties Galway and Roscommon, the estate was purchased by Lettice Walcott to secure an endowment for the Roscommon Infirmary, built in 1783 at her sole expense. The doctors, Governors, and patients of the Infirmary all weave their way into the narrative.

Meticulously sourced and lavishly illustrated in full colour, its 280 pages of text, photographs, charts and maps will appeal both to academics and casual readers of local history.

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There are two exciting, fun-filled festive party nights lined up on December 8th and 9th, with live music by The Heebie Jeebies, a DJ, and a late bar on both nights – plus a festive-themed menu. There is catering for large groups with special discounted room rates on both nights.

The Abbey are now taking bookings for festive afternoon tea, and pre-Christmas office lunch bookings. Gift vouchers are available from the hotel reception or via our website, abbeyhotel.ie.

Be sure to book your party night now, as places are filling fast!

Call Sam on 090 6626240 or email events@abbeyhotel. ie. Follows us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

Double success for Castlerea Hair Salons

Two Castlerea-based salons won awards at the 9th Irish Hair & Beauty Awards on Sunday night in the Clayton Hotel, Galway.

Silke Hair Studio, owned by local woman Michelle Silke, was voted ‘Overall Hair Salon of the Year’ while also picking up the award for ‘Hair Salon of the Year – West’.

Another local business, ‘The Salon’,

situated on St. Patrick’s Street in Castlerea, won the ‘Local Salon of the Year’ award. Both businesses took to social media to express their delight over their respective wins.

On Sunday evening, The Salon’s owner, Sinead Lally, posted on their Facebook and Instagram accounts: “OMG!! We won!! Local Salon Of

The Year!! We can’t believe it!! Thank you so so much to everyone who supports us all the time and took their time out to vote for us. We are absolutely over the moon!! Whooooooo!! My team are incredible and I’m so blessed!!”

On Monday evening, Silke Hair Studio posted a heartfelt message of thanks by saying:

“Thank You for Making Us Salon of the Year! We are beyond thrilled to have been awarded Salon of the Year West and Overall Salon of the Year at the prestigious Irish Hair & Beauty Awards last night. This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing clients, our dedicated team, and the support of our wonderful community. Your good

wishes and heartfelt messages mean the world to us.

“We are truly humbled by this recognition and are more motivated than ever to continue delivering high quality haircare and services to you. “Here’s to many more years of making you look and feel fabulous! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts”.

Silke Hair Studio in Castlerea won ‘Overall Hair Salon of the Year’ and ‘Hair Salon of the Year – West’ at this year’s Irish Hair & Beauty Awards.

‘The Salon’ in Castlerea won the ‘Local Salon of the Year’ award at this year’s Irish Hair & Beauty Awards.

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Strokestown Park to host first Autumn Fête

Strokestown Park will host its first Autumn Fête on Sunday, October 1st, with an impressive array of indoor and outdoor experiences catering to the young and young at heart.

As part of the Cultural Companions Programme supported by Creative Ireland and coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons

and Positive Aging Week 2023, the Autumn Fête at Strokestown Park embraces the spirit of ageing and will feature a rich tapestry of activities.

Highlights of the day include Edwina Guckian’s demonstration of traditional straw hats which were created for Mummers followed by a Mummer’s performance accompanied by

the Ox Mountain Trio. Animal Petting Corner, Mud Bugs Nature Crafts, Traditional Woodland Games, Family Scavenger Hunt, Bespoke tours of the house and gardens and much more ensures there will be something for all the family.

John O’Driscoll General Manager of Strokestown Park said: “The brand new event at

Strokestown Park – Autumn Fête – is going to be the perfect opportunity for all ages to come together and learn about Irish traditions while making memories and having fun”. Launching the first Autumn Fête, Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust, which cares for the property said: “The Irish Heritage Trust takes pride in celebrating people, place and

participation. Our commitment lies in preserving the wisdom and experience of our cherished older community members and fostering a welcoming environment that encourages their active participation while also harnessing their invaluable knowledge to pass down to the generations that follow”.

Strokestown Park’s sister properties will also be hosting the

Autumn Fête at Fota House and Gardens in Cork and Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens in Wexford. All Irish Heritage Trust properties are dog-friendly and are universally accessible. Access is via a €10 ticket for adults with €5 concession tickets and free entry for members of the Irish Heritage Trust.

Strokestown Park will host its first Autumn Fête on Sunday, October 1st

Strokestown Park Garden

Poetry path a hit with visitors

Twenty-seven poems planted in the gardens of Strokestown Park House have blossomed into a real hit with visitors to the Irish Heritage Trustmanaged property.

The Poetry Path, which made its debut in summer this year, was created as a way of encouraging visitors to pause and soak in their surroundings when walking through the restored gardens.

Chosen by volunteers and staff, the 27 poems range from Irish classics by WB Yeats and Pat-

rick Kavanagh to more contemporary prose from poets such as Pam Ayres and Strokestown Park volunteer Louise G Cole who won the Strokestown Poetry Festival’s Roscommon Poets’ Prize in 2017 and 2020, and the New Roscommon Writing Award in 2019, along with lyrics from songs by Van Morrison and BTS/Suga.

Each of the poems has a link to nature, with visitors invited to read them while immersed in birdsong and insect life, colourful flowers and greenery.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY A pint for Sean…

After another rather self-pitying interview to promote his book (and yes, he was a great employer in his region), Sean Quinn was asked by Claire Brock on Virgin Media what he was planning to do after the show.

The controversial former billionaire – whom Brock probably had a fair idea would be welcomed by a huge crowd at the Slieve Russell Hotel after the interview – replied: “I’ll have a few pints tonight”.

It’s not clear if the bould Sean asked the barperson if they serve pints of bitter…

FRIDAY Kielty’s debut

I’ve long been a critic of the modern-day Late Late Show, arguing in recent years that it was time to consign it to (fond) memory.

If, however, the show was to stagger on, at least two changes were necessary: the ‘Late Late’ needed to be shorter and snappier, and the ‘Misery TV’ element would have to be dispensed with. The ‘Misery TV’ I refer to is the tendency to include sad/tragic stories, usually as the last segment on a show that could often run for over two hours. This, I argued, is not what audience members and viewers should be faced with on a Friday night, on a show which the public sees as light entertainment. Meanwhile, the case for following in the footsteps of popular American chat shows – and Graham Norton, across the water – by having the host deliver a witty, topical opening monologue was also indisputable. Mercifully, RTE has made some such changes, and tonight’s first show in the new series was all the better for that. Patrick Kielty had a good debut. There was the odd ‘rookie error’ from the new host, but overall Kielty was a breath of fresh air. Like Tommy Tiernan, he appears

to be a good listener. I was confident that RTE had chosen wisely in selecting him as Ryan Tubridy’s replacement; he will do well in the role. The shorter format is welcome, and I hope a lighter mood prevails.

SATURDAY Ciaran’s new book

As a long-time admirer of author Michael Harding, it was important that I didn’t gush too much in the event of meeting him (for the first time) today. I met him today, and I gushed too much.

When I informed Mr Harding that he’s a prolific writer – the cheek of me – he threw me a gentle look of slight bewilderment. Just at that moment, I wondered if I might end up in one of his Irish Times columns, under ‘strange people I met recently’. In the end, we had a brief and friendly exchange.

The occasion was the launch this afternoon of Ciaran Mullooly’s new book. ‘The Future is Now’ addresses a number of issues affecting rural Ireland, with Ciaran also touching on his RTE career, and the recent turmoil there.

This was a lovely event, with a big crowd in attendance in the always welcoming Longford library. Special guest Michael Harding and the man of the moment, Ciaran, both made fine speeches. Harding was warm in his praise of the former RTE Midlands Correspondent, hailing his arrival at the national broadcaster over a quarter of a century ago as a big boost for our neck of the woods, Ciaran being an authentic voice of rural Ireland who gave local people and events a platform on the national stage.

Ciaran’s book addresses many themes which he wrote about in his Roscommon People column, including Just Transition, rural renewal, and community development. These are important issues, ones that need to be discussed.

‘The Future is Now’ is a welcome publication and I wish Ciaran every success with it.

SATURDAY Showtime…

From Ciaran Mullooly’s book launch in Longford, it was back to Roscommon town and a visit to Hannon’s Field where the annual Roscommon Show was well underway.

The committee members I spoke to were all very happy with how well the morning and afternoon had gone. It’s great (and a relief) that Roscommon Show got a break weather-wise, and that today’s event was such a success. Congratulations to the many people involved at committee level. This is great volunteerism in action, rural life at its finest.

SUNDAY There’s…Johnny!

I’m glad to see Johnny Sexton being so reverentially celebrated in this, the swansong of his great career (Ireland beat Tonga easily at the Rugby World Cup yesterday). Standing ovations for him are now the norm; our relationship with Sexton has evolved to the happy point where – on the merest sight of him – we instinctively salute his greatness, the acclaim no doubt partly influenced by the knowledge that the stage will soon be stripped of his presence.

MONDAY In praise of Fairy Village

After leaving the car to its fate in

the NCT Centre in Castlerea this morning, I went for a walk in the nearby Demesne. I’ve often highlighted the magnificence of both Loughnaneane Park and Mote Park, so it’s time to (again) laud Castlerea’s own fabulous gem.

Not for the first time, I was really impressed by the wonderful Fairy Village (if you have small children and haven’t been to see it, I recommend a visit). A walk through the Fairy Village is a lovely, relaxing experience. The fairies have been very proactive – there’s a post office, a medical hall, a café, and so on. The village even has a music area, which must be a delight for visiting children.

I continued on through the Demesne, which is such a beautiful amenity. A few locals were out walking, the odd dog in tow. The Demesne is a credit to those involved in maintaining it. As the rain cascaded down, a man cut some branches, whistling as he worked. We exchanged greetings. As for the fairies, they were wisely staying indoors.

Anyway, the car failed (or I failed it) – so I guess I’ll be back in the Fairy Village soon.

TUESDAY

‘In Song and In Story’

Declan Coyne kindly dropped a copy of a new songbook into our office today. ‘In Song and In Story’ is a beautiful 80-page book of original songs, stories, parodies, poems and ballads, the work of the South Roscommon Singers Circle and friends. The book will be launched in Murray’s of Knockcroghery this Friday night, 22nd of September (8 pm). Special guest is Cathy Jordan. Congratulations to Declan and friends on a very welcome publication.

Klassic Cleaners in Roscommon Town celebrating 30 years in business

Klassic Cleaners, the landmark Dry Cleaners & Laundry located at Church Street, Roscommon, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this week!

Since opening on the 20th of September 1993, brother and sister Liam and Mella Stephens, with the loyal support of their staff, have developed and nurtured Klassic Cleaners into a popular and successful business in the heart of Roscommon Town.

Reflecting on this week’s 30th anniversary, Liam told the Roscommon People: “Back in 1993, this was a new venture for our family. Over the years, we have built up the business, always making sure to innovate, in keeping with the changing times. We have always tried to be to the forefront of the industry”.

In those early years, Liam and his sisters Sinéad and Mella worked in the business, along

with their mother, Alice. Their father, Padraic, was also a great support. (Now aged 90, Padraic remains active with Roscommon Tidy Towns!). These days, the business is run by Liam and Mella, both of whom are very involved in the local community over many years.

Liam Stephens says the success of Klassic Cleaners is attributable to a number of factors.

“We have had excellent staff over the years. And our customers have been very loyal and supportive. We are very grateful to our staff and customers for all that support over the years and wish to thank them as we celebrate this milestone. Mella and I also remain very grateful to our parents and family for their ongoing support”.

Range of services

Long established as industry experts, Klassic Cleaners offers a range of professional services, including dry cleaning, laundry, wet cleaning, ironing and alterations. Liam explains that the wet cleaning system allows for safer cleaning of delicate items such as beaded or decorated dresses and gowns, including wed-

ding gowns and Irish dancing dresses. It enables the cleaning of deep dyed items without any colour fading. Meanwhile, at Klassic Cleaners they are very conscious of sustainability, and welcome the trend towards ‘repairing’ clothes with a view to reducing waste.

FREE CUSTOMER DRAW

As part of their 30th anniversary celebrations, Klassic Cleaners is currently running a free customer draw, with an IHF (Irish Hotels Federation) voucher worth €250 to be won! So make sure to call to Klassic Cleaners in this, their 30th anniversary year – you’ll be guaranteed both a friendly welcome and their trademark professional service!

Liam Stephens pictured at Klassic Cleaners earlier this week. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Liam Stephens pictured at Klassic Cleaners earlier this week. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Roscommon success in Group Water Scheme Excellence Awards

Corracreigh Group Water Scheme and Mid-Roscommon Group Water Scheme, County Roscommon, are immensely proud to be among the winners in the 2023 Group Water Scheme Excellence Awards.

Organised by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS), the annual awards recognise the hard work and initiative being shown by group water schemes (GWSs) across the country. Entries had been invited across four categories and presided over by an independent, expert judging panel. Group water schemes that achieved a required standard within their respective category were awarded an excellence flag and commemorative

Fundraiser for Glinsk Hospice

A ‘Walk with Kevin’ will take place this weekend to raise funds for Glinsk Hospice. Following on from the walk, there will be coffee and homemade treats in Glinsk Community Centre, compliments of Glinsk Ladies Club. The event will take place on Sunday, September 24th, from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. All support will be greatly appreciated.

plaque, with an overall winner in each category receiving a special trophy.

Corracreigh GWS was revealed as the overall category winner for ‘Biodiversity Enhancement’ by Minister for State in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), Kieran O’Donnell TD in a special live announcement at this year’s Rural Water Services Conference. The conference was hosted in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Co. Roscommon on the 7th of September.

Corracreigh GWS was also awarded an excellence flag award for ‘Community Engagement’.

In recent times, the Roscommon Group Water Scheme has been in-

volved in numerous projects to enhance biodiversity including the ‘Let it Bee’ campaign and the ‘I planted a tree and my garden is pesticide free’ campaign which also had the benefit of increasing awareness in the wider community. This included providing local farming families with beehives, and group water scheme members with wild bee hotels and trees, all aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of pesticides to drinking water and biodiversity. Meanwhile, Mid-Roscommon GWS was among the excellence flag winners for ‘Water Safety Planning and Quality Assurance’.

Roscommon SPCA celebrating 60 years

Roscommon SPCA is celebrating 60 years of animal welfare service in County Roscommon this year. We invite you to join us for a meet and greet day on Saturday, 23rd of September 2023, from 11 am to 2 pm, at the Castlerea Enterprise Hub, Demesne, Castlerea.

This is a great opportunity to meet our dedicated team of volunteers who run Roscommon SPCA every day, and to learn how you can become a volunteer or a member yourself. Our motto is ‘Help us to Help them’.

We also welcome local businesses who want to sponsor us and support our cause. There are many ways to do this and we will provide more information on the day.

The event will feature face-painting, family and pet portraits, a colouring competition, a raffle and more.

We hope to see you there and thank you for your continued support of Roscommon SPCA.

Mid-Roscommon Club’s Vintage display attracts a lot of interest

There was huge interest in the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club display at the recent Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show.

Shortly before midday the demonstration got underway, when Billy Stewart from Killashee began crushing stone with his 100-year-old crusher. The crusher was belt-driven from a 1945 model Fordson tractor.

The noise of the machine soon had crowds converging at the scene to witness how crushed stone was manufactured in the early days. The exhibition continued intermittently through the day until a full load of stone was reduced to rubble.

Kevin Foley, Newtownforbes and Robert Kenny, Ballinlough, had three stationary engines present at the display; one of the engines, a huge machine run on paraffin, was manufactured in 1904. Another of the engines had a notable historical link, it being the power source that supplied electricity to the town of Dungarvan, Co. Tipperary in the 1930s. It

Two local graduates start

ESB programme

Two graduates from County Roscommon have commenced ESB’s prestigious Graduate Development programme.

Oisin Keenan from Donamon and Michael Lough from Ballymurray join 78 other graduates from Irish and international thirdlevel institutions, spanning the fields of engineering, IT, HR, commercial and finance, who have commenced the two-and-ahalf-year development programme with ESB.

This year’s graduates will be placed across five business units – ESB Networks, Generation and Trading, Engineering and Major Projects, Customer Solutions and Enterprise Services. The tailored programme offers each graduate the opportunity to gain experience by working on challenging assignments and major projects that offer exposure to the varied businesses of the organisation.

ESB’s Graduate Develop-

ment Programme aims to recruit talent to drive innovation and support the delivery of ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy. This year’s intake is the largest number of graduates ESB has recruited in over five years. Each graduate will receive a range of supports including being partnered with individual mentors from within their business units, IT equipment and access to allow hybrid working as part of ESB’s smart working offering.

Launch of ‘In Song and In Story’ in Murray’s on Friday

powered the cinema there that showed the first talkie film in Ireland. All engines were running through the day.

The vintage display included an array of tractors, implements and cars from a bygone era, each looking resplendent. The stone-crushing and engine display was a treat to watch and attracted the interest of young and old at the show.

Pictured is the garden at Joe Rogers’ house in Dalton Terrace, Ballaghaderreen, where the upcoming coffee morning will be held (picture taken in 2023).

A coffee morning in aid of Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice will take place at Joe Rogers’ house at 11 Dalton Close, Dalton Terrace, Ballaghaderreen, on Thursday,

28th of September, from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be tea, coffee, and sandwiches on the day. All are welcome to attend so come along and support this worthy cause.

‘In Song and In Story’ is a beautiful 80-page book of original songs, stories, parodies, poems and ballads, which has been produced by the South Roscommon Singers Circle and friends. The book will be launched in Murray’s

of Knockcroghery this Friday night, 22nd of September (8 pm). Special guest is Cathy Jordan. All are welcome. This project is supported by Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Fund.

Pictured at their induction at ESB’s head office, Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2 alongside Paddy Hayes, ESB Chief Executive (front, centre) are (back) Oisin Keenan (Donamon, Co. Roscommon) and (front, left) Megan Mulleady (Bearna, Galway) and (front, right) Michael Lough (Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon).

Joe Bosquette pictured removing the rubble from the 100-year-old stone crusher sourced for this year’s MidRoscommon Vintage Club display at Strokestown Show, while its owner Billy Stewart looks on.

Robert Kenny and Kevin Foley pictured starting the engine of one of the three stationary engines present at this year’s Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club display at Strokestown Show.

Hospice coffee morning in Ballaghaderreen

Season wraps up at Roscommon Races on Monday next

The curtain is set to come down on what has been a great season at Roscommon Racecourse, with the racing year wrapping up on Monday next, September 25th. The first race will kick off at 2.10 pm, when the Grade 3 Ballymore Group Irish EBF Kilbegnet Novice Chase is staged. There has been plenty of rain over the last week or so, so ground conditions should be fine for what promises to be a great day of national hunt racing. A high class Renewal is expected, with the race having been won by some top class horses. All the major yards will be represented in this year’s Renewal. Looking back on the racing year, one of the stand-out moments has to be when jockey Ryan Moore won the Lenebane Stakes for Aidan O’Brien during his first visit to Roscommon Racecourse this season. He was incredibly accommodating to those looking for photographs and is a great ambassador for racing – as are all the jockeys and trainers at Roscommon Racecourse, who always have time for racegoers.

Roscommon Racecourse would like to thank all the racegoers for

attending and everyone connected to every single horse that ran during the year. They also wish to extend a huge thanks to the stable staff, jockeys, trainers, and owners, without whom there’d be no sport.

Thanks are also extended to everyone in the IHRB, in particular Lorcan Wyer who works tirelessly to make sure the track is in great shape for all fixtures. Finally, thanks to all the wonderful staff who keep the show on the road. To each and every one of them, Roscommon Racecourse would like to say thank you sincerely for all the hard work during the year.

There have also been wonder-

ful sponsors over the season, and Roscommon Racecourse wish to thank all of them, including next week’s sponsors: Conor Cassidy Cars, Thomas A Murray Bar & Lounge, Class Grass Ireland, the Ballymore Group, Roscommon On-Course Vets, and the Irish EBF, and sponsors of the best turned out prizes, Keen Print. Roscommon Racecourse hope to see you all for the last fixture of the season on Monday. For more information, visit roscommonracecourse.ie, email contact@roscommonracecourse.ie, or phone 087 2203288. Roscommon Racecourse: come for the racing, stay for the craic!

Phil and Vinnie O’Connor pictured at the Roscommon Races recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Lifeboat crew assisted six stranded people over weekend

The Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew was tasked to assist six people on board two cruisers which ran aground on the lake in the past week.

On Saturday morning last, September 16th, Lough Ree RNLI crew went to the assistance of two people on board a 40ft cruiser stranded on rocks near Nun’s Island.

Launched just after 9 am under helm Kieran Sloyan, the charity’s lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ and its volunteer crew responded to a call for assistance. The two people were taken from the stranded boat and transferred to the Lakeside Marina on the Westmeath shore.

The boat had been the focus of a call-out the previous evening – Fri-

day, September 15th – when Lough Ree RNLI had been tasked by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the aid of the stricken boat with two people on board near Nun’s Island.

The Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew, under helm Stuart McMicken, reached the scene near Marker Three at 7.40 pm. On inspection, the crew found the 40ft cruiser hard aground on rocks near Nun’s Island. The volunteer crew spent more than ninety minutes in a vain

attempt to remove the craft from where it came to rest. The two people on board, who were in good health and had sufficient provisions and fully charged communications equipment, decided to remain on board for the night.

With no improvement in the situation overnight, the two people advised Lough Ree RNLI on Saturday morning, September 16th, that they wished to be taken off the cruiser. The transfer was

newsbriefs

Elphin Community Centre AGM

The AGM of Elphin Community Centre CLG will be held at 8.30 pm on Thursday, October 5th, in Elphin Community Centre. We look forward to welcoming new members.

successfully completed by 10 am.

Earlier last week, at lunchtime on Thursday, September 14th, Lough Ree RNLI was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a cruiser with four people on board which had run aground on the Hexagon Shoal in the south of the lake.

Launched under helm Liam Sheringham, the charity’s lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ with a volunteer crew reached the stricken boat at 1.40 pm. Following an initial inspection, the crew found all four people on board wearing life jackets and uninjured. The boat was towed from the rocks to safe water and continued north under its own power.

Roscommon Alzheimer’s Memory Walk in Castlerea this Sunday

The Roscommon Alzheimer’s Memory Walk will take place this Sunday, September 24th, in The Demesne, Castlerea. The walk will start at 2 pm at the Friary Gates.

The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, run by the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland (ASI), takes place in 30 locations nationwide and aims to raise funds to support people living with dementia and those who care for them. There are 64,000 living with dementia in Ireland, and an estimated 1,108 people living with dementia in Co. Roscommon. 63% of people with dementia live at home in the community, and the walk will help fund vital services like daycare, day-

care at home, family carer training, social clubs, cafés, and a National Helpline. Following the walk, there will be light refreshments provided at the ASI

Daycentre in Castlerea (F45A62, near the Friary Gates). These refreshments have been very kindly sponsored by Anthony Cahill, SuperValu, Castlerea.

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For more details or to register to take part in the walk, visit memorywalk. ie, or just come along on the day.

The ASI Daycentre, Cas-

Fishing in Donamon

The Melting Pot Community Hub and Inland Fisheries Ireland are running ‘Fishing in Donamon’ on Tuesday, September 26th, at 11.30 am. Booking is essential, so contact Ger on 089 416 5730.

Golf AM-AM in aid of Haiti orphanage

Haiti has a population of more than 10.5 million people, and yet it’s not much bigger than Munster. Due to poverty, disease, unfavourable/unpredictable climate conditions, and low life expectancy, many children are orphaned and some are abandoned. Orphanages like Our Little Brothers and Sisters Orphanage are left to come to the rescue.

A Golf AM-AM to support Our Little Brothers and Sisters Orphanage in Haiti will be held at Mountbellew Golf Club (090 9679259/ 087 9695924) all week from Monday, September 25th, to Saturday, September 30th Teams for this upcoming golf AM-AM fundraiser pay €80 to play, and businesses and friends can sponsor a tee box for €50 or €30. People may also donate to the fundraiser directly. Any supported is greatly appreciated.

Coffee morning for Hospice in Granlahan

A coffee morning in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice will take place in the Granlahan Community Centre, hosted by Cill Tullach ICA, on Sunday, 24th of September from 1 pm. All are welcome.  The next meeting of Cill Tullach ICA will take place on Thursday, 21st of September 2023 at 8 pm in Granlahan Community Centre. New members welcome. Contact Carmel at 087 2125340.

Family Tree Healing Mass in Curraghboy

tlerea is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays every week, from 10 am to 3 pm. Contact Michelle on 087 9387533 for details.

A special Family Tree Healing Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, Athlone, at 8 pm on the Feast Day of Our Lady Star of the Sea, which occurs this year on Wednesday, September 27th The celebrant will be Fr Gerry Campbell, who is based in Knockbridge, Dundalk. Confessions will be available from 7 pm, and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Individual Blessings for Healing will take place after Mass. Refreshments will be available afterwards, and all are most welcome to attend. The eircode is N37W704. All enquiries to 086 4054489.

Ballinamore Bridge Heritage Group to unveil memorial plaque

The Ballinamore Bridge Heritage Group would like to invite the public to attend the official unveiling of a memorial plaque in memory of four young boys who tragically drowned in the River Shiven in 1904, near Ballinamore Bridge. The unveiling will take place at 3 pm on Sunday, the 24th of September. This formal event will be followed by traditional music.

Connacht PTAA extends invitation to Mini-Vigil

The aim of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association is to promote sobriety and temperance. One of the ways we do this is through prayer.  The Connacht Pioneer Total Abstinence Association cordially invites you to a Mini-Vigil in the Parish Church in Knock on Friday, 29th of September 2023 from 8.30 pm-12 midnight. Canon Joseph Delaney, Spiritual Director, will give the introductory talk at 8.30 pm followed by the Stations of the Cross at 8.45 pm. Fr. John O’Gorman from the parish of Lackagh will expose the Blessed Sacrament and will give a talk, prayer and reflection. At 10.20 pm Martina Gardiner will recite the Rosary.   There will then be a short break which will be followed by the celebration of Mass at 11 pm, with music by Eoin Kenny from Williamstown. All are welcome.

Roscommon Garden Club resumes

Roscommon Garden Club wishes to welcome everyone back after the summer break. The first meeting back takes place next week, at 8 pm on Monday, September 25th, in Hannon’s Hotel. Jenny Toal from Erritt Nursery will be giving a talk on growing herbs.

Tributes paid after sad passing of Creggs GAA physio after game

Creggs GAA Club has paid tribute to its physio, Oleg Doroshkevich, who took ill after a championship match on Sunday evening and sadly later passed away in hospital.

The club confirmed that Mr. Doroshkevich (59), who is originally from Russia but who lived in Glenamaddy, passed away after taking ill in the dressing room following Creggs’ 0-15 to 2-7 victory over St. Aidan’s in Sunday’s Intermediate Football Championship

relegation game at Kilbride GAA grounds.

Creggs GAA club took to social media on Sunday evening to share the sad news of Oleg’s passing. Their post read:

“It is with a very heavy heart Creggs GAA have some unbelievably sad news to share following our relegation game today in Kilbride. Our physio Oleg Doroshkevich took ill in the dressing room after the game and sadly passed away.

“Oleg was a core part of

our team and management over the past few years. A pure gentleman and never without a smile on his face.

Always arriving to each game with a positive attitude, he had a great connection with all of our players who were so fond of him, he was invested in the team, sport and the community.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Olga, his daughters and grandchildren and the Glenamaddy community at this extremely tough time.

“The club would like to

sincerely thank Kilbride GAA, St Aidan’s GAA, the Roscommon emergency services and ambulance crew and the first aiders that were at the game who came to Oleg’s aid. May Oleg’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace”.

Glinsk GAA Club also wrote “We in Glinsk GAA got to know Oleg very well over the last few months as he stepped in to the physio role in the club. The players and management were very fond of him. His smile and conversation were always present as he performed his task as physio”.

Blessing of Animals at Sacred Heart Church

A ‘Blessing of the Animals’ ceremony will take place on the grounds of the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon at 3 pm on Saturday, September 30th in association with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The event has been successfully held in Athlone over the past two years and will be running there again on October 8th.

It is held at this time of year to celebrate St Francis’ Day (the Patron Saint of Animals). All animals are welcome on September 30th but must be kept under control, on a lead or in a carry case.

The celebration will be followed by refreshments and 100 per cent of any donations taken on the day will go to the Irish Guide Dogs.

Bridge Clubs reopen

Bridge Clubs in Roscommon Town area are reopening after the summer break, as follows: Roscommon Bridge Club, Tuesday, 26th of September, at 7.45 pm in Hannon’s Hotel; St. Coman’s Bridge Club, Wednesday, 27th of September, at 7.45 pm in Hannon’s Hotel; Happy ‘71 Bridge Club, Thursday, 28th of September, at 7.45 pm in Hannon’s Hotel; Ballymurray Bridge Club, Monday, 2nd of October, at 7.45 pm in the Abbey Hotel. New members welcome in all clubs.

If you would like to learn to play the game of bridge, classes for beginners will commence in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, on Monday, 2nd of October, at 8.15 pm. The classes are for a two-hour duration. A partner is not necessary for the classes. For further information, contact Larry on 086 1607913.

Oleg Doroshkevich, R.I.P.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Bundee is right: respect needs to be at the heart of all rugby

Our man Frank on a worrying trend in rugby; Being impressed with James McClean on Patrick Kielty’s first Late Late Show; Returning to the topic of car insurance…

It’s Saturday evening as I write, and the rugby legend that Bundee Aki is being interviewed after his man of the match display in Ireland’s emphatic victory over Tonga.

In his opening remarks, Bundee used the word ‘respect’ and spoke about how he and his team-

mates had great respect for the Tonga team. I have to say that his statement struck a chord with me, because as someone who attends a lot of local rugby club games, it seems to me that respect for your opponents has gone out the window. Back in the day, people would talk about how rugby players never questioned a referee’s decision, and other sports marvelled at the discipline that the players had. At all levels of the game, discipline was absolutely paramount.

But nowadays, we have the unsavoury development of teams and supporters whooping and hollering when an opponent makes a mistake –simple things like knock-ons and missed kicks are celebrated as if an All-Ireland has just been

won. I have to say that I find the whole thing very annoying and disappointing. High-fives and backslapping occur whenever even the least advantage accrues, and it’s a long way removed from the way rugby used to be played.

Today (Sunday), I attended a vitally important GAA match in Kilbride, where our local lads preserved their intermediate championship status with a hard-fought and very intense win over St Aidan’s. Thankfully, when the final whistle went, our lads showed proper respect for the disappointed Aidan’s team, and refrained from any of the aforementioned whooping and hollering and ‘over the top’ celebrations.

I also wish to say that while our Creggs rugby

In praise of James McClean

Back now to last Friday night, and the whole country is beside itself with excitement as the Late Late Show returns to RTÉ, with Patrick Kielty as its new host… well, the whole country bar Carol and I, as we took ourselves out to the local for a quiet pint.

I would never have thought about the show again only for hearing and reading about it on the TV and papers the next day, and the general consensus was that Kielty had acquitted himself particularly well.

However, when I heard that one of his guests was Irish footballer James McClean, my interest picked up. And so I had to look for him on Catch up TV.

Derry-born McClean has over one hundred caps for the Republic of Ireland soccer team, while in his very successful career over in England, he has constantly been on the receiving end of anti-Irish abuse. As a footballer, he never fails to give 110% for whatever team he plays for (especially for Ireland), and while there have been more skillful players around, nobody has shown more commitment to the cause.

in their beds. It’s impossible not to admire his total faith in his beliefs and refusal to let the abusers challenge those beliefs. He has also spoken a lot about his daughter Willow-Ivy, who has autism, and confirmed that he too has recently got tested and been diagnosed with the condition. He was also honest about his own mental health problems. I have to say that in this interview he lived up to all the expectations I had of him.

Nowadays, McClean is part of the Hollywoodbacked Wrexham, where he rubs shoulders with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney (had to Google him, as I’d never heard of him) and he freely admitted that it’s surreal to be texting them fairly regularly! On Saturday, he played a starring role in a 3-0 win over Grimsby Town.

Anyway, it was a pleasure to see and hear him, and to get an insight into the difficulties he faced as an Irish footballer in England, particularly for his refusal to wear the Poppy around Remembrance Day. If anything, I admire him more than I ever did – and that’s saying something.

team are certainly not the worst offenders when it comes to such disappointing behaviour, I will admit that it’s an undeniable development, and one I don’t like. I would like to see coaches everywhere join forces to stamp it out.

Rugby, by its nature, is a tough, physical game – and the people that play it are usually strongwilled characters – so all I ask is for them to stop acting like little children and show respect for themselves and their opponents.

Many, many years ago, a coach said to me that it’s harder to win with dignity than to lose with dignity, so my sincere hope is that we will hear nothing but encouragement on our rugby pitches in the future.

Community stunned by Oleg’s passing

Elsewhere in this column, I told you of Creggs’ victory in their relegation play-off against St Aidan’s, but in truth the entire event was overshadowed by the tragic death of Creggs physio Oleg Doroshkevich, right, who collapsed in the dressing room and passed away immediately after the game.

James McClean

Among the abuses he has been subjected to are threats to burn himself, his wife, and their children

I’m told the rest of the Late Late Show was pretty good as well, with Mary McAleese being hugely entertaining too – but thank God I went out – it meant I didn’t have to watch the 2 Johnnies!

Insurance musings!

In my column on the 12th of May last, I warned readers of the dangers of wandering deer on the road. I told you of a friend of mine who had the misfortune of running into one of these creatures, in the process unfortunately killing the poor beast and doing about ten thousand euro worth of damage to her car.

As a result of that particular accident (and several more in the same area), Roscommon County Council have erected signs along the road, which is basically all they could do. Sadly however, the signs don’t appear to have had the required effect, as only last week two more deer met their Waterloo along the same stretch of road (and presumably two more cars were badly damaged).

Anyway, back to my friend and her car: as I told you in May, she had an insurance policy

that included the provision of a replacement car in the event of an accident. However, the replacement car was only for the period of one week – after that she had to fend for herself.

The person in question has a very important job in the medical world, and as she has a daily commute of an hour (each way) to and from work, the offer of a car for a week only was of absolutely no use. And so, despite being under the impression that she was covered for the use of a replacement car, this lady had to go and buy another one to make sure she could get to her daily work.

Her insurance company also insisted that the car repairs be carried out by a garage of their choice. And so, at the end of April, her car was delivered to said garage – and my friend began a long, long wait.

As I write today (Monday, September 18th), the good news is that the woman’s car has finally been returned and, almost five months after the accident, she is back on the road.

As a result of all this, I rang my own insurance company (AXA) and asked them what would happen if my car was damaged. They assured me I would get a replacement one for as long as it was needed.

My advice to you all is to watch out for the signs warning of deer crossing, slow down, and be extra vigilant. Also, it is advisable to check your own policy and make sure what happened my friend doesn’t happen to you. It appears that, as with all insurance products, you really have to read and understand the small print – and everything isn’t always what it seems to be.

Oleg had been involved with the team for the last few years and was hugely popular with management and players. He invariably had a positive attitude, and always arrived with a smile on his face. He was totally invested in the team, the sport, and the community, and will be a huge loss to his family, Creggs GAA, and the wider community in Glenamaddy.

Many people from the Kilbride and St Aidan’s clubs came to Oleg’s aid, as well as the ambulance crew and first-aiders of the Roscommon Emergency Services, and Creggs GAA Club wishes to thank everyone for their assistance.

To Oleg’s wife Olga and family, and his many friends, we extend our sincerest sympathy. May he rest in peace.

And finally…

Down the road in Glinsk, the local ladies’ football club are celebrating 25 years in existence by holding a big social in Dowd’s this Saturday night, September 23rd

Doors open at 9 pm, and there will be a door prize, a raffle, and presentations to past and present players. Live music will be provided by Harmony. So if you want a night of music, dancing, and craic (who doesn’t?), Dowd’s is the place to be this Saturday night!

South Connacht Citizens Information Service extends service hours to meet demand

South Connacht Citizens Information Service (SCCIS) has announced the extension of drop-in hours

at its main offices to meet the growing demand for its services from the public.

SCCIS provides a free

Know Your Rights – Farm Assist

I am a farmer but I’m finding it hard to manage on the income from farming. What social welfare schemes can help?

You may be eligible for Farm Assist, a weekly means-tested payment for low-income farmers.

How do I qualify for Farm Assist?

To qualify for Farm Assist, you must be a farmer, farming land in Ireland, aged between 18 and 66, and you must pass a means test. You are considered a farmer, if you farm land that you own or lease and that you use for the purpose of husbandry (working the land with the aim of taking produce from the land).

How much is Farm Assist?

The current maximum rate of Farm Assist is €220 per week. There are also increases for:

An adult dependant (€146)

Child dependants under 12 (€42 full-rate, €21 half-rate)

Child dependants 12 and over (€50 full-rate, €25 half-rate)

How are my means assessed?

All your sources of income are assessed in the means test, including cash income, capital (the first €20,000 of which is not taken into account), and maintenance paid to you.

The means test includes income from the farm and off-farm selfemployment, farm schemes and direct payments, leasing of land, and other employment. If you have leased all your land, you are not eligible for Farm Assist. Only some of your income (70%) is assessed and there are disregards if you have children and if you are on certain farming schemes.

How do I apply for Farm Assist?

To apply for Farm Assist, fill in form Farm 1 (pdf) and return it to your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare branch office

Read more about Farm Assist on https://bit.ly/farm-assist or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.

Boyle Office - Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Roscommon Office – Tel: 0818 07 6360 Address: Unit 9, West Business Park, Golf Links Road, Roscommon. Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie

Quality & Annual Client Satisfaction Survey

The service works hard to ensure it delivers a quality service and undertakes an annual client satisfaction survey to better understand what clients think of the service they receive. The survey consistently returns very positive feedback from service users. In 2022 the survey found that:

• 96.5 % of clients surveyed were either very satisfied or satisfied with the service they received.

• 99 % of clients surveyed were either very satisfied or satisfied with the manner of staff

• 98.5 % of clients surveyed were either very satisfied or satisfied with how easy it was to understand the information provided.

• 99 % of clients surveyed said that would recommend the service to someone with similar requirements to themselves. You can also find information on your rights and entitlement, as well as centre opening hours at: www. citizensinformation.ie

You can contact Roscommon Citizens Information Centre on: T: 0818 07 6360; E: roscommon@citinfo.ie

W: www.citizensinformation.ie

Citizens Information, a trusted source for your information needs.

and confidential information, advice and advocacy service to the public in areas such as Social Welfare, Employment Rights, Housing, Health, Immigration, Money and Tax across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

Commenting on the extended hours, Richard Regan, Development Manager Roscommon, South Connacht Citizens Information Service, stated ‘Over the last number of months we have seen a steady growth in the numbers of people looking to access our services in

person. In response to this growing demand, we are increasing drop-in hours in all our main centres.’

Annual Report 2022

The organisation, which publishes its annual report for 2022 next week, provided a service to 29,781 clients and answered a total of just under 56,000 queries last year. On average, each caller to the service had 1.88 queries. The single largest category of query dealt with by South Connacht CIS in

SOUTH CONNACHT CITIZENS INFORMATION SERVICE

2022 was Social Welfare which accounted for 50% of all queries. The other largest query types were Housing (9%), Employment (7%) and Health (7%).

As well as providing information and advice to people on their rights and entitlements, SCCIS also provides an advocacy service, empowering people by supporting them to assert their rights and claim their entitlements. Where necessary, the service represents clients and negotiates on their behalf. The advocacy work under-

Extension of Drop-in Hours

taken by SCCIS makes a real impact on the lives of clients it works with, whether it is helping them get a social welfare payment, get on the housing waiting list or get a redundancy payment when they lose their job.

Citizens Information Services, in conjunction with the Citizens Information Board (CIB), also play an important role in highlighting issues that are of concern to users of public services and providing feedback on the effectiveness of such services.

South Connacht Citizens Information Service provides a free and confidential information, advice and advocacy service across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

We can provide you with information and advice in areas such as Social Welfare, Employment Rights, Housing, Health, Immigration, Money and Tax. We can also advocate on your behalf and support you to assert your rights and claim your entitlements. The service is available in person and over the phone.

Due to increased demand, we have extended our drop-in hours.

Our new opening hours are:

ROSCOMMON

1st Floor, Tower Block B West Business Park Roscommon F42 TD98

Tel: 0818 07 7600

DROP-IN SERVICE:

Monday: 10am - 1pm

Tuesday: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm

Wednesday: 10am - 1pm

Thursday: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm

Friday: 10am - 1pm

To find out more please scan the QR code on the left or visit https://centres.citizensinformation.ie/

South Connacht Citizens Information Service is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board

Apple’s new charger port to help reduce e-waste –not rushing to buy their new phone would help more!

Let’s talk about ...

(A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

The first phone I remember having is a pink Nokia swivel phone, which had originally belonged to my older sister.

I adored it for very pre-adolescent reasons; it was brightly coloured, it had a little bar that let you attach phone charms, and it had both jewel quest and the snake game pre-installed. I had also decided it was very high-tech because it had a half-decent camera and an internet browser app – which presumably loaded at snail-pace, but I can’t honestly say, since I strictly avoided it (I was convinced just the act of opening it would cost me €50 in precious 02 credit).

Anyway, my brief period as a Nokia user was just that: brief. Evidently the stage at which I became old enough to get a phone didn’t come long before the point smartphones succeeded in edging their keypad-ed predecessors out of fashion for good.

Since then of course, the smartphone has become utterly ubiquitous – now in use for everything from communication to navigation, playing music to taking photos, reading the news to paying at the till. It’s weird to think that such a relatively short amount of time rendered more traditional mobiles, like that pink Nokia, utter relics compared to modern smartphones, but it’s inevitable considering the massive amount today’s phones are capable of.

In fact, it seems like we’ve ticked off all the possible things to use a smartphone for… and yet, the upgrades keep coming. And as much as the last decade or so saw a crazy amount of advancements overall, in more recent years, with so little left to conquer, new phones never really feel significantly different to the ones already on the market.

This is something Apple in particular catches a lot of flak for, a common jab being that every few months, Apple re-releases what is essentially the very same iPhone as their previous one – just slightly bigger and with an ever-so-slightly better camera (and several hundred euro more of a price difference, of course).

Last week however, Apple announced something notably different when unveiling the iPhone 15. In a departure from their usual practice, future iPhones will no longer have Apple’s distinctive Lightning charger ports. Instead, they will adopt the universal USB-C connector, which is already standard across most other smartphones. Changing chargers may not seem like a huge deal, but it is notable, considering that Apple’s Lightning ports have been a consistent feature of their devices for years, and not adopting USB-C until now was a deliberate choice that had many pros for them. It set them apart from pretty much all other manufacturers, and perhaps most significantly, having their own proprietary port allowed them to control the licensing and sales of cables and accessories for their products, which contributed considerably to their revenue. Given the Lightning port’s advantages for Apple, it’d be natural to wonder why the change is being made at all. And the reason is that it was not as much Apple’s decision as their only real option.

The EU recently passed legislation insisting that from the end of next year, all phones and other small devices sold within the EU must be compatible with the USB-C charging cables. This comes after the European Parliament previously stated that it had spent years trying to get companies to voluntarily agree to rely on one type of connector to no real avail.

There are several reasons why the EU pushed for universal charging with USB-C, and a lot of

these directly benefit the consumer. Most obviously perhaps, having a one-size-fits-all charger that works for all devices will be worlds more convenient for daily life. Also, compared to other connectors, USB-C is much faster (for both charging and transferring data) and extremely reliable. A universal charger will also be a huge money-saver; according to the EU, making the switch will ultimately help consumers save up to €250 million annually “on unnecessary charger purchases”.

But beyond consumer interests, one of the main motivators for universal charging was reducing e-waste. According to the European Parliament, piled together, unused and discarded chargers add up to about 11,000 metric tons of e-waste in Europe annually. And although getting rid of Lightning cables will presumably lead to a temporary uptick in waste as people get rid of their old chargers, in the long run moving to a universal charger will undoubtably help reduce e-waste. Standardisation could also help improve methods to recycle chargers that get thrown out in the future.

However, universal charging can only do so much: chargers only account for about 0.1% of the 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste generated each year. E-waste is a much larger problem, and can only be effectively tackled by looking at its more significant contributing factors – one major one being consumerism.

As mentioned earlier, despite the fact that phones aren’t evolving at the same pace they did in the past, new, only marginally upgraded phones keep being rolled out. This constant unnecessary influx of new models from manufacturers has helped created a culture encouraging frequent upgrades and disposability. And not only do consumers not really benefit from these ‘upgrades’ (because these improvements are so minor compared to the price being paid), but it results in so much unnecessary waste.

Yes, Apple’s new port will ultimately help reduce e-waste, but not rushing to buy their newest phone for the sole sake of having their newest phone would help a whole lot more.

All said, I think that ultimately the success of this EU mandate in getting companies to adopt USB-C, after years and years of trying to get companies to comply voluntarily, is encouraging. It not only sets an important precedent for regulating tech companies around e-waste, but also for regulating tech companies in general –both of which are concerns that are more important now than ever. Hopefully it is indicative of much more change to come.

Sam and Rachel chosen as ‘Local Champions’ for Roscommon-Galway

Two youths from County Roscommon have been chosen as Local Champions by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents organisations working with young people nationwide.

Sam Brooks from Taughmaconnell and Rachel Trimble from Kilbride have been selected as Local Champions for the Roscommon-Galway constituency. The campaign aims to ensure increased investment in young people and youth work locally and nationally.

Paul Gordon, NYCI Director of Policy and Advocacy explained: “As part of the Local Champions initiative, a group of passionate young individuals has been selected as representatives from their communities to engage

with their local politicians and champion the cause of youth work”.

The Local Champions received training and support from NYCI to effectively convey the positive impact youth work has on their lives and the lives of young people in the local area, as well as the importance of investing in youth work.

NYCI is calling for an increased investment of €9.4 million in youth work in Budget 2024, to support the rising costs associated with delivering quality services locally, and ensure equal access to youth work for all young people nationwide.

Sam and Rachel are hoping to engage with representatives including TDs Michael Fitzmaurice, Claire Kerrane and Denis Naughten,

‘New, only marginally upgraded phones keep being rolled out. This constant unnecessary influx of new models from manufacturers has helped created a culture encouraging frequent upgrades and disposability’

Rachel Trimble from Kilbride, pictured being awarded a certificate to confirm her as an NYCI Local Champion for the Roscommon-Galway constituency, by Daniel Meister (NYCI) at a special event in Dublin to launch the National Youth Council of Ireland’s Pre-Budget Submission 2024. Pic: Jason Clarke

Sam Brooks from Taughmaconnell, pictured being awarded a certificate to confirm him as NYCI Local Champion for the Roscommon-Galway constituency, by Daniel Meister (NYCI) at a special event in Dublin to launch the National Youth Council of Ireland’s Pre-Budget Submission 2024. Pic: Jason Clarke

FIVE ALL-IRELAND FINALS AT EVENT THIS SUNDAY

The annual Ballinasloe Agricultural Show, which will take place this Sunday, 24th of September, will once again feature an impressive mix of competition, celebration of rural life, and family fun.

This renowned show, first established way back in 1829, is one of the great, traditional shows in the region, and a firm favourite with the public.

The venue is the Fair Green, and there is free, secure parking for all attending. Gates open on Sunday at 9 am.

This year’s Ballinasloe Show will feature five All-Ireland Championship finals. There will be a great array of classes for Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Ponies, etc., and the always popular Dog Show will also command much attention. In addition, there will be a variety of competitions for farm produce, etc.

Some of the highlights include: Loose Lunging for 3 & 4-yearold horses and ponies, with €1600 in prize-money (sponsored by Garbally Oil) which will commence at 3 pm; A massive Dog

Show (including All-Ireland Native Breed Dog) starting at 2 pm; Cattle and sheep classes, starting at 11 am; The All-Ireland Connemara 3-year-old Filly Championship, starting at 11 am; The AllIreland Irish Draught Filly Foal Championship, also starting at 11 am; The Irish Draught Colt Foal Championship, which begins at 11 am; The All-Ireland Donkey Mare & Foal Championship, starting at 12 noon.

There will also be classes for in-hand and ridden horses and ponies, show ponies, etc.

The Dog Show is expected to be hugely popular once again this year with an array of prizes on offer.

The annual Ballinasloe Show is always a very enjoyable event and a great place to meet old friends and enjoy a chat in a relaxed atmosphere.

There will be catering on site on Sunday and free parking in the Fair Green. For more information, visit www.ballinasloeshow. ie or find Ballinasloe Show on Facebook.

Pictured at the Ballinasloe Agricultural Show Dog Show last year were (l-r) Frank Garvey from Ballinrobe, winner of Reserve Champion Bear; Alannah Smyth, Padraig Smyth, Paul McDermott, Wag ‘n’ Tails (sponsor); Tyrone Stockil, Wag ‘n’ Tails (sponsor); Catherine Curley, Judge; Ava Smyth, and winner of Champion of the Show, Marie Hanmore from Castlerea with her dog Kobi. Pic: Gerry Stronge

The oldest show in Ireland!

Ballinasloe Agricultural Show is the oldest show in Ireland, having been established in 1829. Initially it was a vegetable show, before farm produce, home crafts and baking were in-

troduced. Later, classes for horses, mares and foals, ponies, cattle, sheep, pigs, etc., were added, along with a broad array of other categories.

At some point in its history,

having been staged at other locations, Lord Cloncarthy, a local landlord, donated grounds to the committee, and they became the first recognised ‘purpose-built’ showgrounds in the town.

For a long time, regular show activities were held in the morning, followed by showjumping in the afternoon. During a golden showjumping era in Ireland, stars such as Paul Darragh and Eddie Macken competed in Bal-

linasloe. Nowadays, the showjumping is held at another time of the year and the agricultural show takes place over the course of a full day.

In the 1980s, Ballinasloe Show actually developed into a two-day event, then into a three-day show. Ultimately, this proved difficult to sustain, and in the early 2000s the committee reverted to the more ‘compact’ and very successful one-day approach.

Pictured at the Ballinasloe Agricultural Show last year were (l-r) Tommie Dolan, Noel Harney, Michael Ward, Aideen Kelly, winner of Best Heifer Calf, and Paul Kelly. Pic: Gerry Stronge

Miroslaw Cherek from Ballinasloe pictured with his grandsons, Lukas and James Griffiths and their dog Percy at the Ballinasloe Agricultural Show last year. Pic: Gerry Stronge

Clodagh and Pat Noone from The Fairy Field, Kilconnell and Seamus McEvoy from Killimor, Ballinasloe, pictured at the Ballinasloe Agricultural Show last year. Pic: Gerry Stronge

For the best quotes in Kia, Peugeot and Isuzu, give us a call!

We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6 pm. Saturday we open by appointment only.

Pictured left to right are Tomas Murray, Galway Sheep Breeders; Bláthnaid Gallagher from Aughrim, winner of the best Pen of 3 Galway Hoggets; Noreen Murray, sponsor and Eddie Jennings (Judge), pictured at the Ballinasloe Agricultural Show last year. Pic: Gerry Stronge

Winner of the Donohue Cup for Champion Connemara Pony in 2022 was Fiona Donohue, Parkmore Stables, Ballinasloe, pictured receiving the cup from her brother, Kerrill Donohue, at the Ballinasloe Agricultural Show last year. Pic: Gerry Stronge

Pictured at the Ballinasloe Agricultural Show last year were (l-r) Tommie Dolan, Judge; David Walshe, Leona Larkin, sponsor; Rachel Larkin, sponsor; Sean Glennon, sponsor; Martin Glennon, winner of Champion Beast of the Show; Eilish Curley, Ballinasloe Mart Manager; Kathleen Ward and Noel Harney. Pic: Gerry Stronge

Ballyforan Fair and Festival returns this weekend!

Excitement is building in Ballyforan this week, with the annual Fair and Festival taking place this Saturday, September 23rd, and presenting a jam-packed schedule of events that’s sure to have something for everyone.

The 2023 annual fair was launched earlier this month, at an event held in St Aidan’s GAA Club on September 8th. The launch was attended by committee members, local public representatives, fair sponsors, and members of the local community.

Saturday’s event will kick off with the usual favourites of the annual fair – the sheep, horse, and poultry competitions. The morning’s animal competitions will be rounded out with the much-anticipated Dog Show, which has been kindly sponsored by Petmania.

A car boot sale will be running from 10 am to 3 pm, and there will also be a best dressed lady and gentleman competition on the day.

The annual fair also has a lot of activities on offer for younger attendees,

with a kids’ tractor run at 12.45 pm (bring your own tractor), kids’ vegetable planting at 11.30 pm, and face-painting throughout the day. There will also be a children’s best dressed

farmer competition at 12 pm, as well as photography, art, and baking competitions. There is sure to be something for everyone at this year’s Ballyforan Fair

and Festival, so be sure to come along on Saturday to enjoy a great day out and support the long-standing event, which has been running in the community since 1759.

To find out more and stay updated on the event, find Ballyforan Fair and Festival on Facebook and Instagram, call Dennis on 087 7678120, or email ballyforanfair@outlook.ie.

Pictured at the recent Ballyforan Fair launch at St Aidan’s GAA Clubhouse were Oliver Flanagan, Cllr Laurence Fallon and Enda Hoey. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Ballyforan Fair launch at St Aidan’s GAA Clubhouse were Kevin Clogher and Brian Tansey. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Ballyforan Fair launch at St Aidan’s GAA Clubhouse were Jacinta White, Miriam Hastings and Carmel Hoey. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Let us take you on

Exciting prizes up for grabs in Ballyforan Fair & Festival raffle

There is a host of exciting prizes up for grabs in this year’s Ballyforan Fair and Festival annual raffle, ranging from three-course meals to jampacked hampers.

Both the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe and the Athlone Springs Hotel have respectively sponsored a three-course meal for two people.

Kieran Kelly’s Ballycastle Bouncy Castles have sponsored a weekend bouncy castle hire valued at €250, and Treacy Décor in Roscommon have sponsored two 10lt buckets of Dulux Weathershield, valued at €160.

The Parish Lotto Committee has sponsored a 1-year parish lotto mem-

bership, and designer Laura Hanlon has also sponsored a prize. Hampers have been sponsored by Waldron Family Meats, Gina Higgins of R&G Fragrances, and Ahascragh Distillery.

€50 vouchers have been sponsored by The Village Inn Kitchen in Kilkerrin and Valley View Reflexology, and a €25 voucher has been sponsored by Time Pieces in Roscommon.

Gaia Holistics Reflexology in Ballyforan have also sponsored a 1-hour treatment of choice, and Rachel Curley Fitness have sponsored a sixweek women’s online fitness training plan valued at €120. A signed Neven Maguire cookbook has been spon-

sored by Neven Maguire, and Frances’ Finishing Touches have sponsored a baby blanket. With so many great prizes up for grabs, make sure you don’t miss your chance to enter the raffle this year –and hopefully you’ll win big! Raffle tickets cost €5 per line, and payment can be transferred by Revolut to 086 8752885/@RITAH9FM9, with name.

For more information on all the activities taking place as part of Ballyforan Fair and Festival 2023, find the event on Facebook and Instagram, call Dennis on 087 7678120, or email ballyforanfair@outlook.ie.

a tour of out state-of-the-art distillery, exploring whiskey and gin production from grain to glass, finishing with a tasting of our award-winning spirits. Open for tours: Monday to Sunday. Adults €15. Students/Over 65s 10% discount. Children aged 10-17 free.

Pictured at the recent Ballyforan Fair launch at St Aidan’s GAA Clubhouse were (back row, l-r) Miriam Hastings, Ballyforan Fair Treasurer; Jacinta White, Dog Section; Dermot Kelly, Ballyforan Fair President; Oliver Flanagan, Poultry Section; Rita Tansey, PRO; Cllr Emer Kelly, committee member; (front row, l-r) Carmel Hoey, Ballyforan Fair Secretary and Denis Connolly, Chairperson. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Ballyforan Fair launch at St Aidan’s GAA Clubhouse were Thomas Kelly, Caitlin Kelly, Marissa Tansey and Saoirse Scott. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

FarmingPeople

Urgent action needed to safeguard the sheep sector says INHFA

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have called on the Minister for Agriculture to take swift and decisive ac-

tion to save the sheep sector from “further decline”.

INHFA’s National Vice President Micheal McDonnell stressed the need

Roscommon MART WATCH

There was a very large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s Special Heifer Sale with over 500 on offer and a stronger demand and much improved trade.

Heifers fetched an average of €2.89 per kilo up to €5.48 per kilo. There was also a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.29 per kilo up to €2.81 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

Finally, we had a large number of sheep on offer at our weekly Sale of Lambs and Cast Ewes. Prices for finished lambs made up to €145. The tops for stag ewes was €175.

Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Next Sale of Lambs and cast ewes is next Wednesday, September 27th at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www. livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for dry cows: Lim X 780 kg €2,190, PTX 675 kg

€1,900, Lim X 785 kg €2,040, BAX 735 kg €1,900, Lim X 795 kg

€1,900, Lim X 685 kg €1,810, Lim X 675 kg €1,740, Char X 710 kg

€1,690, Lim X 635 kg €1,620.

Heifers: Lim X 580 kg €3,180, Lim X 500 kg €1,950, Lim X 485 kg €1,820, Lim X 430 kg €1,540, Char X 495 kg €1,720, Char X

510 kg €1,670, Char X 720 kg €2,310, Char X 635 kg €1,980, BAX

620 kg €1,960, Lim X 580 kg €1,830, Char X 550 kg €1,750, Char X 545 kg €1,740, Char X 545 kg €1,720, Char X 510 kg €1,660, Lim X 475 kg €1,590, Char X 480 kg €1,580, Char X 430 kg

€1,540, Lim X 445 kg €1,530.

Finished lambs: 53kgs €145, 48kgs €144, 56.8kgs €142, 50.8kgs €142, 53.5kgs €138, 46kgs €137, 48.7kgs €134, 47.9kgs €130, 44.8kgs €126, 42.9kgs €125, 43.1kgs €124.

Store lambs: 38.7kgs €104, 36.5kgs €103, 39kgs €102, 37kgs €98, 36.5kgs €95, 35.7kgs €94, 35.2kgs €92, 30.9kgs €90, 33kgs €90, 36kgs €84, 33kgs €76, 32kgs €75, 30.2kgs €62. Cast ewes made from €52 to €175 per lot.

for Minister McConalogue to implement a meaningful ewe top-up package to provide the necessary financial lifeline to our farmers. He stated it is “imperative that we safeguard the livelihoods of those dedicated farmers who contribute significantly to Ireland’s agricultural output and the sustainability of our rural communities”.

With the week-on-week fall in price, the sector is, he added, “in a dire position, a scenario that we anticipated last spring when we earnestly called upon

the Minister for Agriculture to implement a meaningful payment-per-ewe for the sheep sector”. He added that the situation will also be compounded by the delayed payment of Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme, which will impact cashflow and have a knock-on effect on the sale of store lambs and breed-

Castlerea MART WATCH

Bullock sale, Monday, 11th of September: The bullock sale resumed with 200 lots on offer with some top quality stock presented for sale. Trade witnessed prices soar to €2360 with increased demand for both the lighter and forward-type lots.

Sample prices: Ch 490kgs €1690 Lm 470kgs €1550 Lm 525kgs €1690 Ch 515kgs €1600 Ch 585kgs €1850 BAX 550kgs €1660 Ch 630kgs €1930 AA 670kgs €1730 Ch 730kgs €2360.

Sale on Thursday, 14th of September: Over 400 lots presented for sale with a favourable tone to trade again. Weanlings in particular continue to be in strong demand from exporters, farmers and feedlots with bulls making up to €4.15 a kilo. Heifers were in demand also as farmers were out in force replacing sold stock. Heifers made up to €1890 with dry cows topping out at €2030.

ing ewe sales, particularly for hill sheep.

Mr McDonnell said the pressure weighing down on the store lamb price has “been further exacerbated by the fact that many traditional tillage farmers, who were crucial in the lamb store market, are no longer engaged in the practice”.

He concluded: “This change in practice is having a profound and alarming effect on the sheep sector and we are calling on the minister to review and apply amendments to have this situation reversed”.

Sample prices – heifers: Ch 425kgs €1530 Ch 415kgs €1510 Ch 390kgs €1500 Lm 380kgs €1310 Ch 485kgs €1630 Ch 490kgs €1470 Lm 675kgs €1890 Ch 630kgs €1790 BBx 560kgs €1770 Ch 510kgs €1720.

Dry cows: AAX 885kgs €2030 Lm 685kgs €1920 Lmx 755kgs €1830 Lm 720kgs €1790 Fr 590kgs €1030 Fr 605kgs €1220 Her 555kgs €900 AA 700kgs €1500.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1440 to €2200. Springers made from €1340 to €1500. Calves/runners: Young calves made from €220-€320 with runners making from €330 to €850 for continental-type lots.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart. On Thursday, 21st of September we have our Annual Show and Sale of Continental Weanlings in conjunction with our usual sale. All sales commence at 11 am.

THURSDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER: ANNUAL SHOW AND SALE OF CONTINENTAL WEANLINGS IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

MONDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER: CONTINENTAL BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE

THURSDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER: CONTINENTAL HEIFER SHOW AND SALE AND BELGIAN BLUE WEANLING SHOW AND SALE

MONDAY 2ND OCTOBER:

ABERDEEN ANGUS BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE

THURSDAY 5TH OCTOBER:

ABERDEEN ANGUS HEIFER SHOW AND SALE

SATURDAY 7TH OCTOBER: SATURDAY WEANLING SALE

SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER: SATURDAY WEANLING SALE

Stephanie Cregg from Ballyroddy in Elphin, winner of the Connemara two-year-old filly competition at the recent Strokestown Show, pictured with Jerry Mahon (Judge, left) and Allen Dolan, Strokestown Show committee (right). Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Robyn Crosby Hanly from Copperfield House, Rookwood, Athleague, winner of the Riding Class for Ponies under 138 cm to be ridden by children under 14, at the recent Strokestown Show, pictured with judges Richard Igo and Denise Colbrook. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Strokestown Show were Megan Tynan, Gary Rogers and Clodagh Rogers. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Strokestown Show were Ian and Emily Compton. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Local Roscommon stores receive top honours at Londis Retailing Awards

Show

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m.

Saturday 23rd September @ 11 a.m.

Breeding Ewes and Hoggets

Each Saturday - Gates open at 8 a.m.

Saturday 23rd September

West Region Texel Club

Ram

Show

& Sale

35 Pedigree Texel Shearling Rams & Ram Lamb Show 10 a.m. | Sale 1 p.m. *******

Followed by

Vendeen Sheep Society

Show and Sale

Londis retailers from every corner of the country, including Roscommon, descended on the Armada Hotel in Co. Clare recently for the 2023 Londis Retailing Awards.

The Londis Retailing Awards have been running for more than 20 years and recognise stores that excel across all areas of store performance. This year more than 80 Londis retailers received Retailing Awards, including three stores from Roscommon.

The Roscommon Londis stores to receive Londis Retailing Awards are Annie Timothy’s Londis in Abbeytown (Roscommon), Jim Casey’s Londis on Athlone Road (Roscommon), and Neil Kennedy’s Londis in The Crescent, Boyle.

Congratulating all Londis retailers on the night, Conor Hayes (Sales Director, Londis) said, “These awards are recognition of the commitment and ambition demonstrated by these retailers to keep providing the highest level of service to their customers. Their focus on continually exceeding customer expectations is a testament to the hard work

of their staff, for which they should be very proud. I want to congratulate all the Roscommon retailers and their teams on this outstanding achievement”.

The stores were independently examined across a range of criteria including customer service,

the quality of their fresh food offering, product range, and the store’s commitment to upholding the highest standards across all facets of their stores. This year’s awards were held as part of the Londis Conference 2023 entitled Achieving Togeth-

er, which was chaired by sports journalist Evanne Ni Chuillinn. Guest speakers included legendary rugby player and coach Ronan O’Gara, outstanding jockey Rachel Blackmore, and endurance athlete and motivation speaker Gerry Duffy.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors Partner promotions

Leading local law firm Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors has promoted two of its senior lawyers, Dolores Gacquin and Sinead Costello, to the position of Partner within the firm.

Dolores Gacquin works within the firm’s dedicated Medical Negligence Department, specialising

in complex plaintiff medical negligence matters.

Sinead Costello is part of their extensive Wills, Probate and Conveyancing Department, dealing with estate planning, estate administration and all property transactions.

Commenting on behalf of the firm, Niall Cunningham said, “We

are proud to confirm the appointment of Dolores Gacquin and Sinead Costello as Partners.

“Both Dolores and Sinead have earned a strong reputation for providing high quality legal advice and I am confident that their extensive expertise and experience will continue to drive further growth in

our firm. We are delighted to welcome Dolores and Sinead to our management team”.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors has enjoyed continued success this year earning the title of Leinster Law Firm of the Year 2023 at the prestigious Irish Law Awards 2023.

Pictured at the Londis Retailing Awards 2023, which took place recently in the Armada Hotel as part of the Londis Conference 2023, were Shane Hopkins (Londis Regional Development Manager), Jim Casey (Casey’s Londis, Athlone Road, Roscommon), and Vincent and Annie Timothy (Timothy’s Londis, Abbeytown, Roscommon). Pic: Naoise Culhane

Left to right: Brian Carolan, Niall Cunningham, Sinead Costello, Dolores Gacquin, Brian O’Brien, Michael Leonard.

To

Entertainment, Culture & Arts ON THE AIRWAVES

All The Things Left Unsaid – An Evening with Michael Harding

Writer returns to arts centre with new show

For almost 50 years, writer, storyteller and novelist Michael Harding has been crafting words in a bid to express himself and to explore truths about the human condition. But even still he found himself unable to say certain things he really wanted to. Then, while in recovery from surgery, he travelled to a cottage on the Atlantic coast and thought again about life and the people who had profoundly affected him over the years: mentors, loves and old friends.

There, at the ocean, he wrote letters, with an intimacy not previously risked. Letters that would never be posted but that feature in his latest book All the Things Left Unsaid – a vulnerable and beautifully wrought collection of insights into life, death, friendship and love.

Join Ireland’s master storyteller as he takes to the stage at Roscommon Arts Cen-

tre on Thursday, 21st of September (this evening) at 8 pm as audiences once again revel in his stories, told with great humour, warmth and honesty.

Tickets are €23 and are available now from box office on 09066 25824 and from roscommonartscentre.ie.

RosFM Community Radio news

The AGM of RosFM was held at its studios on Tuesday, 5th of September with the meeting being chaired by Bernie Kearney.

Station manager Seamus Duke reported on a successful year and thanked the volunteers for their hard work over the previous 12 months. He welcomed all the new volunteers who had joined the station in the past year and commented that the station now had a diverse and inclusive schedule catering for many sectors of the community whose voices would not be heard otherwise.

The chairperson thanked the Commisiun na Mean (formerly the BAI), Pobal, Roscommon County Council and other agencies who have been very cooperative over the past 12 months.

The Bard (of Connacht) is back!

The second annual Bard of Connacht poetry competition is now underway in conjunction with Creggs Harvest Festival, with a magnificent prize fund of €1,000 up for grabs.

The competition was first organised last year by Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society and drew entries from across the country.

Aspiring or established poets can take part, by submitting an entry on this year’s theme ‘Epic Journey’. The epic journey can be of any category, real or imaginary, historic or futuristic, local or global. Organisers were influenced when selecting the title on the role of Creggs in the epic journey of Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare from the Beare peninsula in west Cork to Breifne in Cavan in the harsh winter of 1602 to 1603. Only 35 hardy souls of his starting band of 1,000 made it to Cavan following the arduous journey.

The winner of this year’s Bard of Connacht will receive the Vincent Keaveny Memorial Trophy and a cheque for €500, while second, third and fourth placed poets will receive €250, €150 and €100.

Poets are invited to submit one entry to bardofconnacht@gmail.com and all entries must be received by Friday, October 20th, at 5 pm. A judging panel will then select the ten best entries, four of which will be winners. All entries must be original and there is no entry fee.

Composers of the ten best entries will be invited to attend an event in Creggs during the Harvest Festival and recite their poem, and the five prize-winners will be announced at that event and the prizes presented.

For further information, please contact Larry Kilcommins (Secretary, Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society) on 086 3468761 or email bardofconnacht@gmail.com.

Mairead is new Drama Festival chairperson

The AGM of the Roscommon Drama Festival was held in Gleeson’s Townhouse, Roscommon on Monday, September 11th.

The following officers were elected – Chairperson: Mairead Nally; Secretary: Marie McCrann; Treasurer: Caroline Egan; PRO: Jimmy Hoban.

Outgoing Chairperson Mary Finn referred specifically to the outstanding success of the 2023 Festival and thanked all those involved with what was described as “one of the

best festivals ever”.

Full houses were the order of the day and the quality of Drama presented was superb, with a number of prize-winners in Roscommon progressing to awards at national level.

The 2024 Drama Festival will take place in the Arts Centre, Roscommon from the 1st to the 9th of March. The Adjudicator is Padraic McIntyre who is very well known and respected on the Drama circuit. PRO Jimmy Hoban said: “The fes-

tival committee would like to thank all our groups, patrons, advertisers, sponsors, and you the public for the invaluable support now and in the past.

“Thanks also to the local media who have contributed in no small way to our success and of course to the staff of the Arts Centre in Roscommon whose efficiency and diligence ensures the smooth running of one of the premier Drama festivals in the country”.

A big welcome was extended to Adrianne Murphy who has joined the station in recent weeks on a Community Employment Scheme. Adrianne has over a decade of radio experience at Dublin station NearFM and she will present a current affairs programme with an emphasis on disability issues every Monday between 11.30 am and 1 pm. She will also present a new programme ‘Heavenly Tunes’ every Thursday from 2 pm to 3 pm.

The chairperson reported that the 50-50 draw has been a success since it was introduced and he appealed for more support for the draw which is held live in studio every two weeks. The outside broadcast unit has been out and about at various local events in recent weeks such as the Vintage Show in Strokestown, Strokestown Show, and Roscommon Agricultural Show.

The chairperson also thanked local businesses who had sponsored the station over the past 12 months and pointed out that it was the only way that the bills at the station could be paid.

The station manager pointed out that there were plans to extend the broadcasting hours into Saturday and Sunday every week subject to permission being granted by CNM. Full details to come.

Two new board members were appointed at the AGM, namely Mike Nolan and Martina Mulligan. RosFM broadcasts five days a week (9 am to 7 pm) – Monday to Friday. The station manager is Seamus Duke and the radio technician is Louis Fargo (both are paid by Pobal). Ciara Lawless is an outreach worker supported by CNM (she does 16 hours a week). Martina Dockery and Adrienne Murphy are on schemes which see them both work 19 and a half hours a week.

There are in the region of 25 volunteers who present a variety of shows every week and the full schedule and lots of other information about the station can be seen on www.rosfm.ie

feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Mairead Nally was elected as new Chairperson of Roscommon Drama Festival at their recent AGM.

Michael Harding

GOING OUT

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

There were big birthday celebrations for Rose Brogan in Kenny’s Lounge, Ballintubber. Rose is pictured celebrating her recent birthday with her ten sons and five of her daughters (one daughter, Mary, is absent from photo).

Rebecca Donoghue and James Beirne pictured at the recent Elphin Agricultural Show. Pic: Kieran Croghan

(Right) Pictured at the Roscommon Active Age evening at the Roscommon Races recently were Margaret Mannion, Mary Hill, Margaret Gunning and Angela Sweeney. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Presentation following the Roscommonracecourse.ie rated race at Roscommon recently. Pictured were (left to right) Dick O’Brien, Roscommon Racecourse; Pat Downes, representative of the Aga Khan; Robbie McConn, Roscommon Racecourse and Shane Fleming, Roscommon Racecourse. They were pictured after Hazalaya won the race. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Oisin, Odhrán and Olibhéar Egan and Shona Murphy. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Carol and Emma White. Pic: Michelle Hughes Wals

(Above) Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Chrissie, Cathy and Jimmy Farrell. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Paddy Mullen and Anthony Flaherty pictured at the Roscommon Races recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Countdown underway to 2023 Glenamaddy District Ploughing & Agricultural Show on October 1st Launch

held last Friday night

After a highly successful show last year, the Glenamaddy District Ploughing & Agricultural Show is back again, and the committee have worked endlessly since last year to deliver an even bigger and better show for 2023. The big event will be held on Sunday, October 1st.

The launch of this year’s show, which took place last Friday night at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre, offered a real taste of

what’s to come at the jam-packed upcoming show, with attendees discussing plans and gearing up for the event. The Glenamaddy Show committee are proud of the fact that this is the only show with its own song, i.e. ‘The Glenamaddy Show’, a song composed by local man James Shevlin (RIP) and performed by Julie Healy. Indeed Julie performed it at Friday’s launch. Committee chairperson Bernie Murray extended a warm invitation

to all, from near and far, to come along and enjoy the show. She also said she wished to “acknowledge the support from all our sponsors, without whom we would not be able to share this wonderful day with you, our visitors”.

Glenamaddy Show 2023 will take place on Sunday, October 1st, with the gates opening to the public at 10.30 am. An official opening by Jim Harrison (National Secretary of the Irish Shows Association)

will take place at 12 noon at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre. As ever, this year’s show will feature a number of exciting events – from the variety of competitions for ploughing/animal classes and the many indoor and outdoor trade stands and exhibits, to the musical entertainment and kids’ activities running throughout the day. An afternoon of entertainment with something for all the family is guaranteed at this year’s show.

Ploughing a path to national qualifiers

A key part of the programme for the day will be the ploughing competitions, which will have four categories –tractor ploughing, horse ploughing, donkey ploughing, and vintage ploughing.

Importantly, each of these classes serves as a qualifying round for the National Ploughing Championships.

So be sure to participate to demonstrate your skills and potentially advance to the national level. All entries will be accepted on the day of the event.

Pictured at the Glenamaddy Show launch last Friday night were (back row, l-r) Gerry Small, Assistant Treasurer; Matt Flanagan, Pat Connolly, Vice Chairperson; Tommie Mannion, Treasurer, Gerry Feeney; (front row, l-r) Claudia Gormley, Irish Show Association; Aoife Collins, Assistant Secretary; Bernie Murray, Chairperson; Marie Keaveney, Secretary and Maura Canning. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Liz Connolly, Joan Mannion, Mary Fernie and Kathleen Ward pictured at the Glenamaddy Show launch which took place at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre last Friday night. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Great range of competitions at 2023 Glenamaddy Show

The forthcoming annual Glenamaddy District Ploughing & Agricultural Show will once again feature a large number of top class competitions with prizes available across the categories.

In addition to the traditional competitions that have been crowdpleasers in previous years, a number of new categories featuring continental breeds have been introduced for this year’s show, adding a fresh dimension to the lineup. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-time entrant, there’s sure to be something for you!

Also new to this year’s show are poultry competitions and horse and pony demonstrations run by Mounted Games Association of Ireland, who will be running a promotion in Glenamaddy that weekend.

Outdoor and indoor exhibitors will of course feature prominently.

Last year saw the very successful introduction of the rare breeds section, with breeds such as Highlanders, Belted Galloways, and Dexters, to mention a few. This year, it is hoped that the show will have even more rare breeds.

A wide range of cattle classes will of course be held at the show, including both commercial and pedigree categories. New this year are the four-star and five-star continental breed classes, in addition to traditional classes. The show’s dairy cattle classes will focus on celebrating Irish dairy breeds, and providing an excellent platform for showcasing the finest in local milk-producing cattle. Whether you have a Kerry, Dexter, or Irish Moiled, this is your chance to compete and gain recognition.

The poultry competition will have a range of classes to suit all poultry enthusiasts. There will be categories for any variety of large

hen or cock, bantam hen or cock, and large waterfowl duck or drake. Additionally, the show will offer classes for any other bantam waterfowl duck or drake, any other fowl hen or cock, as well as egg categories that include three large hen eggs, three bantam hen eggs, and three duck eggs. Whether you’re an experienced poultry keeper or new to the scene, the competition offers a variety of opportunities to participate and showcase your birds.

The Dog Show is another highly anticipated competition. Featuring sixteen different classes, the

The key details…

Dog Show at Glenamaddy is designed to accommodate a diverse range of participants – so whether you’re young or old, or have a big dog or small dog, there’s a class for you. All children with entries in the Dog Show will be presented with a medal in maroon and white engraving for their participation. All entries for the Dog Show will be taken on-site on the day of the event.

For more information on the competitions running as part of Glenamaddy Show 2023, and to access entry forms, visit glenamaddyshow.com/competitions/.

Admission to the show is €10 per adult, with U-12s admitted for free. For more information on the upcoming show, visit glenamaddyshow. com, or find the show on Facebook. For general enquiries, contact Marie on 087 2891582, or Aoife on 086 2014136.

Frank and Garry Mulligan from Creggs pictured with Darragh Fernie from Glenamaddy at the Glenamaddy Show launch which took place at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre last Friday night. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Eileen Carroll from Ballymoe and Cathy Doherty from Glenamaddy pictured with Suzie the dog at the Glenamaddy Show launch which took place at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre last Friday night. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Felicity and Patricia McGrath pictured with Padraig Geraghty and Ben Hussey showing their rare breed Kerry cattle during the Glenamaddy Show launch which took place at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre last Friday night. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Michael Comer and Denny Lyons pictured during the Glenamaddy Show launch which took place at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre last Friday night. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Amazing variety of attractions!

Beyond the wide range of ploughing/animal competitions scheduled for this year’s Glenamaddy District Ploughing & Agricultural Show, there is a huge amount of exciting attractions on offer, from different demonstrations and displays to music and kids’ entertainment. The show takes place on Sunday, October 1st.

One such special attraction set to take place on the day will see two clever cows, who are trained to plough a section of land, demonstrate their skills. This will be taking place near the ever-popular vintage section, which will see a selection of vintage cars and tractors on display and provide for very interesting viewing. There will also be a working thresher on display, which is sure to bring back memories of days of yore. Musical entertainment will feature from 12.30 pm onwards, with the respective talents of Shane Moore and Carmel McLoughlin providing live entertainment, including traditional music and sean-nós dancing.

A number of trade stands, both indoor and outdoor, will also be set up, with local businesses converging to showcase their offerings and connect with potential customers. It’s a prime opportunity for the public to discover the best of what our local enterprises bring to the table.

For foodies, in addition to the host of food stalls that’ll be at the show – serving everything from hearty breakfasts and chips to delectable crêpes and sweet delights – there will be cookery demonstrations taking place, where skilled chefs share their techniques and favourite recipes. It’s a great opportunity to pick up some new cooking tips and get inspired in the kitchen, and perfect for those keen on expanding their culinary horizons.

For the little ones, there will be lots of free entertainment at the show, with Nancy the Clown in attendance, face-painting available, and a Jiving Juniors workshop run by renowned dance teacher Sandra Ganley taking place.

Local sports clubs, including Glen Celtic and Glenamaddy GAA, will also be hosting exciting activities. And don’t miss out on the show’s art competitions, a canvass for budding talents!

There is sure to be something for all the family at the upcoming Glenamaddy Show, so be sure to come along, show your support, and enjoy a brilliant day out. For more information, visit glenamaddyshow.com.

Members of the Glenamaddy Show committee, sponsors and volunteers pictured during the Glenamaddy Show launch in the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre last Friday night. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Sean Carr pictured at the Glenamaddy Show launch which took place at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre last Friday night. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Family fun at Roscommon Show…

A young farmer waiting for the verdict of the judges during the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Friends Cameron, MJ, Shay and Eoghan pictured enjoying their day at the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Amy Shine, Lauren Shine, Jess Lumley and Mary Gaffey from DPD pictured at the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Civil Defence volunteers Adrian McConn, Bosco Smyth, Andy Boyle and Margaret Treacy pictured during the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Kayleigh, Tadhg and Noel Fleming with their dogs Bella and Lexi pictured at the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Doireann Fallon and her dog Luna pictured after getting a rosette and a trophy during the Dog Show at the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Theresa Cunningham and her dog, lovingly named Riley Bulmers, pictured after coming third in her class during the Dog Show at the Roscommon Agricultural Show last weekend. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Karen and Emily Berzina with their dog Teddy pictured at the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Mary Murray from Knockcroghery and Agnes Flanagan from Fourmilehouse pictured enjoying the nice weather at the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Volunteers Gerry Kelly and Michael O’Grady pictured during the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Michael and Joseph Belton pictured at the Roscommon Agricultural Show last Saturday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

PropertyPeople

NEW TO THE MARKET Barnacullen, Knockcroghery, Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 Y430

Charming residence on a large c. 1 acre site situated in a quite countryside setting located between the villages of Knockcroghery and Lecarrow being only 15 minutes to Athlone Town centre and 10 minutes to Roscommon Town. The residence has been substantially renovated and boasts old world charm with many unique features including natural stone and featured brick interiors. Accommodation includes entrance hallway, living room, kitchen, sitting room/dining room, 2 bedrooms and bathroom.

Outside numerous outbuildings and sheds together with large site area, fruit trees and private water supply.

Price Region: € 175,000

BER Rating: G

NEW TO THE MARKET Carrowroe, Athlone Road, Roscommon, Co.

Roscommon F42 XK58

Unique property situated on the Athlone Road, just 1 mile from Roscommon Town centre in a scenic countryside setting overlooking Molloy’s Wood and convenient to Mote Park Forest. Spacious bungalow comprising entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen, dining room, 4 bedrooms all with built in wardrobes, and 2 with WHB together with family bathroom.

Attached to the side is a 1 bedroom self contained apartment with independent heating and electricity. Spacious site area with 2 large sheds/ workshops to rear, ample parking and large back garden. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a property of this calibre at this location and the Auctioneers invite early viewings.

Price Region: € 249,000

NEW TO THE MARKET

house set on landscaped grounds

BER Rating: C3

112 Abbeyville, Galway Road, Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 V252

Spacious 4 bedroom residence situated in a sought after site on the outer leaf of this development with large rear private garden. Located in a popular residential area on the Galway Road within walking distance to Town center, Train station, schools and shops.

Accommodation includes entrance hallway, sitting room with inset solid fuel stove, open plan kitchen/ dining room, large utility with w.c. off. First floor, 4 large bedrooms, 2 with built in wardrobes and master ensuite together with family bathroom. Early viewing advised at this property is priced to sell.

Price Region: € 235,000

NEW TO THE MARKET

Prime Development Sites with FPP

Woodberry Court, Roscommon Town

Exceptional ready to go building sites with full Planning permission for attractive 4 bedroom 2 storey residences c. 1972 sq.ft. on excellent site overlooking Roscommon Golf Club in a premier residential location. There are only 2 sites remaining which are being sold on an individual basis with all services connected.

Price Region €100,000.

BER Rating: B3

Oates Auctioneers are delighted to offer for sale a majestic 5-bedroom (3 ensuite) property at Gortgallon, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon (N39 DH5). The house is set on c. 1.5 acres of landscaped grounds with mature trees and hedging located in a quiet countryside culde-sac just 3 miles from Lanesboro town. Lanesboro is a very popular town on the River Shannon with excellent water facilities including two large marinas, excellent schools, shops, bars and restaurants; Athlone, Longford and Roscommon town are readily accessible.

This is a rare opportunity to purchase an exemplary house comprising 5 bedrooms, 3 of which are ensuite, large open plan kitchen / dining room with conservatory off, a spacious utility room, 2 large bathrooms and attractive sitting room.

Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the Sole Selling Agents. Price Region: €425,000.

For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact Oates Auctioneers on 0906627878 or email info@oates.ie

PropertyPeople

Remax Team Earley sell Lanesboro filling station by online auction

WELL-KNOWN PREMISES

FETCHED €180,000

This week, Cathal Meares of Remax Team Earley is pleased to advise that the filling station at Barnacor, Lanesboro was sold by online auction via the LSL Platform at 12 noon on Friday last, September 15th, for a figure of €180,000.

The property was presented to the market as a most attractive filling station, shop unit and two-bedroomed residence, standing on approximately 0.74 of an acre and superbly located

Roscommon commercial vacancy rate rises to 16.9%

The commercial vacancy rate in Roscommon stood at 16.9 per cent in June, according to the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report, issued recently. This represents an increase of 0.3 percentage points compared to June 2022.

The report, prepared by EY, found that the national commercial vacancy rate stood at 14.1 per cent in June, a marginal increase of 0.2 percentage points when compared to the same period in 2022. The national commercial vacancy rate is the highest level recorded by GeoDirectory since it began reporting on the rates in 2013.

beside Lanesboro and all amenities.

The said property is situated on the main N63 Roscommon/Longford route and is only approximately 1 km from the town centre.

Remax Team Earley are now looking for similar commercial/retail properties for underbidders, cash clients, and mortgage approved clients.

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

Commercial vacancy rates increased in 20 out of 26 counties in the twelve months to June 2023, with a total of 29,798 vacant commercial units recorded across Ireland.

The analysis shows that there remains a wide disparity in vacancy rates across the country, a trend observed in previous GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings reports.

At 19.9 per cent, Sligo was the county with the highest commercial vacancy rate, followed by

Galway (18%), Donegal (17.9%), Mayo (17.3%) and Roscommon (16.9%). The county with the lowest commercial vacancy rate was Meath at 10.2 per cent, followed by Wexford at 10.6 per cent and Kerry at 12.2 per cent. The report also examined the commercial vacancy rates among a sample of 80 towns across the country. Of the towns in Roscommon analysed, Boyle had the highest commercial vacancy rate in Q2 at 27.6 per cent, while Roscommon town had the lowest, at 21 per cent.

Commenting on the findings of the report, Dara Keogh, Chief Executive of GeoDirectory said: “The latest GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report found the national commercial vacancy rate to be 14.1 per cent, making this the highest level of commercial vacancy on record.

“Businesses are clearly still struggling with the increasing costs of doing business in regard to energy costs and food inflation. An additional challenge this year has been interest rate increases which are generating some pressures for commercial owner-occupiers and tenants”.

14.3 ACRES APPROX OF PRIME ROADSIDE LANDS located at CORSKEAGH, FRENCHPARK, CO. ROSCOMMON

NEW TO THE MARKET

29.34 ACRES APPROX OF PRIME LANDS SOLD IN ONE OR TWO LOTS located at KILMURRAY CASTLEPLUNKETT, CO. ROSCOMMON

AMV: €275,0000

A filling station at Barnacor, Lanesboro was sold by online auction via the LSL Platform on Friday last, September 15th, for a figure of €180,000.

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

< ALCOHOLICS ANONY -

MOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code:

F42 RP21 (1st Floor).

Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and flues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services.

Telephone:

087 2798704

LINE DANCING

< Line Dancing in the Quad Centre, Roscommon Town every Friday at 11.15am and every Sunday at 6pm also Line Dancing, Jive and Quick Step in Four Mile House every Tuesday at 7pm. Contact: 086 8474744

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Creighton

Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc.

Modern Rotary Chimney Cleaning equipment used from the bottom up. Much cleaner than brushes, CCTV check if required.

Areas covered: Castlerea, Strokestown, Elphin, Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Lanesboro, Roscommon Town, Killashee, Carrickon-Shannon, Scramogue, Rooskey, Kenagh, Tarmonbarry, Ballymahon and all surrounding areas. No climbing on roofs, tiles or slates, no mess, no fuss. Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

CHIROPRACTOR

info@dccomputerservices.ie

Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey Construction

l General Building

l Extensions & Roofing

l Groundworks

l Renovations

l Chimney CCTV Inspections

l Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Are you affected byAnger 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

FARMING/LIVESTOCK

< LIVESTOCK WANTED: Wanted small herd of FR type dairy cows. Please call after 6pm. Tel: 086 3908647

FOR SALE

< FOR SALE: Tonne bags of timber also mowing plough, Kubota 3 tonne mini digger with rubber tracks and 6x4 car trailer. Tel: 087 7733181

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing

Over 30 years in business

All types of fencing supplied and erected Including:

• 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

JOE HEALY Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Fully Insured

Phone: 087 2721193

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

• Landscaping

• Timber Decking

• Patios

• General Maintenance

Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

GARDENING

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

GARDEN MAINTANCE

l Lawns cut

l Hedges trimmed

l Strimming

l Garden shed & fence painting

l General garden maintenance ...

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

Professional and friendly footcare in the comfort of your own home.

Foot Care Practitioner 086 3562718

kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.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?

Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk web:

www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

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 tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

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

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING

Reasonable rates Roscommon/ Lanesboro/ Strokestown area.

GARDENING Call John 085 108 6215

• 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.parklaw treeservices.com

CORBETT TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

l General Maintenance

l Dangerous Tree Removal

l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped

l Wood Chipping

l Fully Insured Contact Alan on 087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

LTD

For all your fencing needs.

l GLAS Fencing

l Grant Fencing

l Post Rail

Tel: 087 2172281

GROUND WORKS

GRINDS

< MATHS GRINDS: All Levels. Experienced Tutor. 1-to-1 and small groups possible. Call/Text/Whatsapp Coman: 085 706 3536

GF Ground Works

l Landscaping l Paving & Kerbing l Foundations

l Footpaths l Drainage & Septic tanks l Driveways

l Fully insured l References available

Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans

Name of applicants: NW Lighthouse Marine Limited.

Reference number of Planning Application: PD/22/543

The Development applied for comprises of the following:

1. To retain existing storm shelter barrier bounding an existing open winter boat storage area. To retain, develop and complete small inner harbour on South West side of site.

2. To retain 2 No. boat sheds adjacent to existing boat maintenance shed, storage sheds to rear of boat sheds, small storage units to South East of site and storage yard to North East of site.

3. Permission to construct a covered winter boat storage shed incorporating the storm shelter barrier into the North West elevation of the proposed covered winter boat storage shed, provide 2 No. over ground rainwater harvesting storage tanks and all ancillary site works necessary to complete the development.

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans have been submitted to the Planning Authority in relation to the above stated development at: Tara Marina, Knockadaff, Knockvicar, Co. Roscommon.

Significant Further Information / Revised Plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in relation to the application and are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the Significant Further Information / Revised Plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission /observation.

Signed: Audrei Gilboy on behalf of NW Lighthouse Marine Limited Tara Marina, Knockadaff Knockvicar, Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Full Planning Permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed replacement of an existing Septic Tank System with an onsite sewerage system with polishing filter in accordance with EPA Code of Practice 2021 and all ancillary works at Termon Beg, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon for Mr. John Larkin.

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 it’s public opening hours and 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:

Cunningham Design & Planning Limited

Block C, N4 Axis Centre, Longford, Co. Longford

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Sarah Jane and Ronan Mitchell, intend to apply for permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage, the installation of a sewerage treatment unit and percolation area along with connections to all site services and all other associated site works at Newtown Townland, Whitehall, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 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 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:

Murtagh Engineering

Chartered Consulting Engineers, Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon. Ph: (086) 3490965 www.mbeprojects.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Full Planning Permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed installation of an onsite sewerage system with polishing filter in accordance with EPA Code of Practice 2021 to service an existing cottage type dwelling house and all ancillary works at Cloonmore, Townland, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon for Michael Pearse O’Gara.

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 it’s Public Opening Hours and 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:

Cunningham Design & Planning Limited

Block C, N4 Axis Centre, Longford, Co. Longford

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, James and Crystal Crenshaw, are applying for Planning Permission for 1. The demoiltion of an existing rear partially collapsed shed and the construction of a single storey extension to the rear of an existing dwelling house. 2. Partial Demolition, Re-roofing and conversion of an existing outbuilding to a proposed new living area with the addition of a porch to link it with the existing house. 3. Re-roofing and alterations to front facade of existing dwelling house and 4. The proposed widening of the existing Entrance Gate with connection to the existing Public Sewer and all associated site development works at Toomanagh Td, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd.

Consulting Engineers

C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile: (086) 8167365

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

We, The Board of Management of St. Coman’s Wood Primary School, are applying for Planning Permission to construct a new universal access lift and lift shaft with all associated site development works at St. Coman’s Wood Primary School, Junior Convent Site, Ardnanagh Townland, Convent Rd, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd.

Consulting Engineers

C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon.

Tel: (090) 66 28184

Mobile: (086) 8167365

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Áras an Chontae, Roscommon SITE NOTICE OF FURTHER INFORMATION

James and Laura Hunt, Ardsallagh More, Roscommon.

Planning Reference - PD/23/250

The development applied for consisted of - the demolition of an existing dwelling house and the erection of a new replacement dwelling house and domestic garage, connection to existing services and associated site development works and includes the temporary retention of the existing house at Ardsallagh More, Roscommon.

Significant Further Information in relation to the application has been furnished to the Planning Authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the Further Information may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/ observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors, 2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St., Roscommon.

Ph: 087 2222874

E: seamusmurray60@gmail.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Margie and Vincent Collins intend to apply for planning permission for the demolition of an existing single storey bay window to the east, the utility, carport and outbuilding to the south, removal of a chimney, adjustments to existing windows and door opens to both west and east, and the construction of single storey extensions to the east, west and south, including all associated internal modifications and siteworks at Tonlegee, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Shane Smyth – Hoctor Smyth Architecture & Engineering, Birr, Co. Offaly.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, MZ Caters Ltd, are applying for Retention Planning Permission for the erection of 2 number advertisement signs to the front facade of the Zaiqa Restaurant, Ballypheasan Td, The Square, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon.

F42 D560

Signed: AOL Design Ltd.

Consulting Engineers

C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon.

Tel: (090) 66 28184

Mobile: (086) 8167365

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON

COUNTY COUNCIL

Full Planning Permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed partial redesign of a previously permitted residential development granted Full Planning Permission Under Planning Reference Number PD/22/274 whereby it is now proposed to replace the permitted 5 No. Detached storey and a half type dwelling houses with 8 No. Three Bedroom Two Storey Semi-Detached type detached dwelling houses, connections to various services and all ancillary site works at The Maples, Lisroyne, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon for Avenir Homes Ltd.

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

Signed:

Cunningham Design & Planning Ltd. Block C, N4 Axis Centre, Longford, Co. Longford.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Carroll Consultancy, are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Niall Rafferty for planning permission for development of construction of a slatted shed with underground slurry storage tank along with all associated site works at Cloondart, Carrowbehy, 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 opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant the application.

Signed: Carroll Consultancy, Bridge Street, Swinford, Co. Mayo.

Telephone: 094 9253742

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I Cáit Skeffington, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission for:

(A) Construction of 1 new single storey domestic dwelling, WWTs to Epa CoP 2021 EN 12566-3 (B) 1 domestic garage and all other associated site works to my site at Rockingham Demesne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Vincent Durkin (Agent).

www.DurkinDesign.ie

Architectural Design & Engineering solutions Tel: 086 83 72 933

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Mary Beirne intend to apply for permission for retention of an agricultural farm shed for the housing of livestock and the storage of machinery and associated siteworks at Grange, Four Mile House. 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Deane Associates, Williamstown Tel: (094) 9643079

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Egan Mulready and Associates Ltd (Athlone) on behalf of our clients Ann Marie Jenner and Rory Fagan, intend to apply for permission for development at this site: Barrymore, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the decommissioning of an existing septic tank and soak away and installation of a new treatment system and percolation area and all associated site works. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Egan Mulready & Associates Ltd.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Ciara Buckley intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the installation of a replacement sewerage treatment plant and percolation area in accordance with E.P.A.Code of Practice (2021) “Domestic Waste Water Systems”, and ancillary site development works at Ballymurray, Roscommon

Signed: Ciara Buckley

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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PROPERTIES

Sarah

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.

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: Phone: (089) 4142233

• Home visits

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience

PUBLIC NOTICE

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court No. 86.3 Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

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

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Liam Callaghan of Rathmoyle, Castlerea, Roscommon intends to apply to the District Court at Castlerea District Court on the 20th October 2023 at 11.30am for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit Kilmurray Parish Hall situate at Kilmurray, Castlerea, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45 T996 in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Signed: Mahon Sweeney Solicitors LLP Solicitor for Applicant, The Square, Roscommon, Roscommon

To: The Garda Superintendent, Castlerea Garda Station, Castlerea, Roscommon, F45 YX06. CourtPresenters.RosLong@garda.ie.

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

To: The County Council Official, Church Road, Roscommon Town, Roscommon, F42VR98 info@roscommoncoco.ie

To: The Health Service Executive Official, roscommon.peho@hse.ie

To: The District Court Clerk, Roscommon District Court.

The District Court (An Chuirt Duiche) Licensing Acts, 1833 to 2011

The Licensing (Ireland) Act, 1833 Section 6

As amended by substitution in the First Schedule to the Courts (No.2) Act, 1986 Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29

The District Court Rules, 1997 Order 79

Notice of Application for Certificate of Transfer of Licence

Colin Hanly as nominee of Lakeshore Refreshment Limited - Applicant

The Silver Eel, Grange, Strokestown, County Roscommon - Premises

TAKE NOTICE that Colin Hanly as Nominee of Lakeshore Refreshment Limited whose place of business is at Unit D Ground Floor, Apex Business Centre, Blackthorn Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18, intends to apply to the adjourned Annual Licensing District Court on 25th day of October, 2023 at The Courthouse, Strokestown, County Roscommon for a Certificate of Transfer entitling the Applicant to receive an Ordinary Seven Day Publican’s Licence in respect of the premises known as The Silver Eel, Grange, Strokestown, County Roscommon in the Court Area and District aforesaid. Dated the 19th of September 2023

Signed: Dockery Solicitors Solicitor for the Applicant, Main Street, Elphin, County Roscommon.

To: The Fire Officer, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon, County Roscommon.

To: The Garda Superintendent, An Garda Siochana, Castlerea Garda Station, Castlerea, County Roscommon

l Slate roofs l

FOOTCARE

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

CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email

APPOINTMENTS

Requires a:

1st/2nd Year Apprentice Electrician

1st/2nd Year Apprentice Maintenance Fitter

Please apply in writing to:

Site Manager, Murray Timber Group Hermitage, Ballygar, Co. Galway or Email: info@mtg.ie

SITUATIONS

VACANT

< DRIVER: Light van/car driver for Roscommon Town, full clean licence (would suit retiree).

Apply to PO Box No 3085 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

< CHILDMINDER: Required in Loughglynn area to pick up and look after two boys after school. Phone: 083 2086856

< SECRETARY: Parttime Secretary required for busy Solicitors office in Roscommon Town. Apply with CV to PO Box No 3086 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

HOLLYHOCKS

CRECHE AND PLAYSCHOOL currently have a vacancy for an EARLY YEARS

PRACTITIONER

Minimum qualification FETAC Level 5

Applications to: Helen Cosgrove, Cloonslanor, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Phone: 087 6995548

E-mail: cosgrap@hotmail.com

Sean Doyle Windows Limited Roscommon Town

Are continually expanding and now require

Primary Eye Care Team, Community Healthcare West have the following vacancies:

Primary Eye Care Team, Community Healthcare West have the following vacancies:

Ophthalmic Technician/Optical Assistant

OPHTHALMIC TECHNICIAN/ OPTICAL ASSISTANT

GALWAY: There is currently 2 W.T.E temporary whole-time vacancies available in the Eye Clinic in Galway ( Shantalla, Loughrea and Tuam)

Galway: There is currently 2 W.T.E temporary whole-time vacancies available in the Eye Clinic in Galway ( Shantalla, Loughrea and Tuam)

Mayo: There is currently 2 W.T.E temporary whole time vacancies available in the Eye Clinic in Mayo (Castlebar, Ballina, Swinford and Belmullet)

MAYO: There is currently 2 W.T.E temporary whole time vacancies available in the Eye Clinic in Mayo (Castlebar, Ballina, Swinford and Belmullet)

Roscommon: There is currently 2 W.T.E temporary whole-time vacancy available in the Eye Clinic in Roscommon (Roscommon Town, Boyle and Ballinasloe).

ROSCOMMON: There is currently 2 W.T.E temporary whole-time vacancies available in the Eye Clinic in Roscommon (Roscommon Town, Boyle and Ballinasloe).

Open for applications: Friday 08th September 2023

l Candidates must be confident and

To arrange your interview please contact & Hardwood windows, Doors, Patio doors, www.seandoylewindows.ie

Closing date: Wednesday 27th September 2023 at 12 noon

Open for applications: Friday, 8th September 2023

Closing date: Wednesday, 27th September 2023 at 12 noon

Informal Enquiries: Ms. Ita Kelly, Business Manager for Ophthalmology, Community Healthcare West * Email: Ita.Kelly1@hse.ie

Informal enquiries: Ms. Ita Kelly, Business Manager for Ophthalmology, Community Healthcare West * Email: Ita.Kelly1@hse.ie

Full details on this campaign - Application Form, Additional Campaign Information and Job Specification are available on Rezoomo by clicking on the following link: https://www. rezoomo.com/job/54314/

Full details on this campaign - Application Form, Additional Campaign Information and Job Specification are available on Rezoomo with the following link: https://www.rezoomo.com/job/54314/

For further information on these posts and how to apply please visit www.hse.ie/eng/jobs

For further information on these posts and how to apply please visit: www.hse.ie/eng/jobs

Campaign Ref: CHW103-OPT-2023

Campaign Ref: CHW103-OPT-2023

2 stroke and 4 stroke mechanics wanted for repairs to customers gardening equipment and upkeep of our own rmtoolhire@gmail.com

6 Roscommon West Business Park Circular Road Roscommon 09066 30700 087 8299628

FINNEGAN M.J.

Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Who died on 24th

September 2009

Rest in Peace (14th Anniversary)

DWYER (née Kelly)

Elizabeth (Liz)

Derryglad, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away on 9th September 2022. (1st Anniversary)

HYNES

Danny (16th Anniversary)

KELLEHAN Maureen

Kilmore, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of dear Maureen (1st Anniversary)

A little whisper on a September morning, You heard a gentle call, you took the hand of Jesus and quietly left us all. Our memories are our keepsake, from which we never part, God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts.

Lovingly remembered by Mary and family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 23rd September at 8pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea.

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

Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

The family of Liz would like to sincerely thank all her good neighbours, friends and relations for their help and support during her short illness and passing.

We very much appreciated the assistance of the home carers from HSE, Bluebird and Palliative Care.

We would like to thank Fr. Michael Molloy, Moore, who visited Liz on a monthly basis and participated in the concelebrated Funeral Mass in Curraghboy Church along with Fr. Michael McManus, Ballybay, Fr. Michael Hickey, Drum and Fr. Ray Milton, Knockcroghery. Thanks also to Deacon Willie Gacquin who led prayers in the house and Funeral Home.

Many thanks to Enda McHugh Undertaker, for his kindness and professionalism.

We thank our wonderful neighbours in Curraghboy and Clonfad who visited and helped us in every way. We thank the gravediggers, Moore and Clonfad Choirs and all who attended the Funeral, sent Mass cards and messages of sympathy.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this as an expression of our deepest gratitude and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

First Anniversary Mass for Liz is in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, September 24th at 10am.

TUCKER (née Martin)

Mary Lehery, Lanesboro

23rd September 2005(18th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Danny, late of Shrove, Strokestown, who died on the 25th September 2007

He always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke, a time to care, A wonderful nature, warm and kind these are the memories he left behind.

Forever in our hearts Mam, Dad, Séan, Aisling and Alan.

TRAYERS

John Ardagh, Glinsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (18th Anniversary)

MONTH’S MIND MASS

ROGERS

Pat

Ardsallagh More, Roscommon Town

Who passed away on the 14th August 2023

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered, “come to me”. With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away, although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

In loving memory of John who passed away on the 25th September 2005.

Every day in some small way, memories of you come our way. Though absent you are ever near, still missed, loved and always dear.

Loved and remembered always by your loving wife Catherine, daughter Colette, sons Séan, Gabriel and Enda, son-in-law, daughters-in-law and adored grandchildren.

Loved and sadly missed by Peter, sons John, Pete, Kevin, Michael and Tommie, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and extended family.

Anniversary Mass for Maureen on Friday, 29th September in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague at 7pm.

McCORMACK Frances

Gortgallon, Lanesboro, Co. Longford (11th Anniversary)

We the family of the late Pat Rogers, wish to express our sincere gratitude for everyone who supported us on the sad passing of our beloved Pat. Thank you to all who called to our home, attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial and to all who travelled long distances, sent cards, letters, texts and condolences on RIP.ie.

Thank you to our wonderful neighbours and friends who provided food and refreshments.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the medical, nursing, homecare and other staff who cared for Pat over the latter years of his illness, especially Celina and Margaret who supported us in caring for Pat at home. We wish to thank the Public Health Nurses, Dr. O’Meara and his staff at Roscommon County Hospital, the Western Alzheimers Day Unit in the Fourmile House and the Day Centre at the Sacred Heart Hospital Roscommon. Thank you to Breda, Fr. Anthony, who administered the Last Rites to Pat and all the staff at the Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home in Ballyleague. We would like to thank David Hynes and staff at Hynes Pharmacy in Roscommon Town and Johnston’s Pharmacy in Lanesborough. We would like to express our gratitude to our local GPs in Roscommon Town, Dr. Fiona and Dr. Wojciech, who ensured Pat received the very best care when he needed it over the past 5 years.

Thank you to all the clergy, including Fr. Kevin, who brought communion to Pat at home, Deacons, Parish and Pastoral Care staff who comforted Pat over the last few years,. Thanks to Fr. Fitzgerald, Fr. Naughton, Fr Morris for celebrating the Funeral Mass. Thank you to Deacon Willie Gaquin, a long-standing friend and teaching colleague of Pat, for his Homily. Thank you to Derek Mahady for providing the Funeral music.

Remembering our beloved mother Mary

Sadly missed by her loving family and friends.

Our Lady of Knock pray for her.

Who passed away on 26th September 2012

Your life was love and labour, your love for your family true, you did your best for all of us, we will always remember you.

Lovingly remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Saturday, 23rd September at 7pm.

We would like to thank all Pat’s teaching colleagues, who provided a Guard of Honour at the Funeral and for all who stood along the route from Pat’s home to the Sacred Heart Church and from the Church to St. Coman’s Cemetery. Thank you to all our neighbours, former students of the CBS, our local Roscommon Gaels GAA Club and the farming community for their support for Pat over the recent years.

Thank you to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for your professionalism and patience at such a difficult time. Thank you Jimmy McNeill and Brian O’Rourke who prepared Pat’s final resting place with special care and attention. Thank you to the Abbey Hotel for catering after the Funeral.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions as a token of our sincere appreciation and thanks.

Pat will be missed by all his family and friends, but we know he will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Pat’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 23rd September at 7pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town.

COX

Patrick (Pakie)

Killinorden, Scramogue, Roscommon. (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Patrick who sadly passed away on the 23rd of September 2021.

R.I.P.

DOLAN

Kathleen (née Marron)

Oaklawn Drive, Racecourse Road, Co. Roscommon and Shantonagh, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. Who passed away on October 1st 2022.

(1st Anniversary)

MELODY Christopher

Cloonslanor,

CARR

Jim and Kathleen Mount Talbot

Every day, in some small way, memories of you come our way. Though absent, you are always near, still missed, still loved, and ever dear.

Always remembered by your family.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Anne’s Church, Scramogue on Sunday, 24th September at 10am.

FALLON

Albert (Bert)

Coolusty, Athleague (2nd Anniversary)

20th September 2021

As we remember our Mam, Kathleen, on the First Anniversary of her passing, her family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who sympathised and offered support to us during that difficult time.

We want to thank all those who called to her home, travelled long distances and attended her Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, those who sent floral tributes, text messages, letters, cards of condolence and posted online condolences, you provided much strength and comfort to us during this time.

Also, a special thank you to the Ambulance Service and the Gardai, who assisted on the morning of Mam’s passing.

We wish to thank Fr. Joe Fitzgerald for his kindness and support during this difficult time, calling to her home and celebrating Kathleen’s lovely Mass. Thanks to Fred Mulryan for providing hymns and music throughout the ceremony.

A very special word of thanks to Pat and Gillian Smyth of Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism and guidance throughout. Thanks to John Smyth for his attention to detail. Sincere thanks to the gravediggers who prepared Mam’s final resting place with such considerate care and attention.

We would like to thank Kathleen’s neighbours and friends and our neighbours and friends in the wider community, who helped with refreshments, traffic control and those who lined the street on the morning of the Funeral as a mark of respect. Your continuous support is much appreciated.

Thanks to the Abbey Hotel for the lovely meal that they provided.

Since it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions.

How lucky God is to have such a treasure, take care of her Lord, forever and ever.

Kathleen’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 1st October at 11.30 am. in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

We the family of the late Chris Melody would like to express our gratitude to all who sympathised with us on the passing of Chris. Thank you to all who travelled long distances, sent messages, Mass cards and condolences. Thank you to neighbours, friends and relatives for your kindness and support.

We would like to thank the staff of Roscommon Hospice who cared for Chris so well in his final days. Doctors and nurses of Roscommon Hospital and Clinic and Strokestown Area Public Health Nurses for all the support and advice given during Chris’s illness. Thank you also to Fr. Eamonn O’Connor and Pat McHugh Undertakers for the dignified handling of the Funeral arrangement, grave diggers and to Eimear and Andrew Reynolds for the beautiful church singing, everyone who attended the church service and joined us online.

We will be forever grateful for your kindest and support.

RUANE

Ned, Colm and Mary Lisnamult, Roscommon

In loving memory of Ned and Colm Ruane, whose 4th Anniversary takes place on the 23rd and 25th of September 2023 and Mary Ruane who’s 18th Anniversary took place on the 8th June 2023.

Treasured memories of my parents Jim who died on the 2nd September 1996 and Kathleen who died on the 22nd September 2000

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart. For as long as there is a memory, they live on in our hearts.

Also remembering my brother John Who died on the 8th January 2013

He lived for those he loved, and those he loved remember.

Always loved and sadly missed, by his wife Mary, sons Noel and Adrian, daughtersin-law Martina and Sabrina, grandchildren Cormac, Ethan, Caoimhe, Lauren and Áine.

Second Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Sunday, 24th September at 10am.

FITZGERALD

Michael & Marcella

Tremane, Co. Roscommon Kendale Court, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Michael (25th Anniversary)

Always loved and remembered

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 23rd September at 7pm.

We often sit and think of ye, and think of how ye died. To think ye could not say goodbye, before ye closed your eyes. The blow was hard, the shock severe, to part with ones we loved so dear. Our loss is great, we’ll not complain, but trust in God we meet again. Sadly missed by your heartbroken family. Mass offered.

THANKSGIVINGS

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request).

The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. A.M.K.

When someone you love becomes a memory that memory becomes a treasure.

Loved and sadly missed by their daughter Kathy and grandchildren Fiona, Michelle, Niall, Cathriona, Niamh and Ciara. Mass offered.

Strokestown, Roscommon Who passed away on the 4th July 2023

Colm Ruane Ned Ruane

Mary Ruane

Marcella (5th Anniversary)

Remembered by Marie, James, Tom and Sinéad and great grandchildren Mia, Jay, Caoimhe and Cara and extended family and friends.

Brilliant Brassil claims Kerry National

Horses for Courses

On Wednesday in Listowel, Martin Brassil trained another national winner as Desertmore House carried Ricky Doyle to victory at 11/1 in the Kerry National.

The 8-Y-O beat the favourite by Salvador Ziggy by 3¾l with Foxy Jacks another 2¾l away in 3rd. The runnerup was trained by Gordon Elliott who had the two non-runners that allow the winner to take his place. Brassil has trained the Irish Grand National with Numbersixvaldeverde in 2005 and went on to win the Aintree Grand National with the same horse in 2006.

Harvest Racing Festival

The Harvest Racing Festival continues today (Thursday) at Listowel with a flat card at 1.40 pm. Tomorrow and Saturday its national hunt fare, at 1.35 pm tomorrow and 2.10 pm on Saturday.

There is racing on the all-weather at Dundalk on Friday evening at 4.50 pm, and first of a 2-day meeting at the Curragh on Saturday and Sunday, both away at 1.20 pm. Monday sees racing on the flat at Down Royal at 1.50 pm and the final meeting of the year in Roscommon, a national hunt card at 2.10 pm.

Buccaneers RFC

Terrestrial television coverage this week starts on Saturday with five races from Ayr and four from Newbury on ITV4. In Ireland, the Listowel Harvest Festival is being covered on TG4 today, tomorrow and Saturday.

Roscommon next Monday

The Roscommon card on Monday next opens with the 2m Boyle Maiden Hurdle with 28 entries for horses that have not won any race under rules. The second is the Conor Cassidy Cars Handicap Hurdle also over 2m and is the largest entry with 35 horses.

The 2m 4f Mares Maiden is sponsored by Adrian Murray of Thomas A. Murray Bar, Roscommon has 27 entered. The last hurdle on the card is sponsored by Class Grass, is a 19 entry 3m Handicap Hurdle.

The first over the major obstacles is the national hunt jewel in the crown of Roscommon racing, The Grade 3 Kilbegnet Novice Chase with 8 entries this year and sponsored by the Ballymore Group and the Irish EBF over 2m. Irish Stallion Farms EBF sponsor the Mares Beginners Chase over 2m 5f with 14 possible runners and the bumper, sponsored by Roscommon On-Course Vets, brings the meeting

Sligo dethrone off-key Buccs

Sligo captured the Connacht Senior League title in style by dethroning Buccaneers 49-17 in front of a big crowd at Hamilton Park, Strandhill, last Saturday.

This final round fixture of the Bank of Ireland League was, in effect, the deciding match, and the north-westerners were full value for their victory, dominating for large parts of the game.

From Buccs’ perspective this was, for whatever reason, a flat and off-colour display lacking invention in which few players can be pleased with their efforts. But they now have three weeks to reassess and regroup ahead of the AIL kick-off away to St. Mary’s College on October 7th.

U-20s win inaugural Ray McLoughlin Cup: On their second weekend in a row in the Capital, Buccaneers U-20s came away with a 24-22 Cup win following a dramatic grandstand finish against Blackrock College in Stradbrook.

19-7 down with 20 minutes to go, the Pirates scored two converted tries without response, which nosed Buccs 21-19 ahead. With only minutes left, it seemed they only had to play down the clock. However, a late converted penalty from Blackrock meant that they regained a narrow lead. Then, with the clock in red, Buccs won a penalty near the middle of the pitch and with the last kick of the game outhalf Kevin Maher landed the long-range penalty to secure a 24-22 victory in dramatic style.

Fixtures: Buccaneers U-20s commence their Leinster League qualifiers with a home fixture against Galwegians on Sunday. Kick-off is at 2 pm.

Meanwhile, Buccaneers seconds, who have a new head coach in Martin Staunton, take on Ballyhaunis in the Curley Cup. The action at Tooraree kicks off at 2.30 pm on Sunday.

Creggs RFC Report

by Tom Red

and the year to a close with 14 down to run.

The Kilbegnet Novice Chase was won last year by Barry Connell’s Enniskerry with Michael O’Sullivan in the saddle by 4¾l from Midnight Run and Rachel Blackmore trained by Joseph O’Brien. The 8-Y-O went on to win a flat maiden over 1m 7f in Leopardstown and finished 7th in this year’s Galway Plate. In this year’s race Willie Mullins’ Hercule Du Seuil is seeking a fourtimer and if he runs looks to start oddson priced favourite. The main danger is probably The Banger Doyle trained by John Queally.

Racing briefs

Champion amateur rider Patrick Mullins reached another milestone in his career riding his 800th winner on Luckinthecity in the Eric Browne Memorial Flat Race on Monday. He passed Ted Walsh’s long-standing mark of 545 winners career winners in July 2018 and is hoping that he can make the 1,000th mark.

On Tuesday, British Champion jockey, Kerryman Oisin Murphy rode his first winner at Listowel on Dragon Of Malta for Pat O’Donnell.

Trainer and successful businessman, Galway native, Luke Comer has been suspended for three years after 12 of his horses tested positive for anabolic steroids in one of the biggest doping scandals to hit Irish racing. Details of the case were released by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board last Thursday. Comer has been ordered to pay €755,754 in costs.

Competition update

The winners of our last competition of 2023 are Aoife Freyne, Ballaghaderreen, and Aoife Coyle, Curraghboy, who both knew the Irish Champion Stakes was run at Leopardstown. Thanks once more to all our readers who took part in the competitions this year.

THE GAIN LINE

Tuam tops in Cawley Cup

Tuam 21 Creggs 11: A powerful finish by Tuam gave them a hard-earned win over Creggs in Saturday evening’s Cawley Cup game which was played in ideal conditions at Tuam RFC’s ground.

Both teams had already qualified for the semi-finals before this game, so that seemed to reduce the intensity of this contest, particularly during a lacklustre first half which remained scoreless for 35 minutes.

Creggs dominated possession and territory during the first half but found the Tuam defence difficult to break down and were hit with a sucker punch just before half-time when Tuam’s outhalf, Karl Ward, glided past several defenders to touch down for a fine solo try, with Dave Lally converting from the touchline.

Creggs’ captain Brian Diffley crashed over for a try in the 58th minute to leave Tuam in front by 10-8 heading into the final quarter.

Tuam then launched several attacks which resulted in a fine team try in the left corner as Creggs were outnumbered in defence.

Karl Ward added the insurance points with a late penalty to seal victory for the home side. Both teams were missing key players for this game so a step up in quality is to be expected when they meet again in the opening round of the J1A league.

Creggs: Sean Óg Higgins, Danny Arnold, Eoghan Cahill, Tommy Farrell, Eoghan Farrell, Lee Kilcoyne, Ciaran Purcell, Brian Diffley, Mark Brandon, Brian Cleary, Michael Dunne, Tom Callaghan, Ojani Lalogafau, Leon Doyle, Michael Farrell, Brian Coady, Tom

O’Brien, Mathew Curley, Mike Sampier.

Boys U-15s: Our U-15s had their first outing of the year with a 20-12 away win over Buccaneers on Saturday.

Despite not having much time to train together the players showed excellent spirit in defence and good attacking skills.

The first half was nip and tuck without many chances. The second half started with a Joseph McSharry try with conversion added by Harry Waldron. Buccaneers then scored and converted a try of their own. Creggs took over from this point and Conor Muldoon finished a spell of pressure with a well finished try. Patrick Murray then caught the Buccs defence sleeping to score from a quick tap from five metres out.

Their next game is at home against Galwegians/Galway Bay on Sunday, the 24th of September.

Training: U-14 boys train each Saturday morning from 11 am to 12.15 pm, while U15s boys train on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Mini-rugby begins again next Saturday, the 23rd of September, at 10 am. You must be aged 5 to join the club’s mini-section. Turn up on the day and look for the adult coaches who will point you in the right direction, explain registration, membership and club lotto.

Lotto: The club jackpot has hit €10,000. Lucky dip winner was Lucy Glennon. Please join our lotto as it is used to support all our teams.

Desertmore House, winner of the Kerry National on Wednesday, pictured winning at Kilbeggan in July, with JJ Slevin on board then.

Connacht Rugby President, Michael O’Hehir presents the Connacht Senior League trophy to Sligo captain Matthew Earley.

Ivor Trimble, Bernie Higgins and Kevin Brandon pictured at the recent Bank of Ireland Cawley Cup second round game between Creggs and Castlebar in Creggs. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

A win for Leanne (and Boyle GAA)

Boyle’s Leanne Connolly was named a winner in the John West Féile Buy, Scan and Win competition with SuperValu, Boyle. Leanne won a €500 SuperValu shopping voucher and €1,000 for Boyle GAA Club, and was presented with her prize by Paul Conroy (John West Féile Ambassador and Galway footballer).

Pictured are Thomas Owens (John West Ireland), Leanne Connolly and her children Bryn and Aoife, Mark O’Shea (SuperValu Boyle Store Manager), Paul Conroy (John West Féile Ambassador and Galway footballer) and David Kelly (Boyle GAA chairperson).

Pic: Brian Farrell.

C’mon The Town

Player Profile

Name: Pearse Gilmore

Team: U-11

Position: Midfielder & defender

Three words that describe me: Kind, active, happy

Skill Strength: Dribbling

Skill Weakness: Rainbow flicks

Favourite Team: Liverpool

Favourite Player: Luis Diaz

Favourite Irish Player: Caoimhin Kelleher

Best stadium in the World: Anfield

Messi or Ronaldo or Neither: Ronaldo

PlayStation or Xbox or Neither: PlayStation

Favourite Film: Spider-Man

Favourite Food: Chicken

Goujons

Favourite Song: Wavin’

Flag

Favourite Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

What makes me happy:

Having fun

People I admire the most:

My Mum & Dad

Why I play soccer: I started playing at home with my family. I love playing with my friends

On the pitch

Our four U-9 teams concluded their season in Shiven last Sunday afternoon. 45 Town players took part in the blitz. Thanks to Mike Ryan and his coaching team for guiding the players through the season.

On Monday evening, all three of our U-14 teams were in Divisional Cup action. Our young ‘Real’ team were beaten in Ballaghaderreen. The second leg will be played in Lisnamult on Saturday. ‘Atletico’ beat Castlerea 3-2 in Lisnamult with Yurii Shumyhora (2) and Joao Vitor Santes netting for Town, but Castlerea won on aggregate.

Our ‘Rovers’ team were pipped by Dunmore under the lights in Lecarrow. Aaron Miley had given Town a deserved lead but two quick-fire goals put Dunmore ahead on the night. Town were progressing to another final on the away goals rule until Dunmore scored from a corner with

ATHLONE

In the Hendrick’s Pharmacy 18-hole Stableford Competition, which took place on the 9th and 12th of September, Maeve Davis (31) came first with 39 pts with Wendy Kearon (35) coming second with 34 pts.

In the Hendrick’s Pharmacy 9-hole Stableford Competition the winner was Monica Carty-Ryan (24) on 24 pts with Deirdre Brosnan (20) finishing second with a score of 23 pts.

The ‘Get into Golf’ Weekly 9-hole competition was won by Loretta Clabby (23) on 18 pts.

BOYLE

Boyle Golf Club were sorry to hear of the death of Lucy Gaffney recently. Lucy and the Gaffney family were an integral part of Boyle Golf Club since the mid-1960s. Lucy won several Lady Captain’s prizes, served as both Lady Captain and Lady President, and also played on numerous interclub teams including the Ladies’ Intermediate team that won a Connacht title in 1992. To the Gaffney family and Lucy’s wide circle of friends, the club wishes to offer their most sincere condolences.

The club hopes to run the Committee Cup this weekend (23rd and 24th) as an 18-hole strokeplay competition. This will be the final in the series of ‘Golfer of the Year’ competitions.

The men’s Thursday competition will continue for at least one more week, weather and light permitting. In the men’s 18-hole Stableford competition, which took place on the 9th and 10th of September, the winner was Paddy McLoughlin with 41 pts, while Paul Brown came second with 40 pts.

In association with the

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

two minutes remaining to seal their place in the Premier Divisional Cup Final.

On Tuesday evening, Town 1 were away to St Cuan’s while Town 2 welcomed St John’s.

On Wednesday, our U-16 girls team were in Kilkerrin. Today (Thursday), our Town 2 U-16 side are in Moore. The boys’ U-18 team travel to Strokestown on Saturday evening hoping to claim a place in the Divisional Cup semi-final. Our U-13 boys side welcome Coolaney of Sligo on Sunday in the SFAI Cup. Kick-off is 4 pm.

Season 2023 Review

The season is nearing an end and we would welcome feedback. What are you positives, negatives and suggestions? The survey is open to players, parents, coaches and other volunteers. The feedback will guide our decisions and actions for next season. Thank you.

Short putts

Codes of Conduct

The codes of conduct for coaches, players and parents can be viewed on the club website. We endeavour to enact a positive approach during training sessions, matches, online and other club activities. Be sound or be silent!

Coach Corner:

THINK!

THINK about what you say to your players. Is it…

Truthful?

Helpful?

Important?

Necessary?

Kind?

Club Store

By purchasing items from the KCS Club Store, you are also supporting the club financially. Support the Town in style. Shop now on roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie

(News from local golf clubs)

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club wants to thank all members who played in the ‘Play in Pink’ competition recently. In the ladies 18-hole competition, Elizabeth Muldowney came first on 40 pts with Deirdre McGettrick coming second on 36 pts. In the ladies 9-hole competition, the winner was Margaret Killoran on 14 pts.

In the men’s 18-hole competition, Anthony Noone came first with 44 pts while Dermot McNamara came second on 41 pts. The winner of the 9-hole competition was Robbie Donaldson on 21 pts.

The Lotto Jackpot is €1,175. This week’s weekly winner of €30 was Nova Fariss. If you would like to join the lotto contact Ann Cox or Sheila Carney.

CASTLEREA

The winner of the Tully’s Hotel competition was Liam Callaghan with 39 pts followed by Eugene Flanagan in second with 38 pts.

Elizabeth Devine (43 pts) won the women’s competition, which was also sponsored by Tully’s Hotel, with Dympna McDonnell coming second on 36 pts.

ROSCOMMON

Congratulation to B. Mulry (26) who won the men’s 18-hole competition with a score of 60 pts. The competition took place on the 9th & 10th of September.

In the Senior Ladies competition on the 14th of September, P Keane was the winner with T. Smyth and B. Browne finishing second and third respectively.

RDFL soccer fixtures

Friday, September 22nd

RDFL North

Dunmore Town v Ballymoe. 8 pm

RDFL Women’s League

Castlerea Celtic v Boyle Celtic. 8 pm

Sunday, September 24th

RDFL North Kilkerrin Utd v Ballaghaderreen ‘B’. 2 pm Glen Celtic v Ballinagare Manor.

2 pm

RDFL South

St. John’s Athletic ‘B’ v Cam/ Dysart. 11 am

St Cuan’s Utd/Ahascragh v Roscommon Utd. 11 am

Skyvalley Rovers v Moylough ’79.

11 am

RDFL Women’s League

Shiven Rovers v Ballaghaderreen. 2 pm

St Cuan’s Utd/Ahascragh v Cam Celtic. 2 pm

David Maciag and Gavin Kielty from Elphin pictured at the Roscommon IFC quarter-final between Éire Óg and St Croan’s on Sunday in Elphin. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Elphin quench Fuerty flame

Callington Ltd IFC quarter-final Elphin 1-10 Fuerty 1-2

< SEAMUS DUKE

Elphin remain on course to make a quick return to the senior ranks after sweeping aside the weak challenge offered by Fuerty in a very disappointing and one-sided IFC quarterfinal played in perfect weather conditions at Enfield last Saturday.

On paper this looked likely to be the game of the weekend but the reality was that Fuerty simply didn’t do themselves justice on the day and Elphin dominated from the very first whistle. Fuerty only managed one point from play in the entire hour, and that came from wing half-back

GAA results

Dermot Hughes Cars

JAFC quarter-finals

Eoin Ward. That statistic in itself is an indication of the extent to which they underperformed.

By contrast, Elphin set about their task with purpose from the first whistle. Retaining possession effectively, they got chief playmakers Fintan Cregg and Shane Killoran on the ball as often as they could, and that duly paid rich dividends.

The first half was a very poor spectacle for the big crowd. Elphin dominated and slowly built up their scores with Fintan Cregg (two frees), Alex Gleeson and Aidan Murray on target by the 25th minute.

In the 27th minute, and totally against the run of play, Fuerty grabbed a goal. A high ball from out on the right wing struck the Elphin crossbar, and as goalkeeper Aaron

Brady attempted to clear, Ben McGahon nipped in and forced the ball into the empty net. That didn’t seem to affect Elphin greatly and Shane Killoran kicked the two best scores of the match in injury-time to send the teams in with Elphin ahead by 0-6 to 1-0. Further points on the restart from Aaron Brady and Fintan Cregg (free) and another point from play from Killoran, saw Elphin ahead by 0-9 to 1-0 at the end of the third quarter. Fuerty did stage a few more attacks in the second half, but all they could manage for a long period was a converted free from Niall Kilroy in the 52nd minute. Indeed it was into the 59th minute by the time they finally scored their only point from play, courtesy of Eoin Ward.

Elphin then sealed their win in injury-time when they broke upfield and the outstanding Fintan Cregg sent John Finnerty in to finish to the net in style. The eight-point margin was about right on the balance of play.

Aaron Brady, Niall Higgins, Rossa Brennan Kelly, Shane Killoran and Fintan Cregg were excellent for the victorious Elphin side. Their clash with Éire Óg in the semi-final promises to be a cracking contest.

For Fuerty, it was a day that they will want to forget as soon as possible.

Elphin: Aaron Brady (0-1, free); Gavin Murray, Gavin Higgins, Shane Beirne; Martin McCaffrey, Niall Higgins, Alex Gleeson (0-1); Luke Mollohan, Rossa Brennan Kelly; Evan Gunn, Shane Killoran (0-3), Nessan Lenehan; Fintan Cregg (0-3, all frees), Aidan Mur-

ray (0-1), John Finnerty (1-0). Subs: Damien Cregg for Beirne (21), Gerry Cregg (0-1) for Mollohan (48), Austin Kielty for Lenehan (52), John Rattigan for Gunn (55), Dylan Shanagher for A Murray (59).

Fuerty: Joe Fallon; Darragh Heavey, Mark Ward, Ben McGahon (1-0); Philip Neilan, Aengus Lyons, Eoin Ward (0-1); Niall Keenan, Eamon Bannon; Naoise Coyle, Oisin Lyons, Darragh Mullen; Gearoid Ennis, Cian Murray, Niall Kilroy (0-1, free). Subs: Cormac Lavin for Bannon (h/t), Cathal Crehan for Ennis (45), Tadhg Lyons for Coyle (49), Peter Kellehan for O Lyons (53), John Brennan for Heavey (57).

Referee: Gerry Carmody.

Man of the Match Fintan Cregg (Elphin)

1-7

St Michael’s 4-11 Roscommon Gaels 0-4

Kilglass Gaels 2-11 St Barry’s 0-8

Clann na nGael 0-16 Ballinameen 1-10

St Ronan’s 2-8 Strokestown 2-6

Dermot Hughes Cars

JAFC relegation play-off

Tulsk Lord Edwards 2-10 St Dominic’s 1-7

GAA fixtures

Friday, 22nd of September

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC

(Group A)

At Kilbride: Kilbride v Boyle. 8 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC

(Group B)

At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Shannon Gaels. 8 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC

(Group C)

At Connacht GAA Centre: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Oran. 8.30 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC

(Group D)

At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v St Dominic’s. 8 pm

At Woodmount: Padraig Pearses v St. Faithleach’s.

Castlerea and Pearses advance to last four

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v Strokestown. 3 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group A)

At Ballinlough: Michael Glavey’s v Elphin. 12 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group B)

At Fuerty: Fuerty v Kilmore. 12 pm

At Ardcarne Park: St Michael’s v St Aidan’s. 1 pm RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group C)

At Kilronan Park: St Ronan’s v Éire Óg 12 pm At O’Rourke Park:

Castlerea St Kevin’s v St Croan’s. 1 pm

Éire Óg will face Elphin in the Roscommon Intermediate Football Championship semi-final after their weekend wins against St Croan’s and Fuerty respectively (see match reports).

In the other semi-final, Padraig Pearses’ second team will play Castlerea St Kevin’s. Pearses scored two goals in the first half against Shannon Gaels to develop a commanding 2-3 to 0-2 halftime lead. Shannon Gaels improved in the second half but Pearses had done enough to go through.

In last weekend’s other quarterfinal, Castlerea St Kevin’s started very slowly against St Brigid’s, while their goalkeeper, David Farrell, saved a penalty after 25 minutes. After Adam McDermott got in for a goal just before half-time, Castlerea led by 1-1 to 0-3 at the break. The second half was well contested.

Castlerea were leading by three points when Peter Farrell sealed their win with an injury-time goal.

In the relegation battle, Creggs emerged victorious against St Aidan’s in Kilbride (0-15 to 2-7) which means that St Aidan’s are relegated to the

junior ranks. That game was overshadowed by the untimely passing of the Creggs physio Oleg Doroshkevich on Sunday evening after he became ill in the dressing room following the end of the match. Emergency services attended the scene but Mr Doroshkevich later passed away in hospital. May he rest in peace.

In the Hodson Bay Hotel SFC, Strokestown are now in the last chance saloon as they were defeated by a point (1-8 to 1-7) by Michael Glavey’s in a play-off match last weekend. There were two goals in the final three minutes of the first

half as Darragh Heneghan’s strike for Glavey’s was cancelled out by a Paddy Brogan goal for Strokestown, who led by 1-5 to 1-3 at half-time. Glavey’s, who were much better on the restart, held out for a win that secures their status at senior level. Strokestown now face Western Gaels this Saturday in Elphin (3 pm), with the losers going down to intermediate level for 2024.

In the Dermot Hughes Cars JF ‘A’ Championship, after last weekend’s action the semi-final line-up is Kilglass Gaels v St Michael’s and Clann na nGael v St Ronan’s.

Adam McDermott was a crucial player for Castlerea St. Kevin’s during their win over St. Brigid’s last Sunday. File pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Conor calls time on Croan’s

Callington IFC quarter-final Éire Óg 0-14 St Croan’s 0-10

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While Éire Óg never really looked like losing this quarter-final at Orchard Park in Elphin on Sunday last, they were never comfortable either. Indeed with 58 minutes on the clock Croan’s had reduced the margin to just a point. It was then that injurytime points from the outstanding Conor Cox, Liam Creaton and James Hester saw Pat Doorey’s men over the line and into the last four.

Éire Óg were by far the better team early on in a game which was played in perfect weather conditions. By the 20th minute they were in front by 0-6 to 0-1, with Cox scoring five from play and frees, some of those scores being majestic, fired over from a variety of angles and distances too.

St Croan’s got back into it, and with Damien Goggins lively up front they had reduced the margin to two by the 27th minute, 0-7 to 0-5. Two late Cox frees then saw Éire Óg ahead by 0-9 to 0-5 at the break.

Éire Óg, with Colm Lavin, Jamesie Greene, Liam Creaton, Brian Greene and Conor Cox all superb, kept their noses in front and led by 0-11 to 0-7 at the end of the third quarter. Still, they were finding it difficult to put Croan’s away, and Malachy Gately’s men came back into contention with points from Goggins,

Dan Malone and Dean Muldoon. Cox steadied the ship with a super point from play and two further late scores from Liam Creaton and James Hester saw them over the line by a four-point margin. The suspicion is that they will need to be more clinical if they are to beat Elphin in the semi-final.

For St Croan’s, Damien Goggins, Ross Timothy, Dan Malone and Cathal Connelly were best.

Éire Óg: Colm Lavin; Declan Flanagan, Aonghus McDonagh, Mark Finan; Joseph Hester (0-1), Denis Barron, James McGreal; Jamesie Greene, Sean Groarke; Tom Greene, Jason Doory, Liam Creaton (0-3); Brian Greene (0-1), Eamon Flanagan, Conor Cox (0-8, 5 frees). Subs: Enda Crawley (0-1) for Groarke (h/t), Eoghan Walsh for Barron (52), Jarlath Lavin for Finan (56), Barry Nolan for Cox (64).

St Croan’s: Michael Holland; Brendan Pacey, Cathal Connelly, Callum Pacey; Ger Connaughton, Ross Timothy, Mark Kilcommins; Adam Bracken (0-1), Richard Thompson; Kevin Lambert (0-1, mark), Dan Malone (0-1), Aaron Garvey; Keith Muldoon, Damien Goggins (0-5, 4 frees), Adrian Collins (0-1). Subs: David Ward for Connaughton (52), Dean Muldoon (0-1) for Kilcommins (61).

Referee: Ian Monaghan.

Man of the Match: Conor Cox (Éire Óg)

Éire Óg’s Conor Cox looking for options as Brendan Pacey from St. Croan’s tries to close him down during their Intermediate Football Championship quarter-final clash in Elphin last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Mark Kilcommins of St. Croan’s in action during Sunday’s Intermediate Football Championship quarter-final between Éire Óg and St Croan’s in Elphin last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

PEOPLE

All eyes on the last four!

SEAMUS DUKE previews this weekend’s Hodson Bay Hotel SFC quarter-finals

Padraig Pearses v West Roscommon on Saturday in Ballyforan at 3.30 pm

The experiment of playing regional teams, while well intentioned, doesn’t appear to have been a success. We will find out more on that front on Saturday.

Their prospects this weekend will depend on the ‘buy in’ from the clubs involved, and especially those who are still left in the junior and intermediate championships. The fear of players getting injured ahead of the IFC and JFC semi-finals has to be a factor.

We may see the likes of Fintan Cregg, Conor Cox, Liam Creaton, Brian Greene, Adam McDermott and Ross Timothy performing for ‘the West’, but anything other than a Padraig Pearses win would be a major surprise.

Prediction: Padraig Pearses.

St Brigid’s v North Roscommon on Saturday in Strokestown at 6 pm

With St Michael’s, Kilglass Gaels and St Ronan’s all still involved in the championship, how will the North Roscommon players in question respond to the challenge of St Brigid’s, and to what extent can they be fully focussed on this challenge?

The Kiltoom-based side have long been the favourites to win the championship this year. Yet, while they are

unbeaten thus far, they have not really sparkled. However, with Brian Stack, Eddie Nolan, Ben O’Carroll, Robbie Fallon, Ruardhri Fallon and many more

Champs in last chance saloon

SFC relegation play-off: Strokestown v Western Gaels on Sunday in Elphin at 3 pm

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It’s the ‘last chance saloon’ for defending county SFC champions Strokestown as they take on Western Gaels in Elphin this Sunday, with the losers faced with dropping into the Intermediate Football Championship in 2024.

Strokestown have been battling away, but short players like Sean Mullooly, Cathal Compton and David Butler, the campaign has been a struggle. Colm Neary is out now with an injury. It suggests that Sunday’s game will be an uphill battle for Strokestown, who will look to players like Paddy Brogan, Davy Neary, Kevin Finn, Shane McGinley and Diarmuid McGann to produce the goods.

Western Gaels have not set the world on fire this year but they have Seanie McDermott, Cathal Cregg, Kevin Higgins and Finbar Cregg in their ranks and will fight tooth and nail to stay in the senior grade.

I’m not sure if it has ever happened that the defending senior champions have been relegated the following year, but that could well be the case on Sunday. It will be a fierce battle.

Prediction: Western Gaels.

Roscommon Gaels v Oran on Sunday in Kiltoom at 1 pm

There is nothing quite like a local derby to whet the appetite of supporters. Both sides come into the match in mixed form. Oran were excellent in defeating Tulsk and Strokestown, but they went down to Clann na nGael in their final game. In fairness, they were a few players short that day and knew they were already in the quarter-final.

Roscommon Gaels blitzed Boyle in their opening game before drawing with Western Gaels on a night of such atrocious weather that it would not be fair to rate any team. However, in their third game, against St Faithleach’s, the Gaels had Lady Luck on their side as they converted a late penalty to make it into the last eight – just when it looked like they were heading out of the championship.

The Gaels will hope that the likes of James Featherstone, Cathal Dineen, Senan Lambe, Scott Oates, John McManus, Cian Connolly, Ciaran Kilcline and Peter Gillooly are on song. For Oran, Colin and Darragh Walsh, James Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Lawless, Shane Walsh and Charlie Carthy have been excellent, and they will hope that the experience of the likes of Cathal Kenny, Mike Dwyer and Tom Featherston will come into play.

Boyle v Clann na nGael on Sunday in Enfield at 3.30 pm Boyle have a really good recent record in the championship against the men from Johnstown, but that won’t necessarily count for anything on Sunday.

Cian Smith’s men looked a busted flush when they conceded six goals against Roscommon Gaels in round one, but they have recovered very well since then. I was mightily impressed by them against Western Gaels in the last round.

Clann are motoring along nicely under Pat Fallon this year. They have put up some big totals and remain unbeaten. A number of shrewd judges have told me they have been very impressed with Clann so far, but this will be their biggest test yet.

The deciding factor is likely to be how the Clann defence copes with Enda and Donie Smith, Cian McKeon, Tadhg McKenna and Cathal Feely in the Boyle attack. They reminded us against Western Gaels that they can put up big scores.

On the other hand, Boyle have been suspect in defence, not just in this championship but over the past few years. If that vulnerability shows again this weekend, the likes of Ferghus Lennon and Ciaran Lennon can take full advantage.

talented players in their ranks, they should make it to the last four with a bit to spare.

Prediction: St Brigid’s.

It’s a tough one to call – but I feel that the Gaels will win by a point or two.

Prediction: Roscommon Gaels.

I have a fancy that Boyle might have a few points to spare. It promises to be a cracking game. Prediction: Boyle.

Éire Óg’s Jason Doory in action against St. Croan’s’ Callum Pacey during their Intermediate Football Championship quarter-final clash in Elphin last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Donie Smith in action for Boyle during this year’s Senior Football Championship.

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell