23 August 2024 Roscommon People by RossiePeople

Ciara Bell and Claire Sampey were at the Michael Glaveys v Western Gaels Roscommon SFC game last weekend. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

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WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

CROSS-BORDER HEALTH CARE

I am on a waiting list for surgery. I have been on this waiting list for months and I am fed up with the delay. I believe that I may avail of this treatment abroad and may be refunded the cost by the HSE. Is this correct? Please advise me. Does this scheme apply to all HSE services?

The HSE operates a Cross-Border Healthcare Directive for people entitled to public patient healthcare in Ireland who want to avail of that healthcare in another European Union member state (including Northern Ireland).

Therefore, if you are entitled to public health services in Ireland, you may opt to access those services in another European Union member state, and be repaid the cost if you meet the requirements. Prior HSE authorisation is required in a number of circumstances.

The amount that will be repaid is the amount that the treatment would cost in Ireland, or the cost of your treatment abroad, if that is less. It does not include other costs such as travel.

Funding will only be reimbursed for healthcare that is publicly funded and available in Ireland but the referral may be to a public or private health service in the other country. You must pay for the cost of treatment and then apply for a refund when you return to Ireland.

In order to receive the treatment you must ﬁrstly receive a referral letter from your GP, HSE orthodontist etc. The referral letter should specify the healthcare required, the health professional abroad you are being referred to and their clinic or hospital.

Examples of healthcare that is available under the scheme include:

• Day, in-patient and out-patient care in acute hospital services, including psychiatric services

• Community-based out-patient care

• Joint replacement

• Dental and orthodontic services (with some exceptions, such as dental screening services in schools)

• Fertility treatment

• Speech and language services

• Occupational therapy services

• Psychology services

• Physiotherapy services

• Disability services

• Ophthalmic services

• Mental health services

• Addiction care

Roscommon Show… and the neck of the Pub Bore talking about giraffes!

Ready for Super Tuesday?

Huh?

SUPER TUESDAY!

Look, I know we’re keen on the US Presidential election race, but Super Tuesday is long over!

Nah! I mean next Tuesday, in our area at least… the kids go back to school!

Huh!

Anyways, did you have a nice weekend?

As you know, we were away…

Yeah, great! Went to Roscommon Show!

Excellent! How was it?

Excellent!

(They pause to check their phones for the latest betting odds in the Roscommon Club Championships)

Any highlights?

Huh?

At Roscommon Show?

Oh, well every time the Pub Bore turned his attention to someone other than me, that was a highlight!

He was there?

Yes! In full regalia too!

Wow!

Wow what?

Regalia, that’s not a word I’ve heard for some time! Isn’t it associated with royals?

Yeah, well the Pub Bore thinks he’s royalty! How was he?

How was he? He was BORING!

(They pause to step in under a tree as their morning walk is interrupted by yet another summer downpour…)

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

So?

Needless to say, he was an expert on everything!

The animal classes?

Yeah, and the arts and crafts, and the carrots, the heads of cabbage, the rhubarb!

He’s some head of cabbage!

But mostly the animals…

Was he claiming to be an expert on each category?

Yeah, but he was also coming up with random stuff…

AN EXAMPLE, PLEASE…

Well, he reckons that giraffes only sleep for ﬁve minutes at a time.

Are you serious?

HE was serious! He says giraffes only sleep for about half an hour a day, and usually in ﬁve-minute spells!

Why was the pub bore going on about giraffes? It’s not like there’s a category for them at the Roscommon Show!

Well, he was ﬁnished talking about the fact that cows cannot walk down a stairs! Maybe ‘cos he was going on about heights he decided to move on to giraffes!

Huh! The neck of him!

He also reckons bats have thumbs…

Okay, thumbs-up to bats then!

Yeah, but not if they’re sleeping… ‘cos then they’re lying down, so their thumbs would be…

(Editor: I can’t, I just can’t…)

True…

And he reckons that octopuses have three hearts!

I think he’s right about octopuses! And of course they have eight limbs! How did you put up with him?

With humour! When he said an octopus has three hearts, I said that’s handy from a romantic point of view…

Huh?

Well, if one of their hearts is broken, they still have two that remain ‘available’ for romance!

Childish!

Yeah, but it got rid of the Pub Bore!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

New Zealand Rose Keely O’Grady, who was crowned 2024 International Rose of Tralee (congratulations also to Rachel Hastings who represented Roscommon so well, and indeed to Tulsk native Glenna Mannion, this year’s London Rose)

Roscommon Show Committee, which hosted a successful annual agricultural show last Saturday

Roscommon Races, which hosted a very enjoyable Family Fun Day on Tuesday

It’s been a BAD week for…

The RSA (Road Safety Authority), under ﬁre on a few fronts, with opposition to its new advertising campaign which critics say promotes the idea that people who don’t drive are a ‘burden’ to others

PIC OF THE WEEK: Aoife and Jack Concanon from Kilrooskey were enjoying their ice creams at Roscommon Show last Saturday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Donnellan & Co named as ﬁnalist for National Retailer of The Year

Eddie Donnellan, proprietor of the award-winning Donnellan & Co in Roscommon Town, has paid tribute to his staff following further recognition for the renowned retail store. This come with news that Donnellan & Co has been selected as one of the top 100 ﬁnalists for 2024 National Retailer of The Year, as part of the annual Retail Excellence Ireland Awards.

The Retail Excellence Awards, supported by AIB Merchant Service, is Ireland’s most prestigious retail event, celebrating outstanding achievements and excellence within the Irish retail industry.

Reacting to news of the recognition, Eddie Donnellan told the Roscommon People on Wednesday: “We’re obviously delighted to be conﬁrmed as a ﬁnalist in this prestigious awards… it’s a great endorsement of everything we aim to do here. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for making this possible. I would also like to thank our loyal customers for their great support, something we never take for granted”.

By becoming a top 100 store, Donnellan & Co will get the opportunity to engage with retail expert Matthew Brown, and will be invited to prepare and submit a report against the ‘ﬁve pillars of retail excellence’ before the top 30 ﬁnalists are chosen.

For more information, visit retailexcellence.ie.

Sch l Uniforms available ...

• St. Coman’s Wood, Roscommon

• ST. COMAN’S WOOD, ROSCOMMON

• Killina National School

• KILLINA NATIONAL SCHOOL

• Creggs National School

• CREGGS NATIONAL SCHOOL

• Gael Scoil de Hide

• GAEL SCOIL DE HIDE

• Kilteevan National School

• KILTEEVAN NATIONAL SCHOOL

• Abbey Boys National School

• ABBEY BOYS NATIONAL SCHOOL

• BALLAGH NATIONAL SCHOOL

• Ballagh National School

• Athleague National School

• ATHLEAGUE NATIONAL SCHOOL

• Roscommon Community College

• ROSCOMMON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

• Convent of Mercy Secondary School

• St. Mary’s College, Ballygar

• CONVENT OF MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL

• ST. MARY’S COLLEGE, BALLYGAR

• Community College, Lanesboro

• COMMUNITY COLLEGE, LANESBORO

• CBS, ROSCOMMON

• CBS, Roscommon

• Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown

• SCOIL MHUIRE, STROKESTOWN

Athlone Sub Aqua Club rescue lost dog from Lough Ree

Last Sunday the Athlone Sub Aqua Club successfully responded to a distress call regarding a missing dog, Max, who had fallen overboard from a cruiser on north Lough Ree.

Max was one of two dogs onboard the vessel, which was being piloted by his owners, a West Cork couple who were travelling from Lecarrow to Athlone when the alarm was raised with Athlone Sub Aqua Club.

Club members quickly launched the club boat and proceeded to the area where Max was last seen. Upon arrival, they conducted a thorough search and located the little Jack Russell Terrier ﬂoating in his lifejacket near the Wood Shoal.

Max was overjoyed to be brought aboard the Athlone Sub Aqua Club boat. The club members carefully examined Max, and while a bit cold and shaken from the ordeal, he was otherwise in good health.

“We are thrilled to have been able to reunite Max with his family,” said club chairperson Janet Mullen. “This incident underscores the critical importance of wearing lifejackets, not only for people but for our pets as well, when out on the water”.

Max’s owners thanked the club and everyone else for their help and well wishes.

Church The Roscommon Society for Protection of Cruelty to Animals (Roscommon SPCA) will be holding its annual Church

Collection at St Mary’s Church in Gortaganny on Saturday, August 31st. All support greatly appreciated. Mass for the Holy Souls in Curraghboy

An Evening of Prayer of Intercession for our faithful departed will take place from 7 pm to 10 pm on Friday, August 23rd, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre in Curraghboy, Athlone. The Evening of Prayer will be hosted by Aidan Bond and the Holy Souls Ministry/Crusade. Confessions will be available from 7 pm to 9 pm, and Holy Mass will commence at 9 pm with celebrant Fr Joseph Okere. After Mass, there will be individual Blessings with the First Class Relic of St Nicholas of Tolentino (Patron of the Holy Souls). There will also be refreshments afterwards and all are most welcome to attend.

Athlone Sub Aqua Club successfully rescued Jack Russell Terrier Max from Lough Ree on Sunday after he fell overboard during a trip with his owners.

THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT

THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT LOSS PLAN RETURNS TO ROSCOMMON

LOSE UP TO 2 STONE IN 10 WEEKS

Are you lacking energy? Are you craving sugar, feeling tired unmotivated, not tting into your clothes nding it hard to shift stubborn fat areas? Then System 10 is the weightloss program for you!

The TRUTH is there are 3 keys to a genuine weight loss (real fat loss) plan - diet, exercise and metabolism correction. All 3 keys interconnect, one will not work without the other. Your metabolism is the most powerful of all the 3 keys. It is the ‘switch’ that controls everything else.

In most people this ‘switch’ is off.

Metabolism problems like Slow Thyroid, Type 2 Diabetes, Sluggish Liver, Hormone Imbalances, PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility and Digestive Problems like Constipation, IBS and Diverticulitis will limit or stop your weight loss, no matter how much dieting or exercise you do . Work on xing your metabolism problems for amazing results. Combine this with a reasonable diet and exercise and you will get the best, the fastest and the easiest weight loss ever.

Work on fixing your metabolism problems for amazing results. Combine this with a reasonable diet and exercise and you will get the best, the fastest and the easiest weight loss ever.

THE SYSTEM 10 PLAN INCLUDES:

• Nutritionist designed highly balanced food plans of normal, natural foods, no pills, bars or shakes.

THE SYSTEM 10 PLAN INCLUDES:

• An analysis of your metabolism

• Nutritionist designed highly balanced food plans of normal, natural foods, no pills, bars or shakes.

• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.

The System 10 weight loss plan, which aims to offer participants the chance to potentially lose up to two stone in ten weeks, has been helping lots of local people with achieving their health and wellness goals.

The plan focuses on three ‘keys’ to genuine weight loss: diet, exercise, and metabolism correction. According to System 10, the latter is the most crucial, the ‘switch’ that controls the effectiveness of diet and exercise.

System 10 runs programmes for both

• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.

• Nutritional supplement recommendations to rapidly repair your system.

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

• We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans).

You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight o when you nish your plan.

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

Programmes available for men and women.

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

WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY WEDNESDAY at The Hive, Dublin Road, Carrick-On-Shannon.

WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY

At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61

WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY at The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61 BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA: 086-3846302

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA:

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

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

Testimonial from Edward and Margaret Molloy (Sligo)

“We joined the System 10 plan over a

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

Demand for extended local transport service

People living in Cloontuskert, Ballagh and Curraghroe areas are seeking a local transport service to link into the Longford/Roscommon daily route, according to Senator Eugene Murphy.

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

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

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

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

Testimonial from local woman Ita

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

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

“I am in the process of getting in touch with the relevant authorities so as to see how we can assist the public in that region”, explained Senator Murphy.

“We need further extension to Local Link for this to happen. To

In a press release issued this week, Senator Murphy indicated that a number of people in the region had contacted him on this matter.

date, Local Link has been a great success and I know Government are focused on expanding this service.

“I will be making immediate contact with the Junior Transport Minister James Lawless and hopefully we can progress the matter further”, concluded Senator Murphy.

Pictured cheering on Western Gaels against Michael Glaveys last weekend were Sean and Noel Casserly, Ryan Hluchy, Dylan and Matthew Greene. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

I Spy…

THURSDAY

On Prime Time (RTE), presenter Fran McNulty had a rather pointless question for Russian Ambassador to Ireland, the usually combative Yury Filatov.

“Ambassador, how many Russian spies are there in Ireland?”

It’s not like Mr Filatov was going to start counting on his ﬁngers, before helpfully replying: “Fran, I’m glad you asked me that. I think we have seven currently operating here, sorry, there’s one in Carlow too, make that eight”.

Instead, the Russian Ambassador broke into a slightly impatient smile, before dismissing the question on espionage (which was based on claims recently made by a senior Garda).

“I ﬁnd that it’s insulting to my intelligence to ﬁnd an answer which is not ... which is polite”.

As for Fran’s (understandable) headline-seeking question, I share his presumed disappointment at Mr Filatov not telling viewers precisely how many Russian spies are operating in Ireland.

Of course if there was a super-effective Russian espionage ‘system’ in place here – and I’m not saying there is – Mr Filatov could have known what questions were likely to come up!

FRIDAY

Electrifying Elvis

On this Electric Picnic weekend, let’s remember perhaps the greatest music legend of them all.

Today is the 47th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. If he was alive now, he’d still only be 89 (Elvis died on August 16th 1977, aged 42).

I’ve been a big fan of ‘The King’ since my teenage years. Whether he’s in vogue or not at any given time in the evolution of music is irrelevant. For millions of fans worldwide, Elvis is still the greatest, an artist who transcends genres, trends and eras.

Elvis had well over 100 Top 40 hits, including 21 number ones in the UK. Arguably the greatest artist of all time, he had a tremendous charisma

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was…

and presence. What really made him incomparable was his extraordinary voice, and mastery of almost all genres. Listening to Elvis today is as captivating as ever.

On this date 47 years ago, Elvis was found unresponsive in the bathroom of his Graceland mansion by his girlfriend Ginger Alden. He was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. The world was plunged into mourning.

The ‘King of Rock and Roll’ had been ﬁghting personal demons for some time. Elvis mania had become too big for Elvis. He was a beautiful soul and the ultimate timeless artist of the 20th century and beyond.

The book he was reading at the time of his death was called ‘A Scientiﬁc Search for the Face of Jesus’.

SATURDAY

Showtime

At 6.25 pm this evening, after dropping our son off at Roscommon Golf

Club (new craze), I saw the chairperson of Roscommon Show Committee diligently putting a large road sign away as light drizzle (and the curtain) fell on another successful show.

For the competitors and attendees, the show was over. For Damien Hannon (chairperson) and his committee colleagues and volunteers, there was still work to be done.

‘Trade stands and dogs’ the large sign had proclaimed, prominently standing on the Athlone Road all day. Now, with the crowds dispersed, the chairperson was putting the sign away, as fellow volunteers tended to other small duties. The 52nd annual show was over, and its current custodians had done their community some considerable service again.

Congratulations to the various winners, and thanks to the show committee and event sponsors for all their work in keeping this great tradition alive.

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

SUNDAY

Wild weekend

Proof that it really is the media ‘silly season’ comes via Sky News, which has an exclusive on… the parrot that ﬂew away from home for ‘a wild weekend’.

Flew away? As Roy Keane would say… “it’s their job”.

Anyways, I digress. I suppose there were amusing aspects to the story.

‘Jobby’ the parrot lives in Glasgow. I only read of his exploits today, when browsing the Sky News website. Apparently, in the early hours of a recent Saturday morning (just after midnight), ‘Jobby’ fled from the ground floor flat that is his home.

The bird’s owner, who had just returned from singing with a band in a local pub, went into a panic. 40 hours passed. Eventually, Jobby was located, ﬁve miles away, living it up in the maternity unit of a local hospital. Accord-

ing to a witness, the parrot was “eating crisps and playing around”.

(When I chatted to our very talented cartoonist Paraic about cartoon options earlier this week, we visualised a more exciting weekend away for Jobby. We wondered if Paraic could somehow link my separate ramblings this week on the playful parrot, Elvis and Las Vegas into a surreal cartoon; the resulting terriﬁc illustration is published alongside).

Anyways, Jobby was reunited with its relieved owner, and was said to be “sleepy” on the Sunday.

“He had a wild weekend and now he’s just like ‘I need to rest’” his owner said.

I don’t know if Jobby is one of those talking parrots or not, but I imagine it was a bashful (or smug?) ‘No comment’ from him to all media enquiries (Sky News et al).

MONDAY

The gambling Doc!

On ‘Louis Theroux: Gambling in Las Vegas’ (an ancient repeat which was shown again tonight), the droll documentary-making star meets a retired doctor-turned slot machine obsessive who cheerfully admits that she has lost four million dollars in seven years. Hardly what the doctor ordered?

A mystiﬁed Louis mischievously suggests to the woman’s powerless son that his inheritance is being whittled away (his mother, also present: “If it’s gone, it’s gone”). The son mustered a resigned smile. As for the obstinate gambling doctor, surely it was time to get a second opinion on her choice of hobby?

As an aside, maybe Las Vegas could be next stop for Jobby the Parrot (see ‘Sunday’).

TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY Showstopper…

Judging by some highlights broadcast on Wednesday morning, Obama seems to have been the star of last night’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Barack didn’t do bad either, but it sounds to me like Michelle stole the show. Is she indeed the Presidential candidate that got away?

Call for support for charity cycle in memory of CJ

CJ’s Rainbow Charity Cycle – a 630km cycle being held in memory of a young child from Ballaghaderreen, and aimed at raising awareness and funds for children’s cancer charities – is calling on the people of the west of Ireland to get involved and ‘colour the route’ by getting out the ﬂags, balloons, and bunting.

CJ’s Rainbow Charity Cycle will kick off on Thursday, August 22nd, and will cover 630km across the length of Ireland – from Malin Head in Donegal to Mizen Head in Cork. The cycle will arrive in Ballaghaderreen on Friday afternoon at approximately 12.30 pm, and a large crowd is expected to cheer them on.

The cycle is being held in memory of CJ McCann from Ballaghaderreen, and will be led by CJ’s father, Joe. CJ passed away last October, aged just 21 months, after losing his battle with an aggressive brain cancer, ATRT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour). Now, 21 cyclists – one for each month of his life – will be led on a nationwide adventure by his Daddy, Joe, as they take on a gruelling Malin-Head-to-Mizen-Head challenge to raise money for two of the charities who supported the McCann family during their childhood cancer journey: Hand-in-Hand and Oscar’s Kids.

“I wanted to do something that was a real challenge”, explained Joe. “So I chose the Malin to Mizen route, as opposed to Mizen to Malin, as it’s against the prevailing winds. The way I saw it, CJ didn’t get to decide on the

mammoth challenge that was put before him”.

The 21-strong team will bid to complete the 630km cycle in just four days – a huge undertaking for an amateur cycling group.

The two charities being supported by this fundraiser were chosen as they helped CJ’s family enormously following his diagnosis. Hand in Hand is a national childhood cancer charity based in Loughrea, which supports families all over Ireland and helps them to cope with the impact of treatment on family life. For the McCann family, this has included play therapy for CJ’s sisters, Róisín (8) and Clódagh (6), which is immensely beneﬁcial to them in coping with the loss of their little brother, and was also a vital outlet for them during CJ’s treatment.

The second charity to beneﬁt from the fundraising cycle is Oscar’s Kids, who support families coping with a child’s terminal cancer diagnosis and aim to create moments of magic during the toughest of times. Their incredible support enabled the McCann family to plan CJ’s Magical Christmas last September, the only Christmas spent with CJ at home.

The McCann family now aim to help to support all children coping with a cancer diagnosis and their families through the proceeds raised by CJ’s Rainbow Charity Cycle. An iDonate page has been set up at idonate.ie/event/cjsrainbow, and further details on the cycle are available at instagram.ie/ cjsrainbow.

U-14/U-16/

Minor Managers Required

Roscommon LGFA Executive are seeking experienced Managers to manage the development of our u14, u16 and Minor teams to represent Roscommon

Candidates must possess relevant coaching qualiﬁcations

All candidates, and any associated backroom team, must also be fully compliant with current Garda Vetting and Safeguarding requirements

To apply please submit expressions of interest to secretary.Roscommon@lgfa.ie

Pictured is CJ McCann, whom the upcoming charity cycle

CJ’s sisters, Róisín (8) and Clódagh (6), pictured helping launch the upcoming charity cycle.

Pictured is CJ’s father Joe McCann, who will be leading the upcoming charity cycle.

Events continue for National Heritage Week 2024

National Heritage Week 2024 got off to a great start last weekend with several events taking place around the county. There are plenty of events and digital projects to enjoy over the next week; in Strokestown, Boyle, Roscommon, Balyleague, Ballaghaderreen, Drum, Knockcroghery, Tulsk, Castlerea, Ballydangan, Hillstreet, Lecarrow, Keadue, Rahara, Frenchpark, Dangan, Mote Park, Castleplunkett, Castlecoote, Elphin and online. See advert for event listings. ‘National Heritage Week is a great opportunity to get out and about and enjoy our rich built, natural & cultural heritage’ said Nollaig Feeney, Roscommon County Council Heritage Ofﬁcer. Search www.heritageweek.ie and follow #HeritageWeek2024 for details of all events and digital projects nationwide. Supported by Roscommon County Council & The Heritage Council.

There’s a Little Library Bag for every child starting school in 2024!

Pick up their FREE Little Library Book Bag at your local library.

To help children navigate starting school, libraries have put together a bag with a book, a wallet and their ﬁrst own library card!

The Little Library Bag is available in English or in Irish. Visit and join your local library.

More supports to help the transition to primary school are available at

Tá Mála Leabhar Mo Leabharlann Bheag do gach leanbh atá ag tosú ar scoil in 2024!

Pioc suas Mála Leabhar Leabharlainne Beag SAOR IN AISCE dóibh i do leabharlann áitiúil.

Chun cabhrú le páistí atá ag tosú ar scoil, tá mála le leabhar, sparán agus a gcéad chárta leabharlainne féin curtha le chéile ag leabharlanna.

Tá an Mála Leabharlainne Beag ar fáil i mBéarla nó i nGaeilge. Tabhair cuairt ar do leabharlann áitiúil agus glac ballraíocht ann.

Tá tuilleadh tacaíochta chun cabhrú leis an aistriú go dtí an bhunscoil ar fáil ag

The Big Dig comes to Somer’s Park in Castlerea on Sunday 25th August. This is a free kids event, and booking is advised.

Mosaics in Roscommon short lm, search digital projects on www.heritageweek.ie

R o s c o m m o n

K i n g H o u s e

2nd Oct: Harp & Song by Claire Roche

28th Aug: Three Fat Women of Antibes-Drama by Julie Sharkey

16th Oct: Donie O’Connor, Boyle Songwriter, in concert

30th Oct: Piano Recital by Lenny Chen

All events start at 2pm.

To Book Call King House 087 144 4739. Tickets €5

T r i n i t y t A r t s C e n t r e

22nd September: Live Music Session and Social Dancing

A great mix of Castlerea's finest trad, country and rock n roll talent. Refreshments served

Time: 4pm-6pm

To book email trinityartscastlerea@hotmail.com Tickets €5

S t r o k e s t o w n P a r k

6th Oct: Autumn Fête. An opportunity to create shared memories with friends and loved ones through a host of engaging, enriching, intergenerational, inspiring, and unforgettable activities.

Time: 12pm-5pm

Tickets via strokestownpark.ie/whats-on/ €5 (Over 60’s) , p g, ( ’ )

Roscommon Creative Ireland Programme launches new event series

In a move to enhance engagement with the arts among older audiences, the Roscommon Creative Ireland Programme, Roscommon Volunteer Centre, and Roscommon Age Friendly Programme, in collaboration with Age & Opportunity, are thrilled to announce the second year of the Cultural Companions Programme.

This innovative initiative, supported by Roscommon Creative Ireland funding, will feature a series of daytime events across the county, taking place at renowned cultural venues such as King House, Trinity Arts Centre, and Strokestown Park.

The programme will showcase talented performers from Roscommon and neighbouring counties, offering a diverse range of entertainment options for older audiences. Events will include drama, music, and social dancing, with ticket prices capped at a maximum of €5 for older people. Each event will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to meet and mingle with fellow arts enthusiasts. Participants will also be invited to become Cultural Companions Members, ensuring they stay informed about upcoming events within the programme.

Key highlights of the Cultural Companions Programme include a performance of the Three Fat Women of Antibes, a drama starring Julie Sharkey performed on Wednesday, August 28th in King House, Boyle.

The same venue will host performances in harp and song by Claire Roche on Wednesday, October 2nd and local singer and songwriter, Donie O’Connor on Wednesday, October 16th followed by a per-

formance by another local artist, Lenny Chen on October 30th. Castlerea’s Trinity Arts Centre will host a live music and social dancing event which will feature a great mix of Castlerea’s ﬁnest trad, country and rock ‘n’ roll talent. Refreshments will be served on the evening of Sunday, September 22nd from 4 pm to 6 pm. Finally, in Strokestown Park

House, there will be an Autumn Fête which will be a day ﬁlled with engaging, enriching, intergenerational, inspiring, and unforgettable activities on Sunday, October 6th from 12 midday to 5 pm.

‘Cultural Companions’ is an exciting initiative which aims to foster a sense of community among older audiences, encouraging them to explore and enjoy the rich cultural

ATHLEAGUE BINGO

– NEXT BINGO –Tuesday 27th August at 8.30pm (Eircode: F42 P440)

JACKPOT €4,400 (on 45 numbers)

25 Card Draw (Double Hand) Every Monday night at 9pm

offerings available in Roscommon and beyond.

The Roscommon Arts Ofﬁce are committed to making the arts accessible and inclusive for all. Booking information and all updates will be available on the Roscommon County Council Website at https://www.roscommoncoco. ie/en/services/community/creative-ireland/

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Cars and climate change… and the plan that seems to have taken a wrong turn

Our man Frank on the supposed phasing out of diesel and petrol cars; Enjoying the local club football scene (even in defeat) over the Premier League; And some musings on successful dogs…

The last petrol car that I had, as far as I can remember, was a Hillman Hunter. It came to a sad end one evening almost 50 years ago when I left it neatly balanced on a roadside wall. Since then I have ex-

clusively driven pre-loved diesel cars. A number of trusty old Volvos have passed through my hands, and in recent years I have had four or ﬁve Volkswagen Passats. All of this went through my mind as I drove to Galway on Friday afternoon. I couldn’t help but notice the fact that there are hardly any normal-type saloon cars on the road anymore. Everything is either a people carrier or an SUV (not sure what an SUV is, but it sounds good), and there is obviously now a big number of electric vehicles out there. So, as I pulled into a service station to ﬁll up with diesel, I wondered what had happened to all the plans to dispense with diesel cars by 2030. We are all aware, or at least we should be, of greenhouse gas emissions, and their detrimental effect on climate change, and so with great

fanfare the Government announced in 2019 (as part of our Climate Action Plan) that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars would cease in 2030. That is now only six years away, but there seems to be very little said about it these days. At the time there were also meant to be incentives to phase out diesel cars altogether by making diesel more expensive than petrol, and encouraging people to buy hybrid and electric vehicles.

A number of modern large petrol cars only have one-litre engines, but apparently with the huge advances in technology the one-litre engine is plenty powerful enough to drive any of these bigger vehicles. The smaller engine produces much less greenhouse gas emissions and therefore does less damage to our environment.

Why the local GAA scene trumps Premier League

For all of us sports lovers, a new English Premier League soccer season kicked off last Friday evening when the much-maligned Manchester United hosted Fulham at Old Trafford stadium. Now I’ve told you before of my 61year love/hate relationship with United, born out of the 1963 Cup Final, and how in recent years I have fallen out of love, not with United, but with the whole game of football. Too much money, diving, cheating, and lack of respect for referees, coaches, opponents and especially the fans,

has really dampened my enthusiasm, and the truth is that I hardly ever watch games anymore.

However, with the All-Irelands over, and a television gap to be ﬁlled, I have to admit that I tuned into the Friday night game – but it will be a while before I do it again. The mini-buzz that I experienced as I waited for kick-off had disappeared after a few minutes, and while we got a very welcome win with a late goal, the truth is that the fare on offer was pretty dire, and the feeling is that it will be another long, miserable sea-

son for United fans. Anyway, and thank God for it, out here in Creggs we had a daunting trip to Loughglynn to play Eire Óg in the Intermediate Football Championship on Saturday evening to look forward to, and if ever there was an example of why I have turned my back on soccer, this was it. Passion, commitment, wholehearted effort and totally committed exchanges were all on offer, and even though the home side won a tight game by three points, I have to say that I left Loughglynn in a much better frame

of mind than the one I was in after watching the game at Old Trafford.

We knew going down that we were up against it, but in fairness we acquitted ourselves well, and were more than competitive against a team that many people fancy to win the competition. In less than two weeks’ time we have another big task on our hands when we meet another of the more fancied teams, our neighbours, Fuerty, and all I can say is I can’t wait. The Premier League isn’t a patch on the local club GAA scene.

Back in the day, a one-litre engine would hardly pull a wheelbarrow, but a friend of mine has a big Ford something and its one litre-engine is more than strong enough to give it plenty of poke.

And so, with the obvious environmental advantages of having these better and more efﬁcient petrol engines in new cars, I wondered, as I ﬁlled up my 11-year-old diesel Passat, why diesel is 10 cent a litre cheaper than petrol. At a time when we are supposed to be encouraging drivers to be more environmentally responsible, it just doesn’t make any sense.

The good news is that it seems nothing will now happen until 2035, but the big question is… despite all the publicity back in 2019, will it ever happen at all?

The world’s

ugliest dogs…

As we babysit a couple of dogs (belonging to a friend of ours) for a few days, my eye was drawn to a recent competition, held in Petaluma, California, to ﬁnd the world’s ugliest dog.

This competition, which can attract up to 30,000 spectators, has been running for more than 50 years. Entrants come mostly from the United States, but also from other parts of the world.

Winners of the competition receive $1600 (that is the dog owner, not the dog), a trophy and a trip to New York. Each year the winner is photographed (the dog, not the owner) and their picture features on the show’s website, and will be included in the book World’s Ugliest Dogs, which is produced every few years.

This year, the winner was an eight-year-old Pekingese called Wild Thang, and from the publicity pictures that I’ve seen, the toothless pug was a worthy winner. He was also a very popular winner, as this was his ﬁfth time to enter the competition, and after ﬁnishing second on a couple of occasions he was delighted (the dog, not the owner) to come out on top.

As with lots of things, it proves that ‘stickability’ is such an important quality, and Wild Thang is an example to everyone (animal or human) to keep going and never give up. I’d say he can defend his title next year, and unless I am a poor judge of doggy looks, I think he has a very good chance of keeping his place at the top of the podium.

I am going out now to have a good look at my two doggy guests, and who knows, we might be all off to California. Look out Wild Thang, we are after your title.

And ﬁnally…

Down there in Rosslare, the customs officers must be feeling very pleased with themselves. In the last week or so they have confiscated almost €23m worth of illegal drugs which arrived into the port, while this week they have confiscated almost €8m worth of cigarettes.

The sad truth seems to be that millions and millions of euro worth of drugs are landing here on a regular basis. At least nowadays the gangs who lose such large amounts of their stuff have to be feeling the pinch. So well done to all involved. The good news for dog lovers is that a cocker spaniel named Jasper has played a huge part in the seizures – he is specially trained to sniff out concealed illegal drugs and has been involved in several big hauls in the last year.

So, as I applaud the winner of the ugliest dog in the world competition (separate item), it is only right to similarly applaud Jasper, a dog that’s waging war on our big drugs gangs! He too is winning!

Jason Doory gets the ball away as Enda O’Roarke and Ronan Dowd close in. Action from last weekend’s John Keane & Sons IFC Éire Óg v Creggs game. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Why Choose Roscommon Credit Union for a Student Loan?

As the cost of college continues to rise at an alarming rate, investing in your education now is more critical than ever. The reality for many students today is that tuition fees, materials, and living expenses can create significant financial burdens, making it essential to find affordable ways to fund your studies. At Roscommon Credit Union, we understand the pressures you face, which is why we offer a discounted interest rate on educational loans designed specifically to alleviate some of that stress..

Roscommon Credit Union offers a favourable 6% interest rate on educational loans. This means that a €8,000 educational loan over one year with weekly repayments of €159, would bring the total cost of loan (including interest) to €8,246 paid in instalments over the course of the year.

Flexibility can be hugely important when taking out a loan for education. In the case that you have extra income available (e.g. when working during summer months), you can make bigger payments to get ahead on your loan. While banks charge penalties for early repayments, we do not charge any fees or penalties for this, and it would mean your loan repayment balance

would be signiﬁcantly lower in the latter half of the year.

Another factor to consider when you’re thinking about educational loans, is the ethos of Roscommon Credit Union. We are connected to our communities in ways other organisations can only dream of. Here at Roscommon Credit Union, we are not about proﬁts, targets or margins. We are about local people helping people in their community achieve their goals and dreams.

Additionally, as an educational loan is likely to be your first time borrowing, it is an opportunity to begin building a positive credit history and gain financial independence. By successfully managing repayments, you build a strong credit history, which is beneficial when applying for larger loans in the future (e.g. for a car loan or mortgage).

The beneﬁt of having a

ﬂexible loan, as well as a low interest rate to pay back, makes a Credit Union loan the perfect option for you if you’re looking for a way to cover the expenses of school or college (and still be able to keep your savings pot growing, for example). Visit us, call us or go online to begin your application.

Our loan ofﬁcers and team love nothing more than hearing about someone they’ve helped with an educational loan who will be or has graduated from their course. We are always happy to hear about a student’s story of successfully completing a course after taking out an educational loan on their academic journey. If you have in the past, or are currently taking out an educational loan with Roscommon Credit Union, please feel free to share your story by email: marketing@roscommoncu.ie

RSPCA’s fundraising street collection

At this time of the year, the Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)’s ﬁnancial resources are at their very lowest – and yet there has been a signiﬁcant increase in the amount of injured and sick animals in desperate need of assistance.

The RSPCA is run completely by volunteers who give up their free time to fundraise and work tirelessly each weekend to gather enough funds to cover upcoming vet bills – which so far this year has amounted to over €80,000.

Already in the ﬁrst six months of 2024, the RSPCA neutered 90 dogs and 630 cats as part of their discounted spaying and neutering service, which is a crucial service that is in high

demand. They also helped 371 sick, injured and neglected animals by providing vet care, food, shelter and adoption services.

The RSPCA is kindly asking for people to support their upcoming fundraising street collection, which will be taking place on both Friday, August 30th, and Saturday, August 31st Volunteers will be collecting from 10 am to 4 pm at various locations throughout Roscommon town.

The RSPCA are deeply appreciative of any donations received, with all monies going directly to animal welfare in the county.

To learn more about the RSPCA, please visit roscommonspca.ie or call 087 0505594.

Example: €3,500 over 12 months, is only €69/pw, with a total cost

Green light for Croghan playground welcomed

Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the decision by Roscommon County Council to grant planning permission for a community playground project in Croghan.

Complimenting the community for their persistence with the project, Senator Murphy stated he hopes to meet the community there shortly to offer them his support for the project going forward.

This table shows the rising cost of third level education expenses in Ireland

Presentation by Brian Keenan (centre) to Patrick Mullins (left), winning jockey, after his horse Keep Up won the Brian Keenan On-Course Bookmakers INH Flat Race at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday, August 6th. Also in the picture is Ben Membur (right), Willie Mullins’ Agent. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Night of celebration for Monsignor Kevin Flanagan

There was a large attendance at the Anniversary Mass and function held in honour of Monsignor Kevin Flanagan on Friday, August the 16th.

Those present at the Kilglass GAA Centre came from not only the parish of Kilglass, Rooskey and Slatta, but also other areas of Roscommon. People also travelled from overseas, particularly Britain.

The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Kevin Fallon, Fr Willie Sakwe (local priest), Fr John McManus, Castlerea, Fr Kevin Fallon, Roscommon, Fr

Following the celebration of Mass, refreshments were served with all catering conducted by members of the local community.

A great night of entertainment then took place in the GAA Centre continuing the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Fr Kevin’s ordination to the priesthood and his 90th birthday. Music, song, Irish dancing, recitations, reminisces and storytelling presented by local artists were en-

joyed by all. The Mass and the evening’s events will long remain in the memory of those who attended. The celebration was organised by the Parish Pastoral Council and the local community, with the venue arrangements facilitated by Kilglass Gaels. Such is the regard for Fr Kevin that all involved gave their services free of charge. The event bound the whole community together in a ﬁtting tribute to Fr Kevin, a man who brings great pride to the communities of the area.

(formerly Tattie Hoaker)

Goff Street, Roscommon town. Tel. 090 66 30492 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday

Please telephone: 090 66 30492 for further details

PLEASE COLLECT A

Maca, sometimes referred to as ‘Peruvian Ginseng’, is a root vegetable native to Peru. It is very much like a radish and in Peru it is known as the ‘fountain of youth’ as it has a long traditional use for energy, stamina and fertility.

Maca root contains significant amounts of amino acids and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium and iron, as well as B vitamins, and is often referred to as a superfood. It is rich in fibre and contains significant levels of protein and essential fatty acids.

Maca is known as an adaptogen, in that it increases the body’s ability to defend itself against mental and physical stressors.

Not only does Maca provide

support during menstruation but it helps balance hormones regulating the female menstrual cycle and increasing libido, acting as a natural aphrodisiac and mood enhancer. Maca is of use also in reducing discomforts due to menopausal symptoms.

In men Maca has been shown to increase libido, stamina and both sperm count and motility therefore aiding fertility.

Maca occurs naturally in three colours; black, red and cream. Research suggests that the darker the colour of the maca the more potent it is. Therefore, my personal recommendation is Sara’s Choice Maca which uses 85% black, 10 % red and 5 % cream Maca. Sara’s Choice Maca is pre-cooked under 45 degrees

which removes the starch and results in a 30 % increase in bioavailability. Available in capsules and powder. Maca powder is really delicious made into a smoothie. Use 1teaspoon 3 -root Maca powder, 1 small banana, a heaped teaspoon of cacao powder, 2 teaspoons of almond/cashew or peanut butter. Blend together in 8oz of rice milk with a couple of ice cubes. Sara’s Choice, quality supplements also available at Au Naturel Roscommon which includes Maca, Spirulina, Chlorella and Camu Camu. For further information contact Susan or Siobhan at Au Naturel, 14 Goff Street, Roscommon, telephone 090 6630492.

The Mass was concelebrated by (left to right) Fr Sean Beirne, Fr Kevin Fallon, Monsignor Kevin Flanagan, Fr John McManus, Fr Ciaran Whitney and Fr Willie Sakwe.

Sean Beirne, Kilteevan and Fr Ciaran Whitney, Strokestown.

Roscommon to celebrate ﬁrst Pride this weekend!

JAM-PACKED PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Roscommon will hold its ﬁrst-ever Pride celebrations this weekend, with activities taking place from Friday, August 23rd, to Sunday, August 25th , inclusive.

Friday

The festivities kick off with Drag Bingo at The Red Parrot on Friday night. Hosted by the wonderful Donatello, this event is sure to be a great start to Roscommon Pride. Doors open at 8 pm for this over-18s event, and limited tickets are available so don’t miss out!

Saturday

It’s an earlier start to the Pride events on Saturday, with an engaging panel discussion organised to take place in the Quad from 11 am. This in-depth discussion, titled ‘Strength in Diversity: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Resilience – Amplifying the voices of our community in Roscommon’, will hear powerful insights from a variety of speakers, who will talk about their own experience and that of the community at large, with a focus on the positive aspects of the community’s

ongoing journey. This is a free event but please note that pre-registration is essential.

Next up on Saturday will be the highly-anticipated Pride March. This will kick off at the Quad from 2 pm, travelling through the centre of town before reaching Loughnaneane Park. This

march is the centrepiece of Roscommon Pride, and is expected to be one of the biggest and most exciting events held across the weekend.

Following directly from the march, a family fun day will kick off at Loughnaneane Park. This family-friendly afternoon will have singers, dancers, and

Will is Roscommon Pride’s Grand Marshal

Roscommon-based LGBTQIA+ activist Will Keane is the Grand Marshal for the ﬁrst ever Roscommon Pride march.

Roscommon’s inaugural Pride celebrations take place this weekend, with the eagerly anticipated Pride march starting from the Quad at 2 pm on Saturday. LGBTQIA+ people, allies, and supporters alike are invited to show their support, and to come along to any of the many events running as part of this weekend of celebration, fun and community spirit. Will was heavily involved in Roscommon’s campaign for marriage equality in 2015, and explained he was excited to see his home county “celebrate difference and diversity” in such a public way.

“Looking back at a 14-year-old version of myself, I could never have imagined being fully accepted in my own town. To imagine 30 years later that Roscommon Town is preparing itself to celebrate its ﬁrst Pride festival is testament to the

and county.

ﬁrst Grand Marshal.

“Change is rarely sudden and not always obvious. A rainbow ﬂag beside a

till, a Pride sticker in the window, or indeed an accepting smile can build a person’s sense of worth, sense of belonging and sense of acceptance. I’m overjoyed that the rainbow ﬂag will ﬂy proudly over this celebratory weekend, and hope businesses, sporting organisations, and schools bring the spirit of this weekend across the 52 weeks of the year. Nothing feels better than feeling included”.

Karina Murray, Event Manager of Roscommon Pride, said: “Roscommon Pride is more than just a march. The entire weekend will send a powerful statement of inclusivity to the whole county and will act as a platform to launch a year round LGBTQ+ community group in Roscommon. We invite everyone, LGBTQ+ folks and their allies, to join us in making history together”.

For more details about Roscommon Pride, and the celebrations taking place, visit roscommonpride.ie.

performers on hand for entertainment, as well as a variety of stalls. No registration is needed to attend this event so just come along and enjoy the fun!

The ‘Pooch for Pride’ event will be taking place in the park following the march. Kicking off at 3.30 pm, this best-dressed dog competition is sure to

feature contestants dressed to the (K)9s. If you are interested in having your pup take part, please note that pre-registration is essential.

Saturday’s jam-packed programme of events will ﬁnish up with a ‘Pride Party’ at The Coachman’s Inn. Featuring performances by The HAUS of KWÉN and followed by a DJ set until the late hours, this over-18s event is sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend. Pre-drinks will be held in the bar from 8 pm, with the private show (for ticket holders only) beginning in the back from 9.30 pm!

Sunday Sunday kicks off with a colour run in Loughnaneane Park – the perfect opportunity to stride with pride and celebrate in all the colours of the rainbow. This event is being held as a fundraiser for Roscommon’s LGBTQ+ Youth Group, and is sure to be an event the whole family will enjoy! All are welcome so get your tickets now and join in on the fun.

The ﬁnal event in this weekend’s programme of Pride events will take in Boyle, with the town’s Film Club set to hold a screening of some wonderful LGBTQ+ movies on Sunday afternoon! Kicking off at 3.30 pm, this event is free but please note that pre-registration is essential.

Pictured is Roscommon-based LGBTQIA+ activist Will Keane, who has been announced as the Grand Marshal for the rst ever Roscommon Pride march this Saturday.

Pride celebrations this weekend, with activities taking place from Friday, August 23rd, to Sunday, August 25th, inclusive

Dolan: ‘Look up your entitlements under Treatment Beneﬁt Scheme’

Senator Aisling Dolan is encouraging people working in Roscommon to look at their entitlements under the Treatment Beneﬁt Scheme, where they can avail of free dental examinations, eyesight checks and hearing tests.

“Under the Treatment Beneﬁt scheme, dental, eyesight, and hearing services are provided to insured employees, the self-employed and retired people, who have the required number of qualifying PRSI contributions”, she said. “People can avail of a range of treatments, either free or part-funded.

“In terms of access to dentists, new courses in dentistry are starting in RCSI next year which will be slightly different to the courses in UCC and Trinity, with more of a focus on work in the community instead of hospitals. This will add another 75 dentists a year doubling the current number of graduates.

“Under the Treatment Beneﬁt Scheme, people that have suffered hair loss due to treatment of cancer or certain types of alopecia can also avail of a €500 grant towards the purchase of a hair replacement product,” Senator Dolan explained.

Almost 1.2 million people across the country have benefitted from the scheme so far this year. Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, a person may qualify for dental benefit, optical benefit, hearing aids, and/or hair replacement products.

“In 2022, Minister Heather Humphreys changed the insurance contributions required for younger workers to make it easier for them to qualify, so I would especially urge anyone who is working and aged under 25 to check eligibility, to make sure they are not missing out on these important health checks,” Senator Dolan concluded.

Further information in relation to the Treatment Beneﬁt Scheme and its qualifying conditions is available at gov.ie.

Kerrane asks CEO to review ﬁre service

station in Castlerea needs to re-open.

newsbriefs

Presentation to Fr Pravin Dhason

The parishioners of Oran extend best wishes to Fr Pravin Dhason who is leaving the parish of Oran at the end of this month. There will be a presentation to Fr Pravin and refreshments in Ballinaheglish Community Centre this Sunday, 25th of August after 11 am Mass. All welcome. Hospice

Coffee Morning appeal

Mayo/Roscommon Hospice are calling for people to host a co ee morning on National Co ee Morning for Hospice, sponsored by Bewleys, on Thursday, September 26th – or on another date if that suits you better. You can host a co ee morning/evening with family, friends, or work colleagues, or you can have a Drive-By or takeaway co ees if you wish. Anything goes! Please register for your free pack online at hospice.ie/co ee. For more, email info@hospice.ie or call 094 9388666. Donations are also welcome online at hospice.ie. Please support this important event, and help raise funds for vital hospice services in the area while enjoying a co ee and a chat.

Celebrating National Heritage Week in Rahara

Deputy Kerrane said, “Having asked the minister responsible to instruct Roscommon County Council to undertake a review of the ﬁre service in the county, he advised that this is a matter for the Council itself”.

Deputy Kerrane said she is awaiting a response to a request that she issued in May to the Chief Fire Ofﬁcer, and is now making that request directly to the Roscommon County Council Chief Executive. She insisted she will not be “backing down” on

RSPCA Church gate collections

The Roscommon Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) will be holding church gate collections at the following churches on Sunday, September 1st 2024. Collections will be held on Sunday, September 1st, in Ballinlough at the Church of The Immaculate Conception, and in Granlahan at St Patrick’s Church.

This collection is a great opportunity to

raise much-needed funds for animal welfare work and raise awareness of the RSPCA’s mission and vision.

If you would like to learn more about the RSPCA, please visit roscommonspca.ie or call 087 0505594. Your support would be greatly appreciated. All donations will go directly towards animal welfare in the county.

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS

ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75

ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason speci ed.

Road to be closed: Junction 13 N6 Eastbound and Westbound

Period of Closure: 7pm to 6am on dates between 2nd to 27th September 2024

Alternative Routes: N6/R446/R362/R914

Reason for Closures: To facilitate roadworks on the M6 Motorway by TLI Group

Greg O’Donnell

Acting Director of Services

“Castlerea is a growing town – the second largest in the county. It needs a ﬁre station, and in the absence of one, neighbouring ﬁre stations – including ones outside of County Roscommon – are being put under pressure and having to cover much larger areas, including Castlerea and its surrounds, when it should have its own service as before.

“I do not believe any ‘independent’ analysis that suggests there is no need for a service in the town. Frankly, this is rubbish and I want a review to be carried out and the station re-opened”, she concluded.

As part of Heritage Week in Rahara, a historical talk on the Sproules Family will take place in Lacken House at 8 pm on Friday, 23rd of August. Genealogist Eilish Feeley and historian Willie Gacquin will step back in time and delve into the history of Long eld House, Rahara House and Caltra House. This event is supported by the Heritage O ce at Roscommon County Council. Admission is free.

Williamstown Heritage Society Open Day

Williamstown Heritage Society is holding its annual Open Day at Templetogher Heritage Area this Sunday, August 25th, from 1 pm to 4 pm, with the main ceremony taking place at 3 pm. After unprecedented success in winning the rst ever National Heritage Award last year, the society has continued to develop new and exciting features. This open day will serve as an opportunity to learn more about the society and the work they do. All are welcome on the day.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has asked the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council to review the ﬁre service in the county.

her assertion that the ﬁre

Bridget Lennon from Music Generation Roscommon playing the bass guitar during the recent ‘Songs About Love’ concert held in St Joseph’s Hall, Boyle. Pic: Brian Farrell

Oran Henry from Music Generation Roscommon performing at the recent ‘Songs About Love’ concert held in St Joseph’s Hall, Boyle. Pic: Brian Farrell

‘Thank you for the music’ (and the great support)

1980s Disco raises €4,210 for Hospice

< EVELYN KILLEENMCCRANN

‘I’m so excited’ to tell everyone who supported the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice 1980s Disco fundraiser in any way that we raised a total of €4,120.

I am also very proud to say I am a Rossie girl – having experienced so much generosity, kindness and helpfulness from my local Roscommon town community since I began organising the 1980s fancy dress disco in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice.

This is a wonderful charity, close to all our hearts. I could not have organised the event without the help of local businesses and my old school pals from the 1980s who have encouraged and motivated me with great excitement and confidence from the outset.

I would like to thank the following businesses who donated spot prizes for the €5 raffle, best costumes and Name that Tune Competition: Satara Boutique, Hannon’s Hotel, The Curtain Centre, Abbey Hotel, The Hair-Port Hair Salon, Jackson’s Restaurant and Accommodation, Timothy’s Londis, Regan’s Gastro Pub, Rogue & Co Café, Abbey Meats, McGuinness Total

Health Pharmacy, Molloy’s Pharmacy, Rosmed Pharmacy, the Skincare and Hair Spa, Assumpta’s Beauty Salon, The Cut Above Hair Salon, Burgoyne Hairdressing, Ardcarne Garden Centre, Future Flowers (Florist), Signature Flowers, Time Pieces, Ramone’s Hair Salon, Alter Ego Hair Salon, Sephora Boutique, Galaxy Hair and Beauty, Aphrodites Hair Studio, The Hair Boutique, Gleeson’s Hotel, The Pepper Mill Restaurant, The Comfy Café, Gerard McDermott wreath manufacturer, John Corcoran Menswear, Topline Ward’s Hardware store, McNeill’s Deli, Finn Electrical Expert.

Thanks also to the following businesses who bought tickets: The Pantry Café, Au Natural health and wellness store, the Lounge Barbers and Academy, Roscommon Sports (sportswear store), John Corcoran Menswear, Molloy’s Carry Out offlicence, Madden’s Meats, LTB Bathrooms, Rummage (Antiques, etc), Walsh’s of Castle Street, Gannon’s Furniture and Carpets, The Slaughter House discount store, Cycle Up Textiles, Shanagher Hearing, Kodak Express photo and Happy Scissors Hair Salon.

Thank you to Molloy’s Bakery, Abbeytown, Flem-

ing’s SuperValu and Donnellan’s Lady & Co (both Main Street) and Hynes’ Pharmacy, Castle Street, who all offered to sell tickets for the event.

Thank you to everyone who made private donations to the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice charity both before and after the event.

I would like to thank sincerely thank the following people who also helped me make the Mayo/Roscommon fundraiser such a wonderful success: Larry O’Gara, who provided us with Nancy’s Nightclub to hold the charity event in and for allowing us access to the nightclub the evening before the event to enable my friends and I to prepare for the disco.

Seamus Duke, who kindly gave up his time to be our DJ for the night. He ‘Pumped up the Jam’ to keep us swarming onto the dancefloor jumping, jiving, hopping and boogeying, singing and swaying to the sounds and hits of the ‘80s until the early hours of the morning. ‘Thank you for the music’ Seamus!

Claire Hussey, for her beautifully displayed basket of flowers which she donated for the raffle.

Niamh’s Party Palace, who provided us with colourful balloons to transform the

nightclub into a bright and cheerful party setting.

Sean Doyle Windows who sponsored the advertising of the event on Shannonside Radio and Shannonside Radio for making numerous announcements about the event. Also Michael Commins from Midwest Radio who announced the event on his radio show.

Newsround bookstore and Cormican’s Office and Art Supplies who donated the envelopes for the €5 raffle.

To the caring shop assistant in Homesavers who insisted on paying for the tablecloth which was used to display all the spot prizes and flower displays on the stage, a big thank you.

Paul Healy, Editor of the Roscommon People and James Fogarty, journalist with the Roscommon Herald for kindly publicising the event over the past couple of months.

To the very obliging Kathy Andrewartha from the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation office in Knock who designed and printed the posters and tickets for fundraiser.

Eithne Merriman who took time to design a striking brightly coloured backdrop for the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice fundraiser which was displayed on the Nancy’s stage during the event.

To my wonderful, reliable school pals from yesteryear who have supported me since last February when the preparations for the event began. They helped me with great enthusiasm to prepare the nightclub the evening before and carried out numerous tasks on the night. I could not have done it without them.

Thank you to Claire Finneran, Berni Maher, Edel Lynch, Eithne Merriman, Grainne Merriman, Rachel Feeley, Anne Tully, Ann Hanly, Michael Hussey and Seamus Golden and to my sister Sandra Connelly and my husband Fergal Mc-

Crann who has supported me all the way.

Lastly, a huge thank you to the hundreds of people who attended the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice 1980s Disco on Friday, August 9th. You all helped to create a wonderful atmosphere in Nancy’s, on a night filled with endless fun and laughter. No-one was ‘Too Shy’ to get out onto the dancefloor for we were all ‘In the mood for dancing’ and willing to dance ‘All night Long’. Some of us took the opportunity to relive our teenage years by dressing up in

1980s garb, showing off our neon-coloured tops, lycra trousers, psychedelic dresses and skirts, black fishnets, high-waisted ripped knee denims, legwarmers, etc.

Also, we cannot forget the big hair: back-combed, side ponytails and curls plus the bright hair bows and bands.

As the lyrics from an old Elvis song go ‘It was a night, oh what a night, it really was such a night’.

Thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets.

Congratulations to everyone who won a spot prize from the raffle and those who won

a prize for best costume and to those who took part in the Name that Song competition.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works so diligently for Mayo/Roscommon Hospice foundation and wish them every success for the future. We are blessed to have Roscommon Hospice open in our town. It is such an excellent facility to have in our midst. May the charity continue to thrive and blossom as the years go on.

Forever thankful, Evelyn

WESTWARD SCANIA

is the sole distributor of Scania products in the Republic of Ireland since 1976

Reporting to the Parts Manager, we are recruiting the following Parts Department Adviser / Warehouse Operative

Dealing with Truck and Bus/Coach customers your duties will include;

• Identifying & Organising Parts for Workshop and Retail Customers.

• Picking, Packing & Invoicing of Scania Dealer orders.

• Dealing with phone enquiries from Retail Customers.

• Ordering stock.

• Goods inwards & Stock Control.

o Checking & binning of Spare Parts.

o Inventory counts.

• Manage and process Spare Parts returns & Service Exchange Parts.

• General warehouse duties.

Requirements:

• PC literate.

• Self-motivated.

• Team player.

• Able to work on own initiative.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Excellent telephone manner.

• You pay close attention to detail.

• Driving & Forklift Licence an advantage.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Experience would be desirable, but if you have a knowledge of commercial vehicles and looking for a job which will offer excellent opportunities to progress, please forward your CV to:

P.J. Kelly, After Sales Parts Manager, Westward Scania. Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Or by e-mail to: pj.kelly@westwardscania.com

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday August 23rd, 2024.

Killeen-McCrann

The proceeds of the 1980s Disco fundraiser have been presented to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. Our photographs shows the cheque for €4,120 being presented. Let to right: Berni Maher (one of the organisers), Ollie McGuinness (accepting on behalf of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice), Evelyn Killeen-McCrann (event organiser) and Eithne Merriman, Rachel Feeley and Michael Hussey (some of those who were involved in organising the event).

Some of the organisers/attendees from the 1980s Disco fundraiser held in Nancy’s, Roscommon earlier this month, with proceeds going to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. Main event organiser Evelyn Killeen-McCrann is fourth from left.

Mary and Fred Dolan, showing their Belgium Blue Heifer Calf during last Saturday’s Roscommon Show.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Marie Douglas, Brandon McDermott, Kirsty McDonald, Keeva Donaghy and Janine McDonald enjoying last Saturday’s Roscommon Show. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Leon Murphy, Conor and Janice MacBride with their dogs Daisy and Boo who were competing in the ‘Working Dogs’ and ‘Dogs Handling’ categories at Roscommon Show last Saturday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Setanta, Étaín and Iarlaith Feeney pictured at last Saturday’s Roscommon Show.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Aidan Loftus showing his Suffolk Ram Lamb at last Saturday’s Roscommon Show. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Sean Grady from Frenchpark, showing his Suffolk Ram Lamb at last Saturday’s Roscommon Show. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Sue Duke, Paul Kelly and Ashley Tate who had entries at last Saturday’s Roscommon Show. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Pictured at last Saturday’s Roscommon Show were Anthony Burke and his cousin Sean Burke and sister Maura Burke.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Patrick Regan from Loughglynn showing his Angus Bull at last Saturday’s Roscommon Show. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Enjoying the Roscommon Show last weekend were Declan and Rose Dillon from Fuerty. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Dawn McEnroe with her daughter Ellie who had just won two prizes with her dog Billy at Saturday’s Roscommon Show.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell Having fun at Roscommon Show last Saturday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell Large crowds attended Roscommon Show last Saturday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

AgInnovation Programme –

Programme

In the 1980s, when he was building Apple Computer, Steve Jobs claimed that he was looking for people who wanted to ‘make a little dent in the universe’. At the University of Galway, the AgInnovation Programme is all about teaching people how to make that dent.

AgInnovation got started six years ago thanks to Professor John Breslin. John had created several startups from his research when he realized that the West of Ireland needed an entrepreneurial ecosystem - that is, the institutions, activities, and programmes that would help everyday people create new businesses and bring new prod-

ucts to life. To that end, John not only launched an innovation hub – the Portershed in Galway City – but he also convinced the University to create a Masters Programme in Innovation for adult learners.

AgInnovation gives people the time, space, and intellectual framework to ‘think outside the box’ and shape an idea into a business. Students learn how to innovate – to understand the needs and wishes of customers and to use those insights to create products and services that enrich people’s lives. AgInnovation attracts students from a variety of backgrounds – farmers, teachers, engineers, and people

between careers - and together they teach each other how to communicate and create. The Programme attracts everyone from people who got their leaving cert twenty years ago to university grads to an occasional research scientist. Since 2019, the Programme has graduated over 180 students who have worked on everything from the sex life of chickens to glamping pods for their farm to cottage cheese for Ukrainian refugees.

To run the Programme from

day-to-day, Professor Breslin hired another prof, Bernard Carlson, from the University of Virginia and Martina O’Grady, a successful local entrepreneur. Bernard is an old hand at teaching the ins and outs of innovation having studied how Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla were so creative, while Martina knows how to inspire people to do their best work.

Knowing that not everyone had the money or time to study innovation, Professor Breslin

secured Springboard funding for the Programme from the Government of Ireland and the EU; this means that employed students pay only 10% of the fees while unemployed students can take the course for free. Meanwhile Professor Carlson has designed a oneyear, part-time programme to accommodate people who are working and have family obligations; he’s also worked to make the course fun with a ‘Big Cheese’ speech competition and Martina helps students to develop a name, logo, and strapline for their business. The results are not only that 30 adults earn a Masters

in one year, but 30 new small businesses are created every year. Today, we are looking for a few good women and men who want to become extra-ordinary. If you believe you can change the world for the better, have the seed of an idea and can commit one year part-time to a Masters Programme, then please contact Professor Bernard Carlson at walterbernard.carlson@universityofgalway.ie or Programme lecturer, Martina O’Grady at martina.ogrady@universityofgalway.ie. The closing date for applications is 31st August and the course starts September 14th, 2024.

Mullooly to undertake community consultation on EU

Just Transition Fund

MEP Ciaran Mullooly has said he will initiate a consultation process with community groups in the midlands to assess the effectiveness of the European Just Transition Fund (EUJTF). This comes after recent allocations of grant aid to various projects in the region.

MEP Mullooly is seeking to gather comprehensive feedback on the impact of these allocations, particularly in relation to former Bord na Móna and ESB workers and their families.

Mullooly said there are important questions to be asked, such as: “How many community groups were involved in this EUJTF process? How many

former Bord na Móna and ESB workers or their families directly beneﬁted from the grant aid?”. He said he is committed to ensuring full engagement from those affected by the EUJTF initiatives. As the European Commission undertakes a review of the EUJTF’s operations, President Ursula von der Leyen has indicated that “red tape and regulation is hampering the effectiveness of the EUJTF schemes within some countries – with 40 million euro unspent”.

In light of this, Mr Mullooly emphasised the need for community feedback before the Commission’s review is presented to the European

Parliament early next year. This feedback, he noted, will be crucial in shaping potential legislative changes ahead of the introduction of EUJTF 2.0.

MEP Mullooly has encouraged all community groups in the midlands to participate in this consultation during the month of August.

has

He has assured them that their views will be represented as part of the Commission’s review process. Mullooly, who will be involved in scrutinising the review as part of the European Parliament’s Regional Development Committee, stated, “Your view will be heard. I can assure you of that”.

The AgInnovation Programme at Univesity of Galway, attracts students from a variety of backgrounds. It takes just one year and is a hybrid of zoom classes and nine Saturdays at the University. The programme is subsidised through the Springboard funding for the

from the Government of Ireland and the EU

County Roscommon Disability Support Group CLG – 35th Anniversary

Alison Neary, RSG Finance and Resource Centre Manager, speaking to the attendees of the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane.

Jim Ganly, Chairperson of the RSG Board, speaking to attendees of the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane.

Pic: Kieran Croghan

Joan Dowd, CEO of RSG, speaking to the attendees of the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Deirdre Hussey’s husband Declan and sons Ethan and Luke o cially opened the newly-built training room, ‘The Oak Room’, in honour of Deirdre, a former RSG sta member who passed away in 2022. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Deirdre Hussey’s husband Declan and sons Ethan and Luke unveil a plaque at the newly-built training room, ‘The Oak Room’, in honour of Deirdre, a former RSG sta member who passed away in 2022. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Members of Deirdre Hussey’s family pictured in the newly-opened training room ‘The Oak Room’ which was opened in honour of former RSG sta member Deirdre who passed away in 2022. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Deirdre Hussey’s family pictured along with members of the RSG sta in the newly-opened training room ‘The Oak Room’ which was opened in honour of former RSG sta member Deirdre who passed away in 2022. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Olivia Beirne, Martina Kenny and Michael Fox pictured at the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Tony Byrne, Anton Hrishechkin and Antoinette Hughes pictured at the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane. Pic: Kieran Croghan

County

Celebrating 35 years of service… The County Roscommon Disability Support Group opens ‘The Oak Room’

On Tuesday, August 6th, the County Roscommon Disability Support Group CLG, commonly known as RSG, welcomed stakeholders, staff, friends, and neighbours to celebrate their 35th anniversary and the ofﬁcial opening of their new training room, The Oak Room.

Jim Ganly, Chairperson of the Board, recounted RSG’s history, noting its establishment in 1989.

As a Health Service Executive (HSE) approved provider, RSG offers a broad range of personcentred care and support services, primarily to people with physical and sensory disabilities, older persons and children throughout County Roscommon and the surrounding areas.

RSG, a not-for-proﬁt organisation and registered charity, has grown signiﬁcantly over the years. Its community services are largely funded by HSE Section 39, with additional support from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) Community Employment (CE) Scheme.

Since 2010, RSG has been an officially recognised Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training Awards Council accredited training provider, offering full Level 5 healthcare qualifications and other mandatory training modules.

In 2012, RSG opened the DALE Resource Centre, which provides daily activities for service

users under the age of 65 with physical and sensory disabilities.

Finance and Resource Centre Manager Alison Neary opened the proceedings, expressing gratitude to all attendees for celebrating RSG’s remarkable 35-year journey. She highlighted the dedication, hard work, and resilience of the entire RSG team, both past and present, and marked the occasion as particularly special due to the opening of The Oak Room, a refurbishment made possible through Pobal funding.

Chief Executive Ofﬁcer (CEO) Joan Dowd spoke about the signiﬁcance of The Oak Room, dedicated to the memory of Deirdre Hussey, a beloved former colleague and friend who passed away in October 2022. Joan described Deirdre as an inspirational individual whose contributions to RSG have left a lasting impact. The RSG team believes The Oak Room will serve as a constant reminder of Deirdre’s legacy and the values she embodied.

The event was graced by the presence of Deirdre’s family, including her husband Declan, and sons Ethan and Luke. Also in attendance were RSG service users, staff, learners, Board Trustees, and members of their service partners from the HSE.

Joan extended her thanks to stakeholders for their unwavering support and gave a special mention to those staff members who

could not attend due to work commitments.

Fr Donal Morris, in blessing the building, remarked on the ﬁtting tribute of the name ‘Oak Room,’ symbolising strength and refuge in times of sickness and need. He noted that the title aligns perfectly with RSG’s mission to improve the quality of life and standard of services for all people with disabilities, older persons and children.

This celebration marks a signiﬁcant milestone for RSG, as they continue their commitment to providing exceptional care and support within the community.

Alison Neary, RSG Finance and Resource Centre Manager; Jim Ganly, Chairperson of the RSG Board; Ciaran Mullooly, MEP for the Midlands-North-West; and Joan Dowd, CEO of RSG pictured at the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Teresa Kiernan and Marie Shaw pictured at the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Kate Solohub and Caroline Kenny pictured at the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Laarni Beattie, Nicola Devine and Elaine Hanly pictured at the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane.

Mary Dolan and Bernadette Kelly pictured at the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Marie Main, Tracey Faulkner and Tina Tighe pictured at the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Mary Ganley, Jennifer Toal and Julianne Fox pictured at the 35th anniversary celebrations of RSG which took place recently in Derrane. Pic: Kieran Croghan.

From infamous ‘no’ county to inaugural Pride celebrations

In under a decade, Roscommon has gone from being billed as Ireland’s ‘most homophobic county’ to a county proud of its Pride…

When Ireland became the first country in the world to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote in 2015, I was still a few years off the voting age. But like everyone else in the country, the conversation around the referendum was a constant one I’d been having – with friends, classmates, family. I can so clearly remember how engaged the country was; how much discourse preceded the vote, how unavoidable and non-stop and emotive and at times infuriating that discourse was – and probably, was always going to be. I remember fighting over it, and watching other people fight over it. And I remember hearing the result. I remember the reaction. I remember welcoming it with friends. I remember turning on the TV to watch blankets of people swarming euphorically at Dublin Castle; a sea of colour, of ecstatic celebration, and of heartfelt tears. A show of love and of community, and of overdue progress. A huge win, in so many ways, and the bare minimum, in another. I remember feeling proud of Ireland. And relieved. Because with that result came another feeling; the disappointment, sadness, and to be honest, shame that I felt upon learning the only area that had stood in the way of this historic vote being unanimous, was our own. Roscommon earned an infamous reputation as the ‘no’ county, as ‘Ireland’s most homophobic county’, when RoscommonSouth Leitrim became the only constituency to return a ‘no’ vote. It was still a reference being made jokingly when I moved away for college years later and told people where I was from.

Roscommon-South Leitrim voted 51.42% to 48.58% against the referendum, though it should perhaps be noted that the slew of criticism aimed solely at the area largely sidestepped considerations like the fact that more people voted ‘yes’ here (17,615) than in both Donegal South-West (15,907) and Donegal North-East (16,040), and that fewer voted ‘no’ here than in thirteen other constituencies – in fact, Donegal South-West went ‘yes’ by just 33 votes. But nevertheless, none of this is to negate the underlying truth that Roscommon’s emergence as the infamous ‘no’ county (Leitrim was apparently exonerated by Sligo-North Leitrim ‘yes’) did of course say something about the community’s values. The most likely explanations given for the constituency’s ‘no’ vote were the same ones used to explain why other places (in Donegal, for example) only returned ‘yes’ with very slim margins. There is a well-founded assoLet’s

ciation between rural, traditional, and predominantly Catholic areas, and a lack of support for progressive social changes like same-sex marriage. And this phenomenon is often exacerbated by having an older population, who (generally) tend to be more conservative and more resistant to change.

Undoubtedly, these factors played a central part in inﬂuencing the county’s voting. But so much pre-referendum discourse seemed to suggest the full explanation wasn’t quite as simple as that; as simple as Roscommon being too old and rural, too backwards, too full to the brim with bigots – especially since there were several wonderful, progressive voices advocating for a ‘yes’ vote in the county.

Across so many discussions, much of the resistance to voting ‘yes’ appeared to lie less in emphatic bigotry, than in the perception of the queer community’s distinct ‘otherness’; an ‘otherness’ that could perhaps be accepted… so long as it was kept ‘other’. Roscommon became dubbed as ‘Ireland’s most homophobic county’ when the result came out, and while certainly there were hateful people among the ‘no’ voters, it often felt as though lots of ‘no’ voters were operating less on hate but on a technicality; they’d “no problems” with queer folk, but didn’t understand why there was a need to ‘change’ marriage when civil partnerships already existed.

A voter like this – a voter operating not from a place of hate or intentional ostracisation, but out of a genuine lack of information or understanding about how important something like equal

marriage is when it comes to building acceptance and destigmatising queerness – is a very different thing altogether from a voter who votes ‘no’ because of down and out bigotry.

To regard Roscommon circa 2015 as a county deeply and irreparably entrenched in homophobia would be to point towards the very real stigma, and even hate, that has existed within the area. But it would also be to ignore that 48% of ‘yes’ voters, and in my (hopeful) opinion, to misrepresent ‘no’ voters slightly. Or at least to underestimate them. We were always an area capable of progress, of evolution from the traditional, conservative frameworks that long dominated societal values. We were always an area capable of moving past intolerance, past tolerance, past acceptance, and into celebration of our diverse identities; into becoming a community that honours, respects, and supports all the different people who make it up.

And this could not be better evidenced than by the fact that this weekend, just under a decade after returning that infamous ‘no’ vote, Roscommon is set to hold its very ﬁrst Pride celebrations.

It’s lost on no one that in recent times, we have witnessed a bit of a pendulum-swing in terms of how the LGBTQ+ community is regarded and treated. Globally, we have seen how volatile conversations about queerness (particularly transness) have turned. And here at home in Ireland, we have seen how a myriad of factors – from the rising inﬂuence of the far-right to online misinformation to a

general increase in violence – have resulted in attacks against members of the community, in library workers being harassed, in hateful demonstrations, in Pride events having to be called off due to threats.

So it is so comforting to think that this time around, nine years on and despite the wider context of renewed hate lately, Roscommon –once known as the infamous ‘no’ country, the supposed ‘most homophobic county in Ireland’ – has evolved to become a place where queerness can be openly celebrated.

The amount of work and passion that the organisers of Roscommon Pride have put into the programme of events taking place this weekend is mammoth. As is what it means for the community in Roscommon. And I encourage everyone who can, whether you’re part of the queer community or not, to come along and show your support, while also getting to join in on the fun – Saturday’s Pride March in particular sounds unmissable.

Information on the different events taking place can be found on page 15 of this newspaper, with full details at roscommonpride.ie. This truly is a milestone event for Roscommon, and one whose success will hopefully continue for many years. Hopefully time will prove that events like this weekend’s, and the way the community is coming together to support this year’s Pride, is much more indicative of the spirit of Roscommon – of the kindness and community that exists within it – than the vote retuned in 2015 ever was. Here’s to progress, and to a very happy Pride!

Alannah Ita Healy

(A student’s perspective)

Cllr John Keogh (then-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council), members of Roscommon Pride and guests pictured on the grounds of Roscommon Castle for the recent launch of the upcoming Roscommon Pride weekend.

Kenny’s Bar in Ballintubber celebrates 130 years in business

Ballintubber is rich in heritage, so it’s no surprise that Ballintubber Tidy Towns earned the national Heritage award last year at the Tidy Town ceremonies in Dublin. Eileen Kenny, chairperson of the local Tidy Towns committee, expressed the community’s pride in their charming village and their commitment to preserving its heritage.

Eileen also extended her gratitude to her fellow Tidy Town committee members – Pat and Betty Garvey, John Hopkins and Gail Murray – and all those who help maintain the village to the highest standard with their continuous support.

Every year, Ballintubber celebrates Heritage Month with various events, including educational and social gatherings. A key event is a decade-long archaeological and anthropological school project held annually at the castle with the generous permission of Pyers O’Conor Nash and his family.

The ‘Castles in Communities’ programme, led by Dr Niall Brady, involves students from Foothill University in California and Columbia College in New York, along with their professors, who conduct an archaeological dig at the castle. This project aims to explore Ballintubber’s past and present, with a focus on the late medieval period.

In keeping with the village’s heritage, the Kenny family are thrilled to celebrate 130 years in business this year. James and Eileen Kenny shared that it was a “great achievement” to have the fourth generation, Arlene and Evan, now stepping up to take the reins of the family business.

Eileen, James, and their brother John, who is now based in Ballina, County Mayo, reminisced about their early days in the family business, which originally included a bar, grocery store, travelling shop, hardware store, fertiliser, wool merchant, animal feed, fuel, and funeral services.

“We also sold gas cookers and heaters,” Eileen recalled. “When my father

tested the grill, he would treat me to a slice of toast with a pinch of jam. Weren’t we were easily pleased back then,” she joked.

James expressed his gratitude for being able to continue the business after their father Fergo passed away at a young age. He also praised their late mother for successfully running the business for another 30 years after Fergo’s passing.

Dating back to the 1890s, Kenny’s was ﬁrst owned by the late James and Elizabeth Kenny, who ran a successful business. After their passing, their son John Fergus (known as Fergo in later years) inherited the business. Fergo married Bernadette Larkin from Tarmon, Castlerea, who was a nurse but quickly adapted to business life.

When Fergo took over, Kenny’s

old bar was located on the opposite side of the road from where Kenny’s Bar & Lounge stands today. After transferring the license, the old bar was repurposed as a hardware store offering building materials, paint, wallpaper, farm supplies, and more.

“There was no B&Q back then,” James laughed.

The old bar in Kenny’s has now become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to experience the historic venue.

“The old bar is a popular spot for wedding photos in particular because of its raw vintage charm.

Actually, recently we had a famous videographer use it for a music video featuring a band that travelled from Australia!” states Arlene. Kenny’s would like to thank their neighbour

Colm Daly for donating some memorabilia from his museum shop for display in the old bar.

“This year is particularly special for us,” Eileen remarked. “In addition to celebrating 130 years in business, we wanted to honour our hardworking parents and their service to the public.

“Our late mother would have turned 100 this year, however she passed away 10 years ago. Our father also passed away 40 years ago this year. So, we’re celebrating 130 years in business in their honour and appreciation,” Eileen added.

The Kenny family would like to sincerely thank all their loyal customers and staff for their continued support over the years and continue to look forward to many more years in business.

Photo of Kenny’s old bar operating in the 1880s.

Kenny family photo: Fergo, James, Detta, Eileen and John as children.

Fergo and Bernadette on their wedding day in 1954.

Kenny

Eileen Kenny (centre) pictured with her brothers James (left) and John (right) in the original Kenny’s Bar in Ballintubber which recently celebrated its 130th anniversary. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Pictured is the original Kenny’s Bar in Ballintubber which recently celebrated its 130th anniversary. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Pictured in the original Kenny’s Bar in Ballintubber, which recently celebrated its 130th anniversary, were (l-r) Evan Feeley, Laura Kenny, John Kenny, Eileen Kenny, James Kenny, Jay Feeley and Arlene Feeley. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Pictured outside the original Kenny’s Bar in Ballintubber, which recently celebrated its 130th anniversary, were members of the Kenny and Feeley families along with members of the local community. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Scenes from last’s year’s Mountbellew Agricultural Show.

120th annual Mountbellew Agricultural Show takes place this Saturday

Having been founded back in 1904, Mountbellew Agricultural Show is 120 years old this year. This magniﬁcent achievement will be celebrated in style this Saturday, 24th of August when the show will be held as usual on the grounds of the Agricultural College, Mountbellew. The show will be ofﬁcially opened on Saturday by Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice.

That year (1904) also saw the establishment of the Franciscan Agricultural College and it is ironic that the Agricultural college and the agricultural show are both getting bigger, stronger and more relevant to the lives of thousands of people right across the west of Ireland and beyond.

The present committee, under the guidance of chairperson Frank Collevy, have an array of activities for this show day.

“We have put a big effort into making this show a milestone to remember for people of all ages” Mr Collevy said.

The chairperson urged families to attend in order to fully appreciate what a wonderful a day out attending Mountbellew Show can be. He said that a lot of time and energy has gone into making the show family-friendly with particular attention given to children of all ages.

“We strive to provide top class entertainment at very low cost. Adult admission is still only €10 and all children are admitted free and free to all entertainment.

“Indeed part of the show grounds are exclusively cordoned off for use by the children where they can meet Daisy the Cow, play footpool, enjoy sandcastles, throw wellingtons, and avail of face-painting and countless other attractions”.

Chief Steward in the children’s area, Phil Keating said that several new games have been added to the children’s corner and all children will get free pony rides. Long-serving Show Secretary Dympna Naughton said: “A big drive is being made to attract even more exhibitors in all classes. Many ﬁrst-time exhibitors are getting involved this year.

“The cattle section led by Chief Steward Tom Finnerty has grown steadily over the past few years and the Connaught

Pedigree Male Calf

Competition attracts a total prize fund of €1000, with a ﬁrst prize of €500, and is sponsored by local SuperValu owner, Richard Coyle.

“The All-Ireland pair of Ewe Lambs Competition is again being held at Mountbellew Show, courtesy of the Irish Shows Association and a special commentary on this popular event will be given by Chief Steward Rita Hughes”. Mountbellew Show has special All-Ireland Qualiﬁer Classes for both Irish Draught Filly Foals and

Sponsors thanked

Show Treasurer Vincent Flynn says the special sponsorship scheme which has been so successful over the past few years is progressing very well and he thanked the several hundred contributors for their generosity, adding that without this special scheme the show would not continue.

Chairperson Frank Collevy thanked the main sponsors of the show, i.e. St Jarlath’s Credit Union (Tuam and Mountbellew) and all the other main sponsors, including Arrabawn Co-Op, Briggs Drapery and St Anne’s Guesthouse, The Malt House, Mary Smith (Caltra) and all others who contributed in any way.

Best wishes to Mountbellew Agricultural Show & Mountbellew Community Childcare Centre

Mountbellew, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Tel: 090 9623833 Family Day Out from all at

The winners of these will proceed to the ﬁnal at Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show on the 22nd of September. This year’s competition will have Peter O’Neill as commentator.

Pony jumping competitions will be a big feature again this year. This year, for the ﬁrst time, there are classes for the Roscommon sheep.

Another special feature of this year’s show is the number of children’s classes. These include junior craft, home produce (teenage and under 12 years), garden and ﬂower section, art and handwriting, to name just a few.

A huge effort has been expended this year into getting more entries for the dog classes and Chief Steward Mary Carr says: “There are a total of 23 classes which will facilitate most breeds of dog”. Dog Show entries will be taken up to 12 noon on Saturday at a charge of €5.

Best wishes to Mountbellew Agricultural Show & Family Day Out from all at

Noel O’Brien & Associates

Surveying, House Design and Planning

Mountbellew, Co. Galway Phone: (090) 9679506

Irish Draught Colt Foal Qualiﬁers.

Pictured are members of Mountbellew Agricultural Show & Family Day Out committee 2024.

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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

Boyle Musical Society rehearsals for ‘The Sound of Music’

Yes, the evenings will soon be drawing in around us, meaning it’s time to think about what to do for the autumn. You could of course take up evening classes for basket weaving, a foreign language, or fishing rod maintenance. Or you could stay at home and rearrange your sock drawer!

However, the best fun to be had this autumn will be taking part in Boyle Musical Society’s forthcoming production of ‘The Sound of Music’, which will be staged from November 20th to 23rd Rehearsals will begin at 8 pm on Monday, September 2nd, in St Joseph’s Hall in Boyle and a warm

welcome is extended to all new, former, and existing members to join up for twelve unforgettable weeks of music, singing, drama, dancing, comedy, and lots more.

With a show-stopping score and powerful story, ‘The Sound of Music’ became an instant classic when it opened on Broadway in 1959. With music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the show is based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp, ‘The Story of the Trapp Family Singers’. Everybody will be fa-

Ballinlough NS pupil wins art competition

Pupils from Ballinlough National School recently took part in an art competition run annually by The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC), entitled ‘Native Animals in their Habitat’.

Shirleen Wamayu was announced as the winner, and was awarded an art set for her effort. She received high praise from the

independent art teacher who judged the competition.

The NARGC is the representative organisation of gun clubs countrywide, and the initiative is part of the wider ‘Carers of the Countryside’ programme, which hopes to promote awareness of biodiversity and conservation.

Lanesboro actor to star in Oscar Wilde play

Joe Brady from Lanesboro is a member of the cast of Athlone Little Theatre’s upcoming production of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ by Oscar Wilde.

Directed by Joe MacCarrick, the play will be performed at Athlone Little Theatre, kicking off from Friday, August 30th, and running until Friday, September 6th. There will also be a Sunday matinee on September 1st at 3 pm.

The well-known play has been transported into the 1920s for this performance – without affecting the script – so expect art deco design, flapper dresses, and gramophones!

miliar with the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer and memorable songs such as ‘Climb Every Mountain’, ‘My Favourite Things’, So Long, Farewell’, ‘Edelweiss’, The Lonely Goatherd’ and of course ‘Maria’.

This is another show that will require a large choral cast, so if you are interested in choral singing along with performance and drama, this just might be the show for you. See you at rehearsals!

For more information on Boyle Musical Society, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website boylemusicalsociety.com.

Cast members Edel Moriarty and Joe Brady (from Lanesboro) pictured taking a break from rehearsals. The play follows Jack Worthing, who is in love with a woman named Gwendolyn. However, his mysterious origins is a cause for concern – not least for Gwen’s overbearing mother, Lady Bracknell.

Oscar Wilde’s timeless classic is packed with his famous witty expressions in this delightful comedy that is sure to entertain. For more information and to book your tickets now, visit athlonelittletheatre.ie.

Shirleen receives her prize: Pictured are Deputy Principal Shane Dowd, Anthony Baggott (from the local gun club), Shirleen Wamayu, and Fintan Quigley (Chairperson of Roscommon Regional Game Council).

Members of Music Generation Roscommon performing with dancers Ruby Caldbeck and Amy Flynn at the recent ‘Songs About Love’ concert held in St Joseph’s Hall, Boyle. Pic: Brian Farrell

Roy Branagan and Ruby O’Sullivan from Music Generation Roscommon performing at the recent ‘Songs About Love’ concert held in St Joseph’s Hall, Boyle. Pic: Brian Farrell

GOING OUT

Ireland’s leading Eagles tribute band Take it to the Limit performing in Somers Park, Castlerea as part of the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Ann Swift and Nigel Revins pictured at the ‘Take it to the Limit’ concert in Somers Park, Castlerea as part of the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Sonya O’Keeffe, Caroline Crann, Kelly Furey and Samantha Furey pictured at the ‘Take it to the Limit’ concert in Somers Park, Castlerea as part of the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Barry and June Gill pictured at the ‘Take it to the Limit’ concert in Somers Park, Castlerea as part of the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Justin O’Dowd and Laura Mulroy pictured at the ‘Take it to the Limit’ concert in Somers Park, Castlerea as part of the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Eileen and Anne Johnson pictured at the ‘Take it to the Limit’ concert in Somers Park, Castlerea as part of the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Claire and Greg Kelly pictured at the ‘Take it to the Limit’ concert in Somers Park, Castlerea during the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Tara Keane, representing Market Fresh in this year’s Rose of Castlerea, pictured with last year’s winning Rose, Aoibhe D’Arcy, at the ‘Take it to the Limit’ concert in Somers Park, Castlerea as part of the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan Declan and Fiona McDermott pictured at the ‘Take it to the Limit’ concert in Somers Park, Castlerea as part of the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Madeline and Benny O’Connell pictured at the ‘Take it to the Limit’ concert in Somers Park, Castlerea as part of the Castlerea Rose Festival. Pic: Kieran Croghan

FarmingPeople

THURSDAY WEEKLY: SALE

Exemption of farmland from Residential Zoned Land Tax must come in Budget – IFA

IFA National Farm Business Chairperson Bill O’Keeffe has called on Minister for Finance Jack Chambers to act now and announce that actively farmed land will be exempt from Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT).

Thursday 19th September: CONTINENTAL WEANLING SHOW AND SALE

Monday 23rd September: CONTINENTAL BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE

Thursday 26th September: CONTINENTAL HEIFER SHOW AND SALE AND BELGIAN BLUE WEANLING SHOW AND SALE

Monday 30th September: AA BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE

Thursday 3rd October: AA HEIFER SHOW AND SALE

PLEASE NOTE BULLOCK SALE WILL RESUME ON MONDAY 9th SEPTEMBER

Ahead of Budget 2025, Bill O’Keeffe has emphasised the critical importance of excluding all actively farmed agricultural land from what he called this “unfair and punitive tax measure” which, as it

currently stands, will fall liable in February 2025.

“While elected IFA representatives and farmer members have received positive and understanding comments from politicians, the RZLT still remains in place,” Bill O’Keeffe said.

“This situation is causing unnecessary stress and huge worry among many farm families throughout the country who will be impacted by this unaffordable taxation measure”.

There was a bigger turnout of stock at Castlerea Mart on August 15th, with increased numbers of bullocks and heifers presented for sale.

The bullock ring reported a very lively trade with lots peaking at €2320, with the top quality stores making up to €3.77 a kilo.

The heifer ring reported a good trade also, with increased activity for quality store stock.

Dry cows made up to €2580 while the calf and runner rings with increased numbers on o er reported a good clearance. And the weanling ring witnessed the bulls peak at €4.00 a kilo, while the heifers topped out at €3.70 a kilo.

Bullocks, sample prices: Ch 430kgs €1580, Lm 465kgs €1500, Ch 440kgs €1410, Ch 410kgs €1380, Lm 545kgs €1800, AA 530kgs €1590, Ch 580kgs €1900, Sim 570kgs €1750, Ch 615kgs €2320, Ch 615kgs €2280, AA 635kgs €1900, Lm 685kgs €2090, Lm 680kgs €2010, and AA 800kgs €2000.

Heifers, sample prices: Ch 400kgs €1420, Lm 390kgs €1350, Ch 385kgs €1300, Lm

Cattle: There was a large entry of stock on o er at last Friday’s special sale of heifers (August 16th).

Heifers fetched an average of €2.98 per kilo up to €4.28 per kilo. There was a small entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.61 per kilo up to €3.09 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.61 per kilo up to €3.09 per kilo. Sample prices: LMX -640KG -€1980 -€3.09 per kg, LM690KG- €2110- €3.06 per kg, LMX -750KG€2190- €2.92 per kg, BBX -700KG -€1740€2.49 per kg, AAX-680KG- €1660- €2.44 per kg, and AAX-725KG -€1710- €2.36 per kg.

Heifers ranged from an average of €2.98 per kilo up to €4.28 per kilo. Sample prices: BBX-575KG- €2460- €4.28 per kg, 2X CHX632.5KG- €2470 - €3.91 per kg, CHX-685KG€2370- €3.46 per kg, CHX- 655KG- €2260€3.45 per kg, LMX- 625KG- €2030- €3.25 per kg, CH -455KG - €1570-€3.45 per kg, CHX465KG- €1660- €3.57 per kg, LMX- 610KG€1920- €3.15 per kg, BBX- 625KG- €1980€3.17 per kg, and LMX- 460KG- €1520- €3.30 per kg.

Breeders

Despite a smaller number of sheep on o er at last Saturday’s sale, there was a strong trade for both breeding ewes and hoggets. There was a 98% clearance with average prices showing an increase when compared to the previous week for hoggets. Prices for

Reiterating his call on the Government to remove all actively farmed land from the RZLT, Bill O’Keeffe said the tax could be viewed as a cynical attempt to force the hand of landowners.

“To saddle genuine farmers with huge tax bills in an attempt to be seen to solve the housing crisis is very cynical,” he said.

“Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has it within his powers to exempt farmland from

413kgs €1250, AA 460kgs €1460, Lm 435kgs €1420, Sim 640kgs €1940, Ch 605kgs €1900, Ch 585kgs €1820, Lm 570kgs €1800, and Sim 705kgs €1960.

Dry cows, sample prices: Ch 855kgs €2580, Lm 730kgs €2170, Lm 710kgs €2040, BA 765kgs €2030, Fr 480kgs €770, Lm 615kgs €1870, AA 675kgs €1630, and Fr 505kgs €740.

Cows with calves at foot made from €980 to €1620. Young calf lots made from €170 to €250 with runners making from €250 to €860 for continental lots.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: Lm 365kgs €1460, Ch 385kgs €1380, Lm 370kgs €1200, Sim 335kgs €860, and Ch 375kgs €1100. Weanling heifers, sample prices: Lm 335kgs €1240, Ch 340kgs €1140, Ch 345kgs €1050, Lm 300kgs €990, AA 300kgs €880, BAX 295kgs €910, and Ch 380kgs €1120. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday, with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation.

ewes remained similar when compared to the previous week.

Breeding ewes averaged at €175.50 per head. The top price on the day was €220 for 2-year-old breeding ewes. Sample prices: ten (2-year-olds) €220, eleven (3-year-olds) €212, eleven (2nd & 3rd Crop) €192, and nine (2 and 3-year-olds) €184.

Breeding hoggets averaged at €271.11 per head. The top price on the day was €358 for ewe hoggets. Sample prices: ten ewe hoggets €358, ten ewe hoggets €316, ve ewe hoggets €314, ten ewe hoggets €312, ten ewe hoggets €308, and twelve ewe hoggets €306.

Sheep

We had a large number of sheep on o er at our weekly sale on Wednesday, August 21st. Prices for spring lambs made up to €180 while stag ewes topped out at €164. Our next show and sale takes place Wednesday, August 28th. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com. Spring lambs, sample prices: 50.3kgs -€180- €3.58 per kg, 55.6kgs -€172- €3.09 per kg, 58kgs -€168- €2.90 per kg, 55.3kgs -€165- €2.98 per kg, 63kgs-€165-€2.62 per kg, 56.3kgs-€161 -€2.86 per kg, 50kgs€160- €3.20 per kg, 48.7 kgs- €159-€3.26 per kg, 46.1 kgs-€153-€3.32 per kg, and 41.9kgs- €135-€3.22 per kg.

RZLT in the upcoming Budget 2025 and subsequent Finance Act.

“The minister needs to conﬁrm this exemption before Budget 2025 to al-

leviate the fear and anxiety felt by many farmers who have farmland that is currently eligible for this penal tax,” Bill O’Keeffe concluded.

Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraiser raises over €100,000 for charity

Langan passed away on October 5th 2022, at the age of 19, after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of bacterial meningococcal meningitis.

Seamie, an avid farmer, grew up on a dairy farm in Ballygar with his parents and three siblings.

After he finished school, he completed a Green Certificate in Agriculture and continued to work on his home farm, while also working with the family bale haulage business.

He loved farming and the outdoors, but he also loved life. He was full of fun and had many friends, both young and old.

On Sunday, May 5th, a tractor and truck run took place in Ballygar in memory of Seamie, organised by his friends and family, and a huge crowd turned out to support the event on a glorious day when the sun shone down on the town.

The committee were assisted by a huge team of stewards who marshalled along the route. In addition, many volunteers acted as an administrative team working tirelessly throughout the day to ensure that the event ran smoothly.

On that night a fundraising auction was held outside Kenny’s Bar with a huge crowd in attendance and auctioneer, Ivan Connaughton, did a superb job in successfully selling 60 auction lots in front of a keen twilight audience.

The fundraising team are extremely grateful to the many sponsors of auction items, as well as those who purchased on the night.

Funds were also raised via a Shine ‘em up for Seamie iDonate page with donations and well-wishing messages being received from far and wide.

In addition, events such as non-uniform and jersey days, a bake sale and even a mini-tractor run were held in 13 local schools from pre-school right up to second level.

This multi-faceted fundraising initiative raised a phenomenal €100,652 for charity, exceeding everyone’s expectations.

A presentation took place in Kenny’s Bar, Ballygar on Saturday, July 20th, the eve of Seamie’s 21st birthday.

Michael Fitzmaurice TD performed the role of MC on the night and €25,163 was presented to each of the four beneficiaries.

Charities supported were as follows: ACT for Meningitis, which aims to raise awareness and educate society about the signs and symptoms of meningitis; Rosabel’s Rooms, which provides support to bereaved families following the death of a child; the ICU department of Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, where Seamie was so lovingly cared for; and Ballygar graveyard, Seamie’s final resting place.

Siobhan Holohan (ACT for Meningitis), Dr Suzanne McClean (Rosabel’s Rooms), Charlotte Carter (Clinical Nurse Manager, ICU Portiuncula Hospital) and Mary Geraghty (Ballygar Graveyard) expressed their gratitude as they accepted the donations on behalf of each of the beneficiaries.

The Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraising campaign was made possible by the incredible support of Seamie’s family, his friends and neighbours who together were the driving force behind this initiative.

In addition, the assistance and expertise provided by the Ballygar Truckin’ committee proved crucial in ensuring the successful organisation of both the run and the auction.

The Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraising committee are extremely grateful to all the people who worked tirelessly to make this event such an overwhelming success, too numerous to name.

This fundraising initiative was the epitome of community spirit and is a testament to the many hearts that Seamie touched, from young to old, over his nineteen years.

It is hoped that the funds raised will act to raise awareness around meningitis and help to support other families, while also keeping Seamie’s memory alive.

Pictured during the recent presentation of funds raised during the Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraiser to the ACT for Meningitis charity were (l-r) Brian Kelly, Aodán Kelly, Shane Maloney, Aoife Lennon, Siobhán Holohan, ACT for Meningitis; Sinéad Langan and Niamh Langan. Pic: Astrid Perez

Pictured during the recent presentation of funds raised during the Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraiser to the Rosabel’s Rooms charity were (l-r) Sinéad Langan, Conor Langan, Dr Suzanne McClean, Rosabel’s Rooms; Aaron Hannon, Niamh Langan and James Connelly. Pic: Astrid Perez

Pictured during the recent presentation of funds raised during the Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraiser to the ICU in Portiuncula Hospital were (l-r) David Gacquin, Bláthnaid Kelly, Paul Kelly, Jordan Kennedy, Charlotte Carter, CNM, ICU Portiuncula Hospital; Seán O’Rourke, Síofra Kelly and Nollaig Kelly. Pic: Astrid Perez

Pictured during the recent presentation of funds raised during the Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraiser to Ballygar Graveyard were (l-r) Michael Fitzmaurice TD, Niamh Langan, Niall Naughton, Conor Langan, Nollaig Kelly, Sinéad Langan, Mary Geraghty, Ballygar Graveyard; Eanna Donoghue, Síofra Kelly, Shane Maloney, Cuan Kelly, Pat Langan and Orlaith Kelly. Pic: Astrid Perez

Seamie

Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraising committee members pictured along with representatives from the four chosen charities during the recent presentation of funds raised during the Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraiser. Pic: Astrid Perez

Three-bedroomed Knockcroghery bungalow new to the market at Remax Team Earley

Cormac Sheehy of Remax Team Earley is pleased to present to the market this well maintained, three-bedroomed, onebathroom traditional house, conveniently located at Barnacullen, near Knockcroghery village (F42 EP92). The property sits on an elevated site, offering great views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, the home features three comfortable bedrooms, a practical kitchen and dining area, a cosy sitting room, and a welcoming entrance hallway. The front porch opens into a spacious hallway, setting a clean and simple tone. The kitchen is well equipped with modern appliances, and an archway leads into the dining area, which beneﬁts from plenty of natural light. The family bathroom is functional, and

there’s a utility room with ﬁtted storage units. The BER is G.

Situated between the villages of Knockcroghery and Lecarrow, this house provides a peaceful setting while being close to local amenities. Athlone Town centre is just a 15-minute drive, and Roscommon town is only ten minutes away.

Located in a tranquil countryside setting, this home offers a quiet escape while being conveniently close to local amenities.

Viewings are strictly by appointment only. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact the auctioneer Cormac on 086 0848590.

Commenting on the CSO Residential Property Price Index for June, which were published last week, Brokers Ireland said while prices continue to edge higher with six of the 20 areas captured in the index now showing double digit growth, the housing situation is worrying.

Rachel McGovern (Deputy Chief Executive at Brokers Ireland) said recent data from the CSO also showed a fall of 5.4% to 6,884 in the number of new dwelling completions in Q2 2024 compared with the same three months of 2023.

At the other end of the development spectrum, commencement notices were up, with a spike in April 2024 before incentives for developers – a waiver for development levies and waste water connection charges –were due to expire but then extended until later in the year.

“The bottom line is, there are not enough homes available and at affordable prices,” said Rachel McGovern. “Demand and supply are way out of kilter and in this context it’s hardly surprising that house prices continue to edge higher”.

She said to make any real impact and reach a situation where home prices stabilise and become more affordable a different, ‘whole of Government’ plan is needed.

“The Government’s own Housing Commission report published in May following two and a half years’ work by a panel of experts, provides the best set of solutions so far.

“However, the jury is still out on when and if the seismic recommendations of that report will be implemented,” she concluded.

Pictured is Rachel McGovern, Deputy Chief Executive at Brokers Ireland.

Barnacullen, near Knockcroghery village (F42 EP92).

NEW TO MARKET

n - P e r m i s s i o n g r a n t e d f o r 8 d e t a c h e d h o u s e s a n d a w a s t e w a t e r s y s t e m ( p l a n

H o u s e s d e s

Duffy’s SuperValu Ballaghaderreen unveils revamped store after signiﬁcant investment

Duffy’s SuperValu Ballaghaderreen has launched its new-look store following a signiﬁcant investment.

The revamped store will enhance the shopper experience, and will now offer freshly-baked bread from their in-store bakery, new grab-and-go food options from the deli, an increased range of organic fruit and veg, and additional ranges of international foods from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa – both fresh and frozen.

Shoppers can also look forward to SuperValu’s Signature Tastes range and expanded Own Brand range, providing even more high-quality and value-formoney options.

Supporting local is of key importance to the team in SuperValu Ballaghaderreen. Customers will be able to try out products from local producers in the Taste of Local section, including Hillcrest Bakery, Gairdín Bia Salads, Hanley Salads, Ballaghaderreen Bacon and Ballymore Organic Farm.

While carrying out revamp works at SuperValu Ballaghaderreen, sustainability was a central focus, with the team going to extensive lengths to be as environmentally conscious as possible in creating the store’s new innovative design, which includes energy-efﬁcient refrigeration, LED lighting, solar panels, DRS machine, and an e-charging

point. Duffy’s SuperValu has been part of the fabric of the area since it opened its doors in 1962, supporting the Ballaghaderreen community for over 60 years. The store has supported many local charities and organisations, including the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2024.

Commenting on the launch of the new store, store owner Lorna Duffy said, “We are delighted to be opening our new-look store after signiﬁcant investment and hard work from the team.

“The new state-of-the-art store will deliver premium, quality and fantastic value to our customers through offerings including our new look bakery,

Look who called to Harrison Centre!

Children were treated to an appearance from some of their favourite characters during family day celebrations at the Harrison Centre, Roscommon last weekend.

food-to-go and fresh meat counter with our expert butchers, as well as fantastic local products in our Taste of Local section.

“We believe in enhancing local communities by caring for our environment, so we are particularly proud of the dedicated eco-friendly technologies throughout the new store.

“We can’t wait to bring our new offering to the people of Ballaghaderreen and are extremely grateful to all our loyal customers who continue to support us in the local community. We look forward to seeing them in store again soon”.

The revamp of SuperValu Ballaghad-

erreen is part of SuperValu’s continuing revamp and upgrade programme, which is being undertaken at stores nationwide. The ongoing revamp programme is designed to enhance the customer experience, with a focus on SuperValu’s market-leading fresh counters including butchery, bakery, deli, speciality cheese and ﬁshmonger counters along with world-class produce aisles featuring the best of Irish-grown seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables.

It is also designed to extend the local and Irish product offering – another area of market leadership for SuperValu. Supporting local and Irish suppliers is a key part of SuperValu’s DNA.

Looking to buy your dream home? Let Athlone and Castlerea Credit Union help you make it a reality with our competitive rate mortgage solution.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to refinance, our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process and find the perfect loan for your needs.

There are lots of reasons to choose Athlone and Castlerea Credit Union (ACCU) for your mortgage, such as the personalised service on offer. Your dream home is unique, and so are your financial goals, which is why ACCU take the time to understand your needs and provide the flexible finance to suit your mortgage needs.

ACCU also offers a hassle-free, quick and easy application process, so you can focus on ﬁnding your dream home.

What’s more, ACCU’s team of experienced mortgage advisors is ready to assist you at every step, providing expert advice and guidance to ensure a smooth and stressfree experience.

ACCU also boasts a reputation for integrity and trust. Countless satisﬁed homeowners have chosen ACCU as their mortgage provider, and ACCU strive to exceed expectations with every member.

So don’t wait to make your dream home a reality! Learn more about a mortgage from Athlone and Castlerea Credit Union on accu.ie or drop into any of our local branches today, and let us help you ﬁnd the perfect mortgage that unlocks the door to your new home. Together, we’ll make your homeownership dreams come true!

Du y’s SuperValu Ballaghaderreen has undergone a signi cant revamp which will enhance the shopper experience. Store owner Lorna Du y wishes to thank all Du y’s loyal customers who continue to support them.

Classifieds

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

 ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS: 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.

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

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Gutter cleaning services.

Telephone: 087 2798704

Advertise with us to have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week!

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare Professional and friendly footcare in the comfort of your own home.

Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP Foot Care Practitioner 086 3562718 kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.ie

Stephen Casey Construction

● General Building

● Extensions & Roo ng

● Groundworks

● Renovations

● Chimney CCTV Inspections

● Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

FUEL FOR SALE

 GOOD QUALITY TURF for sale. Delivered. Ballaghaderreen area. Tel. 087 6810849.

 FOR SALE: Trailer loads of good quality turf. Roscommon area. Tel 086 0605050.

 FUEL FOR SALE: 10 x 6 trailer loads and bags for sale. Tel 087-2798704.

 WOOD FOR SALE. 10 large ash trees. Cut in rings and smaller blocks. Contact: 087 2385378.

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

COUNSELLING

& HYPNOTHERAPY

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

FOR SALE

KID AND ADULT GOATS for sale. Tel 087 9695924.

FARMING

 FOR SALE: 20 bales of good quality silage. Tel 086 1263367.

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

• Sprayers tested on owners premises

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

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

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

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

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

FENCING/GATES

MAN AVAILABLE to cut lawns and hedges, power washing of houses/ slatted sheds/driveways. Drain unblocking and cleaning. Gutter cleaning. Tel. 086 101 8237

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE

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

Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Padraig Kelly, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct extension and alterations to existing house together with associated new domestic sewage treatment system, and a shed together with associated siteworks, boundary adjustments and landscape works at Cornalee Td., Curraghboy, 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.

Agent: Brendan McGettigan & Associates Ltd., Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, James Kelly intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct single storey dwelling, domestic garage, waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Dooghan, Ballydangan, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 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.

Design Consultation Planning Applications

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

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd, on behalf of our client: Daire Neary, intend to apply for permission for development, for the site located at Millstream, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

The development will consist of:

• The Construction of 10 no. two storey dwelling houses (mix of detached and semi detached houses) and the construction of all ancillary site works to facilitate same including connection to existing public services and sewers.

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: Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd (Agent) on behalf of Daire Neary.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Paul Mulready, intend to apply for planning permission for two holiday let accommodation buildings, connection into existing foul water treatment system and all associated site development works at Kilfaughna, Knockvicar, Boyle, County Roscommon. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the oﬃces of the, Planning Authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 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: Andrew Johnston, Foresight Design and Planning.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Inland Fisheries Ireland intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to construct a sheries base, the proposed development will include, (a) A single-storey building with a combination of at and pitched roofs, this building will contain o ces, meeting rooms, a canteen, sanitary, changing facilities and ancillary areas along with storage facilities for boats and associated equipment, (b) New vehicular access, entrance walls, driveways, car parking areas, and storage yards, (c) Installation of a new mechanical aeration unit with a polishing lter system, a rainwater harvesting system, groundmounted solar array, site lighting, security fencing, and general landscaping, along with all associated site works at Lackan Townland, Portrunny, Co. Roscommon.

This Planning Application is supported by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS).

The planning application and Natura Impact Statement may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the oﬃces of 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 a 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: Kevin Kenneally, Kenneally, Murphy & Associates, Architects & Engineers, Main Street, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick. Tel 068 - 51152.

LEGAL NOTICES

AN CHUIRT DUICHE (The District Court)

The District Court Area of Ballaghaderreen District No. 4 REGISTRATION OF CLUBS (Ireland) 1904-1995 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF CLUBS (Ireland) 1904-1995 IN RESPECT OF THE BALLAGHADERREEN GOLF CLUB OR THE ALTERNATIVE REGISTRATION UNDER THE SAID ACT Take Notice that an application will be made on behalf of Helen Curran Hon Secretary of Ballaghaderreen Golf Club situate at Aughulistia, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon at Ballaghaderreen District Court on the 13th of September 2024 at Ballaghaderreen at 12 Noon for a renewal of the Certi cate of Registration of the said Club under the Provisions of the said Acts. Date this 14th August 2024.

Signed: Fahy Neilan & Company, Solicitors, Station Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. (Solicitors for the Applicant)

TO: The Superintendent, Garda Siochana, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The Sergeant in Charge, Garda Station, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

The District Court Clerk, The Courthouse, Golf Links Road, Roscommon.

The Chief Fire O cer, The Courthouse, Roscommon

An Chuirt Duiche

The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833

Section 6

Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960

Section 29

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

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FINNERAN

Gerry & Mae

Ballinagare, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary)

Mae, whom God called home on 1st May, 2014 Gerry, whom God called home on 26th July, 2014

Dear Mum & Dad

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

District Court Area of Roscommon District No. 4 Lorna Kennedy as Nominee Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Lorna Kennedy as nominee of Lorken Tavern Limited t/a Ryans of Maryville, Roxborough, Roscommon , Roscommon intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Roscommon District Court on the 17-Sep-2024 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as Ryans and situate at Go Street, Roscommon, Roscommon in the court area and district aforesaid.

Dated: 21 August 2024

Signed: Liddy Neilan LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, Abbey Street, Roscommon , Roscommon

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

To the: Fire O cer, at re@roscommoncoco.ie, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon, Roscommon, F42 VR98

To the: Health Service Executive O cial, at roscommon.peho@hse.ie

To the: District Court Clerk, Roscommon District Court

Submit your Classiﬁed online

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

It’s 10 years now since ye passed on, to a better place with God above. To lose you both so close together, left a heartache that will last forever. We look back in fondness everyday, at the joyful times we had. No one could wish for such a special pair, as our special Mum and Dad. We are grateful for what ye taught us, and we’re grateful for yer love. And we know ye watch over us from Heaven up above. Both of you are missed so dearly, and so many tears we’ve cried. It is so sweet and ﬁtting that ye sleep softly side by side. Ye shared yer love, ye shared yer lives, and shared many precious times together. Now ye will spend eternity, hand in hand forever.

Remembered fondly and loved by their son, Micheál, their daughter Martina, their son-in-law Daniel and their daughter-in-law Rose. Also our Aunts – Elizabeth and Patricia; our cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Anniversary Mass for Gerry and Mae will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Ballinagare on Friday, 23rd August at 7pm.

M cDERMOTT

Mary and Peter Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Mary McDermott who died on 29th August, 2022 (2nd Anniversary) and her husband, Peter McDermott, who died on 7th August, 1996 (28th Anniversary)

No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you’re always there. In God’s safe keeping, may you both rest.

Remembered always by your loving family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday 25th August at 10am.

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

McGOWAN

Padraic (18th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Padraic, Carrownabrickna, Roscommon, who died on the 27th August 2005.

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

Loved always by his mother, and sisters.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Tuesday, 27th August 2024 at 11.00 am.

FLANAGAN

Brendan

Cornashinagh, Fourmilehouse (11th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear Brendan, whom God called home on 30th August 2013 It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you Home. Those we love must someday pass beyond our present sight, must leave us and the world we know without their radiant light. But we know that like a candle their lovely light will surely shine to brighten up another place, more perfect, more divine.

And in the realm of Heaven where they shine so warm and bright, our loved ones live forever in God’s Eternal Light.

Forever missed and loved by his wife Mary, sons John and Martin, daughters Jacqueline, Tracy, Elaine, Leonie and Ashling, sons-in-law Ian and Oisin, brother Patsy, sisters Ita, Madeline, Anne and Jean and extended family and friends.

Masses o ered.

JAMESON

Francis Mount Carmel Drive, Moate & formerly Killerney, Roscommon 26th August 2023 (1st Anniversary)

God called your name so softly, that only you could hear, and no one heard the footstepsof Angels drawing near. The Golden Gates stood open. God saw you needed rest. His garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.

The family of Francis Jameson would like to thank all who looked after Francis during his illness and would like to thank all who sent kind words to the family since his passing on the 26th August 2023.

Mass has been o ered.

Sadly missed by Francis’ family, wife Catherine, son Harry, daughters Louise & Lorraine, his grandchildren and by his siblings Brendan, Ann, John, Ita and their families.

Anniversary mass will be held in The Carmelite Church, Moate, Co Westmeath on Monday 26th August 2024 at 7.15pm.

O’BEIRNE Charlie Carnagh, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon. (25th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Charlie, who died on August 17th, 1999. R.I.P.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain. To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

Always loved and remembered by his wife Maura and all the family.

Anniversary Mass will be held in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 25th August at 11.30am.

KELLY

Anne (nee McCrann)

22nd August 2002

Strokestown (22nd Anniversary)

Remembering a true lady and mother who faced the world with determination, optimism and courage to do the utmost for her family. Please take a moment and say a prayer for Anne.

“I cannot pay my debt for all the love that she has given; but thou, love’s Lord, wilt not forget Her due reward, - bless her in Earth and Heaven.”

Remember also her husband, Frank (2002).

You are both still guiding your sons, and granddaughters.

KELLY

Annie

Four Mile House, Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear Mother Annie, who died on 22nd August 2015

A whisper on an August day, you heard a gentle call. You took the hand of Jesus and quietly left us all.

It’s now your anniversary, you wouldn’t want a fuss. Just to be remembered and prayed for by all of us.

Sadly missed by her loving daughter, son, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

Anniversary Mass will be held on Friday, 23rd August at 7pm in Four-Mile-House Church.

TULLY

Christopher (Christy)

Churchboro, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on 26th August, 2023 (1st Anniversary)

On Christy’s First Anniversary, his sister Annie, extends her heartfelt thanks for the friendship, support, kindness and sympathy shown to her on the passing of her beloved brother Christy R.I.P.

Many thanks to the extended family, neighbours and friends who called to the house bearing gifts of food, sent Mass cards, owers, messages of condolence and travelled long distances. Your kindness will be forever remembered. Sincere appreciation to Very Rev. Fr. Ray Milton P.P. who visited and ministered to Christy. To Fr. Ali Joe for celebrating a beautiful Funeral Mass. To Noel Dervan and the Knockcroghery Church choir for the lovely singing and musical accompaniment. The grave diggers, tra c management, ladies who provided the catering and the committee of Knockcroghery Community Centre for their help and generosity.

Special thanks to all the following for the excellent care provided, Dr. Jones, her team, the sta of St. Teresas’ and St. Comans’ wards in Roscommon University Hospital, the Doctors and care teams of Ballinasloe University Hospital, Bluebird Homecare, Doctors and sta of the Castle Street Surgery and David Hynes and sta

A very grateful word of appreciation to Dr. Hanratty for her professional and very personable attention to Christy over the years.

His long life was testament to all who cared for him.

The Sta of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation who ensured his nal days were so comfortable and his death digni ed, your care and compassion will never be forgotten. Thanks also to Smyth’s Undertakers for the very professional Funeral services. The Abbey Hote,l Roscommon and Daybreak, Knockcroghery for the beautiful food provided, all very much appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you to all who continue to provide friendship and support at this di cult time.

As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of sincere appreciation and gratitude.

The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass has been o ered for your intentions.

Christys’ First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday 23rd August at 7.00p.m.

HAMILL

Tom, Patricia, Thomas & Irene Cloonslanor, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Tom Hamill whose anniversary occurs on 23rd of August 2016; his wife Patricia “Patsy” who died on 8th November 2005; their son Thomas “Tom” who died on 25th January 2017 and their daughter Irene who died on 8th July 2020

A smile for all, a heart of gold, the very best this world could hold. Never selﬁsh, always kind, these are the lovely memories ye left behind.

Always remembered by your loving daughter Kathleen, son-in-law John and grandsons David and John. R.I.P.

MORRIS Michael

1 The Spinney, Roscommon Town. Died 18th July 2024

We, the Morris family, wish to extend our heartfelt thanks for the love and support we have received during this di cult time.

Thank you to our wonderful family, neighbours and friends who travelled from near and far to be with us during the Funeral. We will be forever grateful to all who called and helped at the house, dropped in food, managed tra c in The Spinney and who were there with us as Michael made his nal journey to the Sacred Heart Church and onwards to St. Comán’s Cemetery.

We gratefully acknowledge all the lovely messages we have received since Michael’s passing – your kind words and stories have brought us great comfort.

Our sincere thanks to Fr. Kevin Fallon who concelebrated the Funeral Mass with Fr. Pravin Dhason, Fr. Michael Donnelly, Fr. Eugene McLoughlin, Fr. Michael O’Brien and Fr. Gus O’ Reilly, as well as Eucharistic Ministers, who helped to make the celebration of Michael’s life so special.

To all those who contributed to the musical elements of the Funeral, at the house, in the church and at the graveside – how Michael would have relished every note!

Thanks to the Smyth family for the compassion and professionalism they provided while managing the Funeral arrangements. Thanks to the grave diggers, to Ann Harlow for the owers and to Gleeson’s for a beautiful meal after the Funeral.

We are truly indebted to the sta at all the hospitals Michael attended. The care that he received at every stage of his illness was exceptional. We thank Margaret and all the professionals at Primary Care, Vita House, St. Coman’s Medical Centre, McGuinness’ Pharmacy, Vic his carer and the many Specials who worked with him.

A special thank you to the sta and volunteers at Roscommon Hospice for the care they provided prior to and during Michael’s stay there and to all who have worked to bring such an outstanding facility to fruition.

If we have inadvertently left anyone out, please know that your support is deeply appreciated and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Month’s Mind Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 25th August at 11.30 am

Beloved husband of Patricia and adored dad to Máire, Orna and Aisling. He will be forever missed by his family, sisters Mary and Bríd, brothers Jerome and Noel, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Michael is predeceased by his parents Michael and Anne. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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

DOYLE

Alan Ganaveens, Rahara, Roscommon.

We, the family of Alan Doyle, wish to acknowledge the many expressions of support and kindness shown to us at the time of Alan’s passing and since.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended Alan’s funeral, from near and very far, and to all those who o ered condolences to us with mass cards, notes, RIP.ie and other online messages, owers, phone calls and text messages. Our gratitude to Fr. Michael Donnelly for performing the funeral mass, for the prayers at Cam Cemetery and for his visits. Many thanks to Deacon Willie Gacquin for all his help.

To the choir, the mass servers and to McHugh’s Funeral Directors – a sincere thank you.

Grateful thanks to the RSG and IWA sta and everyone who called to the house with food and o ers of help and to every person who helped out in any way; your kind gestures will always be remembered.

To all those who stood guard for Alan’s journey from Ganaveens, thank you for your emotional support.

Special thanks to everyone for your visits to our family home, they were and are such a source of comfort to us. We would have been lost without the love and help of our extended family and friends who have been, and remain, a monumental support.

For all of you who talk to us about Alan and continue to think of him – thank you. It is through the happy memories and times of fun and devilment that Alan will always be remembered. We hope that you cherish your memories of Alan also.

A smile for all and a heart of gold.

The very best this world could hold. Never selﬁsh, always kind.

Those are the memories you left behind.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us in any way.

Alan’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 25th August, at 10am in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Rahara.

QUINE

Agnes and Michael (9th and 3rd Anniversaries)

In loving memory of our dear parents Agnes and Michael late of Oran, Donamon, Co. Roscommon who passed away on 20th September 2015 and 1st July 2021.

Of all the gifts in life, however great or small, to have you as our parents was the greatest gift of all. Please put your arms around them Lord and treasure them with care, for you have in your possession parents beyond compare. Your gentle nature, your kindly ways leave golden memories of bygone days. Never selﬁsh, always kind, what happy memories you left behind. Will those who think of mam and dad today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Lovingly remembered by their son Francis, daughters Cathy and Michelle, daughter-in-law Mary, son-in-law John, grandchildren Emma and Jamie and extended family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 24th August at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill.

TALBOT

Helen (Eileen)

Goﬀ Street, Roscommon and New York Who died on 24th August 2004. (20th Anniversary)

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So Rest in Peace dear Helen, and thanks for all you’ve done, We pray that God has given you, The crown you’ve truly won.

Lovingly remembered by daughters Nancy, Teresa and Eileen; son Danny and families.

Anniversary Mass for Helen and her late husband Danny on Saturday 24th August at 10 am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

LOWRY

Ronald (Ronnie) Manor Tulsk Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 27th of August 2022.

(2nd Anniversary)

A silent house, an empty chair something missing everywhere. Life goes on, we know that’s true, but its not the same since we lost you. Your memory is so precious. Your presence missed so much. You will always be remembered and loved by all of us. And throughout our lives, no matter where, in our hearts you are always there.

Forever missed by Caroline, Tom and Milo, brother-inlaw, sisters-in-law, nieces nephews, partners, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Second Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 25th of August at 11.30am. in the Church of St’s. Eithne and Fidelma, Tulsk.

MULLANEY Rochelle

Castle Manor, Roscommon Town, Roscommon and Four-Mile-House, Roscommon

On this, the Month’s mind of the death of our dear Rochelle, we the Mullaney family and Michael, would like to express our gratitude for all who have shown kindness and support to us over the past few weeks and months. We will be forever grateful to all Rochelle’s family, neighbours and many friends who brought food to our home. Thank you to all who called and texted, attended the Funeral from far and wide, watched the service online, sent Mass Cards and wrote beautiful condolence messages on RIP.ie.

Thank you to Fr. Milton along with Fr. Conaty and Fr. McLoughlin for carrying out the beautiful Funeral Service with such warmth and meaning and Fr. Fallon for prayers at the graveyard.

We are grateful to all the Doctors and Nurses on St Joseph’s Ward, University College Hospital, Galway who provided excellent care to Rochelle over the past few months

A special word of thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors who handled the arrangements with sensitivity, kindness and professionalism.

We would also like to thank An Garda Síochána, the Abbey Hotel and everyone who participated in the Funeral Mass and Guards of Honour, especially Kilbride GAA, as Rochelle made her nal journey to Derrane cemetery.

As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as an acknowledgement of our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped us in any way through this di cult time.

Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 24th August at 7pm in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Derrane, Roscommon

KENNY

Fergo and Bernadette

Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (40th and 10th Anniversaries)

You left us all beautiful memories, your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you both, you are always by our side.

Sadly missed by your loving family. Mass has been o ered.

HANMORE

Jack Harristown, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Jack who passed away 25th of August 2021 (3rd Anniversary)

Gone but not forgotten.

Love from John, Claire, Mary, Mark and Anna. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 25th August in St.

Patrick’s Church, Castlerea at 12 noon.

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

KENNY (née DAVIS) Rosaleen

Cloonlyon, Ballygar, Co. Galway. Who passed away on September 1st, 2023 (1st Anniversary)

In memory of Rosaleen, on her First Anniversary.

Lovingly remembered by her son Tomás and daughter Áine, her ex-husband Tom, sisters Bridie, Marie, Sheila, Lily and Bernadette; her brothers Eugene, Brendan and Lawrence; her sisters and brothers-in-law, all her nieces and nephews, her extended family and her wide circle of friends.

As we approach Rosaleen’s First Anniversary, we wish to express our sincerest gratitude once again, for the kindness shown to us by so many over this di cult year.

‘Take the love you had for me and turn it into laughter, turn it into blinding light to shine on you thereafter.’

– From the poem entitled Take that Love by Donna Ashworth

Rosaleen’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 30th at 7:30pm in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar.

CUNNINGHAM (née KELLY) JEAN

Barrymore, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 22nd August 2019

The years and tears will ebb and ﬂow, your love you gave will continue to grow. Not to hear your voice or see your face, we miss your wisdom, kindness and grace.

Sadly missed by her loving husband Geo , daughter Sonya, son Wayne, daughter-in-law Tara and granddaughters Katy, Ellie, Lauren and great grandchild Jasmine.

Anniversary Mass in Ss. Peter and Paul’s Church, Athlone on Sunday, 25th August at 12 noon.

KELLEHER

Frank High Street, Ballygar (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Frank, who passed away on the 30th August 2019

want a fuss, just to be remembered and prayed for by all of us. Sadly missed by his beloved wife Nora, daughter Jacqueline and son Michael.

Anniversary Mass on Tuesday, 27th August 2024 at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s

GORDON

Sean

Mount Prospect Fuerty, Roscommon and Elphin, Roscommon.

We, the family of the late Sean Gordon, who died on 11th May 2024 wish to thank everyone most sincerely who supported and sympathised with us on Sean’s passing

We are grateful to all those who attended Sean’s Funeral ceremonies, including those who travelled long distances. We are very thankful to all those who visited the house at Sean’s reposing, sent Mass Cards, messages of support and for all the lovely sentiments expressed in conversation, in written messages and in the condolences on RIP.ie, your warm words of appreciation and recollections of Sean brought back great memories of his life growing up in Mantua and his later years in Fuerty.

We would also like to thank Sean’s former work colleagues and all those he met while working in Roscommon Co-operative Livestock Mart and Ward’s Hardware who acknowledged his work and friendship over the years.

A sincere thank you to the Ambulance Service and An Garda Síochána for their fast response and sensitivity shown to us on the day of Sean’s passing. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Fr. Raul Cino and Fr. Breslin for prayers and performing the Last Rites and to Fr. Christopher Edebianga for carrying out the Funeral service and graveside prayers. Thanks also to Fr. Joe Delaney for celebrating Sean’s Month’s Mind Mass.

Thanks to the Fuerty Choir for the beautiful singing and music at Sean’s Funeral Mass. Thanks to Future Flowers for providing the beautiful ower arrangements.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Sean’s G.P Dr. David Harrison, RHS Home Care and to the doctors, nurses and sta of Roscommon and Portiuncula University Hospitals who cared for Sean so well.

A special word of thanks to Pat and John Smyth and all the sta of Smyth’s Funeral Directors who handled the Funeral arrangements with professionalism and kindness.

Sincere thanks to the gravediggers for the preparation of Sean’s nal resting place. We would also like to thank Ms. Murphy and the children of St. Ciaran’s N.S, Fuerty who formed a Guard of Honour outside the school.

To the sta of Gleeson’s who provided the catering after the Funeral, we thank you most sincerely.

A special thanks to all our friends and wonderful neighbours who set up the parking/tra c management and who brought food, it was very much appreciated.

As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass will be o ered for your intentions.

Sadly missed by Padraig and Kathleen; Gerry and Rachael; Mary and Ollie; Ann and Peter; Joan and Des; nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

May Sean Rest in Peace

THANKSGIVINGS

FINANCIAL BLESSINGS PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL, ST. GABRIEL AND ST. RAPHAEL Light 3 white candles on a white plate and put sugar all around it. Place a glass of Water next to it. Ask the archangels for 3 wishes: one for business, one for impossible and one for love. Do this petition for three days. On the third day publish this prayer. Prayer: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, please be with me today. Please hear and answer my prayers with your divine grace, intervention, and kindness, I love you all, please help me so that my prayer requests all come true quickly, Amen. Mention your request here. Heavenly Father, you have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector, I ask him to come to my aid, ght for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger. Saint Gabriel is a messenger for the Good News, I ask him to help me clearly hear your voice and to teach me the truth. Saint Raphael is the healing angel, I ask him to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to your throne of grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery. Help us O Lord to realize more fully the reality of the archangels and their desire to serve us. Holy Angels pray for us. Amen Thank you for answering my prayers. A.K.

WARD Colm

Corlackin, Creggs, Co. Galway.

The parents of Colm Ward, Marty and Mary, together with his daughter Aoibheann, sister Claire, brother Padraic and extended family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all who sympathised with them and supported them over the past year since Colm passed away on 29th August 2023.

We o er our heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, neighbours and relatives and well-wishers who visited our home, attended the wake, Mass and burial and who provided emotional and practical support for all of us at this very di cult time. To those who telephoned, sent mass cards, messages of condolence and oral tributes and those who travelled long distances to share our grief – we will never forget the kindness and support you o ered us.

We are truly grateful to Tommy, Dolores and the Dowd Family Funeral Directors for their professionalism, sensitivity and friendship in carrying out the Funeral arrangements.

We will always remember your kindness and compassion.

We would like to thank everyone from Glinsk and Creggs who helped with the tra c management plan on both days of the Funeral. We will be forever grateful for the great outpouring of support from all of the Community groups in Glinsk who assisted in every way possible. A special word of thanks to Glinsk GAA club for helping in so many ways. We will never know the full extent of the e orts you all made to ensure that Colm’s nal days were marked with great respect and dignity. We thank you one and all.

Thanks to everyone who brought food and refreshments to our family home and to the team who worked hard to provide hospitality to all the people who visited. Such friends are gold – you know who you are. Thanks so much.

A special word of thanks to all who paid their respects by taking part in the guard of honour with a particular word of thanks to the Sta and children of Glinsk NS.

We would like to acknowledge the assistance of Garda Brian Neilan and his colleagues. Your kindness meant more to us than you will ever know.

We would also like to express our appreciation to Rev. Fr. Donal Morris, Fr. Liam Kelly, Fr. Pat Hogan and Fr. Eoin Casey who all contributed to making the Funeral Mass meaningful. Our grateful thanks to the Glinsk choir, along with Marie Lohan and Rachel Burke, for the beautiful music which added so much to the Funeral liturgy.

A very special word of thanks to the grave-diggers Stephen, Gerard, Aidan, Alvin and Justin who prepared Colm’s nal resting place with such dignity, care and respect.

A special word of thanks to all that travelled from abroad to the funeral, in particular Colm’s close friends and cousins.

As it would be impossible to mention everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deep and sincere gratitude.

1st Anniversary Mass for Colm in Glinsk Church at 10am on Sunday September 1st.

QUIGLEY

Michael Creevy, Roscommon (19th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Michael, who died on 28th August 2005

May he Rest In Peace

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, still very dear.

Loved and sadly missed by your sons, daughters, sonsin-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Wednesday 28th August at 8am.

MANNION

Tom Culleenervin, Dysart, Co. Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Tom who passed away on 26th August, 2017

Those precious memories keep you near as time unfolds another year. Out of our lives you may have gone, but in our hearts you still live on.

A silent thought, a quiet prayer, for a special person in God’s care.

Always remembered by his brother Martin Joe, sister Bridie, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Tom’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart on Saturday, 24th August at 7.30pm.

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE

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

A whisper on an August day,you heard a gentle call. You took the hand of Jesus and quietly left us all. It’s now your anniversary, you wouldn’t

Church, Ballygar.

PODIATRIST

Tullys

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.

● HSE Trained and Approved ● Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatmeny

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

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233

SIOBHAN

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON –MOLLOYS PHARMACY

(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle

Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –

DIP CHFP

(Monday - Saturday) Tel: 087 2982214

Electrician Available

Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com

CAN’T FIND ANYONE

to do that small job, or you haven’t got the time ... WE DO ANYTHING From ﬁtting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath

• Fast Reliable Service

• Professional, Courteous Employees

• Trustworthy ONE CALL DOES IT ALL ! 094 9373445 087 9100477

www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005

GARDENING

www.westsidegardening.ie

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

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

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal

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

Looking for a new challenge?

Full-time Business Manager

(Speci c Purpose for the duration of the funding)

Based in Roscommon town, Triest Press (www.triestpress.ie) is an Award-Winning Social Enterprise dedicated to making a positive social impact. Our valued team of 18 full time and part-time time personnel, provide high-quality digital print and design services to a wide range of businesses, community organisations and personal customers, whilst at the same time are passionate about providing meaningful training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Role

Triest Press has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Business Manager, funded through the Pobal Community Services Programme (CSP) to oversee its management and operations. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the new Manager will be responsible for the delivery of the new Strategic Plan for the social enterprise, including the following key aspects:

• Grow the traded income of the organisation, targeting new growth opportunities

• Oversee the development of the skills training and employment aspects for people with disabilities

• Deliver a new sustainable Green vision for the organisation

• Enhance workplace systems to ensure e ciency, cost e ectiveness and quality output

• Manage and inspire the dedicated sta to deliver their individual roles as part of the overall team

• Pursue new funding streams as part of a sustainable business model to build and grow the business

Qualifying Criteria, Skills and Abilities

• A motivated self-starter, with proven management capability, with ability to work on own initiative and hands-on as part of a close-knit team, producing consistent quality output

• An excellent business acumen with relevant quali cation, ideally in Business, Finance or Social Enterprise, including experience of business planning, nance and reporting

• At least 5 years’ experience in a management or senior supervisory role in a business, social enterprise or other relevant organisation

• Experience of managing and motivating a team of full and part time personnel in a close-knit team

• Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering training and employment opportunities in a workplace environment

• Fund raising skills, including successful track record of identifying and securing funds, engaging with and reporting to relevant funding agencies

• Excellent communication skills at all levels, including regular reporting to Board

• Experience in developing and implementing operational policies and procedures in a business or workplace environment

• Experience with modern workplace development, digital marketing and customer service

• Knowledge and linkages within the disability sector and experience of supporting people with disabilities a distinct advantage as well as knowledge and experience of the digital print sector and understanding and delivery of an overarching social enterprise ethos.

Location, Duration and Hours of Work

The position will be based at the main Triest Press o ce in Roscommon town. The successful candidate will work 37.5 hours per week, rostered exibly, Monday to Friday. CSP Funding for this position is currently in place until the end of 2027. Salary: c. €35,000 pa.

Informal enquires to Helen Hunt 087 3485667

All applications and CV’s sent to Helen.Hunt@Bocsi.ie

Phone: 090 66 24078

We are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic person to work in our busy Deli Department on a weekday basis

The ideal candidate will have some experience of either working in the food service or retail business, be available to work monday to friday mornings with the option to work afternoons or weekends if desired.

Expressions of interest or CV’s can be posted to Oliver Holmes, Centra, Main Street, Ballygar Co. Galway F42X372 or emailed: oholmes1974@gmail.com or alternatively phone 0906624078

SUNFLOWER

Montessori & Creche

Killeroran Road, Ballygar. Tel. (090) 662 4689

Two positions: 1 full-time and 1 part-time Must have FETAC Level 5 in Childcare

Apply with CV to: sun owermontessori@outlook.ie

Contract Type: This is a permanent contract.

Contract Hours: 39

Salary Scale: €38,107 - €50,953 pro rata per annum. Salary scales are subject to LSI’s (Long Service Increments)

Overview of the Post: To assist with the co-ordination and delivery of services to children referred to the Roscommon Respite Connect service. The main responsibilities include working in partnership with families, outreach respite manager and the connect team, to ensure a safe e ective service to children and young persons is provided. Provide administration support to the connect programme as directed by the outreach respite manager. Facilitating communication and leading a team in the delivery of the Connect service under the direction of the Outreach Respite Manager.

Essential Criteria:

• QQI or equivalent Social Care/Childcare/Nursing Quali cation Level 7 or higher.

• 1 years’ experience of working with children/young persons in home and or in a community-based setting.

• Valid driving licence for within the state / jurisdiction

• Access to own transport

• Must be eligible to work in the state

To apply, please download the Job Description and Person Speci cation for your information from https://enable-ireland.rezoomo.com/job/68039/ and complete the online application form. CVs will not be accepted

Closing Date: 5th September 2024

Informal Queries: By email to Marian O’Boyle at moboyle@enableireland.ie or 0876080202 A panel may be formed from this vacancy for any similar vacancies, which may arise during the next 12 months.

Review of Tuesday’s meeting in Roscommon

Horses for Courses

Following heavy overnight rain, the going in Roscommon was heavy, soft in places on Tuesday, resulting in a lot of non-runners.

A fully sponsored card opened with the favourite Come On The Lads trained by Ger O’Leary and ridden by Shane Foley getting punters off to a great start winning at odds-on, 5/6. J’Adore Chris trained by Paddy Twomey with Billy Lee in the saddle gave the serious punters a great start at 1/3 in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. In the Irish EBF Auction Series Race again the favourite Sigh No More at 11/10 won for Joseph O’Brien and jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. In the Murray Ambulance Fillies Maiden Billy Lee completed a double aboard the Willie McCreery trained Counterculture the 4th favourite to win at 4/5. The Conor Cassidy Car Sales Handicap saw the ﬁrst favourite of the night go down, but it was not much relief to the bookmakers as it was the 2nd favourite Sea Eagle at 5/1 who won, providing Ger O’Leary and Shane Foley with a double. The penultimate race was the

by Tom Red

District Speciality Coffee Apprentice Maiden. James Ryan carried Ger Lyons’ Poetic Sound to victory at 5/1 with the favourite Mick Collins 3rd at 15/8.

Racing closed with the Sean Cleary Memorial Handicap which was won by the Barry Connell trained Avondale who provided Billy Lee with a treble at 6/1. Next meeting is on Monday, the 2nd of September.

This weekend’s action Racing this week begins this evening (Thursday) in Killarney with the ﬁrst day of their three-day summer festival over jumps, starting at 4.33 pm and on the ﬂat at Leopardstown, away at 4.40 pm.

Tomorrow, Friday evening, Killarney’s flat meeting is away at 4.35 pm, and Saturday ends with another national hunt card. Tapes away for the first at 2.30 pm. Also on Friday there is a national hunt meeting at Kilbeggan at 4.50 pm, and on Saturday there is also flat racing at the Curragh, featuring a pair of Group 2 races, the Futurity Stakes and the Debutante Stakes. First race at 1.45 pm. Sunday afternoon at 1.57 pm

ﬂat racing is on at the punter’s graveyard, Naas in Co Kildare with the Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes. On Monday in the afternoon racing is over the sticks at Downpatrick at 1.55 pm and in the evening at Ballinrobe, off at 5.10 pm.

A treble in York

Wednesday was a great day for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore as they completed a treble in York with The Lion In Winter winning the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at 2/1, the supplemented Los Angeles beating stablemate Illinois in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes and the icing on the cake came with City Of Troy adding the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes to his wins in the Derby and the Eclipse Stakes, beating the French-trained Calandagan and Ghostwriter by 1l and 3½l, for O’Brien’s 9th win in the race.

Could we see Los Angeles turn out again in the Doncaster St Leger, now just over three weeks away?

The Lion In Winter is leading fancy for both the English 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby. City Of Troy has put his defeat in the 2000 Guineas well behind him and is living up to O’Brien’s claim that he is the best horse he has trained.

York continues today (Thurs-

day) featuring the Grade 1 Yorkshire Oaks with 8 runners. Aidan O’Brien’s Content is 11/4 joint favourite with the Gosdens’ Queen Of The Pride in a wide open race.

Racing news

There are 15 runners left in the ﬁnal British Classic, the Doncaster St Leger, with 9 of them trained at Ballydoyle including the ante post favourite Los Angeles (on the 14th of September). Jessica Harrington has the only other Irish entry (Kinesiology) entered.

Next week on Saturday the 31st, the Curragh Racecourse run the Pat Smullen Char-

Buccs begin season at home to Sligo

Buccaneers commence the 2024-2025 season at home to Sligo in the opening round of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Senior League on Friday night. Kick-off time for the visit of the dual champions to Dubarry Park is 7.30 pm. This is a really tough opener for the Pirates as the north-westerners have been going from strength to strength in recent seasons. For Buccs, this season looks like being one of transition with tough challenges for a quite youthful squad that has lost a spine of key players for various reasons. However, the coaching triumvirate of Paul Byrne, Benny Gilligan and David Henshaw have been working hard with their enthusiastic panel which will

again be skippered by Frankie Hopkins. Buccaneers’ next game will be away to Corinthians with a 5.30 pm kick-off time at Corinthian Park on Saturday week, while the home fixture against Galwegians will now be a floodlight encounter on Friday, September 6th at 7.30 pm. This is to facilitate the staging of the Girls U-18 Interprovincial finals on the Saturday.

Women’s rugby: Buccaneers Women’s squad continue their preparations for a return to action by this revived team. Ladies and girls aged 18+ are eligible to play and beginners are very welcome, as are former players who may consider dusting down their boots. Coaching takes place at Dubarry Park on Friday evenings from 7.30 pm.

U-20s: The Connacht U-20 League, which was revived last season, will commence on the weekend of September 14th and will also act as qualiﬁers for the JP Fanagan Leinster League.

Young Buccs: Buccaneers’ U-17s Kalin Blessing, Andrew Henson and Sean Glennon featured in the Ireland U-18 Development squad that hosted matches against Italy, Scotland and Wales recently. Reuben Colleran, Owen Egan, Darragh Glennon, Hugo McGowan, Oisin O’Donoghue and Ciaran West wore the green of Connacht recently in matches against Leinster, Munster and Ulster at the IRFU High Performance Centre. Well done to all these young Buccs and best of luck in the future.

ity Race Day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland featuring a host of activities to raise funds for Cancer Trials Ireland, the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland.

The showpiece of the day is the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race supported by the Breeze-Up Consigners Association with 20 riders taking part raising a minimum of €3,000 each for the charity.

Competition time

Winners of tickets to Kilbeggan on Friday are Elaine Garvey, Kilteevan, Mick O’Brien, Moate and Mick McGarry, Roscommon, who all

got the answer right. Hope you all enjoy the day. To win tickets for Roscommon on the 2nd of September please let us know who is the manager of Roscommon Racecourse? Answers as usual please on a postcard to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail. com by 5 pm on the 28th of August for Roscommon. As always do not forget to include your name, address, and a contact with all competition entries. As usual all tickets will have to be collected in the ofﬁce in Abbey Street.

Sigh No More wins at Roscommon for Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Andrew Henson and Kailin Blessing pictured at Ireland U-18s’ Development camp. A group of participants at the recent successful Buccaneers Rugby Summer Camp.

Darragh Glennon, Reuben Colleran, Oisin O’Donoghue, Ciaran West, Hugo McGowan and Owen Egan wearing Connacht colours.

SportsPeople

Short putts

BALLAGHADERREEN

Lady Captain, Sarah McDonagh and Club chairperson, John Freeman made a cheque presentation to CJ’s Rainbow charity on behalf of Ballaghaderreen golfers in the clubhouse on Sunday last.

CJ’s parents, Joe and Niamh, accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity which is very dear to the hearts of the people of Ballaghaderreen and nationally.

CJ’s father, Joe and 20 other enthusiastic volunteers will take on a gruelling Malin Head to Mizen Head cycle from August 22-25 to raise money for two other charities alongside CJ’s Rainbow, namely Hand in Hand and Oscar’s Kids. We wish Joe, Niamh and all volunteers the best of luck in the coming days.

Congratulations to Marie Cassidy, winner of this weekend’s 18-hole Stableford Competition which was sponsored by All Star Shredding.

BOYLE

Mark Whelan’s Captain’s Prize to the men was held on Sunday, the 18th of August with a very strong field. The winner was Paul Brown.

The Captain’s Prize to the Ladies was competed for on the previous weekend.

CAPTAIN’S PRIZE: 1st Paul Brown; 2nd Enda Smith; Gross Gary Carty; 3rd Rory O’Donohoe. 18 nett: Liam Whyte. Past Captain Vincent Egan’s Seniors’ Prize: Pat Brogan. Category 0-13 Brian Furey; 14-20 Michael McHale; 21+ Paddy McLoughlin; 1st 9 Jim Suffin; 2nd 9 Pat Conroy; 3rd 9 Mark O’Donohoe; Visitors’ Prize: Liam Burke. CAPTAINS SCRAMBLE: 1st Tony Garvin, Pat Conroy, Sinead O’Donohoe. 2nd Tadhg Egan, Gabriel Lavin, Olive Filan; 3rd Lorcan Egan, Kevin O’Connor, Joey Mullaney. CAPTAINS’ PRIZE TO LADIES: 1st Regina McLoughlin; 2nd Tish Perry; Gross Mary O’Hara; 3rd Joey Mullaney.

CASTLEREA

Results from Micheal Harte (The Room Outside) sponsored competition: 1st Sean Naughton 38 pts; 2nd Sean O’Connell 37 pts. Cat 1 winner James Joyce on 34 pts. Cat 2 winner Tom Burke on 34 pts. Cat 3 winner Gerry Fitzmaurice on 36 pts.

Recent winners from Castlerea Club Gala Day. 18-hole: 1st Helen King; 2nd: Mary Kenny; Gross: Laura Griffith; 3rd: Jenny Glynn. 9-hole: 1st Mary Colleary; 2nd: Dympna McDonnell; 3rd: Pauline Higgins. Longest Drive: Mary Colleary. Nearest the pin: Anne Hussey. Round Robin: Mary McDermott. The women’s winner of Harmac Medical competition was Maura Kelly (30 pts). Men’s competition: 1st Sean Naughton (22 pts); 2nd Tony Reilly (20 pts); 3rd Cian Gilmore (19 pts). Women’s competition: 1st Mau-

reen Claffey (20 pts); 2nd Deirdre Hawkshaw (20 pts on countback); 3rd Valerie Callaghan (19 pts); 4th Mags Penrose (19 pts on countback); 5th Cara Gill (19 pts on countback).

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

Our Connacht Shield team had an excellent win recently in the first round of the Inter-Club competition against Castle Dargan Golf Club. Team Captain: Pat King. Away: John Coffey & Tom McGuinness; David McDermott & Paul Kelleher. Home: Paul Roche & Aaron Gibney; Ciaran Curley & Marc McDermott.

The club would like to thank Arigna Fuels for very generous sponsorship of last weekend’s gents competition. The results are as follows: overall winner was Damien Cosgrave, with an excellent score of 65 nett. Division 1 winner was Liam Bruen, 70 nett.

Gross went to Dylan Beirne, 73. Division 2 winner was Callum McGirl, 68 nett.

The Ladies Wednesday Scramble was won by Lisa Casey, Marie King and Anne Guckian on 32 nett. 2nd were Kathleen Loftus, Martina Sweeney and Mary Murray (33 nett).

Seniors: A very successful outing took place to Slieve Russell on the 29th of July. The overall winning team members with 48 points were Tommy Mulvey, Dermot Conlon and Francis Foley. In second place with 43 points were Robbie Donaldson, Donal Collins and Seán Gilmartin.

Joe Keville, Damien Duignan and Ken Moran came third with 43 points.

Thursday, the 1st of August was the day of Club Captain Paul Reid’s prize to the sen-

iors. The overall winner was John Kelly with 37 points. Category one winner was Tommy Mulvey with 36 points, Category two was won by Joe Keville with 35 points and Category three was won by Charlie Farrell with 36 points. Mick Gallagher won the front nine with 19 points and the back nine was won by Tommy Kenoy with 20 points.

The overall winner on Thursday, the 8th of August was Declan Loftus with 38 points. Category one winner was Pat Gannon with 34 points, Leo Kavanagh won Category two with 35 points and Category three was won by Michael Delorey with 32 points. The front nine was won by Frank McGrath with 18 points and Gerry Emmett won the back nine with 19 points.

Last Thursday (15th) was Pascal McGuire’s Seniors Captain’s prize. Weather conditions were very poor but nevertheless there was an excellent turnout with 36 members taking part.

The overall winner was Tommy Kenoy with a score of 39 points. John Moffatt came second with 37 points (B9), Michael Keville came third with 37 points and Robbie Donaldson came fourth. Category one was won by Albert Hogg with 36 points and Seamus Mulhern won Category two with 35 points, while Martin Talbot won Category three with 36 points. Front nine was won by Seán Gilmartin with 19 points and back nine was won by Gerry Emmett with 21 points.

ROSCOMMON

Next week is a big one for Roscommon Golf Club as the Men’s Senior Cup team and the Ladies Sen-

ior Foursomes teams play in the AIG All-Ireland finals in Carlow (28th to 31st of August).

The Roscommon Ladies team are the defending champions and they will face Ulster North winners Malone in the quarter-finals on Friday morning (August 30th), starting at 8 am. The semi-finals are later on the Friday with the final on the Saturday morning.

The Men’s team will be first into action on Wednesday and will be playing in their first Senior Cup at All-Ireland level in 41 years as they face Ulster North winners Galgorm in their quarter-final, starting at 8 am.

The Senior Cup semi-finals and final will be on Thursday with the semi-finals starting at 7.30 pm. The Men’s team is captained by Johnny Walker, assisted by Brian Feeley. The Women’s team is captained by Annie Timothy, assisted by Kay Ruane.

A large crowd of club members and supporters from Roscommon are travelling to Carlow for the championships. We wish both Roscommon teams the very best of luck.

Well done to Marina Cribbon, winner of the Ladies 18-hole, sponsored by Curl Up N Dye with 39 pts. Carol O’Donnell with 19 pts won the 9-hole. Friday’s Men’s open winner was Thomas Cullen (40 pts). Jane Kennedy (New Forest) won the ladies with 34 pts.

The Abbey Hotel-sponsored 18-hole winner was Peter Farrell with 68. 2nd was John McHale with 69.

Congratulations to Olivia Costello who has been selected for Great Britain & Ireland for the Junior Vagliano team versus Europe in West Lancashire, England on the 23rd and 24th of August.

(News from local golf clubs)

Pictured are Shóna Kennedy, Fiona Tully, Seán Raftery, Siobhan Treacy and Carragh Kennedy. Front row: Áine and Emer Hanley. Jerseys sponsored by ACS Civils ahead of the World Championships.

Pictured are Áine Hanley, Seán Raftery, Adrian Grealy (Abbey Health and Fitness), Fiona Tully and Emer Hanley. Tops sponsored by Abbey Health and Fitness ahead of the World Championships.

Lady Captain Sarah McDonagh and John Freeman, Club Chairperson, presenting a cheque on behalf of Ballaghaderreen Golf Club for CJ’s Rainbow charity to Joe and Niamh McCann and their children Róísín and Clodagh.

At the Connacht Close in Ballinasloe, there was great success for young Castlerea Golf Club members. Kate Hawkshaw won the U-16, James Hawkshaw was 2nd in the U-18, and Alex Doyle was 2nd in the U-14. Pictured were Castlerea Golf Club members (left to right) Rory Hawkshaw, Alex Doyle, Kate Hawkshaw, James Hawkshaw and David Walsh.

Boyle Golf Club: Captains Scramble winners Tony Garvin, Pat Conroy and Sinead O’Donohoe pictured with Captain Mark Whelan.

Boyle Golf Club: Paul Brown receives 1st prize from Captain Mark Whelan.

Boyle Golf Club: Mark Whelan pictured with Regina McLoughlin, winner of the Captain’s Prize to the Ladies.

David is tops in Concannons’ darts duel!

David Concannon was the winner of the ﬁnal night of the league stages of The Hollywood Bar Darts Super League last Friday night.

On a night of high quality darts, impressive checkouts came in the form of 102 and 116 ﬁnishes for Thomas Concannon and ﬁnishes of 118 and 119 for Mick Egan.

The final went down to two players showing top form. On one side was David Concannon, who having made his way through a difficult group, followed up with a last 16 win over Kieran Mullen (3-1), before a 3-1 quarter-final win against Gerard Glynn was backed up by a 3-0 semifinal win against Arron Blaides.

On the other side of the draw, Thomas Concannon topped his group before a 3-0 win in the last 16 against Ken Turkington saw him through to the quarter-ﬁnals. A 3-0 win over Aaron Killane was followed by a 3-1 win in the semiﬁnals against Mick Egan.

The ﬁnal started at great pace. Thomas started quickly with a score of 140, before two 140s for David helped him to a 15-dart leg and a 1-0 lead. Power scoring from David put Thomas under the cosh in the second leg, but he was equal to the task, as scores of 81, 135 and 100 sealed a 16dart leg to tie the game at 1-1.

At 2-2, it was all to play for, with David producing a 140, 123 and 97 on his way to a 14-dart leg and a 3-2 win. Well done to both players on a top class display.

Thanks to all players who took part and produced a high standard. Many thanks to The Hollywood Bar management and staff for their sponsorship and hospitality on the night.

Attention now turns to ﬁnals night in early September (details to follow). Contenders will be Paul Carton, Thomas Concannon, Mick Egan, David Concannon, Arron Blaides, Gerard Killane, Gerard Glynn and Mick Kilroe, while our Shield event will see Kieran Mullen, Aaron Killane, Kieran McCormack, James Morris, Jimmy Owens, Bernie Reilly, Tony Connolly and Krzysztof Wesolowski battle it out for the title.

Are you interested in playing darts?

As Roscommon Darts moves towards a new season, we are inviting players/teams who may be interested in getting involved to note what is coming up.

This Friday, 23rd of August sees an open Round Robin Event in The Hollywood Bar, Roscommon. This would be a great chance for any individuals, regardless of ability, who are interesting in playing to get a feel for what is involved.

On Friday, 30th of August the Roscommon Darts AGM will be held in Hannon’s Hotel. For any groups of players (or publicans) interested in entering a team, the AGM will be a good opportunity to get an idea of what is involved. We cater for all players, regardless of ability, experience, etc.

Please see Roscommon County Darts Facebook page for more.

Local youths excel in Galway Cup

Roscommon & District Youth and Schoolboys/ girls League (RDYSL) matched the best finish in the Galway Cup in the league’s history, finishing runners-up in the 2012 Boys competition recently. Stopped only at the final hurdle, the lads produced an exhibition of football throughout the week – remaining unbeaten outside of their two meetings with the eventual champions, a scintillating Kilkenny League side, the first of which came in their opening group game.

Despite the ﬁnal disappointment, the squad of 20 can be hugely proud of their achievement, being only the second Galway Cup ﬁnalists in the league’s history.

Throughout the tournament, they were praised by

opposition and spectators alike for their on-pitch talent, and all the tournament staff were massively complimentary to the group in their respect and attitude – showing that both on and off the grass, they are an outﬁt which represents the best of the league, their individual clubs, and the people who make both possible.

RDYSL 2012 Boys: Ethan Graham, Yuri Bueno Farias, Senan Higgins, Odhrán Higgins, Eli Kilmartin, Conor Neary, Mark Gordon, Marc McCafferty, Senan Lohan, Matthew Towey, Jude Lane, Cillian Donohoe, Kayden Cassidy, Mark Gerard, Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Finn Murphy, Tom O’Shaughnessy, Matthew Coyne, Matthew Jordan, Joshua Lohan.

C’mon

The Town

New teams welcome as Roscommon Pool League returns

After the long ‘summer’ break, the Roscommon Pool League is back. There are three divisions in the pool league. Last year 27 teams took part. All teams are graded and divisions operate on a promotion/relegation format.

Each team can name a panel of up to 15 players, however you only need a minimum of 6 players on the night. Games are played every Friday night with each team playing a home and an away game against all teams in their division. New teams are welcome.

Closing date for entry of new teams is the 16th of September. As well as providing more business for pubs, this is a very enjoyable activity and good fun on a Friday night with good prize-money for winners and runners-up of all leagues as well as top players in each division. We had over €8,000 in prizes last season. New teams interested in entering/ any queries, please contact Darren on 087-9332818.

Player Proﬁle

Name: Ethan Turkington

Teams: U-16s and U-18s

Position: Defender

Three words that describe me: Fast, technical, skillful

Skill strength: Left foot

Skill weakness: Heading

Favourite team: Chelsea

Favourite player: Neymar

Favourite Irish player: Shane Long

Best stadium in the world: Stamford Bridge Messi or Ronaldo or neither: Messi

PlayStation or Xbox or neither: Xbox

Favourite food: Pizza

Favourite lm: Fast & Furious

Favourite song: Heartbreak Anniversary by Giveon

What makes me happy: Playing soccer

Person I admire the most: My mother

Why I play soccer: Because I love it

Hopes for the season: To win the Premier Cup

On the Pitch

Our boys’ U-18 team had a comfortable win at home to CP Ajax. On Monday, in the boys U14 section, Town 2 were away to CP Ajax. Despite being behind at half-time, the lads were patient in their passing game and struck three times in the second period to secure the three points and remain ﬁrmly at the summit of the table.

On Tuesday, our Town 1

12s team were in Kilkerrin. There was a double-header in Lisnamult. Town 2 played St Cuan’s while Town 3 played CP Ajax.Our 12s and 16s girls teams were in Newbridge on Wednesday evening.

On Thursday evening, our Town 1 U-16 boys team face Skyvalley while Town 2 play Glen Celtic. On Friday evening, our boys 11s CL1 and CL3 teams are away to St John’s and Shiven respectively. CL2 welcome Dunmore to the Sports Park.

On Sunday morning, our 9s girls play host to Castlerea and Shiven. Also that morning, our Town 1 and 3 boys U-9 teams have home matches, while

Town 2 are on the road. The action concludes on Sunday evening. After losing on penalties in the Cup semi-ﬁnal, the 18s girls will be looking to secure the three points away to Shiven.

Leaving Cert results

We want to wish our players who are receiving their Leaving Cert results the very best in the next phase of their life. We hope you get what you want and are happy and healthy in doing what you want to do.

School return

Best wishes to our players who are returning to school after the summer break, especially those who are making the transition

to post-primary. Work hard. Be humble. Learn. Laugh. Wise words

‘Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning’ – Albert Einstein

Wear the Town

We have new stock in our Club Store. View the range on our website roscommontownyouthsoccer. ie

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Our Instagram page is growing in terms of content and users. Give us a follow and stay tuned into the Town.

Our Community. Our Children. Our Club.

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

Pictured is the Roscommon Town 2 U-14 team.

Left to right: Runner-up Thomas Concannon and winner on the night, David Concannon.

SPORTS DESK

Paul Healy

Vardy lights up ﬁrst weekend of Premier League

And so begins a new Premier League season. While it’s obviously much too early to conﬁdently assess how teams are likely to shape up, there was something ominous about Manchester City’s 2-0 win away to Chelsea last Sunday, a performance of ruthless efﬁciency that will have sent shivers down the backs of rival managers.

For me, the highlight of the opening games was Jamie Vardy’s performance for newly-promoted Leicester City against Spurs on Monday night.

I’ve always liked Vardy, combative and all as he may be (and he certainly showed that side of his personality the other night). In truth, his niggly nature is critical to his success. He’s a marvellous player, and his story is remarkable. Vardy didn’t make his Football League debut until he was past his 25th birthday! A non-league player up to that point, it seemed certain that Vardy would never become a top pro. But all that changed when Leicester (then in the Championship) signed him for one million pounds back in 2012. The rest is history. Vardy, with his great pace, instinctive off the ball running and lethal ﬁnishing, became a great top level goalscorer. It was real Roy of the Rovers stuff as Vardy’s goals led Leicester to a shock Premier League title win in the 2015/2016 season.

Remarkably, with his 38th birthday coming up in January, Vardy is still playing. He wasn’t expected to feature against Spurs on Monday night, but ended up starting the game. And what a performance he put in, Vardy reminding everyone that he can still have an impact at the very highest level. His 57th minute goal denied Spurs all three points (the game ended 1-1), Vardy came closest to scoring a winner, and when he left the ﬁeld it was with a volley of taunts (from Vardy, to Spurs players and fans) and to an ovation from home supporters.

Elsewhere, Arsenal and Liverpool both got off to a winning start, while Brighton’s 3-0 thumping of Everton suggests that the Blues might be battling relegation again.

All neutral fans will be hoping that the title race is a proper contest and not a stroll in the park for ﬁve-in-a-row chasing Manchester City.

I’ll be surprised if Chelsea challenge for top spot. Manchester United are likely to contend

strongly for a Champions League place, but no better than that. As for the title, while Liverpool cannot be discounted, Arsenal should prove to be City’s main challengers. Most neutrals will be hoping for an end to the dominance of Pep’s purists.

Table for two: In praise of pool…

Reading an email we received into the newsroom announcing that a new Roscommon Pool League season will soon start had me feeling a touch envious – and nostalgic.

But I won’t be making a playing comeback, not after a misguided brief return a few years ago was mercifully interrupted by a worldwide pandemic (which led to the pool competition in question being cancelled a couple of weeks in, partly saving my embarrassment).

I played competitive pool for decades, but the passing years take their toll, as my misconceived comeback was proving before lockdown. (Oh I can still play, but my eyesight isn’t as good as it was, and anyways, I never fully adapted to the ‘new rules’).

The ‘misspent youth’ jibe is lazy. Whether in competition or playing for smaller stakes, pool is a great game, one that requires its most successful exponents to exhibit skill, astute decision-making, precision/accuracy, tactical prowess, and calmness under pressure.

A good pool session (competitive or otherwise)

Padraig Pearses winners of award for Texaco Support for Sport initiative

Pádraig Pearses GAA Club has been chosen as winners of the Roscommon County award in this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative. €5,000 has been presented to the club to help fund its ongoing infrastructure development.

Based in South County Roscommon, operating under the GAA’s ‘One-Club’ model (Ladies & Men’s Gaelic Football, Camogie & Hurling), Pádraig Pearses recently received two awards acknowledging its commitment to fostering a healthy and culturally active community – a GAA Healthy Club 2023-2025 recognition and the Joe McDonagh/Glór na nGael Silver Medal for its promotion of Irish language and

culture. Now in its fourth year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative – organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – sees a fund of €130,000 set aside annually for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis. Previous Roscommon winners were Tremane GAA Club (2021), Boyle GAA Club (2022) and Boyle Camogie Club (2023). Entries for the 2025 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open in the autumn for all clubs, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.

gets the adrenaline ﬂowing… pitching both players into a battle of skill, tactics, even wills! The satisfaction comes from the shots that slowly shape the trajectory of a frame… that perfect cross when the object ball rattles into a centre pocket; a long pot down the cushion; a cut with side that nudges another ball into a pottable position… a perfectly judged escape from a snooker, all the better if it leaves your opponent in trouble. Of course luck can play its part too, as anyone who has ever watched the cue ball cruelly disappear after a black can testify.

Having grown up in our family-run pubs, I played pool from a young age. Back in the 1980s, there were regular tournaments in Rooskey, Strokestown, Longford, Edgeworthstown, Mohill, etc. Then in Roscommon Town in the early 1990s there was a great competitive pool scene. This was primarily thanks to Eamonn Smith’s promotion of snooker and pool in The Sportsman’s Inn, the popular public house in Church Street that he ran with his wife Margaret. Sadly, like the adjoining ‘Green Rooster’, the Sportsman’s Inn is no more.

During the 1990s, our Roscommon Champion pool team had great success, and a few epic battles, most memorably with Crimeline (led by Bill Hennelly). The Champion team had a period of dominance on the circuit, winning several tournaments, while Crimeline were also very successful and they too picked up a number of trophies.

My teammates on the green baize (I’ll go in alphabetical order) were Eddie Keane, Gerard O’Loughlin, Frank Regan and Seamus Regan, with some key appearances by George Bannon and Tom Farrell. All of them ﬁne tournament players.

I perhaps shouldn’t single out opposition players, but Jeremy Cullen and Con Faughnan were bril-

liant cueists… always a pleasure to watch. There were many other very accomplished pool players to the fore in those days, including the late David Feeney. Greg Glancy was (and remains) another highly competitive veteran of the pool circuit. Very fond memories were formed. Of course time marches relentlessly, and for most of us, the cue has long been passed on… *I am aware that the standard of pool in more recent years in Roscommon has been extremely high. A great Pool League season awaits. Best of luck to all involved (see details on page 44).

Shock as Sky Sports recognise the old days…

Speaking of the Premier League, the good news is there might be a shift in policy in Sky Sports land… with a match commentator openly speaking (during Chelsea v Manchester City on Sunday) about a period of dominance enjoyed by Liverpool in… the 1980s.

This may have been a slip-up (or not), but it was a very welcome development, because normally ‘Team Sky’ are loathe to mention life before the Premiership/Premier League era began (in 1992)! The commentator was making the point that if ﬁve-in-a-row chasing City win the league this season, it will be seven titles in eight years for them, and therefore (marginally) better than what Liverpool achieved in the 1980s.

It was just good to hear an acknowledgement by Sky that elite football in England didn’t start with the ‘Premier’ era (and Sky’s coverage of same).

The presentation to Pádraig Pearses GAA Club secretary, Aidan Fallon (centre, right), and fellow members, was made at the (Walsh’s) Texaco Service Station, Lower Castle Road, Roscommon. Pictured with them were Texaco dealer, James Walsh (centre, left) and Valero Area Sales Manager, Eugene Coyne (second left).

Eoghan Browne chasing down Brian Greene. Action from last weekend’s John Keane & Sons IFC Éire Óg v Creggs game. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

SportsPeople

King & Moffatt Junior A FC (Group B)

St Joseph’s 0-11

Ballinameen 0-11

Clann na nGael 2-11

Roscommon Gaels 2-9

King & Moffatt Junior A FC (Group C)

Kilglass Gaels 2-20 Tulsk

Lord Edwards 1-3

Boyle 2-8 Strokestown 1-11

GAA fixtures

Saturday, 24th of August

Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC (Group B)

Ballyleague: St Faithleach’s v Western Gaels. 5 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd

Junior B FC (Group B)

Enfield: St Croan’s v St Dominic’s. 6 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd

Junior B FC (Group C)

Ballyforan: St Aidan’s v St Michael’s. 7.30 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd

Junior B FC (Group D)

O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Éire Óg. 18.30 pm

Sunday, 25th of August

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd

Junior B FC (Group A)

Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v Shannon Gaels. 2.30

Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Elphin. 4.30 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd

Junior B FC (Group B)

Ballinlough: Michael Glaveys v Clann na nGael. 12.30 pm 2024 Kepak SHC (knockout)

Ballyforan: Tremane v Roscommon Gaels. 2 pm

Ballyforan: Athleague v Oran. 4 pm

Drab derby draw leaves Gaels and Oran with ‘room for improvement’

Hodson Bay Hotel SFC

Roscommon Gaels 1-6 Oran 1-6

< SEAMUS DUKE

Supporters expecting a pulsating derby game between these two neighbouring sides were left disappointed at Lisnamult on Friday night when Roscommon and Oran fought out a turgid and below par encounter at the end of which the spoils were shared. A draw was probably a fair result on the balance of play.

The opening half was a snapshot of how modern-day Gaelic football is played. The Gaels were the better side in that early period but they held on to the ball for long periods and passes went laterally and backwards most of the time. Good football was at a premium and scoring chances were few and far between on what was a fine, dry evening.

One exception for the home side was Ryan Conlon, who wasn’t afraid to shoot when a chance presented itself. Conlon kicked three fine long-range points in that first half, with James Connolly and Mark Purcell (a free) completing the Gaels’ tally in that period. Oran seemed happy to soak up the pres-

sure and as a result they scored just once (Darragh Walsh) in the opening 30 minutes before Shane Walsh’s point in injurytime saw the score at the interval at 0-5 to 0-2 in favour of Roscommon Gaels.

Oran did miss a golden goal opportunity in that first half when Mike Dwyer blasted wide. The Gaels were down to 14 players from the 13th minute when Senan Lambe was black-carded for an off-the-ball incident.

On the resumption, there were more talking points in the first seven minutes of the new half than in the remainder of the game. In the opening two minutes a point from play from Ciaran Lawless (Oran) and a Peter Gillooly free (Roscommon Gaels) saw the margin remain at three.

In the 35th minute, referee Paddy Neilan showed Senan Lambe a second black card (and an automatic red) for a trip, although the Gaels were appealing for a free in an earlier incident. Now the home side were down to 14 men.

In the next attack, Cormac Regan made a great run through the Gaels’ defence before off-loading to Mike Dwyer who made no mistake this time, netting a goal that drew the sides level.

The town team swept downfield in the

37th minute. Ryan Conlon was shooting for a point, but his kick fell short – however Richard Walsh stole in behind the Oran cover and punched the ball to the net, restoring the Gaels’ three-point lead.

Remarkably, the Gaels were not to score in the match again. In the 41st minute Peter Gillooly was black-carded for a foul after it looked like he himself had been fouled, and now the Gaels were down to 13.

Oran were now on top, but they were finding it very hard to score. In the 47th minute Darragh Walsh landed a longrange free and when the same player converted another free in the 52nd minute the margin was down to a point.

The Gaels couldn’t engineer another score and it was Jack Casey who levelled the match with a point on the run with five minutes to go. Both sides had half-chances in the remaining time but the game ended with a whimper.

In truth, this is a good result for the Gaels who are unbeaten ahead of their final group game against Tulsk. Oran will have to beat Castlerea in their next game to ensure that they avoid the dreaded relegation play-offs.

For the Gaels, Ryan Conlon was the best player on view. Mark Purcell, Mark

Healy, James Connolly and Tim Lambe also had their moments. For Oran, Tom Featherston, Darragh Walsh and Shane Walsh were prominent. The bottom line is that there won’t be too many sleepless nights down Kiltoom way on foot of this encounter. Both teams will trust that the only way is up from here.

Roscommon Gaels: James Featherstone; Jack Donnelly, James Connolly (0-1), Cathal Dineen; Senan Lambe, Tim Lambe, Joey O’Malley; Mark Purcell (0-1, free), Mark Healy; Ronan Gleeson, Ryan Conlon (0-3), Paddy Fannon; Richard Walsh (1-0), Peter Gillooly (0-1, free), Cian Connolly. Subs: John McGuinness for Walsh (45), Conor Grogan for Gleeson (57).

Oran: Shane Regan; Cathal Kenny, Thomas Featherston, Jack Casey (0-1); Colin Walsh, Paul Kenny, Mike Staunton; Ciaran Lawless (0-1), Connie Regan; Mike Dwyer (1-0), Darragh Walsh (0-3, 2 frees), Cormac Regan; Eoghan Murray, Shane Walsh (0-1), Charlie Carthy. Sub: Kevin Concannon for P Kenny (45). Referee: Paddy Neilan.

Man of the Match

Ryan Conlon (Roscommon Gaels).

Referee Jimmy Donoghue keeping a close eye on this exchange between Cathal Heneghan and Kevin Higgins. Action from Western Gaels v Michael Glaveys in the Hodson Bay Hotel Group Roscommon SFC last weekend. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Gaels and Athleague can advance

Kepak SHC quarter-finals

(Both games on Sunday in Ballyforan)

< SEAMUS DUKE

Tremane v Roscommon Gaels at 2 pm

This looks set to be a very evenly matched encounter. Under manager

Ronan O’Meara, Roscommon Gaels have improved hugely over the past couple of years. They have an impressive physicality and plenty of young, skillful players that are improving all the time.

Brendan Quinn and Finn Killion are excellent from the placed ball while James Connolly, Ryan Conlon, Tim

Gilmore and Chris Duignan have been performing well.

Tremane were well beaten by St Dominic’s in the last round and will have to pick up the pieces quickly for this clash.

Peter Kellehan, Sean Melia and the Brennans will be hoping to rediscover their top form. I can see the Gaels springing a surprise here

and winning by a couple of points. Athleague v Oran at 4 pm I saw both these sides in action recently (against one another). On that occasion, Oran faded out badly in the second half, allowing Athleague to sweep past them. There won’t be much between the sides in this repeat pairing.

Athleague will be hoping that the likes of Ben McGahon, Eoghan Coyle, Cian Murray and Cormac Kelly can lead their side to victory, while Oran will be depending on the likes of Jerry Fallon, Micheal Hussey, Paddy Fallon, Cathal Kenny and Brian Diffley to come up with the goods. I am giving Athleague a hesitant nod to edge it.

Leading ladies: St Brigid’s setting the pace

< KEVIN EGAN

St Brigid’s are suddenly the clear front-runners in the Dermot Hughes Cars Roscommon LGFA Senior Championship after they put Clann na nGael to the sword in Kiltoom on Sunday, racking up a 9-13 to 5-6 win over their neighbours in front of new county intermediate manager Finbar Egan.

The win, which saw Marian Nolan lead the scoring with 2-7 – while Ciara Walsh (1-3) and Áine O’Brien (2-0) also scored well – means that St Brigid’s have now beaten the two 2023 county finalist clubs by a combined total of 60 points on successive weekends!

The only black mark for manager Laura Harrison and her players was a knee injury to Kate Nolan, which saw the county player carried off midway through the second half.

Reigning intermediate champions Éire Óg will also be delighted with the weekend’s action, as they travelled to Croghan and picked up a 1-8 to 0-7 victory against Shannon Gaels, their first at senior level this year.

Sorcha Bruen and Michaela Dunne caught the eye in the early stages when Shannon Gaels hit four of the first five points, but Éire Óg dug their heels in and drew level. The second half continued to be a nip and tuck affair before Rebecca Madden scored the game’s only goal with seven minutes remaining, pouncing on a rebound to find the net.

Alongside St Brigid’s, St Dominic’s are assured of a county semi-final spot after they posted a 1-15 to 0-11 win over Boyle that leaves the county champions’ hopes of successfully defending their crown hanging by a thread.

Pat Leonard’s side have been decimated with absences and injuries this year, but the return of Sinéad Glennon and Kate Harrington was a boost for this home fixture, where they were very competitive until Hannah Murray’s first-half goal put St Dominic’s in control.

Aoife Gavin (0-6) and Aimee O’Connor (0-8) were in sensational form along the spine of the St Dominic’s attack, with Niamh Watson a tower of strength at midfield for the winners.

Boyle did get to grips with the defensive challenge after half-time, when they trailed by 1-7 to 0-4, with Ruth Johnson making a handful of key saves to keep the score that tight.

The third quarter was still controlled by Dominic’s, but four of the last five points went Boyle’s way, to give them a huge boost in advance of what is now a do-or-die trip to Loughglynn next Sunday.

INTERMEDIATE

In the Coachman’s Inn/Harry’s Restaurant Intermediate Championship, St Ciarán’s continued their impressive recent form with a 1-15 to 1-9

win over St Barry’s on Wednesday of last week.

The sides traded early points in a high-quality game until Tara O’Brien was pulled down and Ciara Dowd dispatched the subsequent penalty to put the 2023 finalists into the driving seat.

Laura Fleming, Sheena Kilroe and Aideen O’Brien were among the key influences as St Ciarán’s controlled possession despite playing into the wind, building up a 1-7 to 0-5 lead while Shannon McGuinness and Sarah Rodgers led the attack for the visitors.

St Barry’s levelled the game with a quick-fire 1-2 at the start of the second half but the introduction of Honor Ennis and Niamh Farrell further strengthened St Ciarán’s, with Fleming (0-6) and Dowd (1-8) dominating the scoring charts.

At Enfield, St Croan’s took over second place thanks to a 0-14 to 1-7 win over Michael Glaveys. Croan’s held a narrow lead at the break but Shannon Hibbitt’s goal early in the second half made it competitive.

Áine Ward, Leah Malone, Leah Egan and Ella Thompson were best for Croan’s as they finished strongly to pick up their win.

JUNIOR

The Leydon Brothers JFC continues to be one of the most keenly contested championships in the county, and wins for Pádraig Pearses, Northern Harps and St Mary’s mean that they continue to look like the real front-runners.

Pearses were comfortable in their 10-19 to 0-4 win over a depleted Strokestown side with Áine Galvin and Lorraine Kenny leading the charge, and they now look to have the upperhand in the race for top spot in Group A and the automatic semi-final place that comes with it.

Northern Harps also picked up a win in this group, but their 2-9 to 2-8 victory over Castlerea was a very different story. In a game of two halves at O’Rourke Park on Wednesday evening of last week, Castlerea led by 2-7 to 2-5 at halftime, with two Ciara Cunningham goals keeping Northern Harps in the game.

In deteriorating weather conditions, Castlerea missed a string of chances early in the second half and they were made to pay when Lauren Shanagher picked off a superb solo point to give Harps the win and heap pressure on Castlerea in advance of their trip to Woodmount next Sunday.

In Group B, the only game played was at Tulsk, where Aoife Jones, Aoife Beirne and Sandra Keane stood out in St Mary’s’ 5-13 to 1-8 win over Clann na nGael.

Please see http://roscommonlgfa.ie/fixtures-2024 for all updated fixtures and results. Roscommon LGFA would like to thank Dermot Hughes Cars, Coachman’s Inn/Harry’s Restaurant, and Leydon Brothers for their generous sponsorship of the adult club championships in the county.

Ella Thompson (pictured in action for Roscommon against Wexford earlier this year) played a key role for her club, St Croan’s, in their win over Michael Glaveys last weekend. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Clann impress, Castlerea get off the mark

CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

< SEAMUS DUKE

Hodson Bay Hotel SFC (Round 2)

Group A

The Group A game between Castlerea St Kevin’s and Tulsk was quite a dour struggle, but that won’t worry Castlerea, who prevailed with a point to spare. There was never much between the sides and they went in at the interval level at 0-5 apiece. It was score for score throughout the second half but Castlerea were just a little sharper in attack and Adam McDermott’s late free was enough to give Dara Bruen’s side a vital win by 0-10 to 0-9.

Group B

Championship favourites St Brigid’s won again, this time against St Faithleach’s at Kiltoom – but they were pushed hard by the Ballyleague men. The home side were well on top in the opening half and by the break they were 0-9 to 0-3 ahead.

St Faithleach’s were much better in the

second half and when Jonathan Hussey scored a fine goal with seven minutes left there was only two points between the teams. Late scores from Brian Derwin and Padraig Kelly saw Anthony Cunninhgam’s men home by four, 0-16 to 1-9.

In the other game in this group Michael Glaveys edged out Western Gaels in a very tight match (0-14 to 0-13). Glaveys were far the better side in the opening half and when the sides went to the dressing rooms they led 0-8 to 0-2.

Western Gaels were a changed team in the second half and they took the game to Glaveys. With Rory Hester outstanding, they came storming back into contention but Glaveys held out for a vital win.

Group C

Padraig Pearses put their train firmly back on the tracks when they defeated St Dominic’s by 1-12 to 0-10 at Knockcroghery. The sides were evenly matched in an opening half which ended at 0-5 apiece.

Pearses took control in the second half and Sean Canning’s goal was crucial in the final analysis. St Dominic’s will now have to win their final game against Clann na nGael to avoid a relegation play-off.

Clann na nGael’s great start to the

championship continued when they defeated Boyle by four points (0-16 to 1-8) at Enfield. Clann were by far the better side in the opening half at the end of which they led by 0-9 to 1-2, with Niall O’Donnell scoring the Boyle goal. Ciaran Lennon and David McManus were excellent for Clann who have now recorded very impressive wins against Boyle and Pearses. Enda Smith missed a late penalty for Boyle but Clann were full value for their win.

Explosive Elphin march on

John Keane & Sons IFC

Group A

Elphin’s claims to be one of the frontrunners to win the Jimmy Murray Cup were strengthened at Orchard Park on Saturday when they had a resounding win against Kilbride (1-22 to 1-2).

Fintan Cregg top scored for Nigel Dineen’s men with 0-8, while his brother Frankie scored 1-2. Shannon Gaels’ great form continued against Padraig Pearses when they won by 2-11 to 0-4. Matthew Bourke and Cian Hannon scored the goals for the Gaels.

Group B

Éire Óg remain unbeaten after a threepoint win against Creggs (0-13 to 0-10) in Loughglynn. The home side led by 0-8 to 0-2 at half-time and were good value for their win, with Conor Cox contributing 0-9 (five frees). A contender for the best performance of the weekend is Fuerty’s, as they defeated St Croan’s by 3-17 to 3-5 in Enfield. Gearoid Ennis scored 0-10 from frees and play for Fuerty while Tadhg Lyons (2) and Oisin Lyons netted their goals.

Group C

St Brigid’s were the comfortable winners against junior champions St Michael’s at Kiltoom (3-10 to 0-8). Dual star Cathal Dolan scored 1-3 for the Kiltoom men with Ian O’Rourke and Jimmy Curley scoring the other goals.

St Michael’s now face a crucial final group game against Kilmore.

Strokestown kept up their good form with a 3-9 to 0-11 win against neighbours Kilmore in Kilglass. Diarmuid McGann scored 1-5 as ‘The Town’ continue unbeaten.

King & Moffatt JF ‘A’ Championship

St Aidan’s are showing good form in the Junior ‘A’ Championship. Last weekend they won their second game of the campaign when they beat St Ronan’s by 2-7 to 0-5 in Frenchpark. Clann na nGael are also going well

with two wins, but they were pushed all the way by Roscommon Gaels in Lisnamult on Sunday before prevailing by two points, 2-11 to 2-9.

St Joseph’s and Ballinameen played out a tense draw (0-11 apiece) in Fuerty. Ballinameen led by 0-9 to 0-2 at one stage but St Joseph’s made an excellent comeback to gain a share of the spoils.

Western Gaels are back on the winning trail after defeating St Barry’s by 0-11 to 0-6 in Tulsk. Boyle and Strokestown ended honours even (2-8 to 1-11), while Kilglass were impressive winners against Tulsk, scoring 2-20 to just 1-3 for their opponents.

This weekend…

SFC: St Faithleach’s v Western Gaels

In Group B of the Hodson Bay Hotel SFC, St Faithleach’s play Western Gaels in Ballyleague on Saturday evening. Both sides need a win to avoid the possibility of a dreaded relegation play-off.

St Faithleach’s played well in the second half against St Brigid’s and will take heart from that. The Gaels were pipped at the post by Michael Glaveys last weekend. With home advantage, St Faithleach’s look the better bet.

Robert Heneghan in action during last weekend’s very closely contested Roscommon SFC game between Michael Glaveys and Western Gaels. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Conor Hussey in possession, with Aaron Dowd and Seanie McDermott also pictured. Action from Western Gaels v Michael Glaveys in the Hodson Bay Hotel Group Roscommon SFC last weekend. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell