23 December 2022 Roscommon People

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

FESTIVE HUMOUR

Matthew and John were fortunate enough to have a season ticket to watch Liverpool FC. They could not help noticing that there was always a spare seat next to them and they had a friend who would love to buy a season ticket, especially if all three could have seats together.

One half-time Matthew went to the ticket office and asked if they could buy the season ticket for this empty seat. The official said that unfortunately the ticket had been sold. Nevertheless, week after week the seat was still empty.

Then on St. Stephen’s Day, much to Matthew and John’s amazement the seat was taken for the first time that season. John could not resist asking the newcomer, ‘Where have you been all season’. Don’t ask he said, the wife bought the season ticket back last summer, and kept it for a surprise Christmas present.

A family had twin boys whose only resemblance to each other was their looks. Opposite in every way, one was an eternal optimist, the other a doom and gloom pessimist. Just to see what would happen, at Christmas time their father loaded the pessimist’s room with every imaginable toy and game. The optimist’s room he loaded with horse manure.

That night the father passed by the pessimist’s room and found him sitting amid his new gifts crying bitterly. “Why are you crying?” the father asked. “Because my friends will be jealous, I’ll have to read all these instructions before I can do anything with this stuff, I’ll constantly need batteries, and my toys will eventually get broken.” answered the pessimist twin.

Passing the optimist twin’s room, the father found him dancing for joy in the pile of manure. “What are you so happy about?” he asked. To which his optimist twin replied, “There’s got to be a pony in here somewhere!”

I see Jeremy Clarkson’s in trouble!

It’s not funny…he wrote very controversial stuff about Meghan… Well, you know what…

WHAT?

He should have phoned a friend before he sent that column in!

(Editor groans: “And maybe I should ask the audience about you two…”)

Still, what a weekend!

Amazing! The World Cup final was sensational! Allez les Argentinians! Ooh la la, Lionel! Oh the French will love you for that...you language mangler!

Touché…

(Editor rolls eyes, scrolls on phone for Joe Brolly’s number)

What a man…just seeing him there in the stadium at the final whistle, hands on hips, standing proud, a genius with the midas touch, the whole world in his hands…what a moment in time!

I agree…

The big M, he’s awesome! Well, not that big…

How he found the time to even be in the stadium, I’ll never know…

HUH?

Musk…all eyes were on him in the stand… at the end of the game.

Elon Musk? HE’S not the BIG M from Sunday!

Oh sorry! Macron? He was pretty cool too… The French President’s not the BIG M from Sunday either!

Thebarstoolboyos

the new, undisputed king of football? A pic of ‘Leo’ Messi on our respective walls?

Actually, I meant Leo Varadkar…but I was joking. He’s some operator!

Leo or Lionel?

I meant Leo!

Allez les Argentinians! And we think we’ve finally shaken Brolly off! Endangered Species

Well, he’s back in the top job…for at least two years!

Yeah!

And the big M…he’s off to foreign lands now!

Messi? Is he coming to the Premier League? No, I meant Micheál Martin! Our new Foreign Affairs Minister!

(Editor: “Joe, can you PLEASE call me back, this column is yours in January, I’ve had ENOUGH!”)

So…HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS!

And a prosperous New Year!

Mbappé?

NO!

Who’s YOUR BIG M then? I have it! Maloney! Darragh Maloney! Great commentary!

PLEASE! It was Messi’s day!

I’m only kidding you…Allez Messi!

(They pause to take down their World Cup wallcharts, with long faces)

Should we put up a photo of Leo? He’s Lionel, even if he is sometimes referred to as Leo!

Huh?

You want us to replace the wallcharts with

Another year almost over…and we survived! This column! After all the speculation about the Editor dropping us, it never happened!

True! Now I know you never secured those improved terms and conditions for us, but at least we’re safe!

I’m working on it, I’m working on it! Looking back, that speculation about Joe Brolly replacing us…so far-fetched!

Indeed!

Fact is, we’ve survived to tell the tale. We’re still here, page 2 every week…irreplaceable! YES!

Both: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT, JOE BROLLY?

(Editor, grinning: “To be continued”)

PEOPLE writing headlines…

The latter scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final, yet still ended up on the losing side, while the former – Messi – crowned his great career by finally winning the greatest prize in football

Katie Taylor

The

Elon Musk

The Twitter-owning billionaire invited people to vote on whether or not he should remain as CEO of the social media platform which he recently purchased; twitter users responded by voting in favour of him stepping down

Jeremy Clarkson

There were calls for the broadcaster to be fired from his various media roles after he wrote a controversial column in the Sun newspaper in which Clarkson made comments about the Duchess of Sussex, prompting thousands of complaints from members of the public and outrage from some commentators

Happy Christmas from Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors!

Byrne

Lionel Messi & Kylian Mbappé

PIC OF THE WEEK: Local children pictured at the ‘Daidí na Nollaig’ Irish language Christmas Event hosted in Roscommon Library recently by Gaelscoil De hÍde, Ros Comáin.

boxing superstar was crowned RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year at last weekend’s televised ceremony

Lionel Messi

Charity walk in aid of Western Alzheimers

Western Alzheimers Voluntary Committee’s annual St Stephen’s Day Charity Walk will take place on December 26th from 12 noon.

The 5k/10k charity walk will be departing from Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. The Castlerea Brass & Reed Band will be in attendance before the walk kicks off, and world champion boxer and Castlerea native Lisa O’Rourke will be present on the day to cut the ribbon and formally begin the event. The entry fee is €10 per person, or €20 per family. Donations can also be made online on the Western Alzheimers Christmas Walk page on idonate.ie (giv.i.ng/ TUIp)

Western Alzheimers provide a complete service of care to families affected by Alzheimers/Dementia in the Western Region of Ireland. The aim is to ensure people living with dementia can enjoy a meaningful life as an active member of the community for as long as possible by providing in-home support, respite and day care, and long-stay care.

Western Alzheimers do vital work for many families in

the locality, so be sure come along on the day or support the fundraiser by donating

online. To find out more, visit westernalzheimers.ie or the idonate.ie page.

May celebrates her 100th!

100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: May Gannon from Knockroe, Castlerea – a much-loved lady in the locality – pictured celebrating her 100th birthday in Tully’s Hotel with her sons Padraig, Denis, Phillip, Micheal, and Raymond. Pic: Glynn’s Photography

‘Use post offices and libraries to aid Digital Transformation’

Members have called on Roscommon County Council and An Post to utilise libraries and post offices in a bid to aid the county’s ambitious new Digital Strategy which was launched at Monday’s meeting of the local authority.

Roscommon’s Digital Strategy for 2022-2026 received praise across the Chamber but members highlighted the need for assistance for older people when it came to online services.

Cllr Paschal Fizmaurice called on the local authority to provide more assistance in libraries when it came to online access while Cllr Orla Leyden said having an individual there to help would be very useful.

Meanwhile, Cllr. Anthony Waldron proposed writing to An Post to encourage a rollout of online services in local post offices. This motion was seconded by Cllr Tony Ward.

While members praised initiatives such as Online Trading Vouchers and local Hubs, Cllrs Ward and Liam Callaghan raised concerns about the rollout of broadband in Co. Roscommon.

However, Broadband Officer John Freeman said the county was substantially ahead of other counties when it came to the national rollout with over 59 per cent of households expected to have access to broadband by the end of next year.

In the Chamber

DAN DOONER

Funding for UHG cancer centre welcomed

Cllr

“hugely significant for Roscommon”.

The Fianna Fáil councillor, along with Cllr John Naughten, had supported a recent North West Regional Assembly motion on the development of the centre. She said the move was important for balanced regional development when it came to healthcare in the west.

Cllr Naughten said he hoped to see work commence on the new centre as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Cllr Tony Ward, who sits on the HSE West Forum, also welcomed the news and called for funding to get the Community Car Scheme “back on track”. The Local Link scheme is provided by volunteer drivers and assists patients with no means of transport in getting to hospital and GP appointments.

Responding to Cllr Ward, Director of Services Fiona Ní Chuinn said: “Roscommon County Council and Roscommon LEADER Partnership had a meeting recently with Una Darcy from Local Link about the Community Car Scheme and two applications have been made for two schemes (in Roscommon) and

we are just waiting on word back”.

Cllr Liam Callaghan, who is chairperson of Local Link’s Community Transport committee for this area, said he hoped to invite manager Damien O’Neill to a Council meeting in the New Year to outline the services available.

Congratulations – and thanks

Addressing Monday’s meeting, Cllr Kathleen Shanagher congratulated the Local Enterprise Office and Jeremy Cullen on the recent publication of a sourcing guide which highlights the wide array of designers, crafters and artists in Roscommon. Copies of the publication are now available throughout the county.

Meanwhile, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice paid tribute to all those involved in hosting the recent Freedom of Roscommon ceremony for the O’Rourke sisters, Aoife and Lisa. He said the O’Rourke family and the people of Castlerea were very grateful for the event.

Minute’s silence for Private Seán Rooney

A minute’s silence was held to remember Private Seán Rooney at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council.

The 24-year-old soldier died after being shot when the armoured car he was in came under attack and turned over after becoming separated from a convoy which was transporting troops to Beirut Airport on Wednesday of last week.

Private Rooney’s body arrived back in Ireland on Monday morning, landing in Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel. May he rest in peace.

Orla Leyden welcomed the recent announcement that the HSE will provide funding for a specialist cancer care centre at University Hospital Galway, saying it was

Cllr. Orla Leyden

Cllr Liam Callaghan

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY

Memories in Murray’s

A quiet pint tonight in the famous Murray’s Bar in Knockcroghery (my first call there in a good while) brings all the memories back: my first visit, back in 1988; the feeling of wonder then, at the sense of history that embraces you in this most quaint of public houses; most of all, the thrill, then, of meeting –and subsequently getting to know – the legend that was Jimmy Murray.

Tonight, we chat to John, reminiscing a little about how life was in the 1970s and ‘80s. I was only there for 45 minutes or so, but in that time a few of us touched on memories of Meath and Roscommon GAA greats, social change in Ireland, political characters, St Dominic’s entering the senior grade, the fire that struck Murray’s in 1990 too.

The framed photos from the 1940s – when Jimmy Murray captained Roscommon to back-toback All-Ireland titles – entranced me in 1988, and did so again tonight. It’s always a pleasure to call to this landmark pub, with its understated reminders of our proud and cherished past.

FRIDAY

Superior pedestrians!

A minority of people are still doing it! I refer to that small group of pedestrians who can be relied upon to ungratefully fail to acknowledge the courtesy of thoughtful drivers who slow down and ‘give them the nod’ to cross the street. These ‘superior pedestrians’ simply plough on, oblivious to the kindness of the motorist who has slowed and gestured for them to cross. Oh well, Happy Christmas to them too.

SATURDAY

Guess who’s back…

Bugged by a cough (like so many people currently are) I took the un-

usual decision to have a brief lie-down this afternoon. I couldn’t resist flicking the TV on. The fact that I fell asleep while the names of all the TDs in Dáil Éireann were being called out is probably no reflection on the occupants of the so-called lower house.

Awake again half an hour later, I observed Leo Varadkar being confirmed as our new Taoiseach. I gather there had been some negative commentary on Varadkar earlier from some opposition TDs, but the mood was now dignified, reflecting the sense of history (however predictable the accession may have been). Outgoing Taoiseach Micheál Martin and his successor sat side by side, smiling away, almost reminiscent of the Ian Paisley/Martin McGuinness ‘Chuckle Brothers’ dynamic of yesteryear. Almost, not quite.

I’ve interviewed Martin a few times, and while I’m under no illusions that he’s a formidable and tough operator

who can be ruthless if required, I buy into the popular categorisation of him as a particularly decent man. Is it okay to say – while not turning a blind eye to the housing crisis – that he has been an effective Taoiseach? Like Enda Kenny and John Bruton, he has approached coalition sensibly; ego more or less left outside the cabinet meeting room. But I digress…

Back to the Dáil today: when the result was announced, Leo made a good speech, and then the majority of TDs – of all persuasions – lined up to wish the new Taoiseach well, and also to shake hands with Martin. Before that, they gave Leo a standing ovation. Well, Paul Murphy and Richard Boyd Barrett didn’t stand, which frankly reflects poorly on that miserable duo (don’t book them for your Christmas night out). Memo to Paul and Richard, those po-faced prophets of gloom: Courtesy doesn’t come with a price.

SUNDAY

Messi’s day

I fell in love with ‘the beautiful game’ when I was about ten years of age. I’ve always been drawn to the flair players, while still having total respect for Norman Hunter, Billy Bremner, Roy Keane, Graeme Souness and others of their ilk.

But the flair players make us gasp, thrill us. What a cast there has been… Tony Currie, Frank Worthington, René Higuita, Paul Gascoigne, Ronaldinho, Eddie Gray, Stan Bowles, Rodney Marsh, the amazing George Best, and many more. Some of them achieved a lot, others preferred to use their gifts to entertain than to knuckle down and graft in the pursuit of something as mundane as victories and trophies. Of course there’s a difference between flamboyant entertainers with a casual

attitude to training/systems, and fellow gifted players who can combine the wizardry with work ethic.

I’ve always loved Lionel Messi, ranking him well above the fabulous Cristiano Ronaldo in a ‘Greatest footballer in the world’ debate that I never wasted time on. As to whether Messi is better than Maradona or Pele, nobody can really say with certainty, but the case for the current Argentinian number 10 being deemed to be the greatest player of all time is certainly a powerful one now.

Today, we riskily played the ‘Record the match and try to avoid the score’ game yet again. After a lovely lunch in Cox’s Steakhouse in Dromod, we passed through the bar without glancing at the TVs, on which the World Cup final was underway. Arriving back in Roscommon, we enjoyed our recording of the epic final, having avoided any score updates.

What a game! Messi’s glorious career crowned by a World Cup winner’s medal. At 35 years of age, Messi scored seven goals in seven games at the World Cup. Incredible. Maradona was magic. Best is my hero. Pele must have been awesome. Messi has mesmerised us for twenty years. And check out YouTube to see Eddie Gray’s second goal against Burnley in 1970!

MONDAY

Conor McMouthy

Result just in: It turns out Conor McGregor (currently having a go at both football legend Paul McGrath and comedian PJ Gallagher on Twitter) is an absolute national embarrassment. Who’d have thought it? I wish him no ill will, but the guy has mortified the nation. (I hardly need to add that, as a sportsman, Conor McMouthy couldn’t even begin to lace McGrath’s boots).

TUESDAY

Happy Christmas

Unusually, we’re going to press on a Tuesday, it being Christmas Week. Wishing all our readers a Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, ROSCOMMON TOWN, BOYLE, ROSCOMMON AND ATHLONE AREA OFFICES

• The offices are closed from 3.30pm on Friday 23rd December 2022 to Monday 2nd January 2023 inclusive.

• The Motor Tax Office will close at 1.00pm on Friday 23rd December 2022.

• Offices will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2023:

o Public Hours are 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

o Motor Tax Office is open 9.30am to 1.00pm only Monday to Friday.

• For Emergencies please contact 090 66 37100.

LIBRARIES

• Boyle, Castlerea, Roscommon and Strokestown Libraries will be closed from Saturday 24th December 2022 to Monday 2nd January 2023 inclusive.

• Libraries will reopen with normal opening hours from Tuesday 3rd January 2023.

• The mobile library will be in Ballaghaderreen on Tuesday 20th December 2022 and will resume service in Ballaghaderreen on Wednesday 4th January 2023.

CIVIC AMENITY SITES

• Christmas and New Year Opening Arrangements for Roscommon, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea Civic Amenity Sites are as follows:

o Open Thursday 22nd December 2022

o Open Friday 23rd December 2022

o Open Thursday 29th December 2022

o Open Friday 30th December 2022

o Open Tuesday 3rd January 2023

• Normal Services will resume from Friday 6th January 2023 as follows:

o Open weekly from 8:00am – 4:00pm on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays (closed for lunch 1pm – 1:30pm)

o Roscommon Civic Amenity Site open through lunch.

A message from the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan

“On behalf of the elected members, management and staff of Roscommon County Council, I would like to extend a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to all Roscommon people, both at home and abroad. As your Council, we constantly strive for excellence in the delivery of our services, working closely with communities throughout our fine county. Working together, we look forward to a new year full of exciting potential and possibilities for the people we are proud to serve.”

Nollaig Shona go léir

Ceremony to mark 100th anniversary of Aleen Cust diploma milestone

< DAN DOONER

This Wednesday (December 21st) marks 100 years since Aleen Cust, the first female veterinarian in Ireland and Britain, received her diploma in veterinary studies following a 22-year fight for recognition.

To mark this historic anniversary, members of the Aleen Cust Memorial Society will attend a special commemorative ceremony in Roscommon town this week.

Recently, Roscommon tour guide Marie Gillooly visited Aleen Crust’s resting place in Jamaica and brought back a stone from her grave which will be placed on her Roscommon mentor Willie Byrne’s grave at St. Coman’s Church, Roscommon today (Wednesday).

Aleen Cust was born in Tipperary in 1868 and from an early age was determined to be a vet. However, she was initially denied admission to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons because she was a woman. In 1895 a new college was opened in Edinburgh by Professor William Adams and Aleen moved there to study in 1900.

Following her studies, and on the recommendation of Professor Adams, Aleen moved back to Ireland and to Athleague, Co. Roscommon where she worked under local veterinarian Willie Byrne. Aleen, who lived in Ballygar and worked as a part-time veterinary inspector with Galway County Council, took over Mr. Byrne’s practice when he passed away in 1910. She would have frequently used Phillips Medical Hall in Roscommon town, which is now run by the McGuinness family.

Ms. Cust joined the World War One effort, first purchasing war horses for action and even driving her own car to the front in France in 1915.

In 1919, the all-important Sex Disqualification Act was passed and so the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) could

now no longer refuse her membership. Eventually, on December 21st , 1922, she received her diploma from Henry Sumner, then-President of the RCVS. Despite her deep affection for the country, Aleen left Ireland follow-

ing the War of Independence, severing her roots in 1924. She moved to Plaitford in the New Forest, choosing there because it most resembled the countryside she loved in Ireland.

She subsequently visited friends

in Jamaica a number of times in the 1930s and it was during one such visit that she suffered a heart attack and died in January 1937, just eight days short of her 69th birthday.

The Aleen Cust Memorial Society, established in 2021, consists of three vets from the west of Ireland – Donal Connolly, Ascinta Kilroy and Brendan Gardiner. It was established with two main aims: to make Aleen Cust’s name and achievements more widely known, and to locate her burial place.

Thanks to the efforts of people in both Ireland and Jamaica including Honorary Irish Consul Brian Denning and Sr. Marita, Franciscan Convent of the Immaculate Conception in Kingston, Aleen’s grave was finally discovered at St. Andrew’s Church, Kingston in December 2021.

A special commemorative ceremony took place at the site on December 1st of this year and was attended by Roscommon tour guide Marie Gillooly and her daughter Saoirse.

The ceremony, which was celebrated by Sr Andrea, Deacon of St. Andrew’s, was also attended by Brian Denning, Antoneil Ashley of JA Headstones and other dignitaries.

A commemorative plaque, acquired by the Aleen Cust Memorial Society, was unveiled while Marie laid a stone from Willie Byrne’s final resting place on Aleen’s grave. A Roscommon flag was also placed on the grave while Brian Denning helped unfurl the Irish flag during the ceremony.

Following the Jamaican ceremony earlier this month, members of the public are invited to Wednesday’s Roscommon ceremony at the grave of Willie Byrne at St. Coman’s Church on Henry Street at 2.30 pm to mark the 100th anniversary of Aleen Cust’s diploma. Afterwards, tea/ coffee and mince pies will be served in Gleeson’s Townhouse.

Wedding Fair Season at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon

Join us on Sunday January 15th from 2-5pm for our 2023 wedding fair extravaganza.

All newly engaged couples are welcome to attend. Register now for your chance to be entered in our free draw.

There will be a complimentary glass of bubbly & finger food plus a chance to meet our award winning chefs, dedicated weddings manager & banquet team on the day. Meet our recommended wedding suppliers and avail of supplier discount offers on the day! Free admission.

10% discount off select Abbey Wedding packages on the day only. We are now taking bookings for wedding supplier stands. Showcase your business on the day at one of the midlands premier wedding venues.

Book your stand today! Email geraldine.grealy@abbeyhotel.ie

IRISH SUPPLIERS & INSTALLERS OF

Roscommon tour guide Marie Gillooly pictured with Honorary Irish Consul to Jamaica, Brian Denning, at a ceremony at the grave of Aleen Cust in Jamaica earlier this month.

Pictured at a ceremony at the grave of Aleen Cust in Jamaica recently were Saoirse Gillooly, Marie Gillooly, Honorary Irish Consul Brian Denning, Sr. Marita (Franciscan Order), Sr. Andrea (Anglican Deacon), and Ann Morrison, Verger at St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Kingston.

News G D The page

Good News highlights from 2022…

While it certainly hasn’t been all plain sailing in 2022, it’s important to remember that ‘Good News’ is never far away. This year has seen its fair share of highlights in Roscommon and while we couldn’t possibly include everything, Dan Dooner takes a look back at some of the moments that made us smile…

O’Rourke sisters’ Freedom of Roscommon

It has been another remarkable year for the boxing O’Rourke sisters from Tarmon, Castlerea, as Lisa became a world champion in Istanbul in May before Aoife claimed her second European title in Montenegro in October. Both girls were awarded the Freedom of Roscommon earlier this month by Roscommon County Council, following in the footsteps of the late, great Dermot Earley, former President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin, the late acclaimed

Further progress on Hospice unit

The new Roscommon Hospice was officially launched by Minister Stephen Donnelly in November of last year and is expected to be fully operational in 2023. In September, members of the public joined Mayo Roscommon Hospice board members and CEO Martina Jennings for a coffee morning at the €6.3 million facility. Those present were offered tours of the bright, modern unit, which was made possible thanks to the generous fundraising efforts of the people of Roscommon and Mayo.

Local response to war in Ukraine

The Government’s handling of those seeking shelter in Ireland is a hot topic at the moment but there can be no doubt as to the generous and welcoming spirit of Roscommon people fol-

lowing the arrival of those fleeing the war in Ukraine this year.

Volunteers from the local community rallied together in March to prepare the former Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon for Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion as Roscommon once again extended a hand of welcome to those in need.

Hopefully the New Year will bring much needed Government support and acknowledgement for communities in Roscommon such as Ballaghaderreen which has been extending that hand of welcome for the past number of years.

New-look Square completed

While the new-look Square in Roscommon has divided opinion since it was completed in the early part of this year, there’s no doubt that it has and will be a welcome addition when it comes to public events. This year’s Christmas Markets were a hit and there are plans to install a cover over seated areas in the New Year. The Square, which is part of a wider Public Realm Enhancement project for the county town, would be the perfect venue for a post-Connacht

final homecoming next year! Roscommon Rose blooms in Tralee

While she may not have captured the International Rose of Tralee title at the Kerry Sports Academy in August, Roscommon Rose Bernie Ryan certainly captured the hearts of many viewers following her live interview with pre- senter Dáithí Ó Sé.

Westmeath Rose Rachel Duffy was announced as the deserving winner but nurse Bernie certainly wasn’t too far away after receiving widespread praise for her sense of humour and for demonstrating CPR in the ‘talent’ section of her interview.

Bernie will marry her very patient fiancé and Kilbride footballer John Donnelly later this month at Kilronan Castle. #GodBlessJohn

A new dawn after Covid-19 restrictions

Pandemic restrictions such as Covid-19 passes (remember them?), social distancing, earlier closing times, 50 per cent capacity, facemasks, and the clo-

sure of nightclubs were lifted entirely this year leading to increased optimism among members of the public as well as the long-suffering business community.

The virus hasn’t gone away, as evidenced by a recent winter spike, but it seems we have certainly learned to live with it in 2022. The last two years, while incredibly difficult, have served to remind of us of the important things in life. Let the greatest gift this year be time spent in the company of loved ones.

Ella’s Toy Show surprise!

Brave Ella Donlon from Roscommon town was given a wonderful Christmas surprise ahead of this year’s Late Late Toy Show when presenter Ryan Tubridy and her favourite band Picture This paid her a visit at Ronald McDonald house.

Ella had been in Crumlin Children’s Hospital receiving treatment for Gastroparesis related dysmotility and digestive issues for the last year and a half but thankfully returned home just in time for Christmas.

artist Brian O’Doherty, businessman Jim Callery, singer Brendan Shine, and actor Chris O’Dowd. Roscommon Royalty status confirmed for the O’Rourkes!

Mary Garvey, Manager, Roscommon University Hospital and Martina Jennings, CEO Mayo/Roscommon Hospice pictured with Mike Smith, Chairperson, Mayo/Roscommon Hospice and Paul Foxe, Director at a coffee morning at the new Roscommon Hospice earlier this year. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Roscommon County Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan, Ailish O’Rourke, Aoife O’Rourke, Kevin O’Rourke, Lisa O’Rourke, Ann O’Rourke, and Cathaoirleach Tom Crosby pictured at a ceremony in Áras an Chontae to award Aoife and Lisa the Freedom of Roscommon recently. Pic: Ger O’Loughlin

Ella Donlon pictured with Toy Show presenter Ryan Tubridy following his surprise visit to Ronald McDonald House last month.

Roscommon Rose Bernie Ryan demonstrates CPR to host Dáithí Ó Sé during her live interview at the International Rose of Tralee in August.

Local GAA players bid to plant a million trees

Three of Roscommon’s best-known GAA players have recently returned from a historic trip to Africa, where they kick-started a bid to plant more than a million trees to combat climate change.

Roscommon players Roisin Wynne, Ultan Harney and Neil Collins joined fifty leading GAA stars to compete in the first ever ‘Plant the Planet Games’ in Nairobi, Kenya, on a visit that also saw them plant the first thousand trees in a GPA-backed tree planting effort to tackle climate change in Africa.

Each of the participating players, who included inter-county hurlers, footballers and camogie players from twenty-three different counties, were tasked with raising €10,000 in sponsorship to support the effort. The group’s collective total has already topped half a million euro, with funds still coming in.

The initiative was organised by Galway dual player Alan Kerins’ Warriors for Humanity in conjunction with development charity Self Help Africa, and is also being supported by Kenyan Olympic medalist and world record holding runner, David Rudisha.

In a social media post, Ultan Harney said: “The bond and connection that was formed between the fifty-plus Warriors for Humanity crew and the people of Kenya is impossible to define. The welcome we received in schools, farms, hospitals, communities and tribes will forever impact me. Together, through singing, playing sport and laughing, my eyes are open to the fact that it is the simple things in life that makes us happy”.

Martha Hourican (Business Development Director at Self Help Africa) said that the trip had exceeded all expecta-

tions, and that the support provided by the Gaelic players would have a transformational effect for communities in Kenya hard hit by the effects of climate change: “Regions of Kenya have endured four successive years of drought, upwards of two million livestock have been lost this year alone, and crops have failed.

“This trip responds to that crisis in a practical way, while also highlighting for people back home here in Ireland very real effects of climate change being felt by poor and vulnerable communities in Africa,” she said.

The players took to the field for a series of exhibition games at Nairobi Rugby Club, before visiting projects being implemented by Self Help Africa in Kenya, and planting trees at Baringo in the country’s drought affected Rift Valley.

To find out more about Self Help Africa’s efforts to plant millions of trees in Africa visit selfhelpafrica.org.

Roisin Wynne pictured in Nairobi, Kenya

Ultan Harney pictured in Nairobi, Kenya

Neil Collins pictured in Nairobi, Kenya

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Having a grand time in picturesque Malahide

Our man Frank on one night in Malahide; Why he’s leaning towards Harry & Meghan in that family falling out; Another Bingo update… and some local events this Christmas

It’s Saturday night, and after visiting our daughter Lisa and her husband Brian for their annual Christmas Dinner (which actually hadn’t taken

place since 2019 because of Covid), a group of us headed into the north Dublin village of Malahide for a little bit of Christmas socialising.

Now Malahide is a small enough place, with only a handful of pubs, but every one of them was hopping; barely room to swing the infamous cat. I began to wonder, not for the first time, where exactly this recession that we are supposed to be in is?

After a while, since some of the party were of the age where they no longer wished to be pushed and shoved around a bar while trying in vain to get a drink (aka me), we headed for the beautiful Grand Hotel. Though quite busy, the hotel had

Why I’m inclined to side with Harry and Meghan!

I have to admit that I’m not a great one for following the never-ending barrage of stuff that’s constantly appearing about the Royal family, but I must confess that I’ve (more or less) completed the six-part Netflix series on Meghan and Harry – and the truth is that I cannot understand what all the furore is about! Surely it is obvious to everyone that the Royal family’s existence is totally abnormal, and because they are effectively a family both ‘owned’ and paid for by the British and Commonwealth public, they are subjected to a level of scrutiny that normal people never have to endure.

Obviously some members of the family are

ample seating and was lovely and comfortable, with a nice Christmassy atmosphere. As we sat at a lovely round table having a few drinks, my mind drifted back a long, long time, back to the first time I ever saw ‘the Grand’.

Carol and I had visited it long ago in the company of our good friend, the late Marky Fitzmaurice, and his wife Pauline. I’d safely say that was 30 years or more ago by now, and if memory serves me correctly, we had great fun that night, and the truth is we enjoyed ourselves to a similar degree last Saturday night.

The hotel is still my favourite place in Malahide – although I would think

there is a fair difference in the price of drink since our very first visit, with the pint of plain now coming in (or out) at €6, and a bottle of Heineken a tasty €6.40c. However, the atmosphere, comfort, and the friendliness of the staff more than compensated for the slightly inflated prices, and the next time I am back up in that part of the world, I hope to visit the Grand once again.

Bingo update!

Speaking of social nights out, and having recovered from my exertions at the bingo recently, Olivia Harris tells me that the event will return

again to the school hall in Creggs early in the New Year, on a date yet to be confirmed.

She also asked me to thank everyone who helped to make the last Bingo Night such a success, including the businesses that sponsored prizes, all who helped on the night by giving out teas and sandwiches and other refreshments, the ticket sellers who achieved the unusual feat of selling out of all their tickets, the number callers, and especially all of the people who came out in such numbers to support the whole event.

As I said, it will all be back again in the New Year, so watch this space!

Local events at Christmas

Talking of royalty (elsewhere in this column), out in this part of the world we have our own entertainment royalty in the person of Annette Griffin – a world class singer who is the resident entertainer in the exclusive Ashford Castle Hotel.

The exciting news is that Annette tells me that along with her mother Frances, and John Staunton, she will be singing at the Christmas Day Mass in Donamon Castle at 10 am.

to get rid of the excesses of the previous day! Four charities (ACT for Meningitis, Galway Hospice, Mayo-Roscommon Hospice, and the Sunshine Room in Creggs NS) will benefit from the funds raised from the walk.

Sponsorship cards are still available in Mikeen’s.

Following the charity walk, there will be music with Sean Donoghue kicking off at 5 pm, so a great evening is in store too.

quite happy to live their lives of luxury in return for a life of public service, where their every move is monitored by the press, but if Harry and Meghan want to lead their own private lives, why can’t they?

It seems to me that the young couple’s popularity when they toured Australia sent alarm bells ringing back in Buckingham Palace, and the family could not tolerate another Princess Diana! That is, another hugely popular global figure who was a ‘blow-in’ – in this case an American (Meghan), and worst of all from the Palace’s viewpoint, a woman of mixed race.

Personally, I have no doubt that a lot of the

bullying, manipulation, and other misdemeanours which the new Royal was allegedly subjected to did happen and were deliberately done to ruin her reputation. But the revelations seem to have divided the British public.

Whatever the outcome, the Royal family will carry on, and the media will always be interested in their every move! After all, the right photo, at the right time, and in the right place, could be worth its weight in gold!

Roll on Charles‘ coronation – we will wait and see if the rebellious pair are invited, and if they are, can you imagine the media circus then?

So pop in for a special and wonderful occasion if you can. I for one am certainly looking forward to being there, and if I were you, I would be there as well! It truly is a very special place on Christmas morning.

Moving on to St Stephen’s Day: after a day of over-eating and (hopefully not too much) over-drinking, St Stephen’s Day will see the annual Creggs Charity Walk take place.

Leaving Mikeen O’Roarkes at 12.30 pm, the walk will travel up, over and down the mountain, giving you a chance

And finally…

As we approach another Christmas Day, I want to wish you all a very happy holiday: keep safe, don’t overdo the alcohol, enjoy your time with family and friends, and with so much emphasis on social activities, spare a thought for the real meaning of Christmas – and remember what it’s all about! Happy Christmas!

Roscommon County Council unveils four-year digital strategy

Roscommon County Council launched its new Digital Strategy for 2022-2026 this week at the authority’s December plenary meeting, held on Monday, December 19th

This document sets out the Council’s digital priorities for the next four years. The Council said that the new strategy will introduce and embed a digital ethos through Roscommon County Council’s service delivery, enhancing the county’s impact as a great place in which to live and work. The strategy also sets out the Council’s strategic goals and objectives and will maximise digital opportunities for the county.

The document establishes the overall digital direction of the county and sets out how technology will support and enable County Roscommon to grow and develop.

The key to this ambition is connectivity and access to services previously only enjoyed by capital cities.

To achieve a thriving digital economy, Roscommon County Council will enhance its digital innovation hubs and oversee improvements in its citizens’ digital skills.

Further objectives of the strategy include the adaptation of appropriate community, economic and cultural digital initiatives, such as equipping schools with the latest information for teaching. The strategy also aims to con-

nect healthcare providers to leading medical centres and patients to global expertise. Other ambitions of the plan include a reduc-

tion in the costs of public services and the renewal of community engagement in the democratic process as well as strengthening the

resilience of the region in dealing with emergencies.

The delivery of the strategy in conjunction with the rollout of the National

measures and actions to create and develop a digital/smart county. This new strategy has been facilitated by extensive community and business participation in the consultation process.

The Roscommon Digital Strategy 2022-2026 is a blueprint for the digital progression of the county for the next four years, and its objectives and actions can be linked to the three key themes: digital community, digital infrastructure, and digital economy and enterprise.

Commenting on the publication of Roscommon County Council’s new Digital Strategy document, CE Shane Tiernan remarked: “This strategy will introduce and embed the digital ethos through our service delivery, thus enhancing its impact in making Roscommon a great place in which

to live and work.

“This four-year digital strategy sets out our strategic goals and objectives and will maximise digital opportunities for the county. I believe that by promoting our digital agenda through a dynamic workforce, enhanced infrastructure and services (including the rollout of the National Broadband Plan), County Roscommon will secure more sustainable economic growth and greater prosperity going into the future.

“Here in Roscommon, we will be focussing on introducing measures and actions to create and develop a digital/smart county. Thanks to community and business participation in the consultation process, we now have a more comprehensive understanding of the real needs of people”, he concluded.

Broadband Plan will see Roscommon securing more sustainable economic growth and greater future prosperity, introducing

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

If the world wants to believe Conor McGregor is as British as Paddington Bear, they can!

In the wake of Bono’s daughter, actress Eve Hewson, being noted by the New York Times at an end-of-year listing as having starred in one of the best TV shows of 2022, and being noted recently as ‘British’, we also saw American ESPN presenter Laura Sanko claiming that Dublin’s Conor McGregor came from the UK.

In what seemed like a clear case of nationalitytheft, mixed martial artist McGregor (I’ve got several other names for him – all unprintable in a family publication) was given British citizenship by Sanko during a weigh-in.

It has always been my understanding that Americans normally have a positive view of Ireland and the Irish… with the only negative being that some of them are so geographically-challenged, they seem to believe that as we’re ‘next door’ to the UK, we’re British!

Christmas grant boost for local TNR cat charity

We’re not, we never have been, and, to be clear, we never will be!

When something like this happens – as in, high profile or successful Irish people are wrongly claimed by the Brits, or are mistakenly assigned British nationality by another country, in this case the US – I normally go ballistic, screaming so loud only dogs can hear me!

Call me cranky if you like, but when talented Irish actress Saoirse Ronan was wrongly claimed by a Sky News reporter (who couldn’t even pronounce her name correctly) as British, I got so annoyed I wanted to beat him over the head with my shillelagh. On another occasion, it was left to veteran US actor Samuel L Jackson to set over-enthusiastic TV presenter Kate Thornton straight when she had the temerity to begin a discussion with him about his SWAT

movie co-star Colin Farrell, referring to the Dubliner as British! Then we saw how Kildare actor and Normal People star Paul Mescal was forced to defend his nationality when some UK media outlets who were reporting on his Emmy nomination described him as being British. Mr Mescal’s two-word ‘I’m Irish’ response was pure class.

All of the above leads me to ask when will it stop? When will those stiff-upper-lipped Brits and those geographically-ignorant Americans who insist on committing nationality-theft educate themselves? When will they realise we not just have our own nationality, we also have our own language? Though, granted it has way too many vowel classifications – as in we have slender vowels I and E, and broader vowels A, O and U; and we have the modh

coinníollach and the modh ordaitheach; all phenomena that only true Irish people will ever understand!

Having said all of the above however, even though I’m ticked off at our well-known Irish ‘personalities’ being sneakily claimed by the Brits as their own, or being dubbed by US presenters lacking in geographical knowledge as hailing from the UK, in McGregor’s case I’ll make an exception. When all is said and done, if that ESPN presenter wants the world to believe Conor McGregor is as British as Paddington Bear, that’s okay, she can.

In fact, as far as I’m concerned, if the Brits want to lay claim to an arrogant individual who admitted punching an elderly drinker in a pub for allegedly turning down a shot of his whiskey back in 2019, they can have him.

I know I’m always ‘going on’ about animal welfare issues. To be honest, I’ve found the people of this county are, on the whole, wonderfully kind, humane and compassionate when it comes to their animals. Thank you. It’s for this reason I’d like to let readers know that our local TNR South Roscommon is experiencing tidings of joy this Christmas due to receiving news about their muchneeded grant from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue.

I know what’s involved in filling in those application forms begging the Department for funding. To be blunt, the questions, though necessary, can drive you to the brink of insanity. I also know that getting a grant is never guaranteed. However, this year, with funding in excess of €5.8 million being available, and with larger charities normally getting the lion’s share (pardon the pun), I was delighted that TNR South Roscommon had been, in the words of Orla Hanley “bumped from €4,000 last year to €12,600 this year”, rendering my friend speechless. These are two scenarios which have never happened before. One, a small local charity has never received such a financial boost. And two, Orla Hanley has never before been lost for words!

She did recover long enough to thank Roscommon People readers and her community for their support throughout the year, saying: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This money is a Godsend for us. However, with it comes a responsibility to make sure it’s used as wisely as possible in order to benefit as many cats as we can”.

Go raibh maith agaibh, agus nollaig shona daoibh go léir!

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish every one of my loyal readers a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas. I’d also like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me through the years.

To those who wrote to me, whether it was to agree or disagree – it doesn’t matter which – I’m grateful for the response.

What does matter is the fact I wrote something which stirred you enough to react and put pen to paper, or to open the laptop and send an email regarding one of my many ‘musings’. Again, thank you.

To the advertisers, the supporters, the readers, the communities, the editor, the Healy family, the office staff; and to my fellow

contributors and writers at the Roscommon People, may I say the reason this newspaper is such a success is down to you! You’re what kept us going during the pandemic; and you’re what still keeps us going now we’re facing our first ‘normal’ Christmas in two years.

As we approach the end of 2022, a time when Roscommon

and other rural counties will resemble ghost towns for a few days as friends and families grab the opportunity to catch up, I’d like to wish you all a prosperous and healthy New Year. Stay safe, stay warm, and please God I’ll see you on the other side for more words of wit and wisdom.

Go raibh maith agaibh, agus nollaig shona daoibh go léir.

newsbriefs newsbriefs

Inaugural Garbally past pupils’ Christmas Walk

Garbally Past Pupils Union are hosting their first Garbally Grounds Walk on Wednesday, 28th of December at 2 pm, with all past pupils, their families, and current, past and present staff encouraged to attend. The walk will assemble at the front gate.

There is no charge for the event, but pre-registration is advisable. The walkers will finish with a hot chocolate or perhaps something stronger at Ballinasloe Rugby Club, which will be open ‘till teatime especially for this event, so that folks can meet up and chat.

The group are organising a winter committee meeting before the walk at noon in Gullane’s Hotel and would hope that anyone who’d like to get involved in the work for the year ahead can attend.

Registration is via Garbally Past Pupils Union on Facebook.

Creggs

Charity Walk takes

place on StStephen’s Day

After a break due to Covid, Creggs Charity Walk is back on the annual calendar, this year taking place on St. Stephen’s Day at 12 noon.

The annual walk around Mount Mary is a staple of Christmas in Creggs, and raises money for a variety of charities. This year, the funds raised will go towards ACT for Meningitis, Galway Hospice, Mayo-Roscommon Hospice and the Sunshine Room in Creggs.

Halfway through the walk, walkers can stop off in the hospitable home of Mary Devaney and her family, where a well-earned break, some traditional tea and sandwiches and a few hot ones are often accompanied by a spontaneous sing-song. After the stop-off in Friaryland, the journey back to Creggs is all downhill and always seems a lot shorter than the trek up the mountain!

Sponsorship cards are available from Michael O’Roarke in Roarke’s Spar in Creggs.

New videofluoroscopy service for Portiuncula Hospital

Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) recently introduced a new videofluoroscopy service for patients in the hospital who need an x-ray assessment of their swallow.

The videofluoroscopy service is led out by the Speech and Language Therapy Department in partnership with the Radiology Department. Videofluoroscopy is an x-ray examination of the swallow, and is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the assessment of swallowing difficulties. It can be used for assessment, diagnosis and management of dysphagia.

Dysphagia is the medical term used to describe swallowing difficulties, which

may be a symptom of a range of medical conditions such as stroke, progressive neurological conditions such as Dementia and Parkinson’s disease, respiratory conditions, head and neck cancer, physical and intellectual disabilities, palliative care needs or the normal ageing process.

Speaking about the new videofluoroscopy service, Fiona Brennan (Senior Speech and Language Therapist) said: “On behalf of both myself and the team, we are delighted to be able to offer this service to our in-patients at PUH, as previously, patients had to travel elsewhere for the procedure, which took time and was an inconvenience for patients”.

Holy Communion Service at St Coman’s

A Holy Communion Service will take place at St. Coman’s Church of Ireland, Henry Street, Roscommon at 11.30 on Christmas Day.

St. Stephen’s Day Bingo in Ballymoe

The Fr. Flanagan Memorial Centre, Ballymoe will host Bingo on St. Stephen’s Day (26th) from 5 pm. All welcome.

Social Dance for Nollaig na mBán

A social dance for Nollaig na mBán will take place at the Fr. Flanagan Memorial Centre, Ballymoe (F45 D891) on Friday, January 6th at 8.30 pm. Music from Carmel McLoughlin and admission is €10.

Christmas Day Run makes a return!

It has been confirmed that the Lanesboro & Newtowncashel Christmas Day Walk/Run in aid of Multiple Sclerosis will return this Christmas Day following a Covid-inflicted break. The event will start with the walkers heading off at 11.30 am and the runners at 12 noon from the hill in Newtowncashel. There will be refreshments for participants and their families following the event in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro. Sponsorship cards are available from any member of the Flood family, Lehery, Newtowncashel or in O’Brien’s Corner Shop.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal in Glenamaddy

The Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal is ongoing in Glenamaddy and boxes can be left into the Convent House, Glenamaddy Community School. All donations are gratefully received. Visit TeamHope.ie for more information.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL NOTICE OF MAKING OF CASUAL TRADING BYE- LAWS

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 6(10) of the Casual Trading Act 1995, that Roscommon County Council Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2022 for the control, regulation supervision and administration of casual trading in the Administrative area of County Roscommon were made by the members of Roscommon County Council at its meeting on 28th November 2022. The Bye- Laws come into force on 1st January 2023 These Bye Laws revoke Roscommon County Council Casual Trading Bye-Laws (2019) These Bye-Laws can be viewed free of charge at the offices of Roscommon County Council during normal office hours or viewed on our website www.roscommoncoco. ie. A copy of the Bye-Laws may be obtained on request from Environment Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town or email casualtrading@ roscommoncoco.ie

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN FÓGRA MAIDIR LE FODHLÍTHE CORRTHRÁDÁLA A DHÉANAMH

Tugtar fógra leis seo de réir Alt 6(10) den Acht Corr-Thrádála, 1995, go ndearna comhaltaí de Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin Fodhlíthe Corrthrádála Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin don bhliain 2022 i ndáil le corrthrádáil a rialú, a rialáil, a mhaoirsiú agus a riar i limistéar riaracháin Chontae Ros Comáin ag cruinniú na comhairle an 28 Samhain 2022. Tiocfaidh na Fodhlíthe seo i bhfeidhm an 1 Eanáir, 2023. Leis na Fodhlíthe seo, cúlghairfear Fodhlíthe Corrthrádála Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin (2019)

Is féidir na Fodhlíthe seo a scrúdú saor in aisce in oifigí Chomhairle Chontae Ros Comáin le linn ghnáthuaireanta oifige nó ar an láithreán gréasáin ag www.roscommoncoco.ie. Is féidir cóip de na Fodhlíthe a fháil ach sin a iarraidh ón Rannóg Timpeallachta, Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin, Áras an Chontae, Ros Comáin nó trí ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig casualtrading@roscommoncoco.ie

Pictured recently in Portiuncula University Hospital were Aisling Ní Cheannabháin (Speech and Language Therapist), Fiona Brennan (Senior Speech and Language Therapist), AnneMarie Johnston (Senior Speech and Language Therapist), Sophie Linehan (Senior Speech and Language Therapist) and Colette Ward (Senior Speech and Language Therapist).

Remembering Greg

Evelyn Killeen McCrann penned this poem in memory of her brother-in-law Greg McCrann, who died recently and who was a popular Roscommon man

Remembering you with love, this sad, lonesome day Your familiar voice, and phrases you used to say:

‘You know yourself, hoppin and trottin…’, ‘Ah stop gasun…’, ‘Just concentrate on that’

And that wasn’t all – pet names like Maneen and Pudsie, I hear you call Such admiration and affection we will always remember Starting right now, on this day in December

Remembering all you knew in Roscommon, and also far and wide Sought your help and in you, they did confide

Questions about payslips, tax and vat, For you were the one to ask about that Blessed you were with a mathematical mind, Sure, we all know, you truly were, one of a kind

Remembering your skills as a

Roscommon Gaels player, Brimming with talent and plenty of flair

After scoring the first point, you nearly burst with pride during the ever first match played in the ‘Hyde’

Remembering you, a horse racing fan, If you were looking for a tip, well Greg was your man

While attending racecourses or watching racing on TV, Happy and contented you always seemed to be

Remembering you, the family man, the gentleman and the sports man Unassuming, humble, generous and quiet

Remembering the music and songs you loved to hear When listening to Joe Dolan, I feel you are near

Remembering you Greg, as you arrive in Heaven above We will miss you dearly and send you our love

Reunited once again is your gentle soul, With our mother and father, Kathleen and Noel

New appointment at Roscommon Injury Unit

Roscommon University Hospital is delighted to announce that Dona Cromar has been appointed as a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) in Emergency Nursing at Roscommon Injury Unit.

RANPs are the highest level of clinical experts in the nursing profession in Ireland today and are transforming services for patients through an expanded scope of practice, greater clinical autonomy and decision-making.

Dona came to Athlone from South Africa at the age of 13 with her family. She completed her secondary school education in Our Lady’s Bower in Athlone, after which she undertook her Bachelor of Nursing Degree at Trinity College Dublin.

In 2013, she started work-

ing in the Emergency Department at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore. She then took up a role in the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway (UHG), enhancing her vast experience and knowledge in emergency nursing.

She achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing at University of Galway and went on to take up a permanent post as Clinical Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. In 2019, she completed a Certificate in Prescribing of Medicinal Products at the University of Galway, which gave her the authority to prescribe medicines to patients. In 2020, she completed a Certificate in Referring Patients for Ion-

ising Radiation at University College Dublin.

In August 2021, Dona took up her role as candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Roscommon Injury Unit. She re-

cently graduated with an Honours Masters Degree in Advanced Nursing Practice, which permitted her to enter the nursing register as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

See

COUGHS OR COLDS

PETS - See our selection of Rabbit Hutches, Bird cages, Aquariums, dog collars, Dog Leads, Dog Cushions, Dog Flea Collars.

Wormers and flea treatments for cats and dogs.

Try our new seasons Castlerea Local Honey (limited amount).

Also try our special cough bottle and Woodwards Gripe Water & TCP.

Boxes of Chocolates, Tins of Biscuits, Christmas Lights, Fibre Optic Trees, Long Red Christmas Candles

See our selection of Rabbit Hutches, Bird Cages, Aquariums, Dog Collars, Dog Leads, Dog Cushions, Dog Flea Collars, Pony & Horse Head Collars. Wormers and Flea treatments for cats and dogs

Large Range of Shoe or Fabric Dyes. Cotton Work Shirts only €16.99. Rainwear, Socks, Waders, Wellingtons and Hats.

COUGHS OR COLDS

COUGHS OR COLDS

ARCHERY: Childrens and adults Archery Bows, Targets Arrows and Strings.

Try our new season Castlerea local Honey (Limited Amount).

Bird Feed: Chicken, Duck, Hen feed etc, bird seed in bulk, Canary, Budgie, Wildbird etc.

Try our new season Castlerea local Honey (Limited Amount). Also try our Special Cough Bottle & Woodwards Gripe Water.

Also try our Special Cough Bottle & Woodwards Gripe Water.

Peanuts 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Hamster etc.

Large Range of Shoe & Fabric Dyes

Large Range of Shoe & Fabric Dyes

Wildbird Feeders, Moth Balls (Old Time)

Golden Frisky by the Bag or by the Pound IDEAL GIFTS

Camouflage Jackets, Jumpers, Cotton Work Shirts Only €16.99, Rainwear, Socks, Boot Socks, Waders, Wellingtons, Hats.

Camouflage Jackets, Jumpers, Cotton Work Shirts Only €16.99, Rainwear, Socks, Boot Socks, Waders, Wellingtons, Hats.

ARCHERY: Childrens and Adults Archery Bows, Targets, Arrows and Strings Chicken Duck Hen Feed etc.

ARCHERY: Childrens and Adults Archery Bows, Targets, Arrows and Strings Chicken Duck Hen Feed etc.

Bird Seed in bulk, Canary, Budgie, Wildbird, etc. Peanuts, 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Hamster etc. Fox Repellent, Wildbird Feeders, Moth Balls (Old Time),

Bird Seed in bulk, Canary, Budgie, Wildbird, etc. Peanuts, 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Hamster etc. Fox Repellent, Wildbird Feeders, Moth Balls (Old Time), Golden Frisky Maverick by the bag or by the Pound

Aquariums, Fishing Rods, Rechargeable Lamps, Peterson Pipes, Binoculars etc, Victorinox Knives, LED Lensor, Indur ladies and gents wallets, Old Moores Almanac, 100% Cotton Shirts only €14.99, Pyjamas, Tights (buy 2 get one free), watches at reasonable prices Fiddles and Violins (half), three quarter and full size Ideal present for children.

IDEAL GIFTS

Aquariums, Fishing Rods,

Full selection of Blue Willow Delph. Epsom Salts for feet or baths (€1.99 per pound).

Briquettes, Firelogs and coal.

Bicycle Tyres, Tubes, Pumps and Repair Kits in store. Adult bicycle €250.

Real leather mens belts, tin whistles, stanley flasks (lifetime warranty).

SOME UNWELCOME CHRISTMAS VISITORS?

New book on Roscommon’s Republican dead is selling well!

The new book, ‘’Neath an Irish Sky: Roscommon’s Republican Dead’, researched and compiled by Henry Owens, is proving to be a popular read with the public in the county already.

The publication was just released two weeks ago and has already been selling extremely well in bookshops and newsagents. The book, priced at €16, would make an ideal Christmas gift for anyone with an interest in Ro-

scommon’s revolutionary period.

The book can be bought in the following outlets: ETL in Roscommon, Mee’s Daybreak in Knockcroghery, Keane’s in Athleague, Collins’ in Kiltoom, Curraghboy PO, Naughten’s in Cornafulla, Bannon’s in Bealnamullia, Maureen’s in Ballyforan, Eileen’s in Ballydangan, Kelly’s in Ballinasloe, Burgess Centre in Athlone, Joe O’Brien’s in Lanesboro, Dawn to

Dusk in Strokestown, Kilbride Shop in Fourmilehouse, Tulsk Heritage Centre, Glancy’s in Elphin, Ballintober PO, Mee’s in Ballymoe, O’Connor’s in Ballinlough, Creaton’s in Loughglynn, Mulvihill’s in Castlerea, the FRS shop in Boyle, Mulligan’s in Cortober, Mulvey’s and The Reading Room in Carrick-on-Shannon, Kilronan’s in Ballyfarnon, The Foodstore in Arigna and Scollan’s in Drumshanbo.

White Christmas: an aerial shot of Athleague village taken last week during the frosty weather. Pic: Derek Fetherstone

Pictured is Dona Cromar, who was recently appointed as a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) in Emergency Nursing at Roscommon Injury Unit.

Tributes following passing of pioneering LGFA official

Council delegate in 2004 before returning to Central Council in 2006.

Roscommon Ladies Football and the wider Roscommon community is in mourning this week following the sad passing of one of the county’s best known LGFA officials on Sunday.

Marie McAleer was a well-known figure both locally and nationally due to a lifetime of service to ladies’ football.

She was elected the first Chairperson of Roscommon LGFA in June 1974 before being elected ViceChairperson of the inaugural Central Council of the LGFA just one month later.

Her greatest memory of her tenure was seeing Roscommon defeat Tipperary 2-3 to 0-5 in the 1978 AllIreland senior ladies’ football final at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.

Marie was involved in the formation of Roscommon Gaels LGFA in 2000, having played an integral role in St. Croan’s GAA Club.

She was appointed as a Connacht

She was secretary of Roscommon LGFA from 2009 until stepping down at this year’s AGM.

Her contribution to the sport earned her national recognition and she was awarded a GAA President’s Award in February 2018.

Paying tribute to Marie on Sunday evening, Roscommon LGFA described her as a “pioneering member of Roscommon ladies’ football whose natural instinct was kindness and generosity towards others”.

“Marie was a talented footballer who played regularly for St. Croan’s, Roscommon Gaels and Roscommon, winning an AllIreland senior title,” the statement read.

“Since becoming involved in ladies’ football, there has been no area that Marie was not involved in – supporter, player, manager, coach, steward, chairperson, committee member, caterer, jersey washer, and referee, to name but a few.

“Marie worked hard all her life, dedicated herself to the job at hand, whether work-related or to ladies’ football.

“Meeting Marie, you were assured to be greeted by her trademark smile, bubbly personality, and professional manner, which endeared her to all her family, friends, and the sporting world and beyond.

“She was a gifted lady whose natural instinct was kindness and generosity towards others. With almost two decades in the position of County Board Secretary, we are devastated by her loss.

“She was a role model to everybody and our thoughts are with her family at this time”.

The late Marie McAleer is survived by her husband Tiernan, daughters Amy and Kara, brothers Michael (Holland), sister Beatrice, Amy’s partner Gavin, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and a wide circle of family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Women’s Little Christmas Ladies Lunch for charity

The seventh Women’s Little Christmas Black Dress Ladies Lunch in aid of North West Simon Community will take place on Sunday, January 8th 2023, in the beautiful setting of Kilronan Castle, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon.

Aisling McSharry (Fundraising and Development Officer with the North West Simon Community) is organising the seventh Nollaig na mBan – Little Black Dress Luncheon for the North West Simon Community, and this year ladies, the event falls on Sunday, January 8th 2023.

The event starts at 1 pm with a complimentary pre-dinner drink and canapes being served in the Dungeon Bar, where a pianist will be performing. Followed this,

a three-course lunch will be served at 2 pm in the magnificent ballroom at Kilronan Castle. Guests will get a chance to browse around various stands after the meal. To end the evening, there will be music from 5 to 7 pm in the Dungeon Bar.

All proceeds from this event are going to the North West Simon Community, the charity that works with individuals and families in the North West to prevent homelessness.

Tickets are available for €50 from Aisling McSharry on 087 770 8865 or via email at aisling.mcsharry@northwestsimon.ie. Tickets can also be bought at the reception at Kilronan Castle and online through Eventbrite.

Coiln, Paula and baby Saoirse Mohan pictured at Athlone Castle’s recent Enchanted Christmas event.

Marie McAleer (RIP), pictured receiving her GAA President’s Award from then President Aogán Ó Fearghail in Croke Park in 2018. Picture courtesy of Sportsfile/ Roscommon GAA

< DAN DOONER

Gaelscoil hosts Daidí na Nollaig event in Roscommon Library

Gaelscoil De hÍde, Ros Comáin, were delighted to recently host their ‘Daidí na Nollaig’ Irish language Christmas Event, in association with Roscommon Library. It was fantastic to welcome Daidí na Nollaig to Roscommon, and the children were thrilled to meet and share a ‘cupla focal’ with him and

all his wonderful Gaelscoil De hÍde student helpers on the day!

Ruairí, the Roscommon Library Manager, and all the fantastic staff, were just brilliant on the day and it is wonderful to have such a great library right on our doorstep. Fierce Fun Faces and their staff did a brilliant job and all the

kids loved their balloons and face paints.

Thanks to all the local businesses that sponsored raffle prizes: Comfy Café, Tesco, Total Health Pharmacy, Roscommon Sports Store, ETL, Tommy Kelly Electrical, SuperValu, and Jorena Health & Gift Shop in Roscommon. Don’t forget

to #shoplocal from wonderful local businesses such as these this year!

It’s wonderful to see that the Irish language is still a vibrant and living part of our society, with up to 200 people taking part on the day. The Gaelscoil De hÍde would like to thank all who helped out on the day! Nollaig Shona Duit!

Irish Wheelchair Association members and staff in Roscommon honour local volunteers

Irish Wheelchair Association members, volunteers and staff came together in the association’s Roscommon Community Centre during November to celebrate the new building and mark some significant milestones that passed during Covid restrictions.

Aisling Tarmey, Roscommon Service Coordinator, welcomed guests to the bright community centre on Racecourse Road, which was buzzing with chat and laughter of old and new friends.

During the event, a special note of

recognition was dedicated to the Irish Wheelchair Association Roscommon volunteers who have worked tirelessly to raise funds and support Irish Wheelchair Association members in Roscommon each and every year since 1974.

Their work supported trips, activities and events during the year that contributed so much to Irish Wheelchair Association members and impacts lives tremendously.

During the event guests heard that Irish Wheelchair Association was started by

volunteers in 1960 and has always relied on the support of volunteers. Here in Roscommon volunteers have been supporting members for almost 50 years, dedicating time and effort organising trips and events throughout each year. Unfortunately, this ‘branch’ of Irish Wheelchair Association volunteers concluded their work during the year and cannot continue from 2023 onwards. Therefore, Irish Wheelchair Association took the opportunity at its Roscommon Centre to mark the tremendous impact

volunteers have had on members over many years. Recent Irish Wheelchair Association volunteers were presented with a framed picture-history reflecting their support down through the years. The picture shows many highlights of their work and the events they supported. The frame was presented to current volunteers and will be displayed in their honour in the Irish Wheelchair Association Community Centre on Racecourse Road.

The event in Roscommon was a muchneeded opportunity for staff and members to come together and celebrate a fresh start with hope for the future. Monica McGowan Hughes, who oversees Irish Wheelchair Association’s Athlone and Roscommon branches, warmly thanked staff and volunteers for their dedication and spirit. She dedicated the event to Irish Wheelchair Association’s Roscommon members with warm hope for a new brighter future in their new community centre.

Pictured are Irish Wheelchair Association members and former volunteers at IWA Roscommon’s Centre last month. Volunteers were presented with a poster-history of their support to members since 1974.

Irish Wheelchair Association Roscommon volunteers and members pictured in Roscommon Town Square over 30 years ago.

Local children pictured with Santa at the ‘Daidí na Nollaig’ Irish language Christmas Event hosted recently by Gaelscoil De hÍde, Ros Comáin, in Roscommon Library.

A child pictured getting her face painted at the ‘Daidí na Nollaig’ Irish language Christmas Event hosted in Roscommon Library recently by Gaelscoil De hÍde, Ros Comáin.

Local visitors pictured recently in Roscommon Library for the ‘Daidí na Nollaig’ Irish language Christmas Event, which was hosted by Gaelscoil De hÍde, Ros Comáin.

Local children pictured at the ‘Daidí na Nollaig’ Irish language Christmas Event hosted in Roscommon Library recently by Gaelscoil De hÍde, Ros Comáin.

St Stephen’s Day fundraisers for families of two ill children

EVENTS DURING DAY, MAJOR AUCTION AT NIGHT

< PAUL HEALY

A series of fundraising events are being held to support the families of two ill children in the locality over the festive

period. In particular, St Stephen’s Day (Monday, 26th of December) will feature a number of events, including a charity football match, a raffle, and an auction, all part of a community drive to support the families.

Lucy Croghan (3), who lives in Frenchpark, is being treated for Stage 4 Wilms Tumour. Donnacha Horan (6) from Fairymount, has a form of liver disease. All funds raised in the upcoming fundraisers will be equally divided

between the two families to support their considerable ongoing costs.

The first of the fundraisers is the Stephen Nolan Memorial game between Tulsk and Western Gaels, will be held in Frenchpark at 2 pm on St Stephen’s Day.

After the football action, there will be music in Farrell’s Lounge in Frenchpark from 4 pm, with a super raffle being held. Amongst the raffle prizes are Bed & Breakfast and Dinner in any

one of three top hotels in Westport. Sunday lunch for 2 in Kilronan Castle is another of many great prizes on offer. Later than night an auction will be held in Farrell’s, with Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice presiding. Amongst the exciting items which are sure to attract keen interest at this fundraising auction are a pair of boxing gloves which have been signed by champion boxing sisters Lisa and Aoife O’Rourke. Also going for auction will be a

Charolais weanling heifer; a barrel of Heineken; Heating Oil vouchers; ewe lambs; €150 off your next set of tyres; full car valet; Flights from Tibohine Airfield; shopping vouchers – and numerous other items.

*Organisers are asking individuals and local businesses to kindly donate items for the auction and/or to be included in the raffle. Please phone or text Kieran on 086 2566448 to arrange to have your item included.

Two brave children who need your help

Lucy Croghan (3), who lives in Frenchpark, is being treated for Stage 4 Wilms Tumour.

Over the last year Lucy has spent some time in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin for chemotherapy, radiation and more recently for stem cell transplants.

Lucy is currently at home

isolating after the stem cell transplant but travels to Dublin twice a week for bloods and platelets.

Lucy, described as a beautiful little girl, is daughter of Zara and Sean. Her initial diagnosis came just before Christmas last year. People in the local community have

rallied to the family’s aid and we are now inviting readers to continue to offer their support (see GoFundMe details relating to the two campaigns in our main story).

Donnacha (6) is son of Jason and Emma Horan and brother of baby Iarlaith. In January 2018, after extensive tests in

Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, Donnacha was diagnosed with a condition called portal vein hypertension and ascites, which is essentially a form of liver disease.

In March 2019 Donnacha suffered his first major infec

In 2020 he experienced a number of gastrointestinal infections and needed six hospital admissions that year.

Donnacha has recently returned from England after a liver transplant operation and is under the care of staff of

His parents describe him as “a phenomenal little boy”, who has shown strength and resilience which knows no bounds.

“We are all incredibly proud of him. The road ahead is tough but we will do whatever it takes to give Donnacha a

OPTIONS

To

To

Saddlers Inn Tractor& Truck Drive for Donnacha and Lucy

On the 1st of January 2023

The Saddlers Inn Tractor & Truck Drive will celebrate its 11th anniversary. The Kneale family home was devastated by a fire in November 2011 and in a bid to raise funds for the family The Saddlers Inn organised and hosted its first Tractor Drive on the 1st of January 2012. It was a huge success, and so the Tractor Drive became an annual event.

The Saddlers Inn Annual Tractor & Truck Drive is eleven years old in 2023, but due to the coronavirus, only ten events have been held. From those ten drives nearly €33,000 has been raised for local families and national charities. 720 tractors have registered for the drives and €20,500 of the money raised has helped out five local families. The organisers thank each and every one of you who have

taken part, and/or donated and contributed in any way over the years.

On the 1st of January 2023 we ask you to come out and take part in our Annual Tractor & Truck Drive for two very special children, Donnacha Horan and Lucy Croghan. All involved in the Saddlers Inn Annual Tractor & Truck Drive wish Lucy and Donnacha and both their families a very Happy

Christmas and every good wish on the health front.

Registration of tractors and trucks will commence at 11.30 am on Sunday, 1st of January, with the drive leaving from The Saddlers Inn, Kingsland, Boyle, Co. Roscommon (F52HV07) at 1 pm. Entry fee is €20 per tractor or truck. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date. For further information please call 087-2595560.

# Roscommon Together

from Bishop Ferran Glenfield

The story of Christmas is about a supernatural intervention. The God who made and sustains the earth came in person as the baby of Bethlehem. What a story! The greatest ever told.

In science fiction stories we are used to alien visitors coming to our world. They usually come as destructive invaders. But God comes not to destroy but to save.

What do we need to be rescued from? It’s obvious, just look or listen to the news: addiction, anxiety, despair, poverty, violence, war. The list is endless.

We get frustrated by the harsh realities of life and God seems so absent. But at Christmas we are reminded of why God came in the first place. His name – ‘Jesus’ – is a clue, it means ‘Saviour’. He still invites us to believe and to receive his saving power in our lives. He knows no limits and nothing is impossible with God. And there are no limits to what He can do in our lives.

* Ferran Glenfield is the Church of Ireland Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh

Christmas all wrapped up for

at the Abbey Hotel

Enjoy the build-up to the festive season in style at the Abbey. Carvery and lounge food is served daily, as well as a delightful festive à la carte menu, serving festive Christmas puddings and mince pies. Why not experience the culinary delights of the MultiAward Winning Chefs at the 4* Abbey Hotel Roscommon, for a dining experience where casual elegance and sophistication meets in a timeless relaxed atmosphere. County Winners of the RAI

Best Chef & Best Hotel Restaurant Award 2019.

The 4* Abbey Hotel in Roscommon offers a varied range of dishes prepared from only the freshest of locally sourced produce and served with great care and attention to detail, therefore making it the perfect setting, whether dining in Roscommon for business or pleasure. The hotel offers an extensive Seasonal Bar Food Menu for those wishing for a less formal experience. Lounge Food is served daily from 4.30 - 9.00 p.m. Afternoon Tea is available and cost is €28.50 pp (with prior booking essential) there is also a takeaway Afternoon tea option.

It is advisable to make dinner reservations as our restaurant and lounge areas can be very busy. After dinner guests can relax by the open fire in the luxurious newly refurbished lounge areas or in the Abbey Hotel Bar.

There is an extensive drinks and ‘Wines of the World’ menu to choose from and a large range of Cocktails are

also served. We also serve an extensive range of craft beers, whiskeys, and liquors.

The Abbey Hotel is renowned for it’s Sunday Lunch with Carvery Lunch served from 12.00pm - 4.00pm. We also serve a Four-Course Lunch Menu in our award-winning Restaurant.

Dinner is served from 6pm - 9pm each evening with Seasonal Bar Food served from 4.30 - 9.00 p.m daily. Samples of our menus are all available to view on our website.

Looking for gift ideas this festive season? Gift vouchers from the Abbey Hotel or Abbey Health & fitness make the perfect stocking filler.

Tickets are on sale at hotel reception for the “Remembering Joe Dolan Show” with members of the original Joe Dolan band live in hotel on January 27th.

The Abbey Hotel are now taking bookings for Pre Christmas Lunches in our restaurant.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook Instagram and Twitter.

# RoscommonTogether

Santa Claus greeting people as he arrived to switch on the Christmas lights in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Gabriel Plata wrapped up nice and warm on the occasion recently of the switching-on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Joe and Sean Hoare pictured in the Square for the recent turning on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

It’s the most wonderful

mindful drinking

Drinkaware, the national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, wants to support the public with tips and advice on how to host a merry and mindful Christmas gathering.

The Drinkaware annual Barometer for 2022 found that 35% of adults who drink have made small positive changes in their drinking habits, and that 30% of adults who drink want to drink less. Additionally, the Drinkaware Drinks Calculator has had over 320,000 visits this year.

Visits to the Drinkaware ‘Explore Sober Curious and Mindful Drinking’ webpage have increased by over 140% this year, and in September, the sold-out public webinar on ‘Mindful Drinking and Mental Health’ produced by the charity proved popular with the public. It’s clear that more and more, people in Ireland are wanting to explore sober-curious and mindful drinking and feel the benefits of drinking less first-hand.

Drinkaware is encouraging the public to be mindful this holiday season by hosting a merry yet mindful festive gathering this Christmas. If you’re hosting a Christmas get-together this year, Drinkaware has some tips for event hosting to ensure you and your guests have an enjoyable, festive and mindful time.

Think of ‘SANTA’ to prepare with Drinkaware’s top tips for event hosting this Christmas: Serve food, accurate measuring, Non-alcoholic, tap water, and alcohol-free activities.

Serve food

From mince pies to gingerbread men, don’t forget to keep the Christmas snacks replenished! Eating while drinking alcohol helps to slow down how much you drink, but also slows down how quickly alcohol is absorbed into your body. Your guests won’t feel the impact of the alcohol as quickly as they would if they were drinking and not eating.

Accurate measuring

Free-pouring drinks can lead to drinking above the HSE low-risk guidelines for alcohol. The guidelines state that men should have no more than seventeen units and women no more than eleven units of standard drinks a week, and these should be spread out over the seven days with two alcohol-free days. You can order a free measuring cup from drinkaware.ie to help your guests keep track of what they drink, or use whatever you have on hand at home.

Non-alcoholic

An increasing number of your favourite drinks have a non-alcoholic alternative. Get the taste without the alcohol and offer these drinks at your party! They’re becoming more popular than ever so why not leave one out for Santa, as he should never drink alcohol and drive a sleigh of reindeer. Guests can also

make a safe journey home with no alcohol in their system.

Tap water

It’s essential! Give your guests some water so that they can stay hydrated. Keep a jug of water close to hand and make sure it’s topped up with water throughout the event. Alternating each drink with a glass of water is a great way to cut down on how much you drink.

Alcohol-free activities

Create some fun this Christmas without drinking. Why not stock up on your favourite nostalgic family games? Monopoly, Mario Party, Cluedo, and charades etc. – a playing a good board game can bring your guests together this festive season.

A Christmas party with less alcohol doesn’t mean less fun, and drinking this Christmas doesn’t mean you have to be less safe. Visit drinkaware.ie to find more information, and have a merry and mindful Christmas!

The first RosFM 50-50 draw took place last Friday.

Martin Dunne (Convent Court, Roscommon) was the winner, receiving €245 as a prize.

The next draw will be held on January 5th. Please support if you can and give yourself a chance of winning some money!

RosFM also has a new weekly programme com-

ing in the New Year. Presented by Mark McClean, the new programme will highlight the issues facing people with disabilities, and will kick off on Monday, January 2nd, between 12 noon and 1 pm.

The management, staff and volunteers at RosFM wish all listeners and sponsors a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mia, Kai, Faye and Cian Glynn attended the recent switching-on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon Town recently.

Pic: Kieran Croghan

It Ends With Us

by Colleen Hoover

Top 10 books for you to buy for your teenager this Christmas! by Faye Reynolds

This New York Times bestseller has taken the world by storm, in terms of reaction across nearly all social media platforms. This is the story of a girl called Lily Bloom and how her love life is flipped upside down. Lily is a promising entrepreneur who graduates from college, moves to Boston and starts her own business. When she feels attracted to a neurosurgeon called Ryle Kincaid, everything in her life seems to be going amazingly. Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and a little bit arrogant, but he definitely has a soft spot for Lily. Lily falls head over heels for him and wants to break his no dating rule. She wonders what made him create this rule for his life in the first place. As these new questions about her and Ryle overwhelm Lily, so do thoughts of her first love, Atlas Corrigan. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything about Lily’s life is threatened.

Girl In Pieces

by Kathleen Glasglow

This book is about a girl named Charlie Davis and her mental health struggles. In this upsetting but inspiring novel we follow how Charlie tries to put her life back together. Having lost a lot of people throughout her life, Charlie struggles to find and retain hope. Kicked out of a special treatment centre after her insurance runs out, Charlie finds herself in Arizona where she begins the journey of rebuilding her life.

Heartstopper Volume 1

by Alice Oseman

A delightful book, Heartstopper is a bestseller worldwide. In fact it’s so popular, a Netflix show based on the book has been made. This quite graphic novel tells the story of two boys, Nick and Charlie, who, despite their apparent differences, fall in love. Charlie, who has a small group of friends, never pictured himself falling for the popular rugby lad, Nick Nelson, but as the two boys are put together during class they begin a budding friendship and romance. This is a great book for teens and shows how love can be complicated and confusing, especially at a young age.

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

Hazel has terminal cancer and is struggling with her chemotherapy treatment. That treatment plan is expected to extend her life expectancy. Hazel wants to live her life to the fullest. She meets a

boy (Augustus Waters) in Cancer Kid Support Group and falls in love with him. Her whole life plan is rewritten around this boy. The Fault in Our Stars is a beautifully written book that explores the feeling of being in love and also being limited in your time to live through this love.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Pippa Fitz-Amobi is following a murder case in her town as a final project in school. It’s the story of a young girl called Andie Bell who was murdered five years previously. Everybody – the school, the police, even Andie’s family – knows the killer was Sal Singh.

As Pippa researches into the murder she discovers new evidence involving the case that someone desperately wants to keep hidden. Pippa is willing to stretch far to find the truth about this poor girl’s murder.

One of us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Five students walk into detention after school and only four of them come out alive. Bronwyn is a star pupil who has never publicly broken a rule. Sports star Cooper only knows what he’s doing when he’s playing baseball. Bad boy Nate is one step away from a life of crime. Popular girl Addy is trying to keep her life together and the quiet boy, Simon, the creator of the gossip app in Bayview High, won’t ever post on the app again. He died 24 hours before he could reveal the secrets of the four students in detention and the police believe his death was no accident. One of the four students killed Simon and one of them is lying. This book is very creative. Readers will enjoy following the trail of clues and discovering who murdered Simon.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Hollywood movie icon, Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the story of her glamorous and scandalous life. She unexpectedly chooses unknown magazine writer Monique Grant for the job. Monique is not very famous, her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. She

wants to take this opportunity to revive her career. Monique listens to Evelyn tell the story of her life and the seven husbands she married along the way. It is a story of friendship, acting and forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a connection to the movie star, and as Evelyn’s story comes to a conclusion, Monique notices that Evelyn’s life is intertwined with her own in irreversible ways.

They Both Die at The End by Adam Silvera

On September 5th, ‘Death-cast’ calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to tell them they are going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are strangers but they are both looking to make a new friend on their ‘Death Day’. The use the app called Last Friend and through it Mateo and Rufus are about to meet up to live a lifetime in a single day.

A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

Rune Kristiansen and Poppy Litchfield met as children. As teenagers, their friendship grew into a love that promised to last a lifetime. But their love shattered when Rune was sent home to Norway. Two years later, Rune is back, and Poppy is ready to rebuild their relationship, but Rune has changed a lot and has turned into a mean stranger to Poppy. Poppy hopes the secret she is keeping will bring them closer together rather than separate them forever.

If He Had Been With Me

by Laura Nowlin

This story follows a girl called Autumn. Autumn and Finn used to be inseparable. But both changed, and now they do their best to ignore each other. Autumn has her own group of friends and also a boyfriend, Jamie. Finn has become the popular boy at school that everyone wants to be around. Autumn continues to have feelings towards Finn and often wonders what would have happened if he was still with Autumn. She starts to think maybe they should be together. In August, things will change forever. Autumn has to begin to confront how life might have been different if they had never parted ways.

*Faye Reynolds, a Transition Year student in Convent of Mercy, Roscommon, is on work experience with the Roscommon People

Christmas Politics . . .

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am married to Maria and we have three children. I’m an Independent TD, first elected in 2016. I also work in agriculture, turf, and civil contracting. I love watching hurling and football matches in my spare time.

How will you be spending Christmas?

Christmas will be busy. I’m finishing off a voluntary community project this week in Glinsk, as well as doing a bit of farming. I’m booked for three events on St. Stephen’s Day including the opening of Glinsk GAA’s new pitch walkway, a charity auction, and a fundraiser that night. Every day bar Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, there will be a bit of work done, be it at home or in the community or politically.

What has been the highlight of 2022 for you?

Getting CAP and other schemes over the line in the Agriculture Committee and getting refurbishment grants for houses in towns and in the country that were derelict. Also, getting sewerage schemes over the line in towns that don’t have Irish Water infrastructure, and highlighting many agriculture issues at committee level. Getting the wording of ‘cut, give or sell’ into regulation re: turf when others wanted to put limits on numbers. A source of satisfaction is derived from any instance whereby my committed office staff or myself helped people this year. It might not seem like much to us, but it could mean so much to those who had issues.

And the biggest disappointment?

The constant attacks on the keepers and minders of the environment, i.e. the farming community. It’s a constant battle against the onslaught on rural Ireland and the agri-sector from those that probably don’t understand where food comes from.

Christmas Politics . . . with

Tell us a bit of about yourself…

I am a native of the scenic and busy village of Tarmonbarry where I live with my wife Pauline. We have two daughters and three grandchildren. I am the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council and presently its longest-serving member.

How will you spend Christmas?

I will spend Christmas at home with all the family.

What has been the political highlight of 2022 for you?

When I was elected Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council last June, for the fourth time.

And the biggest disappointment?

The postponement of the works on the N5 National Primary Road which was to commence in my parish of Scramogue/ Tarmonbarry and through to Ballaghaderreen. Involved is an investment of over €200 million which would create a large number of local jobs.

What’s on your Wish List for 2023?

That the aforementioned N5 project will commence.

Another major disappointment is the rising cost of living for families while the Government rams through climate targets, supported by all the main parties and Independents. These are unattainable goals (up to 2030) and a proposed Nature Directive from the EU that will make a theme park out of the west of Ireland if they go ahead.

What’s on your wish list for 2023?

In the Agriculture Committee, which is the highlight of my political week, I’d like us to work together to stop the madness in terms of the attacks on farmers and rural communities through directives legislation.

I hope to work on a number of projects to create employment in the area while also keeping the pressure on to get the N5 (Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue bypass) project started, and likewise the Sacred Heart Hospital project.

I’ll also be trying to make the planning process easier for our people who want to build their homes in rural areas.

Christmas Politics . . .

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m a Fine Gael Senator for the Roscommon-Galway area. I work at home as well as in Dublin with offices in Roscommon and Ballinasloe. I really enjoy how every day can be different and now that we can meet people again – it’s the best part of the role.

How will you spend Christmas?

It will be fantastic to switch off and get to spend some time with family, especially my folks. After dealing with lockdown restrictions, it is lovely to be able to celebrate together. I also really want to catch up with friends I haven’t seen in a while and maybe go to a few gigs. I really enjoy live music and it was great to see Night & Day Festival in Clonalis House in Castlerea this year and hear new Irish bands.

What has been the political highlight of 2022 for you?

The expansion of School Transport programme to all parents who had applied to the programme. So many parents were in a terrible situation with no way of getting children to and from school. As Fine Gael Education spokesperson, I drafted my first Seanad motion in September calling for additional budget provision which was passed with Government support.

Recruitment and retention of GPs in rural areas is a huge issue. I brought a Seanad commencement on more finance for the Westdoc

programme to include the Ballinasloe area GP rota which also includes areas of Moore, Taughmaconnell, and Dysart in South Roscommon. Minister Stephen Donnelly approved an additional €436,000 for out of hours GP cover to the Westdoc programme.

I was also delighted to invite current Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to Roscommon town last summer and to showcase the new Square and street enhancement in the town.

Shops are really putting their best foot forward as well with painting and doing up shop fronts. There is a great buzz about town with people shop-

ping local especially with the Christmas lights and the recent Christmas markets. Well done to Town Teams all across the county for making such a great effort!

And the biggest disappointment?

The failure to find a resolution to the war in Ukraine. So many families are fleeing death and destruction. My thoughts are with people who have lost loved ones and so many are suffering this winter due to Russian attacks on infrastructure.

It really brings home to me the importance of peace especially

as we are celebrating a decade of centenaries for our young nation.

I’d also like to remember the family of Irish Defence Forces peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney who represented Ireland protecting communities abroad. May he rest in peace.

What’s on your Wish List for 2023?

More investment in our region, making Roscommon the place that people call home.

Minister Heather Humphreys met with many community groups on her visit across Roscommon last summer. My team worked on promoting the Community Centres programme along with CLÁR, Towns & Villages, Rural Regeneration programmes and I was delighted to see a large amount of investment coming into towns and villages across Roscommon.

This year, I look forward to working with more groups to win Government investment into this region. Each community centre remote working hub, new walkway around the sports pitch or town regeneration means another great reason for people to live and work in the west.

The New Year is a great time for families to think about the quality of life, and community spirit that we have in Roscommon. There are great schools here, so why not Roscommon? I’d encourage people to visit roscommonbound.ie to find out more about life here.

Tom Crosbhy

with Michael Fitzmaurice

Christmas Politics . . .

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m an Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, who also happens to be Santa’s number one fan…so hopefully I’ve made it on to the Nice list this year!

How will you spend Christmas?

I will be spending Christmas this year with family and I’m really looking forward to it.

What has been the political highlight of 2022 for you?

Being elected as Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Working Group

on Science and Technology, which builds bridges between science and parliament on a global level.

And the biggest disappointment?

The failure to restore power sharing in Stormont.

What’s on your Wish List for 2023?

Investment in major projects in the area including: the Sacred Heart Hospital, surgical day ward and a new acute psychiatric unit at Roscommon University Hospital, Portiuncula Hospital A&E, and a number of school building projects.

Christmas Politics . . .

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I come from Tibohine in West Roscommon. I turned 30 this year!

I am proud to represent the people of Roscommon/Galway in Dáil Éireann since 2020.

How will you spend Christmas?

I will spend Christmas at home with my family and will spend extra time with my little nephew Tadhg (who is 3) and my Nanny who luckily lives close by. That’s what it’s all about. I am also going to see Westlife a few days before Christmas so I’m excited for that!

What has been the political highlight of 2022 for you?

Seeing the first full year of Loughglynn Ambulance Base operating 24/7 (previously a part-time service) something promised since 2014 which I delivered alongside the former Director of the National Ambulance Service. Although, there are issues faced by the service which is impacting on the ground as regards response times and this needs to be improved in 2023.

Also, ensuring the E-Mental Health Hub in Castlerea got the funding it needed to be staffed to provide mental health services to young and old. I was also glad to secure safety works at the dangerous junction in Frenchpark, something that’s been talked about

for decades. There have been numerous collisions and near-misses again there this year. It will only be achieved with consultation with residents and businesses and I hope that can happen as early as possible in 2023. I am a firm believer in action, not talk.

And the biggest disappointment?

The lack of action on access to therapies and disability supports for children. The Government moved to a HSE-led approach through Children Disability Network Teams last year which remain unstaffed. Hundreds of children in County Roscommon are yet to be contacted never mind actually gained access to these critical supports. Parents are left helpless and children are left to regress. It is something I will continue to highlight.

What’s on your Wish List for 2023?

I hope that 2023 brings good health to my family and friends. In terms of work, I hope to get around a lot more of the smaller towns and villages in 2023 to meet and speak to people on the doors directly. We started this year with the bigger towns. I think that direct engagement rather than just coming knocking when you are looking for a vote is really important. It is something Sinn Féin does well across the island.

friends before going back to work on January 3rd. A few games of cards maybe and I always try and attend a game in Four Roads.

What has been the political highlight of 2022 for you?

As the only Government representative living in Roscommon, it was helping to deliver the largest ever amount of funding for sports clubs, schools – urban and village renewal was definitely the highlight of the year.

And the biggest disappointment?

That would have to be the slow progress on the problems around flooding at Lough Funshinagh.

What’s on your Wish List for 2023?

A breakthrough on Lough Funshinagh and the delivery of the N5 project between Scramogue and Ballaghaderreen. Also, the Rossies to win Connacht! But most of all, that we all have good health in 2023.

National

with Claire Kerrane

Christmas Politics . . . with Eugene Murphy

with Denis Naughten

Rounding out 2022 by resolving to not focus on ... resolutions

Let’s talk about ...

ROUNDING OUT THE YEAR

(A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

Today – Wednesday, December 21st – marks the northern hemisphere’s 2022 winter solstice, the day when the earth’s tilt places us at our farthest point from the sun, making it the shortest day and longest night of the year.

Though nowadays the winter solstice passes us by unceremoniously, the occasion actually has fairly significant cultural roots in Ireland – historically speaking at least.

Referred to in Irish as ‘An Ghrianstad’ (which literally translates to ‘the sun stop’), undoubtedly the most famous evidence of our historical celebration of the winter solstice is to be found in County Meath, where the 5,200-year-old Newgrange passage tomb stands, the history of which, similar to other ancient Irish sites (one close-to-home example being Rathcroghan in Tulsk), is intertwined with phenomena such as solstices and equinoxes.

The Newgrange monument,

which covers about an acre of ground and overlooks the River Boyne, pre-dates Stonehenge and the pyramids, but it is most famous for its association with the winter solstice; the tomb was specifically designed to align with An Ghrianstad’s rising sun, constructed in such a way that on the morning of the solstice, light is able to travel through the roof-box and along the 19-metre passage into the inner chamber, dramatically illuminating the otherwise dark space for a stretch of time.

In a way, Newgrange being designed to completely fill with light on the darkest day of the year is representative of the larger ethos shared by the ancient Celts around celebrating the solstice. Despite the occasion marking the peak of the winter and of seasonal darkness, it’s also a turning point steering us away from that same darkness, and it was considered time of rest, recovery, and appreciation for all ahead.

Gospel Reflection

Sunday, December 25th

The Church’s Liturgy rings in Christmas with a joyful noise. We hear today of uplifted voices, trumpets and horns, and melodies of praise. In the First Reading, Isaiah foretells Israel’s liberation from captivity and exile in Babylon. He envisions a triumphant homecoming to Zion marked by joyful singing.

The new song in today’s Psalm is a victory hymn to the marvellous deeds done by our God and King. Both the prophet and psalmist sing of God’s power and salvation. God has shown the might of His holy arm, they say. This language recalls the Exodus, where the people first sang of God’s powerful arm that shattered Israel’s enemy, Egypt (see Exodus 15:1, 6, 16).

The coming of the Christ child into the world fulfils all that the Exodus and the return from exile prefigured. In Jesus, all nations to the ends of the earth will see the victory of God over the forces of sin and death.

Jesus is the new king. He is the royal firstborn son and Son of God promised to David, as we hear in today’s Epistle (see Psalms 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14). And as our Gospel reveals, He is the Word of God, the one through whom the universe was created, the one through whom the universe is sustained. In speaking to us through His Son, God has unveiled a new age, the last days. The new age is a new creation. In the beginning, God spoke His Word and light shone in the darkness. Now, in this new age, He sends us the true light to scatter the darkness of a world that has exiled itself from God. He is the one Isaiah foretold – who brings good tidings of peace and salvation, who announces to the world that God has come to dwell and to reign (see Revelation 21:3-4). So we sing a new song on Christmas. It is the song of those who have believed in the Christ child and have been born again – who have by grace been given the power to become children of God.

-Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

The mythology and reverence behind an Ghrianstad’s celebrations might be outdated and utterly irrelevant to the lives of today’s Irish people, but the perspective around the occasion is not. Given the state of the world and how many people suffer mentally at this time of the year in particular, appreciation for the turning of the seasons and taking this time to rest and recuperate are more important than ever.

Unfortunately however, if anything, the argument could be made that nowadays, heading into a new year inspires the direct opposite effect in people; it’s less about taking the time to rest as we finish out the darker season and more about getting a move on by the time January 1st rolls around so we can set into our resolution commitments.

In general, I’m not a huge fan of New Year resolutions (and not only because I’m bitter about never being able to keep them).

Of course, I understand the motivation behind making them and why they’re such a big phenomenon – it’s the idea of kicking off the year with a fresh start, and the fact that as the holidays go away, so do our excuses to overindulge, etc.

However, beyond the onset of the new calendar year, there doesn’t seem to be much reason in choosing January 1st as the moment you begin attempting to overhaul all your bad habits.

It’s usually still just as cold and dark as the other winter months, except this time there’s no festive season to look forward to, which hardly makes it a very motivating time. It’s also usually a time when people are trying to cut back after all the holiday expenses, making things like signing up for that gym membership, seeing friends more, or opting for the healthier (but more expensive) grocery options, a lot less feasible.

Of course, anything that motivates you to look after yourself better is great stuff and very welcomed, and I’m glad that for lots of people, the new year does provide that opportunity to put their goals in motion. But on paper at least, there doesn’t

seem much point in waiting around until January to get started on your resolutions – in fact it seems to me like bad timing, if anything. Embarking on your goals some random day in August could be just as (or perhaps even more so) effective as starting on the first day of January.

The other aspect of new year’s resolutions I’ve never understood is the entire 0-to-100 aspect of it all. I don’t know who the titans of willpower are that go from spending the final days of December in pyjamas eating Christmas Dinner leftovers, to waking up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the gym on January 1st, but I mean fair play. I’m just not sure how

€20,000 boost for Roscommon Women’s Network

The Ireland Funds, the global philanthropic network, has awarded €20,000 in funding to a charitable cause in County Roscommon through its Heart of the Community Fund, which is providing critical and timely funding by responding to the needs of a wide range of not-for-profit organisations.

Through The Ireland Funds Heart of the Community Fund 2022, Roscommon Women’s Network received support.

Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) supports the most marginalised and hard to reach women and families. This grant will fund a project coordinator from January to June 2023 to sustain and develop CycleUp, a regional circular economy social enterprise

based on the Rediscovery Centre model. CycleUp will engage, upskill and empower women through new flexible paid work opportunities and training.

The Ireland Funds launched The Heart of the Community Fund in 2021 to support organisations striving to meet the evergrowing needs of people across the island of Ireland. This year’s grant round will provide a total of $1,000,000 in funding to 74 organisations in 23 counties across the island of Ireland. The grants have been distributed to organisations working under The Ireland Funds’ four pillars of arts and culture, community development, education, and peace and reconciliation.

well that jump tends to go for the rest of us.

After all, you wouldn’t start off training for a marathon by putting on your shoes one random morning and setting off to cover the 42km straight away. You have to build up to it. Forming healthy habits, like anything else, takes practice.

When we attempt to build habits by starting off at full force, resolving to deal with all our vices and chase all our goals at once so we can be perfect new versions of ourselves for the New Year, we usually end up putting too much on our plate. This can lead us to quitting on our personal resolutions before we even give them a fair chance, and that dampens our motivations to pursue healthier habits the next time around.

Making strides in your own personal development is brilliant, but it doesn’t have to happen all at once on January 1st. Instead of putting pressuring on ourselves to commit to rigid New Year’s resolutions this year, perhaps we would be better served by taking a leaf out of our ancestors’ book; viewing this time of the year as a time to rest and recover, to look back in appreciation at the months gone by, and to look forward with hope.

Happy holidays to all who celebrate, and here’s to a happy and healthy New Year!

newsbriefs

Fun run in aid of St Ronan’s Hall

An 8km fun run/walk in aid of St Ronan’s Hall will take place in Keadue on Bank Holiday Monday, January 2nd 2023, commencing at 12.30 pm.

All monies raised will go towards the local contribution needed to match funding for grants already promised for the refurbishment of St Ronan’s Hall.

Registration will be open from 12 noon. The cost is €10 per adult, €5 for U-16s, and €20 for a family ticket.

Lisheen NS Christmas card game on 28th

Lisheen National School are delighted to announce that their upcoming Christmas Progressive 25 card game will take place on Wednesday, December 28th, at 8.30 pm.

Prizes will include Christmas hampers and the usual hospitality prizes. Thanks to everyone for your continued support. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

Roscommon Bridge Club

1st: Larry Shine and Larry Curley; 2nd: Kitty Blighe and Judy Adamson; Gross: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe.

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club

1st: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe; 2nd: Olive Fahy and Judy Adamson; Gross: Mary and Vincent Brennan.

St Coman’s Bridge Club

Christmas Prizes – 1st: Ann Shine and Mary Naughton; 2nd: Peggy Neilan and Mary Jo Riordan; Gross: Bretta McCarthy

and Susan Farrell; 3rd: Theresa McDermott and Mary Lennon.

Ballymurray Bridge Club

Christmas Prizes: North/South – 1st: Evelyn Curley and Judy Adamson; 2nd: Rita Roughneen and Maria Hickey; Gross: Ann Shine and Kathleen Corcoran; 3rd: Bernie Maher and Margaret Madden. East/ West – 1st: Larry Shine and Ann Igoe; 2nd: Pat Finneran and Mary Doyle; Gross: Josephine Devaney and Gertie Spillane; 3rd: Marion Byrne and Paula Whyte.

Sportswoman award for Lisa O’Rourke

Castlerea boxer Lisa O’Rourke has been chosen as one of the Irish Times/Sport Ireland’s top sportswomen for 2022.

The world boxing champion shared the award for the month of May with Ireland boxing teammate Amy Broadhurst and received her award at a ceremony on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Tarmon native captured the world title in Istanbul back in May, following in the footsteps of Katie Taylor, Kellie Harrington and Michael Conlon in becoming an Irish amateur world champion.

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Argentina, with that country winning its third World Cup, in very dramatic fashion too, this after a thrilling final against France, the Argentinians losing a 2-0 lead before winning a penalty shoot-out (after the game finished level at 3-3 after extra-time)

Lionel Messi, this after the Argentinian superstar finally got his hands on the World Cup (see above), the 35-year-old genius inspiring his country to a sensational win in Sunday’s final against France

Leo Varadkar, after he succeeded Micheál Martin as Taoiseach, the Fine Gael leader beginning a second term in the role after

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

predictably winning a Dáil vote by 87 to 62

Outgoing Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was widely praised for his term of office when stepping down on Saturday, the ‘handover’ to Leo Varadkar being part of a rotation agreement between the main parties in the three-party coalition

Superstar boxer Katie Taylor, with the undisputed lightweight champion of the world being crowned RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year (for a third time)

Dunloy Cúchullains and Ballyhale Shamrocks, with those two clubs qualifying for the AIB All-Ireland club hurling final

Former Congressman Joe Kennedy, who was appointed as US special envoy to Northern Ireland by President Joe Biden

It’s been a BAD week for…

France (well, certainly a heartbreaking one), with their football team narrowly missing out on winning back-to-back World Cups, this after the brilliant Kylian Mbappé and his colleagues lost a classic final to Argentina (on penalties)

Jeremy Clarkson (though he might argue otherwise), this as the veteran columnist/ TV presenter/contrarian wrote a controversial newspaper column about the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, the content of which had led to over 12,000 complaints to the Independent Press Standards by Monday. Clarkson has since apologised (sort of)

Five big local sporting successes in 2022

O’Rourke sisters – Boxing

Castlerea boxing sisters Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke had an incredible year. Aoife won a gold medal at the Women’s European Elite Boxing Championships in Montenegro. This is a fabulous achievement for Aoife and is credit to her hard work and determination from a young age. Meanwhile, Lisa was crowned world champion in Istanbul May. Earlier this

Strokestown – Gaelic football

Strokestown won their first county senior football title since 2002 with a win over Boyle in an exciting game which finished 0-11 to 0-10. A last-minute point from sub Tony Lavin marked a brilliant end to a tight game. Lavin was on the pitch for just three minutes, which was actually his first appearance of the season.

Strokestown’s ferocious tackling ended in many turnovers which saw the likes of Colm Neary

and Sean Mullooly carrying the ball up the pitch. Strokestown’s momentum was stopped as both teams suffered serious injuries resulting in Boyle’s Cian McKeon and Strokestown’s Paddy Brogan being subbed off. The referee gave an additional 9 minutes of added time, and the sides went into the interval level.

The second half was a cagey affair as both sides seemed to be nervous, causing a lot of unforced errors. As the clock was running down Donie Smith scored a rocket of a free-kick from 55 metres out, drawing the game level. It was assumed everyone would hear the full-time whistle sound, but it didn’t, Strokestown won the next kickout and the ball made its way to Tony Lavin – and the rest is history. An excellent end to a thrilling season.

Daire Feeley – Cycling

Daire Feeley made history earlier this year, becoming the first Irish cyclist to win the Ras Tailteann since 2008. Daire may not have won any of the 5 stages of the race but his fantastic overall per-

formance led him to a monumental victory. Daire competes with the All Human/Velo Revolution team, and he believes the team environment is what helps him succeed in his races. He was excellent throughout every stage, staying close to the leaders in the opener, then climbing the ranks a day later before his fantastic show of strength over a massive 172km stage. These brilliant displays gave him a strong basis to work with going into the weekend stages as he remained as potent as ever, staying consistent through some tough climbs to cap off a remarkable victory for the cyclist.

Hollie Kilroe – Athletics

The 16-year-old competed in this year’s European Youth Olympics Festival in Slovakia, representing Ireland. She didn’t quite make it to the podium, but it was still a brilliant achievement. Hollie competed in the 400m event and even set a new personal best of 56.61 seconds in her heat, which qualified her for the final. She finished in 8th place on what was only her second time to repre-

sent her country in competition. Hollie runs with the Suck Valley Athletic Club which is based in Creggs. She was also a part of the Irish Medley relay team who finished in third place in their heat, sadly missing out on the final.

Gary McDonnell –Kickboxing

Gary McDonnell struck gold in the WAKO European Kickboxing Championships in Turkey. The 30-year-old from Ballyforan beat Turkish competitor Battalay Seyit in Lightweight (60 kg) final in November. The fighter, who trains in Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing Club, won by unanimous decision and was crowned champion of the European event. Gary hopes to replicate his performance in Lisbon next year where he will be competing in the World Championships. Gary hopes to one day compete in the Olympic Games as he believes the sport should be introduced to the prestigious event.

Tiernan, a Transition Year student at Roscommon CBS, is currently on work experience with the Roscommon People

Meghan Trainor (American singer, will be 29 on Thursday)

Jane Fonda (American actress, turns 85 on Wednesday)

Louis Tomlinson (British singer, will turn 31 on Saturday)

Ralph Fiennes (British actor, celebrates 60th birthday on Thursday)

< DANIEL TIERNAN

*Daniel

Lisa and Aoife O’Rourke.

Hollie Kilroe

Gary McDonnell

Daire Feeley

Jeremy Clarkson

Entertainment, Culture

Midlands Polish Community live Christmas music event a success

Midlands Polish Community’s live Christmas music event took place last Saturday at the Christmas Markets in Athlone’s Civic Square, and was a great success.

The event saw three orchestral bands perform: the Ballinasloe Town Band, the Ballymore Eustace Concert Band, and the St James’

Brass & Reed Band from Dublin. Lots of people turned up on the day to take part in the fun, and the event was also livestreamed so that people could enjoy the music remotely.

Midlands Polish Community CLG extended thanks to all the volunteers, everyone who supported the event by attending,

Creative Ireland, Westmeath County Council, Cllr Frankie Keena and all in Athlone Chamber for all their great cooperation and support.

To learn more about the Midlands Poland Community, visit polishcommunity.ie, and follow the group on social media to keep up to date.

Lots of entertainment on offer at Roscommon Arts Centre in the New Year

As 2022 draws to a close, we’re all looking ahead and wondering what the New Year has in store for us, and at Roscommon Arts Centre, a host of entertainment has already planned for January 2023.

Music lovers are in for a treat when virtuoso fiddle player Frankie Gavin and immensely talented pianist Catherine McHugh perform in the centre on Friday, January 13th. Together, Frankie and Catherine

have been touring Ireland to promote their new collaboration, Frankie’s new album ‘Port Eireann’. This is sure to be a wonderful performance, so get your tickets now!

Comedy fans will also be happy to hear what’s on offer at Roscommon Arts Centre, with Irish fatherdaughter duo Pat and Faye Shortt set to perform their new comedy show, ‘Well’, on Friday, January 20th. With their hilarious dy-

namic and brilliant comic timing, this show is sure to be a barrel of laughs, so make sure you don’t miss out!

January will also see Roscommon Arts Centre host Livin’ Dred Theatre’s production of ‘Danti-Dan’ by Gina Moxley be performed. The play, directed by award-winning actor Aaron Monaghan, is shamelessly funny, following the story of five youngsters in a small, dead-end

town in 1970. The play will be performed on January 27th and is guaranteed to be an absolute treat, so make sure you book your ticket now!

This is just a taste of what entertainment Roscommon Arts Centre have planned for early 2023.

To find out more about the events listed above, book tickets, or to learn about other events taking place, visit roscommonartscentre.ie.

New musical group featuring Roscommon artist to perform at The Dock

The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon will be kicking off the New Year on a musical note when they play host to ‘Tradlac’, a talented new musical ensemble featuring Roscommon-based artist Séan Regan –known as the ‘fiddler to the stars’ – as well as multi-instrumentalist composer Alan Conor and Cork School of Music alumnus John McLoughlin.

Over the years, the trio have performed, toured and recorded with many of the all-time Irish and international musical greats, including Damian Dempsey, Sharon Shannon, Mike McGoldrick, Seán

Keane, Lisa Lambe, Something Happens, Ronnie Woods, Michael Bublé, Imelda May, Sinéad O’Connor… the list goes on. Regan, Connor and McLoughlin formed the ensemble in 2022, and together, there is an abundance of talent and experience between them. Merging their diverse styles and experiences with traditional music has led Tradalac to create their own, unique sound, which you can hear for yourself when they perform at The Dock, on January 5th 2023.

For more information or to book tickets, visit the dock.ie.

New Omniplex cinema for Westmeath

Movie lovers in the Midlands will be delighted to hear that on Friday evening, Omniplex Cinema Group opened a new, stateof-the-art cinema in Mullingar.

The new cinema boasts five screens, featuring a ‘MAXX RECLINE’ auditorium complete with a massive screen (15-metreswide and 2-story-high), electric recliner seats and DTS:X™ Immersive Audio. Additionally, all five screening rooms feature double sofa beds and the latest ‘Barco next gen-

eration LASER projection technology’. The opening of the cinema also led to the creation of fifteen new

Pictured are the members of the musical group Tradlac, who will be performing at The Dock in the New Year.

Pictured is the impressive ‘MAXX RECLINE’ auditorium in the new Omniplex cinema in Westmeath.

Pat and Faye Shortt’s new show ‘Wild’ is set to come to Roscommon Arts Centre in the New Year.

Pictured are Frankie Gavin and Catherine McHugh, who will be performing in Roscommon Arts Centre in the New Year.

GOING OUT

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Gaels Table Quiz in the Hyde Centre were Tommy Mulry, John Donnellan, Sean Mulry, Tom O’Farrell, Serena O’Farrell, Roisin Satchwell and Bernie Mulry. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market recently were Declan Walsh and Nev McCormack. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market recently were Margaret and Ned Lynch. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market recently were Ava, Emma, Eithne and Ciaran Hughes. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Christmas Market recently were Aaron, Doireann, Amy and Jackie Curley. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Mark and Fiona pictured in Kenny’s Lounge, Ballintubber.

Majella Greaney and Fiona Brogan pictured socialising in Kenny’s Lounge, Ballintubber.

Alan and Majella Garvey pictured in Kenny’s Lounge, Ballintubber.

Breda and Noel Burke pictured in Kenny’s Lounge, Ballintubber.

Ads:

For Sale by Private Treaty

“New to the Market”

Clooneygrasson Ballymoe Co.

“NEW TO THE MARKET”

Dundonnell

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY Dundonnell, Taughmaconnell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Sean Naughton Auctioneers is delighted to offer “New to the Market” Circa 98.39 acres (39.82 Hectares) of Good Quality Land situated in the much sought after area in Dundonnell, Taughmaconnell, Co. Roscommon. Location: 17km to Athlone, 10km to Ballinasloe & 31km to Roscommon

Clooneygrasson, Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon

Hectares (32.86 acres)

Land Area – 26.52 Hectares (65.53 acres) Price on Application

26 Ashwood, Knockcroghery Co. Roscommon F42 H260

Christmas Property . . .

Tell us about Crazy House Prices. What inspired you to start the Instagram page?

The page started out as a joke, mostly making fun of Dublin house prices and comparing what you could buy elsewhere for the same money. My wife, Melissa, and I were searching for our first home, and like a lot of things in life, you don’t really pay too much attention to them until they directly impact you. We were looking at homes that were six feet wide and cost nearly €300,000! As the page grew, I decided to use its reach to try and help others in their journey towards their own home. Nearly 90,000 followers later, the page has managed to help thousands of people buy their own home and has even brought about some changes to the laws surrounding bulk purchases of houses by investment

funds. This is something I am very proud of. I’ve even written a book, which is out in March 2023, called ‘How To Buy a Home in Ireland’. It is available for pre-order now in Easons.

What are the biggest obstacles facing young first-time buyers?

I believe the main obstacle is a lack of available homes to buy. The latest CSO statistics for October 2022 show that in Dublin, 60 per cent of all new-build homes were bought by ‘non-households’. That means the State and investment funds are buying most of the new-build properties in the city, meaning there is a drastic lack of supply for people.

The median home price in Roscommon is €155,000, which is one of the lowest in the country. However,

very few of these are new-builds or self-builds. It is very difficult for people to get planning permission, and this is also contributing to a lack of supply in rural counties.

What, in your opinion, can be done in the short-term to ease the housing crisis?

I think a relaxing of planning laws when it comes to self-builds would help rural counties and make it easier to get self-build homes built. I also think that the government should provide 0 per cent interest loans to people who want to renovate and retrofit old homes.

What advice would you give someone looking to get on the property ladder?

Do your research. There is a lot more

to it than just saving up a deposit. I would talk to a mortgage advisor or broker at least six months before you hope to buy or build. The more time you give this the better so you can put a financial plan in place. Lots of people find old credit issues during the mortgage application process that delay things, sometimes by months. Go to www.centralcreditregister. ie and apply for a free credit report. Think about your borrowing capacity. In January, first-time buyers will be able to borrow up to four times their household income. While this sounds great, you need to think about the mortgage you’re getting and if those monthly repayments are sustainable for you if your life circumstances change.

*Crazy House Prices has over 87,000 followers on Instagram and over 32,000 on Twitter

Dundonnell, Taughmaconnell, Co. Roscommon. Location: 17km to Athlone, 10km to Ballinasloe & 31km to Roscommon

Area – 26.52 Hectares (65.53 acres)

on Application 26 Ashwood, Knockcroghery Co. Roscommon F42 H260 Sean Naughton Auctioneers is delighted to offer “New to the Market” a spacious four bedroom semi-detached residence built to a very high standard in the much sought after location in the picturesque village of Knockcroghery. Accommodation briefly includes four bedrooms (one ensuite) main bathroom, sitting room kitchen/diner & utility and OFCH. There are lawns to the front and rear of the property with a tarmacadam driveway. The property is located within walking distance of all local amenities.

Joint Agent: Connaughton Auctioneers, Main Street, Athleague, Co Roscommon

Taughmaconnell Athlone Co. Roscommon

Naughton Auctioneers

Sean would like to wish all his customers a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year, thank you all for your support and custom throughout the year.

Ciarán Mulqueen’s ‘Crazy House Prices’ has amassed over 87,000 followers on Instagram.

Ciarán Mulqueen (Crazy House Prices)

Cox & Walsh – Estate Agents with a difference

Strong start for new Shannonside estate agency

The Shannonside region has gained a new auctioneering firm to service its busy property sales market.

TP Walsh, a well-known and respected auctioneer from Rooskey, has teamed up with Adrian Cox, a well-known businessman and property developer from Tarmonbarry, to form Cox & Walsh, a new estate agency based in the picturesque Shannonside village of Dromod.

TP Walsh has been working as an auctioneer and valuer in this region for over thirty years, and benefits from his wealth of experience in the industry. Adrian Cox runs Shannon Lodge Nursing Home in Rooskey as well as Cox’s Steakhouse in Dromod, and has been involved in numerous residential and commercial property developments over his 20-year career as a property developer and businessman.

As the Partner with Responsibility for Property Services, Mr Walsh leads the delivery of property sales and valuation services within the firm. Mr Cox meanwhile is responsible for Client Relations, and leads the firm’s marketing and administration efforts.

“The combination of my experience as an auctioneer and Adrian’s experience in scaling and operating a diverse range of businesses, is a recipe for success,” said Mr Walsh.

“Over the course of my career, I have seen many changes in how this business works. But the one constant has been my drive to deliver results for my clients. In order to provide my clients with the best possible service, I knew I needed to embrace all the modern tools available, such as social media marketing and so on. Adrian has done this in his existing businesses and the results are obvious”.

Mr Cox said: “Over the last twenty years, I have worked closely with TP Walsh and his team. I admire him greatly. So, when he proposed going into business together, the decision was easy.

working life, I have been involved in property,

I embrace the opportunity to work alongside a

like TP Walsh.

“Together, we can guarantee our firm’s clients

personal and professional service. Cox & Walsh is a modern estate agency. We employ old-school deal-making know-how and marry it with modern marketing and business savvy, to guarantee our clients a first class service. We have one objective: to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the best possible price for our client’s properties”.

Cox & Walsh had have a good first month in business, their listings including commercial and residential properties in Longford, Leitrim, and Roscommon. Mr Walsh commented on the type of clients his firm is marketing, saying: “Agricultural land is always a big mover in this region, and land is fetching a good price at the moment, but there have also been marked uptick in commercial lettings.

“The negative impact of the pandemic on commercial real estate has been greater in the cities, however this has created an opportunity for landlords in this region to provide more affordable space to SMEs and multinationals who no longer require premium office space in cities but nonetheless have need for space.

“I remember a time when you couldn’t let out an apartment in Dromod, even if you gave it away for nothing. That’s changed though; now you can’t get a place to rent. The residential letting market is booming at the minute and we have already been inundated by tenants with enquiries for new residential lettings. So, in this respect, we need more landlords.

“As a property owner, you might be worried about becoming an ‘accidental landlord’, and the easiest way to avoid this is to have an estate agent deal with your property. We’re working with property owners and families seeking homes to deliver sustainable accommodation across the Shannonside region”.

Mr Walsh and Mr Cox said that they are looking forward to a busy start to 2023, and concluded by thanking the public for their support thus far.

“I remember a time when you couldn’t let out an apartment in Dromod, even if you gave it away for nothing. That’s changed though; now you can’t get a place to rent. The residential letting market is booming at the minute…”

“In every business, you need a team. You need people to take responsibility for particular duties and deliver specific results. TP knows the auctioneering business inside and out. My whole

so

legend

a

Bradley Homes celebrates busy and successful first year in business

Bradley Homes is this week celebrating its first year in business and owner Deirdre Bradley has expressed her thanks to all who supported what was a busy and successful opening year.

The distinctive pink signs are to be seen all over the Midlands and West and Deirdre plans for even more signs to be appearing on the highways and byways of counties Roscommon and Galway and beyond in 2023.

“This time last year when I was just setting out on my own, I couldn’t have foreseen the support that I received and the volume of business that was completed in 2022. It has been a very busy year, but I have enjoyed the experience and love the challenge that each property presents,” Deirdre says.

“I have lots of experience in the business, but being self-employed brings a new dimension and the time was right to take the plunge and start out on a new path”.

New challenges

So, what new challenges does

Deirdre envisage for 2023?

“I have been busy valuing property which will come for sale in 2023. Some prospective sellers are looking at increasing interest rates and saying that now is the time to sell. Others recognise that there are lots of people interested in buying homes in this region. Remote working has changed the work landscape and many people who previously had to work in offices in Dublin now find that the same job can be done from Castlerea or Strokestown,” Deirdre explained.

“There is also a lot of interest from Irish people seeking to relocate from England and I am in touch with a lot of prospective buyers who are looking for suitable properties that are ready for occupation. Often these people are seeking to retire from the UK to Ireland and are looking for a readymade home.

“Agricultural land always commands lots of interest and is achieving excellent prices throughout Connacht and beyond”.

Achieving the highest price possible for a property requires a specialised mix of

skills and talents and Deirdre has these in abundance.

“I always strive to provide the best possible service to my clients, meeting them personally, tailoring the marketing package to their needs and providing the highest level of professional service and feedback to them throughout the process, from the initial valuation meeting through to handing over the keys to the new homeowner,” she says.

“I enjoy the thrill and excitement of matching the person to the property; it’s not just about selling houses. The right home is out there for everyone. I always say to buyers that their perfect property is out there, sometimes it just takes a bit longer to get there”.

A thank you from Deirdre

During the first year in business, those distinctive pink signs have been seen everywhere from Drumlish to Athlone and Charlestown to Creggs – and Deirdre is looking forward to those signs appearing in a town near you in 2023!

“I was delighted with the geographical range that I covered in 2022 and have plans to go even further afield in 2023, but my focus will always be on the Roscommon-Galway area, which is at the heart of Bradley Homes,” she said.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported me in 2022; it really means a lot when you’re starting out. A lot of people put their faith in me and I have worked hard to ensure that their trust was well placed. I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to doing business in the New Year”.

Thinking of selling?

If you’re thinking of selling property in 2023, whether it’s a single field, derelict cottage, commercial property or stately home, make sure and give Deirdre a call and she will put her skills to good use in matching a home to a new homeowner. For further information or to get a valuation, call Deirdre on 086-1713417 or email sales@bradleyhomes.ie.

Opportunity to acquire four acres with bungalow and development potential

For sale this week with Pat Hughes Auctioneers is a four-bedroomed bungalow in Abbeytown, Roscommon, situated on approximately four acres of land – predominantly zoned ‘new residential’ under the current Roscommon Town Local Area Plan.

The property is located in one of Roscommon’s most sought after areas, within close proximity to the town centre and all the various local services. In addition to the attractive four-bedroomed bungalow, the site also features a range of outoffices.

PropertyPeople

Two-bedroomed apartment for sale at Church Street

This week, Pat Hughes Auctioneers have a two-bedroomed, first floor apartment for sale at Church Street, Roscommon.

Accommodation consists of a kitchen, living area, two bedrooms and a bathroom. The property is currently being rented and is generating an annual rental income of €9,600. The apartment is ideally located within walking distance of all amenities.

For further details, contact Pat Hughes Auctioneers on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Christmas wishes from Pat Hughes Auctioneers after another successful year

Pat and all the staff at Pat Hughes Auctioneers, Roscommon, would like to wish all their friends and customers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

The office on Abbey Street will be closed for the holidays from 12 noon on Friday, December 23rd, and will reopen at 9 am on Tuesday, January 3rd.

With 2022 coming to an end, Pat Hughes Auctioneers are looking forward to a new

and prosperous year, having enjoyed lots of success in 2022.

Pat is confirming that they urgently need properties for disappointed underbidders after an exceptional few months, with demand still remaining high.

If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact Pat Hughes Auctioneers for their free, confidential advice on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

1.5-acre Ballymurray site for sale with Pat Hughes

For sale this week with Pat Hughes Auctioneers is a 1.5acre site, located at Fearagh, Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon.

The lands are situated within walking distance of Portrun Bay in a much sought after location. For further details or to make an appointment to view, contact Pat Hughes Auctioneers on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Two-bedroomed cottage for sale near Creggs

On the market with Pat Hughes Auctioneers this week is an attractive twobedroomed cottage, situated on five acres at Rosdaul, Williamstown, Co. Galway (F45 TW88).

The residence is located approximately three miles from the village of Creggs, a ten-minute drive to Glenamaddy. Downstairs accommodation consists of large kitchen, and a living area, which features a full-length window. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a bathroom.

The residence has been recently renovated, and the lands (situated to the side and the rear of the dwelling) would be suitable for

New to the market: 51-acre farm just outside Roscommon

New to the market with Pat Hughes Auctioneers this week is approximately 51 acres of land in Ballybride, Roscommon, located approximately two miles from Roscommon town.

All of the lands are of top quality and are located in one block. The sale of these lands would offer an ideal opportunity for someone looking to acquire a compact farm convenient to Roscommon town.

For further details, contact Pat Hughes Auctioneers on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

New to the market: four-bedroomed residence at Galway Road

New to the market with Pat Hughes Auctioneers this week is a four-bedroomed residence, ideally located on the Galway Road, Roscommon, within walking distance of all amenities.

The residence in an attractive bungalow situated on a private site. Accommodation consists of a sitting room, kitchen, dining room, four bedrooms, utility room, bathroom with shower, and a separate toilet.

For further details or to make an appointment to view, contact Pat Hughes Auctioneers on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

further development subject to planning permission being granted.

For further details or to make an appointment to

Large six-bedroomed dormer bungalow for sale in Fuerty

For sale this week with Pat Hughes Auctioneers is a large sixbedroomed dormer bungalow located at Lisnaville, Fuerty, Roscommon, situated only three miles from Roscommon Town and convenient to all amenities.

The residence stands on an approximate one-acre elevated site and is finished to a high standard throughout. Downstairs accommodation consists of a porch, sitting room, kitchen/ dining room, large utility with toilet off, office/study, large hot press, bathroom, and two bedrooms (one ensuite). Upstairs accommodation consists of four bedrooms (two ensuite). The property has the benefit of a large garden to both the front and the rear of the property. The auctioneers are considering every offer in excess of €350,000 for this residence.

For further details or to make an appointment to view, contact Pat Hughes Auctioneers on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com.

view, contact Pat Hughes Auctioneers on 0906627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers. com.

2.5-acre site with bungalow for sale with Pat Hughes

For sale this week with Pat Hughes Auctioneers is an attractive three-bedroomed bungalow, situated on a approximately 2.5-acre site in Derrygeel, Co. Longford.

Accommodation consists of a sitting room, kitchen/ dining room with oil-fired range, utility room, and a bathroom.

In addition to the bungalow residence, the property features a range of out-offices, including an old, disused farmhouse, as well as a cattle pen and crush. The residence is located approximately two miles from Lanesboro on

the main Ballymahon to Lanesboro Road, and is in need of some modernisation.

Offers in excess of €150,000 are now being considered for this prop-

erty. For further details or to make an appointment to view, contact Pat Hughes Auctioneers on 0906627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers. com.

Four-bedroomed residence for sale in Tonlegee

For sale this week with Pat Hughes Auctioneers is an attractive four-bedroomed residence, situated on fully-landscaped site at Tonlegee, Roscommon.

In addition to the residence, the property also features a range of out-offices including a large garage, a workshop, and storage sheds. The garden has been superbly laid out, complete with raised vegetable beds and fruit trees.

Ground floor accommodation consists of a living room with inset stove, a dining room with inset stove, kitchen, utility room, bathroom, and four bedrooms. Upstairs there is a large studio with Velux windows, and a WC with shower.

For further details or to make an appointment to view, contact Pat Hughes Auctioneers on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com.

‘An absolute gem’ New to the market: ‘The Lodge’ in Ballymoe

This week, selling agents Sherry Fitzgerald P Burke are delighted to bring ‘The Lodge’ to the market – a beautifully presented country home, located in the picturesque village of Ballymoe (F45 W9D0).

‘The Lodge’ was built by the Bagett family in the 1890s and was used as a hunting lodge. It was subsequently used as the local Free State Army HQ before becoming the local doctor’s office in later years. Fr Flanagan celebrated mass in ‘The Lodge’ when he visited Ballymoe in 1946, and Eamonn Ceannt, one of the leaders of the Easter Rising and one of seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, was born in the police barracks in Ballymoe nearby, where his father James Kent was stationed.

Set within its own mature grounds of approximately 0.8 of an acre, this is a well maintained, well proportioned and handsome

country home, boasting private gardens and idyllic countryside views. Externally, the private gardens encompass this home superbly, with a generous balance of green space, mature hedging and tree lines giving the site excellent privacy.

Internally, the property has very spacious accommodation, along with high ceilings, excellent kitchen facilities, and large south-facing dining and living rooms, which would make the property ideal for entertaining or relaxing. The house features lovely large windows that fill the residence with natural light throughout the day and offers great views of the River Suck as it flows by, providing ‘a unique moment of bliss’.

The residence contains four large bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room (featuring original fireplace), large dining room, kitchen, south-facing sunroom, office/bedroom, vestibule,

and pantry/store in all. Both the living room and the dining room overlook the front garden and river.

The master suite on the first floor comprises of large bedroom overlooking the front garden and the river, a dressing room and a full ensuite bathroom. The first floor also has two further bedrooms and a large family bathroom. On the second floor, there is a large space that is currently being used as storage, but could be converted to office space or further bedrooms if desired.

This absolute gem provides the perfect opportunity for families to buy a truly special property that is totally private, yet still in the centre of Ballymoe and close to all amenities.

For more information or to book a viewing, call the selling agents, Sherry Fitzgerald P Burke, on 090-6627200 or email pburke@sfpburke.ie.

New to the market: Oldwood properties with RE/MAX Team Earley

This week, RE/MAX Team Earley are delighted to launch an exclusive development of six threebedroomed, semi-detached, two-storey residences, located at Oldwood, Athlone Road, Roscommon.

With a BER rating of A2 and a price guide of €299,500, these luxurious three-bedroomed residences of approximately 1,200 square feet come to the market having been finished to a very high standard throughout.

Features for each of these properties include a sleek, fitted kitchen with oven hob and extractor fan, an ensuite shower room with the master bedroom, and an elegent bathroom that has been completed with tiled floors and half-wall tiling. The resi-

dence also boasts an A-rated energy efficiency rating, and benefits from having tripleglazed uPVC windows, a highly efficient Panasonic heat source, air to water heating and central heating.

Externally, there is a tarmac driveway leading to the house, and a fenced rear garden with a spacious patio area.

These newly-built executive homes qualify for the Help to Buy scheme, and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Also coming to the market with RE/MAX Team Earley soon are six semidetached, three- and fourbedroomed residences, located at Rooskey, Co. Roscommon.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/ MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 0906626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. To contact one of the selling agents directly, contact Cathal on 086-1409158 or Keith on 086-0848590.

New to the market with Bradley Homes: ‘Cuckoos Dell’, Williamstown, Galway

Bradley Homes are delighted to present to the market Cuckoos Dell, Castlefield, Williamstown, Co. Galway.

The cottage is positioned nicely on a large picturesque site of approximately 1.13 acres of ground with scenic views from every aspect.

Deceptively large, with an internal floor area of approximately 1,260 sq. ft., there has been the addition of a covered patio area at the rear which opens up the liveable space for those who enjoy gardening or to just sit and listen to the distant song of the native cuckoo. No expense has been spared by the current owner who has created a comfortable home and has achieved a sense of calm, comfort and class as you wander through the house to the outdoor space. The decor is modern and soothing with all the mod cons installed that one could desire. Cuckoos Dell is, in its own right, the definition off aesthetically pleasing.

The original cottage which was built in the 1900s has had the addition of an extensive extension built circa 2006. Both the extension and the rear of the house have benefited from a new roof last year. The internal layout has been carefully considered to maximise the use of space and light. There have been upgrades to insulation and the heating systems since the BER rating of C3 was assessed in 2019.

The location offers the best of both worlds being on the border of County Galway and County Roscommon. Williamstown, Co. Galway is approximately 5km away with Trien, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon approximately 2.5km away. With location being a key factor when considering a new home, Cuckoos Dell is privately located in a country setting and yet central to all local amenities with the town of Castlerea 8 km away and Glenamaddy 14 km away, and is just off

the main N60 Roscommon to Claremorris route with Knock International Airport being a mere 30 km away. Train station in Castlerea services all stops between Westport and Dublin. Accommodation includes: Entrance porch to front leading into the cosy sitting room with solid fuel stove. There is a bedroom off to the left overlooking the front scenic views. Another bedroom and main bathroom are off the rear hallway. The generous kitchen (approximately 235 sq. ft.) is open plan leading into the wonderful large and bright living/dining/utility room which is suitable for many alternative uses according to the requirements of the next owner.

The bathroom is generous in size and superbly decorated with large ‘keylite’ sky window affording plenty of light.

Externally, the land extends to the rear and side of the property with a workshop to the side (appoximately 11’8” x 8’ 2”)

and garden shed (approximately 15’4” x 11’4”) at the rear end of the garden with access via a driveway.

Mature trees and hedging on site, the boundary wall separating the grounds of the cottage

from the additional land, the stoned flower beds and large covered patio area at rear, all make this beautiful characteristic cottage a must for viewing.

Services include, mains water, electricity, gas-fired central

heating and septic tank on site. All offers in excess of €165,000 invited.

For further information or to arrange a viewing call Deirdre on 086-1713417 or email sales@bradleyhomes.ie.

Gerry Coffey reviews another successful year

2022 proved to be one of the busiest years of selling for Williamstown-based auctioneer Gerry Coffey with many successful sales being achieved over the last twelve months.

In the past year, the auctioneer sold a number of properties across Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Ballinlough, Lisacul, Ballyhaunis, Williamstown, Glenamaddy, Dunmore, Kilkerrin, Cloonfad, Aughamore, Clonberne, with several being sold above the asking price – testament to the excellent value the region has to offer.

Gerry also pointed out that houses in rural areas have almost sold out due to their price.

“You can buy a house now for substantially less than it would cost to build,” claims Gerry. “In fact, we have a shortage of stock of houses

on our books at present”.

In the last year, Gerry has sold many farms, in recent months achieving €10,000€12,000 per acre for different parcels of land. As a rural-based auctioneer, land sales constitute a strong part of Gerry Coffey’s property portfolio. In the last twelve months, Gerry has overseen the sale of a number of important parcels of farmlands, once again achieving record prices for the area.

According to the Williamstown-based auctioneer, the demand for good quality lands is currently outstripping supply, and so he recommends those thinking of selling lands to contact him for a valuation. Gerry is also available for other types of valuations, including probate, property transfer, expert court witness, insurance, accounting valuations, marital separa-

tion, mortgage lending and fair deal-related.

Additionally, Gerry also trades in pub licences and has a steady demand for licences. Recently he agreed the sale for a property known as Glynn’s of Williamstown.

Gerry has been a longstanding member of Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV) and was elected president in July 2022.

“My main objective as President for the next few months will be to work with the members around the country,” he commented.

“I want to help agents grow and develop their business so that all our members can earn a decent living and have a reasonable quality of life. By working together under the IPAV umbrella, we can be strong and support each other going forward”.

Gerry also highlighted the major supply issues Ireland is continuing to experience at the moment, particularly in the capital city and in urban areas generally.

“While the Government has made some efforts to get property building moving, an awful lot more needs to be done to meet the huge demand for our growing population in the years ahead,” he commented.

Due to unprecedented sales in the last few months from first-time buyers and increased enquiries, Gerry Coffey Auctioneers now urgently require the following type of properties: rural bungalows, country cottages, farms (for sale, rent or lease), lands (for planting and existing forestry), and commercial properties. Contact Gerry on 094-9643600 or 0863856050.

Loretta Dowd Properties is delighted to report that 2022 has been a very busy year, with the selling agents completing many sales throughout Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Longford over the past months.

In particular, the selling agents experienced a strong demand for residential properties in all areas. However, as the year progressed, stock levels were getting low due to demand, especially in the case of residential homes in Roscommon town and county. So, as we step into 2023, Loretta Dowd Properties is seeking properties for sale in all areas due to demand and disappointed underbidders.

Loretta Dowd (MIPAV) will be celebrating 13 years in business this April.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone that supported me over the last 13 years” she commented. “It is very much appreciated!”

Loretta Dowd Properties offers services in residential, land/sites and commercial sales, together with letting/management services.

If you are thinking of selling or renting your property in 2023, contact Loretta Dowd (MIPAV) on 087-2233223 for your free appraisal. For a full listing of properties for sale with Loretta Dowd Properties, visit daft.ie/lorettadowdproperties.

URGENTLY

Seasonal greetings

Loretta Dowd M.I.P.A.V. would like to wish a Very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year to all her customers, family and friends and is looking forward to your continued support in 2023.

Lisnamult,

Local tourism projects to benefit from €68m in Just Transition funding

Tourism projects in County Roscommon and the Ballinasloe Municipal District are set to benefit from a new €68 million fund allocated to Fáilte Ireland as part of the EU’s Just Transition Fund.

The funds will focus on the existing tourism and Bord na Mona infrastructure with the objective of providing new employment opportunities for workers and communities impacted by the closure of Lanesboro and Shannonbridge power stations.

Projects across the midland counties of Laois, Westmeath, Offaly, Longford, Roscommon, Galway, Tipperary and Kildare will be supported under four strands: Trail Development; Visitor Amenities; Alternative Low Carbon Accommodation and Smart Specialisation, which involves digital transformation.

Welcoming the announcement, lo-

cal Independent TD Denis Naughten said it was imperative the funding was aimed at projects that can deliver long-term sustainable employment.

“The closure of the power stations in Lanesboro and Shannonbridge has had a huge impact on the local economy not just in terms of immediate job losses, but also in terms of the impact that this spending had on the sustainability of many other businesses and communities,” he said.

“It is now imperative that Fáilte Ireland engages with local communities to consider how they can build upon their existing tourism infrastructure and redevelop existing public lands and access into long-term tourism sustainable tourism projects”.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said a number of community groups were successful in the first round of funding in 2020.

“Now, Minister Eamon Ryan has confirmed that a total of €29 million

will be available in 2023 under the national and EU Just Transition Funds (EUJTF).

“This fund is due to be launched in early 2023 and will be managed by Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. This is a great opportunity for significant investment in projects across Roscommon and Ballinasloe Municipal District,” she said.

News of the funding was warmly welcomed by members at Monday’s monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council.

Cllr. Orla Leyden and Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher are part of a collaboration group between Roscommon and Longford local authorities, which was established in response to the closure of Lanesboro power station. Cllr. Leyden called on the Chief Executives and Directors of Services from both Roscommon and Longford County Councils to meet with the group in order to maximise funding.

Local organisation certified to World-Class business standards

Roscommon business Procloud has been recognised by the NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) for their recent achievement in obtaining certification to world-class business standards.

The company joins an elite group of organisations that have received NSAI certification for Quality Management, Environmental Management, Occupational Health and Safety Management, Food Safety Management and Energy Management Systems.

Damien English, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, praised the organisations on their efforts saying: “These companies represent the vibrant and innovative business community that exists across Ireland today. By internationalising their offering they are

playing an increasingly important role in creating jobs and growing the Irish economy.

“At a time of increased globalisation, it is essential for Irish industry to be as competitive as it can be. I want to congratulate every organisation for achieving certification to international standards, which will give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace - both at home and abroad”.

NSAI Chief Executive Geraldine Larkin said: “Achieving certification to world class business standards can benefit business in a variety of ways.

“Certification can grow an organisation’s knowledge and skills across a wide range of areas, boosting efficiency and helping to mitigate risk.

“I am delighted to see the high level of commitment

shown by the companies and organisations who have been certified.

“It is very encouraging to see so many companies across the country are committed to working towards best practice. They continue to demonstrate that Irish based companies can compete at the highest level”.

AIB urges Roscommon to take part in the GOAL Mile

AIB, partner of the GOAL Mile, is encouraging communities across Roscommon to Step Up Together and take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the GOAL Mile has seen tens of thousands of people run or walk a mile (just 2,000 steps) to raise funds for GOAL at Christmas.

The GOAL Mile enables GOAL’s work supporting vulnerable communities in 14 countries across the globe in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and now, Ukraine.

AIB staff members from Castlerea, along with TY students from Castlerea Community School, recently took time to Step Up Together to raise awareness of the GOAL Mile this Christmas.

Prior to taking on their 2,000-step chal- lenge, Úna Mulhall, from AIB Castlerea said: “As we approach Christmas, it is important for us to remember those who are in most need. By completing our own AIB GOAL Mile as a team, we

can play a small part in helping those in vulnerable communities. The event has become a Christmas tradition for many families and perhaps, this year, as families come together, why not build up your appetite for Christmas dinner and help those in need?

Commenting on the partnership with AIB, GOAL CEO, Siobhan Walsh said: “Thanks to our partnership, last year was the most successful GOAL Mile to date. It speaks to the power of partnership and that when we work together to connect with our communities in powerful ways, extraordinary things happen.

“We look forward to celebrating our 40th GOAL Mile with AIB as a key member of the GOAL family. Together, we can create lasting change in our world”.

People and communities across Ireland can Step Up Together to take part in the GOAL Mile by visiting www.goalmile. org. Donations to GOAL can be made at www.goalglobal.org/donate.

A new report from the Western Development Commission shows an 8.4 per cent increase in the population of Roscommon since 2016 as well as an increase in housing stock (4.2%) for the western region.

The report analysed the preliminary estimates from Census

2022, outlining some key trends since the previous Census (2016) including region-wide population growth, housing stock growth and vacancy rates.

Author of the report, Dr. Luke McGrath said: “To reach the targets outlined in the National Planning Framework, future policy

must reduce regional infrastructure deficits to enhance regional connectivity and accessibility and provide broader supports for regional innovation and the ‘3Es’ of enterprise, employment, and education to promote regional development.

“Connectivity and accessibility

can have a large influence on the choice of location for both indigenous and foreign investors”.

Research conducted by the WDC has identified several areas where the region can develop a global competitive advantage. The areas include renewable energy, life sciences (which includes medtech),

artificial intelligence, data and analytics, and the creative economy.

The WDC says it is actively working to develop these sectors through the sustainable enterprise pillar of its 2019-2024 strategy and will announce three new senior positions in early 2023 to drive these targets through the Region

of Innovation.

The climate transition also offers opportunities for regional development. Research by the WDC Policy Analysis team and Sustainable Enterprise team outlines the regional opportunities and challenges in this regard with new research due in early 2023.

< DAN DOONER

It is hoped that funding of €68 million, allocated to Fáilte Ireland, will bring create new employment opportunities for communities impacted by the closure of Lanesboro (pictured) and Shannonbridge power stations.

NSAI Chief Executive Geraldine Larkin.

ACRES is a test of Government commitment to a just transition - INHFA

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have called on the Government to deliver on promises made in the Programme for Government relating to support for a new agri-environment scheme.

In the Programme for Government farmers that were willing to deliver in terms of climate change and improved biodiversity were promised

substantial support under a REPS like scheme.

With over 46,000 applications for the new agri-environment scheme ACRES, farmers have, stated INHFA President Vincent Roddy “indicated their willingness to engage and this has put the ball well and truly in the Minister’s court”.

Speaking after a meeting with Min-

Despite sub zero temperatures, over 400 cattle were presented at our last sale for 2022. Trade finished on a very high note for all those who presented stock for sale.

The weanlings ring witnessed bulls making up to €3.92 a kilo while heifer weanlings reached €4.24 a kilo. Store heifers made up to €3.34 a kilo with forward lots peaking at €2,050. Dry cows peaked at €1,950 while the runner rings reported an excellent clearance. Springers made from €1,060 to €1,710 while runners made from €450 to €1,070. There were 100 bullocks on offer at our sale on Monday last (12th) with an excellent trade on offer quality stores made up to €3.24 a kilo, with forward lots making up to €2,070.

Sales return to Castlerea Mart on Thursday, January 12th 2023, with a sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings, including a dispersal sale of 25 springers and 20 weanlings.

Castlerea Mart would like to wish all its customers a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Sample prices for heifers: Lm 405kgs €1310, Ch 415kgs €1250, Ch 395kgs €1190, Lm 440kgs €1470, Lm 470kgs €1460, Ch 465kgs €1400, Ch 485kgs €1360, Ch 655kgs €2050, Lm 565kgs €1780, Lm 505kgs €1690, Ch 515kgs €1740.

Dry cows: Lm 750kgs €1950, Lm 715kgs €1890, Lm 695kgs €1810, BBx 695kgs €1770, BBx 670kgs €1760, Fr 440kgs €710, Lm 450kgs €950, Fr 495kgs €800.

Weanling bulls: Lm 280kgs €980, Ch 280kgs €980, Ch 265kgs €910, Lm 275kgs €910, BBx 450kgs €1460, Ch 370kgs €1420, Ch 230kgs €910, Lm 395kgs €1420.

Weanling heifers: Lm 290kgs €1230, Lm 275kgs €1000, Ch 295kgs €990, Lm 215kgs €780, BBx 395kgs €1370, Lm 330kgs €1110, Sh 320kgs €1010, BBx 350kgs €990, BB 490kgs €1630, BB 400kgs €1320.

Bullocks: Lm 485kgs €1490, Lm 465kgs €1460, Lm 430kgs €1340, Lm 563kgs €1710, Lm 515kgs €1640, AA 525kgs €1600, Ch 500kgs €1570, Lm 595kgs €1930, Ch 690kgs €2070, AA 615kgs €1640.

ister Charlie McConalogue, Roddy outlined how the association pushed the Minister for additional funding in order to meet this year’s applications and to allow for additional applications in the coming two years.

“We have always maintained that the budget would need to be increased in order to accommodate all those that wanted to join and had in-

dicated the need for an annual budget increase of at least €100 million to accommodate up to 70,000 farmers,” he said.

“Following this year’s uptake we may require a budget to accommodate in excess of 80,000 farmers.

“While we expect the Minister will seek an increase in funding to accommodate more than the 30,000 catered

for in the 2023 National Budget, it is vital that the Minister also looks for the additional funds to accommodate all those that want to join”.

In concluding, the INHFA leader challenged the Government to deliver on its promise of a Just Transition and he stated: “ensure that no farmer that is willing to deliver on environmental ambition is left behind”.

ICSA meets with Minister on climate targets

ICSA has this week set out a series of proposals to the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to provide substantial funding to active farmers in the beef, suckler, and sheep sectors to help them deliver win/win solutions on climate change.

In a recent meeting with the Minister, ICSA president Dermot Kelleher said that the achievement of climate targets is totally dependent on keeping farmers viable.

“Policies that involve getting farmers to quit or to substantially undermine the productivity of their farms is a road to nowhere. Land will have to be farmed and food will have to be produced and the question is how to do this with the correct balance between profit and sustainability,” he said.

“ICSA is adamant that means a resilient beef finishing sector as well as keeping our less intensive suckler and sheep sectors intact to the greatest extent possible”.

It’s for that reason, ICSA

says, it has proposed additional supports of €80 million for store and beef producers, €60 million for suckler producers, and €50 million for the sheep sector, along with €50 million for red clover reseeding.

In addition, Mr. Kelleher says, money will be needed to offset methane reducing feed additives and overall, we see that costing €250 million per annum

for the next seven years.

“A key point is that reducing calving interval and average first calving date must be realistic and based on marginal improvements across the board rather than any demand to calve at two years old. It is not a saleable proposition to tell farmers that they must switch from three-year-old to two-year-old calving,” he said.

“However, if every farmer calved a month earlier on average and eliminated passenger cows there would be significant economic and climate gains.

“None of this will happen unless the Minister brings a positive package forward to bring profitability back into the suckler, beef and sheep sectors. Failure to do this will simply result in a continuing exodus to more

intensive dairy farming”. Continuing, Mr. Kelleher said that no sector is being asked to do as much per capita as some 100,000 livestock farmers.

During the meeting the ICSA President also insisted that all farmers who applied to the ACRES Scheme should be admitted to the scheme straight away.

Macra seeks criteria used by DAFM to define Family Farm

Macra are seeking clarification with regards the criteria used by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to define family farms under TAMS.

Recent media reports have suggested the DAFM are considers a cap of 120 cows on any milking parlour or milking equipment under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) support from 2023 onwards, which would exclude dairy farmers from accessing TAMS support for milking equipment.

Commenting this week, Macra National President John Keane said: “Currently young farmers are struggling to gain access to finance to support development on farm, this coincides with a labour shortage across all farms. This is the reality on farm and at the same time the Department want to put more barriers in the way of young people entering the sector.

The media reports also suggest that the 120 cow cut off is viewed as an attempt on the part of the Government to limit grant aid to

those dairy farms that are considered family farms”.

If the Department has defined what the family farm is, Mr. Keane said, Macra now calls on the Department to publish that criteria which it intends to apply to define a family farm.

According to the Teagasc Farm Structure Survey there are 137,500 family farms in Ireland, clarity is now needed as to what farms from this figure the Department has decided are not family farms and what criteria

they are applying to decide the cut off.

“Earlier this year, Macra sat in the Food Vision Dairy Group and the family farm model was discussed as was reflected in the final report, however no stakeholder including DAFM were in a position to define what the family farm is, Mr. Keane said.

“If these reports are to be believed the Department now has a set of criteria defined and it is only fair that farmers are told what these are”.

Members of the ICSA held a meeting with Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue last week.

NewsPeople

McConalogue thanks Roscommon farmers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has paid tribute this week to Roscommon farmers and local food producers for “keeping food on tables, and in restaurants and shops” in 2022.

“2022 has been a year of immense challenge for our great agri-food sector. The illegal invasion of Ukraine has resulted in significant difficulties for our primary producers. Most notably, input prices have spiked as a result of major disruptions to supply chains.

I thank all farmers in Roscommon for everything they did this year,” he said.

“Both the Government and I moved quickly to support our sectors. I introduced a series of targeted supports worth €91 million including the €1,000/farm family Fodder Support Scheme and the €400/ha Tillage Incentive Scheme for farmers.

“I designed these in order to support our farm families produce enough animal feed for the winter while also building resilience around imported feed. These €91 million in supports have supported our farm families and I will continue to support them in the time ahead”.

In the run up to Christmas, the Minister paid thanks to all of those keep the wheels of our €13.5 billion export sector turning, the farmers and food producers who are the “lifeblood of the sector and of rural Ireland”.

“I thank all farmers in Roscommon for everything they did this year.

Despite all the challenges, there is a strong and vibrant future for the sector. Primary producers have shown great resilience and have continued to keep world-class food on our tables. I thank those who milk the cows, lamb

the ewes, till the crops all with the aim of feeding people here and in over 180 markets across the globe with safe, sustainable and nutritious food,” he said.

Looking to 2023, Minister McConalogue said he we will continue to support primary producers.

“We are living in a new reality where environmental sustainability is at the core of everything we do. That is why we are being guided by the industryled Food Vision 2030 roadmap which will help us reach our climate ambitious,” he added.

“However, at the core of everything I do is ensuring that as well as environmental sustainability we have societal and financial sustainability too.

“2023 will be a year of change but I will continue to back everyone in the sector”.

ICSA candidates to share power

Roscommon Tidy Towns create new amenity area

DAN DOONER

As part of its work programme for 2022, Roscommon Tidy Towns identified an opportunity to reimagine the use of a centrally located piece of land adjacent to the Courthouse and Garda Station in Roscommon Town.

The site located directly in front of the Methodist Church was overgrown with vegetation. This Church was constructed in 1905 using rough-faced limestone and chiselled limestone dressings and mouldings. St. Coman’s Church of Ireland acquired the property in 1961. The building is now home to The Core, for the benefit of the parish and the wider community. The proposed works would enable the beauty of this historic building to be viewed again unimpeded.

The group decided to develop the site into an amenity area, funded by an amenity grant from Roscommon County Council, donations received by the group over the years and prize money received

from participation in the National Tidy Towns Competition. Roscommon Tidy Towns commissioned Michael Harte, The Room Outside, Castlerea, to prepare a landscaping plan, based on a briefing provided to him.

The landscaping plan subsequently proposed clearing the site, retaining existing trees, providing a paved walkway, a grassed area and space to locate both a bench and an old cattle drinking trough.

The work on clearing the site was carried out by Parklawn Tree Services along with Roscommon County Council. By clearing the site, it became clear that the wall needed repair, including the removal of ivy. The work of repairing the capping and repointing the stonework was carried out by Milan and Stafan (Leader/TÚS). A mini ESB pillar behind the vegetation was located and was raised up and secured by ESB Networks. The landscaping work was carried out by Michael Harte and his team.

A bench commissioned by

the Tidy Towns group has been installed on the site in memory of the late Tony Lovely (RIP 2014), a stalwart of Roscommon Tidy Towns over many years. The inscription aptly states ‘Lovely by name and lovely by nature’. The bench will provide a place for people to sit and enjoy the view down Abbey Street and the surrounding area. In addition, an impressive old cattle drinking trough which would have served the needs of the livestock that attended the town on Fair Days has been sited there.

The completed works have received appreciative comments from people living and working close by and throughout the town. Roscommon Tidy Towns members would like to thank everyone who assisted with the project and for their support during the year. As Gold Medal winners once again in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2022, the group says it is looking forward to working on further projects to enhance the town in the year ahead.

Following

Mr.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue pictured at a Brussels sprouts farm recently.

ICSA candidates agree to share power

a tie at ICSA’s Presidential Election, which took place in Portlaoise on December 14th, both candidates, Sean McNamara and incumbent Dermot Kelleher, agreed to a power sharing arrangement.

Kelleher will continue as President for 2023 before Mr. McNamara assumes the role in early 2024. Pic courtesy of Denis Byrne (Denis Byrne Photography)

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As part of its work programme for 2022, Roscommon Tidy Towns identified an opportunity to reimagine the use of a centrally located piece of land adjacent to the Courthouse and Garda Station in Roscommon Town.

A bench commissioned by the Tidy Towns group has been installed on the site in memory of the late Tony Lovely (RIP 2014), a stalwart of Roscommon Tidy Towns over many years.

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CASLIN

Albert

(6th Anniversary)

- Treasured memories of dear Albert, late of Lisroyan, Strokestown, who passed away on Christmas Day 2016.

In loving memory of

DALY

Marie

Lisnamult, Roscommon (10th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 28th December 2012

FLANAGAN

Gerry

Leitrim, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon May Gerry Rest in Peace (21st Anniversary)

ROGERS

Loved and missed every day by your loving wife Vera and children David, Sinéad, Dermot, Aoife and Siobhán, sons-in-law Martin and Neil, daughters-in-law Rosemary and Leeanne and adored grandchildren Helena, Samuel Alannah and Cillian.

Anniversary Mass on Wednesday, 28th December at 9.30am in Strokestown Parish Church.

McDONNELL

Irene

Whitepark, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon (14th Anniversary)

Along the road of suffering, you found a little lane that took you up to Heaven and ended all your pain.

You may be out of sight, we may be worlds apart, but you are always in our prayers and forever in our hearts.

Missed dearly by Niall, Martina, James, Daire, Leah and Mikey, Ian and Jon.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town on Tuesday, 27th December at 11am.

who passed away on the 25th December 2001

Twenty one years have passed since that sad day you closed your eyes and went away.

You left us so suddenly without a fuss and broke the hearts of all of us.

You’re not just a memory or part of the past, you are ours to remember as long as life lasts.

You always had a smile to share time to give and time to care.

Your memory is our greatest treasure, to have, to hold, to keep forever.

You taught us so many things, you were loving kind and true.

In loving memory of our dear sister Mary, brother Paddy, mother Ann and father Michael. Sadly missed as always remembering you all at Christmas time.

As we prepare for Christmas, our thoughts will be of you you always made our Christmasses the happiest we ever knew. We’ll try our best to celebrate, the birth of Christ our King but in our hearts we realise we’ve lost our everything.

From your loving daughter (sister) Ann and son Michael (brother).

ROGERS Pat & Angela Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Mount Cashel, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon. (6th Anniversary)

But you never taught us how to cope, with the pain of losing you.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family.

Masses offered.

DOWD

Thomas (Joseph)

I’m sending a dove to Heaven, with a parcel on its wings. Be careful when you open it, it’s full of beautiful things.

Inside are a million kisses, wrapped up in a million hugs, to say how much I miss you, and to send you all my love.

I hold you close within my heart, and there you will remain, to walk with me throughout my life, until we meet again.

Lovingly remembered by her husband Malachy, daughter Caroline, sons Sean, Malachy, Cyril, Adrian and Raymond, daughtersin-law Sharon, Lisa, and Teresa (who passed away in October 2021) and her grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 1st January 2023 at 10am.

In

Corrspark, Glinsk, Ballymoe, Co. Galway (6th Anniversary)

Also

Who passed away on the 23rd December 2018 (4th Anniversary)

In memory of Thomas (Joseph) who passed away on 22nd December 2016.

A smile for all, a heart of gold one of the best, this world could hold.

Never selfish, always kind these are the memories you left behind.

God bless you mother and father in your graves God keep you in His care, and may He listen to my heart and hear my fervent prayer. May you have peace and rest at last, from every care and woe, and may you sleep in comfort from the winds and rains and snow.

Sadly missed and always loved by your sons Joe, Martin and Declan, daughter Fiona, grandchildren and family.

Anniversary Mass will be offered at a later date.

In loving memory of our dear father and mother, Pat and Angela Rogers, who passed away on the 3rd January 1999 and the 19th December 2008

Loving memories never die as years roll on and days pass by, in our hearts a memory is kept of the ones we love and will never forget.

Always remembered by Pat, Marie and family, Kevin, Mairead and family, Jackie, Willie and family, Niall and family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 31st December at 7pm.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. E.N.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. M.C.

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

From Gerard, Majella, Joe and Emma.

Mass has been offered.

Loved, remembered and sadly missed by your loving wife Celia, son Tom, daughters Marian, Sandra and Martina, grandchildren and extended family.

May he Rest in Peace.

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE

For urgent need...

Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. L.M.

KIERNAN

Mona and Felix Jnr

Who died 27th December 2008 and 4th June 2006 (14th and 16th Anniversaries)

Mary, Paddy, Michael and Ann 63 Cloontuskert, Lanesboro

Ann (24th Anniversary) Michael (24th Anniversary)

Paddy (10th Anniversary)

Mary (March 2022)

HANLEY

Peg

loving memory of our dear mother Peg Hanley who died on St. Stephen’s Day 26th December 2016

remembering our uncle Michéal O Neill Cullenoira

“Quietly today your memory we treasure, You are never more than a thought away”

BRENNAN

DAVEY

GRADY Padraig

Kieran

NAUGHTON Jack

HARTE

Bernadette (Bernie)

In loving memory of our dear son Trevor who passed away on the 31st December 2018.

(Aged 34 years) (4th Anniversary)

Carnamadda, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

Castleffrench, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway (1st Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 22nd December 2021

Cloghan, Mount Talbot, Roscommon.

Who passed away on 27th December 2020

Roxboro, Derrane, Roscommon

In loving memory of Bernie who passed away on January the 3rd 2021 (2nd Anniversary)

Trevor as we approach your 4th Anniversary without you it seems no matter what we do our hearts will always look for you in everything we do, in every memory we unwrap old and new our hearts will always keep looking for you. We wish for just one moment that we could have you back as we fight the tears it’s just a different kind of Christmas in a way we could never have imagined. We won’t stop loving, we won’t forget as we must journey forward, there is no choice, living the best that we can. We hold you in our hearts until someday we will be together again.

Loved and sadly missed, Mammy and Daddy.

The loneliness is painful, it breaks my heart to see, that you are up in Heaven and no longer here with me. But I know you will be happy now, up where the Angel sings, a place where you are free to go and spread your wings. You will never be forgotten, every day I think of you, you were in my thoughts of yesterday and you’ll be in tomorrows too. Until the day we meet again, I’ll miss you every day, keep shining bright in Heaven, so you can light my way.

Loved and missed always, Sonya, Ciaran, Senan and Caoimhe.

Trevor - you are dearly missed along life’s way but are quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.

Thinking of you always but even more so at this time of year, love Declan, Edel and Fionn.

Your name is often spoken, our thoughts are with you still, you are not forgotten Trevor what’s more you never will. Our hearts are filled with memories we treasure them with care the sudden way you left us will always seem unfair.

Sadly missed deeply regretted, love Nana and Antoinette.

Anniversary Mass at 11.30am on Sunday, 8th January 2023 in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow.

Who passed away on the 27th December 2015

Padraig remembering you is easy, I do it every day but missing you is a heartache that never goes away.

I hold you tight within my heart and here you will remain, as my life goes on without you it will never be the same.

Until we meet again, Padraig be my guiding star.

Loved and missed each and every day by your heartbroken wife Eileen.

Daddy, you were the best dad that anyone could have.

We wish you didn’t leave us so soon, nothing feels the same without you being around.

You were the hero of our life and we miss you so much.

Loved and missed each day by your heartbroken children Maireád, Gearóid and Shóna.

Padraig you were so special and loved so very much.

You brought so much happiness to many hearts you touched.

You were always kind and caring and if help was ever needed Padraig it freely came from you.

Always remembered never forgotten by your brothers Willie and Joe and the extended Grady and Whyte families.

Padraig’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Tuesday, 27th December 2022 at 7pm.

What he suffered he told but few, he did not deserve what he went through. Tired and weary he made no fuss, but tried so hard to stay with us. He bid no one a last farewell, he raised his hand to none; his spirit flew before he knew, that he from us had gone. To your resting place we visit, place flowers there with care. But no one knows our heartache, when we turn and leave you there. Your life was love and labour, your love for your family true, you did your best for all of us, we will always love, miss and remember you.

Kieran’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday 23rd of December at 8pm in St. Cuan’s Church, Ahascragh.

RYAN

Philip

Roscommon Town (34th Anniversary)

are sleeping, two willing hands are still, the one who worked so hard for us is resting at God’s will.

Missed and loved by his wife Maura, daughters Siobhan and Claire, son-in-law Brendan and grandchildren, Jack and Molly.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 30th December at 7.30pm in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tisrara.

LYNCH Thomas (Tommy)

Bredagh, Dysart, Roscommon. Who passed away on December 24th 2017 (5th Anniversary)

Special memories of you always bring a smile. If I could have you back for just a little while, then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do, you always meant so very much and always will do too, the fact that you’re no longer here will always come with pain but you’re forever in our hearts until we meet again.

Lovingly remembered by Eddie, Karen, Marie, Ashling and Dominik, grandsons Theo and Benji

Anniversary Mass at 11am on Saturday, 7th January 2023 in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

GILLERAN Martin

St. Joseph’s, Kilteevan (25th Anniversary)

FITZMAURICE James

Ballinlough Quarter, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (14th Anniversary - 21st December)

In loving memory of Philip, who passed away on the 26th December 1988 R.I.P. Many memories keep you near as time unfolds another year out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you will always live on.

Loved and remembered always by Margaret and family.

Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Thursday, 29th December at 11am.

In loving memory of Tommy, who died 24th December 2017

Alone but never quite alone, I face on empty chair, but sometimes in the silence I imagine you are there. My companion for so many years, no longer here with me and yet in some mysterious way, you keep me company.

From his partner Teresa.

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

Lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret and family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Sunday, 25th December Christmas Day at 10am.

GALLAGHER

Alan Ballinagard Road, Roscommon (14th Anniversary)

Nothing on Earth can ever replace the sound of your voice. No verse, no flowers, no tear can say how much we miss you everyday.

So sadly missed and always remembered by his wife Lena and all his children and grandchildren. Mass will be offered.

HANNON

James (Sonny)

Cloverhill, Roscommon

Who passed away on the 29th December 2019. (3rd Anniversary)

A ray of sunshine came and went, a beautiful treasure only lent, In God’s keep quietly sleeps this wonderful son and brother we loved so much but could not keep.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Remembered by his devoted mother Maura, his father Peter, sister Olive and brothers Brian and Kevin, nephews and nieces. Mass offered.

Time passes memories stay, quietly remembered every day. Will those who think of James today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Fondly remembered by his wife and family.

Anniversary Mass on Thursday, 29th December in St. Patrick Church, Cloverhill at 10am.

Trevor Knockskehan, Lecarrow.

KELLY

Vincent

Cloonara, Derrane, Roscommon

Who passed away on the 21st December 2005 (17th Anniversary)

DOLAN

Caitríona 22 Beechgrove, Roscommon Town (6th Anniversary)

BYRNE

Malachy & Margaret (Peggy) Ballyglass, Rahara, Co. Roscommon

THANKSGIVINGS

NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

MIRACULOUS PRAYER

One of the best this world could hold, never selfish, always kind.

Deep are the memories precious they stay, no passing of time can take them away. A silent thought, a quiet prayer for a special person in God’s care. Will those who think of him today a little prayer to Jesus say.

Loved and always remembered by your sons Noel and Des, daughter Frances, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

the 19th of December 2022

Deep are the memories, precious they stay, no passing of time can take them away.

Love Marty and Leah xx ~~~~~~~~~~

No matter how life changes no matter what we do a special place within our hearts is always kept for you. Thinking of you today and always.

Love Mam, Pat and Marie, Enda and Roseanne. xx

who died on 28th December 2017 (5th Anniversary)

Anniversary)

Will those who think of Malachy and Margaret today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

Always remembered, loved and never forgotten by all your family.

Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church on Sunday, 8th January at 10am.

CARTY Annie

Cloontuskert, Lanesboro.

Who passed away on December 22nd 2021 (1st Anniversary)

Margaret

O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. P.F.

PRAYER TO ST. ANNE (TO OBTAIN SOME SPECIAL FAVOUR)

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

Two tired eyes are sleeping two working hands are still, the one who worked so hard for us is resting at God’s will.

Sadly missed by her son Sean, Hilda and family.

Anniversary Mass in the Holy Rosary Church, Ballyleague on Saturday, December 31st at 7pm.

Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.

Dearly missed by Donnie, Vernon, Macrina, Coman and their families.

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present affair which I recommend to you under your special protection. Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. (Here ask for favor you wish to obtain.) Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face, and with You and Mary and all the saints, praising and blessing Him through all eternity. Amen. Good St. Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us and obtain our request. (Three times).M.C.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Treasured memories of our dear parents, Paddy and Elizabeth and our

Mary and niece Michelle who have gone to their eternal home in Heaven.

Time slips by and life goes on, but from our hearts you’re never gone. We think about you always, we talk about you too, we have so many memories, but we wish we still had ye.

We also remember John Colfer, deceased of the Carroll, Quigley and Leonard families.

Loved and remembered always by your family. xxxxx

NOVENA TO ST. EXPEDITE

For urgent need...

Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed.

I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favours.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow.

M.C.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy on Saturday, 31st December 2022 at 7pm.

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

In loving memory of Caitríona Dolan whose anniversary occurs on

Malachy

Margaret who died on 4th February 2018 (5th

LEONARD

Patrick and Elizabeth Bracklin, Donamon, Co. Roscommon

sister

( Patrick 39th Anniversary) 11th September 1983

(Elizabeth 14th Anniversary) 24th December 2008

Mary Leonard Moody (6th Anniversary) 19th August 2016

Michelle Moody (24th Anniversary) 14th August 1998

POSITION: TELLER

CONTRACT: Permanent

Is now inviting applications for the position of Finance Manager

REPORTING TO: CEO/Supervisor

This role will be based in our Ballaghaderreen and/or Roscommon branches

Roscommon Credit Union Limited is a growing community-based credit union with €55m in Assets and serving 15,000 members across our four branches. In anticipation of further growth and development, Roscommon Credit Union Limited is looking to fill this position, based in our Roscommon Office. Reporting to the CEO, the Finance Manager will be a key member of the Management Team and will be responsible for the financial management of the Credit Union. We are seeking a forward thinking, self-motivated individual to join our team and take on this challenging role.

ARE HIRING

ARE HIRING.

We are a structural waterproofing company based in Roscommon specializing, D.P.C chemical injection, concrete crack injection, epoxy floor finishes in underground and overground structures. We service Leinster and Connacht mainly. Due to continued expansion, we are recruiting for fulltime and part time positions. The role is the preparation and application of waterproofing systems. Experience not necessary, on the job training provided.

We are a structural waterproofing company based in Roscommon specialising, D.P.C chemical injection, concrete crack injection, epoxy floor finishes in underground and overground structures. We service Leinster and Connacht mainly. Due to continued expansion, we are recruiting for fulltime and part time positions. The role is the preparation and application of waterproofing systems. Experience not necessary, on the job training provided.

Knowledge, Skills, and or Abilities Required

The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out a range of operational and administrative duties that will contribute to the effective running of the day-to-day operations of the credit union.

Key areas of responsibility will be:

Finance and Investments

• All books of account are maintained in a timely and accurate fashion.

• To prepare timely and comprehensive financial reports for the Board’s monthly meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure fully documented financial control procedures are maintained.

• All regulatory returns are filed within the appropriate timeframes.

• To provide a quality service to members at the counter to enable them to make lodgements, withdrawals, loan issues and repayments

• Assist the Investment Committee in the management of the Investment Portfolio.

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements regarding investments.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the departmental accounting systems, policies, and procedures.

• Liaise with external stakeholders.

• Process direct debits. Standing orders, EFT’s and amend mandates

Management Team

• Work as part of the management team to develop the credit union further.

• Accurately and diligently handle cash, reconcile balances and account for any inconsistencies

• Participate in credit union policy review process, where appropriate.

• Contribute to the preparation of the annual business plan.

• Through training, develop excellence in dealing with member queries to the highest levels of service across diverse areas such as advising of credit union products, services & complaints etc.

The successful candidate will have a recognised professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA, CGMA), current membership of a professional accounting body in Ireland or more relevant post-qualification experience in practice or industry. They should also have experience preparing financial/management accounts and knowledge and experience of investments.

• Ensure compliance with existing and systems & controls, and policies & procedures.

• Complete other duties as required by management

The position will require a high level of computer literacy along with excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work on own initiative to deliver agreed targets within set timeframes and excellent analytical and data interrogation abilities.

• Undertake relevant training as deemed necessary The successful candidate must have the following attributes, experience and qualification:

Although not essential, experience in the financial services industry would be an advantage as would a relevant third level degree. A clear understanding of the ethos and operating principles of credit unions is desirable.

Remuneration will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.

Please forward Cover Letter and CV in confidence with reference FM2023, by email, to ceo@roscommoncu.ie to arrive on or before 13th January 2023.

Please contact info@roscommoncu.ie for a copy of our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

Roscommon Credit Union Limited is an equal opportunities employer.

● Self-motivated and ability to work in a fast-moving environment

● Positive Can-do attitude

Knowledge, Skills, and or Abilities Required l Self-motivated and ability to work in a fast-moving environment

● Safe Pass & Manual Handling

Positive Can-do attitude

● Clean Driver’s license desirable but not essential

Benefits

Safe Pass & Manual Handling l Clean Driver’s license desirable but not essential

● Attractive package for the right Candidate

● Full on the Job Training & Support

● Fun Working Environment

● Flexible Working Conditions What you need to do now,

Benefits l Attractive package for the right Candidate

Full on the Job Training & Support

Fun Working Environment

● E-mail you CV to hollywellconstruction@gmail.com or call 0035386 6070023 for more information

Flexible Working Conditions

What you need to do now, l E-mail your CV to: hollywellconstruction@gmail.com or call 00 353 86 607 0023 for more information

Hollywell Construction Limited, Hollywell, Derrane, Roscommon Co. Roscommon. Tel: +353 (0)90 6664021

Ballinagare Health & Leisure Centre Ltd invites

VAT NUMBER: IE34810450H COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER:

INSTRUCTOR

Flexible attitude towards working 39hours per week (Full time) or 19.5hours per week (part time). (Monday to Sundays, earlies, lates this can be subject to change at managers discretion.) Carry out fitness assessments and create fitness programmes Conducting a variety of fitness classes including Spin, Suspension Training, Kettlebells, HIIT training and Circuit training.

Always Ensuring the highest level of customer service to all club members.

Cleaning and maintenance of gym equipment and facility.

Assisting Manager organise events i.e. children activity camps, fundraisers etc.

Essential requirements:

Gym Instructor Qualification ITEC, NCEF, NCEHS, ASSM. Or equivalent.

Fitness Class qualifications and experience in teaching a wide range of fitness classes.

Desirable qualification in Nutrition for weight loss plans, sports performance food plans.

Applicants need to be on social welfare Payments to qualify for this position.

All Applications are welcome, please be available to start in January 2023.

For further information call us on 094 98 70777

applications for Full-Time Position (Temporary) & Part-Time Position (Temporary) GYM

Sports PEOPLE

10 sporting highlights of 2022

From Lisa to Messi – and Lowry to Lavin –SEAMUS DUKE takes a look back over the past year and selects 10 sporting highlights of 2022…

Strokestown surge

In the Roscommon SFC, surprise winners Strokestown had begun to blossom after a so-so group showing. With young guns Colm Neary and Shane McGinley leading the way, they beat Oran in the quarter-final, and then surprised Roscommon Gaels in the semi-final.

With the final against Boyle heading for extra-time, sub Tony Lavin wrote his name

into the history books when he scored the winning point in the dying seconds to give Strokestown their first senior title since 2002. The long wait for Boyle goes on after what was a memorable championship.

Lisa boxes clever

When Aoife O’Rourke won the European title in 2019 and went on to represent Ireland at the 2020 Olympic Games, it was one of the greatest sporting feats that we had seen in the county for many years. Her younger sister Lisa was to create her own headlines in 2022 by lifting a sensational world title, following in the footsteps of Kellie Harrington and Katie Taylor. With the next Olympics in mind, the future for Lisa and Aoife (who added another European Gold to her collection this year) is brighter than ever.

Penalty thriller

The 2022 All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Armagh and Galway will be remembered for many years. After a late, great Armagh comeback – they were six points and one man down heading into the final minutes –the game went to extra-time, after which they were still level: Galway 2-21 Armagh 1-18. For the first time in history an All-Ireland semi-final was to be decided by penalties, Matthew Tierney scoring the decisive spot-kick. A tough way to lose, but a truly breathtaking day at Croke Park.

Munster marvels

When hurling is played at its best, there is no better spectacle in any sport. In the 2022 Munster senior final, Limerick and Clare served up one of the greatest games in living memory. Limerick were hot favourites to win another title but Clare didn’t read that script, and with the brilliant Tony Kelly in devastating form, they were always within a point or two. Limerick were just about the deserved winners on a 1-29 to 0-29 scoreline. A memorable classic.

Queen of Cheltenham

County Tipperary’s Rachael Blackmore not only became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, she also won six times at the festival to become the first female to win the leading jockey award.

In 2021 Rachael rode Minella Times to win the Grand National, becoming the first female ever to win the most famous chase in the world. At Cheltenham 2022, Ra-

chael steered Honeysuckle to win her second Champion Hurdle in a row, and then went on to partner A Plus Tard to win the Gold Cup. Four more wins saw her name written into the history books.

Taylor a tonic

It was another astounding year for Katie Taylor. The Bray woman is now up there with our greatest ever sports stars. She defended her world title twice this year and came through both tests with flying colours. So what lies ahead for Katie in 2023? Will that big fight in Croke Park happen?

It would be a great way to go out for a superstar of Irish sport and the leading female boxer in the world.

Lowry on course

Shane Lowry hadn’t won a big title since winning the British Open in 2019 at Portrush. One of Shane’s favourite tournaments is the BMW Championship at Wentworth. His record there is excellent, with several top ten and top five finishes.

This year torrential rain meant there was no play at all on the Friday, with the tournament fought out over three rounds. The Clara man shot 66, 68 and a brilliant closing round of 65 to win by a shot from Rory McIlroy and John Rahm.

Messi’s moment

It shouldn’t have been played in Qatar in the first place, but the World Cup proved to be a super tournament, culminating in the greatest final in the competition’s history.

There were lots of shocks as countries like Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Morocco and many

more tasted glory on the biggest stage of all. Morocco in particular were outstanding as they became the first African country to reach the semi-finals.

The final capped it all off beautifully. We saw the changing of the guard as the young prince (Mbappé) – who is certain to assume the mantle of the world’s best player – shared the spotlight with Lionel Messi, who is now surely confirmed as the greatest player we have seen in this or any other era. They say that fairytales don’t come true, but when Messi lifted that trophy into the night sky on Sunday last, it capped a truly spectacular career. We have been privileged to have seen him.

Daire delivers

The 25-year-old Mote Park man produced one of the sporting performances of the year when winning the Ras Tailteann in June.

Riding for the All Human/Velo

Revolution team, Daire produced a brilliant display of tactical cycling to sweep to the title by 51 seconds. Even though Daire did not actually win any of the five stages, he was always up with the leaders and the team did a marvellous job to bring him home as the winner. Great celebrations followed in Roscommon.

Rocket still firing

Ronnie O’Sullivan is probably the greatest snooker player ever. This year he equalled Steve Davis’s record of 30 Crucible appearances. O’Sullivan reached a record 20th quarter-final and a record 13th semi-final before defeating Judd Trump 18-13 in the final to equal Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world titles. Aged 46 years and 148 days, he became the oldest world champion in the sport’s history. A true legend of snooker, it is always a pleasure to watch O’Sullivan in full flow.

Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup following Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout win over France in Qatar last Sunday night.

Strokestown bridged a 20-year gap to claim the Roscommon Senior Football Championship in October. Joint captains Diarmuid McGann (left) and David Neary are pictured raising the Fahey Cup following their 0-11 to 0-10 victory over Boyle at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon cyclist Daire Feeley celebrates after winning An Rás Tailteann in June. The 25-yearold Mote Park man produced a scintillating performance for the All Human/Velo Revolution team. Pic: Lorraine O’Sullivan

Lisa O’Rourke pictured celebrating winning gold following her victory over Alcinda Helena PanguanaI in the light middleweight final at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Turkey in May. Pic: Aleksandar Djorovic, INPHO

Horses for Courses

There are four days to go and the start of the Christmas Festivals.

tional Boxing Day meeting in Down Royal on Sunday. Cross channel the traditional King George VI meeting takes place at Kempton.

On St. Stephen’s Day at Leopardstown the feature is the Grade 1 Racing Post App Novice Chase backed up with the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile hurdle, first race at 12 pm.

On Tuesday, Paddy Power Day, there are two Grade 1 contests, the Rewards Club Chase, and the Future Champions Novice Hurdle with the Grade B Handicap Chase worth €200,000. Wednesday’s card again has two Grade 1 races The Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle and the Savill’s Chase.

Thursday features two more Grade 1s in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase and the Matheson Hurdle backed up with the Grade 3 Irish EBF Mares Hurdle.

In Limerick there is also a four-day racing festival starting at 12.25 pm with the St. Stephen’s Day feature the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase and Tuesday sees the Grade 2 Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle. The Grade B Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase forms the centre of Wednesday’s card backed up with the Grade 2 Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase. The Grade 2 Coolmore Sires Kew Gardens Hurdle is the feature on Thursday, the final day of the festival.

The feature of the Down Royal on Boxing Day is the

12.13 pm.

At Kempton, the Grade 1 King George VI Chase has two more Grade 1 races on the card, the Kauto Star Novice Chase, and the Christmas Hurdle.

There is racing from Leop- ardstown on RTÉ St. Stephen’s Day, and it continues Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Terrestrial TV on Monday with ITV and Virgin Media 1 covering six races with five from Kempton including four Grade 1 races and one from Weatherby.

In the Grade 1 Novice Chase at Leopardstown, nine are set to run, four trained by Gordon Elliott, two by WP Mullins and one each by Joseph O’Brien, Noel Meade, and Peter Fahey. Elliott has the ante post favourite in Fil Dor and it will take beating, the best of the Mullins pair is San Roi but take Elliott to have a 1, 2 with Hollow Games.

There are nine left in the Kempton feature with only one from Ireland, Henry de Bromhead’s Envoi Allen. The home team include Braveman’s Game, L’Homme Presse, and Hitman in a topclass field which should provide a classic. Byrony Frost returns with the Paul Nichols trained Frodon. No Irish challengers among the nine taking on Constitution Hill at 1/5 in the Christmas Hurdle

Review of the Week

The weather continued to cause problems last weekend

with Friday’s meetings at Ascot and Uttoxeter both abandoned early last week and on Thursday morning both Newcastle and Haydock Saturday meetings both followed suit. In Ireland, on Friday morning, Fairyhouse was abandoned and rescheduled for yesterday (Tuesday). Cross channel even the all-weather tracks fell foul of Jack Frost with Kempton abandoned after two races on Friday evening along with both cards at Lingfield and Chelmsford on Saturday following early morning inspections.

On Sunday, Fakenham and Navan were lost but Thurles went ahead. On Monday Lingfield and Musselburgh both fell to the weather. Thankfully, there was a complete schedule of racing on Tuesday.

On Monday, racing resumed and in Punchestown Mullins and Townend produced Galopin Des Champ to easily account for Fakir D’oudairies by 13l giving a display of jumping in the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial. Next stop probably Prestbury Park for the Gold Cup. In the Beginners’ Chase the pair completed a double with Appreciate It which is also probably Cheltenham bound.

Racing News

The Coral Welsh Grand National will take place at Chepstow on Tuesday (December 27th) with a welcome return of crowds. It was held behind closed doors for the last two years due to Covid-19.

Jockey Frankie Dettori has announced that he is retiring at the end of next season. Famous for his flying dismounts, the likable Italian is one of the

most recognisable characters in the game he will start his farewell tour in America on December 26th in Santa Anita. Three-times British champion jockey Dettori was 52 this day last week.

On Sunday at Thurles, after riding a winner, Liberty Dance, for Gordon Elliott, Corkonian Davy Russell announced he is retiring on a winning note. Probably best known for his association with Tiger Roll and two Grand National wins at Aintree along with an

Irish Champion Hurdle on Solwith, a Gold Cup on Lord Windermere and a Ryanair Chase on Banko De Flos.

In 2020, his mount, Doctor Duffy, fell in the Munster National at Limerick and he sustained a serious neck injury including fractured and dislocated vertebrae. Most people thought that he would retire after that but he came back to ride more winners. He rode his first winner in the fields, pointto-pointing, on Spanish Castle at Tallow in 1999, and 1,712

New Year’s Day 5K Run

Buccaneers RFC is holding a 5K Run on New Year’s Day to raise funds equally for their Youths teams and for St. Hilda’s Services. You can kick out the festive cobwebs in aid of these worthy causes by running, jogging or walking on the day. Entry is €10 or only €20 for a family. Registration takes place in the Lower Deck at The Bounty from 11 am on January 1st with the run commencing at 12 midday. All welcome to participate.

Calendar now on sale

Buccaneers 2023 Calendar is now on sale and, costing just €10, would make an ideal stocking filler or souvenir at Christmas. This full colour calendar features all

teams from Minis, Youths and Girls all the way up to the Senior team so virtually every player in the club is included. All team mentors should have allocations to sell by now, or calendars can be purchased by calling in to our Administrator Geraldine at The Bounty during office hours.

The Brothers Murray!

Congratulations to the Murray brothers, Niall and Darragh, from Lisbrock on playing together in Connacht’s European Challenge Cup 31-24 victory over Brive on Friday night.

It was Darragh’s first start for the province. Connacht were cruising 28-3 at the hour mark before the French club scored three late tries in quick succession but the westerners held on for a deserved victory, to main-

tain their winning start in the pool. Eight Buccaneers players featured against Brive including Shane Delahunt who scored a try set up by the brothers Murray!

Buccs home to Queens in AllIreland

Buccaneers’ first match of the New Year pits them against Queen’s University in the All-Ireland semi-final of the Bateman Cup on the first Saturday of January. The Students will be more than eager to put the disappointment of their Division 2A play-off decider loss to the Pirates behind them so the Athlone side can expect a searching test from the College outfit. But Buccs will be equally keen to make home advantage at Dubarry Park pay on January 7th when the action kicks off at 2.30 pm.

by Tom Red

in all. Best wishes to Davy, his wife Edel and their five children for the future, whatever it will bring.

Point-to-Point News

No racing until the end of the year with a meeting fixed for Dromahane in Co. Cork on December 30th.

All that is left to do is wish all readers a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Happy punting everybody!

Short putts

Carrick

The Parent Club AGM took place last Sunday and the following officers were elected for 2023: President Oliver Curran; Men’s Captain and Club Chairman Brendan Boyle; Vice-Captain Paul Reid; Lady Captain Sheila Carney; Vice-Captain Ann Cox; Club Secretary Chris Lowe; Treasurer Mary Egan; House Secretary Philomena McWeeney; Course Secretary Anthony Noone; Junior Convenor Alan Ffrench; Membership Officers Patricia O’Hara and Philip Martin; PROs Dolores Mulvey and Oliver Curran; Committee members Deirdre McGettrick, Owen Gibney, Paul Kelleher, David McDermott, Nova Fariss, Attracta O’Connor, Monica Shannon, Siobhan Talbot, Frank Duffy, Keith Tighe, Marc McDermott, Tom McGuinness, Albert Hogg, Paddy Murray, Pat King, Jessie Doherty, and Tommie Kenoy. The club would like to wish all its members and families a very happy Christmas and a happy New Year.

Niall and Darragh Murphy pictured following Connacht’s win over Brive at the Sporstground last weekend.

Connolly Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle with the Irish EBF also backing the Beginners Chase. Racing starts at

Davy Russell with Liberty Dance, his wife Edel and children Lily, Tess, Liam, Finn, and Jaimee.

(News from local golf clubs)