23 February 2024 Roscommon People by RossiePeople

The BIGGEST readership of ANY Roscommon newspaper! Readership is now 80,000 people every week!

www.roscommonpeople.ie ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie news@roscommonpeople.ie sport@roscommonpeople.ie

Tel. (090) 66 34633

Flood update SEE INSIDE

23 February 2024

The Local Paper iles and athrooms Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

SALE NOW ON

VOLUME: 874

Gardaí swoop on gang, seize cocaine and cash < PAUL HEALY

Wall Tiles from €9.95 per sq. yd.

PARTS & SERVICE

Season's Greetings from

J Keane & Sons LanesboroSt, St.,Roscommon Roscommon Lansboro T.:090 09066 66 26316 26315 T: vwjk.ie

Gardaí are continuing their investigations into a gang suspected of mixing and processing cocaine in a rural location in this region. A man appeared at Roscommon District Court on Wednesday in connection with a substantial seizure of cocaine, cash, cars and ammunition in Ballinlough the previous day. The searches, conducted by Gardaí from Roscommon Crime and Community Engagement Units and the Armed Support Unit, targeted an organised crime group operating in the general Roscommon area. On Tuesday, approximately €30,000 of suspected cocaine, €10,000 in cash and an Audi S4 and a Volkswagen Golf GTI were seized during the searches at a property in the Ballinlough area. It is under-

Depot: 090 663 46 45

• Jason McEvoy: 087 46 18845 8114 Depot: 090 663 • Joe McEvoy: 8115 Jason 087 188 8114 • 087 Joe 087188 188 8115

Kevin Ireland 087 221 6127 • Matt Devane 087 188 2288 • KevinorIreland: 087 221 6127 online at www.sweeneyoil.ie

• Matt Devane:

Commercial

Fuel Cards

087 188 2288

Lubricants

or online at www.sweeneyoil.ie

Never run out of oil again with our

NEW e best price thMonitor! or Oil F

Finn Electrical

on fuel

REVIVE ACTIVE

Goff Street, Roscommon

Tel. 090 66 25573 Get ready for the Spring Clean! Large selection of vacuum cleaners in stock

25% OFF

McGUINNESS Pharmacy

Main Street, Roscommon T. 090 66 26193 F. 090 66 28789

Athleague, Roscommon – 090 6663385 ROSCOMMON TOWN – 090 6634465

Do you need your domestic appliance repaired? If so contact us!

090 66 34465 tommiekelly.ie

Ecoblaze Hardwood Briquettes

stood that a small number of other properties in the area were also searched. Approximately six kilos of benzocaine (a suspected mixing agent for cocaine) was also seized in addition to a compressor for packaging and a small amount of 9mm ammunition. A man in his 20s who was arrested at the scene was detained at a Garda Station in

€ 7.99 Pack 12 (10kg)

County Roscommon under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. The man was later charged in connection with the haul and appeared before a sitting of Roscommon District Court on Wednesday. The seized drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis. Investigations are ongoing.

Eugene MURPHY

Circular Road, Roscommon town Tel. 090 6626172

drive with Finishing Touches Contact Frances on 087 6500931 PERSONAL INJURY

on L'Occitane and receive your FREE Shea gift

Roscommon Driving School

Please ring the Constituency Office in advance to make an appointment, tel: 090 66 28479 or email michael.fitzmaurice @oireachtas.ie

Michael Fitzmaurice TD

Mob.: 086

1914565

Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie

Open 9.30 - 6.00 pm

The Square, Roscommon

Tel.: 090 6626270 or 087 6500931

New range of ready mad Curtains N O W I N S TO C K

PERSONAL INJURY e

Seanad Spokesperson CommunityAffairs Rural and the Islands Clinics available at all times. Tel. 087 1668775 Email: eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

Wards

Photos from the scene of Tuesday’s raid on a property in Ballinlough where a substantial amount of cocaine, cash, cars and ammunition were seized. Pics: Garda Síochána North Western Region Facebook Page

PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL Learn toINJURY Frances’ Spend €45

Senator

For the best value on home heating oil and Agri fuels

TOMMIE KELLY ELECTRICAL

087 2295551

Contact

Hynes Pharmacy Castle Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 66 34147

Carolan Cunningham LLP Contact Byrne COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER Contact

CASEY’SByrne Carolan LLPSolicitors Byrne Cunningham Carolan Cunningham LLP CONTACT

Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors Solicitors All Personal Injury Matters: ByrneAll Carolan Cunningham LLP SOLICITORS Personal Injury Matters: Motor Accidents, Workplace Accidents, All Personal Injury Matters: Contact

ROSCOMMON

Solicitors

Motor Accidents, Workplace Accidents,

If youWorkplace have Garda received or Compensation Claims, Medical Accidents Motor Garda Accidents, Accidents, All Personal Injury Matters: Compensation Claims, Medical Accidents areMotor concerned that you are Accidents, Workplace Accidents, Garda Compensation Medical Accidents Proudly going Claims, to be affected by a serving the people

Kerosene 30 the people 30 Proudly serving 104.9c per litre years Compulsory Purchase Order Athlone for 30 years of Athlone for 30of years Proudly 30 serving the people 30 Green Diesel years of30AthloneProudly for 30 years serving our090 clients 090 647 8433 647 8433 090 647 8433 www.bccsolicitors.ie 109.9c per litre 090www.bccsolicitors.ie 647 8433 www.bccsolicitors.ie Garda Compensation Claims, Medical Accidents years

years

(Prices correct at time of print)

Proudly serving the people of Athlone for 30 years

*In *In contentious contentious business, business, aa solicitor solicitor may may not not calculate calculate fees fees or or other other charges as as aa percentage percentage or or proportion proportion of of any any award award or or settlement settlement charges

*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other www.bccsolicitors.ie charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement *In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople With over 30 years’ experience, Aengus Oates Financial Services provides expert financial advice and bespoke financial solutions to our highly valued clients

Aengus Oates Financial Services Plan your future today

e l p o e WATCHING P With PAUL HEALY

Tel. (090) 6627878. Mobile (086) 2573358

info@oates.ie • www.oatesfinancialservices.ie

For a confidential chat, ring Aengus on (086) 2573358

It’s quite simple! We’ll organise an anti-protest march protest march! All I said in the pub the other night was… there are too many protests these days! Oh, that conversation! You wouldn’t let it go! I said everyone has a right to protest, but that there are far too many of them! Yeah, well, people disagreed with you! I’m used to that!

AT H L O N E Ι M O AT E L A N E S B O R O U G H Ι G A LWAY In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate DOLORES*GACQUIN – SOLICITOR fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of Tel: 090 6478433 • info@bccsolicitors.ie any award or settlement

WILLS

090 647 8433

www.bccsolicitors.ie

I am a widower with three adult children. I own a large farm and I have a small amount of cash assets. My youngest child has shown an interest in farming and I would like to leave my farm to him. I do not want to go to the trouble of making a will as all of my children are aware of my wishes. What happens if I do not make a will? If you die without having made a will, you are said to have died intestate and your property will be divided in accordance with the rules of intestacy as set out in the Succession Act, 1965. In your situation, your next of kin are your three children and your estate will be divided equally among them. To ensure an equal distribution of your estate, your main asset, namely your farm, may have to be sold so that each child receives their share. In the alternative, your three children may be registered as equal owners of the land. Whilst your two older children may be aware of your wishes to leave your farm to your youngest child there is no obligation on them to give their share to him after your death. If your older children decide to give their share of your estate, which may be quite valuable, to your youngest child this may give rise to additional tax implications for all of your children. So as to avoid potential family disharmony and to ensure that your wishes are carried out it is essential that you make a will. You should immediately contact your Solicitor for advice.

(They pause to see if Cillian Murphy has won CYCLING ACCIDENT

any more awards since Sunday night; he hasn’t, at least not at time of going to press)

If you were involved in a cycling I blame thecontact French! accident

Quoi? Byrne Carolan Oh, I see what you did there… I blame the Cunningham Solicitors French for this culture of street protests! I must admit they get very worked up once or twice a year. Odd thing is, they’re very easygoing most of the year! Any time I was in rural France, I hardly ever saw anyone! Yeah, that’s ‘cos they’re inside their er, maisons, plotting protests!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

people just… relax?! YOU need to relax… about this! On the contrary, I’ve had a novel and clever idea… Now that IS novel! You having a clever idea! Hear me out! I think we should organise an anti-protest march…protest march!

Hello, pal… Ha! Not a single person turned up! Bigger fool me to go along with your silly idea… My friend, I will remind you this was an anti-protest march protest! The fact that nobody turned up means it was a HUGE SUCCESS! It’s called being ironic… I think! Oh dear… Oh dear, nothing! I have drawn attention to this matter in a very clever way! Augurs well for my political career! Now, I’m pretty sure I saw an RTE van coming up Main Street… I have some great soundbites ready for them….

☺

It’s been a GOOD week for… Irish actor Cillian Murphy, who won the BAFTA for Best Actor in London on Sunday night, for his role in Oppenheimer Castlerea Rose Festival, which won the ‘Best Irish Festival’ award at the LAMA All-Ireland Community Awards in Dublin on Saturday night St Dominic’s GAA Club, with their big LipSync fundraising project culminating in two great nights in the Hodson Bay Hotel, the entertainment matched by a massive fundraising success (congrats to all involved)

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Daniel Wiffen, who made history by becoming the first Irish swimmer to win a medal at the World Championships when he won gold in the 800m freestyle final in Doha on Thursday, before following up with gold in the 1500m freestyle final on Sunday

Byrne Carolan Cunningham

☹

SOLICITORS

It’s been a BAD week for…

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

LOCALLY OWNED AND IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY!

(They pause to post an invite on Facebook, having quickly decided to hold the march at lunchtime on Thursday) Lunchtime on Thursday

(They pause to check if there is any new RTE financial scandal since morning) It’s over the top… Huh? These street protests! People are out at every opportunity… we live in an age of neverending protests! It’s people power! Holding governments to account! Well it’s gone too far! Protests on the streets and online. Twitter pile-ons. Why can’t

We’ll hold it in Roscommon Town. It could get national publicity! Now where are my RTE contacts… A WHAT? An ANTI-PROTEST MARCH PROTEST MARCH! It’s quite simple! It’s quite a mouthful! All who are fed up with our angry, reactive society, and with the increase in protest marches, are invited to the Square! So this is… a protest march… against protest marches? YES!

RTE DG Kevin Bakhurst, as the national broadcaster’s financial scandal drags on PIC OF THE WEEK: Ouch! Thomas Greene and James Byrne in an aerial duel during the RDFL Premier League match between Ballaghaderreen and Moore United last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Republican Party frontrunner Donald Trump, with the former American President being fined 364 million dollars for fraudulently overstating his net worth

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

ADVERTORIAL

The Abbey Hotel – for all your business room hire, conferences, meetings and events requirements The four-star Abbey Hotel in Roscommon is the ideal choice when planning your next conference, meeting or event. At the Abbey Hotel, we offer seven dedicated conference suites, with a large ballroom which can accommodate up to 500 delegates in a variety of styles. These purpose-built, dedicated meeting spaces have an exceptional finish and are flexible to cater to your required business needs. The Abbey Hotel is a prime location in the heart of the Irish Midlands, just a 20-minute drive from the M6 motorway. We offer a large car park with complimentary parking, along with 51 recently refurbished bedrooms, ideal for any B&B needs. “Our central geographical location, only 50 minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock and 90 minutes from Dublin, makes us a very accessible location for business people travelling from all over Ireland. Our ballroom can facilitate large conferences, and with seven dedicated meeting rooms at your disposal we offer delegates a perfect setting for all their business needs”, explained Geraldine Grealy (Marketing & PR Manager at the Abbey Hotel). All our meeting rooms and suites are air-conditioned, wheelchair ac-

cessible and booking one for your event includes an experienced and dedicated event coordinator to assist you in planning your event, access to a naturally lit meeting space, complimentary wi-fi, complimentary equipment such as projectors, screens, and flipcharts, a wide range of catering and refreshment options. Our RAI team of award-winning chefs are on hand to provide a memo-

rable dining experience for your delegates. Our chefs are proud to use the best locally sourced ingredients to create menus for every type of business meeting or event. We offer a range of Conference Package Refreshment and Catering Options. Our award-winning terrace restaurant and bar are also available for group lunch and dinner bookings. Email events@abbeyhotel.ie or phone 090 6626240 to book now!

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY Style over substance! Like me, it sounds as if the BBC continuity announcer might be reaching the end of his tether with the annual pattern of ‘The Apprentice’. The man from the BBC delivered a nice sardonic line tonight as the credits rolled on the latest episode. First, let’s recap. Fools that we were, when the ‘The Apprentice’ started a number of years ago, we thought the contestants aiming to win the approval of Lord Sugar must be amongst the brightest of their generation; this new reality show would, we presumed, be a gripping showdown between the finest young entrepreneurs of our times. In actual fact, while some talent lurks therein, more often than not the contestants tend to be very naïve, and I can imagine employers across Great Britain and Ireland shaking their heads at some of the ineptitude on show. Of course I appreciate that the editing process has entertainment as its goal. The typical ‘Apprentice’ contestant is extremely stylishly dressed and impeccably groomed. The problems lie elsewhere. Very few of them appear to have any sense of their shortcomings. Quite the opposite. They are supremely self-confident, each contestant convinced they can channel their inner Elon Musk at the drop of a hat. Truly they are – if I may borrow the great Rex Harrison line – ‘legends in their own lunchtime’. Viewers see it differently. The contestants on ‘The Apprentice’ may be impossibly high on selfconfidence, but they are worryingly low on self-awareness (and common sense). One by one they fall (well, all bar the eventual winner), their egos dented in Lord Sugar’s boardroom, where home truths are told and sparks fly. Oh yes, back to that BBC continuity presenter tonight. A man after my own heart, he got his gentle dig in as the credits rolled, Lord Sugar having dismissed

another wilted wannabe. “If you think you could do better – and who wouldn’t – go online to BBC Take Part and submit an application…”

FRIDAY Top of Pop… I followed my own recommendation of last week and watched the Netflix documentary ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’, which looks back on the night over 40 superstars came together to record ‘We Are the World’. The footage from the recording studio is amazing. It’s well worth watching.

SATURDAY No joy in Croker It was the late Moss Keane who famously said of a very poor quality rugby game: “The first half was even; the second half was even worse”. When Dublin and Roscommon met in Croke Park today, there was nothing wrong with the quality of play, but one

could paraphrase Moss and say ‘the first half was even, the second half, sadly, wasn’t’. Ask any man, woman, or child – or any dog in the street – about Roscommon’s disallowed goal in the first half, and they would probably all deem it to have been a fair score. Unfortunately, the umpires/referee decided otherwise. Certainly our dog looked as dismayed as yours truly. Roscommon stuck with the All-Ireland champions during an entertaining first half. While our lads made some frustrating errors, they never lacked heart, and scored some superb points. Roscommon, gallant as they were, couldn’t stay with Dublin in the second half, the Dubs winning by seven. Enda Smith gave a performance befitting his All-Star status. We have no complaints – but we want to see umpires and refs mic-ed up!

SUNDAY Church chat… It is with regret that I must confirm that

the TIC Club is still going strong. This, of course, is the Talking In Church club. Reports of its demise have indeed been greatly exaggerated. It’s almost always men (small numbers, to be fair) who just cannot resist having a full-scale chat, or some intensive whispering at least. It’s always near the back of the church. To be fair, it’s not as common as it used to be, and most members of the TIC (Talking in Church) Club have the decency to stop once they’ve had a few minutes of verbal interaction. I suppose we should be thankful for small mercies. In the old days, when the traditional Midnight Mass at Christmas actually happened at midnight, we’d have been grateful if a bit of chatting and banter was all that went on at the back of the church. Back in the 1970s, you were relieved if the odd inebriated latecomer didn’t topple over, or inadvertently order another pint from the person standing next to them. But I digress. Today, two men ‘down the back’ were chatting away to their hearts’ content, admittedly prior to the arrival on the al-

tar of the priest. Loud as they were, unfortunately I couldn’t pick up what they were saying. They may have been going on about Putin, or Trump, or Dancing with the Stars itself. Church chat isn’t completely confined to men. Recently I was sitting a few pews from the back of the church and two old ladies were nattering away (again, prior to the priest arriving). My mild frustration turned to near-disbelief when one of the women began talking about her bottom false teeth. (I could say she raised her bottom false teeth, but I don’t want readers to confuse them with her top false teeth). In fairness, when the priest started on the Mass, the women finished on the teeth. I was having my own problems. It turned out to be one of those embarrassing Sundays which I will hereby officially (and awkwardly) term ‘NCOPAM Sunday’. That means ‘No Cash On Person At Mass’ Sunday. The morning the old ladies were nattering, I was removed from my smug comfort zone when the mid-Mass collection began. After some self-conscious shuffling in my pockets, I accepted my fate… passing the box on, without making any contribution, in full view of witnesses. I ruled out asking the nice old ladies for a fiver, for fear I might get chatting to them…

MONDAY Toys for boys Rory Coveney, the RTE man with most responsibility for Toy Show: The Musical, recently left the national broadcaster at the height of the ongoing scandal. His departure followed ‘talks’ with the DG, Kevin Bakhurst. Mr Coveney, despite the public outrage over RTEgate, received a ‘golden handshake’ of approximately €200k. Toy Show: The Musical lost an estimated €2.2m. One might ask what golden handshake Mr Coveney would have received had the show been a financial success…

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

THE SYSTEM 10 PLAN INCLUDES:

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

newsbriefs

Roscommon SPCA Church gate collections

The Roscommon branch of the SPCA charity will hold their annual Church gate collections at several local churches over the weekend of the 24th and 25th of February, 2024. Your support would be greatly appreciated. All donations collected will go directly to animal welfare in the county. In the parish of Aughrim and Kilmore, a collection will take place at St Brigid’s Church (Dangan, Kilmore) on Sunday, February 25th. In the parish of Kilglass and Rooskey, collections will take place in St Anne’s Church (Slatta) on Saturday, February 24th, and in the Church of The Sacred Heart (Kilglass) and Church of Our lady of Mount Carmel (Rooskey) on Sunday, February 25th.

Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club AGM

Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club held their AGM on Saturday night, February 17th, in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. After the club officers delivered their yearly reports, the following executive was elected for the coming year: John Lyons (Mount Pleasant, Strokestown) was elected President. John O’Connor (Tully, Strokestown) was elected Chairperson. John Farrell (Mount Pleasant, Strokestown) was elected Secretary. Bernie Kearney Jnr (Grange, Fourmilehouse) was elected Treasurer. Henry Owens (Lismehy, Strokestown) was elected PRO. Paul Gill (Corbohill, Strokestown) was elected Safety Officer. After various issues were discussed at the meeting, the club announced that later this year they will host a Harvest Day Festival. This is a new undertaking for the club and preparations for the occasion are in the very early stages. As matters develop, there will be announcements made in the local press and online as to the progress of the project. The annual membership fee of €30 is now due and it can be paid to any of the above officers. The club is inviting new members to join and anyone interested can also contact any member of the officer board or phone 086 3955130. Visit the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club Facebook page for more.

Roscommon Youth Mass is this Saturday

Roscommon parish’s Youth Mass will be celebrated at 7 pm on this Saturday, 24th of February 2024, in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. This Mass has been especially designed for young people, by young people, and everyone is invited to attend. The theme for our Mass is ‘SOCIAL JUSTICE’.

• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning. • Nutritional supplement recommendations to rapidly repair your system. • Private weigh-ins, motivational tips and support throughout the programme. • We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans). You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight off when you finish your plan. Programmes available for men and women.

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

Weekly Clinic EVERY THURSDAY WEEKLY CLINIC STARTING FROM THURSDAY, JANUARY 25THFlexiSpace, AT The Cube FlexiSpace, at The Cube

CL INI C AT EVE TH RY CA E HI WE RR VE D ICK ,

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

S RO

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

AY 1 IC D IN RS E, X6 CL THU UB 2 D C F4 Y E R HE N EV T T MO A M CO

THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT LOSS PLAN RETURNS TO ROSCOMMON LOSE UP TO 2 STONE IN 10 WEEKS

Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61 BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA: 086-3846302

Kerrane says ambulance service ‘quietly downgraded’ Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane, right, has told the Dáil that the “quiet downgrading” of the ambulance service for the people of Roscommon will not be tolerated. Raising the issue on the floor of the Dáil recently, Deputy Kerrane said, “For the last twelve years in Roscommon there has been an Advanced Paramedic on the Rapid Response Vehicle on a 24/7 basis. “This was committed to by Fine Gael and the HSE after they closed the Accident & Emergency Unit in 2011 to ensure Advanced Life Support was always provided, given the A&E was no longer there. A separate roster of Advanced Paramedics for the Rapid Response Vehicle was put in place and up until last year, it has been in place. “In 2015, Leo Varadkar re-stated that a rapid response vehicle crewed by an Advanced Paramedic providing 24/7 cover in Roscommon was one of the ‘significant improvements’ made in Roscommon because of the clo-

sure of the A&E. He went on to state his intention to drive further improvements to the ambulance service. “Instead, very quietly last May, it was decided that a Paramedic would fill a place on the Advanced Paramedic roster. This is not acceptable for the people of Roscommon”. The TD said that the National Ambulance Service had told her recently that Rapid Response Vehicles are resourced by both Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics, and that this isn’t unique to Roscommon and happens elsewhere nationally. “Now that misses the point,

which I have already outlined, not to mention the fact that for people living in Roscommon they are further away from an Emergency Department. “In the latest reply I have received from the HSE, they have gone a step further in telling me that essentially Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics are the same. That in recent years, Paramedics have been upskilled to be able to carry out duties similar to that of Advanced Paramedics. “Advanced Paramedics are the only staff in the ambulance service that can currently provide Advanced Life Support. “I want to be very clear, I am not in any way taking away from the role of a Paramedic, they are critical for our Ambulance Service. My point here is a commitment was made to the people of Roscommon and it has been broken. “I am asking that the roster of Advanced Paramedics be restored immediately and I will continue to pursue this until that happens”, Deputy Kerrane concluded.

Pictured is Anthony Hopkins (Solicitor), 18 Arm, Castlerea, Co Roscommon, who recently received his parchment from the Law Society of Ireland.

Repair works at Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant Uisce Éireann has confirmed that repair works have been completed at Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant after a number of homes and businesses across the region were impacted. On Saturday, the company said that they were working to restore normal water supply to homes and businesses served by the Lough Mask Public Water Supply Scheme following an electrical fault. As a result of the fault, water production at the treatment plant had been impacted and some customers experienced reduced water pressure

and/ or interruptions to their supply. In an update on Sunday, Uisce Éireann said that dedicated crews had worked tirelessly to ensure that the plant was operating as normal with supply returning to the following areas: Castlebar area including Breaffy, Turlough Road, Pontoon Road, Ballyheane; Belcarra, Balla, Mayo Abbey; Cong/ Kilmaine; Ballinrobe, Kilmaine Road; Ballinlough, County Roscommon; Williamstown, County Galway and all Group Water Schemes connected to the public main.

Mary Keenan of Kilmore village pictured with the certificate she received for her nomination in the Spirit Award Category during the Roscommon Volunteer Awards held in Kilronan Castle recently.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

Michael Ellis, Managing Director of Fresh Today (back) pictured with members of staff at the newlyopened Fresh Today supermarket in Roscommon Town.

The new Fresh Today supermarket which recently opened in Roscommon Town.

Award-winning family-owned Irish supermarket now open in Roscommon Gerry Ellis & Sons Fresh Today was originally set up by Arthur and Mary Ellis in 1889. They had a retail shop on Broad Road, Arvagh, Co Cavan. One of their sons, Michael, carried on the business over the years. The business, which recently arrived in Roscommon Town, took many forms until the late 1930s when Michael and his sons started collecting fowl and eggs with horses & carts from local farmers and exporting them to Liverpool. That continued until after World War II, when they started importing fruit and vegetables with the help of his sons PJ, Vincie, Gerry, Noel, and son-in-law Ned. This business started to grow, and in 1952 Michael bought a new Bedford lorry for £650.00. The following year, he purchased another Bedford lorry, this one for £725.00. The business continued in that form until 1975 when Michael’s son Gerry and his wife Kathleen set up the current business, calling it Gerry Ellis & Sons Ltd – with his sons Michael, Gerard and Brian and daughter Marion joining the business shortly afterwards. The company supplied supermarkets, shops, restaurants and hotels with quality fresh fruit and vegetables. Some of it was imported and some was sourced from Irish growers. The rest was purchased in the Dublin Markets. In 1989, the company opened its first Fresh Today shop in Cavan Town, selling fruit and vegetables. The wholesale business grew steadily until 2000, when the supermarkets decided to open their own Central Distribution Centres (CDC). Fresh Today could have tried to supply the CDC but we felt we were better to expand the retail side of the business. We then opened Fresh Today shops in Longford, Athboy, Ballymahon, Carrick-on-Shannon,

Dedicated colleagues Some of our colleagues have been with us from the beginning and without their help and support over the years it would be impossible to continue. Our Buying Director, Tomas McWeeney, has been with the company over 20 years after starting with us as a young man and going through school and college and returning to us again.

National recognition On November the 3rd 2023 we were delighted to take home the Gold at the Irish Family Business Awards in the Mansion House in Dublin. Meanwhile, we were runner-up at the National Grocery & Retail Awards which were held in Dublin on November the 10th 2023. Mullingar, Trim, Virginia, Oldcastle, Arvagh, Ballyjamesduff, Ballinamore, Coolaney, Cavan and Granard. The company is currently managed by directors Michael, Brian and Gerard. Michelle and Stephen Ellis, the fifth generation of the Ellis family, now work in the business also along with Tomas McWeeney and 240 staff members and a further 180 people indirectly in services and suppliers to the company. Personal service In 2023, we opened our 18th store, in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, and then our 19th store, in Roscommon, before Christmas 2023. We are now one of the last familyowned Irish supermarkets in the

country. It is our hope to continue expanding these grocery stores while hoping to compete with the large discounters and supermarkets, which has been very successful for us. Without our expansion into the discount and bulk household goods sector, the original fruit & veg stores would not be able to survive due to the below cost selling of the larger supermarkets and discounters, which in turn are putting our Irish growers and producers out of business. We pride ourselves on our personal service. We collect fresh fruit & veg every day and it is delivered to our shops the next morning. We look forward to seeing you in Fresh Today in Roscommon!

The new Fresh Today supermarket which recently opened in Roscommon Town.

Roscommon Retail Park Exclusive Offers

€5 €25 €5 €25

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

€5.99

OFF

€29.99

Roscommon Retail Park Exclusive Offers 6 for

10 Pack Koko Noodles

2 for

€5

25 Pack Chicken Fillets

79c

€5.99

Net Onions

10 Pack Pizza Koko Noodles Goodfella’s Range

2 x 5 Litre Water

€2.29

2 x 5 Litre Water

Dettol Range 1 Litre

€2.99

99c

€6.99

10kg Washed Roosters

€9.99

Large Red Apples Daz 58 Wash

€9.99

UIT&VEG

Dettol Range 1 Litre

Exclusive to Fresh Today Roscommon. See in store for details.

6 for

Net Onions

Goodfella’s Pizza Range

OFF

Large 25 Pack Chicken Fillets Red Apples

79c €9.99

€2.99

€2.29 €5

€6.99

99c

€29.99

2 for

Exclusive to Fresh Today Roscommon. See in store for details.

Daz 58 Wash

UIT&VEG

40 Pack Toilet Roll

€9.99

10kg Washed Roosters

40 Pack Toilet Roll

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

LETTING OF LANDS

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for inclusion on a panel for the following positions:

Tenders are invited for letting of lands, as detailed in the schedule below, for grazing for the EIGHT month period commencing 1st April 2024. The highest or any offer shall not necessarily be accepted. The persons whose offers are accepted will be required to enter into an agreement with Roscommon County Council, and such persons shall be responsible for fencing work that may be required during the letting period.

RETAINED FIRE-FIGHTER (Part-Time)

Horses/ponies/donkeys will not be permitted on Council lands. If required, the Council may terminate any letting on one week’s notice with adjustment of rent. The Tender must be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked “Letting of Lands” and delivered either by hand or by post to Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon F42 VR98 no later than 4.00 p.m. on Monday 11th March 2024. Certificates regarding disease free herd must be enclosed with the Tender.

Approximate Acreage

Ballinagard, Roscommon

Ballyboughan, Roscommon

Ballyboughan/Carrownabrickna

Ballyfinnegan, Ballintubber

6.5

Ballyforan

12.5

Carrowiskeehan, Kilglass

0.7

Carrowmore,Roscommon

Clegna, Cootehall

4.4

Clooninisclin, Ballinlough

3.6

Cloonmaan, Carrick-on-Shannon

Demesne, Castlerea

4.6

Derreenavoggy, Arigna

Drishaghaun East, Castleplunkett

Fairymount, Castlerea

1.56

Falledeen, Ballinlough

3.7

Kilcolman, Ballaghaderreen

3.5

Kilcolman, Ballaghaderreen

Lisnamult, Roscommon

4.65

Lugnamuddagh, Boyle

Monksland, Athlone

0.6

Portrunny

Stonepark, Roscommon Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services

Application form and candidate information booklet setting out full details in relation to this position are available by logging onto the Job Vacancies section on Roscommon County Council’s website at www.roscommoncoco.ie The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 14th March 2024 Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for inclusion on a panel for the positions of:

SCHEDULE OF LANDS Location of Land

Applicants must ordinarily reside and work within a 2.5 km radius of the Fire Station to which they are applying.

16.65

TEMPORARY PART-TIME SEASONAL CULTURAL ASSISTANT

KING HOUSE, BOYLE, CO ROSCOMMON AND DOUGLAS HYDE CENTRE, PORTAHARD, CO. ROSCOMMON Application form and candidate information booklet setting out full details in relation to this position are available by logging onto the Job Vacancies section on Roscommon County Council’s website at www.roscommoncoco.ie Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 14th March 2024 Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for inclusion on a panel for the positions of:

TEMPORARY PART-TIME EVENTS ASSISTANT ROSCOMMON ARTS CENTRE Application form and candidate information booklet setting out full details in relation to this position are available by logging onto the Job Vacancies section on Roscommon County Council’s website at www.roscommoncoco.ie Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 14th March 2024 Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

OPENING HOURS IN ÁRAS AN CHONTAE: MOTOR TAX OFFICE 9.30am to 1.00pm only Monday to Friday. ALL OTHER SERVICES are open 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 3.30pm Monday to Friday. PHONE SERVICES AVAILABLE from 9.30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Phone: (090) 6637100 Email: customerservices@roscommoncoco.ie

@RoscommonCountyCouncil @roscommoncoco

www.roscommoncoco.ie

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

ATHLEAGUE BINGO – NEXT BINGO – TUESDAY 27th Feb. at 8.30pm Eircode: F42 P440

Jackpot €3,200 (on 49 numbers)

The Rambling House

The Rambling House is a traditional place in Ireland, where locals entertained with stories, song and dance, long before modern technology came along. Please join us on

on Sunday, 25th February at 4pm in DEC’S BAR, Castleplunkett

on Sunday, 24th of March at 4pm DOHERTY’S RAILWAY BAR, Castlerea on Sunday, 7th of April at 4pm BIG APPLE FUNCTION ROOM, Ballyforan

newsbriefs AGM of Lecarrow Benevolent Fund

Cheque for €3,070 presented to local Hospice Ray Gannon of Gannon’s Poultry, Carrick-onShannon and Roscommon Farm Shop in Roscommon town, recently invited donations to MayoRoscommon Hospice on the occasion of his birthday party. A fantastic sum of €3,070 was raised. Noting that the 8-bed Hospice Unit in Roscommon town is now one year open, Ray commended all involved in Hospice on their great work. He also extended sincere thanks to everyone for their very generous contributions. Ray is pictured presenting the cheque to representatives of Roscommon-Mayo Hospice. Left to right: Mike Smith, Chairperson of Mayo Roscommon Hospice; Ray Gannon; Martina Jennings, CEO, Mayo Roscommon Hospice.

The AGM of Lecarrow Benevolent Fund will be held in Coffey’s, Lecarrow on Friday, 23rd of February at 8 pm. New members are required urgently to continue the good work of the Benevolent Fund.

‘A Night with the Miners’ reunion

A ‘Night with the Miners’ reunion event will take place in the Kilronan Castle Hotel on Wednesday, March 6th. Tickets are currently on sale locally. On the night, several former miners and some very special guests will be sharing their experiences of coal mining in Arigna. It promises to be a night of songs, stories, and memories which is not to be missed!

Roscommon Garden Club meeting

Roscommon Garden Club will hold its next meeting on Monday, 26th of February, 2024 at 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel. Guest speaker for the night is Conall O’Caoimh who will give a talk on the history of Ardan Garden. All welcome.

on Sunday, 21st of April at 4pm TAWNYTASKIN COMMUNITY CENTRE, Boyle on Sunday, 28th of April at 4pm KENNY’S FUNCTION ROOM, Ballintubber

For more information contact Anthony Waldron on 086 7866774 ALL WELCOME In partnerships with the following sponsor

Is proud to be the first law firm in Ireland to join the four-day working week

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Sponsored by Friends for Life 087 674 1862

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows. Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Valere and Pat Finneran; 2nd: Ann Kilduff and Celia Ansboro; Gross: Joan Donnellan and Mary McDermott. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Tresina Murphy and Larry Shine; 2nd: Mary and Pearse Mellett; Gross: Kitty Dowd and Celia Ansboro. St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: Mary Coyle and Mary Dermody; 2nd: Honor Lynn and Geraldine Relihan; Gross: Kitty Dowd and Celia Ansboro. Kilbride Bridge Club – 1st: Pauline Leonard and Margaret Mullen; 2nd: Eileen Dowling and Myra Farrell; 3rd: Bridie and Tom Moran.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT MEASURE OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

20th FEB

OPEN FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

29th FEB

INFORMATION WEBINAR 7pm

19th MAR

CLOSING DATE FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST APPLICATIONS

DEONTAIS ROS COMÁIN CRUTHAITHEACHA GLAONNA OSCAILTE 2024

Further information application available Tá Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin agand glacadh le hiarratais arforms mhaoiniú faoi Shraithat: Pobail an Chláir Éire Ildánach Deontais Ros Comáin Cruthaitheacha 2024 https://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/services/community/ •

• •

DEONTAIS ROS COMÁIN CRUTHAITHEACHA GLAONNA OSCAILTE 2024 Snáithe 1: Comhoibriú Pobail/Cruthaitheach

Roinnfear Deontais Ros Comáin Cruthaitheacha i 4 Shnáithe:

Tá Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin ag glacadh le hiarratais ar mhaoiniú faoi Shraith Pobail an Chláir

Snáithe 2:- Gníomhú son Cruthaitheacha na hAeráide2024 Cruthaitheach agus Comhoibriú Éire Ildánach Deontais Ros ar Comáin Oidhreachta • Roinnfear Deontais Ros Comáin Cruthaitheacha i 4 Shnáithe: • Snáithe 3: Sparánacht Chruthaitheach Aonair – Obair Nua • Snáithe 1: Comhoibriú Pobail/Cruthaitheach • Snáithe 4: Ócáidí Cultúrtha Tá Comhairle Ros agarglacadh hiarratais ar mhaoiniú faoi Pobail an Chláir Éire Ildánach • Contae Snáithe 2: Comáin Gníomhú son Lasmuigh na le hAeráide Cruthaitheach agusShraith Comhoibriú

DEONTAIS ROS COMÁIN CRUTHAITHEACHA GLAONNA OSCAILTE 2024

- Deontais RosOidhreachta Comáin Cruthaitheacha 2024 • iomlána Snáithe 3: Chruthaitheach Aonair – Obair Nua Tá sonraí anSparánacht chláir ar fáil ag: • Roinnfear Deontais Ros Comáin Cruthaitheacha i 4 Shnáithe: • Snáithe 4: Ócáidí Cultúrtha Lasmuigh http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Services/Community/Creative-Ireland/ • Snáithe 1: Comhoibriú Pobail/Cruthaitheach

Tá2: sonraí iomlánaaranson chláir fáil ag: Cruthaitheach agus Comhoibriú Oidhreachta • Snáithe Gníomhú naar hAeráide http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Services/Community/Creative-Ireland/

• Snáithe 3: Sparánacht Chruthaitheach Aonair – Obair Nua

Ní• Snáithe féidir iarratais a dhéanamh ach amháin trí Mo Sheirbhísí Ar Líne ar Shuíomh 4: Ócáidí Cultúrtha Lasmuigh Gréasáin Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin. Téigh chuig https://roscommonNí féidiran iarratais ach amháin trí Mo Sheirbhísí Ar Líne ar Shuíomh Tá sonraí iomlána chláir ara dhéanamh fáil ag: self.achieveservice.com/ chun clárú úsáideoir. gheobhaidh tú an fhoirm iarratais http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Services/Community/Creative-Ireland/ Gréasáin Chomhairle Contaemar Ros Comáin. TéighAnseo chuig https://roscommonar líne agus anclárú áis mar chun doiciméid self.achieveservice.com/ chun úsáideoir. Anseotacaíochta gheobhaidh atúuaslódáil. an fhoirm iarratais

ar líne agus an áis chun doiciméid tacaíochta a uaslódáil. Ní féidir iarratais a dhéanamh ach amháin trí Mo Sheirbhísí Ar Líne ar Shuíomh Gréasáin Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin. Téigh chuig https://roscommon-self.achieveservice.com/ chun clárú mar úsáideoir. Is féidir gach a dhéanamh creativeireland@roscommoncoco.ie Is féidirfiosrúchán gach fiosrúchán a dhéanamhchuig chuig creativeireland@roscommoncoco.ie Anseo gheobhaidh tú an fhoirm iarratais ar líne agus an áis chun doiciméid tacaíochta a uaslódáil. ú Is é an dáta deiridh foirmeachaiarratais iarratais comhlánaithe a fháilaná 5pm, Márta 1 2024. Is é an dáta deiridh chunchun foirmeacha comhlánaithe fháil ná1ú5pm, Márta 2024. dhéanfar iarrataisadhéanacha a phróiseáil. Is féidirNígach fiosrúchán dhéanamh chuig creativeireland@roscommoncoco.ie

Ní dhéanfar iarratais dhéanacha a phróiseáil.

Is é an dáta deiridh chun foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe a fháil ná 5pm, 1ú Márta 2024. Rhonaiarratais McGrath,dhéanacha Oifigeach Ealaíon Ní dhéanfar a phróiseáil. Rhona McGrath, Oifigeach Ealaíon Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin Rhona McGrath, Oifigeach Ealaíon, Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin

Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin

SCÉIM MAOINITHE CEANTAR BARDASACH 2024 Tá iarratais á lorg ag Ceantair Bhardasacha Bhaile Átha Luain, Mhainistir na Búille agus Ros Comáin ó iarratasóirí ar mian leo leas a bhaint as an maoiniú thuas faoi réir téarmaí agus coinníollacha. Tá an maoiniú ar fáil faoi na ceannteidil seo a leanas: • Dearóiliú • Bonneagar • Forbairt Eacnamaíochta agus Pobail • Turasóireacht Tá tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ar www.roscommoncoco.ie Ba chóir iarrtais a chur isteach trí Mo Sheirbhísí Ar Líne ag: https://roscommon-self.achieveservice.com Sula dtosaíonn tú beidh ort clárú le haghaidh Mo Sheirbhísí Ar Líne ag www.roscommoncoco.ie nó Logáil isteach (má chláraítear cheana) Is é an dáta deiridh chun iarratais ar líne comhlánaithe a fháil Dé Máirt, 27ú Feabhra, 2024 ag 4pm Ní bhreithneofar iarratais ar líne neamhiomlána nó iarratais dhéanacha ar líne Greg O’Donnell, A/Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí

@RoscommonCountyCouncil @roscommoncoco

www.roscommoncoco.ie

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

START SOWING Find all you need to grow your own healthy and tasty crops

Over €21m for Roscommon roads Over €21 million in funding has been approved for improving and maintaining roads in County Roscommon. The funding has been welcomed by Senator Eugene Murphy, who said the allocation is part of a significant investment package of €658m nationwide aimed at restoring the network. This funding, he said, is essential for maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country. Senator Murphy said, “This investment will allow us to repair, strengthen and maintain our roads across the region, ensuring they are fit for purpose. “We are dedicating resources towards initiatives

such as road repair, bridge rehabilitation, road safety measures, community engagement, drainage improvements, and climate change adaptation. “Maintaining and improving our road network is crucial to sustaining and developing our local economies across rural Ireland. These roads are imperative for children getting to school and people getting to work safely”. Senator Murphy emphasised the importance of this investment for rural regeneration and concluded by saying that a key priority for Fianna Fáil in Government continues to be the protection and renewal of the existing regional and local road network.

QUA

NOW!

Seed Potatoes, Onion Sets & Vegetable Seeds

LITY

ALL IN STOCK

• VA L U E • C H O I C E • A DV

Ardcarne We’re here to help

www.ardcarne.ie

Garden Centre

ICE

ARDCARNE GARDEN CAFÉ (Boyle branch) Open 7 days

At two great locations: Ardcarne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 071 966 7091 Lanesboro Rd., Roscommon Town Tel: 090 662 7700 Open Monday to Saturday 9-6pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 12-6pm

Ewe with Lamb Range Buy 10

Get 1

FREE €15/t OFF In Bulk Nutrias Excel Ewe with Lamb 19% - 25kg

Nutrias Ewe with Lamb Crunch 19% - 25kg

“I have been using Nutrias Excel Ewe with Lamb for the last 4 years. It consistently delivers high quality colostrum for the lamb, ewes hold body condition and lambs are lively at birth.” Dwayne Shiels, Co. Donegal 2023 FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Available at your local Homeland store Contact your local Homeland Store, Farm Commercial Specialist or Nutrias Animal Feeds for more information For bulk orders contact: 094 9860234 E: nutrias@aurivo.ie Visit: www.nutrias.ie nutrias

View our Sheep Feed Range www.nutrias.ie

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

FRANK BRANDON A lament: The joylessness of top-level Gaelic football FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

As he laments the state of modern-day Gaelic football, Frank recalls the days of ‘long chats with the corner-back while the ball was up the other end’; Frank celebrates the reunion of Paul McCartney and his long-lost guitar; Muses on some ‘heart research’ findings… and Daniel Wiffin ‘makes waves’…. It’s Sunday afternoon as I write, and for more than half an hour I find myself wondering yet again what has happened to Gaelic football. My own

Heart to heart…

county, Galway, are playing Tyrone in the National Football League – and if there is a better cure for insomnia out there I don’t know what it is. Two sides – with huge backroom teams including psychiatrists, nutritionists, statisticians, physios, doctors, physical trainers, and coaches of every kind from goalkeeping to kicking – are hell-bent on making sure they don’t lose. Neither of them are hell-bent on winning. And so we have a never-ending series of backward and sideways passes. By half-time, I couldn’t wait to get to Creggs, where our local seconds rugby team will definitely go out to win their afternoon game against Ballina. As I ponder on the massive number of people involved with modern GAA county teams, and on the millions of euro it costs each year to prepare inter-county teams – which also includes Maor Uisces and Maor Foirnes – my mind went back to the 1970s,

For all of my 70-plus years, I have considered myself to be a reasonably happy type of fellow with more of a positive outlook than a negative one on life’s ups and downs, my glass more half full than half empty – particularly on a Saturday night. However, despite all that, on this Monday evening (as I write) I am faced with a bit of a quandary, because on today’s papers I read that ‘miserable people’ have greater chances of damaging their hearts than happy people do. As a man with multiple heart problems (see earlier piece about modern football), I wonder have I been a misery guts all these years and has my life been consumed with hidden worries? I don’t actually think so, but 36,309 hearts were scanned by a team from the Queen Mary University of London and the people who had ‘neuroticisms’ such as unstable moods, anxiety, irritability and sadness, had poorer-performing heart chambers, more scarring on heart muscles, and more hardening of the arteries. Funnily enough, all the recognised causes of heart disease like smoking and obesity didn’t affect the participants at all, so after all this time, maybe my early years of hard drinking and heavy smoking had nothing at all to do with my ‘later life’ health problems. That news makes me very happy, but maybe it’s too late for me as it could be that whatever the cause, the damage is already done. For all of you younger folk who are still in the whole of your health, the advice is cheer up, lighten your outlook, and go around with a smile on your face – and you may never have to visit a cardiologist! How easy is that?

when one of the most important jobs would have been that of Maor Tabac. Mikeen Roarke tells me of his job as a young lad for the local football team, which involved minding packets of cigarettes for the players so they could have a half-time smoke – as nearly every member of the team would be a smoker back then. As there would be Sweet Afton, Carroll’s, Gold Flake, Major, and Woodbine smokers (among others), it was a highly taxing and very responsible job for a young lad. God help him if he mixed up the packets, or worse still lost one! Back in those days, teams would get half an orange as well at half-time, and as the pall of smoke went up and lads chewed on the oranges, there was very little tactical talk during the break. As it happened, there was no need for tactical talk, as teams very simply went forward at all times, and there was no such thing as sweepers

or extra defenders. Everyone stayed in their positions. Many was the long and interesting chat I had with cornerbacks while the ball was up the other end of the field. Neither of us had any interest in going looking for the ball; from our point of view action would only resume as soon as the ball came back up to our end. Nowadays, corner-backs go forward at a hundred miles an hour and then when they get within shooting range of the opponents’ goal, they apply the brakes and play the ball all the way back to where they came from in the first place. I listen to managers explaining how important it is to win, and they outline how this is the modern game… and how that’s why they have to follow the same plan as everyone else. I sort of understand why results are so important. But I can’t come to terms with our superbly conditioned, talented inter-

county footballers being happy to play no-risk passes over and back across the field for minutes on end. I am an arthritic old-age pensioner, with two new hips, a number of heart stents and a pacemaker, among other things. And if I could still swing my leg (I haven’t tested it for a while), I think I could pass the ball to an unmarked teammate as well as anyone. Padraic Joyce take note! As I expected, the rugby game I attended afterwards was the complete opposite to the Galway-Tyrone match. Our lads played with the abandon and freedom of youth, scored some spectacular and outrageous tries, and you could feel how much the players were enjoying themselves. Of course both teams wanted to win, but maybe it’s the ‘win at all costs’ syndrome that’s the problem – wouldn’t it be nice if teams played sport just for the fun of it? I suppose it’s too much to ask.

And finally…

Paul McCartney (on right) and The Beatles perform ‘Twist and Shout’ live On The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964

Love Me Do… Paul reunited with his special guitar!

Way back in 1972, a van that was parked in Notting Hill in London was broken into and a bass guitar was stolen from it. Now there would be nothing more about this only for the fact that it was owned by one Paul McCartney and was used on some of the Beatles’ biggest hits, including Twist and Shout and She Loves You. Anyway, nothing else happened about it until 2018, when something called the Lost Bass Project was launched with the express aim of finding the guitar and reuniting it with the now 81-year-old billionaire. Hofner, the company that made the guitar, came on board, and after loads of media attention they received more than a hundred leads. One said the guitar was sold to a landlord in the Notting Hill area, and ended up in the attic of a ter-

raced house on the south coast of England. At some stage, the houseowner realised that they had the sought-after guitar and last year it was returned to an “incredibly grateful” McCartney. However it was only confirmed last week that he had it back, and according to one estimate, the guitar is now worth up to £10 million! There is no mention anywhere of how much, if anything, the ex-Beatle paid for its return, but I feel sure the words of his own song ‘We can work it out’ would have summed up whatever financial transaction might have taken place. Anyway, it’s a happy ending to a long, long wait for Macca to get his guitar back, and well done to everyone who helped to bring it about. More Beatles’ lyrics – ‘It’s been a hard day’s night’ – spring to mind.

As we basked in the reflected glory of the two gold medals which swimmer Daniel Wiffen won for Ireland in Doha, my mind went back to 1996 when Michelle Smith electrified the country by winning three golds and one silver medal in the Atlanta Olympics. I can clearly remember the unbelievable excitement as the Rathcoole woman won her medals, much to the annoyance of the Americans, who insinuated that she used performance-enhancing drugs to help her achieve such dominance in the water. Subsequently, Smith was banned for four years on a different charge (tampering with a sample), but allegations of doping in the Olympics were never proven and she remains our most decorated Olympian to this day. Sadly, there can be no doubt that the allegations damaged Smith’s reputation and she never returned to competitive swimming after her ban, instead carving out a career for herself as a barrister. As a nation, we don’t make many waves in the swimming pool, so let us all rejoice in Daniel Wiffin’s success and hope that he can bring more gold medals home in this year’s Olympics – wouldn’t that be something?!

for now ’Til next week, bye

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Plan for your Pension Free Information Session

New initiative from RosFM Tuesday 15th March94.6 2022 community Time: 7pm radio and Citizens Start Information Service

information and advice on the best steps to He further added “Navigating such services and Venue: with Ballyleague Community Hall, Ballyleague, Co. take as well as advocating on your behalf where schemes through Social Welfare, HSE entitleAll these services are provided confidentially and appropriate. ments, employment rights and housing can at free of charge. Daniel McDonald, Information Officer from times be very confusing. The CIS, as a trusted Roscommon, N39 AP21 the Citizens Information Service, will be joining source of information, can help you identify If you have any information topics you would

South Connacht Citizens Information Service (CIS) are delighted to announce a new information slot on RosFM 94.6 Community Radio with Adrianne Murphy on her weekly programme “Today with Adrianne Murphy”. Citizens Information Services provide a free and confidential information, advice and advocacy service to public. You can get information and advice on areas such as Social Welfare entitlements, Health, Family Matters, Housing, Employment Rights, Income Supports and much more. When you drop in or call to our centres you can speak confidentially with an Information Officer who can help with your query, by providing you

Adrianne Murphy on the last Monday of the month at 12.30pm to answer any of your queries in relation to all your civil and social rights and entitlements. Richard Regan, Development Manager, South Connacht Citizen Information Service (CIS), said “The CIS are very active in supporting local communities to access information, advice and to access services and schemes that exist to improve their quality of life.

Topics Covered:

 State Pensions Contributory and NonContributory.  What is my Contribution History and how do I protect it?  New Benefit Payment for the over 65s. Our drop-in services are open  onSavings and Means Testing If you have any questions your rights and entitlements, you can drop into your local Our drop-in services are open Citizens Information Service office to speak to an Information Officer at the times set out below. Pensions. If you have any questionsof on your rights and entitlements, you can drop into your local Citizens Information Service office to speak to an Information Officer at the times set out below.  Working in Retirement. Roscommon Citizens Centre, Unit 9, 1st Floor, Tower Block B, West Business Park, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, F42 TD 98. – Tel: 0818 07 6360

Roscommon Unit 9, 1stWednesday Floor, Tower BlockThursday B, West Business Park, Golf Links Monday Citizens Centre, Tuesday Friday Road, Roscommon, F42 TD 98. – Tel: 0818 07 6360 10am-12.30pm 10am-12.30pm 10am-12.30pm 10am-12.30pm 10am-12.30pm Monday 10am-12.30pm

2pm – 5pm Tuesday

Wednesday

2pm – 5pm Thursday

Friday

your options and empower you to make choices based on accurate, up to date and comprehensive information” In 2023 South Connacht Citizens Information Service: • 28,745 people used our service. • We dealt with 53,296 customer queries • Over 450 advocacy cases where the CIS represented our clients at Social Welfare appeals, HSE and Work Relation Commission appeals.

like discussed on “Today with Adrianne Murphy” please email rosfm.ie and address to Adrianne Murphy. The first CIS/RosFM 94.6 radio will take place on Monday 26th February at 12.30pm.

In the mean time you can always call into centres during drop in hours or telephone us on 0818 07 6360 or alternately you can access information on www.citizensinformation.ie or the National Phone Service 0818 07 4000

 Carers Allowance Know Your Rights and Pensions. - Work breaks and rest periods “My working hours have increased, what breaks am I entitled to?”  Secondary Benefits – All workers are entitled to have breaks while they are at work and rest periods between working days or nights. You have a right to: • A 15-minute break when you have worked more than 4 ½Fuel hours Household Benefits, • A 30-minute break when you have worked more than 6 hours, which can include the first 15-minute break Allowance, Alone The break should not be at the end ofLiving the working day. “Should I be paid for my breaks?” Increase, Free Travel & You have no legal right to be paid for these breaks and they are not considered working time. Whether you are paid for them depends on your employment contract. Telephone Allowance. “I work in a shop, are there different rules for shop workers?” Special rules apply if you work in a shop and you work more than 6 hours including from  Tax and Over 65s break which must be between 11.30am to 2.30pm. You arethe entitled to a one-hour consecutive 11.30am and 2.30pm.  Housing Grants for Older “How much rest time should I get between working days?” You are entitled to regular rest periods between working days. A rest period is any time that is not working time. You should get daily and weekly rest periods (weekly rest is ‘days off’). People You have the right to 11 consecutive hours rest in any 24 hours. For example, if you finish work at 8pm, you should not start work again until 7am the next day. You also have the right to either: • A weekly rest period of 24 consecutive hours in any 7 days, following a daily rest period (should be a Sunday, unless your contract says differently) • Two 24-hour rest periods in a week if it follows a week where you did not get any 24-hour rest periods (should include a Sunday, unless your contract says differently)

To10am-12.30pm register for the information please contact Roscommon CIC on 0818 07 6360 10am-12.30pm 10am-12.30pmevents, 10am-12.30pm 2pm – 5pm 2pm – 5pm or email fiona.kilmartin@citinfo.ie “Are there different rules for young workers?” Boyle Citizens Centre, 7 Elphin Street, Boyle, F52 WT 25. Tel: 0818 07 6330 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Boyle Citizens Centre, 7 Elphin Street,10am-12.30pm Boyle, F52 WT 25. Tel: 0818 07 6330 10am-12.30pm 10am-12.30pm

There are different rules around breaks and rest periods for young workers. If you are under 16, you should get: • A half hour rest break after 4 hours work • 14 consecutive hours off in any 24 hours • 2 days off per week, to be consecutive if possible If you are 16 or 17, you should get: • A half hour rest break after 4 ½ hours work • 12 consecutive hours off in any 24 hours • 2 days off, to be consecutive if possible

Roscommon LEADER Partnership and South Connacht Citizens Information Service are delighted to host two public information sessions on your rights and entitlements. These information sessions are open to people who are working for, or who have previously - Social Welfare - Health - Family Matters worked for Bord na Mona, individuals, families and community. These events are free and Providing you with free and confidential information, advice and advocacy on: - Housing - Employment Rights - Income Supports Read more about work breaks and rest periods on information packs will be- available - Social Welfare - Health Family Matters on the night.

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 10am-12.30pm 10am-12.30pm 10am-12.30pm Providing you with free and confidential information, advice and advocacy on:

Housing

- Employment Rights

- Income Supports

Funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board

https://bit.ly/BreaksAtWork, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

Funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board Roscommon Leader Partnership Company is delivering the SICAP programme on behalf of Roscommon Local Community Development Committee, which is a committee of Roscommon County Council. The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 is funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded by the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

The third place winners in Competition B of the recent RCU Schools Quiz were the pupils of Abbeycartron NS in Elphin. Pictured at the recent event were Board Director Anthony Lee, pupils Rosie Keane, Leah GuckianLivingstone, Katie Conroy and Ella Scott, and Roscommon Credit Union Marketing Executive Ruth McCourt.

The second place winners in Competition B of the recent RCU Schools Quiz were the pupils of St Coman’s Wood, Roscommon. Pictured at the recent event were Deirdre Scanlon (Finance Manager, RCU), RCU CEO Bernie Moran, pupils Benas Rasickis, Alannah Costello, Ryan Hegarty and Adriana Berzkalna, teacher Ms Caitriona Duignan, and Roscommon Credit Union Chairperson John Devaney.

Local winners in Roscommon Credit Union School Quiz

Regional finals on March 1st Roscommon Credit Union welcomed 172 pupils representing 28 national schools from across the county, along with supporting principals, teachers, and parents, to Kilbride Community Centre on Sunday, the 28th of January 2024, for the first round of the national Credit Union school quiz. With two competitions ran simultaneously on the day – competition A for the U-11 age category and competition B for the U-13 age category – all 28 schools were well represented in both competitions from schools across our common bond areas. In a press statement, Roscommon Credit Union said: “We were delighted to have the highest number yet of participating pupils and schools at our 2024 Schools Quiz, allowing us to send two teams from both A and B to Chapter – 1st and 2nd place from

competition A, along with 1st and 2nd place from competition B – as opposed to previous years sending two teams overall – 1st place from both categories. “Our four winning teams now progress to regional finals, to be held in Moate on Friday, the 1st of March, at 7 pm for the next stage of the Chapter 15 Quiz”. Kilmovee NS in Ballaghaderreen placed 3rd in Competition A. The winning U-11 team on the day comprised of Kiera Roddy, Chloe Loughney, Tara Rose Lyncheann and Peter Duffy. In Competition B, the U-13 1st place winners were the pupils of Convent of Mercy. The winning team comprised of Anna O’Rourke, Muireann Mulry, Hannah Dolan and Aoife Haughey, and teacher Miss McGuire.

The pupils of St Coman’s Wood, Roscommon, completed the day with a 2nd place win in competition B. The winning U-13 team comprised of Benas Rasickis, Alannah Costello, Ryan Hegarty and Adriana Berzkalna, along with teacher Ms Caitriona Duignan. The pupils of Abbeycartron NS in Elphin were awarded 3rd place in Competition B. The winning U-11 team comprised of Rosie Keane, Leah Guckian-Livingstone, Katie Conroy and Ella Scott, accompanied by their teacher, Stuart Feely. Congratulations to all participating pupils and schools and the best of luck to Roxboro NS and Convent of Mercy who progress to the next stage of the Team A competition, and to Gael Scoíl de híde and St Coman’s Wood, who progress to the next stage of the Team B competition.

The first place winners in Competition A of the recent RCU Schools Quiz were the pupils of Roxboro NS. Pictured at the recent event were (back row) Chairperson John Devaney and teacher Mary Fallon, and (front row) pupils Charlie Hickey, Lauren O’Reilly, Ryley Kelly and Cormac O’Rourke.

The first place winners in Competition B of the recent RCU Schools Quiz were the pupils of the Convent of Mercy. Pictured at the recent event were teacher Miss McGuire, pupils Anna O’Rourke, Muireann Mulry and Hannah Dolan, and Chairperson John Devaney. Missing from photo: Aoife Haughey.

The second place winners in Competition A of the recent RCU Schools Quiz were the pupils of Gael Scoíl de híde. Pictured at the recent event were (back row) teacher Éanna de Roiste and Chairperson John Devaney, and (front row) pupils Cian du Sutun, Cal Mac Ranaill O’Murchu, Luke O’Neill and Ella Ni Neachtain.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

Community Challenge countdown There are less than two weeks to go to the 2024 Roscommon Community Challenge. This very popular annual event takes place this year on Friday, March 1st at 8 pm. This year the event comprises of a 5 and 8 km reasonably flat, fully marshalled route around Roscommon Town. This Community Challenge is for everyone: walkers, runners, joggers, individuals, teams, and families, those

looking to set a time for 2024 and those that would like to improve on previous timings. The organisers are very grateful to the members of Roscommon Harriers AC who help with all the timings on the night. As in previous years, this year’s event has proven extremely popular, with a great response from people who signed up to be part of the training programme.

This year has seen the largest ever number of walkers and runners signing up to the training plan. There has been huge progression since training started in early January and participants are really looking forward to getting to the starting line. None of this would be possible without the encouragement and professionalism received from Roscommon Sports Partnership and organisers are extremely grateful to coordinator Noel

Feeley and his staff David Brady, Atilia Tavers and Martin Hannon for all their support. Participants are encouraged to register online through Eventbrite by searching ‘Eventbrite Roscommon Community Challenge’ as there will be no registrations on the night. You can also check out Roscommon Community Challenge on our social media channels for further information.

Maire’s Memory Mile

Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Sports Park are the 2024 chosen charities. Roscommon Special Olympics are a remarkable bunch of athletes, and the club are delighted to be the beneficiaries of this year’s challenge. There is a thriving club within the town with athletes attending sessions weekly in various sports and activities. In September 2023, the club lost one of its most valued coaches and mentors, Maire Allen.

newsbriefs Ballymoe FC AGM The AGM of Ballymoe FC will take place on Thursday, 7th of March 2024 at 8 pm in the clubhouse, Ballymoe. All players and parents of underage players are requested to attend. There is an urgent need for volunteers to be part of the management for all underage teams and also part of the committee for Ballymoe FC. All are welcome.

Daly-Finn to launch election campaign on Saturday Fine Gael Local Election candidate, Dympna Daly-Finn, will launch her campaign on this Saturday night, The 24th of February 2024, in the Miners Bar, Arigna, at 8 pm. Special guest on the night is Ireland MidlandsNorth-West MEP, Maria Walsh from Co Mayo. There will also be music and refreshments. All are welcome on the night to support Dympna in her quest to return a county councillor to the most northern part of County Roscommon.

Cemetery Committee in appeal for more volunteers

The present (outgoing) members of the Kilcroan Cemetery Committee have retired after years of hard work in the cemetery. It is now urgent that a new committee is formed as soon as possible. The first cleanup is in April. Kathleen Hegarty has already volunteered and at least two further members are required. Please contact Kathleen at 087 7553909 if you are interested. Huge thanks to Michael Keane, Maureen Conneally, the late Assumpta Ward (RIP), and all past members for all the work that went into organising the previous cleanups and keeping the cemetery always looking so well. It is testament to their hard work over a long number of years that the cemetery was always clean and tidy. This was done by everyone as a mark of respect to all who are buried there, and it would be sad to see this cease. We also require people to help with the preparation and maintenance of strimmers for the monthly rota from April to October. We would be grateful if you could spare two hours on one Sunday in the year to keep your deceased families’ graves neat. Again, please contact Kathleen if you can volunteer. Thanks to everyone who helped with cleaning the cemetery in 2023, especially the younger people who come along on the day to help out. It is greatly appreciated. We would like to thank the Caulfield family for the input into maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery gates, which they did so generously in memory of their late wife and mother, Patricia (RIP). We take this opportunity to extend our condolences to all families who suffered bereavements over the past year. May they all rest in eternal peace.

To recognise the great work done by Maire with regard to both Roscommon Special Olympics and the Community Sports Park, organisers have dedicated the last mile of the event to Maire’s Memory. Speaking this week, Jacqueline McCormack stated: “This will be our way to pay our treasured respects to Maire and to most importantly thank her for all she done for us. We hope she knows how much she is missed and how very grateful we

Extending a word of thanks to all who help with the running of the event on the night, organisers are currently recruiting volunteers to help marshal the route. As usual, businesses are offered an opportunity to promote their businesses with an attractive sponsorship option. We are very grateful to all the businesses that have come on board this year. For further details, please contact Jacqueline McCormack on 086 1721181.

all are that she was in our lives. Roscommon lost a legend the day she passed away”. To honour Maire’s legacy, to remember all the good work she done in the area of special needs and disability, to support Roscommon Special Olympics, and simply to remember the wonderful woman that Maire Allen was, anyone that might not be taking part in the actual event on the night can if they so wish make a donation to Maire’s Memory Mile by scanning the QR Code on left. The late Maire Allen

Leyden highlights funding opportunity for Edenville House

Cllr Orla Leyden says the recently launched THRIVE Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme presents an “incredible funding opportunity” for the development of Edenville House/ Roscommon Military Barracks in the county town. Cllr Leyden has now submitted a notice of motion for the February meeting of Roscommon County Council that the local authority applies for THRIVE funding “to bring Edenville House/ Roscommon Military Barracks… back into public use for the benefit of the community”. Local authorities in the Northern and Western Regional Assembly area can apply. THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Cllr Leyden said this scheme has the potential to

deliver substantial funding to the Edenville House project in Roscommon Town. Strand 2 funding is from €2 million to €7 million and no match funding from the

County Council is required. In a press statement, Cllr Leyden stressed that Edenville House/Roscommon Military Barracks fits the criteria of this transforma-

tive scheme as it is owned by Roscommon County Council, it is a landmark heritage building built in c1702, and is located in a ‘Key Town’.

Cllr Leyden said that Roscommon Town Team Edenville sub-committee are working actively on a project that is in keeping with this funding opportunity that fosters integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental development, culture, natural heritage and sustainable tourism at Edenville. Cllr Leyden, who is a member of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly, representing Roscommon County Council on the NWRA with her colleague, Cllr John Naughten, (Chairperson of the Assembly), said that this funding administered by the NWRA presents a “wonderful, unmissable opportunity for the county town”, and a chance to “breathe life back into Edenville House and to realise its potential for the community”.

About the scheme

Pictured at the recent launch of the THRIVE scheme were Brendan Mooney, Patrick Devine and Barry Guckian (of the NWRA EU Programme), with Cllr Orla Leyden (member of the NWRA).

THRIVE promotes a citizen-centred community-led approach to planning and design under the Town Centre First framework and will fund projects that embrace the core values of the New European Bauhaus – sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. A heritage building under the scheme is classified as structures that form part of the architectural heritage and have unique architectural, historical, archaeological or artistic qualities, or its links to the cultural and economic history of a place. The deadline for Strand 1 funding is the 5th April. This is the first step in getting the project ready to apply for Strand 2 later in the year.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

HAYDEN’S Shoes

Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival from

CASTLEREA. TEL. (094) 9620435

New range of Summer Shoes in stock Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival from

The Square, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Website: www.gaynors.ie Email: info@gaynors.ie Phone: Landline 094 9620149 Mobile: Paul 086 6026001 (24hrs), Susan: 086 0740421 (24hrs). Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival from

Knockroe, Castle Castlerea rea EMAIL CV TO: info@happyfeetchildcare.ie PHONE: 083 065 2378

Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival

From The

Mulvihill FAMILY Main Street, Castlerea

Representatives of Castlerea Rose Festival pictured receiving their award for ‘Best Festival in Ireland’ at the LAMA awards last Saturday night. Photograph includes Roscommon County Council CE Shane Tiernan, Cllr John Keogh (Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council), and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice.

Castlerea Rose Festival wins ‘Best Festival in Ireland’ at LAMA Awards Castlerea Rose Festival was voted ‘Best Festival in Ireland’ at last Saturday’s prestigious All-Ireland Community and Council (LAMA) Awards held in the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin. The Castlerea Rose Festival was nominated by the Tourism section of Roscommon County Council as one of the county’s premier tourism attractions. Last year the

festival had a record attendance of over 10,000 people, with a third of this figure accounting for visitors from outside the county. The Rose Festival was shortlisted alongside four other festivals from Kildare, Cork, Dublin and Kilkenny in the ‘Best Irish Festival’ category of the All-Ireland Community and Council (LAMA) Awards.

The awards, which are in their 18th year, recognise and celebrate community and councils working together and provide a great opportunity to reward the unsung heroes and highlight their contribution within their communities. The Castlerea Rose Festival is a seven-day event which takes place in late July and early August each year in Castlerea. Events

Roscommon People Friday 22 May 2015

Women In Business & Public Life

include the Rose of Castlerea competition, live open-air music, pig racing, a Hospice fundraising triathlon and a fireworks display, along with much more for the whole family. This year’s festival will be taking place from the 28th of July to the 4th of August and more details of the line-up of events will be released in over the coming months.

Nicola proving funeral business is no longer male-dominated! McDonagh Funeral Directors, Castlerea, is a family-run business, operated by siblings Pat and Nicola McDonagh Eoghan Young Mprhy

n 2006, the business was passed down from their father, Dick McDonagh, who passed away suddenly last November. Nicola said: “Traditionally, the funeral business was taken for granted as been a male-dominated profession. “However, in recent decades, this notion has been challenged by the growing number of females entering the profession. “Their presence has undoubtedly enhanced the service provided and added a new dimension in terms of empathy, support and detail. “Since taking on the role of funeral directors, we have overseen the upgrade of the funeral home into a custom-designed funeral facility.” She added: “We provide a 24/7 funeral service all year round. I take personal pride in our attention to detail. “I have introduced many new innovations to the business, including personalised Mass booklets and our annual memorial service for the deceased and their loved ones.” Dealing with death can be a particular challenge for youngsters, something Nicola is keenly aware of. She said: “As death can be a con-

fusing concept for children, I take great interest in supporting children as I can understand from my childhood that children like adults need closure equally. “If we don’t give the children the closure which is age and stage appropriate, it can make grieving for all involved more difcult. “I am acutely aware that bereavement is a life-changing event for loved ones left behind. While every loss is individual, each is unique and different.” Nicola deals with each death in a sensitive manner. “My side of the business is to provide an environment to assist all families in reecting and celebrating the life of their loved one, in order to provide a funeral service of remembrance that is as unique as the individual who has passed,” she said. “This is essentially what sets us apart. “I feel honoured to be given the opportunity by families to take care of their loved one during this sad time.”

“We provide a 24/7 funeral service all

year round. I take Festival flashback: Some pictures from the Castlerea Rose Festival down through the years. Pic: Andrew Fox personal pride in our

Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival

attention to detail.”

Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival from

Nicola McDonagh at McDonagh’s Funeral Home. Picture: Andrew Fox

The Demesne, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Email: info@mcdonaghfuneraldirectors.ie Website: www.mcdonaghfuneraldirectors.ie Tel/Fax: 094 9620216 Email: mcdonaghfuneraldirectors@gmail.com Mobile: Nicola 087 9290006 Pat 086 2747813

Festival flashback: Some pictures from the Castlerea Rose Festival down through the years. Pic: Andrew Fox

Nicola McDonagh with her brother Pat. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival from

Sue’s

BOUTIQUE

Ladies Boutique in Castlerea ... stocking Ladies Clothing, Footwear, Bags, Jewellery & Scarves STOCKISTS

• Kate & Pippa • Rant & Rave

Main Street , Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 Y4N8 • Tel. (094) 962 1234 • Email: suesboutique2023@gmail.com

Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival from

KEARNEY’S CHEMIST

MAIN STREET, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON • Tel: 094 962 0055 • Fax: 094 96 21746

Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival from

Members of the Castlerea Rose Festival committee pictured with their ‘Best Festival in Ireland’ award in Mulvihill’s Bar in Castlerea on Sunday evening.

‘We’ve always believed in the magic of our festival’ < KIERAN CROGHAN

Castlerea Rose Festival was nominated for ‘Best Irish Festival’ in the AllIreland Community and Council (LAMA) Awards last weekend in Dublin – and when news broke on Saturday night that the Rose Festival had actually won the award, social media was buzzing with messages of excitement and congratulations from Castlerea people both at home and abroad. The Castlerea Rose Festival is the highlight of the year for the majority of the townsfolk. Castlerea people who live out of the county, even out of the country, often plan their holidays around it. It is a week on the calendar where friends and families come together to enjoy the summer evenings with great fun and entertainment. The festival, which has been in existence for a number of decades, has grown in popularity each year with wonderful free events for the whole family to enjoy such as pig racing, live open-air music, treasure hunts, a family fun day, plus so much more. The week-long festival culminates with the Rose of Castlerea selection evening, which has been held in the Trinity Arts Centre

A scene from the 2023 Castlerea Rose Festival family fun day held in Somers Park. Pic: Rudy Photography

in recent years, where one of the ladies taking part is crowned The Rose of Castlerea. The scale of the work that goes into getting the festival up and running each year is no secret around the town. The committee and volunteers dedicate countless hours to making sure the event goes ahead without a hitch. Speaking about this great win to the Roscommon People this week, Susan Gaynor, Secretary of the Castlerea Rose Festival said: “Winning the Best Irish Festival Award at the LAMA Awards was an unexpected but delightful

honour for the Castlerea Rose Festival. “We’ve always believed in the magic of our festival, but this recognition is truly humbling and affirming. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated committee and volunteers, whose tireless efforts make this event possible year after year. “This award is a testament to their hard work and the vibrant spirit of our community”. Last year the Rose Festival broke the attendance record for any event in the history of the festival when over 3,000 people turned out on The Fairgreen in

Castlerea to see The Tumbling Paddies perform. It was a wonderful night that proved how far the festival had come. Local councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice attended the awards ceremony on Saturday evening on behalf of the Rose Festival along with Susan Gaynor, and when we spoke to him this week about the win he said: “Susan and I were delighted to attend the LAMA Awards. It was a great night in the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin. It was a tough category and we were up against stiff competition from the Brigid 1500 Festival from Kildare, Mallow

Castle Festival from Cork, The Vintage Picnic Festival from Fingal and YuleFest from Kilkenny, so we were absolutely thrilled when we were announced as the winner on the night. “We had great support from Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr John Keogh; Roscommon County Council CEO Shane Tiernan; Tourism Officer Lisa Joy, and other council members. “It was a pity that tickets to these events are so limited but I was honoured to be there as one of the representatives of the Rose Festival”. Cllr Fitzmaurice conclude by saying: “Most importantly, I have to say that the reason we won this award is due to the hard work and dedication of all our members and volunteers around the town that give their time so generously to make the festival a succuss each year, from fundraising to the stewarding at each event and all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. We wouldn’t have a festival without them”. The Rose Festival takes place again this year with another wonderful line-up of events to be announced soon, so this award just solidifies the fact that it is indeed the ‘Best Festival in Ireland’.

HELL’S KITCHEN Main St, Castlereagh, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 E920

OPENING HOURS 9 am - 9 pm 7 days a week Phone: (094) 986 2613 Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival from

Reilly& Co. Chartered Certified Accountants

Book Keeping l Accountancy l Taxation l

T: 094 9620920 – E: reillyacca@gmail.com Barrack St., Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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

Congratulations to Castlerea Rose Festival FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

Cllr. NIGEL

DINEEN INDEPENDENT

BALLINTOBER, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON Phone: 086 2130723 Email: nigel.dineen@hotmail.com

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

LOUGH FUNSHINAGH: Latest updates on crisis

Local committee issues statement On Monday, 12th of February, representatives from Lough Funshinagh Flood Crisis Committee (LFFCC) met with members of the European Commission, in a meeting organised and facilitated by Chris MacManus MEP. A statement from LFFCC, issued by Committee Secretary Geraldine Murray, said that they welcomed this opportunity to present their

concerns to the EU Commission Director for Biodiversity, Humberto Delgado Rosa. Attendance at the meeting included MEP MacManus, Claire Kerrane TD, Micheal Beattie of LFFCC, Tom Carney of LFFCC, and Cllr Laurence Fallon, alongside other members of the European Commission. LFFCC members, and public

representatives MacManus, Kirrane and Fallon all described the devastating effects of the raised water levels around the lake, and the community’s ongoing concerns regarding the potential impact on homes, livelihoods, and the surrounding environment. Lough Funshinagh’s Special Area of Conservation (SAC) status was discussed at length, along with the

implications of this status for emergency flood relief planning. In its statement, LFFCC said that the outcome of the meeting was a commitment by Humberto Delgado Rosa to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to progress the matter, as the NPWS have not been involved thus far. Mr Delgado Rosa reiterated the need for the

environmental assessment to be completed, but emphasised that this process should not take 3-5 years; it could and should be done quickly. The LFFCC were heartened to hear that the environmental assessment could potentially be completed within a shorter timeframe. They emphasised the need to move forward with dialogue.

Crisis is raised with EU Commission

Rising water levels at Lough Funshinagh have meant that some residents in the area have been asked to leave their homes to allow for flood relief work to be carried out by the council. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has welcomed a commitment from the European Commission to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding critical flooding issues around Lough Funshinagh in County Roscommon. The Midlands-NorthWest MEP was speaking after a meeting he had arranged between representatives from the Lough Funshinagh Flood Crisis Committee and the EU Commission Director for Biodiversity, Humberto Delgado Rosa, alongside his Sinn Féin colleague and Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane. The meeting was held on Monday, 12th of February. MEP MacManus said: “We impressed upon the Commission officials the devastating impact of the flooding on the local community and the damage caused to local homes, farms, and the environment, and the urgency of finding a solution. “It was very positive to hear Director Delgado Rosa indicate that the EU’s Habitats Directive should not prevent emer-

Water levels at Lough Funshinagh (pictured on Wednesday of this week) are very high for this time of year. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Chris MacManus MEP and Claire Kerrane TD pictured at Lough Funshinagh.

gency work taking place to protect the SAC and that it should not take several years for an appropriate assessment to take place. He also agreed to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service on these issues, which is very welcome”. MEP MacManus said that it is crucial that the NPWS accelerate this process so that a solution can be implemented as soon as possible. He pledged to continue to

work with Deputy Claire Kerrane and the local community to press for a solution and to prevent further devastation to the area in question. Deputy Claire Kerrane said: “I would call on the NPWS to engage on the ground. It is essential that the solution on the table is progressed without any further delay. Families affected by this long-running issue have to come first. This has gone on for far too long”.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

LOUGH FUNSHINAGH: Latest updates on crisis

Water levels at Lough Funshinagh (pictured on Wednesday of this week) are very high for this time of year. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Lough Funshinagh: Road closure ‘expected to last several weeks’ < EMMETT CORCORAN

Last Friday, February 16th, as part of its response to the Lough Funshinagh flooding crisis, Roscommon County Council made the decision to close the local road (L-2005) at Ballagh, Co Roscommon. The closure has caused major disruption for local land owners, residents and commuters. Diversions on multiple local roads mean that some journeys which previously took 10 to 15 minutes to complete are now taking up to 40 minutes. According to the local authority, the most recent road closure is necessary to “facilitate the deployment of additional temporary flood protection measures along this road, aimed at safeguarding adjacent properties from rising water levels”. The council says that based on current levels in the lake and predicted rainfall, they have no option but to close the road and have recommended that two families vacate their homes in the interest of their own personal safety. The duration of the road closure will depend on how long the water level in the lake remains close

to or above the level of the public road, says the council. “This is entirely weather dependent; however, lake levels usually peak in late March to early April so this closure is expected to last for several weeks”. Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Councillor Laurence Fallon explained that the inconvenience caused by road closure highlights the need for a solution to be found to the overarching issue of flooding at Lough Funshinagh: “This issue has been ongoing now for far too long. Year in and year out, the local communities in this part of the county have to contend with road closures and flood alerts. “The local authority and the OPW have been doing Trojan work behind the scenes to try to deliver a solution. It is obviously very difficult for our community, and particularly those with lands and homes at risk of flooding, to remain patient during this ordeal but the fortitude the community have shown is remarkable”. In a press statement this week, Roscommon County Council acknowledged that the road in question is an “important link between local communities”, adding that it “regrets any inconvenience caused by the flooding, road closures and diversions”.

Councillor Fallon said that while the road is an important link between communities, it is the people at the centre of this flooding fiasco that we must keep in mind: “It’s easy for the wider public to lose sight of the constant threat that there is not just to land and farms here but homes and businesses, too”.

It is understood that a Steering Committee and Expert Working Group set up by Roscommon County Council and the Office of Public Works continues to work toward a long-term solution to address the impacts of climate change on the lough and in particular, according to Roscommon County Council, “the cumu-

lative impacts of increasing amounts of annual rainfall”. Before the local authority can do any substantial works to address the multi-annual flood risk which has developed at Lough Funshinagh, an environmental assessment of the lough and associated habitats must be carried out “over a sufficient length of time” to account for seasonal

‘The next month or two will be very unnerving’ < EMMETT CORCORAN

Padraig Beattie, a victim of the flooding at Lough Funshinagh, told the Roscommon People this week: “Only for the road was raised in 2021, we’d be flooded today. There are three pumps going around the clock at present to keep the water from ours and two other houses. “We have six weeks of winter weather and uncertainty ahead of us. And considering that the current water level is slightly off of the peak levels seen in 2021, the next month or two will be very unnerving”. Padraig and his mother Mary, along with their neighbours, are facing into their eighth year of uncertainty.

“The council have started deploying sandbags on the already raised road. Three years ago we saw our neighbours, the Lyons, having to evacuate their house as a result of the flooding. “It is scary to think that all these years later we find ourselves in the same situation that they did before they were forced to leave their home”. According to Padraig, there is an eightmile diversion in place as a result of the L-2005 being closed by the local authority this week. “This will have an ongoing impact on the wider community. There could be 100 people affected on a daily basis” he said this week.

variations. Late last year, Roscommon County Council appointed consultants to begin this work and that is ongoing. According to the authority: “Once the baseline surveys are completed, a project team will identify the optimum solution to protect the environment, threatened habitats and the local community”. The county council says that based on the solution identified: “… a planning application will be made with a view to carrying out the resolution works as quickly as possible. While this is a lengthy and complex process, the Council and the OPW remain fully committed to finding a viable long-term solution”. Ongoing since 2016, flooding at Lough Funshinagh has been a constant source of controversy locally. In 2021, Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) took Roscommon County Council to the High Court to compel them to cease their proposed flood alleviation works at the Special Area of Conservation (SAC). That matter in ongoing and flood works at the locality have been severely restricted since the environmental group were successful in obtaining their injunction limiting the scale and nature of works at the SAC site.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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

LET THE DRAMA BEGIN…

Castlerea Drama Group will present their production of Walter Macken’s ‘Home is the Hero’ in the Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea on March 7th, 8th & 9th at 8 pm. Rehearsals for this brooding drama are in full swing and tickets are available from Eventbrite.ie priced at €15. See report and more photos in our next issue. *Pictured are (l-r) Tony Reilly, Yvonne Ryan and Padraic Gorham during a recent rehearsal in the Trinity Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Library services reopen in Ballaghaderreen

Roscommon County Council’s library services in Ballaghaderreen reopened last Friday. The location for the temporary library is Unit 1B, adjacent to SuperValu, in the town centre. The building’s eircode is F45 K763. The local library service will remain at this location for the duration of the refurbishment works to its permanent location at Dillon House. Services will include photocopying, printing, PC access, Wi-Fi, study area, and of course a wide and extensive offering of books to suit all ages and tastes. Roscommon County Council said that staff will be happy to help service users with their Digital Resources, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, online newspapers, hundreds of online courses, as well as language courses. All of these services are free of charge with one’s free library membership.

‘Take Care To Leave a Trace’ opens at Luan Gallery Luan Gallery wants to thank everyone that attended the recent opening night of ‘Take Care To Leave a Trace’, which took place on Friday, February 16th. ‘Take Care To Leave a Trace’ is a multi-disciplinary group show featuring work by recent Fine Art graduates Peter Bjoerk, Aoife Ní Dhuinn, Laura Grisard, Shane MaloneMurphy, Aisling McConville and Patsy Tyrrell, curated by Aoife Banks. ‘Take Care to Leave a Trace’ examines the invisible exchanges and affectual relations between mind, body, and land. Exploring themes of memory, grief, spirituality and our relationship with our surrounding environments, ‘Take Care to Leave a Trace’ investigates psychic and relational terrains through the monumentalisation of the intangible, unseen interactions between body and space. This exhibition offers insight into the practice of emerging Irish artists working across mediums such as installation, sculpture, performance, film, photography, and drawing. More information on the exhibition can be found on athloneartsandtourism.ie. The exhibition will continue until Thursday, April 18th.

Pictured are Aoife Ní Dhuinn, Aisling McConville, Peter Bjoerk, Aoife Banks (curator, Luan Gallery), Shane Malone-Murphy, Laura Grisard and Patsy Tyrrell.

Ballaghaderreen art group raises €2,400 for charity Community Art Group Ballaghaderreen are happy to announce that their HeArt4U calendar for 2024 project raised €2,400 for the Irish Cancer Society. The calendar, which features images of heart canvases that were made by the group and left in public places as gifts for people to find, was dedicated to Kathleen Harford and Mary Caulfield, two members of the group who have passed on (RIP). The calendar was sold in nine outlets in Ballaghaderreen, and also distributed around Ireland and shipped to England, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and America. The art group expresses a huge thank you to everyone who supported their fundraiser – the people who pre-bought calendars or donated the money to make the printing possible, the Print Depot, the shopkeepers who generously gave space and time to sell the calendars, and the general public who bought them. Jason Jenkinson, Fundraising Officer from the Irish Cancer Society, was impressed by the success. She said: “This is absolutely fantastic! Community Art Group Ballaghaderreen can be very proud of themselves. We are very grateful for the support. Along with other vital services, it is helping to provide our National Cancer Helpline, our Night Nurses, and our Cancer Research. It was a pleasure to work with the art group”. Community Art Group Ballaghaderreen will continue with their work on the heart canvases so that they can distribute them again in the future.

The image for February, as included in the HeArt4U calendar.

Rónán O’Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly at Backstage Theatre Musicians Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly’s second album The Beautiful Road, a soulful blend of folk, traditional, and ambient crossover, follows the success of their debut album Tá Go Maith, which was warmly received by Irish audiences after its release in May 2020. Rónán and Myles have been showcasing their unique sound live to an ever-growing fan base. In The Beautiful Road, the pair set out to create a soothing listening experience by focusing on higher frequencies, inspired by the calming effects of nature, while also seeking to counter the increased levels of intrusive ambient ‘white noise’ caused by traffic, machinery, and other unpredictable sounds arising from the world’s post-pandemic return to frenzied norms. Rónán and Myles’ unique sound and devoted friendship make for a truly magic live show that’s not to be missed. Tickets for Rónán O’Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly at Backstage Theatre, Longford on Saturday, 24th of February at 8 pm are available on 043 3347888 or backstage.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

GOING OUT

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

Representatives of the Roscommon County Council nominees pictured during last weekend’s All-Ireland Community and Council (LAMA) Awards, held in the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin. Fiona Quinn, Roscommon County Council; Lorraine Tuck (artist) and Rhona McGrath, Roscommon County Council Arts Officer pictured at the Unusual Gestures exhibition by Lorraine Tuck in the Roscommon Arts Centre recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Michael Fox, Cathy Fox, Emily Leonard and Lorraine Tuck (artist) pictured at the Unusual Gestures exhibition by Lorraine Tuck in the Roscommon Arts Centre recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Cllr Kathleen Shanagher, Darragh Kelly, Roscommon County Council and Valerie O’Loughlin pictured at the Unusual Gestures exhibition by Lorraine Tuck in the Roscommon Arts Centre recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

NewsPeople

Ex-Cpl. Patrick Tighe, Kilglass and Ex-C/S Terry Nugent pictured at the recent FCA C.COY. 17th Infantry Battalion reunion in Compton’s Bar, Strokestown.

Members of the FCA C.COY. 17th Infantry Battalion pictured during their recent reunion in Compton’s Bar, Strokestown.

Attended recent FCA C.COY. 17th Infantry Battalion reunion in Strokestown…

Retired ex-training Sgt. Walter Gibbons, Fourmilehouse; retired Cpls. Patrick Lawlor, Longford and Oliver Beirne, Elphin and retired CQMS. James Curran, Longford who were all stationed in C.COY. 17 Inf. BN Strokestown from 1981 to 2005 pictured at the recent FCA C.COY. 17th Infantry Battalion reunion in Compton’s Bar, Strokestown.

Retired Coy. Comdt. Patrick Bruen, Elphin; retired ex-training Sgt. Walter Gibbons, retired Cpl. Patrick Lawlor; retired Coy. 2/IC Capt. Liam Lyster, Strokestown, retired CQMS. James Curran and retired Cpl. Oliver Beirne pictured at the recent FCA C.COY. 17th Infantry Battalion reunion in Compton’s Bar, Strokestown.

Retired Coy. Comdt. Patrick Bruen makes a presentation to retired Coy. 2/IC Capt. Liam Lyster after 35 years of FCA service during the recent FCA C.COY. 17th Infantry Battalion reunion in Compton’s Bar, Strokestown.

Grandparents Day at Ballagh NS…

(Above) Ballagh NS students Anya and AJ pictured with their grandparents during Grandparents Day which was held recently.

(Left) Ballagh NS students Molly and Chloe pictured with their grandparents during Grandparents Day.

(Above) Ballagh NS students Michaela and Aoibhinn pictured with their grandparents during Grandparents Day recently.

Ballagh NS students Ben, Tommy, Adam, Aaron and Alex pictured with granddad Tommy and granny Nancy during Grandparents Day at the school.

Retired Coy. 2/IC Capt. Liam Lyster making a speech during the recent FCA C.COY. 17th Infantry Battalion reunion in Compton’s Bar, Strokestown.

(Right) Ballagh NS student Aoibhinn pictured with her granny during Grandparents Day, which was held recently.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Funding approved for Galway projects Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan has announced the approval of Galway County Council’s application for funding under the Office of Public Works’ Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Under the scheme, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has approved funding of €135,000 for proposed works at Mountbellew Lake, Ballinasloe, Co Galway which include a consulting engineer’s report that provides a design for the repair of the embankment breach and sluice gate

failure, and to address any hydraulic or fish pass barrier issues, and the employment of a contractor to undertake the design works. €34,020 has been approved for proposed works at Castlefarm, Dunmore, Co Galway to install a new pipe to replace the old stone culvert. A further €18,000 has been approved for proposed works at Roo, Tiernevin, Gort, Co Galway which include upgrade of embankment, installation of toe drain, sump and pump, non-return valve on foul water line and divert road run-off.

Daniel Connolly pictured at the awards ceremony in ATU Sligo. Left to right: Daniel’s employer, Sean Slamen; Daniel’s mother, Bernie; Daniel Connolly; his girlfriend, Sandra Keane; ATU Sligo C&J lecturer and WSI expert John Joe O’Reilly.

Roscommon student honoured for WorldSkills Daniel Connolly, an apprentice carpenter/joiner from Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Co Roscommon, who attended ATU Sligo, was recently honoured at an awards ceremony for the ATU WorldSkills Ireland finalists held on campus in the ATU Sligo boardroom. This event was held to celebrate the achievements of all ATU Sligo Students who competed in the 2023 WorldSkills Ireland Final Competition in the RDS, Dublin.

Daniel came first in the Worldskills Ireland national final of Carpentry to win the silver medal for first place in Ireland. Padraig McGarry, Head of Department Engineering Technology, ATU Sligo, said: “It is fantastic for ATU Sligo to be represented so well at these national competitions. We are very proud of Daniel’s 1st place in the WorldSkills Ireland Carpentry competition. It really highlights that the standard of train-

ing being delivered is of the highest order”. Daniel trained for the WorldSkills Ireland Competition with ATU lecturer John Joe O’Reilly, who said “Daniel’s achievements highlight his skills, precision, planning ability and craftsmanship. Daniel also had first class training from his employer, Sean Slamen”. Daniel is now eligible to represent Ireland in the 2025 Euroskills event in Denmark next year.

Getting ready for your Bord Bia audit < CIARAN BEATTY (TEAGASC DRYSTOCK ADVISOR, CASTLEREA)

I have had numerous calls since Christmas from farmers about their Bord Bia Quality Assurance Audits and what steps they must take to pass. Here are some points to help you in preparation for this visit. The Bovine Register Herd book has to be available and all births, deaths and movements up to date. All movement permits and knackery receipts must be available to be viewed by the Auditor on request. Most farmers also keep their recent cattle purchases/sales dockets from marts and factories, etc. close at hand. Remember to have all your cattle cards available on the day too. The Animal Remedy Purchase and Usage records must be completed and up to date. According to Bord Bia, the majority of problems uncovered during an audit leading to failure relate to record keeping on animal remedies and medicines. It is advisable that farmers have a full record of all remedy/medical purchases and usages prior to inspection. Information recorded must include date of purchase, medicine name, quantity purchased and name and address of supplier. The farmer then needs to record date of administration, name of medicine, quantity given, identification of animal, date and end of withdrawal period, name of person giving the dose or name of prescribing vet. Bord Bia also provide a farm book to complete in relation to the Animal Health Plan where the dosing/vaccination programme is outlined. The Farm Safety Risk Assessment book also has to be completed and available for inspection. This includes important information outlining what steps are taken to maximise safety on the farm and needs to be updated each year. A pesticide usage record will also be re-

quired if any spraying or weed licking took place on the farm. Information such as product name, PCS number, crop treated, area treated, volume of water used and date applied along with professional usage number is necessary. Ensure any contractor employed is fully qualified to do the work. A sustainability survey must also be completed before arrival of Auditor on farm. This can be completed online on the computer with a password supplied by Bord Bia on their website. Don’t forget to have your Farm Safety signs visible and displayed on farm, bait points for rodents mapped out, footbaths topped up with disinfectant and a functional medicine cabinet which can be locked as well as a first aid kit present on the holding. The inspection itself normally lasts approximately two hours and remember to have read your most recent letter from Bord Bia, which will have noted a few specific areas for improvement on your farm following the last inspection. You can check your own individual status and cert expiry date by going into the Bord Bia website and inputting ‘Check Producer Status’ and putting in your own herd number. As you can see, there is a substantial amount of paperwork to complete and it is advisable not to leave it all to the day before the visit! Teagasc provides a Local Advisory and Education service to farmers and has offices based in Roscommon Town (090 6626166), Castlerea (094 9620160) and Longford Town (043 3341021). You can find us on Facebook (at Teagascroscommonlongford) and Twitter/X (@teagascRNLD). You can also email us at RoscommonLongfordAdvisory@teagasc.ie. *Ciaran Beatty is Teagasc Drystock Advisor, Castlerea

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Are your farm finances in good shape? Managing a farm like a business rather than a lifestyle is essential to the profitability of all farms. However, ask some farmers to discuss their cashflow position, and they may run screaming to the corner and hit the fetal position. TOMMIE from ifac discusses what makes a ‘financially fit’ farmer…

Pictured at the recent launch of the Souls of Ranelagh monument in Aras an Chontae were (lr) Cllr Kathleen Shanagher, Marie Gillooly, Chairperson of the Town Team sub-committee who led the initiative; Mark Feeley, who designed the new stone sculpture; Cllr Orla Leyden and Helen McGinty, Roscommon Town Team. Pic: Mary Lane

‘Cost pressures impacting on farm incomes’ IFA President Francie Gorman said recent CSO figures for agriculture in 2023 show that farmers are still caught in a ‘costprice’ squeeze. “While input costs have reduced by 5.5%, the price paid to farmers has fallen further by 8.2% over the 12-month period, resulting in the terms of trade falling by 2.9% when compared to 2022. This is on top of a 6.2% decline in 2022. This means the bottom line for farmers has worsened by about 9% in the last two years,” he said. Francie Gorman said the net effect for farmers is that the shock to the system of spiralling input costs, caused primarily by the Ukraine war, is still having a big impact. “What the CSO figures show is that others in the food chain have to recognise the

pressures on farmers. They cannot expect quality food to arrive on supermarket shelves at a loss to the primary producer,” he said. The price farmers receive for milk is down 39% from 2022, with cereals down by almost 32%. These reductions are substantially more than the single-digit decrease seen on their input costs. The IFA President said part of the frustration for farmers is that the cost of regulation is adding to the overall burden on farmers. “The message from our recent protest is that farmers cannot be taken for granted. Our Government and the EU Commission have to take this into account when it comes to designing farm policy,” he concluded.

For many farmers, the fear of starting or creating a cashflow for the first time is worse than the reality. However, some may need to engage professional help to get the process up and running, to give them the confidence to understand and interpret the results, and allow them to take corrective action where needed. What does this entail? • Preparing budgets in conjunction with your accountant/advisor and having full ownership of the figures. • Monitoring cashflow budgets closely, and changes to inputs and output prices are updated to keep the document ‘live’. • Budgets are adjusted to allow for changes in milk/cattle prices, repairs, maintenance costs, etc. • Benchmark against a chosen peer group to see how you are performing against your peers. It may seem like a huge task, but following these steps can improve the profitability of your farm by increasing confidence in decision-making for your farm. Once you get

comfortable with these steps, they become a habit and a much less daunting task. How do you decide to buy a machine or land? Do you make this decision based on an emotional want rather than an informed business need? If so, then you’re not alone. Cashflow budgets help you gain control of your finances, allowing you to project future cashflow and help manage your assets and liabilities. It helps answer the ‘What if’ scenario, such as buying more land, purchasing a new piece of

equipment, etc. Ifac’s FarmPro service includes an app that gives you up to date and accurate data in one place. Populated with bookkeeping data and stock data from ICBF, FarmPro automates the significant manual effort required by farmers to complete and update their cashflows and budgets. Key benefits of FarmPro by ifac for farmers? • Track farm production – livestock, crop and milk sales against operational expenses. • Real-time data – collaborate online with one set

of data. • Advisory service – ifac provides budgets, cashflows, regular reviews of financial data, proactive tax advice, and financial planning throughout the year. • Multi-farm feature – see how each individual holding is performing. • Benchmarking projects. • ‘What if’ scenarios. *To start a conversation on how to prepare budgets and cashflows for your farm or to find out more about our FarmPro service, contact Tommie in our Roscommon office on (090) 662 6599.

Don’t lose a slice of your farm. With over 40 years’ experience, we understand that every succession story is unique. To plan ahead and secure peace of mind for you, your family and your farm’s future, contact our specialist team of advisors today.

ROSCOMMON TYRE CENTRE Props: Aaron & Colin Mullally

Circular Road, Roscommon

Call us on 090 662 6599 or visit www.ifac.ie

Tel: (090) 66 26626 Fax: (090) 66 27022 Mobile: (087) 9007898 ALL AGRICULTURAL TYRES AND TRACTOR BATTERIES STOCKED

Call us today to create your Succession Plan.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Your Proud Representative For Roscommon-Galway The Square, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon T: 087 9400383 Society Street, Ballinasloe, County Galway E: aisling.dolan@oireachtas.ie W: www.aislingdolan.org

DEAD & WORN-OUT ANIMALS Pictured at the recent launch of the Souls of Ranelagh monument in Aras an Chontae were members and management of Roscommon County Council, including Chief Executive Shane Tiernan and Cathaoirleach Cllr John Keogh (centre). Also in picture are Martin Jones, archaeologist with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (fourth from left) who undertook excavations at the site; Sculptor Mark Feeley (fifth from right) who designed the monument, and members of the Roscommon Town Team and sub-committee who supported the project. The monument is located on the new N61 roundabout outside Roscommon town. Pic: Mary Lane

There will be no transition unless it is a just transition < LUKE ‘MING’ FLANAGAN

In its current form, I cannot support the proposed EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Climate change is before our eyes – to deny this is to do a disservice to farmers and society as a whole. Our biological diversity – upon which we depend – is in crisis as species and habitats continue to decline. The Nature Restoration Law, which was put forward as a vehicle to address the ‘crisis’, is utterly inadequate. We need a transition to a more sustainable form of agriculture, a ‘just transition’ where all sectors contribute and in particular, adequate longterm funding is in place to support this into the future. The report on the Citizens Assembly on biodiversity loss was very clear in March 2023. It must be funded and it must be long-term. To quote the report: “Sufficient funding and resources to meet the challenges of biodiversity loss must be allocated to all relevant bodies to sufficiently protect and enhance biodiversity, and implement and enforce related national and EU laws, directives and policies. This must be guaranteed in the short and longer term”. On this Tuesday, February 27th in Strasbourg, MEPs will vote on the Nature Restoration Regulation. According to the proposed regulation, the European Union will by 2028 make up its mind what resources are required, two years after the law comes into effect. In the past two months I have attempted to establish what sort of funding Ireland will be making available. I have twice contacted Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue but he hasn’t even had the courtesy to reply. I have however met with Minister Malcolm Noonan and his officials. I have also met with DG ENVI (Environment Commission). I spoke to Minister Noonan about the Government’s announcement of a €3.15 billion climate and nature fund. When I initially heard this announcement I thought maybe this fund would be there for the Nature Restoration Law.

However, when one drills down into the detail of the much trumpeted fund, I discovered that hardly any of this money will be used to facilitate a just transition for farmers. After a long meeting with Minister Noonan and a series of follow-up written questions, I am anything but reassured. It’s now clear to me that this money will be used mainly for capital projects, with nothing ring-fenced for biodiversity. Nothing. So the Government are basically ignoring the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly. Even if the money announced was totally dedicated to the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation it still doesn’t deal with the issue of long-term funding. This isn’t something that needed a commitment

until 2030. It needs a perpetual long-term fund beyond 2030 which farmers can trust and rely on as they plan for the decades ahead. How can we expect people to commit if they aren’t given certainty on policy? The answer to this problem is the establishment of a third pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy. While not perfect, the CAP has been there for almost two-thirds of a century. In an ever-changing world it has been a constant source of funding for rural areas. However, in real terms this fund is constantly dwindling. In 1991 the total CAP funding received by Ireland was €1.87 billion. That equates to €3.81 billion in 2023. Yet this year, farmers’ CAP payment from the EU only amounts to €1.8 billion. Over a 50% cut in real terms. If the fund was only brought back in real terms to what it was in 1991, it would be a game-changer. Farmers have demonstrated in the past that they are not afraid of change if they are treated with respect and their livelihood-related needs are recognised. Without adequate funding, the Government and the Commission’s only way of convincing people to go along with it is to say it’s not compulsory. That it’s only certain areas that will have to do anything until 2030. Areas that currently are the most economically disadvantaged. Areas which already receive less in CAP money than anywhere else. A double injustice. The intensive farmer down south will continue to get away with poisoning our water supply while the sustainable extensive suckler farmer in the west of Ireland and those along the western seaboard from Donegal to Kerry takes a kicking. Once again these counties will be required to do the heavy lifting. As things stand, I won’t be voting for the Nature Restoration Regulation on February 27th in Strasbourg. I’ve always been clear. There will be no transition unless it is a just transition. This is anything but that. *Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan is an Independent MEP in the Midlands-North-West constituency

TOM ROGERS

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

Your LOCAL Collector – Guaranteed lowest price Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders • Partnerships Specialising in: • Payroll • PAYE & PRSI • VAT • Annual Accounts • Start Ups • Business Mentoring

McGowan Accountancy Services “Your Success is Our Business”

FREE First Consultation

Web: www.mcgowanaccountancy.com Email: nuala@mcgowanaccountancy.com Office: 090 66 25818 • Mobile: 086 0352849

ALL CREATURES

Veterinary Clinic & Shop

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055

For the best care for your animal, large and small. Learn to drive with

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Martin Connolly

Milltown Castleplunkett Co. Roscommon Telephone: (094) 9651160 (086) 2341041

Precision Chop Silage, Slurry Spreading, etc.

Tom Crosby Strokestown/Boyle Electoral Area

MOBILE:

086 6005530 www.tomcrosby.ie

facebook.com/ tomcrosby twitter.com/cllrtomcrosby

Kerrane welcomes Garda reserve recruitment campaign Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has welcomed confirmation from Minister for Justice Helen McEntee that a Garda Reserve recruitment campaign will commence soon. This, she said, was a key proposal from Sinn Féin. However, Deputy Kerrane said that this must only be a first step and that Government must act on other measures Sinn Féin has called for. The information was supplied to party spokesperson on Justice Pa Daly TD in reply to a Parliamentary Question about the Garda Reserve regulations. Deputy Kerrane said:

“Communities deserve to feel safe and protected. However, we know that the reality is that many communities feel badly let down. They want to see more Gardaí on the streets and to know that when they need help Gardaí will be there to protect them. “The minister has finally confirmed to Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Pa Daly TD that she will bring Garda Reserve regulations to cabinet for approval within the coming weeks. This is a key issue that Sinn Féin have been demanding action on for months. This is welcome and long-overdue news”.

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

Crean & Co

Accountants & Tax Consultants CEO of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan pictured with sculptor Mark Feeley at the official launch of the Souls of Ranelagh monument held in Aras an Chontae recently. Pic: Mary Lane

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon. Tel. (090) 6626680 Email: info@creanaccountants.ie

CATTLE SALE

Ring 1: Ring 2: Ring 3:

Every Friday at 7.00 pm Dry Cows, Sucklers and In-calf Cows Weanling Heifers and Dry Heifers Weanling Bulls and Bullocks

SHEEP SALE

Every Thursday at 7.00 pm Sale of Store and Fat Lambs and Breeding Ewes

SHOW & SALE OF BULLOCKS Tuesday, 27th February at 12 noon

SHOW & SALES

WEANLING HEIFERS Tuesday, 5th March at 12 noon WEANLING BULLS Tuesday. 12th March at 12 noon

ORGANIC SALE

Second last Saturday of each month at 12 noon

HORSE, PONY AND DONKEY SALE Last Saturday of each month at 11.00 am

Phone the Mart Office to book animals for all sales

Chairperson of Roscommon Town Team Larry Brennan (right) pictured making a presentation of an image of The Souls of Ranelagh stone monument to Shane Tiernan, CEO of Roscommon County Council, which will be on permanent display in Aras an Chontae following the recent launch of the project. Pic: Mary Lane

Roscommon MART WATCH

Castlerea MART WATCH

There was a larger entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s Special Sale of Heifers. Heifers fetched an average of €1.71 per kilo up to €3.68. There was also a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €1.20 per kilo up to €3.10 per kilo. There was also a good entry of top quality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening last with a very strong trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.37 per kilo up to €4.17 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.11 per kilo up to €4.80. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside at both sales with online buyers also active. We had a large number of sheep on offer at our weekly Sale of Lambs and Cast Ewes. Prices for finished lambs made up to €86. The tops for stag ewes fetched €160. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Next sale of lambs and cast ewes is next Wednesday, February 28th at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be

Over 700 lots presented for sale on Thursday last, as numbers continue to grow as we enter the spring trading period. Prices for bullocks and heifers were maintained while the weanling ring experienced increased prices due to strong export demand and increased farmer activity. Bulls peaked at €4.39 a kilo while the heifer weanlings reached €4.55 a kilo. Dry cows peaked at €2390 while breeding stock topped out at €2270. Young calves made from €125 to €430 while runners with strong farmer demand made up to €1090.

viewed live on www.livestocklive.com. Sample prices for dry cows: CHX 795 Kg €2,360, LMX 645 Kg €1,920, AAX 710 Kg €1,640, SHX 880 Kg €2,250, LMX 710 Kg €2,050, CHX 720 Kg €2,030. Heifers: LMX 755 Kg €2,420, CHX 545 Kg €1,910, BAX 520 Kg €1,670, BBX 700 Kg €2,200, AAX 650 Kg €1,830, LMX 535 Kg €1,900. Heifer weanlings: CHX 335 kg €1,400, BBX 445 kg €1,150, LMX 395 kg €1,220, LMX 245 kg €910, LMX 295 kg €1,030, LMX 285 kg €900. Bull weanlings: LMX 405 kg €1,530, LMX 355 kg €1,190, BBX 350 kg €1,400, CHX 450 kg €1,560, CHX 310 kg €1,280, AAX 330 kg €1,120. Finished lambs: 56.3 kgs €186, 57.5 kgs €185, 55 kgs €185, 53 kgs €184, 52.3 kgs €177, 50.6 kgs €172, 57.3 kgs €183, 50.6 kgs €172, 50.2 kgs €176. Store lambs: 38.5 kgs €114, 38.8 kgs €107, 35.6 kgs €98, 35.1 kgs €95. Cast ewes made from €28 to €160 per lot and ewes with lambs at foot ranged from €180 up to €366 per lot.

SAMPLE PRICES BULLOCKS: AA 480kgs €1630 Lm 470kgs €1480 Ch 530kgs €1730 AA 540kgs €1690 Ch 575kgs €1850 Ch 550kgs €1710 Ch 600kgs €1960 AA 720kgs €2220 Ch 705kgs €2040 Ch 645kgs €1940. HEIFERS: Lmx 410kgs €1400 Ch 380kgs €1320 Ch 365kgs €1280 Ch 435kgs €1530 Lm 475kgs €1510 Lm 675kgs €1510 Lm 675kgs €2270 BBx 655kgs €2080 Lm 610kgs €1860 Lm 535kgs €1860. DRY COWS: Lm 800kgs €2390

Lm 810kgs €2110 Lm 690kgs €2060 Lm710kgs €2050 Hex 585kgs €1220 Au 610kgs €1600 Sh 575kgs €1400 Fr 645kgs €1170. Cows with calves at foot made from €1460 to €1820 Springer cows made from €1200 to €2270. CALVES/RUNNERS: Young calves made from €120 to €430, with runners making from €250 to €1090. WEANLING BULLS: Lm 295kgs €1180 Lm 280kgs €1000 Sh 255kgs €850 AA 285kgs €940 Ch 365kgs €1460 Ch 385kgs €1440 Ch 310kgs €1280 Lm 315kgs €1230 Ch 410kgs €1480 Ch 480kgs €1590 Ch 405kgs €1570. WEANLING HEIFERS: Ch 270kgs €1230 Ch 290kgs €1080 BA 270kgs €1010 Lm 245kgs €960 Ch 220kgs €860 Lm 180kgs €700 Lm 365kgs €1550 BBx 390kgs €1360 BA 335kgs €1290 Ch 315kgs €1150 AA 315kgs €1010. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am, with three rings in operation.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Launch of KEPAK All-Ireland Sheep Shearing Championships 2024

On Friday, March 1st, at 7 pm, Mountbellew Mart will launch the KEPAK All-Ireland and All Nations Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships 2024 at The Malt House, Mountbellew, Co Galway. The championships will take place over the June bank holiday weekend, Saturday, the 1st to Sunday, the 2nd of March, and will welcome the elite of international sheep shearers

and wool handlers for two days of highly competitive action. The weekend also includes two fun-filled days of family entertainment. There will be sheepdog demonstrations, Irish dancing, trade stands, pony rides, food trucks, children’s amusements, an Irish wool experience, fashion shows, an interactive magic show, cookery demonstrations, pedigree

and rare sheep exhibits, a community time capsule ceremony and live music from artists like Claudia Buckley and Ciaran Rosney. Over both nights, ‘MARTBEAT’ will take place on the Mountbellew Mart grounds, featuring live music from some of Ireland’s finest musical artists – Mike Denver, Michael English, George Murphy and The Rising Sons, and

Cliona Hagan. All are invited to attend the upcoming launch and admission is free. Food and refreshments will be served, and entertainment will be provided by local musicians. The evening will include the launch of our ‘March Madness’ early bird weekend family ticket. The early bird ticket is available during March only, or while limited tickets last. The

price of only €50 for the whole weekend of activities represents a discount of over 50%. As this is the only national sheep event in 2024, it is expected to bring a large influx of visitors to the region over the June bank holiday weekend. It is hoped these championships will leave a legacy for Mountbellew, one that reflects the spirit and culture of our local community.

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS ALL STOCK PRE BOOKED. ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. VIEWING AT 10 A.M. 3 RINGS IN OPERATION.

FORTHCOMING SALES: THURSDAY 29TH FEBRUARY:

ORGANIC SALE

IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR USUAL SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS. FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

Management and members of Roscommon County Council, together with members of Roscommon Town Team, local residents and Garda John O’Connor (right) pictured at the recent launch of the Souls of Ranelagh monument in Aras an Chontae. Pic: Mary Lane

‘Minister must deliver three-crop rule exemption’ IFA National Grain Chair Kieran McEvoy has said that Minister McConalogue must deliver an exemption to on the three-crop rule and crop diversification requirements for tillage farmers in 2024. “I’m glad he has now confirmed that he is seeking an exemption from the rule. This must be secured as a matter of urgency,” he said. IFA Brussels will also be working

on these issues. The autumn of 2023 was very difficult nationally, he said. Teagasc analysis estimates that 35,000 hectares less of winter arable crops were sown for harvest 2024, compared with 2023. “It has been well documented that the supply of cereal seed is extremely finely balanced for this season,” Kieran McEvoy said.

“Many growers will have planned on establishing winter wheat varieties in the month of February. However, recent rainfall has made this impossible. This further highlights the need for flexibility in making cropping decisions on-farm”. An IFA delegation met with officials from the Crop Policy Division in DAFM at the end of January and sought flexibility from crop diver-

sification requirements. The issues were also raised by IFA President Francie Gorman at a recent meeting with the Minister for Agriculture. “The situation is now more serious and DAFM must urgently seek approval from Brussels for a derogation to the GAEC 7 requirements of crop diversification and the threecrop rule,” the IFA National Grain Chair concluded.

(Proudly serving farmers for over 64 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Friday, 23rd February at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks 50 Pens on offer Also Dry Cows and Heifers -----------------------Friday, 1st March at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers Also Dry Cows and Bullocks

Bookings accepted until Monday, 26th February at 5 p.m. -----------------------Tuesday, 5th March at 4 p.m.

Show & Sale of Weanlings Class 1: Best Weanling Bull Class 2: Best Weanling Heifer 1st Prize: €100, 2nd Prize: €60, 3rd Prize: €40 Show Weanlings must be born in 2023 in exhibitors’ own herd

Finance Available

Bookings accepted until Thursday, 29th February at 5 p.m. ------------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. Gates close at 10 a.m. ************

Sheep Scanning Service

HUSQVARNA AUTOMOWER®

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

087 1473233

Each Wednesday - 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. ************ Saturday, 9th March at 12 Noon

Organic Sale of Cattle Bookings now being accepted

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Find us on facebook

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No. 004420

NEW TO THE MARKET

GAILEY, KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON PRIME SITE 0.5 ACRES (Subject to Planning Permission)

AMV: €40,000

Cormac 086 3519492

Cathal 086 1409158

NEW TO THE MARKET 5 B/R DORMER STYLE BUNGALOW

CRUBY HILL, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON F42 Y959

Keith 086 0848590

NEW TO THE MARKET 3.80 ACRES TOGETHER WITH A HALF BUILT RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

DOONEEN, FOUR MILE HOUSE, ROSCOMMON

AMV: €40,000

PRICE GUIDE: €340,000

Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796. Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 or Cathal 086 1409158 • Email: teamearley@remax.ie • Web: www.teamearley.ie

New to market with Remax Team Report confirms Roscommon Earley – residential premises at property prices are rising Church Street, Roscommon RE/MAX Team Earley present to the market No 4 Church Street, Roscommon town centre (F42 AD90), a property offering a charming blend of comfort and convenience. This well-maintained property features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cosy living room, functional kitchen, and utility rooms, all spread across approximately 1,500 square feet. BER F. Centrally located, residents enjoy easy access to coffee shops, foodstores, pubs, restaurants, and schools, all within walking distance. With its ample space and versatile layout, No 4 Church Street is an ideal choice for both investors and first-time buyers. Whether you’re seeking a rental property or your own home, this residence offers endless potential. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 66 26579 or Cathal on 086 1409158 or email teamearley@remax.ie or log onto www.teamearley.ie.

IPAV’s twice-yearly Residential Property Price Barometer, published last Sunday, has found that while the overall price increase for the latter six months of 2023 was 2.99%, up from 2.05% in the previous six months, there are increases right across the country in the 5% to 7% range. Lower increases of the order of 1% were seen in many Dublin areas where prices are at the higher end or where supply has increased beyond the norm, and this has served to bring the overall increase in the latter six months to 2.99%. In the entire Barometer, there were just two negative figures, in Dublin 6 and Wicklow, in the four-bedroom category, and these were 0.23% and 0.09% respectively. IPAV’s Residential Property Price Barometer charts prices actually achieved by auctioneers for three- and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments, and has proven itself to be a very reliable data source. Roscommon saw a 4.9% rise in the three-bedroom category; 5.23% for fourbedroom properties and

2.34% for two-bedroom apartments. Commenting, Pat Davitt (IPAV’s Chief Executive) said: “Despite the substantial increases of recent years,’ prices remain resilient and given the paucity of supply, it’s not unreasonable to think that, bar-

ring a geopolitical crisis or unforeseen catastrophe, we could see rises of the order of 5% this year”. He said auctioneers continue to report a scarcity of supply at a time of strong demand, including from non-Irish nationals and returning emigrants.

Callaghan

Auctioneering l

Auctioneers l Estate Agents l Valuers l

NEW TO THE MARKET At: TOBERMAKEE, BALLINTUBBER Prime c. 25 Acre Holding of Land • Superb parcel of excellent quality lands convenient to Ballintubber, Ballymoe, Castlerea & Roscommon • Road frontage ensuring ease of management and access • Ideal for the construction of a dwelling house subject to the necessary consents These lands should also be of interest to persons seeking lands in one plot and/or neighbouring farmers wishing to increase their existing Holdings The lands are presently in grass Further particulars, brochure and map from the Auctioneers

THE SQUARE, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: 094 96 20102

Web: www.callaghanauctioneering.com Email: info@callaghanauctioneering.com

Licence Number 001222

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Business

Double delight for Roscommon County Council at LAMA Awards There was double delight for Roscommon County Council and the community groups in question at this year’s All-Ireland Community and Council LAMA Awards in the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin last Saturday night as the Castlerea Rose Festival and the ‘Roscommon Water Source’ project gave the county two big wins on the night. The Castlerea Rose Festival won ‘Best Festival in Ireland’ (see separate feature in this week’s issue for more) and the ‘Roscommon Water Source’ project was nominated in the ‘Best Green Sustainable’ category. They were two of five nominees representing Roscommon County Council at the gala awards ceremony. The ‘Roscommon Water Source’ project was nominated by the Environment Department of Roscommon County Council as a blueprint for improving and monitoring water quality. The concept emerged from the efforts of Roscommon County Council in conjunction with the National Federation of Group Water Scheme (NFGWS) engaging a Source Protection Project over a number of group water schemes within the county.

Executive members and councillors from Roscommon County Council pictured with representatives of nominees representing Roscommon at the All-Ireland Community and Council LAMA awards held in the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin last Saturday night.

The other award nominees from Roscommon were Ballyleague Village Renewal/Tidy Towns Group and Lough Ree Access

for All in the Best Environmental project, nominated collectively as Ballyleague Resilience Park; Planning Roscommon

Together in the Best Communications Category, represented by Paul Clabby of the Public Participation Network (PPN), an um-

New civic space to be unveiled at end of month Roscommon County Council has announced that the new covered civic space area at The Square in Roscommon Town will be accessible to the public from the end of this month

(February). This new feature will be officially unveiled later this year as part of a formal event. The ambition of the project has been to design and construct an innovative,

architectural and artistically influenced covered civic space to the area north of the Bank of Ireland as well as providing visual enhancement to the laneways approaching the

Main Street and Market Square areas of Roscommon town. This project is the final element of the Roscommon Town Main Street and Market Square Public Realm Project, funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and Roscommon County Council. The design of the covered civic space complements the strong architectural and built heritage within the Market Square, which features The Old Gaol, The Bank of Ireland and the County Museum. Roscommon County Council said that the facility will be a focal point of the town centre in a family-friendly environment, enhancing and completing previous transformations of the town’s centre. The new structure com-

brella organisation representing community groups in the county, as overseen by Roscommon County Council; and Athleague

prises a copper roofed covering, supported by concrete framing and a timber latticed overhead canopy. Materials used were sourced in accordance with modern contemporary requirements for such a civic space and designed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable fashion, while complementing the town’s unique built heritage and history. Director of Services with Roscommon County Council, Mark Keaveney has hailed the project as a vital piece of infrastructure for Roscommon Town with the potential to transform the town’s commercial, cultural and social life. In doing, Mr Keaveney says the town will have a stronger and more enduring identity to be enjoyed by all of its citizens and visitors alike.

village, although nominated in the Best Town or Village Regeneration category, was not present/represented at the event.

Roscommon Business Networking Breakfast planned for March Roscommon Town-based recruitment and relocation specialists, NexVentur, will be hosting a Business Networking Breakfast in partnership with the Roscommon LEADER Partnership and Roscommon Local Enterprise Office on Thursday, March 14th next. The event aims to bring local businesses together and will include panel discussions on topics to address challenges specific to businesses in the county. “We see this partnership as a great synergy, and the opportunity to bring together various areas of local business expertise,” said Kenny Feeney, NexVentur Director. “It’s also an occasion for people to connect and explore opportunities to work together”. “Now more than ever, businesses need to work together to attract the best quality staff to Roscommon. Sharing ideas through this forum gives businesses the opportunity to do this,” said Tomas Beades, Operations Manager, Roscommon LEADER Partnership. “Enterprises are at the heart of our community and bringing them together is very important, and an opportunity to network” said Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office. The event takes place on Thursday, 14th of March at the Abbey Hotel. It is free to all, however booking is essential. Booking online at https://bit.ly/nexventur-networking-03-24 For more information see NexVentur online at www. nexventur.com or email hello@nexventur.com, phone 087108-5537.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Classifieds

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

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS < ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor). Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

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

087 2798704

DANCING < SOCIAL DANCING: Continues every Friday night in An Bothar Rua, Elphin with live music. This Friday night with Pat Mulchrone, dance 9.00pm til late. Tel. 087 9809432

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: Binoculars, Button Accordian and Shortwave Radio, unwanted gifts. Phone: 094 9633718 < FOR SALE: Round bales of silage. First cut, saved in good weather conditions, Castlerea area. Phone: 086 3936725 < FOR SALE: Round bales of silage/haylage. Phone: 086 2580950 < FOR SALE: Opel Insignia 2012, black, 207k km, timing belt, oil seal done, good tyres, brakes perfect, NCT and tax to June 2024, back tinted windows. Phone: 083 8828882

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Creighton Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc. Modern Rotary Chimney Cleaning equipment used from the bottom up. Much cleaner than brushes, CCTV check if required. Areas covered: Castlerea, Strokestown, Elphin, Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Lanesboro, Roscommon Town, Killashee, Carrickon-Shannon, Scramogue, Rooskey, Kenagh, Tarmonbarry, Ballymahon and all surrounding areas. No climbing on roofs, tiles or slates, no mess, no fuss. Fully Registered. Call Dave on

085 8888833

CHIROPRACTOR

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

NO FIX NO FEE

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey

Construction l General Building

l Extensions & Roofing

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV

Inspections l Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

Telephone: 086 8433433

VHI and Laya Covered

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

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

GARDENING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

JOE HEALY

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

l l

For all your fencing needs. GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l

Tel: 087 2172281 GARDENING

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA

MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon Telephone:

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life? Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

web: www psychotherapy glynisdowney.com

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

087 2721193

Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc. Chainsaw work also available l Tree Shearing l Tree Felling

l Dangerous Tree Removed

(Commercial & Domestic)

EDT Lessons Available

094 96 20099

Tree Services

GARDENING SERVICES

DRIVING LESSONS

Phone John on

GARDENING

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

GATELY GARDENING

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

Tommy’s

087 2860428

Trees & Hedging

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

FOR SALE

Harpur Bros, Castlecole,

Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Mobile:

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

COUNSELLING

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

FENCING/GATES

086 8936012

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor

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

COUNSELLING

FARMING

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2020/2021 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

Kerins Plant Ltd Tree Care & Plant Hire Residential & Commercial Tree Care

Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tree removal Tree crowning l Dangerous roadside tree removal l Site clearance and mulching l Wood chipping l Stump grinding l Fully insured and certified l l

Telephone: 087-3477546 Email: kerinsplantcivilsltd @gmail.com

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com

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

We supply all types of trees and hedging, Laurel, Beech, Whitethorn, Oak, Elder Birch, Dog rose, Gelder Rose, Crab Apple, Wild Cherry and Holly. Suitable for ACRES & GLAS Scheme and REPS Scheme. Can be delivered Card payment accepted. Phone: 087 4177148

GRINDS/TUITION < GRINDS: For Junior Cert Maths and Leaving Cert Chemistry and Maths. Tuition available at Ordinary and Higher Level. Roscommon Town area. Contact Emily: 083 8022220 < MATHS GRINDS: All Levels. Experienced Tutor. 1-to-1 and small groups possible. Call/Text/Whatsapp Coman: 085 706 3536

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Classifieds

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

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We John and Nonie Healy intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission at Ballyculleen, Drumlion, Co. Roscommon, for: (A) Construction of a 2 storey 4 Bedroom dwelling, (B) Domestic Garage and, (C) Form new entrance piers with setback post and rail fence C/W Wastewater Treatment system to EPA CoP 2021 EN 12566-3 standards and all other site works as required.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Kelly Vieira am applying to Roscommon County Council for retention permission to retain alterations to building as follows: 1. Retain new roof to domestic accommodation at first floor along with removal of chimneys and blocking up window on rear (NE) elevation. 2. Retain the infilling of an indent in the side annex wall of ground floor unit and all ancillary site works at Main Street, Cloonfad East, Roscommon, F35 R660.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Full Planning Permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed construction of a residential development of 20 No. dwelling houses consisting of the following; (i) 8 No. Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow type dwelling houses; (ii) 4 No. Three Bedroom Detached Bungalow type dwelling houses; (iii) 6 No. Three Bedroom Detached Two Storey type dwelling houses; (iv) 2 No. Four Bedroom Detached Two Storey type dwelling houses; Boundary Fences/Walls, 3 No. Entrances from the adjoining Meadowbrook Residential Estate, internal access road, green open spaces, proposed services connections to the existing foul sewer, surface water and watermain network servicing the adjoining Meadowbrook Residential Estate and all ancillary works at Carrownageelaun, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon for TH Contractors Ltd.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Full Planning Permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed construction of a two storey detached type dwelling house, entrance, boundary fence/wall, proposed services connections to the existing foul sewer, surface water and watermain networks servicing Meadowbrook and all ancillary works at Meadowbrook, Carrownageelaun, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon for TH Contractors Ltd.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Shuttington Holdings ULC intend to apply for planning permission for retention of development at Ballyboughan & Carrownabrickna, Racecourse Road, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the retention of existing fast-food takeaway operation from existing convenience shop and all associated site works. Gross floor area for retention 12 sq.m.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Anthony Doolan, Chairperson of Lisnamult Community Enterprise Ltd intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct all weather multi sport covered unit, associated site development works and services works at Lisnamult, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Rita and Michael Oates, are applying for Retention Planning Permission for the construction of a single storey storage extension to the rear of an existing commercial property to include any changes that differ from previous planning permissions granted with all associated site development works at E.T.L., Ardnanagh Td., Main Street, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. F42 Y889.

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

Durkin Design (Agent). www.DurkinDesign.ie Architectural Designs Tel: 086 83 72 933

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

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

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 085 1299470 E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Nathan Doherty intend to apply for permission for development at this site Knocknacarrow, Cootehall, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of construction of: a) Two-storey detached dwelling house, b) Detached domestic garage, c) New gate entrance, d) Vehicular access driveway to serve the new house and garage, e) And all associated site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nathan Doherty

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. Signed: Cunningham Design & Planning Ltd. Block C, N4 Axis Centre, Longford, Co. Longford.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Catherine Gaffey, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for Retention of domestic garage/store on revised site boundaries and all associated site works at Ballyglass, Rahara, Co. Roscommon F42 DR53. Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Mobile: 086 8551835 The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Brothers of Charity Services Ire. Ltd, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for the construction of a selfcontained residential unit at an existing community dwellinghouse and for all associated site development works at Tromaun & Tullyroe Td., Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

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

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. Signed:

APS Consulting Engineers, Lackagh, Turloughmore, Co. Galway. Web: www.apsconsulting.ie Phone: 091 737 458

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL MSL Ventures Ltd intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to complete phase 3 within existing development to include 8 no semi detached two storey dwellings on sites 7-14, 2 no single storey detached bungalows on sites 15 and 20, associated site development works and services at Srah, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974. Mobile: 086 8115449

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! The local paper!

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

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Turrock, Dysart, Co. Roscommon. I hereby apply to the above authority on behalf of Matthew John Kelly and Emma Coyle for planning permission to construct a fully serviced private dwelling house with waste water treatment system and garage / fuel shed to include all associated site works at the above location. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority

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

Signed: Ruane Survey, Design and Planning Ltd. Phone: (087) 8188596. www.oliverruane.com

Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile: (086) 8167365 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2pm ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Classifieds TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

USEFUL SERVICES PLANT HIRE & GROUNDWORKS

USEFUL SERVICES

PODIATRIST

Tullys

Electrician Available

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small.

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays. l HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available For any of your foot issues call:

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

083 0684011

Phone:

086 2437376

PODIATRIST

Tar & Chip Driveways

Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Call Owen for ground work

086 895 3884 Call Padraic for concreting

085 226 4664

PLUMBING

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120

Learn to drive with

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries. Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

Roscommon Professional Tiler Driving School available

For all foot ailments

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

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

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233 SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214 Tel:

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology Marina Furey B. Sc. (MNRRI) (Hons)

GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY Camargo - 087 293 4756

GRINDS

Contact Mike on 087 2392139 at

Kilroe Tiling

or email michaelkilroe123@gmail.com for all your tiling needs.

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

Easter Maths Revision Courses l Junior Cycle Thursday, March 28th l Leaving Cert HL 2nd & 3rd April Jacksons, The Square Roscommon Booking deposit required.

087 9657933

or 090 66 33084

Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER

SEPTIC TANKS

SERVICE

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

From €90 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 9373445 087 9100477

TILING

PAINTING

GARDENING

POWER WASH

INSULATION

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

< EXTERNAL INSULATION CONTRACTORS AVAILABLE: Improve the facade of your house while saving on heating bills. Call 085 2227796

PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

ENERGY

COVERING ROSCOMMON AREA TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE

TILER

087 2295551

RCS SERVICES

094 9620009

WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com

CLEANING

Reflexology works by applying gentle pressure to the reflex points of the feet/hand to trigger the natural healing power of the body

• Fertility Reflexology • Antenatal Reflexology • Baby/Child Reflexology • Special Needs Reflexology • Menopause Reflexology • Cancer Care Reflexology

Benefits:

• Relaxation • Stress & Pain relief • Improves circulation, digestion, sleep • Lowers blood pressure

Gift Vouchers Available

Tel: 087 2264951

Electrician Available Registered with Safe Electric, all electrical jobs, big or small. Services include: l Complete wiring for new homes and extensions. l Appliance installation or rewiring. l Farm buildings, Sheds, and outdoor lighting.

Call or text Michael for dependable service: 086 1586731

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 AtYourServiceEXTRA USEFUL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING

KEEN RATES

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022

CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION

Richie Dooner Carpentry & Construction Slatta, Kilglass, Roscommon

Focus360 KITCHENS

1st and 2nd fix Panelling l Sliding Wardrobes l All general construction l Media wall units sprayed painted or skimmed l l

PLUMBING

LMC Plumbing & Heating

• Bathrooms/ensuite planning and design • Wetrooms Installed • Shower Unit • Oil Boilers and Stanley Boiler Range • Grant Work undertaken

on 085 7359120

ROOFING

Roof Repairs

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

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

087 9795226

086 4679798

ROOFING

ALPHA ROOFING

Mobile: 086 8874576 Email: info@alpharoofing.ie Web: www.alpharoofing.ie

3 DAY NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour 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 succour me in my necessity (your request). There are none that can withstand your power. O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands, after each prayer, say 9 Hail Marys. You must publish and it will be granted to you. T.S. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. L.M. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. H.B. PRECIOUS MOTHER OF JESUS Precious Mother of Jesus, Mother of divine grace, you who can find a way when there no way, please hear my prayer and grant me my request, say 6 times daily. H.B. Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Painting Contractors

Commercial & Residential

Our Services: • Sealing all Gutters • Replacing Slates • General Roof Repairs (Leaks) • Sealing and Cleaning Gutters and Facia, Soffits and Timber in Roofs l Free Callout l Good Rates

Phone:

089 9899912

10%

Discount with this advert.

• Cleaning & Painting Roofs of Houses, Sheds and Barns • Roofs Repairs • Cleaning & Sealing of Driveways/Tarmac • Fully Insured and work guaranteed for 5 years

24 Hour Emergency Call Out Service l New roofs, all roofing & flatroof repairs l Dry Verge Repointing l Package deal on Roofing restoration, cleaning, moss removal, replace broken tiles l Gutters/Facia & Soffitts l Chimney Repairs, Lead Flashing repairs l Patio Services, Powerwashing, Drains and Footpaths l Painting & Decorating l Renovations, Porches, Walls & Garden Design l Barn repairs & farm painting

CALL MICHAEL ON

GROUND WORKS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ROSCOMMON

Home Improvements l Landscaping l Paving & Kerbing l Foundations

Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

For all your home Moss Removal Exterior Cleaning Patio Cleaning needs All Roof and Flat Roof repairs All types of Gutter repairs Gutter cleaning (Facia Soffits) All types of Drive-way cleaning

GF Ground Works l Fully insured l References available

Call James 087 6120428 DRIVING LESSONS

ROSCOMMON Driving School Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Email or call for Sample Pack

Tel: 087 6117326

089 966 1849

For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

Call/WhatsApp DAVID 083 069 5820

PMC

l Footpaths l Drainage & Septic tanks l Driveways

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

• SUPPLY AND FIT • REMODEL/UPGRADE • 3D PLAN • KITCHENS TO SUIT EVERY BUDGET

l Slate roofs l Tiled roofs l Flat roofs, using all type of materials l Roof windows l Lead replacing l Pointing work l Leak detection l All roofing repair work

Call LMC Plumbing

< ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802.

THANKSGIVINGS

KITCHENS

Phone: 083 1628531 Email: richarddooner@yahoo.ie

FAMILYNOTICES ....

Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: info@anthonymurrayandsons.com www.anthonymurrayandsons.com

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

AtYourService BLINDS

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

CARS

GARDENING

WELDING & FABRICATON David Duffy 087 9662678 Alan Duffy 086 3992382

www.westsidegardening.ie

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds. Mobile:

086 8115928 CHIMNEY REPAIRS

We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted. End of life certs can be provided. Also scrap metal

Tel: 087 0944027

CARPENTRY & FITTED FURNITURE

Aodhgan Cashin

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

Ballybride, Roscommon F42 EC59

• Fitted Kitchens • Bedroom Units • Sitting Room Units • Timber Flooring • General Carpentry

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

Tel: 090 9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

INSULATION

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness Bonded Cavity & Wall Insulation NewBead Buildings Retrofit Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, Call in SIGA or contact us for free Airtightness advice and quotes New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free

andfrom quotes Unit advice 2,Grants Ballybrit Industrial €1,214 to Estate, Galway

€3,500

091 768 768

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2,info@ecowise.ie Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway H91 P5k5 Block 12, Galway www.ecowise.ie

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

Tel: 086 6082597 E: aodhgan.cashin@gmail.com

GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal. CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available C2 Registered & Insured. Free Quotations

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

INSURANCE CLAIMS

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

Cleaning Services • Roscommon • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Martin HibbittAPA-PL, APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA LA Martin Hibbitt CIP, CDIP

Martin Mountbellew, Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Mountbellew, Co. Co.Galway Galway Mountbellew, Co. Galway

info@mhla.ie 091 380900 | 087 9818153 info@mhla.ie 091 380900 380900 087 9818153 info@mhla.ie 091 || 087 9818153 Mountbellew, Co. Galway www.mhla.ie

www.mhla.ie

www.mhla.ie 091 380900 |Approved 087 9818153 Product

Certified Dip in Loss Certified Dip DipAdjusting in Loss Loss Certified in

info@mhla.ie

Member of the PSAB-GI

Advisor Product Approved Product Member of the the PSAB-GI PSAB-GI Approved Member of Regulated by the Central Adjusting Member of the Insurance Bank of Ireland Adjusting Loss Assessor Services Advisor Advisor Regulated www.mhla.ie Regulated by by the the Central Central Institute of Ireland Loss Assessor Assessor Services Services Member of of the the Insurance Insurance Bank of of Ireland Ireland Loss Member Bank Institute of of Ireland Ireland Institute

Certified Dip in Loss Approved Product Adjusting PROPERTY Advisor Loss Assessor Services

Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland

Member of the PSAB-GI

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

Supply and fit uPVC Doors and Windows ONLY TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS USED Composite Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors in a wide range of styles and colours Also various styles and colours of uPVC Windows

Full replacement service provided and all work carried out to a high quality finish

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT Contact Pat Hanley on

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

086 6002721

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

to discuss your requirements NO CALL OUT CHARGE

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon F42 W294

We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE

Telephone: 090 66 33026

The local paper!

W: roscommonwindowsanddoors.com E: roscommonwindows@hotmail.com

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.

Tel: 090 6621220 Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Classifieds

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

APPOINTMENTS

SHANNON LODGE NURSING HOME

VACANCY FOR

OPTICAL ASSISTANT AND

Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

OPTICAL NURSE

We require the following staff:

l Staff Nurse

• Part-time or Full-time position • Location: Roscommon Town

l Care Assistant l Housekeeper

Please send your C.V. or enquiries to: P.O. Box 3101 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. or call: 087 7784931

• Premium for Sundays and Bank Holidays. • Free meals, tea and coffee. • Paid lunchbreaks. • Pension Scheme facilitated. • Cycle to work scheme available.

Applications, including CVs can be emailed to: office@shannonlodgenursinghome.ie

<GENERAL OPERATIVE REQUIRED: in the Roscommon area, work is construction related so safe pass and manual handling a must. Salary starting at €30,000 annually. Please send your C.V. or enquiries to: P.O. Box 3102 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Garda vetting and references will be required.

<GENERAL OPERATIVE REQUIRED: For Busy Yard, Two + days per week minimum. General skills required. Call 087 4676254 after 6pm

RECRUITMENT OPEN DAYS Friday, 23rd February

d’Gaff Community and Youth Centre, Barrack Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon From 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Thursday, 29th February Golden Island Shopping Centre, Golden Island, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 N8V0 From 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

CHEF REQUIRED

For THE PANTRY, Harrison Centre, Cloonbrackna, Co. Roscommon. Annual Salary €34,000. Hours per Week 40 Email: lijoy2017@gmail.com

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB? The local paper!

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon Town Roscommon Town

Arecontinually continually expanding Are expandingand andnow nowrequire require

LightLight VehicleVehicle Maintenance

For our fleet of vehicles Might suit an individual on a Saturday Candidates must be confident and able to work on own For our fleet of vehicles initiative and highly motivated. ToMight arrange your interview contact suit an individual onplease a Saturday

Maintenance

090-6626753 Candidates must be confident and able to work on own initiative and highly motivated. To arrange your interview please contact

Specialists in uPVC, Aluminium & Hardwood windows, Doors, Patio doors, Conservatories and Shop Fronts www.seandoylewindows.ie

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

090-6626753

Specialists in uPVC, Aluminium & Hardwood windows, Doors, Patio doors, Conservatories and Shop Fronts www.seandoylewindows.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

PLUS

PAID UNLIMITED MILEAGE & TRAVEL TIME TO EACH CARE CALL!!

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES CURLEY (née Duignan) Mairead Ardmore, Donamon, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 26th February 2023

BEATTIE Eamonn Knockanyconnor, Lecarrow. (8th Anniversary)

GOGGINS Nora

DONNELLY Frank

Carnaskeagh, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon

Mount Prospect, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon

(1st Anniversary)

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

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

MONTH’S MIND MASS

Who passed away on the 13th February 2016

Mairead, we thought of you today but that is nothing new, we thought about you yesterday and the day before that too. We think of you in silence and often speak your name, we have beautiful memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake from which we will never part, God has you in his arms and we have you in our hearts. Mairead we will always cherish you and always love you.

Remembered and sadly missed by her daughter Therese, son-in-law Marty, grandchildren Robbie, Jenny and Katie, brother Peader, sister Sheila, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family. Mairead’s First Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Patrick’s Church, Clooneycolgan, Co. Roscommon on Sunday, 25th February 2024 at 9.30am.

MONTH’S MIND MASS MCDONNELL Catherine

A silent thought, a quiet prayer. for a special person, in God’s care. Remembered by his wife Bridie, sons David, Ronan, Enda, daughters Geraldine, Fiona, Joanne, sons-inlaw, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass for Eamonn in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 25th February at 11.30am.

DUFFY Martin (13th Anniversary) In loving memory of Martin Duffy

Culleen, Knockcroghery and Derryneil, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 23rd February 2011 R.I.P.

No matter how life changes, no matter what we do. A special place within our hearts, is always kept for you. Lovingly remembered by all your family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Sts. Eithne + Fidelma Church, Tulsk on Wednesday, 28th February at 10am.

LAW William (Bill) Strokestown, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of Bill, who passed away on 24th February 2022

Who died 27th February 2023 Frank, you were a wonderful partner and best friend. I love and miss you so much. Rest In Peace, Frank.

The family of the late Catherine McDonnell, Caltra, Curraghboy, wish to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who sympathised and supported us on the loss of our mother. We appreciate all those who travelled long distances to be at the Removal Home, Funeral Mass and Burial in adverse weather conditions. Sincere thanks to Fr. Anthony Kelly, SMA who came from Cork to celebrate the Funeral Mass and to Deacon Willie Gacquin for assisting Fr. Anthony. Thanks to Liam Gately for the music and singing. Special thanks to Enda and Ita McHugh for their professionalism and the compassion and support they have shown us during this difficult time. Thank you to the grave diggers for preparing Catherine’s resting place and the excellent work they did, considering the poor weather conditions. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we hope this acknowledgement conveys our sincere thanks and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Catherine’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Saturday, 24th February at 10am.

Sadly missed by wife Marie, daughters Amanda and Martina, sons Loughlinn and Michael, grandchildren Kate, Hannah, Matthew, Ebha, Isobella, Anthony, Adam and Emily, daughtersin-law Martina and Louise, brothers, sisters and families. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 24th February at 7pm.

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same, we have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, silent are the tears that fall, living here without you, is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true and when we needed someone, we could always count on you. The special years will not return, when we are all together, but with the love in our hearts, you walk with us forever. Love and remembered by Caroline, Ryan and Kirsty. Mass offered.

13 Plunkett Park, Ballygar, Co. Galway. formerly Williamstown, Co. Galway

Your partner Pauline and family. Mass has been offered.

MONAGHAN Mary Edmonton, London and formerly Gallowstown, Roscommon (10th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 16th February 2014

Caltra, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon

Another year has passed away, so many things have happened we wanted you to share. So many times we thought of you and wished that you were here. Your memories are so precious, your presence missed so much, you will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

MORGAN JOHN

Mary, quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words, we will never forget. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there. Sadly missed by your brother Simon, Ann, Simon Jnr and Shane Doyle.

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

The family of the late John Morgan, his wife Alison, son Thomas and the extended Morgan family, wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you all for calling to John’s home, those who telephoned, sent kind messages of condolences and those who brought food and refreshments. We appreciate all those who travelled long distances to be at the Removal Home, Funeral Mass and Burial, and those who offered their support, which gave us great comfort during this difficult time. Special thanks to our wonderful neighbours for the lovely Guards of Honour as we brought John home, and again as he left his residence and for their continuous support. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all the staff, and Medical/Oncology and Palliative teams at Roscommon Hospital who were involved in John’s care and especially Helen Bury who cared for John at Roscommon Hospital and at his residence in Ballygar and Chaplain Fr. Sean Beirne. A special mention to all the carers that took care of John in our home for the last number of years. Also, special thanks to Catherine, Majella and all the staff at Ballygar Pharmacy. Thank you to Dr. Kearney and all her team at Pinegrove Medical Centre, Mountbellew. Thank you to Fr. Douglas Zaggi P.P. for celebrating a meaningful and beautiful Mass. Thank you to all who contributed to John’s Mass presenting symbols of his life, readings, prayers, songs and Eulogy. Sincere thanks to Bernie Moran and members of the choir for providing the beautiful music thoughout the Requiem Mass. Thank you the Ballygar Tidy Towns Committee for their service and the meal provided after the Funeral. Our deep appreciation and gratitude to Moran’s Funeral Directors for the caring and professional way they managed the Funeral arrangements and the gravediggers for preparing John’s resting place in Ballygar. A sincere thank you to Garda Pat Regan for all his help and support. As it would be impossible to thank you all individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of appreciation for all the kindness and support we have received at this sad time. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. John’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Saturday, 24th February at 12pm in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar.

THANKSGIVINGS NOVENA TO ST. JUDE O Holy St. Jude! Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke your special patronage in time of need: to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. (Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s & 3 Gloria’s.) Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised. F. K.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES RICE David Roscommon Town and formerly of Cloontuskert, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon Who died on the 23rd February 2023 (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of a Dear Son We are sending a Dove to Heaven, with a parcel on its wings, be careful when you open it, it is full of beautiful things. Inside are a million kisses, wrapped up in a million hugs, to say how much we miss you, and send you all our love. Deep are the memories, precious they stay, no passing of time can take them away.

Loved and missed every day, forever in our hearts, Dad and Mam xx ~~~~~~~~~~

The family of the late David Rice, would like to sincerely thank all those who sympathised with them on their great loss. Sincere thanks to our wonderful neighbours, extended family, friends and work colleagues who visited our home and provided food and refreshments during the difficult days following his passing. For those who attended the Funeral Home, Funeral Service and Burial, and who provided emotional and practical support for us at such a difficult time. For those who telephoned, travelled long distances, sent floral tributes, Mass Cards and messages of condolences, as well as those who made charitable donations to Féileacáin, we are truly grateful. A special word of thanks to Pat, Gillian and Tom Smyth of Smyth Funeral Directors, for their invaluable advice, guidance, professionalism and kindness throughout those difficult days. Thank you also to those who prepared David’s final resting place. To the Residents of Doughill, Curraghroe and Cloontuskert, for their Guard of Honours and personal touches that were added. Also, a special word of thanks to the Students and Teachers of Cloontuskert National School and Lanesboro Community College. To all those who participated in the Mass to celebrate David’s life, including Fr. Daniel Udofia, Fr. Eamonn O’Connor and Fr. Turlough Baxter, we thank you for your very personal and meaningful Mass, kind words and support. Heartfelt thanks to Musicians Teresa Costello and Sean Sweeney for their beautiful, personalised music, which was a wonderful tribute to David. A special word of thanks to the parking marshals and those who managed the flow of traffic during the funeral. Thank you to Stephen and Tina Dowd for taking care of the catering and to St. Faithleach’s GAA Clubhouse and their Club Volunteers who assisted on the day. To Fr. Larry Behan for celebrating Mass for David via Facebook, and to those who organised these Masses, thank you. To those who helped in any way, your support and contribution was really appreciated. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass has been offered for your intentions. First Anniversary Mass for David will be held on Friday, 23rd February 2024 at 7.00pm, in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague. All welcome.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon! The local paper!

In Loving memory of a Dear Father We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new we thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name, all we have are memories. Your memories are our keepsakes, with which we never part, God has you in His arms, we have you in our hearts.

Love you always Dad, Jake, Kyle, Lauren and their mum, Helen xx ~~~~~~~~~~ In loving memory of a Dear Brother When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me. I want no tears in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a Soul set free. Miss me a little but not for long, and not with your heads bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, miss me, but let me go. For this journey is one we all must take, and each must go alone, It’s all a part of the master plan, a step on the road to home. When we are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know, laugh at all the things we used to do, miss me, but let me go.

Loved and missed, forever in our hearts, Siobhán, David, Josh, Emma and Zara Jenny, Joey and Faye xx ~~~~~~~~~~ In loving memory of a Dear Nephew and Cousin As each day dawns we think of you, as each night falls we pray for you. And throughout our lives no matter where, in our hearts you are always there.

Loved and missed always by aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family xx

THANKSGIVINGS UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. F. K.

DOWLING Late of Carnagh, Kiltoom, Athlone. Treasured memories of our parents and sister.

MONTH’S MIND MASS McGARRY Rena Ballinagard Road, Roscommon 22nd of January 2024

Frank who passed away on 25th January 1991

Teresa (nee Dowd) who passed away on the 9th October 2016

And our sister Teresa who passed away on the 23rd February 1984 (40th Anniversary) Time and years slip gently by, but treasured memories never die. Lovingly remembered by all your family. Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Thursday, 22nd February at 7pm.

MANNION Jack Cartron, Kilteevan, Roscommon (18th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 24th February 2006

I lost a father with a heart of gold, how much I miss him can never be told. He shared my troubles and helped me along, if I follow his footsteps I will never go wrong. I miss you from your fireside chair, your loving smile and gentle air. Your vacant place no one can fill, I miss you father and always will. Loved and missed so much by daughter Sharon and granddaughter Shauna.

The most read newspaper in County Roscommon! The local paper!

BRENNAN John

R.I.P. Fairfield, Creggs, Co. Galway (11th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 23rd February 2013

In loving memory of my dear husband, John Your life touched so many others, and will be remembered forever more. To leave the world a better place than it had been before. Sadly missed and always remembered by his wife Mae, family and friends.

The family of the late Rena McGarry who passed away on the 22nd January 2024 would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our wonderful relatives, neighbours, friends, colleagues and all who have supported us and extended their condolences to us on our great loss. Our heartfelt thanks to those who called to our homes, to those who brought food and refreshments, to those who travelled long distances to be with us, sent Mass cards, flowers and messages of sympathy. We deeply appreciate the large numbers who attended Rena’s reposing at Smyth’s Funeral Home, the Mass of the Resurrection at the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon and the Burial. We are particularly grateful to Fr. Kevin Fallon and the Eucharistic Ministers who celebrated Rena’s memorable Funeral Mass. Thanks to Margaret and Sean Kiernan for the beautiful music and singing. We would also like to convey our deep appreciation to Fr. Raul for the blessings and prayers for Rena in the hours after her passing. A special word of thanks to our Undertakers, Pat and John of Smyth’s Funeral Directors, for your thoughtful arrangements of the Funeral, sensitivity, support and professionalism shown to us over the days of the Funeral, we are sincerely grateful. Thanks to those who prepared Rena’s final resting place with care and dignity and to Damien and the staff at Hannon’s Hotel for the delicious meal after the Funeral. We would like to thank all Rena’s good neighbours, friends and relatives who visited her in the final months of her illness. To all the staff at Roscommon University Hospital who cared for Rena in her final days, your kindness and care is very much appreciated. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. May God Have Mercy on Rena’s Gentle Soul. Rena’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Sunday, 25th February at 11.30am in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

BEIRNE Kathleen (16th Anniversary)

DOWDALL Mrs. Agnes M M.I.A.V.I.

23rd February 1989 In loving memory of a great mother and grandmother Never to be forgotten Always remembered with love and affection by her family. Mass will be offered for Agnes and John in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 23rd February at 11am.

In loving memory of our sister Kathleen, late of Cloonbrackna Court and Ballymacurley, Roscommon, who passed away on February 27th 2008

R.I.P. Memories are like threads of gold, they never tarnish or grow old. Wherever we go, whatever we do, memories keep us near to you

Loved and always remembered by Patsy and Maureen

Sports PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

BURKE BELIEVES Upbeat Burke confident on league prospects Seamus Duke

Cathal Heneghan pictured leaving the pitch after Dublin defeated Roscommon in their Allianz NFL Division One game in Croke Park last Saturday evening. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Davy Burke mixed frustration with positivity when he spoke to the media after Saturday’s defeat to Dublin in Croke Park, with the Roscommon manager bemoaning how some of the key decisions went against his team during the game. Burke said that Roscommon should have been awarded a goal when Daire Cregg’s fisted effort ended up in the Dublin net in the 18th minute. “It should have been a goal. In fairness to Sean (Hurson, the referee) he can’t see it. He is 50 yards away from it. But the two umpires are right there. We are in Division One and a good goal that we scored against Tyrone wasn’t given either, on the word of two umpires. We are not getting any breaks at the moment. It’s tough going”. Despite the seven-point loss to the All-Ireland champions, the Roscommon manager is convinced that his side can stay in the top division. “Oh absolutely, we can stay up. We are not far off at all. I thought we looked far more dangerous today and we played a lot of the football.

We are coming together nicely. “I could bore you with lots of excuses but we haven’t had our full squad together once this year yet. But we will be training hard and we will get it together. “This time last year we were top of Division One and then we were knocked out of the championship by two Division Two teams. So maybe we can do it the other way around this year”. Burke says that Roscommon were simply not clinical enough in front of goal on the day. “We had a great chance there in the second half and we were just not ruthless enough, simple as that. But our biggest problem today was a lack of cohesion. That’s simply because we haven’t trained together. We have had to dig deep into our reserves but when we have all our best players we are as good as anyone else”. The manager finished on an upbeat note. “We need our best players back. Ben O’Carroll, Tadhg O’Rourke, Ronan Daly and Ultan Harney will all be back. Niall Daly was another big loss to us tonight. When we get all those players back we will be fine” he concluded.

Camogie team open campaign against Armagh < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s junior camogie team open their league campaign this Sunday when they travel to face Armagh at the Athletic Grounds (2 pm). There will be a number of high profile absentees from last year’s panel including Catriona and Deirdre Regan, Tara Naughton, ChloeWhyte Lennon, Shona Healy, Áine O’Meara and Niamh Watson. However, a number of talented younger players have been added to the panel this year as the team management attempts to capitalise on recent underage successes. There are four teams in the group. In addition to Armagh, Roscommon will also face Kildare and Laois. If they can finish in the top two they would have home advantage in a subsequent semi-final. Armagh have a strong side and will be favourites to win, particularly with home advantage. Roscommon are building on their talented younger players and success might take a little while to materialise.

Ladies maintain excellent start

Roscommon ladies footballers’ excellent start to the season continued at Keash last Sunday when they had nine points to spare against Sligo (017 to 0-8). Now Ollie Lennon’s side go into the remainder of the campaign in a very strong position at the top of Division Three. It took a while for the visitors to get into the match as Sligo led by 0-3 to 0-1 early on, but points from Laura Fleming and Aisling Hanly saw the sides level by the 19th minute. Roscommon played very well in the ten minutes before half-time, scoring five points without reply to go in leading by 0-8 to 0-3 at the break. Lisa O’Rourke was having a proverbial stormer on her return to the team and Rachel Fitzmaurice, Caoimhe Cregg, Laura Fleming and Aisling Hanly were also excellent as Roscommon pulled away in the second half to win comfortably. Roscommon’s next game is at home to Wexford in Kiltoom on Sunday, March 3rd, and another win there will all but guarantee them promotion to Division Two.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

SportsPeople

Mullins continues to be the man in form! Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

Horses for Courses Man in form, WP Mullins, can do no wrong at the moment, winning the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park on Saturday with Saint Sam (ridden by stable jockey Paul Townend) and the bumper with Flashaway, son Patrick aboard. On Sunday he had four more winners at Punchestown, Townend riding Mr Policeman, Tullyhill and Paggane to victory and son Patrick on Sounds Victorius in the bumper to round of another fine day. Yesterday (Wednesday) his Gala Marceau disappointed in the Quevega Mares Hurdle at Punchestown when finishing 3rd behind Hispanic Moon and Saylavee. The winner is trained in Waterford by Henry de Bromhead and might have earned her ticket to the Cotswolds. Gavin Cromwell continued with his successful raids on British racing this year when at Haycock on Saturday Yeah Man won the Grand National Trial and Now Is The Hour won Division II of the Albert Bartlett Prestige Novice Hurdle, both ridden by Sean Flanagan.

This weekend’s racing

Thurles in Co Tipperary sees the start of Irish racing this weekend starting this afternoon (Thursday) at 1.53 pm and featuring the Grade 3 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle. Tomorrow evening the racing action is on the all-weather at Dundalk with stall for the first opening at 3.35 pm. Saturday, racing is at Fairyhouse featuring the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase and the Tommy Carberry Handicap Hurdle, away at 1.30 pm. On Sunday at Naas there’s a 1.20 pm start with the Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase with Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle and the Newlands Chase, both Grade 3 races.

On TV

Terrestrial TV racing coverage on Saturday starts with ITV4 covering five races from Kempton, including the Coral Trophy Handicap Chase and three Grade 2 races, the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle, the Pendil Novices’ Chase, and Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle. They also cover two races from Southwell on the all-weather with the

s t t u p Short (News from local golf clubs)

ATHLONE

Congratulations to Rhona Fitzgerald (24) on winning the women’s weekly 22-hole stableford competition with 24 pts. Imelda Sheeran (23) came second with 21 pts. The competition ran on Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Tuesday 20th of February.

CARRICK-ONSHANNON Thanks to all who played in the Flynn’s Bar Spring League last week. The following are all the team results after round three – Team 1: 247 pts; Team 2: 269 pts; Team 3: 296 pts; Team 4: 201 pts; Team 5: 236 pts; Team 6: 265 pts; Team 7: 263 pts; Team 8: 261 pts; Team 9: 272 pts; Team 10: 228 pts. Team 11: 272 pts. The best ladies score was 19 pts by Martina Sweeney and the best gents score was 25 pts by Leo Noone. After round three, Phil McWeeney’s Team 3 have a 14-point lead. The next round runs until Sunday, March 3rd.

ROSCOMMON The annual Drive-In was held at Roscommon Golf Club on Sunday, 11th of February. This year’s President is Tom Costello, the Lady Captain is Phil MurrayO’Brien and the Captain is Seamus Duke. A huge crowd turned out and the main sponsors were Eamonn and Mary Gleeson of Gleeson’s Townhouse. The winners of the three-person scramble were Pat Finneran,

Frank Nally and John Earley. In second place were Gerry Donohue, Robert McConn and Albert Looby. A most enjoyable social evening was held in the clubhouse afterwards. All outstanding prizes were presented and the winners were as follows: Women’s 9-hole (non-qualifying), November 6th: Nuala Costello. November 13th: Catherine Waldron. November 27th: Joan Hannon. 4th of December: Marina Cribben. Men’s 15-hole singles – November 5th: Liam Bagnell; Category 1: Charlie Farrell; Category 2: Mike Connaughton; Category 3: Michael Healy; Gross: John McHale. (November 11th) Overall: Andy Lawlor; Category 1: Padraig Conlon; Category 2: Michael Sharkey; Category 3: Eamonn Smith; Gross: Daniel Watts. (25th/26th November) Overall: James Reilly; Category 1: Richard Clements; Category 2: Padraig Derwin; Category 3: Tony Grehan; Gross: Patrick Farnon. 15-hole singles (December 16th/17th) – 1st: James Reilly; 2nd: Michael Sharkey; Gross: Tom Reddington. 15-hole scramble (13th January) winners: Gerry Donohue & Albert Looby; 2nd: Liam McNeill & John McManus. 15-hole singles (January 27th/28th) 1st: Billy Donnellan; 2nd: James Reilly; Gross: Patrick Fannon. 3rd/4thFebruary – 1st: Richard Clements; 2nd: Aaron Fullard; Gross: JP O’Gara. Threeperson scramble (5th of February) – 1st: Jackie Somers, Peter Brady, Noreen O’Grady; 2nd: Cian Connolly. John McManus, James Miley.

by Tom Red

Group 3 Winter Derby, and finally the Eider Handicap Chase from Newcastle.

Weather woes

Weather again hits racing in Britain this week as the meeting at Huntington today (Thursday) is off due to waterlogging and this morning, Warwick is subject to a course inspection. All Irish meetings are going ahead, with Fairyhouse and Naas both expecting soft to heavy going.

Grand National weights released

The weights for the Grand National were released this week and Shark Hanlon’s bargain buy Hewick heads them with 11-12. Irish-trained horses fill the top five with Conflated 11-9, Noble Yeats 11-8, Capodanno 11-4 and Coko Beach 11-4. Top weighted British horse is Nassalam, 11-4, trained by Gary Moore, with last year’s winner Lucinda Russell’s Corach Rambler on 11-2. Of the top 34 in the weights, 27 are Irish-

Saint Sam and Paul Townend win the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.

trained with nine of the next eleven also Irish-trained, which could leave over three-quarters of the eventual field trained here in Ireland, with Elliott with eight in the 34, hoping to have seven or eight runners. Willie Mullins has nine of the 34, so half the field could be Irish-trained. Rossie interest Sean Mulryan’s Longhouse Poet trained by Martin Brassil is 32nd on 10-7 and will get a run.

Jamie’s retirement Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Jamie Moore has announced his retirement from the saddle on medical advice following a fall at Lingfield last November. Moore won the Champion Chase on Sire De Grugy trained by his father in 2014 and the Scottish Grand National on Al Co for Peter Bowen the same year.

DARTS

Darts team make All-Ireland semi-final Following on from their good run to the semi-finals of the West Coast Challenge recently, the Roscommon Men’s team reached the semi-final of the INDO All-Ireland event held in The Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, Co Meath last weekend. A 7-6 group stages win against Laois was followed by an 8-5 win against Cavan. This meant that Roscommon topped their group and progressed to the last 16 on Sunday where they faced Sligo. Roscommon started superbly, racing into a 6-0 lead. Sligo closed to 6-4, but Pat Tansey settled any nerves with a 2-1 win sealing a 7-4 victory for Roscommon. A tight quarter-final against Wexford was tied 6-6 when David Conroy showed great composure in a 2-0 win to seal Roscommon’s semi-final place on a 7-6 scoreline. Their opponents in the semifinal were West Coast Challenge winners Donegal, who were in fine form and ran out 7-1 winners. Although it was disappointing not to progress further, a third All-Ireland semi-final appearance for Roscommon was a great achievement. Roscommon Darts wishes to congratulate and thank all players for their efforts throughout the year.

Attention now turns to the INDO Youth Inter-counties event, to be held in The Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe on the 9th and 10th of March, which will be followed by the B Inter-

counties Championship to be held in The Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim on the 6th and 7th of April. The Hannon’s Hotel-sponsored Roscommon Darts League re-

sumes this coming Friday, with the following fixtures: McDermott’s v Cosy Bar; Sportsman’s v An Bothar Rua; Spells v Flanagan’s; Village Inn v Holly Tree; Dalton’s v Hollywood.

The Roscommon men’s darts team that reached the All-Ireland semi-final during the INDO All-Ireland event held in the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim last weekend.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

Creggs overpower Tuam to reach final The Creggs first team overpowered Tuam by 37 points to 7 in their J1A semi-final in Creggs last Saturday evening. From the kick-off, Tuam struggled to keep pace with a young, fastpaced Creggs side and a penalty and two tries without reply in the first half meant that Creggs went in at the break 15-0 to the good. The second half continued in the same way as the first, with Creggs dominating with some wonderful fast attacking rugby to which Tuam had very little reply. By just after the hour mark Creggs had managed to score two more converted tries and a penalty which saw them go 30-0 in front. Creggs kept Tuam under immense pressure and with three minutes to go they scored their fifth and final try. Tuam eventually broke the duck in injury-time, scoring their only converted try, leaving the final score 37-7. Creggs Seconds: Creggs seconds took on Ballina at home in the J1C league on Sunday afternoon. A dominant performance from the Creggs men saw them win the match comfortably on a scoreline of 50-7. Ballina struck early, scoring a converted try after three minutes, but this would turn out to be their only score of the game. Creggs responded swiftly and strongly, playing some great rugby which seemed to stun Ballina, Creggs going in at half-time with a 26-7 lead. The second half was completely dominated by Creggs, scoring another 24 points to leave the final score at 50-7 in their favour. Creggs U-16s Girls: Creggs U-16s girls team had a 36-12 victory over

Tuam/Oughterard in the U-16 Girls Cup on Thursday evening last in Creggs. There were some very good performances from the team which was encouraging as this group grows and develops. Creggs U-15s Boys: Creggs U-15s boys team played Dunmore last Sunday in a warm-up game before next week’s cup clash against Sligo. It was a close game but Creggs took the win. Final score: Creggs 26 Dunmore 19. Next up for this team is the first round of the cup away to Sligo next weekend. Creggs U-14s Boys: Creggs U-14s boys travelled to Ballina for round two of the cup last Saturday. In what was an extremely tough game for both teams, Creggs edged the victory in the end by one point, 20-19. Their next game is away to Claremorris on March 2nd. Creggs U-13s Boys: Creggs U-13s boys played away on Sunday in the cup against Ballina. In a one-sided affair, Creggs defeated Ballina by a hefty scoreline. The team now play Corinthians this Sunday at 2 pm in Creggs. On the previous Thursday, the Creggs U-13s boys took on Longford in a friendly, a game that saw Longford came out on top. The club would like to thank Longford RFC for their hospitality. Connacht Girls U-18 Interpro: Congratulations to our eight U-18 girls who were part of the Connacht team who beat Leinster in the Interpro final in Athlone on Sunday. The Connacht team was captained by Creggs player Sarah Purcell. Lotto: The lotto jackpot was not won and now lies at €12,200. The lucky dip winner was Shane Killeen. Please support our club lotto on www.creggsrugby.ie

The Creggs seconds pictured before their victory over Ballina in last Sunday’s J1C league game. Pic: Steve Fahey

The Creggs first team pictured before their comfortable victory over Tuam in last Saturday’s J1A semi-final. Pic: Steve Fahey

Pictured are the Creggs girls that lined out for Connacht in the Interpro final against Leinster last Sunday (l-r) Jemima Adams Verling, Sarah Purcell (captain), Ciara Corrigan, Siofra Hession, Shauna Walsh, Isabelle Quinn and Merisa Kiripati. (Missing from photo was Shauna McDermott).

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

BUCCANEERS RFC

Buccs defeated by Queen’s Buccaneers slumped to a disastrous 35-16 home defeat to Queen’s University in their crunch Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B game played at rainswept Dubarry Park last Saturday. In this absolutely ‘must win’ basement battle, Buccs’ performance became increasingly underwhelming as the game progressed. After a shaky start the visitors always looked the more likely to score, were more urgent in their endeavours and sharper in their handling as they earned a crucial bonus-point win. Buccs began promisingly and after a tight first half there was just a single point between the teams at

the break with Buccs 16-15 ahead. Queen’s University were dominant in both attack and defence in the second half, scoring 20 points and preventing Buccs from scoring again. Final score: Queen’s 35 Buccaneers 16. Relegation now looks inevitable unless the Pirates can conjure some magic in their remaining four fixtures but avoiding the drop is now out of their own hands. Fixtures: Buccaneers seconds face Ballinasloe in a Connacht Junior Cup quarter-final away on Sunday with kick-off at 2 pm in Moher Road. Buccs’ U20s play Dublin University in the JP Fanagan Leinster

Premier League 2 at College Park (3 pm). Five youths teams are in Connacht Cup action this weekend: U-14s away to Sligo on Saturday, kickoff 1.30 pm; U-15s home to Ballinrobe on Saturday, kick-off 2.30 pm; U-16s home to Ballinrobe on Saturday, kick-off 2.30 pm; U-17s away to Ballina on Sunday, 12 pm kick-off; U-18s home to Tuam/Dunmore on Sunday, 12 pm kick-off. Two girls’ teams are also in cup action on Saturday with the U-14s home to Corinthians and the U-18s away to Ballinrobe. Both games start at 12 pm. Buccs Youths: Buccaneers U-15s travelled to Mulling-

Soccer fixtures Friday, February 23rd RDFL Women’s League Shiven Rovers v Kilkerrin Utd. 8 pm

Saturday, February 24th RDFL Reserve League Skyvalley Rovers v Shiven Rovers. 12 pm Roscommon Utd v Ballinagare Manor. 12 pm Dunmore Town v CP Ajax. 12 pm Moore Utd v Boyle Celtic. 12 pm RDFL Women’s League Boyle Celtic v St Cuan’s Utd/Ahascragh. 8 pm

Sunday, February 25th

Orrin Burgess is presented with the Audi Athlone Man of the Match award by Buccaneers’ president Brendan Wilkins after the Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B game against Queen’s University last Saturday.

ar on Sunday in preparation for their upcoming cup campaign and won 38-19. Buccaneers U-16s’ yel-

low team travelled to Creggs on Saturday and came away with a well deserved win.

RDFL Women’s League Ballaghaderreen v Castlerea Celtic. 11 am Ballinasloe Town v Cam Celtic. 11 am CFA Connacht Cup Ballaghaderreen v Ballyheane A. 2 pm Moore Utd v University of Galway. 2 pm Dunmore Town or Maree/Oranmore v Ballina. 2 pm CFA Connacht Shield Castlebar Town v Ballinagare Manor. 2 pm Glen Celtic v Killala FC. 2 pm Cloonfad Utd v West Utd. 2 pm Galway Hibs v CP Ajax. 2 pm Boyle Celtic v Ballyheane B. 2 pm Cregmore/Claregalway A v Ballinasloe Town. 2 pm Corrib Celtic v St John’s Athletic. 2 pm

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

SportsPeople

SPORTS Hand of Séan… the goal that wasn’t DESK Paul Healy

Dreamers on the bench: A tale of two subs

Being a substitute on the bench isn’t much fun. It might be okay if you’re a young prospect… biding your time, waiting for a breakthrough. You may be full of nervous energy: anxious to enter the stage, yet somewhat daunted too. Or it might be okay if you’re a veteran – one who has seen it all – most likely included on the bench because you are a solid, reliable and battle-hardened player who can generally bring calmness to a storm if called upon late on. Whatever stage you’re at, whatever the sport, being on the bench can be an emotional rollercoaster. You are powerless. Sitting on the bench, involved but not involved, you are occupying a strange world, one where fantasy and reality uneasily co-exist. By day’s end you may have remained on the margins, you may have had a very small role, or the hero within you might even have emerged. In the realm of subs, small margins thrive, your fate subject to the manager’s thought process, the flow of the game, and – in the event of you getting a nod – at the mercy of the bounce of a ball, the timing of a colleague’s pass, your own touch, or any one of a multitude of miniscule factors. Below, a tale of two subs last Saturday… St James’ Park: Newcastle United’s form has been inconsistent. There is some pressure on their manager, Eddie Howe. In the Premier League, one win can lift a city for a week, but one defeat can be poisonous, potentially signalling the drafting of that dreaded statement that solemnly tells the world a manager and club have parted ‘by mutual consent’. It’s last Saturday, and Newcastle United are in trouble, losing 2-1 at home to Bournemouth. Their fans are very restless. Amongst the subs on the bench is Matt Ritchie. Aged 34, he has no great expectations. He has only played 100 minutes since August. The Den: It’s a bottom of the table clash in the Championship, between home side Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday. The visitors lead 2-0. On the Wednesday bench, subs tap their feet, study their teammates on the pitch, occasionally casting a sideways glance at the manager. One of those subs is Ashley Fletcher. On loan from Watford, he wants to continue to add value to a stop-start period in his career. The points look safe. Fletcher wonders will he get a run. These things matter. For lots of reasons. Your own self-esteem. Family in the stand. The mood of the week to come. Your currency in the game. St James’ Park: The 90 minutes are up, the mood darkening. Newcastle are still 2-1 behind. The manager watches the play, imagining the boos that will ring out in a few minutes’ time when thousands of passionate Geordies pass judgement. He ponders his options, such as they are. And he wonders about his job, his livelihood, his standing. The clock ticks, unforgivingly. But there will be eight minutes of time added on. In the 91st minute, Eddie Howe gestures to one of his right-hand men. Get Matt Ritchie ready. The 34-year-old’s heart beats faster. He warms up, eyes on the green cauldron before him. It’s a poisoned chalice this… the 90 minutes over, darkness descending on Tyneside. The Den: Sheffield Wednesday substitution.

Dublin full-back Séan MacMahon and goalkeeper David O’Hanlon watch as Dáire Cregg’s scoring attempt heads to the back of the net, only for the ‘goal’ to be disallowed. Action from Saturday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Dublin and Roscommon at Croke Park. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Ashley Fletcher gets the nod. Eleven minutes of normal time remaining. Still 2-0 ahead, Wednesday are comfortable, but Fletcher wants to make an impact. Maybe that’s why, moments after joining the play, he kicked the ball away. It was stupid, and deemed to be time-wasting. The referee flashes a yellow card. Oops. St James’ Park: Seconds after coming in off the bench, Matt Ritchie saunters towards the opposition goal. He tracks the cross, and meets it with a firm header. The ‘keeper parries, but Ritchie pounces on the rebound… and scores. St James’ Park erupts. Newcastle are level! Ritchie is a schoolboy again, a dreamer. The game ends 2-2. The fans are relieved, content, ready to flock to the bars in better spirits. And Eddie Howe can breathe more comfortably. The Den: Too eager, Ashley Fletcher fouls an opponent. His heart sinks, his gaze discreetly checking the ref’s body language. Second yellow. The sub is sent off. “The only blemish on Sheffield Wednesday’s day” the BBC said. It’s all fine, Wednesday won. Try telling that to Ashley as he rests his head on his pillow later that night, or talks to his mum, or to his partner, or to himself. Hopefully next week will be different… if he’s on the bench. St James’ Park: Thousands of Newcastle fans, parking their team’s display, hail unlikely hero Matt Ritchie. It’s his first goal in over three years. He will cherish this memory, of being… sprung from the bench. It’s a feel-good finale to the afternoon, and a soccer-mad city will remain positive for at least another week. Matt Ritchie is still 34, but he feels 25 tonight.

Roscommon need to find league lift-off

Roscommon desperately need a win when they play Monaghan in Dr Hyde Park this Sunday. Picking up two points this weekend would significantly improve the complexion of our Division One position. Arriving at Croke Park last Saturday with just one point from a possible four, the prospects of Roscommon adding to that tally were never great; after all, we were faced with the All-Ireland champions in their own familiar surrounds, and with Dessie Farrell’s men hungry to instil some impetus into their own campaign. Roscommon did a lot of things right on Saturday evening. There was little sign of the conservative approach adopted in last season’s meeting between the sides, Roscommon attacking when the opportunities arose, Davy Burke’s men scoring some delightful points. But Dublin had the greater share of possession, achieved lots of turnovers, and broke upfield with customary speed and intent. As it happens, on this occasion Dublin were uncharacteristically wasteful, recording a number of wides. Roscommon, who were frustrated when they had a goal disallowed in the first half, managed to draw level at 0-7 apiece just before half-time, having trailed by three earlier. Dublin scored the final point of the first half, via Brian Fenton. Dublin gave Roscommon the blues in the third quarter, although Davy Burke’s team gamely stayed in touch until Niall Scully’s goal – which completed a clinical move – settled matters.

Enda Smith, lion-hearted throughout, scrambled in a late goal for Roscommon, Dublin winning by seven (1-19 to 1-12). Roscommon supporters would never have pencilled in the Dublin game as a likely source of points, but they will certainly be hoping for a welcome yield when another team of ‘blues’ come to town this Sunday. Nothing comes easy in Division One, as Roscommon’s campaign to date confirms. Hopefully we can get our first win of the season this weekend.

Classy Cregg

Spare a thought for Roscommon footballer Daire Cregg, who produced a sensational performance in last week’s Sigerson Cup final but still found himself on the losing side. Daire’s personal tally of nine points lit up Twitter on the evening in question and was the talk of the county amongst local GAA supporters over the following couple of days. Unfortunately, Daire and his teammates lost out in their Sigerson Cup final duel with University of Ulster, the latter team deserved winners by 3-12 to 0-15. Cregg couldn’t have done much more for his team’s cause, contributing those nine points, four of them from play. Key men for University of Ulster were Darragh and Ruairí Canavan, sons of Tyrone legend Peter Canavan. Daire Cregg’s superb individual performance is something he can be very proud of. It also augurs well for the Roscommon county team, and the young star’s progress is very positive too for his club, Boyle, currently blessed with an array of attacking talent.

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

SportsPeople

CON-quered at Croker

O’Callaghan & Co too strong for Rossies Fitzpatrick did well for Davy Burke’s men on the day. Now Roscommon must quickly turn their attentions to facing Monaghan this Sunday at Hyde Park. It is a game that Roscommon simply have to win if they are to have any chance of avoiding relegation to Division Two. Everyone connected to the team will be hoping that there is some respite on the horizon with regard to injuries. Roscommon can ill-afford to be without the likes of Ben O’Carroll, Keith Doyle, Ultan Harney, Ronan Daly and Tadhg O’Rourke. When you add in the fact that Ciaráin Murtagh, Conor Daly and Cian McKeon are not on the panel at present, it represents a huge turnover of players in a short space of time.

Allianz NFL Division One Dublin 1-19 Roscommon 1-12 < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon are now very much in the middle of a Division One relegation dogfight following a seven-point defeat at Croke Park last Saturday night. It was a much-improved performance from Davy Burke’s men, but a very strong second-half display from AllIreland champions Dublin saw them over the line comfortably in the end. Roscommon could point to a number of key incidents that went against them during the game. In the 18th minute Daire Cregg’s handpassed effort brushed off the hand of Dublin defender Sean MacMahon on its way into the Dublin net. A goal should have been given, but the umpires decided otherwise and a free out was awarded. Two minutes earlier Roscommon had claims for a penalty turned down when James Fitzpatrick seemed to be pushed to the ground in the large square. In the 58th minute, sub Conor Cox was clean through one on one, but his shot came off David O’Hanlon’s legs and went over the bar. A goal then would have put Roscommon back in the game, but it was not to be. As manager Davy Burke said afterwards, Roscommon are having no luck in terms of such key decisions. However, it has to be said that Dublin were the better side overall. They dominated the second half and they themselves missed at least two clear goal chances in the final quarter. They also kicked 12 wides, many from very scorable positions. On a perfect evening for football, Dublin began as if they were going to steamroll their way to an easy victory. After only ten minutes they led by 0-4 to 0-1, with Con O’Callaghan showing his class at full-forward. When Roscommon got going, Enda Smith, Daire Cregg and Eoin McCormack were excellent as the visitors got a foothold. James Fitzpatrick and Cregg kicked two great points to narrow the gap to one by the 16th minute. Scores from Cregg, Diarmuid Murtagh and Enda Smith (2) kept

Teams & scorers

Con O’Callaghan of Dublin in action against Brian Stack of Roscommon during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Dublin and Roscommon at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Roscommon ticking over and they were level with the Dubs on the stroke of half-time. Then a mighty effort from Brian Fenton in injury-time from 50 metres out saw the home side go in leading at the break by 0-8 to 0-7. The Dubs were very wasteful in attack in that first half as they kicked no less than eight wides. Roscommon were far more economical, kicking just two. Dublin were much more clinical after the break. Fenton was having another brilliant game at midfield, while Con

O’Callaghan was a constant thorn in the Roscommon rearguard as the Dubs adopted a more direct approach. By the 50th minute they led by 0-12 to 0-8. The goal they had been threatening came in the 55th minute. Sean Bugler made the initial run. He found Brian Fenton and he in turn passed to sub Niall Scully who fisted home, the Dubs now ahead by 1-13 to 0-9. In fairness to them, Roscommon never gave up the ghost, but they were well beaten in the middle of the field, ensur-

ing that the Dublin attack saw plenty of the ball. Enda Smith was superb all through and when the All-Star bundled the ball into the net in the 64th minute there was a glimmer of hope for the Rossies. But Dublin went straight down the field and points from O’Callaghan and Fenton closed the door once again. It was a much better performance from Roscommon than we saw against Tyrone and Galway, but it didn’t yield any league points. Eoin McCormack, Enda Smith, Daire Cregg and James

Dublin: David O’Hanlon (0-1, free); Theo Clancy, Eoin Murchan, Sean MacMahon; Lee Gannon (0-1), John Small (0-1), Cian Murphy; Brian Fenton (0-2), Peadar O Cofaigh Byrne; Ross McGarry (0-3), Sean Bugler (0-1), Ciaran Kilkenny (0-2); Cormac Costello, Con O’Callaghan (0-7, 1 free, 1 mark), Paddy Small. Subs: Sean Lowry for Costello (8), Niall Scully (1-0) for Lowry (47), Lorcan O’Dell (0-1) for Paddy Small (50), Greg McEneaney for John Small (55), Brian Howard for O Cofaigh Byrne (62), Killian McGinnis for McGarry (71). Roscommon: Conor Carroll; David Murray, Brian Stack, Niall Higgins; Conor Hussey, Evan Flynn, Eoin McCormack; Shane Cunnane, Ruaidhri Fallon (0-1); Daire Cregg (0-4, 1 free, I mark), Dylan Ruane, Enda Smith (1-2); James Fitzpatrick (0-1), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-3), Ciaran Lennon. Subs: Cathal Heneghan for Fitzpatrick (50), Robbie Dolan for Hussey (50), Conor Cox (0-1) for Lennon (55), Adam McDermott for Ruane (62), Luke Glennon for Higgins (67). Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone).

Stat Attack Wides: Dublin 12 (8, first half ); Roscommon 4 (1, first half ) Red cards: 0 Black cards: 0 Yellow cards: Dublin 0; Roscommon 1 (Ruaidhri Fallon) Attendance: 12,552 Man of the Match: Con O’Callaghan (Dublin)

Roscommon People Friday 23 February 2024

SportsPeople

DOWN…

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

NOT OUT! John Small of Dublin in action against Eoin McCormack of Roscommon during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Dublin and Roscommon at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile

Roscommon target first win Allianz NFL Division One: Roscommon v Monaghan in Dr Hyde Park on Sunday at 1.45 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

To say this is a ‘must win’ game for Roscommon on Sunday is a contender for understatement of the year. It may be only round four, but with just one point on the table and with difficult assignments coming up against Mayo, Kerry and Derry, it is vital that Roscommon get two points on Sunday or else the relegation trapdoor will open wide. The displays against Tyrone and Galway were disappointing, but there were some notable areas of improvement against Dublin, and if that trend continues

on Sunday, this is an eminently winnable encounter. Roscommon will have Donie Smith back from suspension, while Cathal Heneghan will hopefully be able to continue his rehabilitation. Niall Daly picked up a slight injury last weekend but will hope to be fit to start. Roscommon need his experience. There are of course still a lot of players missing, with the likes of Ben O’Carroll, Keith Doyle, Ultan Harney and Tadhg O’Rourke all being huge losses. Roscommon will look to their talented forwards to get them past the winning post. Hopefully the rest of the team can play on the front foot and kick the ball into them because there is plenty of attacking talent there. Monaghan beat Dublin by a point in their opening game but

have been well beaten in their subsequent matches against Kerry and Derry, conceding 3-15 and 3-17 in the process. This Monaghan defence can be breached. Monaghan have a wonderful record in Division One, having been there since 2015. Very much like Roscommon, they have consistently punched above their weight in terms of performing at the top level. Like their hosts on Sunday, Monaghan have been plagued with injuries. Star attacker Stephen O’Hanlon limped off against Derry last weekend and will be in a race against time to be fit for Sunday. Others like Michael Bannigan and Conor McCarthy have also been struggling in recent weeks. Conor McManus is not back yet but don’t rule out an appearance off

AROUND THE GROUNDS

the bench by the ace attacker on Sunday. Monaghan are very reliant on Jack McCarron for scores at present. UCD star David Garland was held scoreless against Derry and will have to step up to the mark on Sunday, especially if Stephen O’Hanlon is ruled out. This is a game both counties will be confident they can win. Monaghan have only two points so far and a loss here would drag them into the relegation conversation. Roscommon need the points even more. If Davy Burke’s team can play with a little more positivity than of late, the attacking sector can get enough scores to win the game. Losing this one is unthinkable. I expect Roscommon to win by three or four points. Prediction: Roscommon.

Seamus Duke

Tyrone v Mayo in Omagh on Saturday at 5.15 pm

Dublin v Kerry in Croke Park on Saturday at 7.30 pm

Galway v Derry in Pearse Stadium on Sunday at 1.45 pm

Mayo performed well against Kerry and were unlucky not to have got a draw. A loss here would plunge Tyrone into the relegation dogfight. Mayo are shaping up well and should win it by three or four.

There is always something special about a clash between these two. Dublin broke their duck last weekend against Roscommon, while Kerry edged out Mayo. David Clifford could well be the difference again. Kerry to edge it, but there won’t be much in it.

Galway ground out a vital win against Tyrone last Sunday, but they will be up against it here. Derry are playing better than anyone else in the country at the moment and it is hard not to fancy them to continue on their winning ways.

Hurlers can get back on track in Wicklow < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon senior hurlers have a difficult away trip to face Wicklow in round three of the Allianz National Hurling League Division 2B on Sunday (at 2 pm). Manager Kevin Sammon will hope that the disappointing result against Tyrone in round two was just an ‘off day’ and that the excellent win against London in round one is more indicative of the side’s current ability. Wicklow were always a very hard side to beat – especially in Aughrim – but they have slipped back in the past couple of years, and as a result are not as formidable as in the past. It remains to be seen what line-up the Roscommon management team will opt for, but the likes of Conor Cosgrove, James Dillon, Mickey Joe Egan, Sean Canning, Conor Mulry, Paddy Fallon and Brendan Mulry have been playing well and hopefully they will provide the required inspiration on Sunday. There was a time when Roscommon would travel to face Wicklow away with a mindset of giving a good account of themselves and keeping the score down. Times have changed. This is an eminently winnable game for the Rossies if they can produce their best form.

GAA results Lidl Ladies NFL Division Three Roscommon 0-17 Sligo 0-8 Allianz NFL Division One Dublin 1-19 Roscommon 1-12

GAA fixtures Sunday, February 25th Allianz NFL Division One At Dr Hyde Park: Roscommon v Monaghan. 1.45 pm Allianz NHL Division 2A At Aughrim: Wicklow v Roscommon. 2 pm