23 June 2023 Roscommon People

Accident at Work

I was injured in an accident at work last year. I badly injured my leg and I have been out of work since. The accident was my work colleague’s fault as he was not paying attention when I was injured. He was very sorry. I am not able to work and I am struggling to meet bills. I cannot even consider suing my work colleague for compensation. Is there anything else I can do?

Every employer is obliged to provide a safe place of work for his employees. Furthermore, employees are expected to take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and of other people in the workplace. However, if an employee, whilst acting in the course of his employment negligently causes an accident which injures another then the employer may be considered vicariously liable for that incident. In such circumstances an employer, or in his insurers, may be liable to compensate the injured employee.

Employers must have a Safety Statement in place setting out policies and procedures regarding accident prevention. All accidents must be reported to the employer who should in turn investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Witnesses to the incident should also be interviewed.

Under the Statute of Limitations one has two years from the date of accident to bring a compensation claim for personal injuries.

Please feel free to contact our specialist personal injury solicitors for expert and professional advice on 090 6478433.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

info@bccsolicitors.ie

www.bccsolicitors.ie

What has Cork ever done for us?

Ah, the banks…I just love the banks! Huh! Just proves how out of touch you are! I mean, who really loves the banks?!

The Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee! Beautiful song!

Oh, those banks!

Yes, THOSE banks! Just one of the many things to love about Cork! Cork?

Yes! The Rossies are away to Cork this Saturday in an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final!

I know! But I’m still processing last Sunday!

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

Last Sunday has been and gone! Our lads tried their best! It was a thriller in Tullamore! I know! We were there!

Our lads had a bit of an off day, but they can storm back against Cork!

(They pause to check if President Higgins has issued any more controversial statements this week; he hasn’t)

The Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee… love it!

Yeah, but what else is Cork famous for? I mean, to paraphrase Monty Python’s classic ‘What have the Romans ever done for us?’ line… what has Cork ever done for us?

Well, Cork gave us its scenic beauty and great food and the unique charm of its people…

Yeah, fair enough, but apart from its scenic beauty and great food and the unique charm

of its people, what has Cork ever done for us?

Well, it gave us great hurlers and footballers…

Yeah, fair enough, but apart from great hurlers and footballers, and its scenic beauty and great food, what has Cork done for us?

Well, it gave us Jack Lynch, and Roy Keane, and Cillian Murphy, and…

Yeah, but apart…

(Editor: Enough!)

But it’s a huge issue…

Is it REALLY?

Yes! Check my social platforms for ‘99 reasons why it frustrates me’…

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PROBLEM?

There’s a nationwide crisis.

REALLY?

Look, we had a heatwave, we’re having a humid spell now. Everyone wants ice cream, particularly 99s.

Yeah…

But the flakes are crumbling!

The flakes are crumbling?

Yes, it’s breaking news!

Ha!

Instead of being strong and reliable, the flakes of 2023 are falling apart within seconds of entering the ice cream. It’s a nightmare!

(They pause to consider this matter of considerable importance)

Hey, my friend…

Yeah?

I just remembered, and maybe older readers will too… Cork also gave us Cha and Miah!

Remind me…

Two geezers who sat around talking good-natured nonsense about the issues of the day… pontificating in the media on everything and anything for the pleasure of the public!

Huh! Sounds like a silly idea, it would never take off now!

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

Gaelic football (long overdue), with last weekend’s final round of games in the AllIreland SFC Group series producing some welcome thrills and spills

The two (very) lucky winners of last Saturday’s massive Lotto jackpot prize, with one of the tickets being sold locally in Tuthill’s Newsagents in Athlone’s Golden Island Shopping Centre, and the other in Inishowen, Co. Donegal – the winners will receive over €6.37m each

Cavan golfer Leona Maguire, who shot a final round of 64 while winning the Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan, her second LPGA Tour success

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

Connacht teams in the All-Ireland SFC Group series, with Mayo licking their wounds after a sloppy defeat to Cork, Galway losing to Armagh, Roscommon coming up short against Kildare, and Sligo being trounced by Dublin (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon live to fight another day)

PIC OF THE WEEK: A disappointed young fan after Roscommon lost by one point to Kildare in last Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC Group 3 match in O’Connor Park, Tullamore. Pic: Mick McCormack

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Reader’s frustration over state of roads

Dear Editor,

Just a few thoughts on our roads here in Roscommon Town. Many readers will be aware of the points I raise as they drive this route on a daily basis, as I do.

From Lidl up to Casey’s roundabout and on up to McNeill’s roundabout the roads are like something from an apocalyptic war that has destroyed everything.

If you bought two litres of milk and travelled this route you would have buttermilk by the time you got home!

After all the roadworks that have been carried out in the last year or so, you would think the powers that be would have left the road surface the way they found it, but not so. It seems to be a case of ‘damn the motorist’.

We have a lovely town, but visitors to Roscommon must be thinking the same as I am, i.e. that these roads are sub-standard. If one’s vehicle gets damaged due to these terrible roads, is Roscommon County Council going to foot the bill?

Let’s get these roads smooth enough to at least drive on comfortably. It’s gone beyond a joke now.

Yours sincerely, Damien Hogan

Rossie Shane new CEO of Parkinson’s Association

Shane O’Brien, originally from Oran, Co. Roscommon, will be the new CEO of Parkinson’s Association of Ireland, effective August 8th 2023.

Shane boasts an extensive experience in governance and volunteer work. He holds a Professional Diploma in Leadership and Management from UCD Professional Academy and is a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) accredited by the Irish Tax Institute. Shane’s qualifications also include a First Class Honours degree in Accounting and a Chartered Accountant (ACA) designation from Chartered Accountants Ireland.

His most recent position as Senior Tax Manager at the Irish Tax Institute allowed him to projectmanage the design and delivery of educational programmes, ensuring optimal learning experiences for students both in the classroom and online.

He has been a voluntary board member of Epilepsy Ireland since 2021, where he also chaired the Finance and Audit Committee.

His dedication to making a difference extends beyond healthcare, as he previously served locally as secretary of Pieta House West-Roscommon fundraising committee.

“The Parkinson’s Association of Ireland is thrilled to welcome Shane O’Brien as our new CEO,”

said Ann Foxe, Chairperson of Parkinson’s Association of Ireland. “Shane’s proven track record in leadership and his commitment to community service make him an ideal fit for our organisation. We are confident that under Shane’s guidance, the Association will continue to advance our mission of improving the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease”.

Shane said, “This is an excit-

ing time for the charity. A key focus for me will be the implementation of the strategic plan over the coming years, as the service offering grows in a sustainable manner.

“Currently, there are approximately 15,000 people with Parkinson’s Disease in Ireland and that is projected to increase over the coming years. This will result in an increase in demand for services”.

Pictured is Shane O’Brien from Oran, Co. Roscommon, who was recently announced as the new CEO of the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland.

Gospel Reflection

Sunday 25 June

Our commitment to Christ will be put to the test. We will hear whispered warnings and denunciations, as Jeremiah does in today’s First Reading. Even so-called friends will try to trap and trip us up.

For His sake we will bear insults and be made outcasts – even in our own homes, we hear in today’s Psalm.

As Jeremiah tells us, we must expect that God will challenge our faith in Him, and probe our minds and hearts, to test the depths of our love.

“Do not be afraid,” Jesus assures us three times in today’s Gospel. Though He may permit us to suffer for our faith, our Father will never forget or abandon us. As Jesus assures us today, everything unfolds in His providence, under His watchful gaze – even the falling of the tiniest sparrow to the ground. Each one of us is precious to Him.

Steadfast in this faith, we must resist the tactics of Satan. He is the enemy who seeks the ruin of our soul in Gehenna, or hell.

We are to seek God, as the Psalmist says. Zeal for the Lord’s house, for the heavenly kingdom of the Father, should consume us, as it consumed Jesus (see John 2:17). As Jesus bore the insults of those who blasphemed God, so should we (see Romans 15:3).

By the gracious gift of Himself, Jesus bore the transgressions of the world, Paul tells us in today’s Epistle. In rising from the dead, He has shown us that God rescues the life of the poor, that He does not spurn His own when they are in distress. In His great mercy, He will turn toward us, as well. He will deliver us from the power of the wicked.

That is why we proclaim His name from the housetops, as Jesus tells us. That is why we sing praise and offer thanksgiving in every Eucharist. We are confident in Jesus’ promise – that we who declare our faith in Him before others will be remembered before our heavenly Father.

New Cathaoirligh take up roles

A new Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach have been appointed for each of the three Roscommon Municipal Districts this week.

Cllr Emer Kelly is the new Cathaoirleach of the Athlone Municipal District, Cllr Liam Callaghan has succeeded Cllr John Cummins in Boyle, while Cllr Anthony Waldron takes the chain of office in Roscommon.

Meanwhile, the new Leas Cathaoirleach in Athlone is Cllr Laurence Fallon, while Cllr Tom Crosby assumes the role in Boyle and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice in Roscommon.

Accepting the position in

Athlone, Cllr Kelly said that growing investment in the Athlone MD area was having an impact upon local communities, but that challenges – such as the development of the

nagh – remained. In a subsequent press statement, Cllr. Kelly said: “I can say with confidence that I along with all coun

Call for better planning procedures

Fianna Fáil councillor Orla Leyden has said better procedures were needed around planning applications in County Roscommon to avoid the county “lagging behind”. Addressing the recent monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Leyden called for a full list of invalidated planning applications to be included in the Management Report as well as those that have been approved.

“It’s a missing statistic. I understand from the OPR (Office of the Planning Regulator) that Roscommon

has one of the highest percentages, certainly in this region (of invalidated applications),” she said. Cllr

Leyden said it was “concerning” that the new 50-bed unit at the Sacred Heart Hospital had been invalidated in April, and said that individuals, organisations and planning agents were “really frustrated” by current procedures.

“If we are trying to deliver on housing, healthcare and schools then we need to ensure that we have the effective systems in place,” she said.

fight for rural Ireland – in particular to maintain and advance the services we have to ensure no further closures, encourage business development, promote accessibility for all, advocate for fairer planning laws and regulations and support development in our towns and villages that will entice young people to work and live in our areas”.

She also referred to growing collaboration between members and the neighbouring Athlone/ South Westmeath MD area which is part of Westmeath County Council and the Ballinasloe MD area, over issues of common concern.

Cricket club’s new home confirmed

Roscommon Town Cricket Club has been given the go-ahead to play at the legendary former home of local GAA, The Lough, St Coman’s Park in Roscommon town.

The move had been approved last October but had to go before the Council again due to legal reasons after the club had changed its name. A nominal fee of €10 per annum will be charged for the use of the 3.125 hectares for an initial period of three years.

Roscommon Hospice Sunflower raises almost €13k

The amount raised from the recent National Sunflower Days for Hospice campaign in Roscommon came to a total of €12,832.08.

The Foundation wishes to sincerely thank all the local stores who participated for their kind cooperation, as well as all the local support groups, hospice shop staff, and volunteers who gave their time to help make the event such a great success. The foundation also are very grateful and thankful to all who gave so generously to the cause.

All of the funds raised from the campaign will go directly to funding local palliative care services.

Miriam’s Musings

Our columnist Miriam Kerins is on leave

Cllr. Emer Kelly

Planning your big day?

Here’s the Abbey Hotel’s top wedding tips

“Here at Abbey Hotel Roscommon we want to be sure all our couples have the most memorable wedding day, and this is where the benefit of our sixty years of expertise and a very much handson approach comes in.

“From the initial enquiry stage, up to and including your big day, our dedicated team are here to inspire, assist and guide you seamlessly through all the stages of your wedding planning journey”, added Geraldine Grealy, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the hotel.

So here are the top tips from the four-star Abbey Hotel in Roscommon to keep in mind when it comes to planning your big day:

A good photographer

The time and money invested into researching and hiring a professional wedding photographer and videographer will be money well spent. A professional album capturing all those special wedding day moments is something you will cherish for the rest of your life. We work closely with some of the most talented and creative photographers in Ireland. Upon booking your wedding day with us, we release a comprehensive list of our very own Abbey Hotel recommended suppliers.

Time management

Schedule family photos on the day as guests often get distracted when they arrive at the venue. We have so many picturesque backdrops here at the Abbey both indoors and on our private grounds.

Communicate and delegate tasks with a chief bridesmaid or groomsman on who will have the task of rounding up the family for the photos.

Ask your photographer to communicate with the venue on an estimated time of arrival so the venue and wedding team have everything just perfect to greet the couple at the door. Create a photography list for your chosen photographer so nobody gets left out.

The Wedding Meal

Most venues will recommend a set sit-down time for all guests and that speeches take place after the meal to avoid delayed impact on food service or added pressure on chefs to be keeping food hot.

Wedding Day Decor

Flowers and pretty decor will

enhance any venue so here at the Abbey we advise you put lots of thought into how you want your room to look on the day. Flower walls, backdrops, floral arches and table decor will look amazing in your photos so do shop around for the best deals. We have some amazing decor suppliers we work closely with so talk to us today about how we can help give you the wedding day of your dreams.

Why not digitise your RSVPs?

Did you know you can save on postage costs by having all of your guests RSVP online? QR codes to RSVP are now a new trend we see here at the Abbey.

The First Dance

Choose your first dance carefully. Ask the band to play something personal to you both and make sure all your guests are rounded up on time to witness the special moment on the dance floor.

A surprise intro that none of your guests might expect like a tango or some Irish dancing can get the crowd really excited. Maybe a member of the bridal party can ask the venue to announce the time on the hotel speaker system.

Incorporate personal touches

Just remember that your wedding day is all about you, your partner, and the things you both love. Personal touches like family photos, table favours and something sentimental to you both should be incorporated into your day.

“Here at the Abbey we work closely with all our couples in

Fair. finalising the wedding day final details and are happy to give recommendations and work closely with couples to deliver on all the small touches”, added Geraldine.

Table plans

Why not personalise your wedding reception and engage your guests in play and activities. Mix it up a little when doing your table guest list to ensure everyone gets to know one another.

“Activities at weddings are a lot of fun, especially if there’s downtime between the ceremony and reception”, added Geraldine.

“Here at the Abbey we see this trend starting to grow with singing waiters, photobooths, selfie mirrors, comedians and caricature sketch artists now part of most couples’ wedding day”.

Contact us

To book your wedding day viewing at the Abbey Hotel, email weddings@abbeyhotel. ie or phone 090 6666211. Follow the Abbey Hotel Roscommon on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.

Justthe2ofUs 2024Wedding Package €60pp

Scenes from the Abbey Hotel’s recent Wedding Fair.

Pictured is Geraldine Grealy, Marketing and PR Manager at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.

Lisa Butler Wedding Coordinator pictured at Abbey Hotel’s recent Wedding

CIVIL CEREMONIES AT THE FORTFIELD SUITE - the Abbey Hotel is fully licensed for Civil, Spiritual/ Humanist Ceremonies. Pictured above is a photograph of the decorated room.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

FRIDAY

A sporting week

Sport was everywhere this past week, as it should be. This evening, I settled in to watch Greece v the Republic of Ireland, our latest ‘must-win’ game (until the next ‘must-win’ game).

Some supporters from Roscommon made the trip to Athens, the rest of us settling for somewhere between our living rooms and an apathy born of the frustration of watching too many impotent campaigns.

Under manager Stephen Kenny, we’ve become used to an unconvincing but well-intended philosophy of attempting to play good passing football, an approach which, even when executed adequately, is fatalistically undermined by an inability to put the ball into the opposition’s net. We pass, miss, concede at the other end, and occasionally when we’re one or two down we pull a goal back from nowhere, and claim another heroic draw or honourable defeat.

Tonight, there was no need to beware of Greeks bearing gifts. They didn’t. Instead, they outplayed us. As ever, we battled to the end, but without even the consolation of many of those fancy passing routines we’ve been working on.

After Ireland’s 2-1 defeat, the pundits in the RTE studio couldn’t muster any anger worth talking about, only a sense of resignation about the possibility that we’re doomed forever (football-wise). Liam Brady looked like a man who had been strapped to a chair and forced to watch the Lotto draw, when he – and everyone else – knew we had no ticket.

SATURDAY

Rory & Rod

It’s the hope that kills us…Rory included. Sky Sports are utterly obsessed with ‘the Northern Irishman’ (Rory McIlroy), but then he really is (Sky) box office.

It’s been nine years since the flamboyant star last won one of golf’s four majors. This Rory famine is mystify-

ing, given his immense talent and multiple wins on the regular tours. Will his major wait end in 2023?

The quest continues this weekend in the US Open at the Los Angeles Country Club, a course which Sky repeatedly informs us is overlooked by Lionel Richie’s house. Are they trying to suggest that it’s a different world to the one we mere mortal Sky viewers are used to? They also report that an acre of land costs about £5 million there. And that Rod Stewart recently sold his Los Angeles mansion for £56 million!

SUNDAY

Tullamore twist

Neutrals would have loved the Roscommon-Kildare match in Tullamore today. We’re not neutrals. We were there, following every twist and turn. See my views on pages 42-43.

SUNDAY/MONDAY

The 3 am shift

Thanks to Rory McIlroy, I am blearyeyed. I stayed up until 3 am (‘All Night Long’ as ‘owner of house overseeing

course’ Lionel Richie might say) to watch Rory come up just short in the US Open. Better news for Cavan’s Leona Maguire, who stormed to her second LPGA Tour win.

MONDAY

Liam’s seen enough! There are a handful of spectators and no dogs at this evening’s Glen Celtic v Roscommon Town U-14 soccer game, played in Ballymoe. It’s a very pleasant hour, with great endeavour and skill on show.

On Newstalk, the commentary team sound incredulous as Ireland draw a first-half blank against lowly Gibraltar in Dublin. Naturally, we are reminded that Ireland’s opponents are mere parttimers, made up of the usual motley crew of firemen, butchers, bakers and others (as though firemen can’t play football). At least the goals are flying in on the Ballymoe pitch in front of me.

We’re back home just in time to see a guy called Mikey Johnston save Irish manager Stephen Kenny’s blushes – possibly his job too – with a 53rd

minute goal. Ireland go on to win 3-0.

Liam Brady retires after 25 years as a pundit. He peaked in that role during the glory era alongside the wonderfully provocative trio of Giles, Dunphy and the late Bill O’Herlihy.

(As a player, Brady was mesmerising, his left foot like a wand, a genius who’s still revered by Arsenal fans particularly).

Brady’s a gentleman, and he’s right to retire. After all, Liam’s been ageing before our eyes, and I put that entirely down to what he’s had to watch (from the RTE studio).

How long do you think Picasso would have lasted if he had to continually watch (and critique) a group of game but very limited painters?

TUESDAY

Fiery Michael D!

No doubt there was synchronised eyerolling and groaning amongst government ministers following the latest pushing of boundaries by President Higgins. In a weekend interview, the president bluntly spoke out about what he sees as a move towards possible

NATO membership by Ireland.

President Higgins said Ireland is “playing with fire” in relation to its neutrality. He clearly relishes pushing the boundaries – crossing them, some might say – in relation to how far someone in his position is constitutionally permitted to go.

Given the president’s popularity with the public, the last thing the Government will want to do is publicly rebuke him. So they just have to take it on the chin!

WEDNESDAY ‘Swift’ response…

People are hugely frustrated by the rise in hotel prices, which mainly applies in certain Dublin establishments, and other big urban areas too. For many families, these exorbitant prices are closing down the traditional option of weekend breaks/annual holidays.

The pattern in Dublin whereby hotel prices often spike when there is a big event ‘in town’ – such as a concert or match – is disgusting, and has to be causing reputational damage for Ireland.

On Newstalk this morning, presenter Shane Coleman cited an instance of a Dublin hotel quoting €999 for a double room for one night on the weekend of June 28/29 2024…when Taylor Swift will perform in concert at the Aviva Stadium. The same room is priced at €339 for the corresponding night this year.

We know the hospitality industry was probably the sector most impacted by the pandemic. Hotels suffered terribly, and are themselves now hit by rises in costs. But these soaring hotel prices are completely unjustifiable.

Hotels may be booked out for major events/peak season, but the public resent what is effectively a combination of greed and price gouging. Some of the prices being quoted, particularly in Dublin and other urban areas, are just unacceptable – and may yet prove to be counter-productive for the industry.

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

LOSE UP TO 2 STONE IN 10 WEEKS

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

In most people this ‘switch’ is off.

Metabolism problems like Slow Thyroid, Type 2 Diabetes, Sluggish Liver, Hormone Imbalances, PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility and Digestive Problems like Constipation, IBS and Diverticulitis will limit or stop your weight loss, no matter how much dieting or exercise you do .

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

THE SYSTEM 10 PLAN INCLUDES:

• An analysis of your metabolism

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

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• 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. BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL

Race night and BBQ in Athleague this Saturday

A fundraising night in aid of Athleague Community Centre redevelopment is taking place in Hamrock’s Lounge this Saturday, June 24th, with a BBQ, horse races, and music, starting from 8 pm. The committee would appreciate your support with the upcoming race night fundraiser by sponsoring a race (€50) or buying a horse (€10 each).

Come along this Saturday for a night out with tote betting, an auction race, music and a BBQ in Ham-

Local winners of 2023 Curious Minds Awards

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, has announced that thirteen primary schools in Roscommon will be awarded the 2023 Curious Minds Award, celebrating primary schools across Ireland that have adopted innovative approaches to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) learning and engagement.

Announcing the 2023 Curious Mind Awards, Minister Harris said, “I am delighted to announce the thirteen winners of this year’s SFI Curious Minds Awards from Roscommon. I want to congratulate all involved for their hard work and enthusiasm”.

The Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) programme, run in conjunction with the European

Space Education Resource Office (ESERO), aims to increase interest in STEM among primary school students, parents, and teachers nationwide in a fun and interactive way.

The awards were granted for a wide range of innovative and engaging STEM activities from investigating renewable energy, growing vegetables, mini-beast hunts, learning about materials and maths through baking, design and make challenges, marble runs, enhancing their technology skills through coding, and using STEM to solve everyday problems.

Primary schools received awards in three categories: the Silver Award (recognising schools entering for the first time), the Gold Award (for schools further along their STEM journey), and the Plati-

num Award (for schools who have achieved previous awards and want to integrate STEM into the community further). This year, two Roscommon schools received the Silver Award, eight received the Gold Award, and three received the Platinum Award.

The Roscommon schools receiving the Silver Award are Ballyforan NS and Granlahan Girls NS. The Roscommon schools receiving the Gold Award are St Coman’s Wood Primary School, Glanduff NS, St Michael’s School, Athleague NS, Clooneyquinn NS, Rahara NS, Scoil Náisiúnta Ard Cianain, and Mount Talbot NS. The Roscommon schools receiving the Platinum Award are St Paul’s Boys NS, Tarmon NS, and St Attracta’s NS.

rock’s Lounge/Beer Garden from 8 pm. The GAA matches will be live on the big screen, including the 7 pm game between Tyrone and Donegal. For further details and queries, contact Ivan Connaughton (Chairperson) on 086-8985013, JP Murray (Secretary) on 087-7955095, Henry Hamrock (Joint Treasurer) on 087-7541730, Mags Treacy (Admin) on 086-8033105, or email athleaguecommunitycentre@gmail.com.

Madeline Brennan, Kathleen Keegan, Monica Fallon, Eric Nugent and Bernie Keegan pictured at the Roscommon Races recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Funding secured for anti-dumping initiative

Roscommon County Council has secured funding of €110,000 to deliver a range of anti-dumping projects in the Ballaghaderreen area and throughout County Roscommon.

Regrettably, the wider Ballaghaderreen area has been affected by incidents of repeated illegal dumping in recent years. Many of the items found during subsequent clean-up operations were easily recyclable.

The new funding was received from the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead

Authority (WERLA) as part of the Anti-Dumping Initiative 2023. Community clean ups, a bulky goods collection, and awareness raising activities and a new all-in-one household waste management guide will be supported by this funding.

In 2022 Roscommon County Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement Team received a significant number of illegal dumping reports, which included littering, fly tipping and backyard burning. Littering and unlawful waste disposal are subject to an on-the spot fine

of €150 with a fine of up to €5,000 upon conviction.

Unauthorised waste collectors advertise to collect household waste for a reduced cost and may not dispose of such waste in an environmentally friendly manner. Roscommon County Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement Team often find household waste illegally dumped in scenic areas or by the roadside.

Households, apartments and commercial premises in the Ballaghaderreen area can expect a visit from Roscommon County

Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement Team during the month of June.

Householders will be obliged to show documentary proof, such as receipts, statements or other proof of payment that they are disposing of waste legally through a kerbside collection or authorised waste facility.

Failure to comply with the bye-law on Waste Presentation can lead to a fixed penalty notice of €75 or, if convicted in court, to a penalty of up to €2,500.

These bye-laws allow Roscommon County

Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement Team to demand proof from homes and businesses that they are using an authorised waste disposal service. The bye laws are intended to tackle increasing levels of illegal dumping and households refusing to sign up to a waste collection service.

“The public are being reminded to always deal with their waste in a responsible manner and to use an authorised waste collector. Waste and recycling services are available at our Civic

Amenity Sites and network of 38 bring bank sites.” said Jonathan Jones, Environment Education and Awareness Officer, for Roscommon County Council.

Roscommon County Council are encouraging all community groups, organisations and individuals within Ballaghaderreen to get involved with a clean-up in the local area.

Please contact the Environmental Education and Awareness Officer at envawareness@ roscommoncoco.ie for further details.

Suck Valley AC Sports Day next Tuesday!

Suck Valley Athletics Club will host an exciting sports day next Tuesday, June 27th from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm at Donamon Castle in Co. Roscommon (F42 YE13).

Events on the night include: 60m sprint, egg and spoon race, and standing long jump for ages 4 to 6; 80m sprint, 300m race and long jump for ages 7 to 9; 100m sprint, 600m race, long and high jump for ages 10 to 12; 100m sprint, 1,000m race, long jump and high jump for ages 13 to 15; and a 100m sprint and one-mile race for adult and junior athletes.

Concluding the evening will be the inaugural ‘Ireland’s Fittest Relay Team’ Cup which will involve a mixed team of two parents/guardians and two kids aged over 4 x 300m.

All participants on the evening will receive a goodie pack on arrival and all competitors will be awarded an ice cream voucher on completion of their event.

Kids will compete against each other in the various age categories and there will be medals for the top three, but results are of course secondary as the emphasis will very much be on enjoyment.

Entry for Athletics Ireland members is just €8 for adults and €4 for kids while for non-AI members it’s €10 for adults and €6 for kids. Family tickets are also available, priced at €20. To enter visit https://eventmaster.ie/events (Please print off and have your ticket available to view at registration).

PUBLIC NOTICE

RE: HOUSING MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS ACT 2014 SECTION 15 (1)

To: Mr. Stephen Oldroyd

Of: No. 72 Castlehill, Arm, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Roscommon County Council of Áras an Chontae are aware that the dwelling situated at: No. 72 Castlehill, Arm, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (‘the dwelling’) which was let to you under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966 by Tenancy Agreement dated: 19/05/2021 is unoccupied and that your household does not intend to occupy the dwelling as its normal place of residence.

You are required to inform the Council in writing within four weeks of the date of service of the notice if your household intends to occupy the dwelling as its normal place of residence.

YOU ARE ADVISED that if at the end of the four-week period from the date of service of this Notice you do not inform the Council in writing of your household’s intention to occupy the dwelling as your normal place of residence and it appears to the Council at the end of that four-week period (i.e. the 28th day of July 2023) that the dwelling is unoccupied and that your household does not intend to occupy it as its normal place of residence, the Council will serve a further notice on you bringing the Tenancy Agreement in respect of the dwelling to an end with immediate effect.

Dated: 23/06/2023

From: Housing Section, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. Phone: 09066-37230

Herb walk in Castlerea

A herb walk will take place in Castlerea on this Monday, June 26th from 11 am to 12.30 pm. The walk will be led by herbalist Paula Sharkey. Paula will identify wild herbs (aka weeds) that can be used as supplement teas and for various health benefits. This is a free event, but booking is essential as places are limited. Roscommon Hospice Sunflower Days raises almost €13k

Kilteevan Graveyard Mass on July 1st

The 30th annual graveyard Mass will be celebrated in Kilteevan Graveyard on Saturday, 1st of July at 7.30 pm, weather-permitting. Otherwise, Mass will be celebrated in the Church. The annual maintenance collection will also be held with a donation box available. Sunday Mass as usual on the 2nd of July at 10 am.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Is our society adequately addressing loneliness and rural isolation?

Our man Frank on a reader’s views on rural isolation; The All-Ireland SFC finally warms up; The scams continue… but are the choc ice’s days numbered?

It’s funny how our perspectives change as we get older and we begin to look at matters in a totally different light to before. Things like fear, isolation, and loneliness can prey on the minds of people – especially the minds of older folk who live in rural

areas on their own, who may have no immediate family locally to look after them.

A reader, who lives in a very isolated spot in the area covered by the Roscommon People, contacted me to highlight the problems that she and her elderly husband already face when it comes to things like shopping, and she wondered why there are so few retirement homes/villages in this country for people like them.

This lady told me that her biggest fear is how one of them would survive if the other was to pass away, as their nearest neighbour is a five-minute drive from them…which would be

Can the choc ice be saved?

Comedy is a very personal thing; oftentimes what makes you laugh might get no reaction at all from me.

The same applies to comedians –while some people love the likes of Des Bishop or Deirdre O’Kane, I have to admit that I don’t find them funny at all. The 2 Johnnies are another example. Normally I can take or leave them, but this week, for once, I am totally on their side.

Last week, news broke that HB were getting rid of the beloved choc ice after more than sixty years because “it is no longer as popular as it was”. The 2 Johnnies were so horri-

Gaelic football musings

fied that they launched a petition to save the iconic ice cream.

Michael Healy-Rae, the very popular Kerry TD, also expressed disappointment at the decision and wondered is there anything sacred anymore. He also wondered if the Greens were involved in any way, but it seems they had no hand or part in it as they have already done enough damage to rural Ireland. Anyway, hats off to the 2 Johnnies; if they manage to save the choc ice, I’ll be the first to buy them one each. The choc ice was always a favourite of mine, so here’s hoping HB will have a rethink and give it a reprieve.

For the second week in a row those of us who hail from the Galway side of our boundary with Roscommon are again licking our sporting wounds.

This time, it was our footballers who committed the cardinal sin of coughing up possession in the last few seconds of their game with Armagh, conceding a freekick from which the Northerners scored the winning point. The ‘reward’ for Galway is a derby battle with Mayo this Sunday up in Pearse Stadium, and if ever there was a fixture fraught with danger, this is it.

On the other side of our local border, the Rossies too are licking their wounds after being pipped by Kildare last Sunday. But a trip to Cork this weekend for them doesn’t seem too much of a daunting prospect. This weekend promises to be a pivotal one in this year’s football championship and I can’t wait to see who gets through to the quarter-finals proper.

Before I leave the Galway/Armagh game, I must say the request to move the match to Croke Park looks pretty foolish now – the less than 7,000 attendance in Carrick would hardly fill the bars in GAA HQ!

all very well if they had a car! When I asked this lady who would foot the bill if we had one locally, she said she would be more than willing to sell her house and pay for their place in a retirement home (emphasising that she was not looking for something for nothing).

Even when I put on my politician’s hat and said the powers-thatbe would be more likely to try to house young couples with children, she told me that she had said to her local council that she would be willing do a deal and let them use her house to take a family off the waiting list.

I have to admit that when we spoke first, I thought the idea of a retirement home was mad. However, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense – especially for people like this reader. When I suggested that she should speak to local councillors about a possible solution, she said she is blue in the face from ringing them, and she never gets a reply. Now of course we already have a major housing crisis in Ireland, so maybe the will to build retirement homes for the elderly isn’t there, but for people who are amongst the most vulnerable in our society, surely it could be worth a study.

I looked up such places in England

Astonishing scam stats

One of Monday’s morning newspapers informs me that 365,000 people were scammed in Ireland last year and that there were 89 million irritating communications and 31 million distressing communications to members of the public in the same period.

The cost of all this fraudulent activity is estimated at €300 million, and while businesses are targeted the most often, individuals are also seen as potential targets.

Obviously older folk (which I am proud to be one of) are more at risk because of our lesser knowledge of phone technology, and so we, along with everyone else, need to be constantly on our guard.

Only last week I got an email telling me that my non-existent loan application for €15,000 had been approved and that once I provided my bank details, the money

would be in my account inside the hour. When I failed to reply, I got two more messages with the name of my contact and a phone number that appeared to be from Cork!

However, as I hadn’t applied for any loan and had given no details on age, occupation, address, earnings or anything else, I decided that the offer of a €15,000 loan was too good to be true and very obviously one of the millions of attempts being made to part unsuspecting people from their money.

Apparently there is some regulator in place now and they want companies to implement certain precautions (of which I have no understanding) to try to beat the fraudsters and stop them from making millions from their illegal activities, so hopefully that goes some way towards dealing with the problem.

and they are everywhere, so they must be financially sustainable, whether privately or publicly funded. So maybe we too could look at doing more to help lonely, isolated and fearful old folk have a happy and care-free retirement.

A friend of mine recently said to me that in his job, he comes across a huge amount of rural isolation and he believes every village and local community should have a Men’s Shed or some such place where older folk can meet, enjoy a cup of tea, have a chat and get away from their loneliness for a while. If there’s a will, there’s a way.

A reminder…

Down the road in Glinsk, Maria Fitzmaurice tells me that the Glinsk ladies are continuing with their gardening. This Saturday morning, June 24th, they are meeting again at Barlow’s (F45 EH27) at 10 am, continuing until 1 pm. So don’t forget to go along if you’re interested. All are welcome to attend. Who knows, you could be the new Diarmuid Gavin or Monty Don!

And finally…

We have just come back from a lovely walk up rural Lenamarla, and not for the first time, we marvelled at the wonderful peace and quiet.

The only sounds breaking the silence were the birds singing, the cattle mooing, and the sheep doing whatever sheep do. For the umpteenth time, we realised how lucky we are to live out in the countryside. Orchids, wild roses, ferns, and all kinds of shrubs and flowers were in full bloom, and one would have been forgiven for thinking that everything in the countryside garden was rosy.

And yet, as we thought about a piece in last week’s People where Cllr Tony Waldron blamed the lack of verge trimming for a couple of accidents that recently happened in the Ballintubber area, we realised that it’s not only in Ballintubber that the verges are left uncut; it’s all over.

As a result of this inaction, the potential for accidents is certainly very much greater than it should be. I don’t know who should cut them, but something needs to be done, especially at crossroads and T-junctions where visibility is greatly impaired by long, overgrown grasses and briars.

For some reason, back in my younger days when we were supposedly a poor nation, I don’t remember the verges being in the state they are today, so someone must have cut them back then. Maybe now that our economy is among the best in Europe again, someone could be hired to do them again?

Local pupils win prestigious award for their book about inequality

Charlie Waldron, Ciaran Dempsey, and Amelia Waldron (5th and 6th Class pupils at Ballintleva National School, Roscommon) have received a prestigious activity award at this year’s Our World Irish Aid Awards for a digital book they cre-

ated focusing on the subject of inequality.

The announcement was made at an event at O’Reilly Hall, UCD, which saw pupils and teachers from thirteen schools across the country gather to celebrate their

collective success at a ceremony hosted by Clara Murray.

The project created by the Ballintleva National School pupils, along with those created by the twelve other finalists, will feature on a host of bus shelters across the

country, as well as in a special online exhibition on the Our World Irish Aid Awards website ourworldirishaidawards.ie, and in the 2023 Global Goal Getters annual digital magazine, also available online.

STARTING 4th JULY

Bingo back in Athleague on 4th July

Bingo is returning to Athleague Community Centre every Tuesday night at 8.30pm from 4th July next. A Jackpot is being reintroduced and a few minor changes from the Bingo pre Covid to allow a potential increase in the prize money. All Bingo Goers can put the Tuesday 4th July in their diaries and the bingo committee look forward to welcoming you all (both previous and new players). Draw on the first night for a Hamper and tickets are on sale in Keane’s Centra, Athleague from today.

Public meeting on RosSligo Greenway

The RosSligo Greenway Committee is holding a public consultation meeting this evening (Thursday) from 6 pm to 9 pm in St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen regarding a proposed greenway in the Ballaghaderren, Monasteraden and Boyle areas. All are welcome on the night.

Anxious Roscommon supporters pictured at the All-Ireland SFC Group 3 game against Kildare in O’Connor Park, Tullamore last Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Ballintleva National School pupils pictured at this year’s

Our World Irish Aid Awards,

where they

received a prestigious activity award for a digital book they

created about inequality. Pic: Finbarr O’Rourke

President should be able to reflect public opinion –and encourage dialogue and constructive criticism

Let’s talk about ...

The issue of President Higgins speaking out

(A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

“Playing with fire”. That is the phrase President Michael D Higgins used last weekend when rebuking the Government for launching a debate over Irish neutrality, speaking ahead of the upcoming Consultative Forum on International Foreign Policy.

In an interview with The Business Post on Sunday, the President criticised Ireland’s foreign policy “drift”, warning against deviation from traditional “positive neutrality” and directly questioning the set-up of the upcoming forum. His comments have drawn a significant degree of backlash, with many complaining that as President, he has an obligation to retain political impartiality and not be seen to criticise the government of the day.

It’s not the first time the president has found himself in trouble for ‘speaking out of turn’ and expressing personal political views when many would argue he should remain neutral –in fact it’s not even the first time it’s happened this year.

In April, Higgins came under fire for criticising economic policy and the “obsession” with achieving economic growth. He described economists as being “stuck in an inexorable growth narrative” and policy as being out of “touch with anything meaningful” – comments which drew a backlash from economists.

But the incident people will likely be quicker to remember came in June of last year, when President Higgins publicly dubbed the housing crisis a “disaster”, describing the state of housing cynically (but not inaccurately) as a “great, great failure”. Sparing all fluff, he made a speech condemning the lack of action taken to address housing in no uncertain terms, calling out market-driven investment in homebuilding, noting the rise in homeless youth, and highlighting the deeply-felt impact the crisis

was having (and continues to have) for so many. His comments were frank, passionate, and timely – and decidedly refreshing coming against the more wishy-washy political-speak that elected representatives had been feeding into the news cycle on a loop for weeks prior. With no real change being seen to happen in tandem with their comments, discourse from such politicians had begun to feel more like an exercise in appeasing people’s outrage over the issue and being seen to care, rather than an effort to actually address housing itself.

But Higgins’ speech undoubtedly raised eyebrows within government and, to a degree, within the public. He received a significant amount of criticism for weighing in on a matter of active political controversy and again, for being seen to criticise government while being our head of state.

But it’s worth noting that his comments fell heavily in line with majority opinion on the subject, so when reactions started coming in about the fact that Ireland’s President – a for-all-intents-andpurposes ceremonial post – had come out and expressly condemned government inaction in meeting the basic needs of its citizens, he was spared a lot of the potential outcry because, well, in the eyes of most people, he was right.

Then we come to last week, and the president’s

Guide Dog concerts raise €1,200!

comments on neutrality and foreign policy. According to an Irish Times poll, this time, the people are not as overwhelmingly in line with the president on this as they were on housing; while the majority did indeed support the retention of Ireland’s current model of neutrality, this majority amounted to 61%, a percentage of the public I’d expect to be considerably lower than those who would’ve agreed with what the president said about housing.

The lack of emphatic support this time around –reflecting the reality that his recent criticisms are not as obviously valid as his comments last June were –meant there has been no wave of “he’s right though” sentiment from the public to muffle out conversation about whether he should be entitled to make such criticisms in the first place.

He also lost some faith for having to withdraw the “throwaway comment” he made in the interview about the chair of the upcoming forum, Prof. Louise Richardson, being a DBE (Dame of the British Empire).

But to whatever degree he is deemed to have (arguably) overstepped the mark last weekend, many of the points he made ahead of the upcoming forum were as well reasoned and justified as his callout last June was.

He is right to emphasise the importance of holding certain standards for institutions like the EU and UN, and to advocate for a more inclusive and self-confident foreign policy that doesn’t totally forego international cooperation in favour of military alliances, and that engages with emerging populations of the world too, rather than relying solely on consultation with fading imperial powers. It is fair for him to raise the point that any advisory forum on Irish neutrality or its future needs to be carried out without bias and with equal input from all sides. And few are likely to not understand where he was coming from when he raised reservations about further investment in the Defence Forces due to the unresolved cultural issues related to sexual misconduct, bullying, discrimination, and career obstruction, which were brought to light recently.

But undoubtedly the content of last weekend interview will not be met with the same widespread agreement last June’s speech was. And that comparative lack of agreement is being balanced with an increase in criticism for the president this time around. If you have widespread public consensus on an issue like housing, having an elected official chime in and echo that majority sentiment doesn’t read as some gross misuse of office; after all, is it not a principal role of the presidency to act as a representative of the people?

Yes, the convention of presidents refraining from sharing their unchecked political opinions is longstanding and well established. The Irish Constitution itself states that while the President may address the nation at any time on any matter, such an address must have received the government’s approval. But that does not equate to a constitutional bar on a president expressing their views, it just means that any official national address needs to go through Cabinet first.

We are, each and all of us, free to agree or disagree with any amount of the opinions President Higgins expresses on the issues of the day. We’re free to come up with and share our own takes on these subjects. Surely the President should be afforded that same opportunity? Ideally, the role of the President in Irish society would be more than to act as a figurehead, but to reflect public opinion and encourage thoughtful dialogue and constructive criticism – but this can’t happen if we never allow our presidents to speak about important issues in the first place.

Organisers have confirmed that two County Roscommon concerts in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind raised a total of €1,200 for the cause.

The two concerts were performed by ‘Bits & Pieces’, a ‘retired’ Manchester four-piece band with ties to Roscommon.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, band member John Hannan said the group was overwhelmed by the local response to the concerts.

“A huge heartfelt thank you Roscommon from us four old geezers and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind,”

“The welcome and the generosity you showed to us was overwhelming. The two concerts raised a staggering €1,200 for the cause. God bless you all!”

President Higgins

A young Roscommon fan pictured during last Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC Group 3 clash between Roscommon and Kildare in O’Connor Park, Tullamore. Pic: Mick McCormack

Ger makes a splash with ‘Swim Against Suicide’

< DAN DOONER

Lough Ree Orcas swimmer, Ger Moore, embarked on a gruelling adventure last Sunday which will see him swim from the very top of Lough Allen all the way to Limerick City in a bid to raise funds for mental health charities Jigsaw and Pieta House.

Cheered on by members of the public and a dedicated team of supporters, Ger hopes to complete this daunting challenge in just two weeks.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, just before entering the water last Sunday, Ger said he has been busy in recent months preparing for this mammoth swim.

“My plan is to swim from the top of Lough Allen and swim past King John’s Castle in Limerick City on July

1st, a swim distance of approximately 250km,” he said.

“I am also undertaking this challenge in skins, i.e. without the aid of a wetsuit.

I believe this will be the first attempt at swimming the length of the River Shannon without the aid of a wetsuit.

“I am not taking this challenge lightly and have been training hard in preparation for this swim over the past year with friends from Lanesboro Triathlon Club, Coman’s Masters Swimming Club and in the open water with the Lough Ree Orcas swim group”.

Ger said he had been alternating between feeling anxious and feeling excited “about ten times a day” but was looking forward to taking on the challenge.

“There is no such thing as a solo swim, as without the support of family and

SEF-DEIS in Excellence Fund

friends I wouldn’t be able to take on this challenge,” he said.

Ger said he was also blown away by the level of support his fundraising efforts have received so far.

“I’ve been absolutely amazed and humbled by the generosity of supporters who have donated to support both Pieta House and Jigsaw and the work they do to be available for those struggling with their mental health,” he said.

“Thank you to all those who have donated so far. For those who wish to support two very worthy causes, you can donate by visiting www.idonate.ie/ fundraiser/SwimAgainstSuicide”.

So far Ger’s efforts have helped raise well over €4,000 for his two chosen charities and it is hoped that donations will continue prior to him reaching Limerick City next Saturday week.

PROGRAMMES

Junior Cycle

•

Congratulations to Roscommon Community College, Post Primary School and St. Coman’s Wood Primary School staff and students on completing the School Excellence Fund. The DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Excellence Fund is an initiative implemented by the Department of Education and Skills in Ireland. The fund is designed to support schools in providing additional resources and targeted interventions to improve student educational outcomes. The Excellence Fund is one component of the DEIS program and focuses specifically on promoting excellence and raising achievement levels in these schools.

The fund provides additional financial resources to eligible DEIS schools, which they can utilise to implement innovative projects, initiatives, and interventions.

These projects are intended to enhance teaching and learning, improve student engagement and well-being, and raise educational standards within the school community. Both schools received a joint bursary of €51,000 to develop numeracy through critical thinking and problem-solving as they transition from the primary school maths curriculum to the secondary school maths curriculum.

Their research over the five years of the project provided valuable insights and strategies in the area of mathematical teaching and learning that greatly assisted the students in both schools in their mathematical education. Through the collaboration of both the Primary and Post Primary, a set of targeted interventions in six key areas was devised:

• effective instruction

• identifying common misconceptions

• adapting instruction to diverse learners

• promoting mathematical mindsets

• integrating technology and assessment and feedback

Happy Father’s Day! Ger Moore pictured with his sons Nathan and Alex after completing 19kms of his Swim Against Suicide on Sunday, June 18th

STUDENT ENTERPRISE AWARDS 2023

•Pictured Left:

Leaving Certificate Applied Route Map Careers Leaving Certificate Applied

The

Dr. Jude Lohan, Deputy Principal, Roscommon Community College, Colm Ó Murchú, Department of Education, Post-Primary Inspector, Ms. Georgina Martin, RCC Head of Maths Department, Dr. Úna Feeley, Principal, St. Coman’s Wood Primary School and Brian Mac Giolla Phádraig, Department of Education, Assistant Chief Inspector at the Shared Learning Day held on Monday, 22nd May 2023 in the Dublin West Education Centre.

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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Night & Day Festival returns this weekend!

Ahead of the return of Night & Day to County Roscommon this weekend, organiser Craig Hughes spoke to the Roscommon People to explain the reasons behind a change in both date and location for the popular festival…

Hi Craig, Night & Day is officially a ‘summer festival’ this year. What was the thinking behind the change from September?

We held last year’s event in Castlerea in September and got lucky with the weather but we just felt we needed to move it to the summertime when there is a bit more certainty (around weather conditions).

There has been a change of venue too. How will that impact the festival?

Lough Key Forest Park was available in June so we jumped at the opportunity because anyone who’s been here will know what an amazing location it is. Not only is it amazing because it’s so picturesque but also because of the facilities and activities that are here which build on the family-friendly festival we are trying to push.

What are some of the main benefits for festival-goers?

If you are camping the festival, for example, apart from having luxury built-in camping facilities you’ll also have activities like kayaking, boat tours, zip lining, and orienteering around the park so it really is perfect location for us.

How have preparations differed from last year?

I think you’re always learning and this year we had a bit of a shorter turnaround time with last year’s festival taking place at the end of September. We certainly learned a lot from last year because we’d a bit more time in the set up this year, which made a big difference. Last year we were running around frantically like headless chickens but right now we’re ahead of schedule which is great. We’re now looking forward to putting on an even better festival this year.

Tell us a bit about this year’s line-up?

I guess people might be most familiar with The Hothouse Flowers, and interestingly enough, lead singer Liam Ó Maonlaí’s son Cian is one the presenters of the TG4 show that just went out about last year’s show!

We have the likes of Pillow Queens; David Keenan, one of my favourite artists at the

moment; Emma Langford, who was a judge in our song contest last year. We also have some international acts like Mercury Rev and electronic music from the likes of The Drifter. As well as that we have homegrown talent; we’ve got Music Generation from Roscommon and a lot of local acts who get to come up on stage alongside some of their heroes.

From a family-friendly perspective, what can people expect?

We are opening the campsite on the Friday and then the music is on Saturday and Sunday so families will be able to explore everything else around the park on Friday and then enjoy a full itinerary on Saturday and Sunday of family-friendly fun. We have lots of musical

workshops, circus skills, face painting, nature foraging for medicinal plants, and other kinds of stage-based entertainment. There’s so much here for kids and the family-friendly side of our festival is so important. It’s something that really resonated with people last year and I think that’s why we have so many families coming back this year.

Arts and Culture Award for Glenamaddy Theatre Festival

Glenamaddy Theatre Festival were this year’s proud winners of the Arts and Culture Award at the annual Cathaoirleach’s Awards, which were presented by Cllr. Michael ‘Meogie’ Maher in the Meadow Court Hotel, Loughrea, on Saturday, May 27th The Arts and Culture Award aims to recognises groups who enhance their local area by promoting arts and culture, with the annual awards celebrating the best of the county’s goodwill and generosity through volunteerism.

Given Glenamaddy’s rich tradition in drama over the past sixty years, this award is well deserved, especially considering the great success with which the festival committee recently undertook the mammoth organisation and staging of the 69th All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals in April of this year.

Glenamaddy Theatre Festival are delighted to be this year’s award winners. The committee were very fortunate to have age diversity in its

Executive and General committees, linking in with most of all local clubs and committees including GAA and soccer clubs. All very graciously reached out in support, and offered assistance during the finals. The local schools, both primary and secondary, partook in the art competition, and their teachers were enthusiastically involved in creating awareness of this specific area of the arts and the significance of the All-Ireland Finals being held on their doorstep.

Patricia Keady, Martina Keaveny, Margaret McMahon Keaveny, Ann Davis, Coman Keaveny, Patricia Walsh, Breda Keaveney and Gerry Davis attended the recent awards ceremony in The Meadow Court, Loughrea, on behalf of Glenamaddy Theatre Festival, where the festival were named the recipients of this year’s Arts and Culture Award.

Night and Day Festival organiser Craig Hughes pictured at Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle on Wednesday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

The Queen Medb stage at the Night and Day Festival which will see performances from acts such as Mercury Rev and The Hothouse Flowers over the weekend. Pic: Kieran Croghan.

Preparations are well underway for this weekend’s Night and Day Festival set in the stunning Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle. Pic: Kieran Croghan

GOING OUT

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Cór Comáin performs ‘From Glen to Glen’ with London choir

On Saturday, the 27th of May 2023, Cór Comáin performed ‘From Glen to Glen’ with the Hannah Brine UK Singers, in St Coman’s Church, Roscommon.

This was a return trip for the Londonbased choir, Cór Comáin having previously visited for a very successful concert in 2019. ‘From Glen to Glen’ was a wonderful programme of choral music. ‘Joyous’ and ‘uplifting’ were some of the common audience comments, with performances by flautist Jack Brennan and accompaniment on piano by Mary Scarlett particularly complimented. It

was a great end to a great year for Cór Comáin.

The performance was followed by a wonderful evening of ‘ceol agus craic’ in Beár An Ráille, which was attended by Cór Comáin, the Hannah Brine UK Singers, and representatives from Com- haltas Ceoltóiri Éireann.

For more information or to keep up to date with Cór Comáin and any future events, find Cór Comáin on Instagram (@roscommonchoir) or Facebook (Cór Comáin), or email corcomain@gmail. com.

Cór Comáin and the Hannah Brine UK Singers’ recent performance of ‘From Glen to Glen’ in St Coman’s Church, Roscommon, was followed by a night of ‘ceol agus craic’ in Beár na Ráille.

Well, well, well: Pilgrims flock to St Faithleach’s Holy Well for hay fever healing

< DAN DOONER

For as long as I can remember I’ve suffered with sinus issues – and each year whenever the pollen count is high or there’s a change in the weather, I’m rendered a sniffling, coughing, choking wreck.

Now though, thanks to the divine intervention of St Brendan’s brother, St Faithleach, it might finally be safe to throw away the Clarityn and go run around a meadow!

That’s because the Holy Well of St Faithleach, located in a nondescript sliver of land just outside Ballyleague, has gone viral in recent weeks as a possible provider of a cure for hay fever.

According to the locals, people have been arriving in their droves from all over Ireland to sample the healing water for themselves and the well has even featured on national radio stations.

With all that in mind, the Roscommon People decided it was time to head out towards Ballyleague this week to investigate.

I’m sure, much like this reporter, that St Faithleach and his brother Brendan the Navigator, would be relieved to know that the well is actually quite easy to pinpoint on Google Maps. Situated on the right-hand side just before Ballyleague, the well’s location is marked by a helpful information board.

The first thing visitors will notice is a statue of Our Lady adorned with a number of scapulars and rosary beads. There are also memorial cards as well as some children’s toys, and at least two pairs of sunglasses at the bottom of the well itself. Though it’s not known whether the shades were intentional offerings or accidental offerings, dropped there by head-dipping pilgrims.

The well, which was initially said to contain stomach healing properties, contains cool but stagnant water, so unsure of how to proceed, I decided to splash some on my face after being talked out of drinking it by the People photographer. Then, all we could do was wait for the healing process to begin.

Twenty minutes later, not feeling any better or worse, we were stood inside Joe O’Brien’s shop in Lanesboro as he explained the recent increase in sniffling pilgrims to the area.

“It was always a popular well

throughout my youth as a cure for stomach issues and even for domestic use.

“Then, about ten days ago or so, people started coming in their droves looking for the hay

fever cure at St Faithleach’s Holy Well,” Joe said.

“I believe it started with a com-

ment on Facebook and now they’re coming from all over the country – there was a guy in

here who drove from Cavan last week looking for a cure for his young fella”.

It turned out we hadn’t completed the necessary ablutions correctly and if we wanted to be free from the curse of hay fever we’d have to stop once more on the way back to Roscommon.

“You wash your face three times with the water,” Joe said.

“The water can also be brought home and administered to other people too”.

So, back to St Faithleach’s Well we went to complete the sacred healing ritual at the second time of asking, washing our faces three times with the water.

Fast-forward two days to the time of writing and I have to say my sinuses have cleared noticeably. There might just be something in the water after all!

‘About ten days ago or so, people started coming in their droves looking for the hay fever cure at St Faithleach’s Holy Well… there was a guy in here who drove from Cavan last week looking for a cure for his young fella’ – Joe O’Brien

Joe O’Brien from O’Brien’s Corner Shop in Lanesborough. Pic. Kieran Croghan The sign outside St. Faithleach’s Well in Ballyleague. Pic: Kieran Croghan

St. Faithleach’s Well in Ballyleague. The well is renowned for having medicinal powers such as healing stomach ulcers and, more recently, curing hay fever. Pic. Kieran Croghan

Rossies wanted for ‘Great House Revival’

Architect Hugh Wallace is calling on restorers in County Roscommon to get involved in the new series of RTÉ’s The Great House Revival which is due to be filmed this year.

Hugh wants to meet Roscommon people who are getting creative with their housing solutions – be it a one-room cottage, abandoned hayshed or something in between.

Applications are now open for the fifth series of the Animo Television production in which Hugh and his team follow the progress of restoration projects across the country.

Speaking this week, Hugh

said he was looking forward to recommencing filming.

“We’re looking for wonderful projects from Roscommon in order to showcase as many fabulous properties across the nation as possible,” he said.

“I can’t wait to travel the length and breadth of Ireland once again to follow more brave restorers as they embark on their restoration journey”.

Series producer/director Maya Derrington says rural counties like Roscommon throw up all manner of exciting projects.

“All over Ireland there are properties in need of serious repair and love, and The Great

House Revival champions the bravery of those willing to take them on,” she said.

“Suitable projects include any historical homes that are about to undergo a restoration: church conversions, old schoolhouses, rural Garda stations, farmhouses and farm buildings, small cottages or Georgian townhouses and smaller terraced homes. No restoration is too small!

“If you, or someone you know is about to embark on a restoration of any kind, Animo TV want to hear from you so email property@animotv.ie to showcase your Great House Revival”.

Ryan Structural Steel arrives in Strokestown!

Established in 2004, Ryan Structural Steel is an Irish company which specialises in commercial structural steel, detailing fabrication, and the erection of everything from commercial warehouses and agricultural buildings to simple handrails.

Due to our remarkable growth over the past 20 years, Ryan

Structural Steel is now excited to announce that the company is expanding! Ryan Steel has now taken over a workshop in Strokestown formerly known as Regan Structural Steel.

Ryan Structural Steel will

Ryan Steel are excited to announce, due to our remarkable growht over the last 20 years, we are expanding!

continue to fabricate, supply and erect agricultural buildings across County Roscommon and beyond.

For your quotation or to find out more, please contact Chris or Claire on 098-50538/0719633119 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4.30 pm.

Ryan Steel has now taken over a Workshop in Strokestown, formerly known as Regan Structural Steel. We will continue to fabricate, supply and erect agricultural buildings.

Ryan Steel are excited to announce, due to our remarkable growth over the last 20 years, we are expanding! Ryan Steel has now taken over a workshop in Strokestown, formally known as Regan Structural Steel. We will continue to fabricate, supply and erector agriculture buildings. Call Chris or Claire for your quotation Mon-Fri, 9.00-16:30.

Birthday parties, Swiss fishermen and Access For All on Lough Ree…

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Anecdotal evidence from marinas and harbours such as Hodson Bay, Lecarrow and BallyleagueLanesboro would suggest that holidays spent on boats and cruisers have increased in popularity since the Covid-19 pandemic. Each summer, holidaymakers can be found enjoying the peaceful waterways of County Roscommon, and the Lough Ree Access For All visitor centre in BallyleagueLanesboro is certainly no different.

Shane Moran, who works at the centre, said the last couple of months have been extremely busy.

“Since May, we have been booked up with visitors from all over the country,” he began, just before being interrupted by another call on the booking line.

Shane has worked at Lough Ree Access For All for just over a year and says the opening of the state-of-the-art facility was great for the area.

Dubliner Harry Sheehy is a boat skipper and trainer and describes his work as

“the best job in the world”. Harry said the numbers of visitors to the facility were up “over 60 per cent” since last year and that there was a regular flow of group visits in recent weeks.

“We can tailor excursions to suit different groups which some larger boats cannot do. We can accommodate nine on the boat so it means we have more flexibility,” he said.

“We recently had a group who wanted a tour of some of the islands and to learn about the history. We can offer that”.

The Lough Ree Access for All boat. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Shane Moran, a member of the Lough Ree Access for All team. Pic: Kieran Croghan

on Lough Ree on Monday

Improvements are ongoing at Lough Ree Access For All and the centre is in the process of installing a new hydraulic jetty ramp in order to make the amenity even more accessible for those with limited mobility.

As we waved skipper Harry and a group celebrating a birthday party off in the Estonianbuilt Access For All boat and prepared to set sail for home, an impressive cruiser carrying six merry souls pulled in beside us.

One of those aboard was casting off at the back of the vessel while the others were admiring the Access For All boat while sipping cans of beer.

Crossing the language barrier, it was revealed that the men were from near Basel in Switzerland (home of the “not so great anymore” FC Basel) and were in Ireland for a week-long fishing holiday on the Shannon.

Their cruiser didn’t appear to be weighted down with fish but they assured us they would keep trying and were enjoying their trip nonetheless!

Harry Sheehy would later tell us that it wasn’t an optimal time of year for fishing on Lough Ree, but the recent good weather, local history and the friendly welcome that was evident this week in Ballyleague-Lanesboro probably made up for that.

Vita House

Pictured

were six visitors from near Basel in Switzerland enjoying their holiday on the River Shannon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

The new Lough Ree Access for All National Accessibility Centre in Ballyleague. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Harry Sheehy, one of the skippers aboard the Lough Ree Access for All boat. Pic: Kieran Croghan

County Council launches initiative to tackle dog fouling

Roscommon County Council continues to receive complaints regularly regarding the issue of dog fouling in the county, ranging from owners not picking up after their dog to those who bag it but leave in on a nearby wall.

With more people out walking and exercising their dogs, the issue of dog fouling has become an escalating problem on our footpaths, parks and open spaces. This can have a huge impact on others who use our public spaces, including children, walkers, wheelchair users and runners.

Dog fouling is a serious health hazard that spoils outdoor spaces for everybody. Dog faeces carry various infections including toxocariasis. Children are most vulnerable to the serious effects of this infection which can result in eye disorders, dizziness, nausea and asthma. This health risk can be prevented if owners clean up immediately after their dogs.

Roscommon County Council is reminding dog owners that they have a responsibility to clean up after their pets. Dog owners are also reminded that failure to pick up after their pet is an offence under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, and could result in an

on-the-spot fine of €150, or up to €3,000 on conviction.

To highlight the issue of dog fouling Roscommon County Council launched a new awareness raising campaign in Boyle this week to remind dog owners that they need

to pick up after their dogs wherever they are – bag it and bin it!

“The message to all dog walkers is simple – leave your house prepared, with a bag in hand to ensure you play their part in keeping Roscommon clean. If there is

no bin on your walking route, you must bring it home for disposal. All owners should ‘Bag it & Bin it’”, according to Jonathan Jones, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer with Roscommon County Council.

Waldron: Rural Ireland needs balanced regional development

The newly-appointed Cathaoirleach of the Roscommon Municipal District Anthony Waldron has called for more balanced regional development in order to preserve Ireland’s rural communities.

Cllr Anthony Waldron said he also raised the issue of rural planning with members of the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage while at an Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) seminar in Mullingar last week.

“Rural planning guidelines are harming our local

communities and something needs to be done to fix this,” Cllr Waldron said.

“The Government also don’t fully appreciate the work being carried out on the ground by local volunteers…work that is keeping many parts of rural Ireland alive”.

Cllr Waldron, who is the main organiser of the annual Suck Valley Way Conference in Roscommon, also took aim at the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) for not doing more to promote the county. I will be proposing a motion at the next meeting of Roscommon County Council, calling on

the local authority to invite the CEO of the IDA to the Chamber to explain why more isn’t being done to promote jobs in this area”.

Cllr Waldron highlighted the threat of closure faced by local national schools as well as dwindling membership numbers in GAA clubs as evidence that rural Ireland was being neglected by bodies like the IDA.

“I fully believe that people want to come back to counties like Roscommon. They want to live and work here and we need them here in order to preserve our local schools and sports clubs,” he said.

“It has been shown that

there are many benefits to living in rural areas particularly when it comes to mental health and wellbe-

ing and participation in sports. The time for action is running out,” he concluded.

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Pictured recently at the launch of the new countywide dog litter disposal awareness campaign in the Pleasure Grounds in Boyle, were (back row) Margaret Killoran, Sarah Scott, Jonathan Jones, and Annette Donlon, and (front row) Danny McHugh, Bridget Guilfoyle, Cllr Tom Crosby (Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council), John Kenny, and Majella Dodd (Boyle Tidy Towns). Pic: Mary Regan

Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry: stunning bar, restaurant and four-star boutique hotel with reputation for excellence

A visit to Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry is always a pleasure. Now widely recognised by people all over the country as a landmark stop-off dining destination, this renowned business continues to develop and prosper. It has now been in the ownership of the Keenan family for well over 150 years!

When David Keenan recently took over running the premises, he became the sixth generation of the family to do so.

Over recent decades, the ‘faces of Keenan’s’ have been Barry and Annette, David’s parents. They remain very actively involved.

Barry’s great-great-grandfather bought the property in the 1860s. The premises was in fact originally founded in 1838 by Hubert Reynolds.

Over its long history, Keenan’s became established as a much-loved pub, and later as the renowned, award-winning restaurant it is today. Throughout the decades, the Keenan family have developed and nurtured their unique establishment, now a stunning bar, restaurant and four-star boutique hotel, located in this beautiful village and overlooking the majestic River Shannon. This year, Keenan’s was named amongst the ‘Top 50 places to stay in Ireland in 2023’ in the Independent Weekend Magazine (amongst some renowned five-star hotels in the country).

Barry Keenan’s love of history is evident in the traditional pub interior, with its original furnishings including ‘whiskey mirrors’ which combine to create the great ambience and sense or character associated with the premises.

Keenan’s has long had a reputation for serving excellent food, which is why people flock there. Locals are joined by passing business people, the proverbial ‘weary traveller’, tourists who might be cruising on the Shannon or staying in nearby holiday homes – or just passing through.

Annette Keenan, Barry’s wife, is passionate about good food. Annette has assembled a talented and enthusiastic ‘kitchen team’

who take great pride in every dish they serve. Keenan’s menus offer a winning combination of classic favourites and contemporary dishes, all of which showcase why this Tarmonbarry treasure earned its esteemed reputation.

Now under the management of David Keenan, this outstanding family business continues to thrive. David brings a financial background to the enterprise, as well as the invaluable experience of having grown up (and worked) in the family business. A former Roscommon county footballer, David is a passionate sports fan who is enjoying the exciting challenge of leading Keenan’s’ contined growth and development.

The Keenan family are grateful for the ongoing support of their loyal customers and look forward to continuing to develop this unique premises, cherishing all that is good about its history while staying relevant to a contemporary clientele.

On their bikes!

Recently, ‘new’ visitors have begun to arrive at Keenan’s…on bicycles. They are invariably delighted to have completed the new Royal Canal Greenway, the linear cycle path along the nearby canal towpath. The welcome they receive is complete when they discover bike racks and secure lock-ups for their ‘trusty steed’ – and even a bicycle delivery/collection service!

National Famine Way

Keenan’s is a stage point on the National Famine Way, where walkers and cyclists on the 165km route can get their passports stamped. The historic trail follows the footsteps of 1,490 people who walked from nearby Strokestown Park House to famine ships in Dublin at the height of the Great Famine in 1847.

RURAL LIVING

Volunteering: a means to build resilience and social capital

Roscommon’s rural location can be a boon for a lot of small community groups in towns and villages across the county. In these areas, people can quickly form close ties, which supports their ability to develop strong social capital. Volunteers in rural areas tend to be active in the areas of sports, heritage, social inclusion and care of the elderly. Furthermore, the act of volunteering can lead to better physical and mental health outcomes as noted in a report conducted by

Volunteer Ireland.

Volunteers in rural areas are of all ages and abilities and form valuable social networks. There tends to be higher levels of informal volunteering in rural areas where people become involved because they know someone in an organisation or because they’re directly approached and asked to help out. Challenges do exist for people that do want to volunteer in these areas though, with a lack of transportation for example often cited as be-

ing an obstacle. Additionally, the rate of once-off volunteering is on the rise, as people try to squeeze in opportunities to support their communities between busy work schedules and the demands of family life. Interestingly, the overall rate of volunteering in Ireland (as a portion of the population) is relatively high compared to the rest of the world. According to the 2022 census, 711,379 people nationwide reported that they regularly engaged in helping or voluntary work. Worldwide,

Ireland is recognised as one of the top countries with a high level of community connectivity.

According to the World Giving Index 2022, Ireland ranks at number 11 globally for ‘giving’, which was assessed by measuring if people helped a stranger in need, donated money to a charity, and volunteered their time to an organisation.

(Indonesia ranks number one in the World Giving Index as 58% reported helping a stranger, 84% donated money, and 63%

volunteered; in Ireland, 55% reported helping a stranger, 59% donated money and 32% of people volunteered).

Volunteers support community groups and charities because they see a need and want to act. It gives them a sense of community spirit and an opportunity to participate in local development. If you or someone you know are interested in volunteering, please contact Roscommon Volunteer Centre at 089-400-8332 or visit volunteerroscommon.ie.

National Famine Museum wins

‘History Museum of Year’ award

The National Famine Museum in Strokestown Park has been chosen as ‘History Museum of

the Year’ by the Luxury Travel Guide international awards. This comes less than

a year after the new state-of-the-art National Famine Museum opened to visitors.

The museum uses cutting-edge technology including projections and soundscapes to immerse visitors in the culture and day-to-day life of Ireland in the years before, during and after the Great Famine. It also uses a mixture of imaginative scenesetting and innovative audio, audio-visual, and touchscreen resources, as well as a family activity guide which makes each visit a fascinating experience for people of all ages.

Funding for the project came from €3.75 million under Fáilte Ireland’s

Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects 20162020, and €1.25 million from the owners of

Strokestown Park House, Westward Holdings Ltd, in partnership with the Irish Heritage Trust.

Know your rights – Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

If you have a child going back to school in September and need help with the costs, you may be wondering if you can avail of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA). The BSCFA is an annual onceoff payment that can help with the costs of books and uniforms for school children. You may qualify for the BSCFA if you meet the income requirements.

For 2023, the BSCFA amounts to €260 for children aged between four and eleven, and €385 for children aged between twelve and twenty-two.

In order to qualify, your child must be aged between four and seventeen as of September 30th 2023, or, if they are aged eighteen to twenty-two, they must be returning to full-time secondlevel education in a recognised school this autumn.

You must also meet other conditions to qualify for the

New Farmland Identification book launched

A new Farmland Identification book was launched recently as part of the rollout of the ACRES scheme.

The book, which contains a description of the most common plants found in Irish grasslands and peatlands, was launched by Ministers Charlie McConalogue and Pippa Hackett with each ACRES participant receiving a copy.

The Farmland Identification book has been described as an important guide for farmers to help identify a variety of plants that can have a beneficial effect on our biodiversity.

Welcoming the publication, Minister for Agriculture

Charlie McConalogue said “ACRES is our flagship agri-environmental scheme and has set a high level of environmental ambition to be achieved over the next five years.

“I’m delighted with the interest shown by farmers with over 46,000 farmers participating already. Chief among the environmental objectives is the enhancement of the quality and range of species of our grasslands through appropriate management by farmers and landowners who are the custodians of these pastures.

“This book will enhance farmers’ knowledge and enable them to increase their result-based payment under the scheme”.

Minister of State Pippa Hackett added: “The Farmland Plant Identification book is a fantastic userfriendly resource not just for farmers, but for anyone interested in our grassland and peatlands.

“The use of imagery, short descriptions, and colour coding make it easier to identify the species that will have a positive effect on our biodiversity.

“I’d encourage every ACRES participant to take the time to study it and see how it relates to their land”.

allowance. You must be getting a qualifying social welfare payment or taking part in an approved employment, education or training scheme, and both you and each child you are claiming for must be resident in Ireland. In order to qualify for the allowance, your household income must also be within the BSCFA income limit. All dependent children are counted when the income limit is applied, including children who do not qualify for BSCFA because they are under four years of age. Income you get from certain other social welfare payments is not counted. Your total household income must be less than the weekly income limits as follows: €642 for one child, €692 for two children, €742 for three children, and €792 for four children (the income limit goes up by €50 for each additional dependent child).

The BSCFA is paid automati-

cally to many families. If you are paid automatically, you don’t need to apply for the BSCFA and you should have been notified of your automatic payment by June 8th on MyWelfare or by post. If this is the case, your BSCFA will be paid automatically the week starting July 10th 2023.

If you do not get an automatic payment, you can apply for the payment online through MyWelfare. You can apply until September 30th 2023.

If you have any further questions about BSCFA, then please contact Roscommon CIC on 0818 07 6360 or drop in to our offices Monday to Friday from 10 am to 1 pm. You can also seek further information on the Citizens Information website, citizensinformation.ie, or call the National Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 8 pm).

Our drop-in services are open

Satara Boutique

Deposits

Sliabh Bawn: From controversial wind farm to popular recreational amenity…

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Back in 2017, the Roscommon People ran a number of articles highlighting the controversy around the development of a wind farm atop Sliabh Bawn near Strokestown.

Public meetings were arranged as local residents voiced their opposition to the development while highlighting noise and ‘flicker’ disturbances caused by the giant rotating wind turbines.

Since then, local opposition aside, the wind

farm, developed on Coillte lands, has become an extremely popular amenity for families, walkers, runners, and indeed nature and history enthusiasts.

Almost six years on from the official opening of the Sliabh Bawn recreation facilities, local senator, Eugene Murphy, says that while the wind farm was still a sore point for some, the site has also become an important attraction for visitors to the area.

“Some people are still annoyed about the development of the wind farm and I know that

from speaking to local residents,” he began.

“But in general I would say it’s like traffic passing by your house in that you get used to it.

“For me, it’s like Heaven on Earth and I love getting out of the Lion’s Den here in Dublin and taking a walk up Sliabh Bawn. It’s great for peace of mind and it’s great for the lungs, and I would be a huge advocate of it”.

Senator Murphy also believes that initiatives such as the Sliabh Bawn Community Benefit Fund – joint venture between Bord na Móna, Coillte and

A panoramic view of the Roscommon landscape from Sliabh Bawn. Pic: Kieran Croghan

A wind turbine on Sliabh Bawn. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Greencoats Renewables – have proved successful.

“The community fund has assisted a number of local festivals; the playground in Strokestown has benefitted; and other projects in Ballyleague and Scramogue. It has been a help, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“The development at Sliabh Bawn has also brought people to the area. I’ve spoken to a number of people in Dublin who told me they managed to fit in a couple of hours on the trails during visits to Strokestown Park House”.

Farm families warned over online scams

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Farm families have been warned to remain vigilant this summer as online scams continue to soar. This latest advice follows recent research by Technological University Dublin which showed that more than half of 1,333 farmers surveyed said they had been victims of crime.

IFA Farm Business Chair Rosey Mary McDonagh said it is important that families be extravigilant with their data in the face of increasing instances of online fraud.

“I would ask everyone to ensure they double-check that who they are dealing with or making payments to are who they say they are; and not to reply to unsolicited texts, calls or emails,” she said.

Describing the rising trend in scams as “very concerning”, the IFA Chair said the latest data from An Garda Síochána indicates a 560 per cent rise in such cases since the pandemic.

fully resourced to catch and stop these fraudsters and financial institutions should assess their systems to have them as robust as possible to deter fraudsters,” she concluded.

While the amenity boasts a number of attractions such as various trails and exercise equipment as well as nature trails and old historic ruins, Senator Murphy has urged Sliabh Bawn DAC to provide additional facilities.

“I have been speaking to people in Coillte about the need for an area for people with disabilities, a second playground and more nature trails,” he said. The Fianna Fáil Senator said that he has also raised the significance of Sliabh Bawn with representatives of Fáilte Ireland in a bid for further promotion as part of the Hidden Heartlands brand.

“The number of phishing frauds, whereby a person is contacted by text, email or phone call and inadvertently reveals sensitive data about their bank account, credit card or passwords has also increased by over 400 per cent in the same period,” she said.

“An Garda Síochána have to be

l

Sliabh Bawn has been superbly developed recently and has become a place where people can visit to walk the trails or have a picnic overlooking the stunning landscape. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Sliabh Bawn has been superbly developed recently and has become a place where people can visit to walk the trails or have a picnic overlooking the stunning landscape. Pic: Kieran Croghan

KILBRIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Fourmilehouse. Tel.090-6629949.

• Social Hall available for conferences

• Sports Hall available all year round • Gym available at special rates or pay as you go

COMMUNITY SHOP

Kilbride Parish – the ‘blueprint for rural Ireland’

Following on from the Covid pandemic, life has gradually returned to normal in the parish of Kilbride.

School Bhríde has had a very successful year; a new extension area was put in place, an extra teacher was appointed, and plans are advanced for an extra classroom.

A sensory garden which was also developed beside the school recently is now open to all. This was 75% funded by Roscommon LEADER Partnership, with fundraising being contributed by parents, teachers, and through generous sponsorships from many local businesses. Thanks to all for your generosity.

Cuan Bhride Childcare Centre is thriving and very busy work is ongoing on the outside play areas. Work is also in progress on

the houses for the elderly, with all of these properties to be painted this summer.

Kilbride Community Centre is also very busy at present. Tenders are currently being sought for improvements and energy generation in the form of roof panels. Kilbride bus is also busy, with strong demand for this service.

The Derrane area too is experiencing a lot of activity, with its school, community centre, and childcare facilities always in demand. In addition, developments are being carried out to the facilities at Derrane Resource Centre, which hosted the retirement of long-term worker Mary Ganley a few months ago.

The local defibrillator committee had a successful fundraiser recently and training courses have been

Kilbride Community Centre is also very busy at present. Tenders are currently being sought for improvements and energy generation in the form of roof panels

renewed for participants around the parish.

A reminder that the Kilbride Community Text Alert is always available to include new members and you can also apply for pendants for the elderly.

Kilbride GAA meanwhile has a huge panel of underage football (both ladies and men), and all are experiencing success in their own age groups.

Special thanks to Fr Eamon Conaty and Fr Eugene McLoughlin for their help assisting new Parish Priest Fr Pravin and all the volunteers and scheme participants who help in the Fourmilehouse and Derrane area, both in the Church and when it comes to keeping the grounds in great shape.

Later this summer, there will be a memorial erected in the local area in memory

of our much-missed late Parish Priest Fr Ray Browne, who was in the parish for 34 years. Contributions for the memorial are very welcome and much appreciated, and can be made on the iDonate page or through any committee member.

Thanks to Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon County Council, and Pobal for the financial help and for working with all the community groups over the difficult years. This has helped make Kilbride Parish the ‘blueprint for rural Ireland’, as many agencies have termed it. Over the Covid years, many sad deaths took place in the area, in addition to a lot of sicknesses being experienced. Our sympathy and prayers go out to all these people and their families.

Call for ‘rethink’ following Farm Income survey

ICSA President Dermot Kelleher said the publication of the Teagasc National Farm Survey results for 2022 demonstrates the need for a complete re-think of agricultural policy in terms of support and also highlights the reality that cattle and sheep prices are not sustainable.

Grants now available for expert conservation advice!

A new pilot scheme was launched recently by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage to provide funding for expert conservation advice to owners of vacant farmhouses who are availing of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

The Conservation Advice

Grant Scheme for Vacant

Traditional Farmhouses will provide grants of up to €7,500 (ex-VAT) to cover the cost of having a conservation expert with proven and appropriate

expertise visit a property, conduct a survey, and compile tailored conservation advice for the property owner. This expert advice will include a report which outlines the condition of a building and suggests conservation repairs and improvements which would improve the building and enhance its character, energy efficiency, integrity, and amenity.

Launching the pilot scheme, Minister for Housing, Local Gov-

Roscommon MART WATCH

There was a good entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special bullock sale with a very strong trade for all classes.

Bullocks fetched an average of €3.04 per kilo up to €4 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.52 per kilo up to €2.84 per kilo. There was also a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

We had a large number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for spring lambs made up to €170. The tops for stag ewes fetched €191.

Castlerea MART WATCH

300 lots presented for sale on Thursday last with trade and prices holding well especially for the quality stores.

Bullocks topped out at €2,090, heifers peaked at €2,200 while the forward dry cows made up to €2,460.

The weanling rings, with smaller numbers on offer, witnessed excellent demand and a good clearance. Cows with calves at foot made up to €2,420 while the calf ring reported a good trade with less numbers on offer.

Springers made from €860 to €1,860. Calves made from €200 to €400 with runners making from €230 to €740 for continental lots.

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

Sample prices for bullocks: Ch 470kgs €1600, Lm 480kgs €1600, AA 490kgs €1500, Lm 500kgs

ernment and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien said:

“Traditional farmhouse buildings present unique challenges when it comes to refurbishment and this new pilot scheme will help remove some of these obstacles by allowing owners to obtain the expert advice needed to restore these structures and bring them back into use.

“These traditional farmhouse buildings have the potential to become homes and this scheme can help make that happen”.

Sample

prices for dry cows: Lim X 705kgs

€1,800.

Bullocks: Char X 525kgs €2,100, Char X 770kgs

€2,360, Lim X 690kgs €2,260, Char X 685kgs

€2,260, Char X 715kgs €2,200, Char X 690kgs

€2,160, Lim X 585kgs €2,020, Lim X 605kgs

€1,910, Char X 505kgs €1,700, Char X 385kgs

€1,280, Lim X 380kgs €1,230, Lim X 605kgs

€1,900, Char X 505kgs €1,600, Char X 645kgs

€2,000, Char X 605kgs €2,040. Springs lambs: 55.5kgs €170, 47kgs €169, 53kgs €169, 48.9kgs €168, 43.5kgs €165, 45kgs €166, 44.4kgs €165, 44kgs €154, 43.7kgs €148, 41kgs €128, 40kgs €130, 38kgs €120.

“It is really a wake-up call for policy makers when we see that dairy incomes increased by 50 per cent whereas suckler and sheep incomes fell by 13.4 per cent and 20.9 per cent respectively,” he said.

“Cattle feeding enterprises showed a small increase of 9 per cent but it’s a deceptive figure because it is built on previous year cattle purchases to some considerable extent”.

Mr Kelleher accused supermarkets of being “completely reckless” in maintaining unsustainable prices for beef and lamb.

“For example, supermarkets have doubled down on their traditional

‘two steaks for a tenner’ policy. In our view, this is not sustainable,” he said.

“Whereas dairy product prices increased notably on the shelves in 2022, there was no increase in beef or lamb prices. This is a really critical point now at a time when supermarkets are cutting prices again. Beef and lamb prices did not increase on the shelves and this must be addressed”.

The ICSA President said the association believes CAP and other support schemes were “clearly not fit for purpose” for the suckler and cattle sectors.

“It is now beyond question that something must be done for the sheep sector. ICSA’s campaign for the sheep sector is even more justified in the light of a 20 per cent drop in sheep farm incomes to an average of €16,454,” he said.

The ICSA has also called for an immediate decision in relation to the Budget allocation for a replacement

Friday 23th June @ 11 a.m.

Special

Also, Dry Cows, Bullocks & Weanlings

Friday 30th June @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also, Dry Cows, Heifers & Weanlings

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday 26th June

Lambs & Cast Ewes

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

Friday 7th July @ 11 a.m.

64th Anniversary

Special Sale of Heifers

Also, Dry Cows and Bullocks

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday 3rd July

Tuesday 11th July @ 11 a.m.

64th Anniversary

€1560, AA 593kgs €1700, AA 585kgs €1670, AA

770kgs €2090, Ch 500kgs €1470, Lm 560kgs

€1600.

Heifers: Ch 400kgs €1240, AA 370kgs €1100, Ch 345kgs €1020, Lm 580kgs €1780, Lm 625kgs

€1840, Ch 615kgs €1920, Ch 765kgs €2200, Ch

660kgs €2100, Lm 540kgs €1700.

Dry cows: Ch 800kgs €2330, Ch 800kgs €2320, Lm 695kgs €1990, Sh 805kgs €2170, AA 665kgs

€1770, Sim 680kgs €1600, Sim 615kgs €1860, Her 740kgs €1640.

Weanling bulls: Lm 280kgs €1130, Lm 265kgs

€950, Lm 250kgs €910, Ch 360kgs €1320, Ch

435kgs €1360, Ch 385kgs €1380, Ch 265kgs

€800, Lm 250kgs €910.

Weanling heifers: Lmx 275kgs €1100, Lm

290kgs €1000, Lm 240kgs €920, Sim 325kgs €1100, Ch 375kgs €1100, Lm 370kgs €1150, Ch 470kgs €1280, AA 430kgs €1160.

Special

Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday 6th July

Friday 14th July @ 11 a.m.

64th Anniversary

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also, Dry Cows and Heifers

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday 10th July

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

ICSA President Dermot Kelleher

scheme for the BEEP to support suckler farmers.

“If we want to meet our agricultural climate targets there must be direct support for the cattle and sheep sectors”.

Valuers & Livestock Salesmen CATTLE

AUTUMN SH/SHX SALE in conjunction with normal sale

PropertyPeople

NEW TO THE MARKET

PRIME ROADSIDE LANDS OF APPROX 46.42 ACRES SET OUT IN 2 LOTS LOCATED AT LISSALWAY CASTLEREA CO ROSCOMMON

UNIT OF APPROX

930 SQ FT

UNIT 13 CASTLEVIEW

ROSCOMMON TOWN F42 E519

TERMS NEGOTIABLE MEADOW TO LET

8 ACRES APPROX LISSALWAY CASTLEREA

LOT

LOT 2 - 8.35 ACRES

AMV: PRICE ON APPLICATION

NEW TO THE MARKET

77 ACRES APPROX RESIDENTIAL DAIRY FARM KEELOGUES, WILLIAMSTOWN CO GALWAY F45 RX24

10 ACRES APPROX BESIDE CASTLEPLUNKETT VILLAGE

NEW TO THE MARKET

ANNAGHMORE

STROKESTOWN CO ROSCOMON

F42 WK35 2 B/R DETACHED BUNGALOW RESIDENCE

Lot 2 - residence on approx. 1 acre

Lot 3 - Farm on 76 acres with site + farm buildings

Lot 4 - Option to buy 2 acre site with FPP

AMV: PRICE ON APPLICATION

AMV: €140,000

1 - 38.07 ACRES

Lot 1 - Entire

PropertyPeople

NEW TO THE MARKET 73 Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 X796

Excellent 3bedroom detached property situated on a large end site adjoining local park and within walking distance to Roscommon University Hospital and all town amenities. Accommodation includes entrance hallway, sitting room, downstairs bedroom, bathroom, open plan kitchen/dining area and large utility with WC off. First floor, 2 large bedrooms and bathroom. Landscaped grounds with excellent array of trees and plants.

Early viewing advised.

Price Region: € 300,000 BER Rating: C3

NEW TO THE MARKET

PRIME DEVELOPMENT SITE WITH FPP FOR 6 HOUSES

Woodberry Court, Roscommon Town

Exceptional ready to go development site with full planning permission for 6 luxury detached properties. Woodberry Court is Roscommon’s premier residential area overlooking Roscommon Golf Club and has an exceptional proven sales record.

The final phase consists of 5 detached two storey houses and one dormer bungalow with all services on site and individual connections installed. In the course of designing this development, emphasis has clearly been placed on ensuring that these are luxury houses at the upper end of

the market, a comparable standard of luxury homes is rarely found in such an ideal location. One of the major design attractions of houses in Woodberry Court is the natural light provided in every room of the houses, through the inclusion of large windows which are a feature of the development.

Planning reference 20/3008

Early enquiry is advised to sole agents Oates Auctioneers.

Price Region POA

NEW TO THE MARKET Kileenboy,

Roscommon, Co.

Stunning 4-bedroomed home in

Located in Rahara, Co Roscommon (F42 ET04), just nine minutes’ drive from the picturesque village of Athleague, Oates Auctioneers have for sale this extremely attracted four-bedroomed residence with attached garage. Built in 2010 and nestled on a mature and private 2/3 of an acre, 14 minutes from Roscommon and 15 minutes from Athlone, the property is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout.

Rahara

It boasts many attractive features including a solid oak kitchen, solar panels, oil fired central heating, marble surround fireplace in the living room and Jacuzzi in the gym room, while externally the vehicular driveway extends right around the property.

Ground floor accommodation comprises of entrance hall, living room, large open plan kitchen/dining room, sunroom, gym, utility room, WC and attached garage.

Kilteevan,

Roscommon F42 C436

Charming countryside cottage presented to the market in immaculate condition with attractive landscaped grounds including paddock to the side. Situated in a much sought after residential location 3 miles from Roscommon Town just off the main Athlone Road.

Accommodation includes entrance hallway, open plan kitchen/ dining room, sitting room with solid fuel stove, 3 bedrooms together with family bathroom. Outside, spacious fully serviced garage including utility with large private grounds.

Price Region: € 170,000 BER Rating: E2

NEW TO THE MARKET Antogher Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon

F42 W638

Attractive 4 bedroom bungalow located in Roscommon is premier mature residential location adjacent to the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Railway Station and all Town amenities.

Recently renovated and presented for sale in turnkey condition, this property comprises entrance porch, reception hallway, open plan kitchen/dining/living room, 4 double bedrooms and family bathroom. A unique feature of this property is a large office/ playroom with separate toilet facilities and rear

access. This is ideal for numerous uses including working from home. Early viewing of this exceptional property is recommended by the auctioneers.

Price Region: € 230,000 BER Rating: C3

On the first floor there is a master bedroom with ensuite and built in wardrobe, three double bedrooms, a hot press and family bathroom. Overall, this property must be viewed to fully appreciate all it has to offer.

Price region: €495,000.

BER: B3.

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

Online auction for renowned Ballintubber pub

Cathal Meares of RE/MAX Team Earley is delighted to present to the market renowned Ballintubber pub, ‘Garvey’s’ for sale by online auction on Wednesday, July 19th at 12 pm.

This is one of the region’s most established and iconic residential seven-day licensed premises. This character entertainment venue, renowned worldwide, is nestled in the heart of an award-winning village. Ballintubber is brimming with history and a vibrant community spirit incorporating the annual St Patrick’s Day parade, success on the GAA field and numerous tidy village awards. The village is also a hub for archaeological research, attracting groups from the USA and other countries. This pristine going concern property is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout, impeccably maintained, and offers an exceptional opportunity for prospective buyers. With approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of living accommodation encompassing seven bedrooms, comfort and functionality are ensured.

Additionally, the property comprises an impressive 8,000 sq. ft. of character-filled commercial

space, which has been the cornerstone of Garvey’s success.

Garvey’s of Ballintubber village has been a cherished family-owned establishment for nearly 80 years and stands as one of only two pubs in the village. Its longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal and loyal customer base. The sale includes the goodwill of an established trade, presenting an excellent prospect for continued success and future growth. This is an extraordinary chance to acquire a ready to go turnkey property.

The auctioneers now welcome immediate viewings and invite all interested parties to register for the online auction on Wednesday, July 19th at 12 pm. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a renowned establishment with a rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and unlimited potential. Viewing is highly recommended.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or Cathal directly on 086-1409158, email teamearley@remax.ie or log on to www.teamearley.ie

Rahara, Co Roscommon

Garvey’s, Ballintubber

Classifieds

ACCOUNTS

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY

SERVICES CPA

Catering for:

• Individuals

• Sole Traders, Partnerships

• VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns

First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours

Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting.

Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’

Contact Nuala 090 66 25818 086 0352849

Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

< ALCOHOLICS ANONY -

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and flues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

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

Telephone: 087 2798704

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

CHIROPODIST

Kathleen’s Mobile

Footcare

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

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

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ

FARMING

GARDENING

GATELY

GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

• Landscaping

• Timber Decking

• Patios

• General Maintenance

Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

FRANCIS

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

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

SALE

CHAIRS FOR SALE: 2 grey chairs in good condition for sale. €350 each new, selling at €100 each. Must collect same. Tel. 0879658582

GOATS FOR SALE. Contact: 087 9695924.

LTD

l GLAS Fencing

l Grant Fencing

l Post Rail

• Tree Surgery

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

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

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

Thelocalpaper!

CORBETT

TREE

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

GARDENING

GARDENING

SERVICES

Including:

• Hedge Cutting

• Hedge Planting

• Grass

Cutting • Spraying

• Strimming • Weeding

• Garden Tidy-ups

• Planting • Gutter

Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available

GF Ground Works

l Landscaping

l Paving & Kerbing

l Foundations

Footpaths

l Drainage & Septic tanks

l Driveways

Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

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.

Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

CHAZEY PROPERTIES:

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

Tel: 086 8212732

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Openplan Architectural Design wishes to apply to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Sonja and Thomas Connolly for planning permission to construct a detached dwelling house and garage on site no. 5 (Phase 2). (Note: development access entrance/exit onto the public road, ancillary landscaping and footpaths along with connection to public services and sewers including all associated site development works previously granted under pd/21/233) at Barrymore Townland, Kiltoom, Athlone, 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 relevant planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Sonja and Thomas Connolly.

Design Consultation

Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate

Bespoke Design

Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural 086 3482387

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Full planning permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed construction of a bungalow type dwelling house, detached garage, entrance, boundary fence/wall, onsite suitable treatment system with polishing filter and all ancillary site works at Largan, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon for Lorna Flynn. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during it’s public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Cunningham Design & Planning Limited, Block C, N4 Axis Centre, Longford, Co. Longford

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We John and Geraldine Cullen, intend to apply for permission for development at this site: Derrycoagh, Kingsland, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of:

1) Demolition of existing cottage.

2) Construction of replacement dwelling with Effluent Treatment System and 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: John and Geraldine Cullen

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Olvan McDermott, am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct dwelling house along with domestic garage, new treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works Drishaghaun Townland , Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

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

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Full planning permission sought to retain the existing dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, septic tank and percolation area all on revised site boundaries from previous planning applications reference numbers 98/1018 and 99/1101 and all ancillary site works at Garranlahan Beg, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon on behalf of Michael Flynn.

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 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: Sean Maloney and Associates, Tuam. Tel: (093) 26977

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Full planning permission sought to retain the existing dwelling house, storage shed, septic tank and percolation area, the existing entrance/exit gate at its current location all on revised site boundaries from previous granted planning applications reference numbers 98/1018, 99/1101 and 12/222 and all ancillary site works, at Garranlahan Beg, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon on behalf of Gerard Noone.

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 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: Sean Maloney and Associates, Tuam. Tel: (093) 26977

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Rathcroghan Designs, intend applying for Planning Permission on behalf of Gerry Bracken to construct slatted shed together with all associated site works at Newtown Td., Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Kenneth and Annmaire Kelly, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following:

1 – Planning permission to demolish side extension and to construct new side / rear extension along with new front porch and all other alterations to existing dwelling house.

2 – Planning permission to upgrade existing septic tank to a Tertiary Treatment system with percolation area.

3 – Planning permission to define a new site boundary by installing boundary fence with hedge and all site ancillary development works at Carrownabrickna, Co. Roscommon F42 HN47. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie

Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

I Michael McCann am applying for planning permission To demolish an existing rear lean-to/ flat roof, fuel store and water tank and to construct a new extension to the rear and sides of the existing dwelling with the construction of a new agricultural storage shed on the ruin of an old round roof hayshed and all associated site development works at Ballaghaderreen Td, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Michael McCann

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

PLANNINGS TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Fiona O’Byrne and Noel McGowan, intend to apply for Retention Permission and Permission for the following; Retention Permission is sought to retain the location of the septic tank, extension as constructed and revised site boundary from that previously approved under planning reference no. PD/02/133. Permission is sought for the upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment system with the installation of a new sewerage treatment unit and percolation area along with all other associated site works at Cloonshannagh Townland, Roosky, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Murtagh Engineering

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Gerard Neary and Megan Lane, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to:

1. Demolish existing shed to rear of house

2. Demolish existing flat roof rear extension and front porch

3. Construct new rear extension and conduct alterations to existing dwelling house, to include relocation of front porch and all ancillary site development works at Grange, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon, F42 PT02. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906 634365 Mob: 085 1299470

E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

Tel: Donal 086 2721812 (ALL AREAS)

CATTLE & ANIMAL BEDDING AVAILABLE

< TURF FOR SALE: 2023 dry, screened, black seasoned hopper turf. Also firewood – seasoned; hardwood and softwood. All areas. Tel. 087 4350 736.

< TURF FOR SALE in Castlemine bog. Ready for bringing home. Tel. 087 6405097.

< PLOTS OF TURF FOR SALE in the Castlerea area Tulsk area. Harpur Bros Plant Hire. Contact Owen 086 8953884.

< PLOTS OF TURF FOR SALE. Lanesboro area. Loads and bags also available. Tel. 087 617 5160.

TOP QUALITY TURF

10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver.

Phone: 083 0684011

WANTED:

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

Phone: 086 2437376

< TURF PLOTS: Plots of turf to let, Tulsk, Castlerea area. Now taking orders. Contact Chris 086 4100508

Signed

Martin

Dowd

Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy,Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 086 2328484.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Tullys

on Tuesdays.

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

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

Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment:

4142233

Home visits

ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

www.westsidegardening.ie

GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling,

APPOINTMENTS

BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES

IRELAND WEST REGION

Providing Services To People With Intellectual Disabilities We wish to invite applications for the following posts:

JOB REF: 134/2023

PERMANENT FULL-TIME CREATIVE ARTS COORDINATOR

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633

EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

JOB REF: 136/2023

PERMANENT FULL-TIME MAINTENANCE PERSON

ROSCOMMON SERVICES

(The closing date for receipt of all applications on-line is 5pm Sunday 25th June 2023)

The Melting Pot, Castle Court Castle Street, Roscommon

To view the full job description and to make an application on-line, please log onto the Brothers of Charity Ireland Careers Portal at careers.brothersofcharity.ie

The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland is an equal opportunities employer

The Melting Pot

invites applications for the following position

Office Administrator (Part Time)

based in the Melting Pot Centre - a Community Services Programme based in Roscommon Town

The Melting Pot Community Society Ltd are funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development administered by Pobal

The Melting Pot Centre consists of a coffee shop with internet access, and a retail outlet for secondhand clothes and other goods. We recently expanded our facilities to include a meal delivery program called Dinner4U, covering Roscommon town and surrounding areas. We also operate a Community Space to increase recovery opportunities for service users while promoting social inclusion and reducing stigma.

Office Administrator – Part Time 19.5hrs per week

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum of 1 years’ experience of office administration including book-keeping, financial returns, payroll and computerised accounts

• Excellent IT skills including Sage, Micropay, MS Office and Excel

• Experience of budgeting and financial record keeping

• Experience of preparing financial reports

• Driving license is desirable but not essential

• Flexibility for additional paid hours when business needs dictate

How to Apply:

Please download full Job Description from www.rosleaderpartnership.ie before submitting application. Note the CSP eligibility requirements in Job Description. Please submit a letter of application detailing how you meet the requirements along with your full CV, to: teammeltingpot061@gmail.com or by post to: FAO the Chairperson, Melting Pot, Castle Court, Castle Street, Roscommon.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5 pm, Friday 30th June 2023

One Year Fixed Term Contract with possible extension. All roles are subject to funding continuation. Satisfactory references and Garda vetting will be required. Short listing will apply. A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled. The Melting Pot Community Society Ltd is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

REQUIRE

A

FRIENDLY, CUSTOMER FOCUSSED SALES ASSISTANT

15 – 25 Hour week

Flexible Hours available. Experience desirable but not essential. Apply: accounts@donnellan.ie

REQUIRED RECEPTIONIST/ BOOK KEEPER

for 5-day week

Knowlege of VAT experience necessary. Good working conditions. Applications, including CV, can be emailed to sales@jamesflanagan.ie or call Jim 086 256 8606

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

3 Shuttering Carpenters required for Coman Wood Ltd to work in Connaught House, Castlerea, Roscommon, as well as various other locations depending on project needs. €30,014.40 p.a./39 hpw Contact:paula @visasireland.ie

FULL-TIME MEDICAL SECRETARY REQUIRED

Castlerea area for GP Medical Practice to Box No: 3078, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or email info@roscommonpeople.ie

LIVE-IN COMPANION REQUIRED for lady in Carrick-on-Shannon. Own bedroom. Free to do own day job. Contact: P.O. Box 3077, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or email info@roscommonpeople.ie

We have a vacancy for:

Childcare Practitioner Full Time (39 hours)

Essential Criteria

• FETAC level 5

• Min 1 years’ experience

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Understanding of Pre-school Regulations

• Understanding of Siolta & Aistear

Desirable Criteria:

• Child Protection Training

• FAR training

• Manual Handling Training

*all posts are subject to Garda Vetting and satisfactory reference checks. Canvassing will disqualify.

Please forward your CV with a cover letter to: manager@greenfieldschildcare.com or by post to Lisa O’Neill, Manager, Greenfields Childcare, Lisnamult, Roscommon F42 NN72 Closing date is Monday, 3rd of July

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FAMILYNOTICES ....

NAUGHTON

Thomas (Tommy)

Cloonakilleg, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away on the 12th May 2023

KELLY Kitty

Lisnaherka, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

Who passed away on 20th of June 2022

BRENNAN John

Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. (Formerly) Cloontogher, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. (7th Anniversary)

The family of the late Thomas (Tommy) Naughton wish to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who sympathised, consoled and supported us on the sad loss of Tommy. We are grateful to all our relatives, neighbours and friends who have shown support by phone calls, leaving condolences on RIP.ie, sending Mass cards and texts.

Thank you to Tommy’s GP Dr. Martin Daly for his care and kindness over the past number of years. Heartfelt thanks to Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe that looked after Tommy, we are grateful to you all for your professionalism and exceptional care that you provided for Tommy.

Thank you to the staff of Roscommon Palliative Care Unit for the professional and exceptional care they provided Tommy in his final hours.

Sincere thanks to Fr. Francis Beirne for celebrating the beautiful Funeral Mass.

Thanks to Gerry Dowd for the beautiful singing and to everyone who prepared the Church for the ceremony.

Deepest appreciation to Dempsey’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism, and also the compassion and support they have shown to the family during this time.

Finally, thank you to the grave diggers and everyone that stood for the Funeral Cortege. As it it impossible to thank everybody individually we hope that you will accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude and appreciation.

Predeceased by his loving wife Mary, sadly missed by his sons, daughters and extended family.

Tommy’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon on Friday 23rd June at 7.30 pm.

GERAGHTY

Teresa Correal, Athleague Who passed away on the 25th June 2004 (19th Anniversary)

To us you were someone special, always good and kind, you will never be forgotten by those you left behind. No matter how life changes no matter what we do, a special place within our hearts is always kept for you.

Fondly remembered by your loving sons and daughters, family and friends. Masses offered.

QUINN

Sean Golf Links Road, Roscommon Town (10th Anniversary) 28th June 2013

Remembering your smile, your sense of fun, your kindness and most of all your love, which is never forgotten.

Reunited with Biddy. Always in our hearts, Maura, Cillian, Barra and Jack.

On the first anniversary of her death, the family of Kitty Kelly would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all who offered their sympathy, kindness and support following her sudden, yet peaceful passing last year.

We are truly grateful to everyone who travelled near and far to support us in our time of grief. To those who sent Mass Cards, flowers, messages of sympathy and phone calls, we appreciated each one. To those who attended the Removal or Burial, and to those who could not be with us, but kept us in their thoughts and prayers, we are truly grateful. We would especially like to thank our extended family, friends and neighbours who called to the house, brought food and refreshments and ensured the house was looking well for Kitty’s final journey.

We would like to extend a special thank you the District Nurse, Ciara, and the Paramedics, who assisted during Kitty’s final moments. Their kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you to Dr. O’Donnell, and the staff of McDonnell’s Pharmacy for the care shown to Kitty over the years. We would like to also thank Kitty’s home helpers, Talana, Yvonne, Liz, Breege and Pauline, who took care of her with such kindness and professionalism over the last few years.

A special thank you to Pat McHugh, Funeral Director, for his sensitivity and compassion during a difficult time. Many thanks to Fr. Eamon O’Connor for calling to the house to provide solace to the family, and for making the funeral ceremony so personal.

A special thank you to Declan Kelly and Joe Lowe for their beautiful singing in the Church, and also to the organist. Sincere thanks to Kitty’s friends, and colleagues from the Show Committee, who formed a guard of honour. Thank you to Charlie, Cathal, Willie, Eddie, Peter and Damian for preparing Kitty’s final resting place, where she is reunited with her son, Charles and her beloved husband, PJ. Thanks also to the Percy French Hotel for the food after Kitty’s funeral.

It is not possible to thank you all individually but to all those who supported and helped us in any way we thank you most sincerely.

The Holy Sacrament of the Mass will be offered for your intention.

In loving memory of John, who died June 23rd, 2016.

Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure, You are loved beyond words, And missed beyond measure. Loved and remembered by his family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Friday, June 30th at 7pm.

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RHATIGAN (nee O’Keeffe)

Maura

Rooskey, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

McDERMOTT Ronan

Ballyglass, Ballyleague

Who passed away on 19th June 2022. (1st Anniversary)

McDERMOTT Ronan

Ballyglass, Ballyleague

In loving memory of of Ronan McDermott, Ballyleague, who died on June 19th 2022 (1st Anniversary)

WALSH John Ballyglass, Ballymoe, Castlerea, Co. Galway (5th Anniversary)

As we lovingly remember Maura on the first anniversary of her death, Colette, Noel, and the family want to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation for the kind expressions of sympathy and support we have received.

We wish to express our unending gratitude to her other family in Our Lady’s Ward Sacred Heart Hospital Roscommon. There are no words that can ever express the care, love and friendship that Maura received during her many years among you. A special thank you to Dr Robertson, alongside the nurses and carers who made Maura’s final days extremely comfortable. There are too many of you to thank individually but we will always remember you and are forever grateful.

We wish to express our appreciation for all those who attended the house, Funeral Home, Funeral Mass, and Burial. A special thanks to those who travelled long and short distances, sent mass cards, messages, floral tributes and online condolences. Sincere thank you to Fr Sean Beirne, Chaplain in the Sacred Heart Hospital for your prayers and comfort you gave to Maura not only in her final days but throughout her time in Roscommon. Thank you also to Fr. Evaristus Ndeke for your kindness, your support and for celebrating her Funeral Mass, To our Sacristan, Hugh for preparing the church, all the family members who participated at Mass and to the Kilglass Folk Group for the wonderful music at the Funeral Mass, thank you.

Thanks also to Barry and Angela (Tighes Centra) and Coxe’s Steakhouse, Dromod, for providing food and refreshments over the days of the Funeral.

Thanks to Tommy Cox, Undertaker, for his professionalism and sensitivity; Pat McHugh Strokestown for the use of the Funeral Home and to the grave diggers in Kilmore Cemetery who prepared so beautifully Maura’s final resting place.

To Kilglass Gaels GAA for the guard of honour outside the church, a very touching tribute for a lady who loved her Gaelic games, thank you.

We would like to thank our friends, relatives and neighbours who have continued to show tremendous kindness and support this last year.

Since it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Time slips by, life goes on but from our hearts you will never be gone.

Maura’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Rooskey on Sunday 25th June at 11.30am.

On this being the first anniversary of Ronan’s passing, a year in which we lost a son, a brother, a dad to Caitlin and a much-loved partner to Emma. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks, gratitude and appreciation to the massive support that was extended to us from the day our lives were shattered from the loss of Ronan.

On behalf of the McDermott/Cox family we are forever thankful to our extended families, friends and the wider community who eased our pain by their huge generosity, sympathy, support, and love that was shown to us. Thanks to everyone who offered their sympathy through Mass cards, enrolments and kind condolences on R.I.P. and also called to our homes we are eternally grateful.

The emergency services and Gardaí were very quick to respond to our assistance, we thank them for doing their duty in a very mannerly and professional way.

A special word of thanks to Tom and Pauline Crosby along with Smyth’s Undertakers and Sheppard’s Funeral Associates for organising Ronan’s final days at home with us to his final place of rest.

To Ronan’s and our friends, we want to thank you for preparing Ronan’s final resting place which was carried out in a professional and humourous way.

A lot of planning went into traffic management on both days of those final days we thank all involved for ensuring that people got to pay their final respects to Ronan at our home, this was done in a very safe and organised way. We would like to express our appreciation to all Ronan’s friends and family who travelled long distances from Australia, Germany, Edinburgh and England.

To Lough Ree Sub Aqua for all the kindness and support that they gave us as Ronan was a dedicated member.

Ronan had wonderful friends from school, college and footballing days you are all a credit to those around you. Our sleepless nights were made easier from the stories told and wonderful memories shared into the early hours of the mornings. We thank you for the memories.

To Ronan’s work colleagues in Eir our words can never thank you enough for the way you honoured Ronan. The tributes, Guard of honour and the huge turnout from all over the country, we are forever thankful and grateful to all of you. Also, a special word of thanks to Eir management and to Fergal for their support and care shown to Ronan for those years he worked with you. We would like to thank our employers and work colleagues, Westward Scania, Roscommon County Council, Steris Galway and ex work colleagues in Bord Na Mona for your kindness, and support.

A special thank you to Fr. Dan Udofia, Fr. Paul Casey and Fr. Christopher Edebianga for their caring support and for making Ronan’s Funeral Mass as pain free as possible with inspiring prayer and words of comfort that expressed how Ronan’s condition had taken him away from us so suddenly. May God bless you in your future works and endeavours.

We were grateful to Fr. John McManus long-time family friend for coming to our home on the evening that Ronan’s remains came home his words of comfort and prayer gave us strength that evening and over the coming days to carry on. Thank you to Clodagh Compton, whose music and singing in the Church and at the graveside, which was a sad and difficult time for us, was very uplifting and memorable.

We would like to thank St. Faithleach’s GAA for all their support and Cloontuskert graveyard committee for their assistance on the day of Ronan’s Funeral. Also we wish to thank Ballinaheglish Community Centre for the use of their resources, chairs, tables, and catering equipment it was very much appreciated.

A special word of thanks to all who brought food and other kind deeds to our home over the hard days we had to endure it was very much appreciated. To everyone who helped in any way with the catering for everyone after the funeral thanks for being there for us. Also thanks to Stephen Dowd in preparing and delivering the lovely food which was done very professionally.

As it would be virtually impossible to thank everyone as your generosity exceeded all boundaries, please accept this acknowledgement as a gesture of our profound appreciation and gratitude.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions.

Ronan’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday evening, June 24th at 7pm, in the Church of the Holy Rosary Ballyleague.

Sadly missed by Mam and Dad, Emma and Caitlin, Sharon and Sean and Leah and Zara.

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

Loved and remembered by his partner Emma and daughter Caitlin.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Saturday 24th June at 7 pm.

In loving memory of John, who passed away on 25th June 2018 R.I.P. No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts you are always there.

Sadly missed by your sisters Kathleen and Josie and their families.

Anniversary Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday 25th June at 10am.

CULLEN Barbara

4 Lough Road, Roscommon Town

Who died on the 25th of June 2015 (8th Anniversary)

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes, We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face, Smiling back at us from within everything To which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory, Where we would grow lonely without you. You would want us to find you in presence, Beside us when beauty brightens, When kindness glows And music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth, Darkest winter has turned to spring; May this dark grief flower with hope In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us:

To enter each day with a generous heart.

To serve the call of courage and love Until we see your beautiful face again In that land where there is no more separation, Where all tears will be wiped from our mind, And where we will never lose you again.

Poem: Excerpt from On the Death of the Beloved, by John O’Donohue

Sadly missed by husband, John; sons, John, Jeremy and Simon; daughter, Allison; daughters-in-law, Stephanie and Claire; son-in-law, Dave; grandchildren, Hollie, Sophia, Thomas, Isobelle, Juliet, Emilia, Heidi & Fionn; brother, Joseph and sisters, Phyllis and Betty.

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

TARPEY Delia

Buckfield, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary, 22nd June)

HEALY Austin (Snr.)

Cherry Drive, Roscommon (18th Anniversary - June 28th)

KILCOMMONS Martin

Kilbegnet, Creggs (5th Anniversary)

DEMPSEY Neil

The Walk Road,

GRADY Michael

Carnamadda, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Michael whose 36th anniversary occurs on 20th June, 2023

GRADY

Patrick and Annie Mae

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

Sadly missed by her husband John, son John, daughters Helen and Anne Marie, son-inlaw and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 25th June at 11.30am in the Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote.

HOARE Tom (TP)

You always had time to spare, time to give and time to care.

A loving nature a heart of gold the very best this world could hold.

Sadly missed by your loving wife Rita and daughter Lorraine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A date that’s filled with sadness returns to us today.

To mark the day, you left us and gently slipped away. Always rememberd by Derek, Orla, Dillon and Katie and Eloise.

A little tribute small and tender just to show we still remember

From Francis, Natasha, Evan, Emily, Rebecca and Eoghán.

Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon, on Saturday, June 24th at 10am.

the book of grief, like the smile that hides the tears, but memories turn back every leaf, despite the passing years. His life is a beautiful memory, his absence a silent grief.

Treasured Memories always, Catherine, Assumpta, Liz, Siobhan, David, Marina, Elma, Megan, Mikayla, Zoe and Harry x

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

WARD (nee Donlon) Mary

Friaryland, Creggs. (1st Anniversary) R.I.P.

In loving memory of our dear mother Mary who died on 28 June 2022.

Just a prayer from a family who have loved you.

Just a memory fond and true

In our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you

Rest in Peace Mary. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by your loving family.

Anniversary Mass in St Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on 25 June 2023 at 11:30 am

In loving memory of Martin who passed away on July 3rd 2018

Until We Meet Again

Those special memories of you will always bring a smile. If only I could have you back for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do. You always meant so very much and always will do too. The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain. but you’re forever in my heart until we meet again.

Sadly missed by his wife Bridie, sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, brother and sisters-in-law.

A Heart of Gold

A heart of gold stopped beating, working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Leaves and flowers may wither, the golden sun may set, but the hearts that loved you dearly are the ones that won’t forget.

Always loved and remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchild

Anniversary Mass for Martin will be in Kilbegnet Church, on Sunday, 2nd of July at 11.30am.

Sometimes angels fly so close to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings.

Lovingly remembered by Dad and Mum, Aidan and Margaret; Jacqueline, Gary and Suzanne; aunties, uncles, cousins and many friends and neighbours.

R.I.P.

Also remembering Neil’s Granny, Margaret McGuire, 9th June, 1979

Neil’s Granny, Elsie Dempsey, 19th June, 1986

Neil’s Grandad, John McGuire, 10th November, 1994

Neil’s Grandad, Paddy Dempsey, 7th November, 1997

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

ENNIS JOYCE Barbara

Formerly of Carrarmore, Connemara, Co. Galway and Co. Roscommon

Remembering Barbara on her birthday 23rd June

Always a smile, instead of a frown. Always a hand when one was down. Always true, thoughtful and kind, wonderful memories you left behind. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Lovingly remembered by her partner Kevin Casey.

When June comes around each year we feel more certain you are near. This was the time you went away but from our hearts you’ll never stray. Fond memories are all we have to share until we meet again.

Somewhere in God’s care, you rest above. In our hearts you rest with love. You always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke and time to care. A kindly nature, warm and true. Many lovely memories we have of you.

Always in our thoughts and prayers, Peg, Tara and Mark; Brendan and Alice; Cáit, Conor, Éabha and Rian.

~~~~~ My dear Brother now that you are gone you’re no longer here to share the bond we had together, a bond of love and care. Yet, somehow something tells me you are watching over me now that from worldly cares you are finally free. Ever since you went away life has never been the same, yet, it comforts me to know that one day we’ll meet again. Loved & remembered always by your twin brother Andy.

~~~~~

Life can never stay the same no matter how we try. Our hands can never stop the clock of life from ticking by. But love remains, unchanging in the care of sorrowing hearts. For as the love of life is stilled, the love of memory starts.

Always remembered by Marion, Michael, Niamh and Alan, Paul, Brenda, Caoimhe and Ruairí.

Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday 25th June 2023 at 11.30am

The life of the dead is placed in the heart of the living. Sadly missed by family and friends.

Anniversary Mass for Pat and Annie Mae and Noel, Anne, and Marie and Micheal Boylan on Sunday 3rd Seprember, 2023 in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow at 11.30am.

Patrick Grady died 25 June, 2017 (6th Anniversary)

Annie Mae Grady died 06 February 2020 (3rd Anniversary)

Sports PEOPLE

Dublin now favourites for Sam?

The 2023 race for Sam Maguire is proving very difficult to call with the top teams so far reluctant to show their full hand ahead of the knockout rounds. Dublin, however, have been installed as joint-favourites to win the Senior Football Championship outright alongside Kerry (numerous betting companies) following their demolition of Sligo last weekend to top Group 3. Meanwhile, Connacht rivals Mayo and Galway are out to 10/1 (Paddy Power) after they were drawn together in the preliminary quarter-finals.

Roscommon, who were beaten by Kildare last Sunday in Tullamore, are back out to 40/1 but are warm favourites to defeat Cork this Saturday to reach the last eight.

Burke’s boys to bounce back!

Rossies

can sink Cork to reach last eight

All-Ireland SFC

preliminary quarter-final: Cork v Roscommon at Pairc Uí Caoimh on Saturday at 2 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

A long trip to the south was not part of the plan for Roscommon footballers prior to last Sunday but following defeat to Kildare, the reality now is that Davy Burke’s side will have to defeat Cork to reach the quarter-finals proper. It may be a more difficult assignment than a home game in Dr Hyde Park, but it is still a game that Roscommon are well capable of winning.

The psychological aspect to this preliminary quarter-final will play a major part in how it might turn out. Cork are on a high after an excellent win against Mayo last Sunday and they certainly have momentum going into the match. On the other hand, Roscommon looked a tired team at times against Kildare and they never really got going (except for man of the match Enda Smith) and they will have to put that

performance and result behind them if they are to advance to the last eight.

A return to the patient, disciplined and very effective gameplan we have seen from Roscommon this year will be required on Saturday.

Davy Burke said after the game last Sunday that he would consider shaking up the team selection and that could mean possible starts for the likes of Conor Hussey, Cian Connolly, Conor Cox, Keith Doyle and Richard Hughes to name just a few.

It was very unusual to see Roscommon so sloppy in possession against Kildare and some of the shooting was very poor. However, one thing that was noticeable was a reluctance to have a go when in a good shooting position, with Roscommon guilty of overplaying the ball at times and allowing Kildare to regroup.

Cork have some excellent players and under John Cleary and former Galway manager Kevin Walsh, the likes of Micheal Martin, Rory Maguire, Daniel O’Mahony, Ian Maguire, Brian Hurley, Sean Powter and Steven Sherlock are all very competent performers.

Make no mistake, this is an improving Cork side and they showed exactly what they are capable of against Mayo

last time out.

But the fact remains, Roscommon are a top eight side, while Cork have been a Division Two outfit for a number of years. If Roscommon can therefore rediscover their mojo and run at Cork when in possession, they have the quality players up front to win this game.

There is no doubt, however, that Cork will be targeting this match as one they can win and a revival in the Rebel County’s football fortunes is long overdue. A win against Roscommon will signal their arrival back in the big time so they have plenty of motivation.

Too many Roscommon players played below par last Sunday but they have not become poor players overnight. Every team has a bad day at the office and the widely held belief is that Roscommon had one of those last Sunday.

The Rossies have a good record against Cork in recent years and while this game promises to be a close and hard fought one, Roscommon will be favourites. It could well be high scoring, but it would be a surprise if Roscommon were not to come out on top.

Prediction: Roscommon

Roscommon fans turned out in great numbers to support the Rossies for their All-Ireland SFC Group 3 clash against Kildare in O’Connor Park, Tullamore last Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Davy Burke

Ascot review: Jimi Hendrix floors Sonny Liston!

Horses for Courses

The Irish got off to a great start at Royal Ascot on Tuesday winning three of the seven races. Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore enjoyed a Group 1 win with Paddington in the St James’s Palace Stakes following up a Group 2 win in the Coventry Stakes with River Tiber. Moore completed a treble on Willie Mullins’ Vauban in the Copper Horse Handicap beating stablemate Absurde, and probably earning a crack at the Melbourne Cup, for which he still must qualify later in the year.

In the other Group 1 races, the opening Queen Anne Stakes was won by 33/1 shot Triple Time and in the King’s Stand Stakes Hollie Doyle became the first woman to ride a Group 1 winner in Royal Ascot on Bradsell.

Frankie Dettori finished second on three occasions and then got a nineday suspension for careless riding, he is expected to appeal. Aidan O’Brien equalled Michael Stoute’s record of 82 Royal Ascot winners with River Tiber and took the all-time lead of 83 with Paddington.

Yesterday (Tuesday) saw an American winner in the opening Queen Mary Stakes as Johnny Valezquez rode the George Weaver trained Crimson Advocate to win by a nose. Jessica Harrington’s Villanova Queen ridden by Colin Keane, replacing the injured Shane Foley, swooped with a late run to give his rider his first

Royal Ascot winner in the Kensington Palace Stakes.

Rogue Millennium won the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes for trainer Tom Clover and Daniel Tudhope.

The Gosden-trained Mostahdaf in the hands of Jim Crowley was a decisive winner in the six-runner Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes, beating the favourite Ballydoyle’s Luxembourg at 10/1.

In the 30-runner Hunt Cup, Ralph Beckett trained a 1-2 as Jimi Hendrix beat Sonny Liston by l. Jimi Hendrix was ridden by Rossa Ryan and Ryan Moore was aboard Sonny Liston.

The Queen’s Vase was lucky 13 for Frankie Dettori who eventually got off the mark at this year’s meeting with the Gosden’s Gregory at evens favourite. The winner is now favourite for the Doncaster St Leger.

In the final 2-Y-O Windsor Castle Stakes, Archie Watson’s Action Point ridden by Michael Appleby’s Big Evs ridden by Jason Hart proved too good for the favourite. Aidan O’Brien’s Johannes Brahms and Ryan Moore by 3l.

Ascot Friday…

The feature race tomorrow is the Group 1 Gold Cup with 14 runners and appears to be very open. The one that attracts is Eldar Eldarov trained by Roger Varian and ridden by David Egan. A winner here in the Queen’s Vase last year and he

Short putts

Athlone

The Junior Cup team defeated Roscommon in their recent match and will now play Athenry in the next round.

Meanwhile, there were wins for Maeve Davis (46 points) in the recent 18-hole Stableford competition and Lily O’Sullivan (24 points) in the 9-hole. Emily Martin topped the 97 Club leaderboard with 32 points, with Antoinette Brew a close runner-up, also on 32.

Carrick

Congratulations to Frances Molloy (65 nett) who won last weekend’s competition. This weekend’s competition is the ‘Joan O’Shea’, a threeperson Mixed scramble.

Carrick’s Challenge Cup team won against Ballinamore last Friday afternoon and are now through to play Gort in the semi-final.

Unfortunately the JB Carr team was narrowly beaten by Roscommon as was the Flogas Mixed Foursomes team by Sligo.

There was better news for the AIG Men’s Junior Cup team who have qualified for a semi-final against Westport following victory over Co Sligo.

Back at the clubhouse, the Kieran’s Pharmacy competition results were as follows: Cat 1 Gary Hartigan (38); Cat 2 Jim King (38); Cat 3 Steven Daly (39).

Last Thursday’s Seniors’ competition results: Cat 1 Michael Keville (42); Cat 2 Charlie Farrell (37); Cat 3

(News from local golf clubs)

Dermot Monaghan (41) points; Front 9 Paddy Duffy (20); Back 9 Gerard Fitzgerald (22).

Castlerea

A further reminder that the Castlerea Annual Tully’s Totalhealth Golf Classic will take place over the weekend of June 23rd to 25th this year. Teams cost €100 and can be booked through the BRS System or by contacting Gerry on 086-8099410 or Jean at 0872257297.

Roscommon

Recent scores from the 36-hole competition saw Michael Sharkey lead the way on 65 nett. Brian Keane and Charlie McDonnell weren’t too far away on 66 with Gerry Keegan (68) just ahead of Paul McNally, Noel Sharkey and John Walker (all on 69). Next round is this Saturday.

Congratulations to Noreen O’Grady on winning Mary Cunningham’s President’s Prize to the Ladies with a wonderful 36-hole score of 137. Margaret Brennan (141) was runnerup, Bernie Brown (142) was third, and Paula Quinn (162) won the Gross prize.

Good luck to the men taking part in the final 18 holes of their competition. Presentation will take place on Saturday evening in the clubhouse and all are welcome to join.

Finally for this week, last Thursday’s Senior Ladies’ competition was won by G Hoban with M Brennan in second place while the Ladies’ Challenge Cup team was defeated by Portumna.

by Tom Red

went on to win the St Leger at Doncaster. He will take a lot of beating and should be the cause of a few cheers up in Rahara. Willie Mullins dual performer Echoes In Rain, winner of the Amateur Handicap in Galway last year, looks a good e/w bet.

Weekend action…

Racing this week starts this evening (Thursday) with action on the flat at Leopardstown, off at 4.40 pm. Tomorrow (Friday) evening there is flat racing at both Down Royal, off at 4.50 pm, and Limerick, first race at 5.08 pm. On Saturday afternoon, Down Royal races again featuring the Ulster Derby and Ulster Oaks, at 2 pm, and evening racing at Limerick at 5.23 pm. With no racing in Ireland on Sunday there is flat racing at Ballinrobe on Monday at 5.15 pm. All races from Royal Ascot are covered on ITV for the final three days featuring all the Group 1 races, the Gold Cup on Friday, the Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes, and the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes on Saturday, with a selection of races each day on Virgin Media 1. On Sunday, all seven races from Pontefract are being shown on ITV 4.

Racing news

The five breakaway racecourses - Kilbeggan, Roscommon, Sligo, Limerick and Thurles - who rejected a TV deal a

little over a month ago announcing their intention to accept a more lucrative counter offer from Attheraces and Sky Racing rather than RacingTV for the next five years have come back into the fold and will now be shown on RacingTV.

Gordon Elliott lost another jockey when Danny Gilligan, second in the jockey’s championship and leading conditional jockey, broke his collarbone in a fall from Run For Pat in the beginners chase at Downpatrick on Saturday. Gilligan shouldn’t miss too much action as there is no National Hunt racing in Ireland between today and July 3rd giving him some time to recover.

Competition Corner

Last chance to win tickets for Roscom-

SPORTS DESK With Dan Dooner

Enda in ‘Team of the Week’

Roscommon footballer Enda Smith has been named in the GAA.ie ‘Football Team of the Week’ following his man of the match performance against Kildare in Tullamore last Sunday. The Boyle man has been in imperious form for the Primrose and Blue of late and will be hoping to lead them into the All-Ireland quarter-finals this weekend.

Boyle athlete takes European silver

Congratulations to another Boyle athlete, Finley Daly, who took silver in the 3,000m Steeplechase in a time of 8.51.41 at the European Games 2023 in Chorzow, Poland on Tuesday. The Sligo AC and NUI Galway athlete was part of 43-strong Irish team competing in Division Three at the games.

New ‘Head of Games Development’

Best wishes to Padraic Mitchell who was this week appointed ‘Head of Games Development’ by Roscommon GAA. Padraic, who replaces Willie Hegarty in the role, said of the appointment: “I am delighted to take up the opportunity of a lifetime, to manage coaching and games development in my home county”.

Roscommon GAA Chair Brian Carroll said: “Padraic has done great work over the last number of years within Roscommon GAA and I have no doubt he will have more successful years in his new role”.

Search is on for new hurling boss

The county’s Hurling Board has this week expressed their appreciation to the senior hurling management team of Seamus Qualter, Daithi Hand, Peter Galvin and Francis Doolan, whose term in charge has come to an end. Chairperson Christy McDermott thanked them for their time and effort with the team since taking the reins in February.

While in charge the team won promotion to Allianz League Division 2B and retained their Nickey Rackard status for 2024.

Mr McDermott said the position of senior manager was now vacant and applications are invited by email to secretary.hurling.roscommon@gaa.ie by Thursday, July 20th

Connacht title for Brian

Congratulations to Brian Mannion who recently won the Connacht Junior B handball title against Gordon Nolan on a 21-8 21-18 scoreline.

Elsewhere, well done to all Kilglass Gaels members who

mon on Tuesday, July 4th for the listed Lenabane Stakes and all we want to know is which horse won the Connaught National in Roscommon last Monday week?

Also, we have tickets for Roscommon on July 10th and for this we want to know which horse won the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot yesterday? Answers please on a postcard to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@ gmail.com by 5 pm on Wednesday June 28th for July 4th and July 5th for the July 10th meeting. Don’t forget to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries. Tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

took part in the Lurgan Clann Éireann Wallball Slam competition last Saturday.

Special mention to Tara Hill who was taking part in her first tournament. Tara showed great skill and determination throughout and was only narrowly beaten in the U-11 Shield final.

Niamh Hall lost her first game in the U-13 girls competition to the eventual winner but showed remarkable recovery skills to go on and win the Shield in emphatic style!

Eoin Grehan was in sparkling form last Saturday and he won through to the Cup final with two emphatic victories earlier in the day.

The final itself was a nail-biter but Eoin eventually came out on top to take the title on a 21-20 scoreline.

Patrick Grehan was the final Kilglass Gaels player in action on the day in the U-15 boys’ grade. He won his Shield semi-final impressively by 21-6 but unfortunately came up just short in the decider.

Jimi Hendrix and Rossa Ryan beat Sonny Liston and Ryan Moore.

Congratulations to Roscommon’s Heather Payne, who was named as the Young Women’s International Player of the Year at the 33rd FAI International Awards in Dublin this week. The Creagh native is a key member of the Republic of Ireland Women’s squad which has qualified for this summer’s World Cup in Australia.

Ladies in ‘last chance saloon’

TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship:

Monaghan v Roscommon at Smithborough on Sunday at 2 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon ladies footballers travel to Monaghan on Sunday knowing that they are in ‘the last chance saloon’ as they will have to beat the home side if they want to progress further in this year’s championship.

Indeed, Monaghan are in the same position as both sides have lost to Wexford

Costello to represent Great Britain & Ireland in Junior Vagliano Trophy

Roscommon’s teenage golf sensation Oliva Costello has been selected as part of a six-person team to represent Great Britain & Ireland in the Junior Vagliano Trophy. The Vagliano Trophy is a women’s amateur international match between Great Britain and Ireland and the Continent of Europe. It was

first played in 1959 and in 2011 the Junior Vagliano Trophy was added to the competition. Both the Vagliano Trophy and the Junior Vagliano Trophy are being played from June 30th to July 1st at Royal Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands. This year’s competition will be the first time it has been

C’mon The Town

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

In association with the

Cup Fever…

We wish our boys’ U-14 and U-18 teams well in their finals on Saturday evening in Newbridge!

The U-14 Cup Final has a 5 pm kickoff while the U-18s play at 7 pm. Your support for the lads is greatly appreciated. C’mon the Town!

Sincere thanks to Barry Miley of Tulsk Fuels Ltd/Flogas for his generous sponsorship of training tops ahead of the U-14 Cup Final.

Kennedy Cup

Well done to Ruairi, Eoin, Conor and Lewis who represented the club at the Kennedy Cup last week. The lads now turn their thoughts to their cup final and competing for the league title. Thanks to our parents who helped guide and support the lads.

A word of appreciation too for Padraic Clarke for his contribution to this successful national soccer tournament in University Limerick. Padraic is our league secretary and is also SFAI Chairman.

On the pitch…

Last weekend, our boys’ U-11 teams

staged since 2019. Olivia joins Oughterard’s Kate Dillon, Sadie Adams (Royal Birkdale, England), Isobel Kelly (Erewash Valley, Wales), Rosie Kim (The Buckinghamshire, England), Chloe Tarbard (Royal Norwich, England), and team captain Janet Melville.

in recent weeks.

When the sides met in the league, Monaghan won by a point with a last-minute free so there is not much between them.

Roscommon will welcome back Aisling Hanly, who was badly missed when the team went down to Wexford by a point two weeks ago, and her presence will add a lot of punch to the attack. It is hoped that Lisa O’Rourke might be able to play some part in the game too but she remains an injury doubt.

Monaghan have been a powerhouse in ladies football in the past but they have slipped down the pecking order in recent

years and were defeated by Tyrone and Antrim in the recent Ulster championship before going down to Wexford by 3-8 to 1-9 last Sunday.

Roscommon can consider themselves quite unlucky this year and they have suffered a number of very narrow defeats which included that one-point loss to Wexford in round one.

Surely they’re due a dose of good fortune and perhaps if they get enough ball into Aisling Hanly, Laura Fleming and Aisling Feely in the full-forward line they might just strike it lucky with a place in the last eight this Sunday.

Prediction: Roscommon

GAA Results

5th & Mad - East Side, New York Division One O’Rourke Cup Oran 0-19 Western Gaels 2-9 Roscommon Gaels 0-15 St Dominic’s 1-7 Clann na nGael 1-13 Elphin 0-12

Tulsk Lord Edwards 4-11 St Faithleach’s 0-8

Pádraig Pearses 2-11 Fuerty 0-6 St Brigid’s 1-15 Boyle 0-5 Leydon Bros London Division Two O’Gara Cup Strokestown 1-13 Creggs 1-8 Michael Glavey’s 6-22 Shannon Gaels 1-5 Kilmore 0-15 Éire

participated in a blitz in Newbridge in what was an enjoyable event. Thanks to the coaches for their efforts in facilitating their teams to play.

On Monday last, our U-14 Rovers team were at home to Dunmore. Eoin Naughten netted three and Lewis Smyth and Aaron Miley also scored in a 5-1 win. Star Player was Conor Keaveney.

Atletico and Real were away to CP Ajax and Glen Celtic respectively. Despite scoring five, Atletico lost out to CP Ajax. Joao Victor Santes (Star Player) scored three and Daniel Hamrock and Yunas Magomayeva also scored.

Real beat Glen Celtic 5-3. Max O’Reilly (3), Senan Grogan and Luiz Fellipe da Silva were on target for the Town. Star Player was Jacob Szela. We extend our best wishes to all our teams in action this week and to our coach Dion and club members who are in the Community Games County Final this Friday evening.

Sports Park sponsorship

We would also like to thank Treacy Decor in Roscommon Town for their generous sponsorship of paint for the

Town 1 team with Barry Miley of Tulsk Fuels Ltd/ Flogas who sponsored training tops ahead of this weekend’s cup final.

picnic benches in Roscommon Community Sports Park. It is very much appreciated and will enhance the complex.

Wise Words…

The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. The willingness to learn is a choice - Brian Herbert

Player Profile

Name: Russ Reynolds Team: U-12s

Position: Defender

Three words that describe me: Funny,

Competitive, Happy

Skill strength: Slide tackling

Skill weakness: Making runs

Favourite team: Manchester United (Ed

– The only correct answer!)

Favourite player: Rafa Varane

Favourite Irish player: Roy Keane (Ed –

See above)

Best stadium in the world: Old Trafford

Messi or Ronaldo or Neither: Ronaldo

PlayStation or Xbox or Neither: Neither

Favourite film: Braveheart

Favourite food: Rice

Favourite book: Diddly Squat by Jeremy

Clarkson

What makes me happy: Sport

Person you admire the most: My

Parents

Why I play soccer: I like it

(Group A) Pádraig Pearses 0-15 Tremane 1-10

Kepak Senior Hurling League (Group B) Four Roads 5-18 Oran 0-13

Fixtures

Friday, June 23rd

Sidero AFL Division Four (8 pm)

At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v Elphin

At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Kilmore

At Peadar Earley Memorial Park: Michael Glavey’s v St Faithleach’s

At Mulhern Park: Fuerty v Boyle

Cora Systems AFL Division Five (Section A) (8 pm)

At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v Shannon Gaels

At Kilronan Park: St Ronan’s v St Barry’s

At Davonna Park: Ballinameen v Éire Óg

Cora Systems AFL Division Five (Section B) (8 pm)

At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Oran

At Creggs: Creggs v Pádraig Pearses

At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v St Aidan’s

At Enfield: St Croan’s v St Dominic’s

Roscommon ladies footballers travel to Monaghan on Sunday needing a win to progress in this year’s All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship.

Olivia Costello pictured recently after winning the Flogas Irish Girls’ Amateur Open Championship at Woodbrook Golf Club, Bray, Co. Wicklow. The Roscommon golfer has been chosen as part of a six-person team to represent Great Britain & Ireland in the Junior Vagliano Trophy in Scotland later this month. Pic: Thos Caffrey/Golffile

Pictured is the U-14 Roscommon

GAME ON…

Connacht 0 Others 4

As has been widely noted in the aftermath of Sunday’s exciting finale to the Round Robin series, it was a bad day for Connacht teams!

Four were in action, and all four lost. By far the biggest talking point from Connacht’s Bad Day at the Office was Mayo’s shocker against Cork, Kevin McStay’s men throwing away an automatic All-Ireland quarterfinal place when they lost a six-point lead when being overhauled by Cork (winners by 1-14 to 1-11). It means that instead of having a guaranteed quarter-final to look forward to, Mayo now travel to play Galway in an eagerly anticipated preliminary quarter-final.

Galway lost by a point to Armagh in an exciting finale in Carrick-on-Shannon, and now host their great rivals, Mayo.

Roscommon’s defeat to Kildare (1-16 to 1-15) means Davy Burke’s team now face Cork away this Saturday. Meanwhile, Sligo were always likely to have a difficult afternoon against Dublin, but their 3-23 to 0-8 hammering completed a forgettable day for Connacht teams.

We’ll be ready for Saturday – Enda

Man of the match Enda Smith was philosophical in defeat, anxious to give credit to Kildare, and keen to assure supporters that Roscommon would be up for this weekend’s preliminary quarter-final.

He told Seamus Duke: “We knew Kildare would come with a bit of bite today. I didn’t feel that we played awfully bad, but we just were not at the level Kildare were at. All these games are tight and it was decided by a last-minute free. It wasn’t a hammering or anything like that. It’s very disappointing not to win but we are still out next weekend.

“We wanted to be playing in Hyde Park but we will be ready to travel next weekend and we will take it from there. Our shooting was a bit off today but there were other aspects to it (as to why they lost). Kildare are a fine side and they kicked some great scores. They deserved their win and fair play to them”.

Making his mark…

Full ‘marks’ to Kildare’s Kevin Feely…he claimed three points in Sunday’s pulsating match with Roscommon as a direct result of winning ‘marks’ though his adept fielding.

On social media, people were raving about the Kildare star’s impact on the game, his fielding and quick thinking in claiming ‘marks’ a big factor in deciding a close encounter in favour of the Lilywhites.

‘Kevin Feely soars to the occasion’ was just one of the headlines highlighting his role.

Meanwhile, Kildare manager Glenn Ryan said Feely has done brilliantly to recover from injury to re-establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the country. Definitely a ‘mark’ of the man’s commitment…

-Paul Healy

Stat Attack

Wides: Kildare 5 (3, first half); Roscommon 11 (7, first half)

Red cards: 0

Black cards: Kildare 2 (Alex Beirne 16, Ryan Houlihan 21); Roscommon 0

Yellow cards: Kildare 2 (Ben McCormack, Shea Ryan); Roscommon 2 (Conor Daly, Davy Murray)

Attendance: 7,058

Man of the Match: Enda Smith (Roscommon)

Burke’s Kildare verdict: ‘Outfought, outhunted, outbattled and outworked’

Roscommon aim to bounce back and sink Cork!

All-Ireland SFC series

(Group 3, Round 3)

Kildare 1-16

Roscommon 1-15

< SEAMUS DUKE

It wasn’t quite GUBU – but a frustrated and annoyed Davy Burke coined his own ‘OOOO’ acronym to describe Roscommon’s below-par performance against Kildare last Sunday which left the Rossies facing an away All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-final, rather than a home one.

“Outfought, outhunted, outbattled and outworked” was the Roscommon manager’s assessment of his side’s display. “We just didn’t get off the bus today”.

Since I started going to Roscommon matches many, many moons ago, our senior football team has always struggled when expectations are high, and that failing struck again last Sunday in Tullamore. This time it was Kildare who deservedly took the spoils of victory after a pulsating match that was only settled with the second last kick of the game, a magnificent ‘mark’ from Kevin Feely from almost out on the stand side sideline.

It was a heartbreaking (and very disappointing) defeat, but when Roscommon players, management and supporters look back on the action, there will surely be a consensus that Kildare were the better side and that too many Roscommon players weren’t at their best on the day.

It was unusual to see Roscommon turning over the ball so many times. When good possession was secured, their shooting left a lot to be desired. Some of the 11 wides recorded were very scoreable opportunities. In addition, some of the players declined to take on a shot at the target when in a good position.

This was a very uncharacteristic performance from Roscommon but they will have a chance to put it right against Cork this weekend. It’s just a

pity that the team have to travel for an away fixture. They will need to produce a much better display if they are to progress.

Unsurprisingly, Davy Burke was a very frustrated figure at the final whistle.

“It’s very disappointing. We came to win the game and didn’t do it – simple as that. It was very uncharacteristic stuff, wasn’t it? Our shooting efficiency was poor and, defensively we were poor, so a good Kildare side exposed us. There are no excuses”.

Kildare, who were much the better side early on, led Roscommon by 1-4 to 0-2 after 15 minutes. Alex Beirne scored a stunning goal in the 11th minute. Darragh Kirwan did the initial spadework and Kevin Flynn flicked the ball into the path of Beirne who volleyed soccer-style past Conor Carroll. Roscommon were handed a lifeline by Kildare ill-discipline before half-time. Goalscorer

Beirne and Ryan Houlihan both received black cards within four minutes, and Davy Burke’s men took full advantage, scoring 1-4 before the break.

The goal came in the 28th minute when Diarmuid Murtagh played in Roscommon’s best player, Enda Smith, the Boyle man finishing expertly. Points from the two Murtagh brothers and Cian McKeon helped the Rossies into a 1-6 to 1-4 halftime lead.

The second half was a pulsating affair with both sides enjoying periods of dominance. Roscommon kept their noses in front in the third quarter but points from Neil Flynn and Ben McCormack levelled the scores at 1-10 apiece by the 48th minute.

The teams were level five times after that. Enda Smith, Ben O’Carroll and Cian McKeon (mark) were all on target for Roscommon. Then when Ben McCormack and Kevin Feely

(another mark) put Kildare ahead inside the final minute of normal time, it looked like it would be their day. However, another magnificent point from the outstanding Enda Smith levelled the scores in the second minute of injury-time.

There was time for more drama as Daniel Flynn kicked high into the Roscommon full-back line and Kevin Feely effected a magnificent high catch. He put over the resulting ‘mark’ from a very difficult angle to win it for Glenn Ryan’s men.

Over the past few weeks the Kildare management was under pressure after some poor displays, while Roscommon were hot favourites to finish at least second in the group. How quickly fortunes change in football. Now Davy Burke and his players are under pressure and face a very difficult assignment in Cork as they seek to save their season.

Roscommon’s Dylan Ruane in action during last Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC Group 3 game between Roscommon and Kildare in O’Connor Park, Tullamore. Pic: Mick McCormack

BOWIE, PINK BOOTS AND A WAKE-UP CALL

PAUL

HEALY

View from the Stand

If you were a neutral, this was a thoroughly enjoyable, end-to-end game played in a great atmosphere. Of course we’re not neutral, which is why the last quarter was extremely tense, excitement levels rising as the teams’ respective fortunes swung one way and then another.

I think my last visit to this stadium was in 2012, for a rousing All-Ireland U-21 final between Roscommon and Dublin (we were excellent that day, but lost).

As then, I was struck last Sunday by what a fine stadium O’Connor Park is. The facilities are excellent, down to the ample array of refreshments available in the shop(s) under the main stand.

The teams emerged to the always inspirational Let’s Dance (David Bowie) – and dance they did. During the warm-up (his, not mine) I wasn’t blinded by Daniel Flynn’s bright, pink boots, but I was drawn to them. Naturally, being Kildare, they were big, athletic and strong, just like Kildare teams of recent decades, if I may generalise!

The roars that greeted Roscommon immediately established that there were far more Rossies in the crowd (of just over 7,000) than Lilywhites. A terrific welcome for Davy’s flying warriors.

The excellent Cian McKeon kicked a super early point, evidence of Roscommon’s current self-belief. But then Kildare began to pick off a few scores, while at the other end, Roscommon’s non-pink boots weren’t doing their thing.

When the Kildare goal came, it was a wake-up call, an excellent move finished with outrageous aplomb by Alex Beirne.

Kildare then had an undisciplined period which resulted in two black cards in quick succession, and a booking for a man who was lying down on the job (alleged time wasting). Glenn Ryan’s team were down to 13 men for six or seven minutes. Roscommon sensed blood. The key score of their comeback came from a familiar source.

Kildare spilt possession, Enda Smith making off with the ball and bearing down on goal with the weight of a county on his back. As ever, he was up to the task, his goal a welcome settler. Roscommon led 1-6 to 1-4 at the break.

‘If you say run, I’ll run with you’ Bowie sang as the teams lined up to resume battle. They took the singing superstar’s advice, Roscommon and Kildare going toe to toe in an enthralling second half. Every time Roscommon went two ahead – apparently finding their stride – Kildare calmly cut the deficit in half. Kevin Feely was having a big impact for Kildare, Ben McCormack very effective too, and the evertricky man with the pink boots – Daniel Flynn – still has a box of tricks at his disposal.

Teams & scorers

Kildare: Mark Donnellan; Eoin Doyle, Ryan Houlihan, Shea Ryan; David Hyland, Kevin Flynn, Jack Sargent; Kevin O’Callaghan (0-1), Kevin Feely (0-4, 3 marks, 1 free); Paddy McDermott, Alex Beirne (1-2), Neil Flynn (0-4, 3 frees); Daniel Flynn (0-1, mark), Darragh Kirwan (0-1), Ben McCormack (0-3). Subs: Darragh Malone for Houlihan (44), Tony Archbold for Beirne (59), Harry O’Neill for Doyle (65), Paul Cribbin for McDermott (70).

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Dylan Ruane (0-1), Colin Walsh, Brian Stack; David Murray, Niall Daly (0-1), Eoin McCormack; Eddie Nolan, Conor Daly; Ciaráin Murtagh (0-4, 3 frees), Cian McKeon (0-3, 1 mark), Enda Smith (13); Donie Smith (0-1, free), Ben O’Carroll (0-1), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-1, free). Subs: Ciarán Lennon for C Daly (20), Conor Hussey for Walsh (44), Daire Cregg for D Murtagh (59), Niall Kilroy for D Smith (60), Richard Hughes for Nolan (70).

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan).

Ryan relieved as his players finally deliver

Images of Kildare manager Glenn Ryan at the final whistle depicted a man experiencing sheer joy – and relief.

He told the Roscommon People: “We’ve had some tough days and tough interviews, so it’s great to be standing here without looking for excuses as to why we’re not doing the things we expect to be doing”.

Asked if he had seen this performance coming, he said: “I probably saw it coming last January! Every night at training, these lads train hard and they do the things that you ask them to do. Our frustration has been not being able to get it out from the training pitch. But there has been a huge resolve in them

over the past ten days in particular, so if it came from anywhere, it came from their heart. That’s all we can ask of any team”.

While savouring the win, the Kildare manager expressed frustration over some officiating decisions in a first half which saw his team down to 13 players for a period (two black cards).

“The black cards are one thing, that’s an interpretation thing, but then there was an obvious mark that wasn’t given, and then they (Roscommon) went down and got a point… I thought it was officiated, in fairness, to the highest standard. We don’t make it easy for them, let me tell you! There’s times we should be a bit more gracious on the sideline, and that’s something we have to work on”.

Some Roscommon players looked tired in the final quarter, while Kildare were full of running. There was nothing in it, it’s just that Roscommon seemed a bit flat (even weary) in the warm conditions, which could be a worry ahead of this Saturday’s all-or-nothing game against Cork.

The magnificent Enda Smith scored a brilliant equaliser for Roscommon in the 73rd minute, and the draw that would have secured second place in the group seemed on. Then came Mr. Pink Boots, with a perfectly weighted pass to Feely, who rose to claim a magnificent mark, from which he struck a great winner.

Kildare deserved to win. Roscommon had an off day. I am very confident that we will beat Cork. On Saturday, Let’s Dance.

‘Then came Mr. Pink Boots, with a perfectly weighted pass to Feely, who rose to claim a magnificent mark, from which he struck a great winner’

< SEAMUS DUKE

Action from last Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC Group 3 clash between Roscommon and Kildare in O’Connor Park, Tullamore. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon’s Enda Smith being interviewed by RTE after receiving the Man of the Match award on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)

Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022

Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

Planning and Development (Section 179A) Regulations 2023

Local Authority: Roscommon County Council

Development Location: Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, F42 HD36

Notice of Development: Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given that Roscommon County Council intends to commence works to an existing building at Lisroyne Td., Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

The proposed development will consist of: Change of use and alteration of existing dwelling house for the provision of 3 no. self-contained one-bedroom apartments, including all necessary refurbishment works of same, and all associated site works Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy from 23/06/2023 during public opening hours at the offices of the Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon. Plans and particulars can also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council website www.roscommoncoco.ie

An Appropriate Assessment Screening and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening report of the proposed development has been completed in accordance with Articles 81A (5) and 81A (6) respectively and is available for inspection. It has been determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is not required, and that an Appropriate Assessment is not required. Any person may question the validity of any decision of the planning authority by way of an application for judicial review.

Signed: Fiona Ní Chuinn, A/Director of Services

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION

75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council intends to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: N5 at its junction with the N61 in Tulsk to its Junction with the R361 in Frenchpark

Period of Closure: 10th July to 28th July 2023

Alternative Routes: Via N61 to its junction with R361 at Greatmeadow (Boyle) to junction of R361/N5 at Frenchpark and vice versa.

Reason for Closures: To facilitate road resurfacing works on the N5 at Frenchpark to Bellanagare

Objections in respect of the proposed closure may be made in writing to the Roads and Transportation Department or e-mailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie to arrive not later than Monday 26th June 2023.

Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services