25 March 2022 Roscommon People

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Out & About!

25 March 2022

SEE PAGES 20 - 21

The Local Paper

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Helena Cummins and Jenny Higgins pictured celebrating following Roscommon’s win over Kildare in the Lidl Ladies NFL semi-final at Parnell Park last Sunday.

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090 647 8433Byrne •Byrne www.bccsolicitors.ie Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Contact our Property Department in Contact our Property Department in

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02

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

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

Aengus Oates Financial Services Plan your future today

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

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

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

090 647 8433

Accident at Work www.bccsolicitors.ie

I was recently injured in an accident at work. I was working alongside my colleague when he abruptly turned off a machine I was working on causing it to shut down violently. I injured my arm and I will be out of work for several weeks as a result. I am in difficult financial circumstances but 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.

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

What a weekend…we beat SFA! But wait, let me explain!

SFA! Huh? SFA! That’s not a very nice way to start our column…you know what SFA stands for!

Huh? Sweet f…

NO! CYCLING ACCIDENT Huh? We beat…SFA! If you were involved in a cycling Huh? accident contactof sport!

What a weekend Byrne Carolan Yeah…but what’s it got to do with your acCunningham ronym…SFA?Solicitors Like I said, we beat SFA! Huh?

Endangered Species

Editor: Get me Joe Brolly on the line NOW! I need to talk to him about rescuing this page! I can’t take all these huhs…

So… But you can’t say we beat SFA…it’s swearing, plus it’s not true! We beat a decent Scotland team in the rugby!

Exactly! Finally, you’re cracking my code! We beat Scotland…that’s the ‘S’ in my SFA! Yeah, fair play to the boys in green, we won the Triple Crown…pity the French spoilt our party…just a little!

Oh, c’est la vie…

Indeed! But what the F? Now who’s swearing!

No, I meant what’s the ‘F’…in your acronym?

Well Roscommon won easily!

Yeah, against OFFALY… Yeah, the Faithful county! F for Faithful!

Okay…AND A? Well, we beat the English at Cheltenham yet again…thanks to Rachael, Willie Mullins, the Rossies and Galwegians with Flooring Porter, and a few others!

England begins with an ‘E’…you said

SFA… Yeah, the Auld Enemy! SFA! Scotland, Faithful county, Auld Enemy! ANOTHER triple crown!

Fair enough…but don’t forget, the Roscommon ladies beat Kildare…and our hurlers won against Monaghan!

Brilliant! A Grand Slam…after all!

(They pause to savour the beautiful weather during their Monday afternoon chat) Any other news, my friend?

NOPE! Avoiding Dancing with the Stars?

YEP! Started mowing the lawn?

NOPE! Still being grumpy?

YEP!

The quick transformation of Donamon Castle into an accommodation centre for Ukrainian refugees was a credit to Roscommon County Council and local community groups and individuals, with Roscommon Lions Club leading the way.

What we didn’t like…

The INMO says that 660 patients were without a bed in Irish hospitals earlier this week.

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

What PEOPLE are talking about

Byrne Carolan Cunningham info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

Well, I HAVE news…

Is it about our contract talks? Is there a breakthrough? And about Joe Brolly being in The Hatch last week…

No comment! Those talks are at a sensitive stage! My news is…I’m thinking of buying a bike!

Really? As a hobby?

No, as a necessary measure. The price of fuel has gone through the roof, so I’m taking to cycling!

Excellent!

Will you go half and half with me?

What’s this? An episode of First Dates?

No, will you fork up half the price of the bike…

But… …if I buy a tandem?

A TANDEM? Yes, you know, a bicycle built for two!

SERIOUSLY? It would be handy for us…from time to time!

I suppose you’d…

Yes, I’d be in front, you’d be behind!

Of course…hey, I thought you were looking for extravagant expenses from the Editor?

Well, I’m trying, I’m trying…

You’re not quite the negotiator you claimed to be, are you?

There’s an excellent second-hand tandem for sale online…

You’re trying to change the subject! Admit it, you’re getting nowhere on increased expenses! What did he offer us?

Eh…SFA!

What we liked…

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

(They pause, in order to phase out the ‘nope’ and ‘yep’ pattern)

The barstool boyos

You should consult with your Solicitor without delay who will advise on the best course of action to take.

SOLICITORS

Have you resumed going out at night, or are you and I still just a mid-evening once-a-week drinking duo?

NOPE AND YEP, IF YOU FOLLOW!

PIC OF THE WEEK: Bridesmaids and a leprechaun! Pictured during the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballaghaderreen is the float for Lisa Heffernan Design.

Pic: Mick McCormack

The war in Ukraine; Refugees arriving at Donamon Castle; Ireland win the Triple Crown; Rachael Blackmore’s success at Cheltenham; Taoiseach Micheál Martin having to self-isolate in Washington after contracting Covid-19…

03

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople

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21/03/2022 17:14

Fundraising Social Night

in aid of the Ukrainian Crisis Appeal

will be held

Members of Lough Ree RNLI pictured taking part in a water safety display on the River Shannon in Athlone on Saturday, March 19th.

Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew came to aid of four people

The first public holiday weekend of the year saw Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew respond to two call-outs and come to the aid of four people stranded on the lake.

On St Patrick’s Day (Thursday, March 17th), the crew was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a cruiser with two people on board. With newly-qualified crew member Liam Sheringham at the helm, the charity’s lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ launched just before 2 pm.

On reaching the scene, north of Long Island, the crew came to the assistance of a 37 ft. steel cruiser with two people on board, which had lost power and run aground. The cruiser was towed to safe water and later continued north under its own power.

In the second incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon (March 19th), the crew responded to a call-out to a craft that was

drifting on the lake between Coosan Point and Beam Island. Launched at 3.50 pm with newly-qualified helm Stewart McMicken in charge, the lifeboat reached the 33 ft. cruiser with two people on board shortly after 4 pm.

On arrival, the crew found the vessel already under tow by a passing boat near Hodson Bay. Following a safety examination, the crew escorted both boats towards Athlone.

Over the weekend, the volunteer crew from Lough Ree RNLI also joined with Athlone River Safety Group, Athlone Sub Aqua Club and An Garda Síochána to promote safety awareness on the water.

Lough Ree RNLI Operations Manager Kevin Ganly said: “This cooperation among the agencies on the river is of critical importance when it comes to responding to emergencies on the water”.

on Saturday 26th March

in Kenny’s, Rockfield Inn in conjunction with Roscommon Lions Club

Music by: BILLY GARVAN DONATIONS AT THE DOOR

– Thank you for your support!

04

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople Naughten critical of vaccination centre closure Independent TD Denis Naughten has described the decision to close Roscommon Vaccination Centre later this month as “premature” and says it should be delayed until a decision on the need for an additional Covid booster vaccine has been made.

The HSE has confirmed that the vaccination centre in Roscommon Town will close on Sunday, March 27th.

“We have seen recently that Sweden’s Health Agency has recommended those aged 80 or above or living in nursing homes should receive a second booster shot of Covid-19 vaccine and other countries are also considering the need for a fourth vaccine,” Deputy Naughten said.

“In Ireland, we are awaiting a decision from National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) on whether a fourth vaccine will be needed, and there are many under 16s who are only now becoming eligible for their booster, so closing vaccination centres now would appear premature”.

Deputy Naughten added that if people are expected to avail of vaccines then access to vaccination centres should be made as easy as possible.

“It is hard to see the benefit in dismantling a vaccination centre now if a widescale vaccine rollout is needed again later in the year,” he said.

Pictured at a Daffodil Day Coffee Morning in JJ Harlow’s Bar, Roscommon were Margaret Carthy, Valerie Mangan, Catherine Neilen, Anne Burke and Eilish Humborg. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured at a Daffodil Day Coffee Morning in JJ Harlow’s Bar, Roscommon were Mary Coyle, Antoinette McGuinn and Cilia Ansboro. Pic: Mick McCormack

Preparing for Daffodil Day!

Pictured at a Daffodil Day Coffee Morning in JJ Harlow’s Bar, Roscommon were Patsy Beades, Rosaleen McCourt, Betty Raftery, Pat O’Rourke and Des Bruen. Pic: Mick McCormack

The Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day will be back on the streets this Friday, 25th of March after an absence of two years.

As in previous years, the local voluntary organisers of Daffodil Day in Roscommon Town are appealing to the public to donate fresh daffodils.

Volunteers will be available to receive daffodils at the Daffodil Day depot in the Harrison Centre, Unit 5 (painted yellow) today, Thursday, 24th of March from 11 am to 6 pm.

Volunteers and students will be on the streets and at local supermarkets/shops selling fresh daffodils, silk daffodils, Daffodil Day pins and other Daffodil Day items in support of this annual fundraiser.

Invites applications for the following position:

FULLTIME – Operations Manager/Boat Master (Ref: LRAFA2 BMA2022)

Based at the award-winning Access For All National Disability Centre, Ballyleague, County Roscommon The project is supported by the Department of Rural & Community Development & Pobail through the Community Services Programme.

For more information go to: www.loughreeboattrips.com/JOBS Compliance with the funder’s requirements regarding eligibility of individuals to hold a CSP supported post is set out in the job descriptions for the above post which are now available on request from: accessforalljobs@gmail.com How to apply: Please submit a letter of application detailing how you meet the requirements along with your full CV clearly stating the reference number and the position you are applying for, to accessforalljobs@gmail.com or by post to the following address: FAO The Company Secretary, Lough Ree Access For All CLG, Ballyleague, Lanesborough, County Roscommon. Eircode: N39 E297

Closing date for receipt of applications is 1 pm, Friday 8th April, 2022.

Lough Ree Access For All CLG is an Equal Opportunities Employer

05

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople

Setback on hospital car parking?

The provision of additional car parking spaces at Roscommon Hospital would appear to be some way off after Tuesday’s Regional Health Forum West (sitting in Galway) was informed that a revised spatial plan is currently being developed for Roscommon University Hospital.

Only when that plan has been completed will

funding for additional car parking spaces be sought.

Cllr. Tony Ward had asked Tony Canavan, CEO, Saolta University Health Care Group, if planning permission had been granted for extra car parking spaces at the hospital.

A reply stated: “In order to progress planned

developments including additional car parking spaces, a revised spatial plan is currently being developed for Roscommon University Hospital.

“Upon completion of the new spatial plan, an application for funding for additional car parking spaces will be submitted”.

Former school principal found not guilty of all charges A former Roscommon Community College principal was found not guilty on all charges last week following a seven-day trial at Roscommon Circuit Court, sitting before Judge Francis Comerford in Sligo.

Frank Chambers of Carnacregg, Moylough, Co. Galway was found not guilty by the jury of eight women and four men on 26 counts of theft from Roscommon VEC and Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board.

Earlier in the trial, Judge Comerford had directed the jury to find Mr. Chambers not guilty on seven counts against him.

The jury reached a unanimous decision on Wednesday evening (16th of March) on the 26 remaining charges following two hours and 27 minutes of deliberations.

Feevagh N.S. Feevagh, Dysart, Co. Roscommon www.feevaghns.ie

ENROLMENT EVENING Thursday 31st March from 7-8pm.

Please email the school to request an enrolment form:

info@feevaghns.ie.

Find us on facebook

FUNDRAISING SOCIAL DANCE In aid of

UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL Friday, 1st April 2022 in the Four Provinces, Rathallen Doors open at 8.30 pm - dancing from 9.30 pm Music by: Pat McKenna and Glenshane Country. Admission fee optional.

Proceeds will be donated to the Irish Red Cross.

Participants pictured during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy. Pic: Mick McCormack Advertorial

University Postgraduate and part-time Programmes at St Angela’s College St Angela’s College, Sligo, are once again inviting applications for their range of postgraduate and part-time programmes, starting in September 2022.

The college has further developed some programmes to be delivered completely online, whilst other programmes will continue to be delivered using a blended learning approach, allowing students to meet and work with their peers.

“Our postgraduate and parttime programmes have been designed in such a way that those with busy working lives or family commitments can choose to study at their own pace”, explains Dr Amanda McCloat, College President.

“Our blended learning model means that occasionally, students get to meet and interact. It can be a chance to share ideas and network in professional or like-minded circles, something we have greatly missed these past two years”.

With a range of programmes

Enrolment at

to choose from – as offered by the School of Education; the Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity; the School of Home Economics; the National Centre of Excellence for Home Economics; and the School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies – there are also standalone modules and optional exit routes available.

Subject to incorporation, St Angela’s College will become one of nine campuses across the new Atlantic Technological University, which will be

designated in April 2022. This means that St Angela’s students starting this September will be awarded a qualification from the Atlantic TU. Dr McCloat continues: “For anyone considering postgraduate or part-time studies this year, you’re joining us at a very exciting time as we continue to develop our programmes, research and collaboration with colleagues across the Atlantic TU, particularly the Sligo campuses. As ever, our dedicated staff will be there to support all our postgraduate and part-time students who wish to advance their career or undertake a programme of interest to them”.

Places on programmes are limited, and many have an application closing date coming soon. So, to avoid disappointment, indicate your expression of interest or submit an application now. For more details visit stangelas.ie.

Enquiries to Seamus Butler on 086 377 3532 or any member of the Butler family.

06

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Thursday (St Patrick’s Day) Strange thing happened today…

Being off work and all, I checked the TV News at around 11 am to see if much had happened overnight. Flicking through the channels, I paused on seeing the actor Peter Bowles flat out asleep under a snooker table. The camera panned slowly (it was The Irish RM after all) to reveal that a local Irish (Oirish!) character was snoozing on the table. Clearly, they’d had a rough night socialising…

For some reason, I stayed with the final 15 minutes of this episode of a comedydrama that I haven’t seen in probably over 30 years. A big success in its day, The Irish RM is now extremely dated, while still being quaint and humorous (stereotypes naturally abounding).

It starred Peter Bowles as Englishman Major Yeates, who has to adjust to the idiosyncrasies of life in rural Ireland.

Niall Tóibín also featured, as did Bryan Murray, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Murray, who played Flurry Knox in The Irish RM, went on to further success in Strumpet City, Bread, Emmerdale and (to the present day) Fair City.

Having enjoyed that brief nostalgic viewing – desperately dated and all as the series now is – little did I realise that this was the very day on which Peter Bowles would leave us. His death, at the age of 85, was announced later on Thursday.

I always liked him, from his days in Only When I Laugh (a hospital-based sitcom) to his career-defining role in To The Manor Born. He had numerous other great roles on stage and in TV. While Major Yeates was just one such role, I’m sure charming Peter – in light of those escapades in The Irish RM – would smile at the fact that he died on St. Patrick’s Day. He will be fondly remembered on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Later on Thursday A very, very quiet St Patrick’s Day. By evening time, I should perhaps have tuned into the Late Late Show St Patrick’s Day special – with full patriotic fervour – but I feared it might be too much to bear, with inevitable excessive self-congratulation and ample supplies of the cringe factor.

Instead – courtesy of Virgin Media Two – I savoured a rip-roaring night at the London Stadium, new home of West Ham United. The atmosphere was electric as the passionate supporters of

socialising as of old again, it was actually great to meet, chat and socialise with people – family, friends and strangers alike.

You know a wedding is going well when you’re ordering a drink at the counter at 11 pm and end up joking and laughing (like old friends might) with a Donegal man you’ve never met before!

It was a wonderful day as guests of newly-weds Aoife and Gareth, to whom congratulations are extended, along with best wishes for a great life journey together.

Monday

Pictured during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy was the float for the Oakland Hotel.

Pic: Mick McCormack

‘The Hammers’ cheered their team on in a Europa Cup tie against high-flying Spanish club, Seville. I’ve always had a soft spot for West Ham, probably because my late brother supported them.

It was fitting, on a night of high emotion and passion, that West Ham’s late winning goal was scored by Ukrainian Andriy Yarmolenko, who looked to the skies in thanksgiving, humility and solidarity with the people of his stricken homeland.

Unsurprisingly, curiosity got the better of me and I had a look at the Late Late. For the few minutes I tuned in, the very likeable actor John C Reilly and the wonderful Kellie Harrington stole the show. Oliver Callan, on the other hand, didn’t.

Friday The Cheltenham Festival has been tremendous, with ITV’s coverage simply superb. I say the latter because I am a fairweather racing fan, but ITV’s informative and entertaining presentation really makes the festival enjoyable viewing for all (irrespective of one’s racing knowledge or level of interest).

On Thursday, there were tremendous scenes as the Galway-Roscommon owned Flooring Porter won for a second successive year.

Today, I settled down to watch the Gold Cup, and once again felt enormous pride on witnessing the latest chapter in the stunning career of Rachael Blackmore, who stormed to victory on A Plus Tard.

“She’s a…global…sporting star” a

breathless commentator exclaimed, as an emotional Rachael spoke to the media with customary modesty and grace.

This was sport at its most magical…

Blackmore once again carving her name into history, her superb Gold Cup success now added to her Leading Jockey Award at Cheltenham 2021 and historic Grand National win that same year. What a superstar she is, and what a privilege it is to witness her brilliance.

Saturday/Sunday At a family wedding in Ballinameen on Saturday – in glorious weather – and with more than a hint of how life used to be, how it is rapidly becoming again. It’s an actual wedding, with over 200 guests! And it’s lovely to see familiar faces again, to (for the most part) greet people the way we used to. There’s still a consciousness of Covid considerations, but the mood is joyful and positive…because it’s a very happy occasion, and also because a social gathering such as this underlines how we are escaping the restrictive dimension of the pandemic.

The ceremony is celebrated by none other than the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Reverend Dermot Farrell, and a lovely celebration it was too.

Later, Kilronan Castle is a majestic venue for the reception…luxury, character and charm spectacularly merged.

Communal experiences like this are such a big part of what we’ve been missing, and while I have deliberately taken my time about

‘St Patrick’s Day at the BBC’ (BBC 4) – a recording of which I watched tonight – was a compilation of classic performances by Irish bands/singers from the BBC archives. It was immensely entertaining and nostalgic, and left this viewer feeling great pride at what we as a nation have added to the world of music.

There were numerous highlights, the show beginning with U2, moving on to The Pogues, Westlife, Boyzone, The Corrs, Snow Patrol, The Undertones, Enya, The Boomtown Rats, The Cranberries, and many more.

I was particularly delighted to see the incomparable ‘Dubliners’ singing ‘The Irish Rovers’ with Shane McGowan on Top of the Pops (1987). Now they’re what I call legends!

For me, the stand-out footage was a mesmeric appearance by Sinead O’Connor, singing ‘Nothing Compares to U’ on Top of the Pops (1990). Stunningly beautiful and captivating. Not too far behind were Thin Lizzy with Whiskey in the Jar (1973), and a notably relaxed Van Morrison (‘Gloria’, accompanied by Jools Holland) in 2017.

Everything about this programme was brilliant – except for the fact that I can actually remember watching that TOTP appearance by The Boomtown Rats (singing Rat Trap)…live in 1978!

Tuesday According to the RTE News website, Finland has been deemed to be the world’s happiest nation (for the fifth year running). While Ireland is in a very respectable 13th place, I’m not particularly happy with that position.

Still, I suppose it mightn’t help future prospects if we all start complaining/ whinging about it…

07

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople

Refuge from the horror of war Cuisle reopens to welcome Ukrainian refugees < DAN DOONER

The former Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Centre in Donamon was a hive of activity on Friday last as volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare it for the arrival of up to 100 Ukrainian refugees.

The resort, which had been used by the Irish Wheelchair Association until it was forced to close in 2019, welcomed 41 people in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Thanks to the efforts of Roscommon County Council, Roscommon LEADER Partnership and Roscommon Lions Club and local volunteers, the centre is now being used to provide refuge for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

Among the first arrivals was 30-yearold Yana Kvasnytsya, who was living and working in Kyiv and spent almost two weeks in the Ukrainian capital following the Russian invasion of her homeland in February.

“There was fighting near Kyiv in the small towns and in Kyiv there was bombing and attacks from the air,” she said.

Yana lived in the centre of the Ukrainian capital and said the air raid sirens would sound every couple of hours.

“You had to go to the bomb shelter… there was one in a street near my home and you had five minutes to get there.

The police and civilians would help people to go there,” she said.

“It was difficult to get away from Kyiv if you didn’t have a car…the public transport was railway but it was difficult to get inside (the trains) because there were too many people leaving. It was a real battle at the railway station because so many people were trying to push (their way) on to the trains”.

Yana bought a ticket to leave Kyiv but street fighting had starting close to her home and leaving became dangerous.

She claims Russian fighters had donned civilian clothing to blend in around Kyiv.

“They didn’t look like soldiers…they were wearing civilian clothes. There was a curfew from 8 pm until the next morning so we couldn’t go outside,” she said.

“When I was at the railway station there was no particular schedule so you had to wait. I was very happy to leave because it was really dangerous. Most of my friends have left. I know some people who have stayed and some boys who wanted to fight with the territorial army but were refused because there were no guns for them”.

While Yana is relieved to have arrived safely in Roscommon, her thoughts are still very much with her parents and younger brother, who stayed behind in Ukraine.

“My home town is in central Ukraine and compared to other parts of the country it is safe. My parents lived near a big city but they (the Russians) were bombing the airport. My mother didn’t want to leave my father and my brother. They went to my grandmother’s village in the countryside because it is safer to stay there,” she said.

“Ireland is super organised…when we came to the airport they gave us information in Ukrainian and helped with all applications. My friends who are in Italy and Spain have to wait a long time for an appointment to receive status to stay.

Ireland is very welcoming and sincere and Roscommon is very beautiful countryside”.

Looking to the future, Yana would dearly love to return home but for now she is determined to make the most of the situation she currently finds herself in. She was an attorney-at-law in Kyiv and hopes to find work here.

“I want to look for a job because I don’t know how long I have to stay here. Who knows when the war will finish and we can get back to Kyiv…so now it’s better to organise your life where you are,” she said.

“I want to get back to Ukraine and so do all my friends but now it’s not safe”.

Yana Kvasnytsya speaks to Roscommon People reporter, Dan Dooner, at the Cuisle Centre in Donamon, which reopened last Friday to accommodate refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

‘Restoring my faith in humanity’ Ciaran Mullooly on how a community rallied to Ukrainian cause PAGE 16

Noel Connolly pictured with a group of Ukrainian refugees at Cuisle Centre in Donamon this week.

Some of the refugees pictured with local volunteers at the former Cuise Accessible Holiday and Respite Centre in Donamon.

Local man offers free business services to refugees Community volunteer and business consultant Noel Connolly, who was part of a volunteering group at Cuisle to prepare for and welcome Ukrainian refugees, has offered his business consulting and training services for free to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in their homeland and encouraged other businesses to do likewise.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Mr. Connolly, who says he has worked with up to twenty different nationalities to set up enterpris-

es in the past in Roscommon, highlighted the EU Temporary Protecton Directive, which allows Ukrainian refugees to work immediately and access welfare without applying for refugee status.

“I am more than happy to volunteer my business consulting and training services for free to Ukrainians who have arrived in Roscommon and wish to set up new businesses or restart an existing business they had to abandon because of the war,” he said.

“If there are any other business professionals who wish to do likewise please let me know at 087-6388590, and we can offer a network of advisory services online or in Cuisle to Ukrainian entrepreneurs to help them discover the totally new business landscape of Ireland”.

Mr. Connolly added that many Ukrainians are highly skilled entrepreneurs when it comes to the IT industry.

“Large amounts of technology that enables our everyday lives is built by Ukrainian engineers

and software developers,” he said.

“Ukrainian IT skills are sought by businesses worldwide, and in particular their coding and developer skills. Ukraine has a history of technological discoveries and the designer of the first helicopter was in fact Ukrainian”.

Mr. Connolly also referred to a support website where the Ukrainian refugees in Ireland can find employment remotely or otherwise (Remoteukraine. com).

08

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Happy Mother’s Day

Sunday 27th March 2022

Support local this Mother’s Day enjoy a meal on you at another time.

< ALANNAH ITA HEALY

After two years of restrictions, this Sunday is the first time since 2019 that Mother’s Day celebrations will be able to take place ‘in person’.

Living under restrictions was an isolating experience for many families, and as such, this return to in-person celebrations is very much welcomed.

Restrictions also posed big challenges for a lot of local businesses during the pandemic, so when planning how you’re going to celebrate this year, why not consider following some of our tips for how to support local this Mother’s Day.

Buy gifts locally

There are so many shops in the locality that offer brilliant gift options. Pop into some of the shops in the area, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift in no time.

You could also consider gifting

tickets to a show/event taking place in the area.

Check out local walkways

There is a huge range of beautiful walkways and hikes on our doorstep that would make for a lovely activity this Mother’s Day. Why not pack a picnic and go for a peaceful

walk along one of these scenic walkways? Not only will you be getting a bit of fresh air and exercise, but you’ll also being making use out of our local trails.

However you’re planning on celebrating Mother’s Day, be sure to look out for ways you can support local while doing so.

Martina’s of Ballygar

Support local florists

When trying to find a bouquet for Mother’s Day this year, stick to local florists. Not only are you bound to receive a beautiful bouquet, but you will be supporting a local business by doing so.

Ballygar, Co. Galway.

Tel.: (090) 66 24561 / (087) 2251369 Giftware: Galway Crystal, Beleek, Ainsley

Go for lunch/dinner locally

Celebrate Mother’s Day this year by treating your Mam to a meal in one of the many lovely restaurants in the local area.

Going for a nice meal is always a winner, and now is the first time in three years that it’s possible to do so for Mother’s Day. You could also consider giving her a gift voucher so she can

• Handbags, Scarves & Ladies Fashions • Jewellery • Large selection of Irish-made Candles

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LITY

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

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Now taking bookings for communions, confirmations and any other special occasion Food served daily from 9am to 8pm

09

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Happy Mother’s Day Celebrating Mother’s Day post-restrictions

Sunday 27th March 2022

Mother’s Day 2022 marks the first time in three years

that we’re able to celebrate the event in person. For a lot of people, one of the most difficult aspects of living under restrictions was having to be isolated from family. Many people did not see their loved ones for weeks or months at a time, and events like Mother’s Day had to be celebrated virtually. However, now that restrictions are lifted, we once again have the opportunity to celebrate the occasion in person. So, while it is important to be cognisant of the dangers still posed by Covid, here are some ideas for how to make the best of Mother’s Day 2022 after two years of mostly virtual-only celebrations.

Book Mum a holiday!

One of the things that had to go by the wayside over the past two years was the idea of going on holidays, and many people haven’t had the opportunity to get away properly since Covid struck. So why not consider gifting your Mam a trip away, be it in Ireland or abroad?

Spoil with a Spa! Everyone loves a bit of rest and relaxation, and who’s more deserving of a bit of TLC than mothers? Just like holidays, spa tips weren’t exactly something that could be embarked on during the past couple of years, making them an even more desirable gift option for Mother’s Day this year.

Enjoy a day out…

Why not make the most of our ‘new freedom’ and treat Mam to a day out this Mother’s Day. Whether she’s into shopping, history, sightseeing etc., there’s bound to be a spot she would love to spend the day at, especially after we’ve all been restricted to much the same area(s) for so long.

All in all, no matter what way you choose to spend Mother’s Day this Sunday, if you’re able to meet up in person, having some face to face time with loved ones remains the biggest and most meaningful change in how we’re able to celebrate this year. *Our thoughts are very much with readers who lost their mother during the pandemic. We know how emotional a time this will be. You are in our thoughts.

Mother’s Day at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Why not celebrate Mother’s Day in style at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, on Sunday, March 27th.

Booking is advised, so phone 090 6626240 or email restaurant@abbeyhotel.ie. Gift vouchers for the hotel or our leisure centre are available to purchase via our website abbeyhotel.ie or from the hotel reception.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, the Abbey Hotel is giving one lucky mum a chance to win a complimentary afternoon tea for two. See the Abbey Hotel’s Instagram page for details.

Newsround

Established: 1986

Main Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 662 5049 Please note our current opening hours are Monday Sunday 8am to 6pm

Don’t forget Mother’s Day, March 27th

Celebrate Mother’s Day Make mum feel special with the perfect card and gift Also: Newspapers/magazines; greeting cards; gifts; toys; stationery & school books

10

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

The

D News page

G

Athlone Little Theatre to host powerful drama this April Hot on the heels of the return to live theatre with two successful one-act plays in March, Athlone Little Theatre is back again in April and is promising a powerful and moving seven nights of top-class drama.

The acclaimed ‘Duet for One’

by Tom Kempinski, directed by Kiltoom’s Ollie Hegarty, and featuring the very talented and experienced Clive Darling and Fiona Scerri in the main roles, will run from April 4th to 10th.

The opening night of the run is traditionally a charity night for local organisations, but this time around the committee has decided that the proceeds will go to the Red Cross and UNICEF appeals for Ukraine. For tickets for the first night, call 0876502035.

In this compelling and powerful play, Stephanie Abrahams, (Fiona Scerri) a brilliant concert violinist who seems to have it all, is forced to re-evaluate her life when struck down by an unforeseen tragedy caused by illness.

Faced with a truth too difficult to comprehend, she consults the enigmatic psychiatrist Dr Feldmann (Clive Darling) and through a series of highly-charged encounters is led to examine her deepest emotions, and finally, to consider

a future without music.

First produced in the Bush Theatre back in 1980, it won the London Theatre Critics Award for best play in that year with both Anne Bancroft and Julie Andrews taking on the lead role at various times.

Revived in 2009, the production directed by Matthew Lloyd garnered a lot of praise, indeed, the renowned theatre critic with The Guardian, Michael Billington, described it as a “riveting evening”, while The London Financial Times called it a “wonderfully sensitive play, positive and optimistic”.

Now local audiences will get their chance to see this gripping play featuring two of ALT’s finest actors Fiona Scerri and Clive Darling, who rise to the challenge admirably of portraying this duel between two razor-sharp minds and the wry humour that underlines their often testy exchanges. Ultimately, Tom Kempinski’s dazzling play emerges as a compelling, poignantly funny and life-enhancing tribute to the human spirit.

‘Duet for One’ runs from April 4th to 10th nightly at 8 pm in Athlone Little Theatre. To book tickets, go to www.athlonelittletheatre.ie

Clive Darling and Fiona Scerri pictured with Kiltoom’s Ollie Hegarty (standing) taking a break from rehearsals for ‘Duet for One’ by Tom Kempinski, running in Athlone Little Theatre from April 4th to 10th next. For ticket booking, go to www.athlonelittletheatre.ie.

Lions’ collection raises over €9k!

All-Ireland awards!

The recent Roscommon Lions’ bucket collection in aid of the people of Ukraine raised a phenomenal total of €9,400.91, and has already been partially used to purchase supplies for those arriving at Cuisle, Donamon.

A further €1,500 was donated electronically and if people wish to contribute, the bank details are as follows: Bank Account: Roscommon Lions Club; Account No: 60185713; IBAN: IE95BOFI9054 2460185713; BIC: BOFIIE2D. All support is greatly appreciated.

Legendary Roscommon flute player, Patsy Hanley recently presented Aoife Ní Chonghaile with two awards at an event hosted by the Roscommon branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Aoife won first and third prize in the All-Ireland Fleadh Fest in Sligo for Irish and English Storytelling.

Congratulations Chloe!

Pictured is Chloe Brennan, Newtown, Cloonfad, who was recently conferred with a Bachelors Degree in Education from St. Patrick’s College, Dublin. Chloe is a daughter of Seán and Eileen Brennan.

John Flynn pictured with his granddaughters, Holly and Amber Flynn, at the Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day parade last Thursday.

11

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople Launch of Roscommon Fleadh Cheoil on Thursday night

Special guests John Carty, Matt Malloy and Patsy Hanly pictured playing a tune for Elizabeth Forest at the official launch of the 2019 Roscommon Fleadh Cheoil at Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen.

The official launch of the Roscommon County Fleadh Cheoil takes place at 9 pm this Thursday, March 24th, in Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen.

Some very special guests will join the musicians at Spells’ weekly Thursday night seisiún to launch the 2022 fleadh.

The fleadh will be hosted by Ballaghaderreen over the Easter bank holiday weekend in mid-April.

As there has not been any live fleadh in Ireland since 2019 due to Covid restrictions, this year’s Roscommon fleadh is been billed as a three-in-one – 2020, 2021 and 2022’s events all rolled into one. The streets and venues will be alive with music this Easter weekend!

Meeting on Keadue’s Entente Florale entry Keadue village was chosen by the Department of Rural and Community Development to participate in the Entente Florale competition in 2020, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was cancelled and rescheduled for June 2022.

It is a great honour for the people of Keadue and the parish of Kilronan to have been chosen to enter one of Europe’s most prestigious competitions. Judging will take place on July 1st. Keadue won a silver medal in this competition in 2003.

A public meeting will be held on Thursday, March 31st, at 7.30 pm in St Ronan’s Hall, Keadue. Members of the community are invited to attend and hear about what is involved and the progress made to date. Representatives from Roscommon County Council, National Tidy Towns, Keadue Tidy Towns, and Entente Irish judges will be available to give information about the competition.

Entente Florale is a community initiative, so Roscommon County Council, along with all named above, are encouraging everybody in the various committees, businesses, schools and entire community to get involved in this prestigious competition.

Share The Magic

MARKET

We are a group of friends and like-minded souls who sell our original wares, knitted goods, handmade beauty products, once-off furniture, handmade gifts, cards, wooden gifts, natural gemstone jewellery, handmade jewellery, original art, handbags, scarves, keryrings, baked goods, fresh plants and flowers, and lots more at Share the Magic Market in Ballyleague the last Saturday of each month and on a few extra days throughout the years If you would like to have a stand, please contact us We try to only have one stand of each type of product If you are looking for tha perfect gift – we have it here – for yourself or your loved ones!

This Saturday 11am to 4.30pm

Share The Magic Market Ballyleague Hall, Ballyleague/Lanesboro, Roscommon

Telephone – 087 3965568

newsbriefs Table quiz in aid of Ukraine refugee fund

A table quiz in aid of the Ukraine refugee fund will be held in Kenny’s Bar, Ballygar, at 8 pm on Friday night, March 25th.

Entry fee is €10 per person – €40 for a table of four. Your support is greatly appreciated.

New signage in Kilrooskey welcomed

New signage has been erected in the Kilrooskey district, and it is a welcome aid for visitors to the area.

Previously, it was a common occurrence that strangers got confused and lost in this region due to lack of directional signage.

The local community are thankful to Roscommon County Council and their staff for putting the signage in place at three different locations. They are also grateful to Councillor Anthony Waldron for his commitment in lobbying to have the signs erected.

12

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique

take on life ...

Back on the mend after unexpected stay in St James’s Hospital Our man Frank on having a pacemaker fitted, cheering on Rachael, Italy’s rugby heroics…and a bad week for seagulls It’s Sunday morning as I write, a slightly cloudier day than we have had the last couple of days, but still dry and mild. I am thinking back to last Sunday, and to the very disappointing loss that our rugby team suffered against Buccaneers in the Junior Cup quarter-final. A last-minute defeat put paid to our ambitions for this year, and I can’t

deny that the way we lost was particularly upsetting. Therefore, when I got home I put the extreme weakness that came over me down to the effects of losing the game.

After about an hour or so I was more or less back to myself, and only for my wife, Carol, that would have been the end of it – and maybe of me as well. Carol, however, insisted that I go to the doctor on Monday morning, which I did. Having done an ECG, the doctors on duty were unanimous in their decision that it was time for a pacemaker, and so by 5 pm on Monday evening I was in the coronary care unit in St. James’s Hospital in Dublin. On Wednesday

afternoon, my latest bit of metal, i.e. the pacemaker, was sewn into the top of my chest.

Sometimes, maybe even more than sometimes, it is open season on the healthcare system in Ireland, but as someone who has spent time in Roscommon, Portiuncula, Merlin Park, the Regional and now James’s hospitals in recent years, I have to say that I have yet to have any type of negative experience.

In fact my time in James’s was extremely pleasant – and nearly enjoyable!

It has long been popular to deride the hospital food too, but the fare I was served up all week was perfectly acceptable. Remarkably, we

were fed four times daily, and – at variance with popular opinion – the portions were quite substantial.

On the staffing front, most of the nurses in the coronary care unit were Indian, and they were the nicest, friendliest people you could meet, all delighted to be in Ireland, although all horrified at the cost of living, and all appalled at the cost (and scarcity) of accommodation in Dublin.

It’s funny how hospital always throws up different types of people and experiences. Over the last couple of days I was joined by Vince from Wexford, a 76-year-old man who was admitted after suffering a heart attack. After all the tests were

conducted, the news he received was that he would have to have a quadruple bypass. When I was leaving, he still hadn’t made up his mind as to whether he’d bother or not. As he said to me, he had lived a good, full life. He didn’t seem too concerned about his future. Hopefully after talking to the doctors he will have a change of heart, literally, and will take the opportunity to extend his time on earth.

As for me, for the moment I am grounded, not allowed to drive ‘til midweek, and advised to be careful for a few weeks or so. Long-term, my new pacemaker should make life a little better for me. I just hope the batteries don’t give up on me.

Rachael, Ruby and rugby drama

One of the great things about being in hospital is that when you get home you are almost treated like royalty. So, having made it back to Creggs on Friday afternoon, I was told to sit down, relax, and watch whatever I wanted to on the telly. So I was happily parked in my armchair when Rachael Blackmore once again rewrote history and became the first female jockey to win the famed Cheltenham Gold Cup. On Tuesday she had won the Champion Hurdle, and when she did the double by landing the Gold Cup she became the first jockey to do so since the great Tony McCoy back in 1997.

As she literally ran away with the race (well, Rachael and A Plus Tard) there are many moments that will live long in my memory, but the footage of Ruby Walsh as he cheered her all the way to glory will be something that I will particularly cherish.

As for the lady herself – who of course also won last year’s Grand National – her humility and natural grace make her a massive superstar, not only nationally but now internationally too.

As we endure firstly the pandemic, and now the unforgiveable war in Ukraine, it’s safe to say that Rachael, the farmer’s daughter from Tipperary, has helped in no small way to lift the spirits of an entire nation. Long may her talent, dedication, and perseverance keep her at the top of the racing world, but if she was to call it a day tomorrow morning her achievements will never be forgotten, and in one hundred years from now they will be talking about the Tipperary woman who rewrote the history books and changed the face of horse racing for ever.

As an example of her professionalism, on the day after her Gold Cup exploits she had one ride in Thurles, and true to form she turned up and (of course) had another winner. Good on you Rachael, you really are a global superstar!

As I lay in my hospital bed, my brother ‘Duff’ rang on the Wednesday to see how I was. As an aside, he told me that he and his wife, Fiona, were heading off to Cardiff for the weekend. We made a bit of small talk about the numerous rugby tours we had been on in the lovely Welsh city.

As we finished our chat Duff me that he had sourced tickets for Wales v Italy on Saturday.

When I said that I couldn’t understand how any-

Rachael Blackmore

one would go to see the Italians getting hammered for the 37th game in a row, he responded that it should be a great occasion, as Alun Wyn Jones was getting his 150th cap and Dan Biggar was making his 100th appearance.

Little did anyone know at that time exactly how great of an occasion it would be as the Italians scored possibly the try of the tournament to snatch an incredible victory in the final seconds.

One of the nice stories from that finale is that two minutes earlier Welsh player Josh Adams had been awarded the Man of the Match award. However, having been skinned by Ange Capuozzo as the

Italian made the amazing break to set up the winning score, Adams sportingly gave his medal to his opponent, a really nice touch in difficult circumstances.

A few years ago Duff met the outstanding Welsh player, Ray Gravell, in Cardiff, and they had a great chat. Duff actually allowed the Lions centre to be pictured with him, but Saturday surely had to be one of the most amazing and unexpected rugby days of all time. So in the future, wherever Duff decides to go, there will be no more scepticism from me. What happened on Saturday proves that anything can indeed happen.

And finally

Over in England, seagulls had a bad week. First, at Chester Zoo, a monkey plucked a gull from the air and killed it. Then in another incident, a seagull was used by a drunk man to launch an attack on a total stranger.

Paul Elcombe was on his way home from a two-day drink and drugs bender when he came across the injured bird. He brought it into a nearby shop, showing the seagull to startled customers and staff before throwing it at his victim. He then beat the poor unfortunate man with his fists, feet, and a belt, leaving the victim with a broken jaw.

Elcombe was jailed for 14 months, while the seagull sadly died from its injuries. Often we might hear of gulls terrorising people and swooping on their food, so this was a most unusual example of the opposite happening.

‘Till next week, bye for now

13

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade launch in Down the Hatch on Monday evening were (back row, left to right) Paul Carthy, Patricia Mullaney, Larry Brennan, Adrian Murray, Sergeant Ronan O’Meara, Cllr. Joe Murphy (Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council), Garda Inspector David Cryan, Caitlin McConn, JJ Cattigan, Michael Oates and James McNamara. Front row, left to right: Siobhan Carthy, Niamh Malone, Mark Molloy, Liam Finneran and John Doorly. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

‘My Community’ is theme th for 50 annual Roscommon Easter Parade Free entry for floats this year!

The 2022 Roscommon Easter Parade will be a central focus of a two-day festival. There is a super line-up of County Roscommon musicians scheduled for Saturday, 16th April. The music will be performed in the newly-completed Market Square from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Matt Molloy and Friends are headlining at 8 pm. Other bands and musicians taking to the stage are Ukephoric, The Blacksticks, Danny Arnold, Matt Rogers & friends and Vinegar Bill.

Then on Sunday, 17th April, Easter Sunday, there is live music from Lady Betty from 11.30 am, The Easter Parade at 12.30 pm sharp, and live music after the parade from The Odd Sox in market square. There are marching bands, live performers, children’s amusements and plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

2022 marks the 50th year of Roscommon town’s Easter parade and also 100 years since the establishment of An Garda Síochána.

The committee are delighted to be working with the Gardai this year.

The committee have announced a theme for this year’s parade – ‘My community’. They felt that with all that we have all gone through over the last two years and all that is currently going on in the world, our communities and welcoming people into our communities has never been as important. The committee are waiving the fee for any volunteer or community group to

enter the parade. As in previous years, the committee is inviting Community and Voluntary groups and businesses to enter floats in the parade. There are awards on the day for – 1: Best Overall; 2: Best Community/Voluntary; 3: Best Business; 4: Most Environmentally Aware; and finally, a prize for the Best Window display.

The festival this year is part-funded

by Roscommon County Council &

the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media under the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme. This festival is also funded by a Roscommon LEADER Partnership grant. The committee also rely on support and donations made by local businesses in Roscommon Town and its environs, which the committee are extremely grateful for.

If you would like to be involved in

one of the biggest days of the year in Roscommon Town, whether by entering a float for your community/ voluntary group or business, giving a donation towards costs, or helping out on the day, please contact any of the executive officers: Larry Brennan (Down The Hatch) 085 1743871, JJ Cattigan 087 8512503, Patricia Mullaney (The Red Parrot) 087 2117749, Caitlin McConn 086 0859275.

Gardaí ‘honoured’ to be involved in centenary year

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade launch in Down the Hatch on Monday evening were Sergeant Ronan O’Meara, Larry Brennan (committee chairperson) and Garda Inspector David Cryan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Speaking at Monday’s launch, Inspector David Cryan said that it was a great honour for the Gardaí to be involved in this year’s Roscommon Easter Parade.

Inspector Cryan said that the local Gardaí were so appreciative of the help of the community and he wished the Easter Parade committee well with this year’s event.

During his address on Monday night, Cllr. Joe Murphy (Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council) endorsed Larry Brennan’s acknowledgement of the great regard within the community for An Garda Síochána.

Launch told two-day music festival is planned < SEAMUS DUKE

The 2022 Roscommon Easter Parade, which will be held on Sunday, April 17th, will have as its theme ‘My Community’. Details of the return of the parade after a two-year absence (due to Covid-19) were revealed at the official launch, held in Down The Hatch, Roscommon on Monday night.

Chairperson of the Easter Parade Committee Larry Brennan said that the involvement of An Garda Síochána, who are celebrating their centenary in 2022, would add greatly to the parade on the day.

“The Gardaí have done a great job in policing the State for the past 100 years and in every town and village the local Gardaí are such a vital part of the community.

That is definitely the case here in Roscommon. We are honoured that the Gardaí will play a major part in our parade this year” Mr. Brennan said.

The committee chairperson announced that the Easter Parade weekend would be a two-day celebration, with live music on both days.

Mr. Brennan thanked Roscommon County Council, Roscommon LEADER Partnership and the various Government departments for their support. He also thanked Michael and Rita Oates of Eight ‘Til Late who are sponsoring all the parade prizes on the day.

Praising committee colleagues for their hard work, he outlined how communities and volunteerism have inspired their choice of theme this year.

“It has been such a tough two years for everyone.

Fantastic work has been done out in the community by so many organisations who were such a help during Covid and now again during the war in Ukraine” Mr. Brennan concluded.

The official launch was performed by Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Murphy who paid tribute to the work of the Easter Parade committee. Cllr. Murphy said that he has great admiration for everyone involved.

“This parade is a great way to showcase our county town. We have a fantastic public realm now in the town and we need people to come in and use it and this is a great way to do that”.

14

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Choosing a full-time career does not make us part-time mammies According to a report I read in several publications last week, young mothers who’re being “forced to give up their careers due to Ireland’s childcare crisis” are not just struggling financially, they’re also struggling emotionally, with the fallout causing them to experience a “loss of identity”.

How unfair! Why is it that mothers (and not fathers) are being ‘forced’ out of the workplace when a childcare issue arises? Here’s a thought: Why can’t Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman TD devise an incentive whereby mothers can hand over their maternity leave (should they wish) to their babies’ fathers, leaving them (following a period of recovery after giving birth) with a choice of returning to work or not? I mean, wouldn’t that give families more flexibility, and importantly, give women more choice regarding how they balance their dreams and responsibilities?

Despite the fact that it’s 2022, it seems to me

that whenever any references to women’s careers and motherhood are raised, all too often the subject gets framed as a choice we will ‘have’ to make. I don’t know about you ladies, but I find that very degrading! For example, will our maternal instincts kick in making us retire from the workforce to produce baby after baby?

Will we try to ‘have it all’ and ‘juggle’ by giving birth and returning to our jobs? Or will we be ‘selfish’ and remain child-free?

Why does it have to be a choice at all? Why is it that many of us are made to feel we cannot possibly run a home, raise a family, and at the same time, hold down a career? Why does society try to force us to ultimately change our identities and conform to a life we don’t want, as in become a full-time wife/mother as opposed to a professional something-or-other?

Then again, if we do ‘give in’ and conform, many of us will ultimately struggle with the shift, finding it almost impossible to disengage from what is, and what always has been,

our self-definition of being a financially independent working woman to reliant ‘wife’ and ‘mammy’!

On a personal level, back in the 1980s, it was the latter (being forced to rely on someone for money) that led me to follow my own lifelong ambition, and therefore, despite having insurmountable objects placed in my way,I insisted on having a career as a journalist, TV producer and scriptwriter.

Don’t get me wrong readers, I have the greatest respect for anyone who is a full-time mother/parent –indeed, they probably work harder than those of us who split our time between our homes and the workplace. As a small child forced to repeatedly babysit my four younger siblings, I knew that when the time came and I had my own children, I’d be one of those tug o’war wives/mothers, constantly being pulled between staying home with my baby, and as I saw it, saving my sanity by following a career!

Is it just me, or do any other mothers who work

outside of the home find it difficult to come to terms with the fact that one day, we’re viewed as being crucial cogs in the workplace wheel, yet the second we announce we’re facing a childcare crisis, our hard-won respect evaporates?

By the way ladies, can I stress that choosing a full-time career does not make you or me a parttime mother. Being a mother is a 24-hour, seven day a week, 365 days a year commitment. Nor does choosing a career mean that you or I love our children any less. On the contrary, being a working mother makes you and I a bread winner, a provider, and a role model.

During my first marriage, I fought tooth and nail to maintain my career. Today, my greatest treasure is a Mother’s Day card from my eldest, telling me not only is she enormously proud of me, but by being her mammy and holding down a successful career, I’ve given her the inspiration and the capabilities to care for her own children, and run a successful business! Mission accomplished! Happy Mother’s Day!

Céad míle fáilte to the wonderful people of Ukraine I’d like to offer a big, warm, céad míle fáilte to the extremely brave and resilient people of Ukraine who were forced to leave their homes, their lives and their loved ones in a desperate bid to escape the brutal dictatorship of Putin.

I cannot imagine the fear and sheer terror these poor families must have faced over the past month.

However, while it may be of small consolation (because nobody should ever have their entire lives and futures ripped from beneath them), can I assure them that the warm and friendly folk of County Roscommon will, in any way that they can, do all in their power to ease their burden.

Get a clue folks, Covid hasn’t gone away you know…

Kylie Jenner (of Keeping up with the Kardashians’ fame) and her partner Travis Scott and baby Wolf Webster.

Choose your kid’s name wisely, folks!

According to reports, Kylie Jenner (of Keeping up with the Kardashians’ fame) and her partner Travis Scott have announced they’re changing their son’s name from ‘Wolf Webster’ to… well, at the time of writing, they hadn’t quite decided – and to be honest, who really cares? Well folks, apparently the 305 million sheep, sorry people, who follow her on Instagram are interested!

Choosing your baby’s name is one of the most important decisions a parent

will ever make in their lives, so to that end, I wonder what was going through my parents’ minds when they looked into my freshly-born little face and decided to name me Miriam! Look it up – apparently it was recorded in the Bible (the Book of Exodus) and it means ‘bitter’ in Hebrew! Why would you do that to an innocent baby, Mam and Dad? Didn’t you realise I’d be lumbered with being ‘bitter’ for the rest of eternity?

But I digress… back to the TravisJenners and their obvious delusion that names like Wolf for their son and Stormi for their daughter would work! Then again, perhaps it was forward thinking on their part…I mean, if these kids aren’t successful entrepreneurs like mammy and daddy when they grow up, you could say they both have the perfect monikers to become Gladiators on d’telly!

According to figures released by the HSE, it seems that a total of ‘63,954 cases of Covid were registered between PCR tests and the antigen portal’ on their website since the St Patrick’s Day weekend. OMG! This has got to be having an enormous impact on hospital services, and while I did expect there would be some rise in cases due to the whole mask-wearing protocols being ditched, these statistics are absolutely ridiculous.

As someone who still wears a mask in crowded indoor spaces (because it’s clear we’re not ready to ditch them), these figures show that public attitude needs to change – and fast!

People have got to be more responsible. They’ve got to get a clue and they’ve got to understand that the risks regarding contracting Covid and spreading it have not gone away. Mind you, while I’m not pushing the vaccine, I do have to add that those who are double-vaxxed and boosted are less likely to get the virus, and if they are unlucky enough to do so, it’s less likely to be lifethreatening.

15

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople Talk on ‘Big Houses along Suck Valley Way’ is this Friday

newsbriefs Kilbride Defibrillator Group to hold Recertification classes

A talk entitled ‘An Examination of the Big Houses along the Suck Valley Way’ will take place at 7.30 pm this Friday, March 25th, at Donamon Castle by author Paul Connnolly.

The presentation will examine some of the ‘big houses’ that were/ are located in close proximity to the modern-day Suck Valley Way walking trail. The houses that will be examined in detail are Castlecoote House, Clonalis House, Mount Talbot House, Castle Kelly, Rookwood House and Donamon Castle.

Other houses examined in less detail include Cloonca House and Thornfield House.

This presentation will look at the construction of the houses, later alterations or renovations, and the current status of the houses. The families that resided on these landed estates along the River Suck will also be looked at, together with where they ended up after the breakup of the estates.

The event will be presented by Paul Connolly, author of the wellreceived book, ‘The Landed Estates of County Roscommon’.

The book was described by Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland, as “valuable and most interesting”.

Paul grew up in Mount Talbot and is a civil engineer by profession.

He has written a number of local history books and papers, and has given presentations at a number of venues over the years, including at the Boyle Arts Festival at King House, the Percy French Festival at Castlecoote House, and for the Irish Georgian Society in Dublin.

Admission is €10, and booking is essential. All proceeds go to the Suck Valley Way Co-operative. Contact Anthony Waldron on 086 7866774.

Pictured are Michael Nally’s classmates – Teresa, Darragh, Sadie, Michael, Emily, John and Anthony – after he was presented with his Gold Certificate in ‘Mathletics’ by Mathletics Ireland.

Gold for Michael!

Michael Nally (2nd class student at Tisrara NS, Four Roads) recently received a Gold Certificate in ‘Mathletics’ for his outstanding achievement in mathematics.

Mathletics is an online math learning space, providing students with all the tools they need to be successful learners – both in the classroom and beyond. Michael was presented with his Gold Certificate following a special ceremony held in the school recently.

Gospel Reflection

Sunday, March 27 In today’s First Reading, God forgives “the reproach” of the generations who grumbled against Him after the Exodus. On the threshold of the Promised Land, Israel can with a clean heart celebrate the Passover, the feast of God’s firstborn son (see Joshua 5:6–7; Exodus 4:22; 12:12–13). Reconciliation is also at the heart of the story Jesus tells in today’s Gospel. The story of the Prodigal Son is the story of Israel and of the human race. But it is also the story of every believer. In Baptism, we’re given a divine birth right, made “a new creation,” as Paul puts it in today’s Epistle. But when we sin, we’re like the Prodigal Son, quitting our Father’s house, squandering our inheritance in trying to live without Him. Lost in sin, we cut ourselves off from the grace of son ship lavished upon us in Baptism. It is still possible for us to come to our senses, make our way back to the Father, as the prodigal does. But only He can remove the reproach and restore the divine son ship we have spurned. Only He can free us from the slavery to sin that causes us – like the Prodigal Son – to see God not as our Father but as our master, One we serve as slaves. God wants not slaves but children. Like the father in today’s Gospel, He longs to call each of us “My son,” to share His life with us, to tell us: “Everything I have is yours”. The Father’s words of longing and compassion still come to His prodigal children in the Sacrament of Penance. This is part of what Paul today calls “the ministry of reconciliation” entrusted by Jesus to the Apostles and the Church. Reconciled like Israel, we take our place at the table of the Eucharist, the homecoming banquet the Father calls for His lost sons, the new Passover we celebrate this side of heaven.

We taste the goodness of the Lord, as we sing in today’s Psalm, rejoicing that we who were dead are found alive again. -Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory. com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

Not quite sitting on the fence…

Cloonlaughlan, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon Dear Editor, When I was a teenager in rural Ireland, I could sit on the fence of a field for hours at this time of year, admiring the sheep and their lambs.

When I heard a shotgun fired and saw a sheep fall, I was off the fence instantly, looking for the ‘animal’ with the gun.

This is why now, as a fit 76-yearold, I cannot understand how a nation of Irish ‘alleged people’, can stay sitting on the fence watching Ukrainian human beings be-

Pictured is Michael Nally (2nd class student at Tisrara NS, Four Roads), who recently received Gold Certificate in ‘Mathletics’ for his outstanding achievement in mathematics.

Now that Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, Roscommon Garden Club are delighted to be able to host a meeting once again.

The meeting will take place in the Abbey Hotel at 8 pm on Monday, March 28th.

Since the meeting is before Easter, it will be a floral demonstration, delivered by Samantha Foran.

Samantha has been a florist for around 30 years, so she has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Since her father has always been in the business, Samantha grew

ing shot by ‘animals with guns’ just because the ‘fence’ is made of a thing called ‘neutral’ and not wood.

Yours sincerely, Peter S. Wrafter

‘Celebrate, commiserate, communicate’

Parish Walk on local Greenway

Roscommon Garden Club hosts floral demonstration

Letters to the Editor

4, Woodville, Leitrim Village, N41 A891 Dear Editor, International Women’s Day came and went in a puff of smoke, as it were! Female friends shared, forwarded and reposted a myriad of lovely memes that typically go

Kilbride Defibrillator Group have noted that all certs awarded to parishioners are now out of date, as no training was permitted during Covid.

The Defibrillator Group have recommenced recertification and are contacting people directly, offering them a place on a course.

Recertification classes are being held in the Community Centre. Places on each course are limited to six. You may receive a call from Tom Garvey in the coming days offering you a place on the course. If you no longer wish to be trained, you can contact Tom on 086 3447080 and he will update the list.

Later in the year, training will be made available to people who have not been trained before. If you are interested, please text Tom (086 3447080) and your name will be put on a list.

up surrounded by flowers. She has worked in many flower shops all over the country, which is where she gained all her experience. Also, the wholesale side of the job has taken her abroad to trade fairs in many countries, and has kept her up to date with the new trends and ideas.

She does the flowers for the G Hotel and the Hardiman Hotel in Galway and many other floral events, including weddings. Samantha’s demonstration promises to be very interesting and not one to be missed!

Send your letters to: Abbey Street, Roscommon Town.

Fax: (090) 66 34303 or email: news@roscommonpeople.ie

‘viral’ to celebrate womanhood and to value who we women are.

At the same time, our TV screens and newsfeeds were, and are awash with footage from Ukraine of mothers and children fleeing war. This, alongside urgent appeals for compassion for desperately vulnerable women and children. Who could not commiserate with their dreadful plight and tragedy?

The creators of the aforementioned memes don’t however, create too many memes that go ‘viral’, urging us to celebrate women and children from the moment of their conception!

We here in Ireland have a golden opportunity to do something positive, but the time is fast running out. April 1st is the deadline to

communicate our opinions and suggestions regarding the upcoming Abortion Review. There is ample advice, instruction, sample letters and ideas available on websites and Facebook pages of the Iona Institute, the Pro-Life Campaign and the Life Institute.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so let us do something kind for women experiencing crisis pregnancies. Sure, abortion was democratically legalised in Ireland in 2018, but we can still try to protect women, minimise numbers and mitigate the worst outcomes for women in distress. So there’s no excuse, is there? Please don’t leave it to somebody else to do. As the slogan goes ‘Just do it!’.

Yours sincerely, Sinéad Tracey

A Parish Walk is set to take place on the Glenamaddy/Frass Greenway at 11 am on Saturday, April 2nd.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic day! Bring all the family, and if you are bringing a family pet, please bring a lead. The walkway is suitable for buggies, families, all age groups (including young children), and there will be entertainment and refreshments on the day. This is a fabulous walkway through the bog, with a beautiful unique greenway.

A bucket collection will take place on the day for Doolin Coastguard and Alzheimer’s Association.

Everyone is requested to please park in Glenamaddy Church car park from 10 am on Saturday, April 2nd, and everyone will be offered a free shuttle bus to and from the Greenway. There will be a shorter route on the day if you prefer to do a short walk. We are doing this in conjunction with the Charlie Bird nationwide walks and climbs organised for that date.

Tickets for Hospice fundraiser in Nancy’s

Tickets for the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice fundraiser on Friday night, March 25th, at Nancy’s, Roscommon have been selling well. There are still some available at Eight ‘Til Late and in JJ Harlow’s Bar, however everyone who turns up on the night will be accommodated. The doors will open at 10.30 pm.

MS Ireland Church gate collections

On the weekend of March 16th/27th, the Roscommon branch of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland is holding a collection at Ballyfarnon Church.

On the following weekend, April 2nd/3rd, the collection will take place at all other Churches throughout the county.

The branch is hoping for the public’s generous support as this is their first collection since 2019. All donations will be gratefully received. The branch is indebted to all the collectors who are giving freely of their time to make this fundraiser possible.

Ballymoe/Ballintubber ‘Walk with Charlie’

To show our support and raise much-needed funds for Pieta House and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, a fundraising walk will take place from Ballymoe village to Ballintubber village on Saturday, 2nd April. This will coincide with Charlie Bird’s climb of Croagh Patrick.

Registration is from 11 am in Ballymoe Community Centre with the walk starting at 12 noon sharp. Your support would be greatly appreciated. See Facebook page ‘Ballymoe/Ballintubber Walk with Charlie’ or contact Gabriel on 087 6371120 for more details.

16

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

48 hours that turned Donamon Castle into a safe sanctuary for refugees They say that a week is a long time in politics, and that when it comes to bureaucracy and the operation of Government, big wheels often turn very slowly – but I have to say that the events of the last seven days have restored my faith in humanity and the ability of those in power to govern decisively and effectively, especially when there is really an urgent need to do so.

Loyal readers of the Roscommon People will recall this columnist writing in recent weeks about the invasion of Ukraine and the anguish of a nation as bombs and missiles and tanks brought fear to the streets and left dozens of residents dead and injured, hundreds homeless and four million people heading out of the country looking for safe sanctuary for themselves and their young children.

There have been many times in the last three weeks when I have felt quite woefully helpless and totally powerless as this brutal war unfolded – wondering like the rest of you how something could be done to help the poor people of Ukraine and how we in the western world could possibly try and cope with a man who was effectively holding a gun to their heads with the threat of nuclear or chemical weaponry.

Last week, in the space of just a few magical days, something very real and very special did happen. Most readers will know by now that the actions of a small but determined group of people here in Roscommon transformed the outlook for dozens of worried people who were in fear of their lives in their native land as the bombs struck.

As a member of Roscommon Lions Club for over 15 years, I don’t think I have ever seen the club members in such a determined mood. Last Tuesday week (as I wrote here previously), we sat in the function room at the back of Gleeson’s in Roscommon and talked about what we MIGHT do to help.

Three days later our volunteers and their friends collected over 9000 euro to support the cause, but we still only had a handful of firm ideas and suggestions on how we might try and provide sanctuary to the people of Ukraine. There we were thinking…who are we, in our small numbers, to try and make a difference?

In the middle of the street collection on the Friday of that week I rang the former President of Roscommon Lions John F Hanley and asked him if he would meet me at the Divine Word Missionaries HQ in Donamon Castle and explore the potential of turning the accommodation block there into a warm and safe haven for refugees. Sean Beirne and Adrian Leddy – two men with vast knowledge and connections in the area – were already enthusiastic about the idea. When we were greeted at the castle door by Fr George Agger, I soon knew we had another enthusiastic ally on our side.

There were so many reasons why all of us

Preparing for the arrival of Ukrainian refugees at Donamon Castle.

in that room on that Friday afternoon felt that our plan might not be successful, but instead, we looked at the challenge in a different way.

We looked carefully at the growing needs of the refugees in Ukraine and at the vast facilities available in Donamon. Then we looked at the national and international crisis – and we set our plan in motion. An hour later the Red Cross had been notified that there was a safe haven available for up to 100 refugees in Roscommon, and, as the old saying declares, where there is a will there is surely a way – and so it was to prove.

Seven days after our plan was hatched, the first group of 41 Ukrainian refugees had arrived in their lovely warm and comfortable

Preparing for the arrival of Ukrainian refugees at Donamon Castle.

ensuite rooms in Donamon and were enjoying the greatest of welcomes that the people of Roscommon could offer. In the previous 48 hours, the most remarkable metamorphosis you could ever imagine had taken place in the building. Dozens of hard-working men and women and their community groups had led the charge in heroic style. The phone calls and text messages offering help just never stopped.

The people of Oran and those involved in Creggs Rugby Club were not found wanting. So too the Lions club members and their families and friends. As usual, the Oran GAA Club and Roscommon LEADER Partnership team were among the very first to respond to the challenge at hand, providing sterling support for the arriving refugees. Also putting a collective shoulder to the wheel were members of Roscommon Gaels, who provided support, including provision of the Hyde Centre as a drop-off point. When Fiona Ni Chuinn and her team at Roscommon County Council took control of the mission everything began to fall into place with lightning speed. When Gerry Mulhaire pulled into the campus with enough bed linen for 100 people at 10 am on Friday morning the green light was firmly on. Gerry was heading to a family wedding but made the push first to drive hundreds of miles and deliver on time.

Shortly afterwards the beds arrived and then the dozens of volunteers from all corners of life in Roscommon and even further afield turned up. The Lions of Claremorris and Ballina played their part too. There was Emmet with the van, Selina and Jayne with the expertise, Paschal and Paddy with the manpower of the mens shed and more, and there was an army of professionals too whose only mission was to provide a warm bed and a sanctuary for those who had been terrorised out of their own land.

Just 12 hours later the refugees arrived and spoke so poignantly about their experiences.

John Mulligan of the Connacht Tribune

In association with: LOUGH REE ACCESS FOR ALL

spoke to ‘Ludmilla’, one of the first to get off the bus in the dark of night. An architect by profession, Ludmilla described the suddenness of the invasion and the chaos that followed.

“On February 23rd, with my working group of architects and urban planners, I went on a business trip to Akhtyrka – a small town in the Sumy region” she told John. “At 5 in the morning my boss woke me up and told me to urgently get ready for a meeting, because Russia had begun…its invasion of Ukraine. I heard explosions in the distance.

Our team of architects gathered and left the city and the Sumy region in the direction of Kyiv. The road was very tense, as we understood that Russian tanks were advancing behind us. When we entered Kyiv, we saw the first blow-ups of the von troops in the Kiev region. It was just the beginning.

At 2.19 am in the morning in Kyiv, it began with the explosion of an aircraft, the wreckage of which fell on the facade of a multistorey building on a neighbouring street.

Homes were badly damaged. I went down to the parking lot under the store, which was in my yard. People hid in it all night in fear of dying in their apartments. There were no conditions for staying there. People slept on the concrete floor, there were no amenities and (no) food. Then I found a fellow traveller and we decided to leave Kyiv as soon as possible…because events developed so rapidly that it was dangerous to stay in Kyiv”.

Over the weekend such stories have been told again and again many times. Tears have been shed and friendships struck as the message from their war experience seeps into the heart of our own community here. In the coming days there will be more calls for help and more heroics needed too – but what a start has been made. Well done to everyone involved.

Never have I been prouder to be part of the team. Sometimes we CAN make a difference after all.

17

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople

POLITICAL PEOPLE

New A&E on the way… in Castlebar < PAUL HEALY

Local readers for whom the fate of Roscommon A&E eleven years ago this July is still a harrowing memory may be interested to read the following from Tuesday’s Regional Health Forum West meeting in Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway.

At the meeting Mayo county councillor Michael Kilcoyne asked for an update on plans for a new A&E Unit at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar.

He was told: “A full design team has been appointed to

progress the Emergency Department and Medical Assessment Unit project at Mayo University Hospital. The design team are familiarising themselves with the site and the project. It is anticipated that the preliminary outline design will be available before the end of Quarter 2 2022. A planning permission application is anticipated in due course once the design process has been sufficiently advanced.

This project is included in the HSE Capital Plan and sufficient funding is available in 2022 to meet the anticipated cash flow requirements arising”.

It’s coming up to eleven years since Roscommon A&E was so abruptly, ruthlessly and controversially closed (Yes, HIQA had inspected it and raised concerns, but if the political will was there to keep it open, it would have been kept open).

Eleven years on from the Roscommon debacle, Castlebar’s A&E isn’t just (rightly) being retained, it’s being enhanced.

Make no mistake about it… whether you’re talking about the development of Mayo’s A&E, or the demise of Roscommon’s, political will was a factor in both instances.

Harkin wants a Minister for Ukrainian refugee crisis

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade launch in Down the Hatch on Monday evening were Larry Brennan (committee chairperson) and Cllr. Joe Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin has called on the Taoiseach to appoint a Minister with full responsibility to coordinate and manage Ireland’s response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis.

Deputy Harkin told the Roscommon People: “So many of the pieces are already in place…the generosity of the Irish people in offering assistance and shelter, the local community and voluntary groups ready to support refugees, the different NGOs, the Local Authorities and all the other bodies ready, willing and able, but Government has the ultimate responsibility to join the dots and to put structures and supports in place at local, at county, at regional and at national level.

“The Taoiseach himself has said we are in a war situation and we need a war-time type of response. This is going to be far more difficult than we think at both individual and national level, but we can make it work. At the very least, a co-ordinating body and a Minister are essential to manage the unfolding humanitarian crisis that is landing on our shores every single day”.

‘See Her Elected’ online revision course If you are planning on running in the 2024 Local Elections or want to find out more about what is involved, then a free online revision course from See Her Elected aimed at women in rural Ireland will help equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

The workshop takes place online on Saturday, April 9th from 9.30 am-12.30 pm and is free of charge to women from all over rural Ireland by simply emailing info@seeherelected. ie to register.

Project Manager with See Her Elected, Dr. Michelle Maher says: “If you

are getting real about the 2024 local elections, this revision workshop offers a high level of very practical support to women in monthly workshops with See Her Elected.

“If you can see yourself as a candidate in the 2024 local elections or would like to know a bit more about what is involved in running for election or indeed even if you don’t see yourself as a candidate but would love to be involved in an election campaign to help a woman in your county get elected, then this revision workshop is for you”.

Dr. Michelle Maher, Project Manager with See Her Elected, Kathleen O’Meara from O’Meara Consulting – who will be delivering the revision workshop – and Mairead O’Shea, Communications Manager with See Her Elected, pictured with the new Guide to Running in the 2024 Local Elections.

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Michael O’Regan @Michael_O_Regan I expressed sympathy on a human and political level with the Taoiseach, who is doing a good job abroad. I make no apologies for that, and I stand over it.

Those anonymous headbangers, hurling abuse at me, are wasting their time. You will be blocked, you idiots.

-When the Taoiseach was confirmed to be Covid-positive while in the US, the Twitter trolls warmed up…

Camilla Fitzsimons @Camilla_Fitzs Kelly Harrington is everything that is good about being Irish #LateLateShow -We’ll happily second that An Taoiseach Micheál Martin

Justin McNulty @JustinMcNu1ty

“Puke football” has been rebranded by Pat Spillane as “workrate, tracking back, tackling & intensity” because it’s Kerry doing it.

-Poor Pat will never live that comment down!

Emma Connolly @EmmaConolly94 Joanne Cantwell keeps Pat Spillane on such a subtle leash on the Sunday Game. Keeps him grounded, love to see it -Say what you will about Pat, he still manages to get a reaction…

Conor Gallagher @ConorGallaghe_r It’s remarkable the number of people who suddenly start caring about homelessness as soon as the subject of refugees is raised -Indeed…

Anna Dunphy @AnnaDunphy Josh Adams giving his man of the match medal to Ange Capuozzo has to be the most wonderful thing I’ve seen in the whole #SixNations #WALvITA #SuperSaturday -The gesture that moved many TV viewers, as Wales’ ‘man of the match’ stripped himself of the honour and instead presented it to the player who masterminded Italy’s amazing last-gasp win in Cardiff Gavan Reilly @gavreilly Didn’t think I’d be typing this but: Michael Healy-Rae and Leo Varadkar are currently debating which of them looks down more at the other, in a classist/ reverse-classist oneupmanship contest -At long last, our politicians get down to the issues that count…

18

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople

Does self-care lose its value once commercialised?

Let’s talk about ...

COMMERCIALISED SELF-CARE (A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy Given just how unprecedented the last couple of years have been, it’s a fair assumption to say that people are exhausted.

And for any of these people who go online looking for ways to improve their quality of life, they’re likely to be met with an endless supply of selfcare guides, all preaching the value of taking the time to care of yourself.

After all, the practice of selfcare is a concept that has rather erupted in prominence in the past couple of years. There are countless self-care guides, threads, and infographics populating every corner of the internet; all promoting the same ethos of caring for oneself, and often giving the same

few suggestions for how to go about doing so – exercising, having a night in, personal pampering, etc.

This shift towards self-care is something that by all rights, should be welcomed with open arms – especially when considering how often people are feeling burnt out lately.

Though at a glance, a fair amount of the self-care tips found online might seem quite generic, these tips can hold genuine value, and beyond this, it’s also worth noting that the brand of self-care most of us see online is very much a diluted version.

The concept of self-care originated in the 1950s, first gaining real prominence in

the 1960s thanks to civil rights activists (particularly black activists), who practiced self-care not just individually (so as to avoid burnout and for general health), but also through acts of community care. In the absence of adequate systemic supports, practising self-care through community efforts meant selfcare carried a more significant impact; representing a form of self-preservation, and a means to challenging systemic barriers.

However, this version of selfcare is worlds away from the version we’ve become familiar with now. Perhaps a degree of this can be attributed to how most things get watered down over time on social media, but this is not the sole reason a lot of today’s self-care feels like it lacks sincerity. It lacks sincerity because it has been commercialised.

When the concept of self-care first started to become popular online, it wasn’t long before the opportunity to make it profitable was seized. Over time, more and more companies hopped onto the hype around self-care

and used it as a marketing technique. The beauty and wellness industries in particular make a killing from co-opting the selfcare rhetoric into something brandable for their next product. From candles to massages, sheet masks to gym memberships, the list of items offered up to the customer under the self-care label is seemingly never-ending.

This capitalistic version of selfcare also all too often conflates

itself with self-improvement.

Practising self-care should present you with opportunities to spend time taking care of yourself, even if it’s technically unproductive and only serves you in terms of providing you with rest or relaxation. Through the lenses of these companies who’re piggybacking off the ‘craze’, self-care has been presented to us as something to strive for, not just something you do – and crucially, it is

something you can buy into.

It is almost ironic to note that self-care started off as a practice rooted in the values of taking time to care for yourself, which is an undeniably personal thing, but has now been co-opted and had its meaning warped by deeply unpersonal brands looking to make a quick buck. People are worn down and burnt out right now, and companies recognise that stressed and tired consumers will respond to whatever self-care thing that they’re being promised will do wonders for them.

However, despite the bad taste left by companies’ commercialisation, self-care remains a positive practice.

The value of self-care lies in the fact that it offers a way to keep on keeping on; a way to stop and take a break, and get back to it once you’re ready.

Though self-care has been coopted, misrepresented, and commercialised in the past couple of years, there is still value in that simple ethos, and in practicing self-care in whatever way works for you.

Glenamaddy Theatre Festival begins Friday Glenamaddy Theatre Festival is returning after a three-year absence. The festival, which is widely regarded as one of the best on the island of Ireland, will showcase some great Irish amateur drama, with groups from the four provinces competing for the coveted awards.

A wonderful line-up of plays, spanning the spectrum of genre and emotions from comedy to drama, will be on the stage of the Town Hall Theatre for the eight nights of the festival.

The 59th Annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival opens on Friday,

March 25th, concluding on Saturday, April 2nd.

No performance will take place on Wednesday, March 30th.

For more information on all the performances or to book/buy a season ticket, please contact 0862045896 from 11 am to 4 pm daily.

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Pictured at the International Women’s Day event in Athleague recently were: Ceila Ribas, Shauna Ryan and Mary Frances Loftus. Photo: Mick McCormack

Patrick Kavanagh’s theatrical love letter to life in rural Ireland

Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651 Lowest price GUARANTEED Daily collection

Micheal Lennon and Ann Hanley were supporting Creggs at their recent Connacht Junior Cup quarter-final.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Nomad Theatre Network and Livin’ Dred Theatre present a reimagined production of the popular Irish play, ‘Tarry Flynn’, which will tour to venues around the country this spring.

The production will be performed at Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday, March 25th and Saturday, March 26th, at 8 pm nightly.

Set in 1930s Cavan, ‘Tarry Flynn’ tells the hilarious story of the farmer, poet and lover-from-afar, and his quest for big fields, young women and the meaning of life. Tarry’s

adventures uncover the beauty in every aspect of nature and farm life, while he seeks to keep up his desperate campaign to woo the local girls – or at least have a roll in the hay!

One of Ireland’s most-loved poets, Patrick Kavanagh’s novel is hugely popular with Irish audiences, with its themes of sexual politics, isolation, poetry, farming, and our relationship with the land.

With a large-scale cast – including Colin Campbell, Niamh McGrath, Alexandra Conlon, Sarah Madigan,

Megan McDonnell, Bryan Burroughs, Manus Halligan, Matthew Malone and Seamus O’Rourke – this is an ambitious, imaginative and highly physicalised staging, with actors playing a multitude of characters (and animals) throughout.

Tickets are €20/18 and are available now from box office on 0906625824 or via roscommonartscentre.ie. This production has been funded by the Arts Council with support from Cavan County Council.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

NewsPeople It’s been a GOOD week for…

Irish rugby, with Ireland winning the Triple Crown, and the Irish U-20s claiming the Grand Slam, those titles both secured by victories over Scotland (not a bad week for French rugby either, with France winning the Grand Slam!)

Italian rugby too, with a sensational last-gasp try giving them a shock win over Wales in Cardiff, the Italians’ first win in 37 games, a success that led to an outpouring of emotion for players and supporters alike Superstar jockey Rachael Blackmore, who won both the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup at Cheltenham 2022, a festival also notable for the success of Flooring Porter, a horse which is owned by a GalwayRoscommon syndicate Towns and villages in Co. Roscommon (and nationwide), which welcomed back St Patrick’s Day parades, this development a much-needed

boost to the local economy and a reminder to us all of the fabulous voluntary spirit which is the bedrock of our communities

Roscommon band CCG in farewell show

Roscommon band CCG will play a farewell gig in Bear An Raille at 10 pm on this Saturday, March 26th, along with some special guests.

The band – consisting of Ciarán Ó Cuinneagáin (guitar/vocals), Conor Harkin (guitar/vocals) and Gary O’Reilly (cajon/vocals), all hailing from Roscommon town – has been a regular fixture on the music scene for almost ten years. With one of the trio soon to relocate to Spain, the band unfortunately had no option but to wind things up.

Ciarán, Conor and Gary would like to thank all of the venues and punters for their support over the last ten years and are looking forward to a big send off with a little help from some special guests on the night.

Volunteerism and local government in Roscommon, with the County Council, Roscommon Lions Club, other local groups and individuals coming together to facilitate the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees at Donamon Castle (see coverage in today’s issue)

It’s been a BAD week for…

‘Manchester United competition’ winners!

Taoiseach Micheál Martin (well, kind of), whose St Patrick’s Day trip to the United States was greatly restricted when he contracted Covid-19, meaning a face-to-face meeting with President Biden was ruled out 800 workers at P&O Ferries, who were reportedly sacked without notice, a controversial move by management which has been widely condemned

TAKE A BREAK

Rachael Blackmore

We had a great response to our recent competition in which we offered readers a chance to win tickets to see former Manchester United stars David May and Denis Irwin in The Theatre Royal, Castlebar.

Republic of Ireland legend Irwin and fellow star defender May entertained the audience in the popular venue last Friday night as they shared stories from their illustrious careers with Manchester United.

The duo relived stories from a golden era in the club’s history, including that historic night in Barcelona in 1999 when United won the Champions League in their famous treble-winning season. There was also a Meet & Greet and a Q&A. Congratulations to our winners, who received two tickets each.Winners:William Lyster, Elphin, Co. Roscommon and Shane Gordon, Southpark, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Quentin Tarantino (American filmmaker, turns 59 on Sunday)

Jessica Chastain (American actress, turns 45 on Thursday)

Senan Kelly’s first game! Sean, Ollie and Rhys Kelly (Padraig Pearses) with baby Senan pictured at the recent match between Roscommon and Offaly in Tullamore on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Mariah Carey (American singer, turns 53 on Sunday)

Jim Parsons (American actor, will be 49 on Thursday)

THE THINGS PEOPLE SAY…

“There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood” -Elder M. Russell Ballard

19

Happy Rossies! Fans pictured at Sunday’s match between Roscommon and Offaly in Tullamore. Pic: Mick McCormack

20

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

GOING OUT

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

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Alanna Donlon and Emma Crean. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Eadaoin, Shauna and Caoimhe Walsh. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were John Dolan, Cathy and Aengus Oates. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Laoise and Noel Connolly. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Eve and Clare McNeill. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Kevin McStay, Galway footballer (and special guest) Shane Walsh, and MC for the night Noel Fallon. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were John and Joan O’Gara. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Karyn and Chris Grogan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Mick and Marie Gillooly. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

21

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

GOING OUT

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

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Martina, Fergal and Grace O’Gara. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Paul and Ellen Biesty. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Gaels Social Night in the Abbey Hotel were Paula Mulry and Nicola Gannon. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

All smiles at Eileen Kenny’s birthday celebrations in Regan’s Restaurant, Roscommon town. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Arlene Feeley and Amy Malone pictured at Eileen Kenny’s birthday celebrations in Regan’s Restaurant, Roscommon town. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Ingrid Condon and Majella Greaney pictured at Eileen Kenny’s birthday celebrations in Regan’s Restaurant, Roscommon town. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Arlene Feeley and Eileen Kenny pictured at Eileen Kenny’s birthday celebrations in Regan’s Restaurant, Roscommon town. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Claire Malone and Vicky Silver pictured at Eileen Kenny’s birthday celebrations in Regan’s Restaurant, Roscommon town. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

22

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Business

Roscommon winners of inaugural SEAI Electric Ifac named as finalist Vehicle Dealership Awards announced The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) recently announced the winners of its inaugural EV Dealership Awards. These awards recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sales of electric vehicles (EV) in Ireland.

116 car dealerships from 25 counties participated, with only one award given per

county for the highest-scoring dealership. The County Roscommon winners were Cooney Motors Ltd., who have now made the shortlist for the national award. The results for the National Award will be announced at this year’s SEAI Energy Show, taking place in the RDS Dublin on March 30th and 31st.

Commenting on the an-

nouncement Declan Meally (Director of Business, Public Sector and Transport at SEAI) said: “I congratulate this year’s winners whose commitment and dedication are hugely inspiring.

“I would also like to thank those dealerships for supporting the awards in such large numbers. Engaging and supporting EV dealers will help

influence Ireland’s transition to EVs. These new SEAI Dealership Awards provide additional incentives and opportunities to build capacity and competence in the supply chain and help to improve the overall public customer experience”.

Car dealers competed through a mystery shopping exercise where they were

scored on a number of factors, including how visible EVs were in the showroom, how knowledgeable their salespeople were on EVs, and their sales approach. Other evaluation areas included EV training, sales trends and the dealership’s website.

For full details on all the winning dealerships, visit seai.ie.

Roscommon County Council visits Tourism Ireland in New York Representatives of Roscommon County Council, who were in New York for the St. Patrick’s Day period, met with senior executives from Tourism Ireland last week. They were briefed on Tourism Ireland’s extensive promotional programme in the United States for 2022, which is in full swing right now.

This year, Tourism Ireland is rolling out its biggest ever programme of promotions in the United States to restart overseas tourism to Ireland.

Following a devastating two years for the tourism and travel sector, the programme will allow Tourism Ireland to upweight its campaigns, punch through the noise and convert ‘lookers’ to ‘bookers’, in order to save businesses and create jobs. Tourism Ireland’s message is that Ireland is open for business again and we cannot wait to welcome back our American visitors.

Alison Metcalfe (Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America) said: “We were delighted to meet with the representatives of Roscommon County Council and have the opportunity to brief them about the extensive promotional programme we are undertaking in the United States this year.

We are rolling out our Green Button campaign right now, urging American travellers to ‘press the Green Button’ and book their trip to Ireland this year.

“Our extensive programme of high impact campaigns and promotions is

Pictured in the Tourism Ireland office in New York were Cllr. Laurence Fallon (Roscommon County Council), Geraldine Egan (Tourism Ireland), Cllr. Joe Murphy (Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council), Shane Tiernan (Director of Services, Roscommon County Council), and Dana Welch (Tourism Ireland).

targeting those consumers with the greatest potential to travel to Ireland.

Our message is very simple: Ireland is open for business again and we cannot wait to welcome back visitors from the United States.

“Our St. Patrick’s Day programme this year included an extensive programme of trade, media and consumer activity to restart overseas tourism.

Our aim was to remind American holidaymakers that Ireland offers the

warmest of welcomes and great fun, as well as wonderful scenery and heritage. We’ve been taking every opportunity to capitalise on Ireland’s heightened profile around this St. Patrick’s Day period,” she concluded.

for 2022 Spider Awards

Ifac has been shortlisted for Ireland’s leading technology awards.

Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm has been shortlisted in the Best Website category at the 2022 Spider Awards.

Ifac developed its website with leading digital and design partners Together Digital and Zero-G. The Spiders are considered an important benchmark for distinction and excellence in web-based business strategies. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Spider Awards, making them the longest-running digital awards in Ireland.

Speaking about the nomination ifac Chief Executive, John Donoghue said: “There’s no doubt that the pandemic has accelerated technology usage across our farming communities and the food and agribusiness sector so it’s important for us to have a great website, especially as we grow our business.

“At the heart of our brand approach is a promise to our clients to provide them with the full depth and breadth of our financial expertise and sectoral experience to help them grow their businesses. This includes working proactively with them to advise and support them with sound financial practices, providing foresight to anticipate issues, and identifying growth opportunities.

“This same approach has been at the heart of our website development, working with excellent partners in Together Digital and Zero-G. We are delighted to have been nominated in the Best Website category at such prestigious awards. This is an extremely competitive category and we’re looking forward to the awards evening at the end of the month”.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, March 31st at the Mansion House.

Sustainable Business Impact Awards recognises important role business plays Chambers Ireland recently opened the application process for the Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2022. Measuring the impact of specific projects, these prestigious nationwide awards have become recognised as the most prominent awards in the area of sustainability and CSR for over fifteen years.

The awards recognise the meaningful and high-quality work

by companies through different award categories – including Environment, Charity, Volunteering, Community, Workplace, and Communication, Sustainable Impact by a Small or Medium Sized Business, and Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.

The awards are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlight the important

role business plays in working towards achieving our goals in this area by 2030.

This work is demonstrated in every chamber community in the country.

Over 410 companies have entered over 1,500 projects and won over 250 awards in the lifetime of the awards.

Ian Talbot (Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland) spoke at the

opening of the awards: “We have seen hundreds of great companies with different projects receive recognition at these awards in the past. Those projects have benefited the environment, communities, staff, charities and people throughout Ireland”.

The importance of social enterprise is recognised in its own category, Partnering with a Social

Enterprise, which is sponsored

by The Department of Rural and Community Development.

The awards are sponsored by BAM Ireland and are run in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development, One4all and the EPA. Applications for the awards are now open online at Sustainable Business Impact Awards (awardsplatform.com).

23

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

www.roscommonpeople.ie

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

Roscommon Ploughing Championships are BACK! Lambert family to host popular event in Rockfield he Roscommon Ploughing Championship and Field Day T will make a welcome return to the

county on Sunday, April 3rd in Rockfield, approximately 11km outside Roscommon town on the Castlerea Road.

This year’s event will be hosted

by Michael and Ann Lambert and family and competitions will commence at 12 pm on the day.

Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, this popular annual event

was last held in 2019, in Kilbegnet.

However, due to the relaxation of the public health restrictions it has been decided that the Ploughing Championships will return in 2022, with the aim of giving the people of Roscommon an event to look forward to.

Hard-working Roscommon Ploughing Association Chairperson, Mary Conry - Candler, says the committee is delighted to back in action.

“We held a meeting a couple of weeks ago in Kenny’s in Rockfield (before the final decision to proceed with County Ploughing Championships) and the local people all seemed very happy to get on board,” she said.

She also paid tribute to this year’s “wonderful” hosts, the Lambert family: “We like to move the Ploughing Championships around to different areas as much as possible to support farming communities

across Roscommon and to highlight each area. It’s great that our hosts have agreed to let us in,” she said.

“The Ploughing Championships and Field Day will follow its usual format this year and will begin at 12 noon in Rockfield (F42 V383).

There will be tractor, horse and vintage ploughing and, craft village and trade stands on the day. The Roscommon Hunt Society and Roscommon Vintage Club will also be taking part and there will also be the

traditional Loy ploughing competition with Gerry Browne”.

This year’s main sponsor is Lambert Tractors, Rockfield, Co. Roscommon. The Roscommon Ploughing Association Committee and the Lambert family look forward to welcoming the return of the Roscommon Ploughing Championships and welcoming everybody to Rockfield on the 3rd of April 2022, with competitions commencing at 12 pm.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

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

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

It’s back! Roscommon Ploughing Championship and field day returns Event in Rockfield on Sunday, 3rd of April

S

unday, 3rd of April 2022 will see the return of the Roscommon Ploughing Championship and field day. This year’s event will take place in Rockfield, approximately 11km outside of Roscommon town on the Castlerea Road.

This year’s hosts will be Michael & Ann Lambert

and family. Competitions will commence at 12 pm on the day.

Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, this popular annual event was last held in 2019, in Kilbegnet. However, due to the relaxation of the public health restrictions it has been decided that the Ploughing Champion-

ships will return in 2022, with the aim of giving the people of Roscommon an event to look forward to.

The event will return with the usual attractions such as junior and senior ploughing competitions, horse ploughing, vintage ploughing and Loy competitions.

The event will also

include a craft village, local trade stands, display from the Roscommon Hunt Society, Roscommon Vintage Clubs and much, much more.

This year’s main sponsor is Lambert Tractors, Rockfield, Co. Roscommon. The Roscommon Ploughing Association Committee and the Lam-

bert Family look forward to welcoming the return of the Roscommon Ploughing Championships and welcoming everybody to Rockfield on the 3rd of April 2022, with competitions commencing at 12 pm.

For any enquiries, please contact Joe (086-4113617) or Michael (087-0559247).

Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers

Athlone Road, Roscommon. Tel. 090 6628880

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

GERRY GILL Motors

Crash Repairs l Sales & Service Fuerty, Roscommon Tel/Fax: (090) 66 26536 Gerry: (086) 8162964 Gerard: (086) 2254731 follow us on facebook www.gerrygillmotors.ie

Pictured are the host family on whose land the 2022 County Roscommon Ploughing Championship and field day will be held. Left to right: Patrick, Ann, Michael and Annmarie Lambert.

Cllr.

Tony Ward Nora and family Tel: (090) 64 88294 or Mobile: (087) 9165226 Email: tonywardmcc@eircom.net Independent member of Roscommon County Council and a full time public representative.

Lands at Rockfield farmed by the family ‘for generations’ T

he Lambert family will host the 2022 Ploughing Championships. The lands at Rock-

Naughton Farm Machinery Ballyboughan Business Park, Racecourse Road, Roscommon Tel. 090 6627645

Sales • Service • Parts

Main Kuhn, Sip, Sulky, Kverneland, NC & Major Main Dealer DAFM Approved Sprayer Testing Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association

Eddie Naughton Agri Supplies Athlone Road, Roscommon. Tel. 090 - 66 25127 FEEDS - FERTILIZER SEEDS – SPRAYS * Bulk Fertilizer Spreading Available *

field have been farmed by the family for generations, with Ann’s grandfather moving to the area in the early 1900s. The farm was split between two brothers, one being Ann’s father, Pat Doorly.

Pat and his wife Mary farmed this land on a commercial basis for over 70 years, with Pat having an active role in the farm up to his passing in 2009.

Michael and Ann then took over the running of the farm and converted it to an organic holding.

The farm currently holds suckler organic cattle, organic sheep, a winter organic oats crop used in the production of organic porridge, and a number of

rare breed Dexter cattle.

The farm also holds a decommissioned quarry,

which was used by Roscommon County Council in the 1920s in the con-

struction of public roads, providing significant employment in the area.

From our files: Megan, Martina and Alanna Hoare pictured the 2019 Roscommon County Ploughing Championships in Creggs. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

About main sponsor Lambert Tractors T

his year’s main sponsor is Lambert Tractors, Rockfield, Co. Roscommon.

Lambert Tractors has been in the business of agricultural machinery sales and repairs for the past 40 years, specialising in the repair of Renault and Claas tractors and

computer diagnostic services for all tractor makes and models.

Recently, Lambert Tractors has been appointed dealer for KAT loaders, with a 1 tonne, 1.6 tonne and 2 tonne lifting capacity option, all at a reasonable price.

From our files: Charmaine, Adrian, Niamh and Eoin Kelly pictured at the 2019 Roscommon County Ploughing Championships in Creggs. Pic: Mick McCormack

25

26

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055 You must call in advance to order repeat prescriptions

Please ring to make an appointment for the small animal clinic.

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Crean & Co

Accountants & Tax Consultants

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 6626680 Email: info@creanaccountants.ie Best wishes to Roscommon Ploughing from

Gannon Agri Contractors Creggs, Co. Galway Tel: 086 2538169

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

McGOWAN

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

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 & mentoring 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 or (086) 0352849

Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com Best wishes to Roscommon Ploughing from

DEAD & WORN-OUT ANIMALS TOM ROGERS

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

Your LOCAL Collector – Guaranteed lowest price

Using plough lamps on tractors when travelling on public roads

Eveni gBar&BistroMenu 3 -9

T

he Road Safety Au-

thority (RSA) and the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI Ireland) are advising tractor drivers that plough lamps to the rear of the vehicle should not be used when travelling on public roads.

Work lamps – commonly known as ‘ploughing lamps’ – are fitted to agricultural tractors and self-propelled machinery.

These lamps generally emit a white light to the rear of the vehicle to give extra visibility when working on the farm.

Under Road Traffic Regulations it is illegal to have white lights to the rear of any vehicle switched on while in use on public roads.

Mr Michael Moroney (Chief Executive, The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland) said: “As spring work on farms gathers pace, The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors is encouraging all tractor users to make sure that plough lamps are never used when travelling on public roads.

Amber flashing lights give adequate notice of slower vehicles to other road users”.

Mr Sam Waide (Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority) said: “Please be mindful of other drivers at lighting up

time and at night; these lights can confuse motorists into thinking that a vehicle is approaching. In addition, work lamps are

high power lamps which could temporarily blind other road users, which is a serious road safety concern”.

Only red and amber lights should appear on to the rear of a vehicle when used on the road. You can find more information on

the correct use of tractor work lamps at rsa.ie/roadsafety/road-users/agricultural/correct-use-of-workor-ploughing-lamps.

From our files: Cllr. Peter Keaveney (Galway) and Cllr.

Liam Callaghan (Roscommon) pictured at the 2019 Roscommon County Ploughing Championships at Kilbegnet in Creggs. Pic: Mick McCormack

Best wishes to hing Roscommon Ploug from

Breakfast 7.30am – 11.30

Breakfast: 7.30am to 11.30am Lunch 12 – 3

Lunch 12pm to 3pm

Evening Bar & Bistro Menu Evening Bar 3-9 & Bistro Menu:

3pm to 9pm

ATHLONE ROAD , ROSCOMMON GREAT FOOD, ALL DAY EVERY DAY 09066 37644

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

free

Brisknet

broadband for 1 month, installation, router. unlimited broadband from €38 per month Mesh Systems Networking Solutions VoIP Phone Services

Business Back-up Solutions Outdoor Wi-Fi Solutions

Switches/Patches and Cabling Full range of home networking products

fibre packages also available

eurona-brisknet.ie

27

28

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

DONAMON Tarmacadam Specialising in Kerbing, Tar and Chips and Tarmacadam Machine or hand laid

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Tommy Dillon Farm Buildings Kilkerrin Road Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

Contact Damian at (086) 4007158

Telephone: 094 9659187 Mobile: 087 2616955

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

SLYMAN

Plant Hire & Groundworks

Conor: 087 7726301 Michael: 087 2490146 Best wishes to g Roscommon Ploughin from

• Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.

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

All sprayers tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test

Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@gmail.com D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

Best wishes to County Roscommon Ploughing Championships from

090 64 94311

Fitzmaurice TD Mobile:

086 1914565 Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie

Irish Farmers Association

Goff Street, Roscommon

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

Tel.: 090 6625235

Our reputation has been built on client satisfaction

The Irish Farmers Association

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

FRANCIS REGAN Fencing

PEAT BEDDING FOR SALE Contact: Donal

Ltd

For all your fencing needs!

TURF OR PLOTS OF TURF FOR SALE l

GLAS Fencing

l

Grant Fencing

086 2721812

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association

Cllr Emer

KELLY

Chartered Accountants & Statutory Audit Firm Telephone:

Michael

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

MICHAEL CUDDY & CO

1 Fry Place, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

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

Bringing a fresh perspective to local politics

Phone: 087 0664568 Email: emerk1999@gmail.com Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: Cllr Emer Kelly

l

Post Rail

Tel: 087 2172281

29

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

Flashback to 2018 Roscommon Ploughing Championships

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from ess In Businyears over 30 Rain Water Storage

Have your Own Well

Mountain Stream, River or Lake

At Waterteck we provide Filtration Systems which give you a superior quality water supply from any of the above sources.

Photos: Andrew Fox

Well Drilling /Pump Installation/Water Analysis/Recommendations

WATERTECK 2000 Rooskey, South Leitrim.

07196 58976 / 086 8072249

waterteck@eircom.net

www.waterteck.com

Cllr. John

KEOGH

Rose Cottage, Cloongowna, Bealnamullia, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Tel: 087 6440534 cllrjkeogh@roscommoncoco.ie

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

DRUMSHANBO MART PLC

Friday (evening) 25th of March at 7pm

RING 1: SALE OF DRY COWS followed by Sucklers and In-calf Cows RING 2: SALE Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Martin Connolly

Milltown Castleplunkett Co. Roscommon Telephone: (094) 9651160 (086) 2341041 Precision Chop Silage, Slurry Spreading, etc.

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Seamus Croghan

Groundwork and Concrete Specialist SPECIALISING IN THE FOLLOWING

l Civil Engineering l Site Clearance & Site Layout l Raft and Strip Foundations

l Pipework and Septic Tank insulation to E.P.A. standards. l Brick & Block paving and Kerbing

P:

086 8720720

email: seamuscroghan58@hotmail.com

Free Quotations and Advice offered

DONAL KILDUFF Athlone Local Electoral Area Roscommon County Council

INDEPENDENT

Phone: 086 8579459

Email: cllrdkilduff@roscommoncoco.ie

Loy-fe lessons in Kilbegnet B

RING 3: SALE

OF BULLOCKS AND WEANLING BULLS Thursday, March 24th at 7pm

SHEEP SALE

Saturday, March 26th at 10am

HORSE, PONY AND DONKEY SALE License No. 003868

< DAN DOONER

Tel: 071-9641116 or 071-9641117 Mobile: 086 8392568 Fax: 071 9641118

ack in April 2019, before the

world had heard of the dreaded ‘novel coronavirus’ which would soon lead to the cancellation of local events including the Roscommon Ploughing Championships, this writer had a brush with manual labour in the form of a loy plough!

I was part of a group which included loy aficionado Gerry Browne, Pauline Scott, John and his father, the late Noel Hanley, and the former Lord Mayor of Kilnamanagh, Gerry Jago.

While I didn’t exactly set the world of the loy alight, I did learn a few life lessons during the experience.

The two Gerrys dished out expert guidance as I sunk the loy into the earth and attempted to stay on the straight and narrow.

Advice such as ‘Keep to your line!’ and ‘Don’t go too far!’ has proved just as valuable in everyday life as it did that day in Kilbegnet.

While loy ploughing has become a dying tradition, there is something about the practice which should be embraced in modern times.

It’s about being mindful and completely focussed on the task in hand, one line, one furrow at a time. It was no wonder that my fellow Dub, Gerry Jago, spoke glowingly about his time

OF STORE AND WEANLING HEIFERS

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

ROSCOMMON

AGRICULTURAL

SHOW Will be held in Hannon’s Grounds, Athlone Road, Roscommon

THE SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 20th AUGUST 2022 Flashback: Roscommon People reporter, Dan Dooner, pictured with Gerry Jago on the Hanley family farm in Kilbegnet in April, 2019.

as an All-Ireland competitor.

On Sunday, April 3rd, Gerry Browne will once again host the Loy competition, this time on the lands of the Lambert family in Rockfield. I would certainly urge readers to keep it in mind if attending this year’s County Ploughing Championships.

Classes for Horses, Cattle, Ponies, Sheep, Dogs, etc.

Best Dog Section in the County - 2 free classes Under 12 years: 1-Boys 1-Girls

Phone Annette 089 3491425

• TROPHIES FOR ALL CLASSES

Big Section + Free Kids events on the day Phone Damien Hannon on: (086) 8509845 or Christy Tully PRO (086) 2209338 for further details

30

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships) Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY, 24TH MARCH:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS MONDAY, 28TH MARCH:

BULLOCK SALE THURSDAY, 31ST MARCH:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS INCLUDING SALE OF 23 CONTINENTAL CROSS RUNNERS, 5 MONTHS APPROX. MONDAY, 4TH APRIL:

BULLOCK SALE Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.

Cllr. Laurence FALLON

CATHAOIRLEACH, OF ATHLONE MUNICIPAL AREA ‘Please shop local.

When shopping online, support local businesses’

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Tel. 090 6488232 M: 086 8575512 E: cllrlfallon@roscommoncoco.ie Shop local, support local, stay local, stay safe!

‘Thank God we had farming during lockdown!’

Mary delighted with return of the ploughing < DAN DOONER

T

he Chairperson of the

Roscommon Ploughing Association said she was pleased the event was returning to the county next month following a three-year hiatus due to Covid-19.

Mary Conry-Candler said the decision to stage the Ploughing Championships on Sunday, April 3rd had received the full backing of the committee and its supporters.

“It was very lastminute. com as the fella says, but it is great that everyone was so enthusiastic about hosting it again this year,” she said.

“We needed to host the county championships so as to have qualifiers for the All-Ireland Ploughing Championships, which take place in September in Ratheniska in Laois”.

Mary, a former Roscommon IFA Chairperson and suckler farmer based in the parish of Ballintubber, said Covid-19 had posed a number of challenges to farmers and those involved in the popular event.

“A lot of our members were out and about doing their bit of work during

the pandemic…thank God we had farming and something to do during the restrictions,” she said.

“We held a meeting a couple of weeks ago in Kenny’s in Rockfield (before the final decision to proceed with County Ploughing Championships) and the local people all seemed very happy to get on board”.

The hard-working chairperson said it was important to stage the championships in as many different areas of the county as possible. She paid tribute to Michael and Ann Lambert and family, who will host the event this year on their lands at Rockfield.

“We like to move the Ploughing Championships around to different areas as much as possible to support farming communities across Roscommon and to highlight each area,” she said.

“The Ploughing Championships and Field Day will follow its usual format this year and will begin at 12 noon in Rockfield (F42 V383). There will be tractor, horse and vintage ploughing and trade stands on the day. The Roscom-

Mary Conry-Candler pictured with fellow ploughing enthusiast Padraig Nolan at a Roscommon Ploughing Championship launch night in 2019. Photo: Mick McCormack

mon Hunt Society and Roscommon Vintage Club will also be taking part and there will also be the traditional Loy ploughing competition with Gerry Browne”.

There will be a total of €3,000 in prize money up

for grabs on Sunday, April 3rd and this year’s main sponsors are Lambert Tractors.

“There will be food available on the day as well as a Hunt chase, junior and senior competitions and a craft village,” Mary said.

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Noel Neilan Agri & Plant Hire l

Slurry Pipeline System l

- Mowing - Baling & Wrapping - Silage Wagon Pit & Self Propelled - Track Excavators - Hedgecutting

CONTACT NOEL ON (087) 6774097 OR DAVID ON (087) 2702754 Best wishes to Roscommon Ploughing from

C & G Quarries Williamstown, Co. Galway

Tel: 087 2601639

READYMIX CONCRETE Suppliers of Maintenance - Pea Gravel - 804 l Broken and Round Stone l Drainage Chip l Washed Sand

l

Flashback to the last Roscommon Ploughing Championships…held in Kilbegnet in 2019. Photo: Mick McCormack

“The ploughing was last held in 2019 in Kilbegnet, Creggs so we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to what we hope will be another successful Roscommon Ploughing Championships,” Mary concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

31

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

MORAN Agri Contractors

For all your Agricultural Needs including: • Wagon or precision chopped silage • Baling • Ploughing • Harrowing • Fencing & Digging • 2 systems for Slurry Spreading Splash Plate & Dribble Bar Suitable for Glas Scheme

For more information on any of our services call

Declan – 086 3049851 or Vincent – 086 4044214 Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Calls for younger farmers to plough on!

Flashback to the last Roscommon Ploughing Championships…held in Kilbegnet in 2019. Photo: Mick McCormack

< DAN DOONER

R

oscommon Ploughing Asso-

ciation Chairperson, Mary Conry-Candler, says farming has come a long way in recent years and welcomed the fact that more and more women are now taking leading roles in agriculture.

“We have women ploughing now which is great. Women have always been involved in farming, of course. They were doing most of the milking and putting the

brown bread on the table and getting the children out the door while himself swanned about at the marts…sure the women didn’t have the time to be doing that!”

Mary is a farmer herself and has been at the forefront of the local agricultural scene.

“I was IFA Chairperson for Roscommon…I think the only female one so far too,” she said.

“Sadly, when my father died I had to throw my hat into the ring.

At times it was difficult because

it was a male-dominated world… but I got over that and now I’ll rock up anywhere!”

While the increasing number of female farmers is most welcome, Mary says there is a need for younger people to come onboard in Roscommon.

“We would be calling on younger people to get involved…there are some great lads and lassies out there involved in farming in Roscommon. The trouble is that traditional events such as the Loy

Flashback to the last Roscommon Ploughing Championships…held in Kilbegnet in 2019. Photo: Mick McCormack

and vintage ploughing is going to die out if younger people don’t carry it on. I would encourage people to come out to the Ploughing on Sunday, April 3rd and see how it’s done,” she said.

With new recruits and the future of the county ploughing in mind, a Novice Ploughing competition will take place on the Lamberts’ land in Rockfield on Saturday, April 2nd. Mary says it begins at 12 noon and all are welcome to come and take part.

ROSCOMMON TYRE CENTRE Props: Aaron & Colin Mullally

Circular Road, Roscommon

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

Councillor JOE MURPHY Cathaoirleach Roscommon County Council

Telephone:

0861052197

32

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

Macra welcomes tillage support, seeks more!

M

acra na Feirme has welcomed Cabinet approved of a €12 million support package for the tillage sector in Ireland aimed at increasing the area under tillage crops this year but said the sector would require further support.

Commenting on the an-

nouncement this week, Macra’s National President John Keane said sustained investment is needed.

“A serious effort and sustained investment and policy change is needed to grow the tillage sector in Ireland.

The department must support sustained growth in the sector

long term,” he said.

Macra na Feirme has called on the Government to clarify the details of the scheme as soon as possible, as clarity is required on the issue of the crop diversification rule and whether the area under wild bird cover can be replaced and planted.

“Unfortunately, the major issue of soaring input price remains unaddressed. Specific actions are needed to address the cost of fertilizer inputs on both tillage crops and also for grassland farmers,” Mr. Keane said.

“The rising cost of diesel, which is expected to add an

extra €15 to €25 an acre to the cost of first cut silage per acre, is another challenge on top of the increase in the cost of plastic and a continued shortage of labour”.

Macra na Feirme has been clear about what is required to address the needs of farmers in order to help to create

food security. Fuel, fodder and fertilizer supports are all required in order to help farmers address the instability in the current market.

“Farmers are integral to ensuring food security and need to be supported in order to meet the demands facing them,” concluded Mr. Keane.

KENNY’S

Rockfield Inn ROCKFIELD Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association

All functions and parties catered for.

Telephone 086 8129635 Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

ROBERT FLYNN

THE SQUARE, CASTLEREA, ROSCOMMON - Tel: (094) 9620028

Spring has arrived: Buy early and don’t be disappointed.

Vegetables Just arrived - Early seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots, red onions, vegetable seeds are half the price of pre-packed seeds, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, leeks, and turnips.

Potatoes Early seed potatoes – Duke of York British Queens, - Homegard, – all available at Flynns Castlerea

Firearms Fully licensed firearms dealer - No longer want to license your firearm?

We can store or destroy it for a small fee. Shotgun cartridges, bullets, clay pigeons, and all accessories are available.

Animals 2022 fishing season permits - large range of fishing tackle, rods, reels, spinners and spoons.

Weak or orphaned lambs, you need Frisky by the bag or by the pound.

Bottle tops, biestings, infra-red lamps.

Wild-bird care, wide selection of peanuts, wild-bird seed, robin and songbird mix.

Special offer: 25kg peanuts only €49. Bird tables and feeders in stock.

Garden Flower seeds and wild flower seeds - Hayseed acres and ½ acres, lawn seed, sulphate iron, or lawn sand for moss in lawns, all available. Summer flowering bulbs, gladiolus lily, and dahlia available.

Keycutting service available for all types of keys – cylinder, mortice, padlock, etc.

Watch battery and strap replacement service also offered, as well as a photocopying service.

All at Robert Flynn, the Square, Castlerea. 094 9620028.

Flashback to Roscommon Ploughing Championships

Photos: Andrew Fox & Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships) Advertorial

Advice on how to start your Succession Plan < TOMMIE FALLON (IFAC)

G

iven the rising age

profile of Irish farmers, it is worrying that so few have a formal succession plan. This not only puts farmers’ own financial security at risk, but it also potentially lines up problems for their families and successors.

As with all business decisions, the starting point for succession planning is clarifying your objectives. Do you want to continue to be involved in the farm? Have you a successor in mind? Have you clarified your family’s wishes? Asking your accountant or agri-advisor to chair a family meeting can be a good way to tease matters out and ensure that

the decisions you make are not overly influenced by emotional factors.

A key decision will be whether the transfer of your business will take place during your lifetime or after your death. Your accountant will explain your options and help you choose which is best for your business.

If you decide on a lifetime transfer, you will need to protect your personal financial security and ensure that you will have adequate retirement income for you and your spouse/partner.

You can then decide what provision to make for your children. Remember a site can be given by a parent to a child tax-free provided the site is less than an acre and valued at less than

€500,000.

The Income Tax impact of your plan on both you and your successor will need to be reviewed.

Factors that can affect this include off-farm earnings, whether you intend to continue to draw an income from the farm, and so on.

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

MIDLAND PAINTERS

Agricultural Sheds Washed, Primed and Painted.

All work guaranteed, fully insured.

Call for a free quote 086 8770711 or 083 2070158 Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

Tommie Fallon Ifac, Roscommon

WARD BROS QUARRY

SUPPLIERS OF ALL TYPES OF: • Stone • Sand & Gravel • Topsoil • Readymix • Plant Hire

You then need to look at the impact of capital taxes: Capital Acquisitions Tax (33%) is charged to the transferee – however, subject to satisfying certain conditions, Agricultural Relief can eliminate this liability.

Capital Gains Tax (33%) is charged to the transferor. If you are aged under 66 and passing the farm to

33

FOR KEENEST QUOTES CALL

071 96 33222

E: wardbrosltd@gmail.com

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

a family member, CGT relief is unlimited provided you satisfy the relevant conditions. If you are over 66, the relief is restricted to €3m. The rules are more complicated for transfers outside the family.

There is a cumulative lifetime cap of €70,000 on the amount of tax relief that a young trained farmer can claim for stamp duty relief, stock relief and the succession farm partnerships tax credit.

For transfers after death, only Capital Acquisition Tax is payable. The rate is 33% on amounts received

above a certain threshold. For parent to child transfers, the threshold is €320,000.

Regardless of how and when you intend to transfer the farm, once you know your objectives, you can document a sensible succession plan that will protect you, your family and your business. You will then need to update your Will to reflect the decisions you have made. *Contact Tommie Fallon in ifac’s Roscommon office today for an initial chat to get the ball rolling.

Lawnmowers from

€250 Complete back-up service and spare parts stocked Delivery and pick-up service available

Contact Anthony 086 786 6774 Facebook: Cllr Anthony Waldron Twitter: CllrAnthonyW Instagram: cllranthonywaldron

Don’t lose a slice of your farm.

With over 40 years’ experience, we understand that every succession story is unique.

To plan ahead and secure peace of mind for you, your family and your farm’s future, contact our specialist team of advisors today.

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

Call us today to create your Succession Plan.

From our files: Maeve and Therese Gately pictured at the 2018 County Roscommon Ploughing Championships. Picture: Andrew Fox

34

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

FARMING MATTERS (Incorporating 2022 Ploughing Championships)

Best of luck to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

(Proudly serving farmers for over 62 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Friday, March 25th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks 107 pens of Bullocks on offer - Yard opens at 7 a.m.

Also Heifers & Dry Cows ----------------------

Friday, April 1st at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers & Breeding Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. Monday, 28th March ----------------------

Tuesday, March 29th at 4 p.m.

End of the Month Special Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. Thursday, 24th March ----------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

----------------------

Sheep Scanning Service Each Wednesday - Strictly 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

----------------------

Complete Dispersal Dairy Sale For John & Caitriona Carley Corristoona, Ballintubber, Co.Roscommon (Conducted by TAAFFE AUCTIONS) at Roscommon Mart on Saturday, April 9th at 12 Noon Entire PBNR Milking Herd (Good EBI) 90 Cows – Excellent Butterfat & Protein with good Milk Solids 19 Maiden Heifers,15 Fr Heifer Calves & 2 Purebred Lim Bulls TB Free Herd for over 30 years. Export Tested with immediate Export on sale day.

Catalogues available & on Line at www.taaffeauctions.com Also A Maiden Heifer will be auctioned on the day of the sale with all proceeds donated to Roscommon/Mayo Hospice.

Enquiries to Taaffe Auctions 041 9881288 ----------------------

Monster Easter Farm Machinery Auction & Effects

Saturday, 16th April at 11.30 a.m. sharp Entries to Roscommon Mart up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 14th Entry fees for all items – Sale online with LSL and also at ringside Enquires to 090 6626352 Tom – 087 2602909 – John 086 3077091

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Find us on facebook

After Roscommon…the not so small matter of those epic national finals!

W

hile the Roscom-

mon Ploughing will take centre stage in this region on Sunday week, the build-up also continues to the returning national championships.

The largest outdoor event on the Irish calendar is set for a fantastic comeback this year after a two-year absence, returning to the familiar venue of Ratheniska, County Laois, on Sep-

tember 20th, 21st, and 22nd.

The trade exhibition portal for exhibitors to book stand space is now open, following much anticipation. Book early to avail of early bird rates.

For all details please see npa.ie.

2019 saw the biggest event to date, with an attendance of almost 300,000. Already there is an incredibly positive

reaction from exhibitors, patrons and visitors alike for #Ploughing2022, as companies are anxious to get back trading and people are keen to do business again.

Anna May McHugh (NPA Managing Director) said: “I’m delighted to be in a position to announce that the Trade Exhibition Portal for this year’s National Ploughing Championships is

now open following a large volume of enquiries and requests from all over the country and significant international interest.

“NPA continue to make a determined effort to improve exhibitor and visitor experience alike, and this year will see the biggest area to date allocated to exhibition and demonstrations.

The NPA’s core mission is to create a pleasant,

friendly and vibrant place for people to meet and do business and this is always our priority”.

For information regarding this year’s National Ploughing Championships, please see npa. ie or call 059 8625125, where the exhibition team will be on hand to assist as you prepare for this year’s event. Follow the build-up and journey to #Ploughing2022 online.

Roscommon MART WATCH There was a good entry of cattle on offer at our Bank Holiday sale on Friday, March 18th. Trade was strong for all lots, with a large number of buyers in attendance.

Bullock numbers were small due to the upcoming special sale on Friday next. Lots averaged from €2.34 per kilo up to €2.79 per kilo. Heifer prices ranged an average of €2.70 per kilo up to €3.64 per kilo. There were up to sixty dry cows on offer, with prices averaging from €2.21 per kilo up to €2.82 per kilo.

This Friday, March 25th, at 11 am, we will host our end-ofmonth special sale of bullocks and general sale of heifers and dry cows.

On April 1st, we will have our special sale of heifers and breeding heifers, and general sale of bullocks and dry cows. Bookings will be accepted until 5 pm on Monday, March 28th.

Numbers were slightly back on the previous week at our weanling sale on Tuesday, March 22nd. Weanling bulls averaged from €2.68 per kilo up to €3.43

per kilo, and weanling heifers fetched from an average of €2.71 per kilo up to €3.25 per kilo.

Again this week, customers were actively sourcing stock both online and at the ringside.

Our end-of-month special sale of weanlings and also suckler cows takes place on Tuesday, March 29th, at 4 pm. Bookings will be accepted until 5 pm today (Thursday, March 24th).

The numbers on offer at our sheep sale on Wednesday, March 23rd, were well increased from the previous week, with an improvement in trade for all classes.

Hoggets made up to €170, stag ewes fetched up to €200, and ewes and lambs made up to €330 for four ewes with eight lambs at foot.

Our next sheep sale for lambs and cast ewes is on Wednesday, March 30th, at 11 am. Our sheep scanning service runs from 9 am to 10 am. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for heifers: Char

X 705kgs €1950, Char X 620kgs €1900, Char X 680kgs €1900, Char X 575kgs €1850, Char X 595kgs €1800, AAX 645kgs €1700, Lim X 600kgs €1700, Char X 580kgs €1700, Char X 515kgs €1590, Lim X 455kgs €1660, Lim 535kgs €1490, Lim X 465kgs €1500, 2 Char X 495kgs €1520, AAX 555kgs €1400, 3 Lim X 480kgs €1400, 4 AAX 547kgs €1330, Sim X 490kgs €1290, Char X 350kgs €1150.

Bullocks: HEX 545kgs €1350, AAX 475kgs €1230, AAX 420kgs €1170, 2 AUX 350kgs €820.

Dry cows: Lim X 835kgs €2340, Char X 865kgs €2280, Lim X 780kgs €2230, Char X 785kgs €2080, Lim X 800kgs €2080, Char X 765kgs €2020, Lim X 730kgs €1980, BBX 755kgs €1870, Simm X 620kgs €1740, SAX 720kgs €1700, Char 715kgs €1620, Lim X 550kgs €1560, BBX 645kgs €1580, AAX 685kgs €1540, Sim X 635kgs €1500, Char X 600kgs €1560.

Weanling heifers: Lim X 375kgs

€1120 - €2.98 per kilo, Lim X 360kgs €1110 - €3.08 per kilo, Char X 380kgs €1100 - €2.89 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €1010 - €3.25 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €1010 - €3.15 per kilo, Char X 280kgs €830 - €2.96 per kilo, Lim X 285kgs €830 - €2.91 per kilo, BAX 265kgs €740 - €2.79 per kilo, BAX 255kgs €730 €2.86 per kilo, Char X 300kgs €960 - €3.20 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Char X 440kgs €1360 - €3.09 per kilo, Char X 370kgs €1270 - €3.43 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €970 - €3.28 per kilo, AAX 350kgs €1040 €2.97 per kilo, Char X 335kgs €1080 - €3.22 per kilo, Char X 370kgs €1110 - €3 per kilo, Lim X 345kgs €1060 - €3.07 per kilo, Char X 330kgs €1000 - €3.03 per kilo.

Finished hoggets: 63.50kgs €170, 68kgs €170, 57kgs €169, 59.6kgs €169, 50.5kgs €163, 49.5kgs €160, 61.5kgs €167, 46.4kgs €153, 48.6kgs €150.

Store hoggets: 41.70kgs €130, 41.20kgs €130, 41.50kgs €125, 43.30kgs €120, 42kgs €148.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

35

c. 85 Acres @ Corramore, Athleague 6 Year Term from 1st April c.72 Acres @ Tullyvarran, Curraghroe with Slatted Shed & Cubicle Shed Until 1st February 2023 c.56.25 Acres @ Ardmore, Donamon with Slatted Shed 6 Year Term from 1st April c.54.25 Acres @ Coolusty & Keenagh, Athleague In three lots with six bay shed & commonage 6 Year Term from 1st April c.49 Acres @ Lismurtagh, Tulsk In two adjoining lots 6 Year Term from 1st April c.31.60 Acres @ Bracklin, Donamon with Entitlements Until 1st February 2023 c. 25.90 Acres @ Lisnagavragh, Four Roads 6 Year Term from 1st April c.16.40 Acres @ Carrowreagh, Athleague 6 Year Term from 1st April

36

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

PropertyPeople SEAMUS CARTHY SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

NEW TO THE MARKET

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

ONLINE AUCTIONS

Ardsallagh More, Roscommon Town, F42 NT98

Durrow, Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon, F45 KX24

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 2 key feature 1  Property 2 key feature 2  Property 2 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 3 key feature 1  Property 3 key feature 2  Property 3 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 4 key feature 1  Property 4 key feature 2  Property 4 key feature 3

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 5 key feature 2  Property 5 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 6 key feature 1  Property 6 key feature 2  Property 6 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 7 key feature 1  Property 7 key feature 2  Property 7 key feature 3

 Property 1 key feature 1  Property 1 key feature 2  Property 1 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

Online Auction 28th April

AMV: ¤000,000

Quality 4/5 Bedroom Detached Bungalow set in a most Sought AMV: ¤000,000 AMV: ¤000,000 After Location in the heart of Roscommon Town Guide Price: €300,000 www.reacarthy.ie

AMV: ¤000,000

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME,

Detached 3 Bedroom Bungalow in TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE Property 8 key feature 1 the centre ofBallymoe Village.

Property 8 key feature 2 8 key feature 3 AMV: Property €70,000 AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

1 Ballyglass, Lanesboro, 090 66 30001 Co. Roscommon, N39 P8C3

NEW TO THE MARKET

PSRA Licence No: 002782

Doon Upper, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 W424

Online Auction 7th April

Traditional 3 Bedroom Bungalow with Traditional Outbuildings on 1.1 Acres.

Guide Price: €150,000

2/3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow with Detached Fuel Store set on 0.37 Acre mature site.

BER: G. AMV: €80,000

Naomh Brid, Patricks Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45 KP73

FOR SALE

Online Auction 7th April

The Arches, The Walk, Roscommon Town, F42 R996

Impressive and Modern 6 Bedroom B&B/Residence in Roscommon Town Guide Price: €550,000

DUE TO CANCELLATION Site at Castle Avenue, Castle Street, Roscommon Town

3 Bedroom Mid Terrace Residence, requiring Refurbishment and offering select Town Centre location.

BER: E1 AMV: €70,000

Hazelfort, Lisacul, Castlerea, Roscommon, F45 FC42 Online Auction 31st March

3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow presented in excellent condition, set on approximately 9 acres of Land .054 Hec Site with F.P.P for 3 Bed 125 Sq.M Detached Bungalow offering Obvious Potential set in the set in the heart of Roscommon Town.

VillageSALE of Lisacul.

SALE TYPE TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE TYPE TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE Guide Price: €75,000 Guide Price: €130,000

SEAMUS CARTHY

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 2 key feature 1  Property 2 key feature 2  Property 2 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 3 key feature 1  Property 3 key feature 2  Property 3 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 4 key feature 1  Property 4 key feature 2  Property 4 key feature 3

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 5 key feature 2  Property 5 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 6 key feature 1  Property 6 key feature 2  Property 6 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 7 key feature 1  Property 7 key feature 2  Property 7 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 8 key feature 1  Property 8 key feature 2  Property 8 key feature 3

 Property 1 key feature 1  Property 1 key feature 2  Property 1 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

www.reacarthy.ie

Sale closed this week at RE/MAX Team Earley

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

090 66 30001 PSRA Licence No: 002782

This week, RE/MAX Team Earley are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of a quality five-bedroomed, detached, two-storey residence, located at 12 The Paddocks in Athleague village.

This property was brought to the market in excellent conditions throughout, finished to a very high standard To the rear of the property is a beautiful, mature garden, with a paved patio area, a manicured lawn, and an array of shrubs and flowers. There is ample off street parking available towards the front on the tarmac driveway, which also features a manicured lawn and mature shrubs. There is gated side access both sides of the property.

We are currently looking for similar properties in all areas for cash buyers.

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact RE/MAX Team

Earley, Stonecourt Roscommon on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact auctioneer Cormac directly on 086-3519492.

Quality two-storey residence in Glenamaddy REA Seamus Carthy are delighted to present to the market a quality, four-bedroomed, detached, two-storey residence, located at No.16 Lake View, Glenamaddy.

The subject property is situated in a select residential estate within walking distance to all local amenities in Glenamaddy.

The property benefits from a high level of finish, and is presented in excellent condition both internally and externally.

The residences comprises of a living room, dining room, kitchen/dining room, utility, WC, and an office/sitting room/ playroom on the ground floor, and there are four double bedrooms (one ensuite) and a family bathroom at first floor. There is direct access to the attic via a solid staircase, with two storage rooms offering obvious further potential.

Viewing comes highly recom-

mended and immediate enquiries are advised. The guide price for this property is €300,000.

Exceptional appetite for quality family homes in Roscommon REA Seamus Carthy are delighted to confirm their continued exceptionally busy period, selling a number of properties daily in particular quality family homes at the upper end of the market.

Through their office in Roscommon town they have successfully negotiated the conclusion of the sales of the following properties this week: Weekfield (Ballyleague), The Paddocks (Athleague), Roxboro (Roscommon town), Golf Links Road (Roscommon town), Arch Court (Roscommon town), and Oaklawn Drive (Roscommon town). As well as number of properties in the surrounding townlands of Ballinaheglish, Fourmilehouse and Cloverhill.

We are now seeking quality family homes throughout the county for a substantial list of underbidders. If you are thinking of selling contact REA Seamus Carthy, Goff Street, Roscommon Town, on 090-6630001.

For more information, contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 090-6630001.

LICENCING OF GRAZING LAND

BY SEALED TENDER

St. Brigid’s Campus, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

The HSE are inviting Offers for the grazing of land around St Brigids Hospital, Ballinasloe, Co Galway. The proposed Licence period will be 1st May 2022 – 30th November 2022 and Sealed Tenders are to be submitted by 12 noon, Thursday, 14th April 2022.

The Lots on Offer are as follows: Lot 1: 7.28 ha (18 Acres) Lot 3: 8.09 ha (20 Acres) Lot 4: 3.64 ha (8.99 Acres) Lot 5: 4.40 ha (10.88 Acres) Lot 6: 3.4 ha (8.4 Acres) Lot 7: 8.08ha (20 Acres) Lot 8: 25.49ha (63 Acres) Lot Maps, Sealed Tender Form and further details are available from: ROTHWELL STAUNTON & ASSOCIATES Auctioneers 6 Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Phone: (090) 9642258 Email: rothwellauct1@gmail.com Tenders may be hand delivered or posted by registered post to the Auctioneers.

Closing date for receipt of Tenders is Thursday, 14th April 2022 at 12 noon.

Terms and conditions apply.

37

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No. 004420

Cormac 086 3519492

Cathal 086 1409158

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

4 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

12.5 ACRES (APPROX) OF PRIME LANDS LOCATED AT

GRANLAHAN, BALLINLOUGH, C0. ROSCOMMON F45 RY23

A Quality family detached residence located in the Village of Granlahan.

Comprising briefly of reception/hallway, living room, kitchen, sitting room, 4 bedrooms in all with master ensuite family bathroom, large garage/utility, standing on a site area of approx 0.5 of an acre with mature gardens set to front and rear with beautiful views of the countryside, garage/shed set to rear.

The Auctioneer now invites viewings and all offers to sell.

NEW TO THE MARKET FORMER 2 BEDROOMED SEMI DETACHED RESIDENCE IN THE CENTRE OF

CARNS, TULSK, CO. ROSCOMMON AMV: €120,000 o.n.o.

The sale of these said lands must offer all farmers a great opportunity to acquire lands in this regarded farming area between Roscommon & Tulsk Services: Mains water, Cattle Crush & Pen Folio No. RN22427 Quality land with cattle crush and holding pen Legals: Terry O’Keefe Roscommon 0906626239 The Auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and offers to sell.

DUE TO CANCELLATION INDUSTRIAL UNIT

ROXBORO ROSCOMMON F42 XF54 AMV: €250,000

LOUGHGLYNN VILLAGE F45 X725 STANDING ON A SUPERIOR SITE AREA OF APPROX 0.76 OF AN ACRE

AMG: PRICE ON APPLICATION This former semi detached residence is need of complete restoration throughout standing on a site area of approx. 0.76 of an acre with detached shed set to side with majestic views over Lough Lynn.

The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and offers to sell.

A primely located commercial property of approx. 9,700 sq.ft standing on a large site area with extensive hard top forecourt area. The said property is located approx. 4km from Roscommon Town and would suit various commercial pursuits due size and location.

Servicing the said property are 3 number electric roller doors with 2 number loading bays on the front elevation. There is also an ample supply of good quality water available from an on site source.

The Auctioneers now invite immediate viewings for immediate sale.

Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796.

Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 or Cathal 086 1409158 Email: teamearley@remax.ie • Web: www.teamearley.ie

38

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Celebrating St.Patrick’s Weekend

Drone image showing the St Patrick’s Day parade in Elphin as it moved through the town. Pic: Derek Fetherstone

John Flynn pictured with his two granddaughters, Holly and Amber Flynn, during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballaghaderreen.

In full voice: Pictured beside their float are members of Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed, overall winners at the recent St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

St Attracta’s Band pictured performing during the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballaghaderreen.

Pic: Mick McCormack

Ballaghaderreen Tennis Club entry pictured during the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

‘St Patrick’ (Brendan Garvey) pictured during the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured leading the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballaghaderreen on Thursday is Grand Marshal Angela Hiney with her son Michael.

Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured enjoying the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballaghaderreen were Lucy, Jasemine and Bernie Sharkey. Pic: Mick McCormack

Just married! Pictured during the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballaghaderreen is the float for Lisa Heffernan Design. Pic: Mick McCormack

Busy Bees: Pictured is Duffy’s SuperValu’s float at the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

39

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Celebrating St.Patrick’s Weekend

Overall winner of the Jacinta O’Toole Memorial Cup at the Ballintubber St Patrick’s Day parade was Kenny’s Lounge with ‘The Cathy Brown Show’. (Well done to Mike Silver creations.)

Pictured promoting green dog walkers during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballintubber, were Ballintubber Tidy Towns’ Dog Walkers.

Pictured during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballintubber is the float for Garvey’s Bar, which won second prize overall.

Pictured during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy were (on right) Cllr Peter Keaveney (Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council) and Padraig Mulhair. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy were Keiran and Aveen Kelly. Pic: Mick McCormack

The lucky sheep: Pictured is the Malone family’s float, winners in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballintubber.

Pictured participating in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballintubber is Castleplunkett National School.

Pictured during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy were Tara Rose, Stephanie Noone, and Eathen O’Brien. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured participating in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Ballintubber is Castleplunkett National School.

Pictured during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy were Jarleth, Noah, and Aaron Hughes. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy were members of the O’Brien and Webb families. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy were George and Declan Ward. Pic: Mick McCormack

40

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Classifieds

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

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

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

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Chimney CCTV Inspection OIL BOILERS SERVICED Burners Repaired CARPETS CLEANING Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851 www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

CHIROPRACTOR

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

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

VHI and Laya Covered

COMPUTERS

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

NO FIX NO FEE

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal.

Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance.

Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

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

COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey

Construction l

Submit your Classified online

COUNSELLING

l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV Inspections l Chimney Repair - Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA

MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

Send your Classified advertisement to

094 96 20099

advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

086 8936012

or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Mobile:

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FARMING < FOR SALE: BB Hex LM AA SPX Bulls and Heifers.

Orders now taken for calves.

Call Mark: 086 1996367 < SILAGE BALES FOR SALE: €23 each, Castlerea area. Tel: 086 7351912

FENCING/GATES

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

For all your fencing needs.

GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l

Tel: 087 2172281

Des Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

087 2346364

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: All types of trees and hedgings, Laurel, Beech, Whitethorn, can be delivered. Tel: 087 4177148 < FOR SALE: 2010 Toyota Corolla 1.4 petrol, navy blue in colour, NCT and taxed for six months. Tel: 086 0604021 < FOR SALE: 2 Queen Anne armchairs for sale, good condition, 2 diesel tanks. 06 Citroen C4, 1 owner from new, 160,000 genuine mileage, NCT till end of June, taxed till end of July. Various lengths of steel girders, long ones dipped. Tel: 083 8828882

GARDENING

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193 GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available

GARDENING

PLANNINGS

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

l

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com HOLISTIC COUNSELLING

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

086 3482387

Phone John on

087 2860428

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

GATELY GARDENING

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

FAMILY NOTICES

HolHolistic isic Counselling & Psychotherapy Counselling & Are any of the following issues Psychotherapy

AreImpacti any ng yourof daily lthe ife. following issues Stress, Panic, Anxiety, Depressi on, impacting your daily OCD, Grief, life: Abuse?

Stress, Panic, Anxiety, You Don’t have to deal wiOCD, th it Depression, Grief, Abuse?

On your own.

You don’t have to deal with Giitve yoursel onf a your gift of therapy. own Give yourself a gift of Contact: Nora therapy 0858007355Nora Contact: 085 800 7355 nj2tiernan@icloud.com nj2tiernan@icloud.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults.

Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Can we help you?

Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for nonpublication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a 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.

41

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Michael J. Ward, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct a livestock underpass and all associated site works across the L1820 road at Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co. Roscommon

Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon.

Mobile: 086 8551835 The planning application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable costs 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 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.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Carroll Consultancy, are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Edward Fox for retention planning permission to retain the following existing agricultural structures (1) Storage and dry bedded sheds (2) Slatted shed with underground slurry storage space along with all associated site works at Carrowreagh, Granlahan, Ballinlough, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the Reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant the application.

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

Telephone: 094 9253742

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

The local paper!

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

PODIATRIST

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

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

By Appointment Only – Tel:

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

(087) 707 5803 (Saturday & evening appointments available)

Co Galway H53 D7W8

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8 Open under Goverment + HSE Guidelines

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

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

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

l

PODIATRIST

• 20 years experience

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved

EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

087 2982214

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

REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

ROOFING

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

Phone:

083 0684011

< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Net bags of seasoned firewood only €3 per bag, buy 20 bags get 1 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf only €35 per bag. Half tonne bags of Ash/Beech only €35 per bag. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 or Tony 087 7055800

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

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

USEFUL SERVICES

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER

PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN CABINET PAINTER AVAILABLE

ONLY €80

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

SERVICE

Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc ....

094 9373445 087 9100477

MG Services

TURF AVAILABLE Bulk bags of Turf available Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

Also loads of Peat bedding for livestock (delivered)

WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn.

We are safety certified and insured.

Phone:

086 2437376 TUITION

• Tiling (Wall and Floor) • Timber Floors • Timber Fencing, Decking • Garden Maintenance • Power Washing AND ALL OTHER JOBS CONSIDERED

FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Phone JOHN

083 8838022 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

Telephone:

087 2478609

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798 Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed?

If so ring:

087 9657933

or 090 66 33084

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

USEFUL SERVICES

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

Phone: 091 416029 Liam or Mick 085 7619827

Affordable Roofing and Gutter Repairs, we replace and install in Roscommon area.

Our Services: • Roof Repairs • Gutter Repairs • New Roofs • Flat Roofs • Gutter Exchange • Lead Valley Roof • Cleaning Gutter • Cleaning

Day 1: Financial Maths Day 2: The Line & The Circle Tuesday 19th April & Wednesday 20th April Jacksons, The Square, Roscommon

Safe Electric Registered.

Domestic and Industrial, All work considered.

No Job too small.

- Booking Deposit Required -

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

email: roofingcontractors27@gmail.com

Phone: 091 416029

Electrician Available

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

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

087 9795226

42

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MONTH’S MIND MASS McDONNELL Ian

Lucan, Co. Dublin and Galway Road, Roscommon.

Who passed away on the 28th January 2022.

Ian’s wife Monica, children, Clodagh, Gareth and Aoife and extended family wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown following the sad and tragic passing of Ian. To all those who sent mass cards, letters of condolences, telephoned, messages of condolence on social media and floral tributes, those who attended the wake, Requiem Mass and burial, those who travelled long distances and from overseas, those who were unable to travel due to COVID -19 restrictions and watched the Funeral Mass via livestream, those who prepared Ian’s final resting place and those who braved the elements in a Guard of Honour to pay their tributes in Lucan and through the town of Elphin, we greatly appreciate your love and support.

Those who provided practical support and brought food and refreshments to the house both in Dublin and Elphin and supported the children in so many ways, we are forever grateful. Many thanks to those who looked after the practicalities of traffic management and ensuring our family home at Caldra (a house held dear in Ian’s heart) was ready to accommodate us all at such short notice.

We would especially like to thank our neighbours, again both in Lucan and Elphin who helped prepare for bringing Ian’s remains home, and for their support during the week Ian was gravely ill in hospital.

We would like to thank the teachers and pupils of Lucan Community College and Scoil Mhuire, Airlie Heights, Lucan for their unending support of the children at this harrowing time. Thank you to Lucan Community Choir, who travelled from Dublin to perform at the Requiem Mass.

Thank you to Fr. Tom Kennedy, P.P., St. Mary’s Lucan for his pastoral support over the difficult days as Ian reposed in his family home in Lucan and prayers prior to Ian’s final journey to Elphin Church on the eve of the Requiem Mass.

Special thanks to Fr. JJ Gannon for celebrating the Funeral Mass, where words seemed futile his sermon provided words of comfort for all of us who grieved.

Indeed his kindness and empathy towards the children will long be remembered.

It is with heartfelt thanks that we wish to acknowledge the outstanding care provided to Ian and our family by Tallaght University Hospital. We also wish to thank the ambulance and paramedic teams and An Garda Siochana for their support and compassion.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Funeral Directors, Cathal and Mary Brady for the professional manner and sensitive way in which the funeral arrangements were carried out.

Our thanks to Edel Murray and the staff of the Percy French Hotel, who provided food and catering.

To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

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

Ian’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 27th March in St. Patrick’s Church, Elphin at 11.30am.

McCONN Teresa (Tess) Abbeygrey, Ballygar, Co. Galway Who passed away on the 23rd March 2019 (3rd Anniversary)

FALLON Eamon

Culleen, Dysart, Co. Roscommon.

Who passed away on 20th March 2021

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words we will never forget.

When thoughts go back, as they always do, we treasure the memories, we have of you.

Always remembered by your loving family.

May she Rest In Peace.

Also remembering our father John McConn who passed away on 15th October 1969.

R.I.P.

The family of the late Eamon Fallon would like to sincerely thank Fr. Francis Beirne for the lovely Funeral Mass and also to Liam, Marian and Maura for the beautiful singing.

We would also like to thank the staff of Tearmainn Bhride Nursing Home, Brideswell for the care they gave to Eamon.

To the grave diggers, all who sent Mass Cards, flowers and condolences, thank you.

To Michael Dempsey who carried out the funeral arrangements and to Eamon’s wonderful neighbours and friends.

A special thank you to Lizzie who looked after Eamon for many years.

Eamon’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated In Dysart Church on Friday, 25th March at 7pm.

SCALLY Mollie Greenfield Road, Lisnamult, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Mollie who passed away on the 24th March 2021.

If you think of John today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Mass offered.

MORAN Michael Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Michael who died on 24th March 2017 You always had a smile to share, time to give and time to care.

A loving nature, a heart of gold, these are the memories we will always hold.

As each day dawns and start anew, as each day ends we think of you and in between no matter where, deep in our hearts you are always there.

Lovingly remembered by his wife Bridie, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughers-inlaw, all your grandchildren and extended family.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 26th March at 7pm.

They say there is a reason they say that time will heal, but neither time or reason will change the way we feel.

For no one knows the heartache that lies behind our smiles no one knows how many times we have broken down and cried.

We want to tell you something so there won’t be any doubt you’re so wonderful to think of, but so hard to be without.

We cannot bring the old day’s back when we were all together, the family chain is broken now, but memories live forever.

With love always from your heartbroken husband Seamus, Padraig, Samantha, Reza and Aileen.

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

So Rest In Peace dear Granny, and thanks for all you’ve done, we pray that God has given you, the crown you’ve truly won.

Your loving grandchildren, Sonya, Tyler, Hayley, Tianna, Cian and Dylan.

LOCALLY OWNED ...

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

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

EDWARDS Chrissie

Croydon, London (formerly Cloonruff, Ballymoe, Co. Galway) Who passed away on 27 March 2021 (Acknowledgement and First Anniversary) R.I.P.

As we lovingly remember Chrissie on her First Anniversary, her sisters Mary and Anne, brothers, Tommy, John (Jack), EJ, Anthony and Larry and extended family members wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all our relatives, neighbours and friends who visited the house, sent mass cards, sympathy cards, letters, phone calls, texts and messages of condolences. We were very touched by the vast amount of messages left on the condolence pages of rip.ie, Flanagans’s Facebook page and other social media platforms.

We also greatly appreciate the lovely flowers and charitable donations and were comforted by everyone’s kindness.

We would like to thank those who attended the Funeral Masses in Croydon and Ballymoe, joined us online via the live stream (due to Covid restrictions), stood outside the church, lined the roadside and came to the graveyard to pay their respects as Chrissie made her way to her final resting place.

A special word of thanks to the emergency services (London Ambulance, London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police) for their efforts, professionalism and support at such a difficult time.

Sincere appreciation and thanks to Fr. Patrick Feyisetan (Croydon), and Fr. Pat O’Toole and Fr. John Mahony (Ballymoe) for their support, comfort and kindness.

Deepest appreciation to the Funeral Directors, Rowland Brothers, Croydon and Niall Flanagan, Ballymoe for all their help, guidance and professionalism. Thanks to the grave diggers for their care and attention in preparing Chrissie’s final resting place.

A special thanks to Annette and Francis Griffin for the lovely singing and music which enhanced the mass so beautifully.

To those who supported us in any way, your kindness is very much appreciated. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation and deepest gratitude.

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

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. . M.F.

43

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MOYLAN Jackie (John)

Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 24th March 2021

On the first anniversary of our beloved Jackie’s death, we, his wife Annie and family, Patricia, Michael, Sean, Fionuala, Tom, Jody, Colm and Adrian wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us on our sad loss.

Thanks for your Mass Cards, Mass Bouquets Enrolments and beautiful flowers. Also, the vast amount of condolences on the pages of RIP.ie and Midwest Radio.

Many thanks to our wonderful neighbours and friends who brought food and refreshments to the house. We cannot thank you enough.

Thank you to the huge crowds who lined the road from our home to the Church and also from the Church to the Cemetery.

Thank you to Eugene and Cynthia O’Connor, Funeral Directors for your compassion and professionalism.

Thank you to Fr. John Gannon for his beautiful Mass and ceremony and also to Tulsk Choir for their fantastic singing.

To our neighbours and friends who prepared Jackie’s final resting place, thank you so much.

Thank you also to our wonderful neighbours who helped out on the farm in those difficult days before and after the Funeral.

To Ballinasloe and Roscommon Hospital, Doctors, Nurses and Carers and also Bluebird Carers who looked after Jackie so well in his final months – thank you.

A special word of thanks to David Callery for the loan of his model Scania truck which would have meant so much to Jackie - thanks David.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept our deepest gratitude.

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

So Rest In Peace, dear Jackie thanks for all you’ve done we pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won.

Jackie’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Tulsk Church, on Sunday, 17th April at 11.30am.

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

DONOGHUE Michael (Mick) Fairymount, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of a dear husband and father who died on the 25th of March 2020 (2nd Anniversary)

HEALY Nora (Nonie)

Cloonlyon, Ballygar, Co. Galway Who passed away 24th March 2021.

Nonie’s family would like to thank you most sincerely for your expressions of sympathy on the sad loss of a beloved Mother and Grandmother.

We did not know that morning, what sorrow the day would bring, when a heart of gold stopped beating, and we couldn’t do a thing.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

We never fail to think of you, we never cease to care, we only wish we could go home, and find you waiting there.

Always loved and forever missed.

Thanks to all who sent mass offerings, telephoned, text messaged and those who expressed condolences online. Your kindness and support at what was a very difficult time for us will always be remembered.

From your wife Mary, daughter Maria, sons Adrian, Gerard, Richie and Damien, daughters-in-law, and your 18 grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 26th of March at 12noon in St Mary’s Church, Ballagh.

Finally, as it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust that you will accept this acknowledgement of our appreciation and gratitude.

To our kind neighbors and all who stood out on the route of her final journey and outside the church for her Funeral Mass, your support was truly moving.

A special thanks to all the management, staff in St. Catherine’s Ward, Dr. O’Meara and Fr. Sean Beirne at the Sacred Heart Hospital for the kindness and care shown to our mum over her nine years there.

Also, we would like to thank Dr. Martin Daly and all at Ballygar Health Centre for their support and care.

Michael who died 9th September 2020 Hernan, Joan who diedJoan 23rd March 2017

Ballygar, Galway The family of Mick and JoanCo. Hernan who died 23rd March 2017 Thank you most sincerely for your kind expressions of sympathy in their bereavement and most especially for your friendship throughout their full and joyous life.

The family of Mick and Joan Hernan Thank you most sincerely for your kind expressions of sympathy in their bereavement but most especially for your friendship throughout their full and joyous life.

KENNY Joan

Celtic Avenue, Co. Roscommon and formerly Tubberconnor, Rahara, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 4th of April 2018 (4th Anniversary)

To David Moran, thank you for your guidance and professionalism throughout. A heartfelt thanks to our neighbors who prepared Nonie’s final resting place with such care and attention.

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

First Anniversary Mass for Nonie will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Friday, 1st April at 7.30pm.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it).

Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. R.T.

Ballygar, Co. Galway, Co. Galway,2020 whoBallygar, died 9th September

MULRY Michael

Rosario, The Walk Roscommon.

(10th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 23rd March 2012.

R.I.P.

Thanks to Fr. Michael Breslin for the touching Funeral Mass and those who facilitated the live stream which was a great comfort to family and friends that could not attend.

May Nonie Rest in Peace

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it).

Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Thanksgiving for favours granted from Jesus, Mary, Saints Jude, St. Claire, thanking you. M.W.

HERNAN

Hernan, Michael A. Michael & Joan

MORAN Killian & Conor Glenamaddy, Co. Galway (6th Anniversary) & (3 month Anniversary)

Today it would be wonderful to see ye play and smile But heaven lent ye to this world for just a little while, Your leaving caused so many tears and such a lot of pain but God needed two more Angels so he took ye back again, And though our hearts are broken and your lives were far too short We thank you sweetest Angels for the happiness ye brought

Loved and missed everyday Mummy, Daddy and Ava, grandparents, great grandmothers, aunty, uncles, cousins and extended family. xxxx Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Glenamaddy on Saturday, 26th March at 7pm.

Treasured memories of a loving Husband, Dad and Grandad

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put His arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away, although we loved you dearly we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Loved and missed by Johnpatrick, Elaine, Susan, Lisa, Richard, grandchildren, Nikita, Kacey, Sarah, Thomas, Josh, Noah, Fiadh and Ethan, brothers Michael and Stephen, sisters Anne and Attracta, family and friends.

Anniversary Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Home, Roscommon on Sunday, 27th March at 11am.

You are missed beyond measure, your memory is our treasure.

Forever in our hearts always in our prayers.

Remembered with love Eileen and family.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 26th March at 11am.

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

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

The local paper!

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

44

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HARRINGTON Thomas (Tom)

Kilnagralta/Morganstown, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 23rd January 2022.

The family of the late Thomas (Tom) Harrington would like to extend their sincere thanks to all who showed kindness, care and support during the recent bereavement.

Our sincere thanks to all the staff in Portunicula Hospital, Galway University Hospital and Roscommon Hospital who cared for Tom. A sincere thanks to his G.P. Brendan Crosbie and to everyone at Castle Street Surgery. A special thanks to his Home Help Services and Day Care Services in Roscommon.

Thank you to all the staff in Oakwood Nursing Home, Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon and to the Roscommon Palliative Care team for their compassionate care and support to Tom and to his family in his final days.

Thank you to Fr. Beirne and Fr. Donnelly for celebrating a beautiful Funeral Mass and burial. To Henry Hamrock, Funeral Director, for his professional manner while showing compassion and sympathy to Tom’s family, and a word of thanks to the Grave diggers who prepared Toms final resting place. Thank you to Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon for catering a lovely meal after the funeral.

We wish to thank all of Tom’s family, friends and his very good neighbours for all their support to Tom and his family. We wish to thank everyone who sent mass cards and messages of sympathy.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

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

Tom’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Monday, 28th March at 7pm in the Church of the Good Shepard, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon.

COYLE Maureen Gailey, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 4th April 2014 (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of my wife Maureen

I hold you close within my heart and there you shall remain.

To walk with me throughout our lives until we meet again.

Sadly missed by your loving husband Eugene.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 26th March at 7pm.

Rest In Peace

GUCKIAN Patrick Essex Lawn, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 23rd March 2019 God called your name so softly that only you could hear and no one heard the footsteps of Angels drawing near.

The golden gates stood open God saw you needed rest His garden must be beautiful He only take the best.

Loved and remembered always by your wife Teresa, sons and daughters, sonsin-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

Masses offered.

HAND Johnny Carnvalley, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 26th of March 2018

KELLY Kevin (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Kevin Kelly, Rath, Ballintubber, who passed away on 29th March 2014

Loving thoughts of times together, memories that will last forever, sadly missed along life’s way quietly remembered everyday.

Lovingly remembered by all your family.

EARLEY Michael (Mike) Kiltultogue, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who passed away on the 31st March 2021

A date filled with sadness returns to us today to mark the day you left us, in such a sudden way.

We think of you in silence and often speak your name but all we have are memories, and your picture in a frame.

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

Always remembered and sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughters Dette Anne and Claire, his sons John and Kevin and all his grandchildren.

8th Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Granlahan on Sunday, 27th March at 12 noon.

BEIRNE Rose and John Joe Ballymacurley North, Roscommon (Rose 3rd Anniversary and John Joe 47th Anniversary)

DAUGHTERS

WARMINGTON Rose Ann Oxford, England formerly Ballymacurley North, Roscommon (6th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 30th December 2016

SQUIRES Breda Banbury, Oxford, England formerly Ballymacurley North, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who passed away on the 28th July 2021

WALSH Colette Memories of you Dad It’s been the hardest thing to lose you, you meant so much to me, But you are in my heart Dad and that’s where you’ll always be, I know that Heaven called you but I wish you could have stayed.

At least the memories I have of you, they will never fade, I did not want to lose you, but you did not go alone, because a part of me went with you, when Heaven called you home.

So just remember one thing, we are not apart, you’re with me in our memories and in my broken heart.

You will forever be in my heart Dad. Missing you so much. Love your daughter Jazmin.

Hyde Court, Roscommon.

(2nd Anniversary) Who passed away on the 26th March 2020

Your life was one of kindly deeds, a helping hand for others needs, sincere and true in heart and mind, Beautiful memories left behind.

With love from all of your family.

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.

R.I.P. The Beirne and Squires family would like to thank all who sympathised with them on the recent loss of Breda. Thanks to those who sent Mass Cards, R.I.P. messages, phone calls and all who called personally to our homes.

The Holy sacrifice of Mass is offered for all your intentions.

Mass for the repose of their souls will be held in Ballinaheglish Church on Sunday, 27th March at 11am.

MANNION Martin and Gerard

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Racecourse Rd, Roscommon.

(16th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 24th March 2006

Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words we will never forget.

No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts you are always there

Forever in our thoughts and prayers.

Sadly missed Nuala and family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD 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.

Forever in our hearts, Caroline, Richie, Ben, Seán and Rebecca. xxx ~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD Like a shadow in the moonlight, like the whisper of the seas, like the echoes of a melody just beyond our reach.

In the shadow of our sorrow, past the whisper of goodbye, love shines through eternity a heart beat from our eye.

Always remembered and missed Kathleen, Robert, Ella and Robyn. xxx Masses offered.

KELLY Marty Roscommon & London (6th Anniversary)

Carntleva, Four Roads, Roscommon.

(20th Anniversaries) In loving memory of Martin (Marty) who died on 22nd March 2002 and his son Gerard (Gerry) who died on the 6th October 2002

Second anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 26th March at 11am.

FAMILY NOTICES

HOLIAN Tom

Their memories are so precious, their presence missed so much, they will always be remembered, and loved by all of us.

Sadly missed by extended family, relatives and friends.

Ar dheis de go raibh a h-anamí dílís.

In loving memory of Marty who passed away on the 23rd of March 2016 Always remembered by his family and friends.

45

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. . A.D. PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE For urgent need...

Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. G.K.

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surrounding areas)

Appointments Part & Full-time Positions Available Exciting opportunity to work as part of a long established family childcare service and team in Co. Roscommon.

Chatterland wishes to recruit for the above positions with a minimum Level 5 qualification in early childhood care and education.

The Educator will support the team in the development and delivery of the Aistear Curriculum, working in a child-centred and child-lead environment where the child is at the centre of the daily activities.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

We have a vacancies for:

Childcare Practitioner Full Time Childcare Practitioner Part Time

Employer: Chatterland Playschool & Creche Location: Elphin Co. Roscommon Hours of Work: 37 ½ hours per week 21 Annual Leave days, reviewed annually.

Salaries: Attractive salary for suitable candidate.

Experience not essential CPD Opportunities supported & funded by employer.

Uniform supplied

Essential Criteria l FETAC level 5 l Min 1 year’s experience l Excellent communication skills l Ability to work as part of a team l Understanding of Pre-school regulations l Understanding of Siolta & Aistear Desirable Criteria l Child Protection Training l FAR Training l 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 Friday 1st April 2022

For any queries please contact Áine on 087 8325301 or email chatterlandcreche@hotmail.com

Greenfields Childcare is an equal opportunities employer

PART-TIME

Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

Here at Chatterland we are seeking to recruit for the following positions:

ARTIC DRIVER

Required in County Galway area.

Bulk tank driver position available for immediate start.

Employer is very flexible regarding days/hours etc.

Call 087 9015166 for more info.

Athleague National School, Athleague, Co. Roscommon 090-6663420

School Cleaner Required 6 Hours per week Experience is desirable and fluent English is required.

< CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: Kind reliable childminder required to mind two children, 2 to 3 days per week in Roscommon Town.

Must have fluent english, needs own transport for school pick-ups and dropoffs. Tel: 087 9815205 < MACHINIST REQUIRED: Full-time sewing machinist/dressmaker wanted in Roscommon Town. Must speak fluent english. Please apply to: PO Box No 3015 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to

CONTACT:

advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

or 090 6663420 Before Tuesday, 29th March, 2022

or alternatively call

info@athleaguenationalschool.ie

090 66 34633

BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES IRELAND WEST REGION Email or call for Sample Pack

Applications are invited for the following positions with Adults Roscommon Services.

Ref: SW/ROSC SUPPORT WORKERS (Care Assistant I.D. Grade) Ref: CF/ROSC COMMUNITY FACILITATORS (Instructor Grade) Ref: SCW/ROSC SOCIAL CARE WORKERS Ref: SN/ROSC STAFF NURSES/ENHANCED NURSES VARIOUS CONTRACT TYPES

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service

Permanent Full-Time & Part-Time Contracts Temporary Full-Time & Part-Time Contracts

VARIOUS LOCATIONS South Roscommon Services (Athlone area) Mid Roscommon Services (Roscommon Town & environs) East Roscommon Services (Strokestown, Tulsk, Elphin, Ballinagare) North Roscommon Services (Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Frenchpark) West Roscommon Services (Castlerea, Ballinlough, Ballintubber) (You will be able to indicate location and contract type preference in the application form) We have further vacancies for Permanent Full-Time Team Leaders posts within West Roscommon Services area which will be advertised on our Brothers of Charity Services website at www.brothersofcharity.ie/ galway under Job Reference: 56/2022

Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723

We require creative and motivated people who have a positive attitude towards working with persons with an intellectual disability. In return for this dedication and commitment we offer the following: • Competitive Rates of Pay – please click on below link to view HSE pay scales. https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/benefits-services/pay/pay-scales.html • Excellent working conditions, including family friendly leave arrangements & flexible working hours.

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan – Single Public Service Pension Scheme (SPSPS) • Sports and Social Clubs • Opportunities for further career development • Exceptional Training and Development • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) To apply, applicants can view the full job description and make an application on-line by logging on to the Brothers of Charity Services website at www.brothersofcharity.ie/galway and completing the Application Form and submitting an updated CV.

E-mail: info@anthonymurrayandsons.com www.anthonymurrayandsons.com

Short listing of applications may apply. Canvassing will disqualify.

Panels may be formed as a result of the interview process.

The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, West Region, is an Equal Opportunities Employer

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

46

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Appointments

NUA CAREERS ROSCOMMON

NUA CAREERS ROSCOMMON

ASSISTANT SUPPORT WORKERS AND SOCIAL CARE WORKERS We are seeking applications for Assistant Support Workers and Social Care Workers in County Roscommon.

BENEFITS ASSISTANT SUPPORT WORKERS AND EMPLOYEE SOCIAL CARE WORKERS

The roles will suit candidates with previous experience in Social Care, who will join our team in the delivery of support services to people with We are seeking applications for Assistant Support intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental Workersneeds, and Social Care Workers County Roscommon. health autism, sensoryin and communication needs and acquired brain injuries.

The roles will suit candidates with previous experience in Social Care, who will join our team ESSENTIAL CRITERIA in the delivery of support services to people with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental Assistant Support Workers: •health FETAC Level 5 or working towards a Degree in a needs, autism, sensory and communication related needs and discipline acquired brain injuries.

Social Care Workers: CRITERIA •ESSENTIAL Level 7 or 8 Degree in Social Care or Healthcare

Assistant Support Workers: KEY COMPETENCIES •

FETAC Level 5 or working towards a Degree in a

related discipline Excellence in: • Verbal and Written Communication •Social Report & Roster Management CareWriting Workers: •• Interpersonal Skills Level 7 or 8 Degree in Social Care or Healthcare • Organisational and Planning Skills • Dignity and Respect COMPETENCIES •KEY Confidentiality and Adaptability Excellence in: • Verbal and Written Communication • Report Writing & Roster Management • Interpersonal Skills • Organisational and Planning Skills

> Company Pension > Paid Maternity / Paternity Leave > Education Assistance & Continuous

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Professional Development

EmployeePension Assistance Programme (EAP) >> Company

> Life Assurance / Death-in-Service Benefit

> Paid Maternity / Paternity Leave

> Education Assistance & Continuous Professional Development

GET IN TOUCH

> Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Recruitment are working 24/7 to process >The Life Assurance /Team Death-in-Service Benefit

applicants as quickly as possible. We are also facilitating interviews on weekends and outside of regular office hours. If you would like to become part of our team, get in touch with us today.

GET IN TOUCH

How to apply: Please email our Recruitment Team with your CV and cover letter, or simply apply The Recruitment Team are working 24/7 to process directly through our website careers page.

applicants as quickly as possible. We are also facilitating interviews on weekends and outside of Email: recruitment@nuahealthcare.ie regular office hours. If you would like to become Website: nuahealthcare.ie/careers part of our team, get in touch with us today.

How to apply: Please email our Recruitment Team www.nuahealthcare.ie with your CV and cover letter, or simply apply directly through our website careers page.

Email: recruitment@nuahealthcare.ie

47

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

AtYourService BLINDS

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

CARS

FARMING

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

BRENDAN DOOLIN

TEL: (090) 96 88606

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

(090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted.

End of life certs can be provided.

Also scrap metal

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt: Tel: 090

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

Telephone: 090 66 33026

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

Call in or contact us for free

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

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Sports PEOPLE GAA Results Sidero AFL Division Four (Section A) Boyle 2-18 Tulsk Lord Edwards 2-7 St. Faithleach’s 2-8 Western Gaels 2-3 Sidero AFL Division Four (Section B) Oran 2-4 St. Croan’s 1-7 Roscommon Gaels 0-8 St. Joseph’s 0-4 Kilmore 1-9 St. Ronan’s 0-9 Cora Systems AFL Division 5 (Section A) Pádraig Pearses 6-9 Oran 2-6 St. Aidan’s 2-15 Ballinameen 2-4 St. Dominic’s 3-9 Shannon Gaels 2-4 Cora Systems AFL Division 5 (Section B) Clann na nGael W/O Fuerty Strokestown 0-13 Michael Glavey’s 1-5 Kilglass Gaels 1-11 St. Michael’s 1-7 Cora Systems AFL Division 5 (Section C) St. Brigid’s 5-13 Kilbride 2-7 Éire Óg 1-8 St. Barry’s 0-8

Fixtures Friday, March 25th AFL Division Three (Tansey Cup) At Connacht GAA Centre: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Creggs. 8 pm At Pairc Naomh Bearra: St. Barry’s v St. Michael’s.

8.15 pm Star player: Aisling Hanly scored 3-2 during Roscommon’s impressive win over Kildare in the Lidl Ladies National Football League semi-final at Parnell Park last Sunday.

Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Tribesmen to face Rossie Roar!

Home comforts boost final promotion push Allianz NFL Division Two: Roscommon v Galway at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

It didn’t take a genius to work out that looking at the Division Two fixtures before the season began, that it was likely that the final round game between Roscommon and Galway would prove crucial, and so it has come to pass.

After all the talk and all the action it’s now down to this one game. Put simply, if Roscommon

win this game they will once again be promoted to the top tier of Gaelic football.

The Tribesmen haven’t put a foot wrong this campaign, they have won six games out of six and are already promoted with a game to spare.

The big questions are what Galway’s attitude to this game will be and what sort of team will they field?

From a Roscommon point of view, the cards have fallen kindly and they will go into this decider brimming with confidence following last Sunday’s win over Offaly. Whether or not Galway field a strong side, Anthony Cun-

ningham’s men will be going out all guns blazing.

The visitors look set to be without Damien Comer, who went off injured against Derry while Shane Walsh is still recovering from injury. Another key player, Paul Conroy, will also be missing following his red card last Sunday.

While Galway still have an abundance of talent, it would be a surprise if manager Padraic Joyce did not revert to a somewhat experimental side this Sunday with promotion already secured.

The Rossies, for their part, were excellent against Offaly last Sunday, particularly in the first half.

There was plenty of attacking intent and the likes of Brian Stack, Richard Hughes, and Ronan Daly added real pace to the play.

Ultan Harney and Eddie Nolan continue to impress at midfield also and there is now real depth to the Roscommon squad.

While Offaly are the weakest team Roscommon have met during this campaign, Cunningham’s charges were in total control throughout and ran out easy winners.

With Galway already promoted and wary of showing their hand so close to their championship clash with Mayo, it’s unlikely they’ll be at full tilt this Sunday.

Roscommon, on the other hand, need to win to guarantee promotion back to Division One. With a big home crowd roaring them on and the added prospect of a Croke Park final against the same opposition a week later, a return to the top table now looks a very real prospect!

Prediction: Roscommon.

Note: If Derry were to beat Meath in their final game and Galway were to beat Roscommon then Derry would be promoted. However, a draw or a win would see Roscommon promoted as Roscommon have a superior scoring difference.

Saturday, March 26th AFL Division Two (O’Gara Cup) (5 pm unless stated) At Kilbride: Kilbride v Clann na nGael At Mulhern Park: Fuerty v Kilmore At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v St. Brigid’s At Connacht GAA Centre: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v St. Croan’s. 5.30 pm At Connacht GAA Centre: Oran v Éire Óg. 7.30 pm AFL Division Three (Tansey Cup) (5 pm) At Davonna Park: Ballinameen v Strokestown St. Dominic’s v St. Aidan’s Kilglass Gaels v Pádraig Pearses Sunday, March 27th Sidero AFL Division Four (Section A) At Mulhern Park: Fuerty v Elphin. 11 am

49

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Development team for J1C Cup semi-final The Creggs Development team play Tuam 2nd XV away in the Connacht J1C Cup semi-final on this Sunday, 27th of March with a 2.30 kick-off.

If Creggs win, the team would qualify for the final v the winners of Carrickon-Shannon RFC and Our Lady’s Boys Club RFC. It will be played in the Sportsground in Galway.

Youth Rugby: Creggs U-18 girls win big in cup semi-final. Creggs RFC 46 Ballinasloe RFC 17.

Creggs U-18 girls have qualified for their first ever U-18 Connacht Cup Final, which will take place on the Easter Bank Holiday Monday (April 18th). They scored a comprehensive victory over Ballinasloe in the semi-final last Sunday in Creggs.

This was a tight affair for the first half with Creggs getting the first score through Jennifer Morris before Ballinasloe equalised with a try of their own.

Creggs then regained the lead after 20 minutes when Sarah Purcell went over for a try in the corner, but again Ballinasloe responded with a try after a quickly-taken penalty.

Just before half-time Creggs regained the lead when a well-taken intercept pass by Sarah Purcell saw her race clear to touch down under the posts.

Eabha Dowd converted for a 17-10 half-time lead for the Creggs girls.

The second half saw the Creggs girls up the intensity. There were hard carries up front from Ella Brady, Roisin Maher, Nadine Fitzmaurice and the in-form Gabrielle Kilcommons. We also saw brilliant recycling from Emily Murray, and excellent distribution from Aoibhinn Murray at 9. The Creggs girls put the ball wide at every opportunity, scoring an excellent try in the corner through Mary Ann Jordan (after excellent hands from Rachel McDonald), Rachel Gormey and Caoimhe Walsh set her free. Two more tries came from Jemima Adams Verling and both were converted by Eabha Dowd.

In defence, Eadaoin Walsh, Grace Hanly and Grace Scanlon were excellent and on their introduction Eabha Conroy, Jean O’Boyle, Roisin Shanagher, Julie Ann Fahy and (on her debut) Faye Loftus all

Short Athlone Helena Lennon won the recent Ladies’ 12-hole competition with 25 points while Chris Fuery topped the leaderboard in Kevin’s ‘Better the Score’ with 34.

Mark Rowe was best of the Gents with 44 points recently and the Shamrock Open was won by Oran Fahey with 48 points. Elizabeth O’Sullivan was best of the Ladies with 37 points and the Visitor’s Prize went to Mark Hughes with 34.

Boyle Quick reminder that the Boyle round of the Holmpatrick Cup takes place this weekend an the Men’s Thursday competitions will return next Thursday (March 31st).

Meanwhile, the Spring League has concluded and results will follow in next week’s edition.

Castlerea Liam Walsh was victorious in the recent Men’s

played a huge part in this victory. Well done to all the girls and their coaches.

Creggs will play Sligo RFC in the final of the Connacht Cup in the Sportsground in Galway on the Easter Bank Holiday Monday, the 18th of April.

U-18.5 Connacht Plate quarter-final: Creggs RFC 24 Monivea RFC 12. Creggs U-18.5s have made it into the Connacht Plate semi-final after a hardfought victory over Monivea RFC on Sunday morning in Creggs.

This was a game that was end to end as both sides did their best to move the ball at every opportunity. Tries in the first half from Lee Kilcoyne and Josh Verling had Creggs ahead 12-5 at halftime and with the scores level at 12-12 entering the last quarter, out-half DJ Hession had a great crossfield kick gathered by Conor Betts who passed back inside to Darren Gately who went over to put Creggs back in the lead. DJ Hession converted.

Five minutes later Creggs again attacked the line and a brilliant move by the backs saw Jack Fleming go over

The Creggs U-18.5 squad pictured in front of the new development before their Connacht Plate quarter-final win over Monivea.

for Creggs’ fourth try under the posts, which Hession again converted. Creggs will play Corrib RFC in the semifinal in two weeks’ time.

Youth team fixtures: Saturday: Connacht U-16 Girls Cup semi-final: Creggs RFC v Sligo RFC in Creggs at 12 noon.

Connacht U-15 Boys Cup quarter-final: Creggs RFC v Ballina RFC in Creggs at 2.30 pm.

Connacht U-14 Boys Plate: Creggs RFC v Tuam RFC in Creggs at 3 pm.

Sunday: Connacht Boys U-13 Cup quarter-final: Oughterard RFC v Creggs RFC in Oughterard at 12 noon.

putts

Stableford, which was sponsored by McSharry’s Pharmacy. Liam’s 39 points was enough to see off Anto McCormack (also 39). Other results: Cat 1: Peter Hester (36); Cat 2: Chris Foley (32); Cat 3: Gerry Fitzmaurice (38).

Carrick Kathleen Martin (Ladies) and Sean Duignan (Gents) were the round four winners of the Flynn’s Spring League, both with 22 points.

Top team points totals as follows: Team 8 (Mary King) 368; Team 1 (Phil McWeeney) 362; Team 2 (Damien Duignan) 362; Team 5 (Kathleen Loftus) 361; Team 10 (Chris Lowe) 361.

The annual Captains’ Drive-In took place last weekend with a great turnout for Captain Owen Gibney, Lady Captain Dee McGettrick, and President Tommy Mulvey. A very large donation was made to the Ukraine Appeal.

Last Wednesday’s Seniors’ competition was

Connacht Girls U-14 Cup semi-final: Sligo RFC v Creggs RFC in Sligo at 1 pm.

Please support the girls and boys in these important games this coming weekend. The best of luck to all the Creggs players.

Youth team training: Creggs U-14 girls training is on Monday evenings at 7 pm.

NB: Creggs U-16/U-18 girls training this week has been moved to Friday evening at 7 pm. Creggs U-13 boys trained on Wednesday at 7.30 pm.

Creggs U-14 boys training is on Wednesday at 7 pm-8.15 pm. Creggs U-15

(News from local golf clubs)

won by Mick Foley with 39 points with Seamus Mulhern runner-up on 37.

Michael Keville (36) was third while the front nine went to Leo Mulvey (21) and back nine to Albert Hogg (18).

Glenamaddy Glenamaddy Golf Society enjoyed its first outing of the season to Roscommon Golf Club on Friday last. Members would like to thank their hosts for affording them the opportunity to play on their fine course and also for their friendship and hospitality. Results: 1st: Michael Rattigan (36 points); 2nd: Mattie Freaney; 3rd: Padraic Molloy; 4th: Louis Earls.

Roscommon Tom Óg O’Brien won Sunday’s Men’s competition with 41 points. Albert O’Connor (40) was runner-up and Pat Finneran (39) was third. Mario Costello (33) took gross.

The Men’s Senior competition was won by P.

Pictured at Glenamaddy Golf Society’s first outing of the year to Roscommon Golf Club on Friday, March 18th were (Back row, left to right): Peter Shields (Treasurer), Louis Earls (Secretary), John Molloy (PRO). Front row (Left to right): Christy Dolan (President) and Padraic Molloy (Captain).

Finneran (32 points).

Other results: Cat 1: M. Sharkey (32); Cat 2: M. Healy (31); Cat 3: T. Grehan (28). Over 80: JT Finn (29). Deuces: B. Keane (2), M. Dolan, M. Lennon, N. Sharkey and T. Grehan.

The Ladies’ Senior competition was won by U. Gleeson with B. Maher runner-up, K. Ruane third and M. Madden fourth.

Thanks to all who sup-

ported the Scramble competition on Friday last in aid of the Irish Red Cross Ukrainian Fund. Winners on the day were Jack Sharkey, Noel Sharkey, and Tommy Flynn with 29.5 nett.

Finally, well done to Michael Connaughton, Francie Noone, Peter Brady, Liam Bagnell and John Earley on winning the Men’s Winter League competition.

boys training is on Thursday night at 7 pm. Creggs U-18 training is on Thursday night at 8 pm.

Please keep an eye on Creggs RFC Facebook page for updates. Please contact Dave Purcell on 087 7000547 with any enquiries.

Mini Rugby: Creggs Mini Rugby teams (all age groups except U-10s) will have training in Creggs on this Saturday morning at 10 am.

U-10s For Connacht Blitz: The Creggs Mini Rugby U-10s will travel to Sligo this Saturday for the Connacht U-10 Blitz.

Big Creggs Development

€50,000 Cash Draw: Please purchase your tickets on www.creggsrugby. ie. This month’s draw is for a €1000 voucher in the K Club Golf and Leisure Resort. Buy now, and you will also be in for the Big €50,000 Cash Prize next month (April).

Buy from any club member/player or buy online at www.Win50000euro.com or www.CreggsRugby.ie Thank you for your continued support. We are developing new dressing rooms and other facilities for girls and women in rugby (and other sports played on our grounds), as well as for boys and men’s rugby.

Soccer Results Connacht Cup Quarter-Final Corrib Celtic 1 Ballinasloe Town 3 Connacht Shield Quarter-Final Shiven Rovers 3 Dunmore Town 2 Norio’s Premier Division Boyle Celtic 3 Ballaghaderreen FC 0 Cloonfad United 3 Ballymoe FC 1 Moore United v Castlerea Celtic, postponed.

Boyle Celtic 6 Cloonfad United 0 Ballaghaderreen FC 4 Ballymoe FC 1 RDFL Division One Roscommon United 2 Ballinagare Manor United 3 Dysart FC v Roscommon United, postponed.

RDFL Division Two St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United 2 Ballymoe FC B 2 Roscommon United B v Rahara Rovers, postponed.

Dunmore Town B 2 St. John’s Athletic B 1 Skyvalley Rovers B 4 Cloonfad United B 0 Boyle Celtic B 2 Moore United B 4 Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Second Round Cam Celtic 1 Ballaghaderreen FC 1 (Cam Celtic won 3-2 on penalties)

Fixtures Friday, March 25th Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup (8 pm) Boyle Celtic v Cam Celtic Ballymoe FC v Skyvalley Rovers David Kelly Challenge Shield First Round Glen Celtic v Dysart FC. 8 pm Sunday, March 27th Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Second Round (11 am) Ballinasloe Town B v Roscommon United Dunmore Town v Shiven Rovers St. John’s Athletic B v Roscommon United B Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Third Round Cloonfad United v Moore United. 11 am Boyle Celtic v Cam Celtic. 11 am Ballinasloe Town v CP Ajax. 2 pm Moylough ’79 v St. John’s Athletic. 2 pm David Kelly Challenge Shield First Round (2 pm) Ballaghaderreen FC B v Cloonfad United B St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United v Dunmore Town B Moore United B v Boyle Celtic B

50

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses Cheltenham Festival highlights What a change a day makes with the going changing from good to soft on Tuesday to soft and changing to heavy during racing. The bumper was in danger but with changes to the course it eventually took place. What a difference in Irish and English attitudes as Willie Mullins stated that the going was good national hunt ground.

Despite the change in going, punters got off to a great start on Wednesday with Mullins’ Sir Gerhard, an Irish banker, and L’Homme Presse, a well fancied English runner both winning as market leaders.

However, Elliott and rider Shane Fitzgerald brought them back to earth with a 50/1 winner in the third for Gigginstown, Commander Of Fleet, who was second to Minella Indo in the 2019 Albert Bartlett.

That man Mullins was on the mark again in the feature Queen Mother Champion Chase with Energumene and Paul Townend. This was Mullins’ first win in this race as Shishkin failed to perform.

The going was updated to heavy for the Glenfarclas cross-country race which provided one of the most memorable moments of the festival as Delta Work came with a late run to catch Tiger Roll on the finishing line with several boos ringing out in the crowd. Then as the runners made their back to the winner’s enclosure the boos could be heard starting again and fair play to Davy Russell who realised this and brought the Tiger back to Delta Work. Both horses came into the ring together, led in jointly by Michael O’Leary whose Gigginstown Stud owns both horses. Tiger Roll was retired immediately and goes to Gigginstown to enjoy a wellearned retirement.

In the Grand Annual, there was an English winner at 28/1 as Global Citizen beat Elliott’s Andy Dufresne. The bumper proved, as expected, an Irish match with Mullins’ Facile Vega accounting for Elliott’s American Mike by 3¾l.

Mullins was also responsible for the third home, Sean Mulryan’s James’s Gate and the fourth, Seabank Bistro. So, day two ended with a 9 to 5 lead for Ireland in the Prestbury Cup.

Thursday saw an improvement in the weather and opened with the four-runner Turner’s Novice Chase in which Mullins had Galopin Des Champs 5/6 and Henry de Bromhead Bob Olinger at 6/5, 18/1 bar. Galopin Des Champs led from pillar to last fence where he came down, slipping on landing, and deposited Paul Townend leaving a well beaten Bob Olinger to come home 40l clear of the other pair.

Afterwards de Bromhead said he thought he would never see a horse destroy Bob Olinger as Galopin Des Champs did. The English won the Pertemps with 25/1 shot Third Wind.

In the Ryanair, Mullins provided a 1, 2, as Allaho and Townend beat Jandil with Mark Walsh aboard by 14l.

The Stayers Hurdle saw Flooring Porter repeat his win of 12 months ago to huge celebrations as the south Roscommon/Galway Flooring Porter Syndicate welcomed home their winner making up for missing last year’s race due to Covid. The winner is trained by Gavin Cromwell in Navan and could go to Aintree of the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil.

England dominated the Plate Handicap chase with a 1, 2, 3, led by 22/1 Cool Cody from Imperial Alcazar and Spiritofthegames. The English won the final 2 races with Love Envoi in the Mares Novice Hurdle and a 1, 2, 3, as Chambard won the Kim Muir from Mister Coffey and Didero Vallis, reducing Ireland’s lead in the Prestbury Cup to three, 13 wins to 10. Only one market leader won on the day leaving most punters smarting.

Friday opened with a treble for the man from Closutton as Paul Townend scored on Vauban and State Man, both favourites, and Sean O’Keeffe completed the job on The Nice Guy. The Blue Riband of the meeting, the Gold Cup, went to last year’s runner-up A Plus Tard under Rachael Blackmore who reversed placings with Minella Indo under Robbie Power. Both horses are trained

by Henry de Bromhead who completed a double double of the Champion Hurdle, won by Honeysuckle, and The Gold Cup. The Open Hunter Chase once again proved an Irish affair as Billaway passed long-time leader Da-

Danny Mullins carried shoulder high after his win on Flooring Porter.

It is two years since racing was first suspended, then until at least April 19th…little did we know. This weekend’s racing begins at Cork, outside Mallow, today (Thursday) with a national hunt card starting at 2.20 pm.

Tomorrow sees racing on he all-weather at Dundalk off at 5 pm. Saturday, the flat season at headquarters in the Curragh, featuring the €100,000 Lincolnshire and the Group 3 Irish Park Express Stakes away at 1.25 pm.

There are two meetings on Sunday over the sticks at Greenmount Park in Limerick at 1.45 pm featuring the Grade 3 Hugh McMahon Novice Chase and on the level at Naas, the punters graveyard, racing at 1.30 pm.

On Saturday, TV racing features four races from Doncaster including the Lincoln and two each from Kempton and Kelso.

Tiger Roll leads Delta Work over the last in the cross-country.

vid Christie’s Winged Leader in the shadow of the post, Patrick Mullins completing a four-timer for his father.

Elliott made it an Irish 1, 2, 3, with Mighty Stowaway. Mullins was not finished and made it five on the day as Elimay won the penultimate race of the day and festival under Mark Walsh and the final race, the Conditional Riders Handicap Hurdle, went to Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge ridden

by Irish claimer Mark McDonagh, his first festival win. McDonagh made it a week to remember when he guided Spades Are Trumps to victory in Randox Ulster National at Downpatrick on Sunday.

Team Ireland won the Prestbury Cup 20 wins to 10 including a clean

by Tom Red

sweep on Friday. Willie Mullins won the leading trainer award with ten winners, Paul Townend regained the leading rider award with five wins from Rachel Blackmore and Patrick Mullins each on three each.

Roll on next year when we will see Honeysuckle, all going well, attempt to join the great hurdlers of the past, Hatton’s Grace, Sir Ken, Persian War, See You Then and Istabraq, all of whom have won three Champion Hurdles.

While the Irish won the bragging rights again this year, the punters did not do too bad either with the favourite or joint favourite winning 12 of the 27 races, better than 12 months ago when only nine won.

Racing News The Midlands National on Saturday at Uttoxeter proved good for the Irish on the way home from Cheltenham with a 1, 2, led by Bill Durkan’s Screaming Colours under 3lb claimer Connor Orr beating Denis Hogan’s Young Dev There are 92 left in the Aintree Grand National 38 of them trained in Ireland. the betting is headed by Ted Walsh’s Any Second Now, and Gordon Elliott’s pair of Delta Work and Escaria Ten at 10/1, 14/1 bar.

General News Former flat jockey Jimmy Lindley, one of the leading jockeys of the 1960s and 70s, has died at the age of 86.

Lindley, who won three British Classics, two 2000 Guineas and a St. Leger, and the 1960 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Aggressor, suffered with weight issues throughout his career and even rode over hurdles for a spell finishing third behind Bandalore in the 1958 Champion Hurdle on Retour De Flamme. Younger readers will remember him as a popular BBC racing correspondent. RIP.

Flooring Porter leads at the last.

Point-to-Point Corner

Rachael Blackmore, the first lady rider to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

There are two meetings down for decision on Saturday, at Portrush in the north with 100 entries starting at 1.30 pm and half an hour later at Lisronagh, south of Fethard, in Tipperary with 152 entries.

On Sunday, there are three meetings down for decision Monksgrange, Bree on the Carlow/Wexford border with 151 entries, the Galway Blazers race at the Dartfield Equestrian Centre between Kilreekill and Loughrea with 109 entries and at Ballynoe in Cork with 125 entries all three meetings down for a 2 pm start.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

SportsPeople

Gold for Lisa O’Rourke at European Boxing Championships < DAN DOONER

Castlerea boxer Lisa O’Rourke battled her way to European gold on Tuesday, coming out on top in the light-middleweight division at the European U-22 Championships in Porec, Croatia.

The talented fighter, who has represented the Roscommon Ladies footballers this term and was Ireland co-captain in Croatia, defeated Poland’s Daria Parada to win the final by split decision, 4-1 on the judges’ scorecards.

Fighting out of the blue corner, Lisa, who sealed her place in Tuesday’s decider with a win over Israel’s Lia Pukkila, started the stronger of the two as she took the fight to her Polish opponent.

Parada came into it more as the fight went on and used her power to good effect, forcing O’Rourke onto the ropes on a couple of occasions.

However, it was O’Rourke’s cleaner shots and continued aggression which caught the eyes of the judges, and her hand was raised in triumph following three tough rounds.

Castlerea boxer, Lisa O’Rourke, celebrates following her gold medal win at the European U-22 Boxing Championships in Croatia on Tuesday.

Hurlers set for semi-final shootout Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A semi-final: Roscommon v Armagh on Saturday in Dr. Hyde Park at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon ran out easy 2-24 to 1-15 winners over Monaghan in last Sunday’s Allianz NHL match at Dr. Hyde Park and will now renew rivalries against Armagh at the same venue this Sunday for a place in the

Division 3A final against Tyrone.

When the sides met earlier in the campaign Roscommon emerged from a high-scoring contest with a one point victory after Mickey Joe Egan scored a dramatic winner in a 2-17 to 1-19 win.

Playing at home will be a big boost

to Francis O’Halloran’s men and Roscommon have improved as the campaign has gone on and they will be determined to get to the final against Tyrone the following week.

It was one-way traffic from the throw in last Sunday and Roscommon led by 1-14 to 0-5 by half-time

with a string of unanswered points and Brendan Mulry’s goal all but ending Monaghan’s hopes.

Mulry raised another green flag shortly after the interval and while the visitors improved in the latter stages, the result was never in doubt.

Looking ahead to this Sunday,

it would be a huge boost for the O’Halloran’s charges to continue their improvement this campaign and reach the league final. With home advantage and confidence building, they should prevail by three or four points.

Prediction: Roscommon.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

SportsPeople

Hat-trick hero Hanly!

Ladies into League final Lidl Ladies NFL Division Three Roscommon 4-9 Kildare 1-16 An Aisling Hanly masterclass – she scored 3-2 – was the difference in Parnell Park last Sunday as Roscommon sealed their place in the Division Three Lidl Ladies National League AllIreland Final. Roscommon will take on Wexford in the final on the 3rd of April at a venue yet to be confirmed.

Kildare made the brighter start, Roscommon slow to get out of the blocks. Then came a crucial, settling goal. Aisling Hanly was trying for a point but the ball dropped just underneath the crossbar. A point from Jenny Higgins had the ladies in Primrose and Blue ahead by one at the first water break.

This first half was a real war of attrition. Roscommon had some good spells of possession, but Kildare were defending well, leaving nobody free and forcing the Roscommon attack into errors. The game changed in favour of Kildare and they went ahead again in the 21st minute. Their lead was two as half-time approached but a Laura Fleming free saw the Roscommon ladies close it to one by the half-time whistle. 1-8 to 1-7.

The sides were level again in the 36th minute before two goals from Roscommon saw them go four ahead at the second water break. Kildare lost Grace Clifford in the 44th minute when she was sin-binned.

Kildare battled hard to try and get back into the game but their chances were dented hugely when Orlaith Sullivan was sinbinned in the 56th minute for a foul on Jenny Higgins. Then Roscommon’s Laura Fleming was sin-binned and forced to watch the closing minutes on the sideline.

Kildare rarely looked like ever clawing back the deficit and Roscommon were composed enough to finish out the game, staying in front and securing a tremendous win. Still, there is plenty for manager Ollie Lennon to work on before the final.

He will know that had Roscommon been playing a more clinical team, they really could have been in trouble. Long periods without a score, as was the case on Sunday, is another issue that management will want to resolve.

But what matters is that the place in the final is secured.

Roscommon were in a tough group in the league and will be eager to get a long run in the championship, with the feeling being that they have enough firepower to take on any defence.

Ollie Lennon spoke after the game and said the ladies had really been up for it and were mentally well prepped for the game.

“These ladies are enjoying their football and that is what is important. Our goal as management is to get these girls into Division Two and this is our chance. We are one step away from it. We haven’t even thought about the championship yet. Our goal was the league from the very start and that will be our focus until the final”.

Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Sinead Kenny, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Megan Kelly; Rachel Brady, Roisin Wynne, Aishling McAuliffe; Kate Nolan (0-1, one free), Laura Fleming (0-3, one free); Ellen Irwin, Jenny Higgins (1-3), Caroline Conway; Aisling Hanly (3-2, one free), Rosie Lennon, Niamh Feeney.

Subs used: Fiona Tully for Rosie Lennon (half-time), Lauren Shanagher for Megan Kelly (half-time), Mikaela McHugh for Ellen Irwin (half-time), Saoirse Wynne for Rachel Brady (60).

Kildare: D McGinn; M Doherty (0-1), L Lenehan, F Troute; L Murtagh (1-1), L Gilbert, H McLoughlin; A Rattigan (0-2), G Clifford; R Forde, L Curran (0-2, two frees), C Sullivan; N Dooley (0-4), O Sullivan (0-6, four frees), C Wheeler.

Subs used: S Kendrick for McLoughlin (16), G Wheeler for C Sullivan (half-time), S Munnelly for Forde (49), A Curran for Conway (57), N Sinnott for L Murtagh (60).

Aisling Hanly hit 3-2 during Roscommon’s Lidl Ladies NFL semi-final win over Kildare in Parnell Park on Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon’s Jenny Higgins was a constant threat against Kildare during the Lidl Ladies NFL semi-final in Parnell Park on Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Brian Lennon pictured celebrating with Roscommon physiotherapist Sarah O’Doherty and coach John Kennedy following Roscommon’s victory over Kildare in the LIDL Ladies NFL Division 3 semi-final at Parnell Park on Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

<< Weekend Rewind

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

Compiled by: Paul Healy

The

GAA Studio

>>

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Weekend Fast-forward

Don’t hold back, Pat! “These are iconic figures, these are messiahs, these are prophets of the game of Gaelic football”.

Pat Spillane missed out on ‘Gods’, ‘High Priests’ and ‘Idols’ but it was still an impressive descriptive passage from the veteran pundit, who was talking about Mickey Harte, Mick O’Dwyer and the late Páidí Ó Sé.

It didn’t look great!

GAA pundit code for ‘unacceptable behaviour’ or ‘violence’ is “It didn’t look great”.

Colm Boyle (debuting as a panellist on Allianz League Sunday on RTE) was merely continuing a long established tradition when he used the term – “It didn’t look great” – at the start of his assessment of incriminating footage of a Derry player sparking a melee.

(It was a reasonably assured debut by Boyle, by the way).

Roscommon attack ‘superb’ – Times ‘Their attack was superb here, particularly in the first half. They took a sequence of outstanding points in the first half and Offaly just couldn’t cope with them – Roscommon had just one wide, coming from sub Daire Keenan in the 68th minute’ -The Irish Times’ view on Roscommon’s performance in Tullamore

Our Team of the Weekend We’re going to acknowledge the Return of the Dubs, with all previous speculation that they are in freefall now on hold!

Dublin beat Donegal by 2-15 to 2-11. Meanwhile, we are giving very honourable mention to Roscommon, Galway, London (even in defeat to Cavan) and Kildare!

Will Galway rest stars?

Pat Spillane on this Sunday’s big game: “It will be very interesting next Sunday…they (Galway) have a big clash against Roscommon. It will be interesting to see what sort of a team they put out”.

Happy Rossies! Fans pictured at Sunday’s match between Roscommon and Offaly in Tullamore. Pic: Mick McCormack

‘Underdogs’ turns focus to clash of the ash!

TG4’s renowned GAA series ‘Underdogs’ is back and this year it’s all about the clash of the ash. The search is on to find a squad of ambitious men with enough drive, skill and passion to take on one of the greatest teams in the fastest field game in the world.

Players will be chosen by a panel of expert selectors who make up the management team. This is a chance to be trained and managed by legends of the game. A chance

for unknown players to go up against some of the country’s greatest hurlers.

The President of the GAA Larry McCarthy said: “Since its foundation, TG4 has been synonymous with excellence in Gaelic games coverage and the Underdogs series has been a popular part of this work. It is a show that takes people behind the scenes in preparing a team and is fuelled by the attraction of seeing the underdog get a shot at the big time.

“In 2004 Kieran Donaghy featured as an unknown Underdog, but two years later was an All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer and a household name. I look forward to seeing the hurling hopefuls of 2022 being put through their paces, and potentially the emergence of another well-known star”.

Who can apply?

Male players who have never played with an intercounty

team in the Liam McCarthy Cup All applicants must be 18 years of age on/by the 18th April 2022 to be eligible.

Players must currently be registered with a GAA club. *TG4 and Adare Productions are now inviting applications for the new series of Underdogs. Players can apply online at www.tg4.ie/underdogs and nationwide trials will take place in April.

New kit van for hurlers Damien and Ann Marie Traynor of Traynor’s Garage, Ballygar recently offered Roscommon hurling a new kit van for the 2022 season.

The van was handed over to Roscommon Hurling at Dr. Hyde Park in January and has travelled the country to various county fixtures since.

Roscommon Hurling, Roscommon GAA and Club Rossie would like to thank Ann Marie and Damien for this gesture as it adds a further boost to Roscommon Hurling, not just at senior level, but also to our U-17 and U-20 teams.

Jenny Higgins pictured celebrating with husband Cathal Shine after Roscommon’s victory over Kildare in the Lidl Ladies NFL semi-final on Sunday in Parnell Park. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon manager Ollie Lennon celebrates with his family following Roscommon’s win over Kildare in the Lidl Ladies NFL semi-final at Parnell Park last Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

SportsPeople

Keeping the Faith!

ROSCOMMON WITHIN REACH OF TOP FLIGHT AFTER EASY WIN OVER FAITHFUL COUNTY Allianz Football League Division Two Roscommon 2-18 Offaly 0-14 < SEAMUS DUKE

Niall Kilroy negotiates his way between Offaly’s James Lalor and referee Anthony Nolan! Photo: Mick McCormack

Cathal Heneghan (Roscommon) and Joseph O’Connor (Offaly) in action on Sunday. Photo: Mick McCormack

Richard Hughes, who had an excellent game, scores Roscommon’s first point. Photo: Mick McCormack

Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham is appealing for home supporters to turn out in force for this weekend’s promotion showdown with neighbours Galway in Dr Hyde Park.

Following Galway’s drubbing of Derry, and Roscommon’s easy win over Offaly in Tullamore, all eyes are on this Sunday’s big Mother’s Day clash of the western counties at Dr Hyde Park.

With Galway already promoted, Roscommon should be well up for the task following their excellent display last weekend.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Cunningham said: “We played well against Offaly. A lot of lads are fighting for positions on the team, which is positive.

The task now is to prepare for next weekend. There is a huge rivalry between Roscommon and Galway and we will need a big crowd there to roar us on”.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

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SportsPeople

Left: Richard Hughes and Enda Smith pictured celebrating Enda’s second-half goal and on right Enda Smith pictured scoring a goal during the second half of Sunday’s match between Roscommon and Offaly in Tullamore.

Pictures: Mick McCormack

On the sending off of Keith Doyle early into a very comfortable win in Tullamore, the Roscommon manager expressed sympathy and support for the St Dominic’s youngster.

“I thought Keith was unlucky, but look, he will have many big days ahead in a Roscommon jersey. He is a brilliant talent and it’s great to see him and other young players coming through”.

Roscommon are now one step away from promotion following their dominant display on Sunday. Despite the fact that Offaly were very poor, and that Roscommon were reduced to fourteen men after only 14 minutes, this was an outstanding display from Anthony Cunningham’s team who never looked in trouble during a one-sided encounter.

Roscommon swept forward from the throw-in.

Ultan Harney and Eddie Nolan were in control at midfield and Brian Stack, Richard Hughes and Ronan Daly took every opportunity to join in the attack with some superb running.

Up front, Donie Smith was on fire, and not far behind was brother Enda, Cathal Heneghan and sub Cian McKeon. In fact Roscommon only kicked one wide in the entire game, a tribute to the accuracy of the attackers.

Roscommon had four points on the board after only four minutes with Ciarain Murtagh, Conor Cox (2) and Ultan Harney on target, and all from play.

Ciaran Donnelly and Niall McNamee (free) registered points for the home side but Roscommon’s brilliant attacking play was relentless.

Ronan Daly, Richard Hughes, Keith Doyle and Conor Cox (a mark) extended the lead to six (0-8 to 0-2) with barely 14

Teams & scorers Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Brian Stack, Eoin McCormack; Richard Hughes, Niall Daly (0-1), Ronan Daly; Ultan Harney, Eddie Nolan (0-1); Ciaráin Murtagh, Enda Smith (0-1), Niall Kilroy; Cian McKeon (0-1), Donie Smith (0-4, 2 frees), Conor Cox (0-2, free). Subs: Cathal Heneghan (0-1) for Ciaráin Murtagh (h/t), Diarmuid Murtagh for Kilroy (52), Keith Doyle (0-1) for McKeon (59), Andrew Glennon for Cox (66), Ciarán Sugrue for Donie Smith (68).

Derry: Odhran Lynch; Conor McCluskey, Brendan Rogers (0-1), Christopher McKaigue; Gareth McKinless, Padraig McGrogan (0-1), Conor Doherty; Conor Glass, Emmett Bradley; Oisín McWilliams, Shane McGuigan (0-8, 5 frees), Paul Cassidy (0-1); Benny Heron (0-1), Niall Loughlin, Ethan Doherty. Subs: Ciarán McFaul for Doherty (44), Niall Toner for Heron (46), Lachlan Murray for Loughlin (48), Ben McCarron for McWilliams (70).

Referee: Sean Lonergan (Tipperary).

Stat Attack Wides: Roscommon 7 (4, first half ); Derry 8 (4, first half ) Red cards: Roscommon 1 (Niall Daly 73); Derry 1 (Shane McGuigan 74) Black cards: Roscommon 2 (Cian McKeon 40, Brian Stack 75); Derry 0 Keith Doyle scores a point for Roscommon against Offaly in Tullamore last Sunday. Photo: Mick McCormack

minutes on the clock. Then referee Anthony Nolan sent Keith Doyle off (he had started the match in place of Niall Kilroy) for a second yellow card offence and one wondered would this be a turning point.

Despite the fact that Offaly did improve slightly from that point until halftime, Roscommon drove on

and at times it looked like it was they who had the extra man.

In the 26th minute Enda Smith drove into the heart of the Offaly defence.

He off-loaded to Cathal Heneghan who flicked the ball on to Donie Smith and the Roscommon captain fisted to the net. At halftime Roscommon led by

1-12 to 0-7.

The intensity levels dropped at the start of the second half and we had to wait 10 minutes for a score. Richard Hughes played a super long pass to Enda Smith who powered through, sold a great dummy, and drove the ball past Paddy Dunican in the Offaly goal.

The game petered out after that as both sides ran their benches and Roscommon cruised to victory with the minimum of fuss.

Now the focus switches to this weekend’s showdown with Galway at Hyde Park.

A win for the home side would guarantee promotion to Division One.

Yellow cards: Roscommon 7 (Cathal Heneghan, Niall Daly x 2, Conor Cox, Ronan Daly, Diarmuid Murtagh, Niall Kilroy); Derry 7 (Padraig McGrogan, Gareth McKinless, Conor Doherty, Ciaran McFaul, Shane McGuigan x 2, Rory Gallagher, manager) Man of the Match: Shane McGuigan (Derry) Attendance: Approx. 2,500

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2022

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