25 November 2022 Roscommon People

down a hill” at 80km per hour on a stretch of the N63 if plans to increase the speed limit in the area in question proceed.

Locals have expressed anger over the pro posal to increase the speed limit on what they consider to be a dangerous stretch of the N63.

The plan, which is expected to be put to councillors in either December or January, would see the current 60km per hour limit between Keane’s Centra and the local grave yard increased to 80km per hour.

It is part of a wider plan to reduce the speed limit on the route between Athleague and Mount Talbot from 100km per hour to 80km per hour as per Transport Infrastructure Ire land’s National Roads Speed Limit Review.

Local businessman Bernard Keane said people are vehemently opposed to such a move. “This only broke on Wednesday morning but local people are annoyed. It’s crazy, it makes absolutely no sense”.

Full story, page 5.

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Cyclist Personal Injury

I was cycling in my local town about a year ago when I was knocked off my bicycle by a passing car. He simply drove too close to me and his wing mirror clipped my handlebar causing me to fall to the ground. I went to my GP who prescribed painkillers for me. Unfortunately I have been left with lingering pain in my shoulder and I am now attending a physiotherapist for physiotherapy which is giving me some pain relief. My friend advised me to talk to my solicitor but I feel that it is too late to now consider looking for compensa tion for my injuries. Please advise me.

Cyclists are recognised as vulnerable road users and such vulnerability makes it almost inevitable that a cyclist will come off the worst in any ac cident involving a car. Even a minor incident can result in a cyclist being thrown off their bicycle and sustaining horrendous injuries.

I note that your bicycle accident occurred about a year ago. It is not uncommon for people to bring compensation claims for injuries sus tained in an accident many months after the ac cident. On occasion, one may not fully appreciate the true and full extent of injuries sustained until several weeks or months after an accident.

The law determining the time limits in which one may claim compensation for injuries follow ing an accident is called the Statute of Limita tions. One normally has two years from the date of accident to bring a compensation claim for personal injuries. This differs in the case of an injured child in that ‘limitation period’ does not start to run until the child reaches eighteen years old i.e. a child may bring a claim for injuries sustained as a child up until their 20th birthday.

If you believe that your injuries were sus tained as a result of the fault of another person contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Litigation Department who will fully advise you of your rights in the strictest of confidence. It is impera tive that you do so without delay.

It’s carnage!

Huh?

In the mornings…Trump is getting crazier!

What’s he done now?

He’s barking mad!

You can say that again! I can’t see how the Republicans will choose him again. I mean…

No, not DONALD Trump!

But you said Trump’s barking mad! That he’s getting crazier! Who else could you be talking about?

Our dog…TRUMP!

You called your dog…Trump?

I told you that before!

But that’s…silly! Have you a grudging fondness for the former President?

Not really, it’s more that our pet dog is unpredictable, giddy, and has a shock of red hair!

And what’s the current issue?

Well, Trump…

Your dog, not the former President?

Yeah…he’s still going crazy every morn ing! When the postman arrives!

Oh, that! Sure our dog is the same!

(They pause to check out today’s World Cup controversy)

It’s driving me mad!

Huh?

Trump’s barking in the mornings! I mean, at what point do our dogs work out that the postman comes every morn

ing?!

I know, it’s frustrating!

Of course it’s not just the postman that gets that reaction, he goes mad too when the delivery guys arrive!

Yeah, and our dog makes a right rumpus when a family member calls! They just don’t seem to get it…these are people they should be recognising!

Yeah, they should hardly be surprised

that the postman comes every morning! Same time, same vehicle, same gentle thud of letter box flap! It’s SO annoying!

Still, they’re friendly, and great company… The postmen and delivery guys?

Well, I meant pet dogs…

Oh, right…

Why doesn’t our pet dog recognise the postman by now? Endangered Species

I’ll say one thing for our dog, she reserves her loudest barking for when bills pop in the letter box! It’s as if she’s…I dunno… barking in solidarity with our fate!

Do you think the postmen and post women mind all the commotion?

Nah, those postmen and postwomen are made of stern stuff! They’re awesome! They drive with skill, park with verve, time their ‘run’ to our front doors superbly, dodge rain, excel at pushing the post in, are oblivious to the noisiest dogs, always have a friendly word if they meet you, and then they’re gone! It’s a great, personal service…

Agreed! And long may it continue…in this age of rapid technological change!

Yes! Anyways…WHY did you call your dog Trump?

Well, we got her in 2019, around the time Donald Trump was dominating the world headlines…

Understood! Bit strange, but understood! Yeah, well, ahem, it was a one-off… Hey, one last question on this morning mayhem. Does your cat cause a commo tion when the postman arrives?

Nah, our cat passes no heed. You won’t find a quieter pet than our Kim Jong-un!

PEOPLE writing headlines…

Gianni Infantino

The FIFA President was criticised for what was described as a bizarre speech which he made on the eve of the World Cup (which began on Sunday). Infan tino’s ‘I feel Qatari, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled’ speech was labelled “disrespectful” and “offensive” by many people

Eileen Dunne

After a 42-year career, RTE newsreader Eileen Dunne made the news herself when announcing her retirement live on the Nine O’Clock News on Friday night

Josh van der Flier

The Leinster and Ireland star capped a good weekend for Irish rugby when he was named as World Rugby Men’s Play er of the Year

Joe Lycett

British comedian Joe Lycett caused quite a stir by claiming he had shredded £10,000 in a protest over David Beck ham’s role as an ambassador for the Qa tar World Cup. On Monday, Lycett con firmed that he hadn’t actually shredded the money and had instead donated it to LGBTQ+ charities

recent match at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Knockcroghery to light up once again for Hospice

The community of Knock croghery and surrounding areas will come together once again this Sunday (27th) as the ‘Tree of Light’ illuminates the village in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice.

The popular annual event will begin with carol sing ing in the Knockcroghery Community Centre at 5.30 pm before the lights are switched on at 6 pm on the village green. There will be further excitement fol

lowing the big switch-on when Santa Claus makes a special pre-Christmas visit to Knockcroghery. The committee has called on the people of Knock croghery and surrounding areas to give the gift of love this Christmas while supporting the Mayo Ro scommon Hospice – you can do so by sponsoring a light on the Tree of Light in Knockcroghery for a friend, family member, someone you know or in

memory of a loved one.

Organiser Jackie Doyle said: “Once again, we are asking for your support for the Palliative Care ser vices in our area. You can purchase a light for €5 for your family, friends, or in memory of a loved one. The light will shine over the Christmas period and it can be for people who are living or deceased. It’s just a special gesture to let someone know you are thinking about them dur

Roscommon manager Davy to launch Alzheimers’ Charity Walk

Western Alzheimers voluntary com mittee invite you and your friends to their annual coffee morning on Friday, 25th of November, from 10.30 am to 1 pm at Roscommon Golf Club.

Guest speaker, new Roscommon senior county football manager Davy Burke, will launch their St Stephen’s Day Charity Walk.

Local artist Ian Marks is kindly donating some of his paintings as a fundraiser to the event and will be present to speak about his work.

Western Alzheimers voluntary com mittee wish to express their sincere thanks to Roscommon Golf Club for the use of their facilities. A huge thank

you to Mags and Bernard Keane of SuperValu, Lanesboro, who are spon soring the event. The committee would also like to thank Ardcarne Garden Centre in Roscommon for their kind sponsorship of Christmas decorations for the event, as well as Centra in Athleague for sponsoring prizes.

Thanks also to Brian Carroll, GAA County Board Chairperson, for organ ising Davy Burke as guest speaker. Finally, a huge thanks to Ian Marks for his great generosity in donating his paintings.

Everyone is welcome to attend the coffee morning. All proceeds are in aid of West ern Alzheimers.

ing the festive season”. Cards are now avail able from Jackie on 0868756797 and Patricia on 087-1252304. A number of Christmas cards are also available and all proceeds

go towards Mayo Ro scommon Hospice. Names of loved ones will be included in the an nual ecumenical service at Knock on the third Sunday in January.

The ‘Tree of Light’ will be switched on this Sunday in Knockcroghery.

Cloontuskert National School open for enrolment!

Cloontuskert National School is now accepting applica tions for admission for the 2023-2024 school year. The admission application form is available to download at cloontuskertns.ie, or on request by emailing cloontusk ertns63@gmail.com. The school will cease application acceptance on December 14th, 2022.

Cloontuskert National School is a co-educational, Cath olic primary school, located in the village of Cloontusk ert, approximately 4km from Lanesboro and Ballyleague. A private bus service is available to transport the children to and from the school, or to the local after-school study in Lanesboro. Our school building has recently been up graded and we are now in a position to cater for a wider range of students with mobility and care needs.

Speaking about Cloontuskert National School, Principal Padraig Connerton states: “We are a small school work ing diligently to provide a broad and holistic education in a nurturing and caring environment. We take great pride in knowing all our students personally, and strive to assist each of them in reaching their full potential. There is a strong sense of community spirit here and a high level of cooperation between staff, pupils and parents”.

Cloontuskert National School has recently been selected for inclusion in the government’s DEIS programme. The DEIS programme has many benefits for staff and stu dents. It provides us with an opportunity to access many additional supports and greater government funding. The students also have access to free school lunches. The school also embraces the Aistear framework and has adapted it for use throughout the school. Children are encouraged to develop their skills of oral language,

writing, reading and numeracy through playful and positive interactions in a well-planned learning envi ronment.

ICT is also an integral part of everyday life in Cloontusk ert National School. Students enjoy the use of the most up to date devices and software, and teachers actively en courage the children to integrate IT into their learning and presentations where appropriate.

Cloontuskert National School is a hive of activity, with the children participating in a broad range of educational endeavours, such as history trails, art competitions, po etry and essay competitions, computer classes, wellbeing classes, school concerts and plays, to name but a few.

Sport also plays a central role. Facilities include a new astroturf pitch, a basketball court, and a purpose-built playground. The school boasts excellent soccer, GAA, and rugby coaches, and the children also participate in golf, hip-hop dancing, swimming, and athletics. The chil dren regularly attend rugby, football and soccer blitzes, and also take part in cross-country and basketball com petitions.

The arts are also well catered for at Cloontuskert Na tional School. On Friday, December 9th, the children’s many and varied talents will be on display in Ballagh Church, when they perform during the Roscommon Sol stice Choir’s Christmas Fundraising Concert. Tickets cost €15 each and are available from the school or from any of the parents.

For further insight into school life at Cloontuskert Na tional School, check out the school’s Facebook page or visit cloontuskertns.ie.

Brent to host Magical Winter Ball for Join Our Boys

Roscommon couple Paula and Pad raic Naughton have issued a heartfelt thanks to Kate Kelly, her team, and the wider Malahide community for the incredible gesture of this year’s Malahide Magical Winter Ball being held in Archie’s memory, at the Grand Hotel Malahide.

The tickets are priced at €120, and include a festive drinks reception with string quartet; four-course meal with wine; late bar; live DJ and live music from Cazettes. There is also an amazing raffle – and the MC is none other than TV personality and rugby pundit Brent Pope!

More importantly than ever, with

Archie’s recent death, the funds raised will hopefully help find a treatment, ideally a cure for DMD, and support the ongoing objectives of the Joint Our Boys Trust.

In 2012, when Archie was six and his brothers, twins George and Isaac, were two and a half, all three boys were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

DMD is a catastrophic muscle wasting disease which has already impacted on the boys’ ability to walk, use their limbs, or even hug the people they love. Those who live until their late teens are likely

to become totally paralysed and will eventually die of respiratory and/or heart failure. George and Isaac are paralysed and in wheel chairs. They are now struggling to use their arms.

Everyone can help find a cure for DMD and fulfil Archie’s dying wish by buying a ticket at www.joinour boys.org.

If you cannot attend the Magical Winter Ball at Malahide Castle but would like to support the event, the organising committee have a dedi cated Gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mala hides-magical-winter-ball-2022.

Theft of fourteen registration plates

Fourteen vehicle registration plates were stolen from outside houses in a well-known housing estate in Roscommon Town last weekend.

The thefts occurred in the Ard nanagh area in the early hours of last Sunday morning, 20th of November.

Gardaí are investigating the thefts

of the registration plates and have ap pealed for anyone with information to contact Roscommon Garda Sta tion on (090) 6638300.

Archie Naughton RIP

Brent Pope

Anger over proposed speed limit increase in Athleague

< DAN DOONER

Residents and business owners in Athleague have expressed anger this week over a proposal to increase the speed limit on what they consider to be a dangerous stretch of the N63.

The proposal, which is expected to be put to councillors at a meeting of Roscommon County Council in either Decem ber or January, would see the current 60km per hour limit between Keane’s Cen tra and the local graveyard increased to 80km per hour.

It is part of a wider plan to reduce the speed limit on the route between Ath league and Mount Tal bot from 100km per hour to 80km per hour as per Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s National Roads Speed Limit Review.

Local businessman Ber nard Keane said people in Athleague are vehemently opposed to such a move.

“I’ve spoken to a num ber of councillors locally and we are all on the same wavelength. This only broke on Wednesday morn ing but local people are an noyed,” he said.

“It’s crazy, it makes ab solutely no sense. We have been looking for a footpath up to the graveyard for years because it’s danger

ous walking that road as it is without cars travelling at 80km per hour – especially on days of big funerals”.

A post on the Athleague Tidy Towns Facebook page on Wednesday after noon (yesterday) described the proposal as “absolute madness”.

“It has come to our atten tion that there is a proposal before our councillors to change the 60km speed limit from the graveyard to just before Centra to an 80km limit. This flies in the face of all logic. As a very busy road bringing 3,500 cars, tractors and lor ries through the village on

a daily basis, they now pro pose to bring them hurtling down that hill towards a major junction at 80km per hour.

“The people of Athleague cannot allow this and are calling for the support of our councillors and the general public to oppose this madness”.

Local councillor Laurence Fallon said that while he is in favour of a speed limit reduction on the Athleague to Mount Talbot route, he would oppose a move to increase the current 60km limit between the village and the graveyard.

“While I support the wid

er concept of reducing the speed limit on the road to wards Mount Talbot, I, like many of my colleagues, would not be in favour of increasing the speed limit coming down the hill to wards Athleague,” he said.

“While it would require an agreement with Trans port Infrastructure Ireland, I would hope that there could be a compromise whereby the current speed limit is maintained beyond the graveyard and the new 80km per hour limit is in troduced from there.

“I cannot see it as accept able to increase the speed coming into Athleague. It

is a thriving employment town with Kepak and Au rivo and as such large lor ries and other traffic use this route on a daily basis”.

Councillor Emer Kelly said she too would be strongly against any speed increase in the current 60km zone.

“I had previously intro duced a motion regarding the speed of traffic through Athleague village. Traffic is already at a higher speed coming down the hill to wards the village. I know that local people are frus trated and angry with this proposal and I agree with them completely,” she said.

Responding to enquiries from the Roscommon Peo ple, Roscommon County Council stated: “The mat ter was discussed at a meeting of the Roscom mon Municipal District on Tuesday as part of the Na tional Roads Speed Limit Review.

“It is a matter for the members to adopt at either the December or January

plenary meeting and is the result of an extended re view process that included public consultation.

“The staff of Roscom mon County Council are working with the elected members and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to formulate an agreed set of Speed Limit Bye Laws for our National Road Net work”.

Misfit Windows & Doors For

every Saturday from 9am to 2pm

• Numerous colours and sizes available • Bring your van/trailer!

Circular Road, Roscommon

Residents and business owners in Athleague have expressed anger this week over a proposal to increase the speed limit on a stretch of the N63 between Keane’s Centra and the local graveyard. Pics: Athleague Tidy Towns Facebook page

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column

by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY

Out of step(s)

You go for a longish walk around town on a lovely (if chilly) Thursday morning. You nod to people you know, enjoy time with your own thoughts, and observe life.

The fact that your mobile phone is tracking your steps is psychologically comforting. This tracking-of-steps, and your phone’s slightly judgemental habit of comparing your walk ing distance to the previous week, is a motivating factor in your decision to take the walk (yes, I’ve heard of fitbits). So, you’re enjoying your walk, looking forward to the data which your phone will reveal.

Plot twist: If you then return to the office and, on checking to see the steps’ total, discover that your phone battery was dead (at least for some of your walk), just how frustrating is this? (Asking for a friend). Do I have to repeat the walk, or at least half of it (and possibly nod again to the same people)?

FRIDAY

City vibes

A happy and proud occasion for us in Dublin today, with Fiona graduating from College with an Honours Degree after four very dedicated years!

I have a couple of hours to kill before we check into our hotel. Coffee in a bourgeoistype café in Leeson Park passes some time. Then, a series of walks. Passing ‘Christ Church’ – described as a ‘Romanian Orthodox Church in Ireland’ – I notice a one-person tent in its grounds. Is there really someone sleeping rough in the church grounds? I soon discover that this is the case (the norm?), as a few feet on, there’s a person wrapped tightly against the ele ments in a sleeping bag.

While I know it’s not exactly breaking news, there is much

evidence of growing social prob lems in the city. The homelessness has been well documented. Taxi drivers we spoke to say anti-social behaviour is rampant, not least in O’Connell Street area. Many taxi drivers, sadly, are living in fear of being attacked.

Later, after a lovely graduation ceremony and a celebration meal, we enjoyed some nightlife in Dub lin with friends, in one of the many atmospheric bars.

SATURDAY

Taxi talk!

I could write a book on Dublin taxi drivers…a mixture of nationalities, most of whom have a wonder ful combination of wit, paranoia, cynicism, barely concealed anger, world weariness – and an absolute conviction that They Know Where The Politicians Are Going Wrong.

I will reserve special mention for one veteran, ‘salt of the earth’ Dub who laced his conversation with expletives as he decried all that’s wrong with life today.

Picking us up near O’Connell Bridge for the short trip to Heuston Station, our (new) friend announced himself thus: “People miss the bus, then they want me to get them to Heuston as they’ve a train to catch in five minutes – I tell them to eff off!”

Fortunately, we had more time. After a few minutes of banter with us, he relished his first chance to ‘rise’ a young cyclist. When we stopped at traffic lights, our taxi man helpfully lowered my (passen ger seat) window to further chide the young lad, who had now caught up with us. It was all fairly goodhumoured. Ecstatic at having got some afternoon venting in, taxi man then told us about another recent exchange with one of those pesky cyclists.

“The fella got off his bike and started kicking my car! Can you believe it? He’s kicking my car! So…I got out and I f**ked his bike into the Liffey!”

A Garda in a patrol car witnessed the incident, but took a benign view as the unrepentant taxi driver shrugged his shoulders and the

“That’s what’s wrong with soci ety” our no-nonsense driver said as he dropped us at the station.

“People are too angry!”

SUNDAY

All kicking off

I share the widespread view that the 2022 World Cup should not have been granted to Qatar. It was an extraordinary decision, one that is shrouded in shame.

That said, I will certainly be watching the tournament. I love football, and the World Cup is always an exciting prospect for fans. Qatar’s human rights’ record is shocking and indefensible, but I still think football fans – and footballers – should be able to enjoy their showpiece event, that politics and sport should ideally not be mixed.

I share worldwide disgust over Qatar’s suppression of LGBTQ+ rights, its treatment of women, and the migrant workers’ scandal,

but I’m not convinced there is much merit in isolated, largely symbolic boycotts. The boycott that should have happened –i.e. of Qatar’s bid to host the tournament – wasn’t enforced by FIFA, a body with a lot to answer for.

Campaigning against Qatar’s record on human rights should continue; indeed there is an op portunity now to cast a brighter spotlight than ever on these injustices. But the tournament’s here now; the show must go on. And it’s perfectly okay to watch it.

MONDAY/TUESDAY

The games begin

It’s bad news for Ellen, for Dr Phil too, but there are people in our midst watching World Cup matches from 10 am in the morning (I haven’t had that luxury yet).

England were impressive against Iran on Monday, Gareth Southgate’s team showing all its attacking flair in a 6-2 win. Wales are in a solid position after a 1-1 draw with USA. Most impressive team so far is arguably France, who coasted to a 4-1 win over Australia.

Kylian Mbappé showed why he might (Ronaldo fans, look away) be about to succeed Lionel Messi as the best player in the world. I still expect Argentina to qualify from the group after their shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia. (As we go to press on Wednesday, Japan have beaten Germany 2-1, and Spain have trounced Costa Rica 7-0).

As for those Dr Phil shows you may be missing, I expect they’ll be repeated!

WEDNESDAY

Oh Boy…

Just a few days to go in the jungle. Boy George was funny, slightly moody, a touch ec centric indeed. But he was voted out last night. Is there no end to the bad news? (Owen or Jill to win, obviously).

stunned cyclist stared at the space where his bike had been.

‘Great day for Vita House services’ as premises opened in Monksland

Vita House Roscommon held the official opening of their Monksland premises last Friday.

Sarah Boyle, Systemic Psycho therapist and Director of Ser vices at Vita House said: “This is a great day for our centre. For 29 years we have been provid ing services to the Roscommon area. However, having our own base here in Athlone will allow us the opportunity to expand and develop to meet the needs of the community”.

Sarah states there has been an immense increase in demand for their services over the past 18 months and highlighted the im portance of their psychotherapy service.

“One of the main services provided throughout the years has been our professional psy chotherapy. We provide low cost, affordable counselling to couples, individuals, children and families at vulnerable times in their life cycle to empower and enable them to live full and satisfied lives.

“The service promotes a multidisciplinary approach and we draw on many different modalities in our work including personcentred, humanistic and integra tive, psycho-dynamic and family systemic therapy. This multi-

perspective approach ensures that there is a service suitable for everyone”.

Roscommon Cancer support provides free support services to enhance recovery from cancer di agnosis available to the diagnosed person, their children and family members. Services include coun selling, reiki, massage, reflexol

ogy, Body talk, Yoga, Pilates, well-being courses and social support groups activities.

Our team at Vita House is pas sionate about our work and the client is always our most impor tant factor. We feel privileged to work as part of such a wonderful organisation and are continually striving to adapt our programmes

and activities to provide the best service to the people of our com munity.

Sarah further comments: “Our clients come to us in their most challenging and difficult time. Each and every person who comes through our door is treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve regardless of

their circumstances. People feel welcomed, they feel seen, they feel heard, they know they’re impor tant to us and that is what makes Vita House special”.

For more information on the services available please see our website www.vitahouse.org, email info@vitahouse.org or call 090 6625898.

Pictured left to right: Gerry Finn (chairperson); Laura Mullooly (Roscommon Cancer Support); Sarah Boyle (Director of Services) and Siobhan Murry (Cancer Support).

Monksland Vita House offices which were officially opened last Friday.

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Roscommon Bridge Club

1st: Valerie and Pat Finneran; 2nd: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe; Gross: Joan Donnellan and June Halliday.

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club

1st: Joan Donnellan and Margaret Gillen; 2nd: Judy Adamson and Olive Fahy; Gross: Phil and Seamus Cooney.

St. Coman’s Bridge Club

1st: Bretta McCarthy and Susan Farrell; 2nd: Nuala Costello and Chris McGrath; Gross: John O’Gara and Evelyn Curley.

Ballymurray Bridge Club Harvest Competition –1st: Evelyn Curley and Larry Shine; 2nd: Michael McSharry and George Bannon; Gross: Paula Whyte and John O’Gara.

Roscommon GAA stars to plant trees and combat Climate Change

Three Roscommon GAA stars jetted off to Africa this week in a bid to plant a million trees and raise aware ness of the impact that climate change is having on some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Roscommon GAA stars Roisin Wynne, Ultan Har ney and Mairead Cogan have joined 50 sportsmen and women from across the country on a week-long trip to Kenya, which included playing a series of GAA matches billed as the ‘Plant the Planet Games’, which took place in Nairobi at the weekend.

Participants aren’t just raising awareness about cli mate change either, as they are collectively aiming to raise more than €350,000 in sponsorship support, to plant a million trees in Africa and support the efforts of Irish development charity Self Help Africa to com bat the effects of climate change amongst small-scale farming communities.

The event is being organised by former Galway dual player Alan Kerins ‘Warriors for Humanity,’ the Gaelic Players Association and Self Help Africa, and will also include a programme of sports sessions with children, tree planting days to rehabilitate degraded lands, and visits to agricultural projects being implemented by Self Help Africa in Kenya.

Gaelic Players Association CEO, Tom Parsons, said

newsbriefs

Table quiz in aid of St Nathy’s College

A table quiz in aid of St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, will take place at 9 pm on Friday, December 2nd, in The Fiddler’s Elbow. Entry for a table of four costs €40. In addition to all the raffle and spot prizes, first prize is a €200 shopping voucher for Duffy’s SuperValu, and second prize is a €100 shopping voucher. Come along on the night to help support St Nathy’s College and be in with the chance of winning some great prizes.

Upcoming events at Fr Flanagan Centre

The annual Christmas Fair will take place at the Fr. Flanagan Memorial Centre, Ballymoe this Sunday (27th) from 11 am onwards. The centre’s AGM will take place this evening (24th) at 8 pm. Please submit any committee nominations to mikehballymoedevelopment@gmail.com.

Christmas Craft Fair in King House, Boyle

This year’s Christmas Craft Fair in King House, Boyle marks the first signs of Christmas for many, providing excitement, family fun and a great buzz.

The fair takes place over two dates, i.e. Friday evening, November 25th from 5 pm to 9 pm (just in time to get home to watch the Late, Late Toy Show!) and on Saturday, November 26th from 10 am to 5 pm.

Rosary to be recited in graveyards

The Rosary will be recited in Ardcarne Graveyard on Saturday, 26th of November at 10.30 am, and in Kileenan Graveyard on Sunday, 26th of November 2022 at 11.15 (approx.).

Roscommon Town Comhaltas sessions

Roscommon Town Comhaltas branch’s twice-monthly music session has now moved to Beár an Ráille, Abbeytown. It was held before an appreciative audience on Thursday night last and will continue on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 8 pm to 10 pm.

5km Memorial Walk for Hospice

A 5km Memorial Candlelight Walk takes place on Sunday, November 27th around the vicinity of Knock, as part of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice ‘Shine A Light’ tree lighting ceremony. The walk will commence at 5 pm from St. John’s Rest & Care Centre in Knock followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm. Refreshments will be served after the walk. You can register online on www.hospice.ie or you can register on the day for a fee and you will receive a Memorial Walk t-shirt. You can set up an Idonate page or apply for a sponsorship card by ticking the appropriate boxes on the online registration form. Your support would be appreciated.

find out more about the

or make a do nation to the cause visit: www.selfhelpafrica.org

Gospel Reflection

Sunday, November 27th

Jesus exaggerates in this week’s Gospel when He claims not to know the day or the hour when He will come again. Christ occasionally makes such overstatements to drive home a point we might otherwise miss (see Matthew 5:34; 23:9; Luke 14:26).

His point here is that the exact “hour” is not important. What is crucial is that we not postpone our repentance, that we be ready for Him – spiritually and morally – when He comes. For He will surely come, He tells us – like a thief in the night, like the flood in the time of Noah.

In this week’s Epistle, Paul too compares the present age to a time of advancing darkness and night. Though we sit in the darkness, overshadowed by death, we have seen arise the great light of our Lord who has come into our midst (see Matthew 4:16; John 1:9; 8:12). He is the true light, the life of the world. And His light continues to shine in His Church, the New Jerusalem promised by Isaiah in today’s first Reading.

In the Church, all nations stream to the God of Jacob, to worship and seek wisdom in the House of David. From the Church goes forth His word of instruction, the light of the Lord – that all might walk in His paths toward that eternal day when night will be no more (see Revelation 22:5). By our Baptism we have been made children of the light and day (see Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-7). It is time we start living like it: throwing off the fruitless works of darkness, rejecting the desires of the flesh, and walking by the light of His grace. The hour is late as we begin a new Advent. Let us begin again in this Eucharist. As we sing in this week’s Psalm, “let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” Let us give thanks to His name, keeping watch for His coming, knowing that our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

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

that a key element of the GPA’s role was to empower intercounty players to realise the bigger picture beyond sport. To

upcoming trip

Pictured are Roisin Wynne, Ultan Harney and Mairead Cogan, representing Roscommon, at the Warriors for Humanity launch at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport in Dublin. Picture: Sam Barnes

Naughten seeks more rail services between Roscommon and Dublin

Deputy Denis Naughten has called for addi tional rail services to and from Westport and Dublin each morning and evening by con necting with the Dublin and Galway service in Athlone.

Such additional services, he says, would dra matically improve the rail service from Mayo and Roscommon to Dublin if just a single set of the 41 new rail carriages ordered by Irish Rail are pro vided on the Athlone to Westport line, allowing for connections with the existing Dublin/Galway rail service.

Deputy Naughten has pointed out to Minister Ryan that the recent expansion of rail services an nounced by Irish Rail provided just one additional morning rail service to Westport but does not provide any additional rail connections to Dublin City or Galway.

He told Minister Ryan that the first measure that must be taken to enhance rail services was “to utilise the existing rail network in the west”. He sought a commitment from the Min ister that “we get our fair share of the 41 new carriages that are coming on track”.

“I want a commitment from him, in the first in stance, that we will get two new rail sets servicing Athlone, one on the Galway line and the second set used to shuttle between Mayo and Athlone to connect the Roscommon and Mayo passen gers with the Galway-Dublin services,” Deputy Naughten said.

“Those two sets alone would dramatically trans form rail services throughout the west, connecting counties Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and West meath for the first time since the foundation of the State”.

New search and rescue slipway opened in Castlerea

Civil Defence in search and res cue missions.

“A number of months ago members of the Civil Defence made contact with me regard ing the lack of a slipway in Cas tlerea to launch their search and

rescue river boat,” Cllr. Fitz maurice said.

“When searching the upper River Suck, boats had to work upstream against difficult cur rents and launch from Bally moe, Frenchlawn or Kilkeevin and work towards Castlerea. This is very difficult due to parts of the river being too shallow for an outboard engine to work safely. I identified a site near the former River Island Nightclub and I contacted the land owners Linda and Tommy Joyce who generously gave permission and allowed access on their lands for the slipway.

“Roscommon County Council also helped out to clear the way and provide materials and made the slipway. The Area Office staff did a fantastic job.

“I’m delighted we now have a slipway in Castlerea for search and rescue. Let’s hope we never need it again, but if we do, we now have a safe access point to the river in Castlerea allowing boats to work downstream”.

Solstice Choir to perform at Boyle Church of Ireland

Roscommon Solstice Choir are set to perform at Boyle Church of Ireland on Friday, December 2nd and tickets are on sale now.

Boyle Church of Ireland, situated on Green Street and completed in 1773, is one of Boyle’s oldest buildings. The parishioners are currently un dertaking the restoration of the organ to celebrate the Church’s

250th Anniversary in 2023. The organ came from Christ Church, Derry in 1886 and was erected by Telford & Telford Organ Builders. Over the past few years the organ has fallen into disrepair and now requires major restora tion. This work is being over seen by the Rector, Canon Edward Yendall, who is an

accomplished organist.

Roscommon Solstice Choir will perform a concert in the church on Friday, 2nd of December at 8 pm. Tickets are €10, and are available at Brendan McGee Jewellers, Una Bhan King House, Pearl Anderson (071-9662326), or from any parishioner. A great night is assured!

< DAN DOONER

Local councillor Paschal Fitz maurice has welcomed the development of a new slipway on the River Suck in Castlerea to aid members of Roscommon

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice pictured at the site of a new slipway on the River Suck in Castlerea.

‘Coldtober’ raises €93k for Helplink services

Helplink are delighted to an nounce that their second na tional fundraising campaign, Coldtober has raised over €93,000!

#Coldtober is a national sea swimming fundraising chal lenge for the month of October, where each day almost 500 par ticipants across Ireland go for a sea swim in their local area, or have a 30-second cold shower, to help meet Helplink’s mis sion: for children, young people and adults to achieve and main tain positive mental health.

Organisers have issued a huge ‘thank you’ to all participants who got involved, to every one who donated, held a cof

fee morning or fundraiser, and those who supported the cam paign on social media, and also to main sponsor Portwest Ire land. The campaign has raised vital funds and awareness for our mental health services that are needed now more than ever.

Founder and CEO of Hel plink Mental Health, Lochlann Scott said: “When we launched Coldtober last year we were hoping for around 100 people to take up the challenge. Never in our wildest dreams did we expect nearly 500 people from across 21 counties to take up the challenge!

“People’s generosity is just amazing and because of that

generosity we are in an even better position to continue to enhance and expand the mental health services we offer to chil dren, young people and adults seven days a week”.

Roscommon native and Fun draising and Marketing Man ager, Ruth McCourt said: “I’m over the moon with the reach #Coldtober received this year. We had participants take part from Australia, Germany, the UK, and Ireland.

“We were also delighted to be asked to film a sea-swimming feature for RTÉ Today with James Patrice which we re ceived excellent exposure of our services from!”

Castlerea student wins Soroptimist public speaking competition 2022

A student from Castlerea Com munity College has won the 2022 Soroptimist International Public Speaking competition which took place in Colaiste Chiarain on Wednesday last.

Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation awarded €6,500

Mayo Roscommon Hospice is amongst the recipients of funding from the annual AIB Community €1 Million Fund.

Having been nominated by AIB customers and the wid er public, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation will receive €6,500 from the fund in 2022.

Earlier this year, AIB launched the first €1 Million Community Fund and asked its customers and the wider public to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities. The charities which received the most nominations in each of the five regions (Connaught, Munster, Ulster (ROI), Leinster and Greater Dublin) received funding.

On being nominated, Martina Jennings, CEO, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation said: “We are abso lutely delighted with this funding, which will go towards Palliative Care services in Mayo and Roscommon. We are so grateful to the local communities and supporters who nominated us, and without whom we wouldn’t be able to fund this vital service. We are also so thankful to AIB for this initiative and for supporting so many causes, like ourselves, throughout Ireland”.

Leanne Vaughan, in Transi tion Year at Castlerea, won first prize in the Soroptimist International Public Speaking Competition.

This competition has been running for over 45 years, and is open to girls in Transition year, and 5th and 6th years. Leanne Vaughan and her fel low Castlerea Community Col lege pupil, Sarah Joyce (TY), were both outstanding on the night.

Taking part were eleven contestants from schools in Athlone, Kilcormac and Cas tlerea, who chose topics under the headings ‘Prosperity and

Health’, ‘People and Human Rights’ and ‘Partnership and Empowerment’. All eleven girls delivered powerful, well researched and inspiring speeches. They were judged on content, delivery, humour and engagement with the audience – and certainly kept the latter entertained.

Leanne Vaughan spoke on Partnership and Empowerment of Women, while Sarah Joyce spoke on People and Human Rights.

After long and careful deliber ation, the adjudicators awarded first prize to Leanne Vaughan and commended her for the exceptional capacity to engage with an audience and deliver an immensely powerful, enlight ening speech.

The aim of the Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition

CEO Lochlann Scott, voluntary Board Member Sam O’Neill, and Marketing and Fundraising Manager Ruth McCourt pictured with Ground & Co staff members.

Pictured are (l-r): Aimee Plunkett (Qualifier, Colaiste Ciaran); Patricia Braiden (Soroptimist); Leanne Vaughan (Qualifier, Castlerea Community School).

Pictured are Martina Jennings, CEO, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, and Joe McEvilly, Manager, AIB Claremorris at the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Headquarters in Knock. Picture: Michael Donnelly

Pictured are (l-r) back row: Rosie Boles (Soroptimist); Miriam Nally (Soroptimist); Emma Maguire (Athlone Community College); Aisling Lane (Mercy School, Ballymahon); Niamh Jordan (Reserve Qualifier, Our Lady’s Bower); Caitlin Perry (Colaiste Naomh Cormac); Faustina Egan (Colaiste Naomh Cormac); Geraldine Boland (Soroptimist); Anne Munnelly (Soroptimist). Front row: Ilaria Manenti (Our Lady’s Bower); Sarah Joyce (Castlerea Community School); Aimee Plunkett (Qualifier, Colaiste Ciaran); Patricia Braiden (Soroptimist); Leanne Vaughan (Qualifier, Castlerea Community School); Aoife Ni Leochain (Athlone Community School); Aine Gilhooly (Colaiste Chiarain).

is to encourage women and girls to be the best version of themselves at every stage of

their lives. We wish Leanne every success in the regional finals held in January.

Strokestown Christmas Market preparations are underway

T he holiday season is approaching fast and the Strokestown Christ mas Market committee are getting ready to welcome the most wonderful time of the year!

The committee have been very busy preparing to make Strokestown Christmas Market 2022 bigger, brighter and even more enjoyable!

The fun commences on Friday, 2nd of December with the illumination of the town and Santa’s

Expanded Christmas lights display!

Our Christmas Market and town would not be the same without the wonderful Christmas lights display. The Strokestown Christmas lights group are out in force again this year getting the town ready for Santa and all the Christmas celebrations.

We would like to say a massive thank you to them and all the volunteers who give their time to make the town sparkle, and for their continued support.

Once again, the lights team are expanding their dis play this year to further enhance the Christmas experi ence. Look out for the new online fundraiser through ido nate on the Strokestown Facebook page.

Finally, on December 3rd from 5.30, Strokestown is go ing to be illuminated even more with its 1st Christmas tractor run organised by the Tidy Town group and Kiltrust an Sports Club, so be sure to stay around after the market to see the wonderful display.

arrival being hosted by Our Voice FM.

The festivities will con tinue over a jam-packed weekend with live music, street entertainers, some very familiar children’s characters, face-painting, Christmas carols, games and many more enjoyable

acts with some special surprises for everyone!

Bawn Street will be lined with traditional wooden chalets and gazebos and over the three days there will be 70 differ ent market stalls brim ming with a vast array of goods offering Christmas

decorations, knitted goods, toys, candles, jewellery, ornaments and much more to help fill your Christmas stockings!

For the foodies, a selec tion of pizzas, crepes and hot delights will be avail able – and not forgetting those with a sweet tooth:

there will be cookies, toasted marshmallows, candyfloss, cakes, and preserves, to mention just a few delights. Of course the custom of hot choco late will be available free of charge to all the visitors to the market on Friday night.

Santa will be available to meet and greet on the Friday evening! So save the dates and visit Strokestown Christmas Market. Check out the posters for times and activities to avoid disap pointment. More coverage in our next issue.

Thanks to sponsors

The committee would like to sincerely thank the following for sponsoring the event: Roscommon County Council, Barna Recycling, Tighe Agricultural Supplies, and Strokestown Town Team. Also, a big thank you to the residents and businesses of Bawn Street without whose cooperation it would not be possible to host the market.

The Strokestown Christmas Market Committee (Martina, Louise, Claire, Julia & Stephen) look forward to welcoming you all for another great event.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S

unique take on life ...

‘Super-pitches’ are the way forward to avoid sporting postponements

Our man Frank on sporting venues that can withstand bad weather; A controversial newspaper interview; Young children and mobile phones… and an eggs-centric lotto winner in China

It’s Monday morning as I write, and yet again the country is in the middle of a weather alert! We have both yellow and orange alerts, depending on where you are in the country. Either way, the bottom line is that we are facing another 24 hours of high winds and heavy rain.

Funnily enough, Carol and I have just come back from our daily walk and we never saw a drop of rain at all. However, I can confirm that when I let our little house dog ‘Hope’ out to do

her toiletries at 4.30 am, the rain was pelting down so much that she was very reluctant to go out at all.

While I was on my lovely, pleasant, dry walk, my mind was on the poor groundspeople who are trying to keep pitches all around the country in a playable state, and – as happened to the supporters and players of St Dominic’s and Aughnasheelin GAA clubs this week – some times failing, despite their best efforts.

Having first gone to Carrick-on-Shannon only to arrive at an unplayable pitch, the two clubs were then sent to Cloone, where after some lengthy deliberations, that pitch was also de clared unfit. And so the players and followers were sent home.

Obviously it was no one’s fault, but I’m sure the good people from Knockcroghery and the outlying areas were none too happy at such a long, fruitless journey. And as I

thought about all the clubs in the country who are struggling with the constant rain and the resultant pressure on their pitches, two things came to mind.

The first was the fact that Croke Park has its own turf farm, where they actually grow their own surface. They literally replace their entire playing area with their own home-grown turf whenever they have a big game coming up. Apparently they bought a farm on the north side of Dublin some years ago, and now the 75 acres are used to keep the Croke Park pitch in pristine condition. They can harvest the turf, put it in rolls, transport it to Croke Park and have a completely new pitch laid in less three hours after harvesting it out in the Naul.

The second thing that crossed my mind was the fact that out here in Creggs, the rugby club had the foresight a couple of years ago to install a 4G pitch, which is constantly playable

and has now become the most used ground in the province. The 4G pitch needs a fair bit of maintenance to ensure it’s always playable, re gardless of weather conditions, but as the years go by and our climate gets milder but wetter, its value to the club is increasing all the time.

St Dominic’s and Aughnasheelin are no doubt hoping we have a fine week, and that their game will go ahead this weekend, but they are still at the mercy of the weather. What a blessing it is for the people of Creggs and for those who play at Croke Park that, come hell or high water, those pitches will still be in perfect condition and every game can take place as scheduled.

On one day last year, Creggs played host to four schools rugby games, all because there was no other pitch playable in the province. I know those type of pitches are very expensive, but they are surely the only way forward.

Mobile mayhem! Kids need to be outdoors more!

This week’s newspapers paint a very disturb ing picture of the changes in the activity hab its of our nine-year-old children.

Mobile phone ownership among nine-yearolds is up to 54% – not to mention other types of gadgets – and there is a resulting decline in the number of children taking part in ei ther sporting or cultural activities. All of this leads to obesity and an increase in illnesses. It seems parents urgently need to limit their children’s time on their electronic devices. The head of the HSE’s anti-obesity pro

Why did the ‘Sindo’ interview ‘Bronco’ Dunne?

Back in the 1970s and early ‘80s, the Dunne family from inner city Dublin were the undisputed crime lords of our country’s capital.

Larry Dunne, in particular, is ‘credited’ with the dubious honour of introducing heroin and other hard drugs to thousands of poor, unsuspecting Dubliners. He be came a very wealthy man on the back of his drug dealing, but the law caught up with Dunne and he served ten years in prison before dying in May 2020.

His brother, Christy ‘Bronco’ Dunne, who was known as the Godfather of Crime, is now 85 years of age, and fea

tured in a big interview on last Sunday’s Independent, where he gave out about his medical treatment and also protested his criminal innocence, despite serv ing ten years for a tiger kidnapping in 1992. He blamed everything on the Gardaí, claiming he had been set up – at no stage admitting to having any hand in any act of criminality.

For the life of me I do not understand why the Sunday Independent, a paper I actually like, would devote so much space to a man who, like it or not, is a member of a notorious crime family. No one denies that everyone is enti

tled to medical care (Christy Dunne included), but I guarantee there are thousands of ordinary, law-abiding older citizens out there who are not getting the medical treatments they need, and yet none of them will get a full-page spread on our best-selling Sunday paper.

Anyway, I do hope Christy gets the treatment he needs, but please don’t waste any more time interviewing him and listening to his claims that the Gardaí were responsible for all his mis fortune. There must be more positive stories out there.

And finally…

gramme, Professor O’Shea, says a lack of exercise, overeating, and overuse of elec tronic devices can have a detrimental effect on a child’s health, and diabetes is becoming a very worrying trend in children.

My childhood was full of football, search ing for birds’ nests, catching leebeens, etc. Outdoors was where everything happened, but nowadays it’s mostly indoors, and chil dren are the worse for it. Hopefully the mes sage will get through and our children will go back to more outdoor activities.

My thoughts are with the family, whomever they are, of a man who won around the equivalent of €30 million in a recent Chinese Lottery. He didn’t want his family to know he won the huge amount, for fear they “would become arrogant and complacent” – and so he turned up to collect his cheque dressed in a bright yellow costume with oversized eyes and a big head!

Observers think he was meant to be a chicken, and though his ‘fowl’ act might seem to be a little ‘eggs-cen tric’, he has already given €600,000 to charity. He is now taking time out to figure what to do with his big win – his family, however, needn’t apply!

Roscommon Christmas lights switch-on this Sunday

The Roscommon Town Christmas Lights Commit

tee have announced that Santa Claus will be return ing to Roscommon Town to perform the ‘switchingon’ of the festive lighting for 2022 on this Sunday, November 27th

Santa will arrive in town and travel through the streets in his spectacular sleigh, accompanied by the St Comán’s Wood Na tional School band. The switch-on will happen at approximately 5 pm, and afterwards, Santa Claus will not be rushing away; he has promised to stay and see all the children who are there to meet him.

The Christmas Light Committee volunteers have been busy over the past number of weeks –checking lights, doing re pairs, and putting up the lights on Sunday mornings so that Roscommon town will be looking its best for the festive season.

The lights are erected to the highest electrical stan dards, and as an eco-friend ly measure and in response to the ever-increasing en

ergy costs, every single lightbulb has been replaced with a smart LED bulb.

The lights display on Main Street is being entirely re placed this year to further enhance the town centre.

The Christmas Lights Chairperson Declan Mol loy urges the public to turn out again in big numbers this year, to show their sup port for the volunteers who make Roscommon the

envy of many other towns.

“The funding of the Christmas Lights depends on voluntary contributions from the town’s businesses and the public”, he com mented.

“An enormous voluntary effort goes into the erect ing and running of the fes tive lighting.

have opened up in the town in recent years, and we hope they will come in and support us too”. Anybody wishing to contribute to the cost of funding the Christ mas lights can do so via the fundraising page, idonate. ie/fundraiser/Roscommon Lights2022.

The committee wish to thank Roscommon County Council, the Gardaí, St Comán’s Wood NS, and the local media for their help and cooperation. Thanks also to the public for their patience while the lights were being erected, and to Santa for agreeing to come to Roscommon for the formalities!

A very special thanks goes out to each and every vol unteer member, who have been out in good and bad weather to ensure that the fabulous Christmas lights display will be ready.

This Sunday (27th) will see the village of Rahara illumi nated by Christmas lights for the very first time as volun teers gather for the big switch-on at 5 pm.

Local councillor Laurence Fallon said it was a “very ex citing development” for the village, adding that everyone was welcome for the turning on of the lights and Christ mas tree on Sunday evening.

“We are indebted to the business people of the town and the public for their support over the years, and we hope the same support will be forthcoming this Christmas. There are a lot of new businesses that

Finally, the committee would like to wish you all a happy, peaceful, and safe Christmas. See you all this weekend for the switchon, and don’t forget your coat and festive hat on the night!

Christmas Sale of Work in Athleague

There will be a Christmas Sale of Work in the Comunity Centre, Athleague this Sunday 27th November from 11am to 3pm. There will be bags, shoes, household goods, toys, jewellery, beauty sets and more for sale – ideal for Christmas presents! Free refreshments and also raffle prizes on the day. It is being held in aid of TNR Roscommon, helping homeless cats in the area. Please support.

The late Jack Halliday led a full and varied life

< SEAMUS DUKE

Like all who knew him, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Halliday (91), which oc curred last Sunday. The genial Yorkshireman, who with his wife June (and family) made his home in Roscommon Town over many decades, was one of the most popular people in the local community. In particular, he was synonymous with Roscommon Golf Club, where he was a long-time member. Jack and June arrived in Roscommon town in the early 1960s, with both of them quickly joining the golf club and integrating with the locals.

Career-wise, he was Managing Director of the huge Stainless Steel factory in Roscom mon for a period. Over the past few decades he was best known in business terms for running Advanced Couplings in Roscommon town, a business set up by his great friend, the late John Henry.

It was at Roscommon Golf Club that Jack spent most of his leisure time. He was a great conversationalist with so many interesting sto ries to tell. He served in many roles there over the years, including as Captain, President, and Secretary. Roscommon Golf Club will never be the same again without Jack’s presence.

Earlier this year, I interviewed Jack about his life and times (for RosFM) and was left spellbound by the stories of his time in the Canadian Air Force, as a singer with a big band in the UK, and many other highlights of what was a very full and varied life.

Book on county’s Republican dead to be launched soon

A new book documenting all the people who died as a result of the Troubles be tween the years 1917 and 1923 in County Roscommon will be launched soon.

Jack Halliday, RIP

To his wife June, daughter Karen and sons Grant and Gary, and to all the family and friends, I extend my deepest sympathy on their loss.

The book is being produced by the Roscommon Republican Graves and Monuments Committee and is the result of research and photography carried out over the last number of years by Henry Owens (Strokestown) and Thomas Flynn (Ballymoe).

The timing of the launch this year is to

coincide with the centenary of memorable events that occurred in Roscommon and also throughout Ireland during the period 1917-1923. The book is an excellent pro duction and is attractively illustrated with photographs.

Each victim of the troubled period is doc umented with a brief biography detailing their life from birthplace to final resting place and the circumstances of how they met their deaths. Watch local press next week for more details of launch date.

Clann na nGael supporters Fionn Mulvihill, Conor Keena and Patrick Lennon pictured at the recent Abbey Hotel Roscommon LGFA Senior Championship final in Ballyforan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

ATU Sligo and St Angela’s College host joint Open Days this November

Atlantic Technologi cal University and St. Angela’s College will welcome prospective students and their fami lies to ATU Sligo cam pus on Friday 25th (9 am-1 pm) and Saturday 26th (10 am-2 pm) of November. These Open Days are an opportunity to discover all that ATU Sligo and St. Angela’s college have to offer as a third-level uni versity option. Inter ested students and their families are encouraged to attend, as a packed schedule of events will ensure no questions remain unanswered.

A free bus service will operate between both campuses on each day to ensure visitors will have the opportunity to talk with academics, current students and the student support teams from across ATU Sligo and St. Angela’s. Visitors will get to see first-hand the campus facilities through a mixture of interactive

workshops, demonstra tions and campus tours.

A second bus will tour the purpose-built student villages which surround the ATU Sligo campus throughout each day to give applicants a sense of the many options available to stay in Sligo. iRadio will broad cast live from Sligo on Friday and there will be some great prizes to give away across both days.

Newspaper Ad for week 8

count at various coffee shops, restaurants and clothes shops in Sligo, Strandhill and Rosses Point.

New driver feedback signs on Racecourse Road

A Sligo Discount Sheet for Open Day attendees will allow a 10% dis

Roscommon People: 155mm high x 260mm wide

St. Angela’s College Sligo and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have officially lodged a joint submission to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills for the integration of St. Angela’s College into ATU. Atlantic

Technological University delivers a rich combination of academic and research excellence, quality of life and opportunity across Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo. The Open Days in Sligo follow other such events across all ATU campus es. ATU Mayo will host the final ATU Open Day of 2022 on Wednesday, 7th of December.

Visit atu.ie/opendays to register and for more information.

Fianna Fáil councillor Marty McDermott has welcomed the installation of new driv er feedback signs at a busy junction on the Racecourse Road.

The signs, installed in recent days, are lo cated at a busy junction close to Corrib Oil and The Paddocks’ housing estate.

“I’m delighted to see the new driver feedback signs being erected,” Cllr. Mc Dermott said. “I must emphasise this digital sign is not

a speed trap but only to make the driver of the vehicle aware they may be exceed ing the speed limit approaching this very busy junction. There have been several serious accidents at this junction in recent times. This very important issue has been raised with me before and after the local elections in 2019. I would like to thank Roscommon County Council for their support on this very important issue and the relevant engineer involved”.

Days

Varadkar again rules out coalition deal with Sinn Féin

TUS Athlone hosts 81st FG

Ard Fheis

Addressing the 81st Fine Gael Ard Fheis at TUS Athlone on Saturday last, Tánaiste Leo Vardadkar praised Taoiseach Micheál Martin for his leadership – while reiterating his opposi tion to any future coalition with Sinn Féin.

The Tánaiste said Mr. Martin “has been a voice for decency, kindness and common sense” through the later stages of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and “Fine Gael thank him”. However, Mr. Varadkar said Sinn Féin was the clearest manifestation in Ireland of ris ing populism and nationalism in the world.

Raising the prospect of any future coalition with the party, he said “No. No way…not a chance”.

The Tánaiste discussed topics such as justice, tax, climate change, childcare costs, and hous ing at the event which was the first in-person Fine Gael Ard Fheis since 2019 due to Cov id-19.

Motions on the night included Galway East Constituency Executive calling for the removal of the concrete block levy while the Ballinasloe branch called for the reopening of Shannon bridge and Lanesboro power stations.

DECLARATION OF PUBLIC ROADS

ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 11 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, PART 2

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED), SECTION 180 LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM ACT 2014, SCHEDULE 3

The following Municipal Districts propose to declare that the roads located within the following named housing developments to be public roads.

Athlone Municipal District:

• Unnamed, Barrymore, Athlone Athlone Municipal District Office, Monksland, Athlone, County Roscommon. N37 W5P9

Boyle Municipal District:

• Erris View, Boyle

Boyle Municipal District Office,

• The Warren, Boyle The Crescent, Boyle, County Roscommon

• Goldsmith Drive, Elphin F52 X436

• Convent Garden, Elphin

• Riverwalk, Rooskey

• Timber Drive, Strokestown

Roscommon Municipal District:

• Knights Court, Roscommon Town Roscommon Municipal District Office

• Unnamed, Commons Townland, Áras an Chontae Ballinlough Roscommon F42 VR98

Maps outlining the said road may be inspected at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 and at the offices listed above Monday to Friday during opening hours for the period from 25th November 2022 to 22nd December 2022. The maps may also be inspected at www.roscommoncoco.ie Objections or representations in relation to this declaration may be made in writing to the undersigned or emailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie no later than 4 pm on 6th January 2023.

Greg O’Donnell Director of Services

Pictured are Maura Kelly, Colm Kelly, Sean O’Brien and Jackie O’Brien at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards, held at the Abbey Hotel on Friday, 18th of November. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are Bridie Egan, Marie Rogers, Adrian and Ann Hanly at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards, held at the Abbey Hotel on Friday, 18th of November. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney pose for a photograph at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis in TUS Athlone on Saturday last. Pic: Andrew Downes, xposure

An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar with delegates Josie Buckley and Kathleen Woulfe from Middleton at the 81st Fine Gael Ard Fheis in TUS, Athlone on Saturday last. Pic: Andrew Downes, xposure

A little bit of Bliss in Castlerea!

THE ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR BEAUTY, NUTRITION AND HEALTH NEEDS

Established in Castlerea in 2006, Bliss Beauty, Nutrition and Health Clinic of fers a holistic approach to beauty and health with a wide range of services available in a bright and welcoming setting.

Bliss first opened on the Knock Road in Castlerea before relocating to Main Street in 2021 and proprietor Rachel Heviken, a Glenamaddy native and daughter of John and Rose Hevik en, says the business has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

“I started training in 2000 at the Geor gina Price College of Beauty Therapy in Galway, where I graduated in aro matherapy and beauty therapy,” Rachel said.

“I was working between Galway and Roscommon for five years before opening Bliss on the Knock Road in Castlerea in 2006. I quickly built up a wonderfully loyal customer base from across Galway, Roscommon and Mayo and decided to expand the business in 2021 when I relocated to Main Street in Castlerea”.

Rachel takes a holistic approach to beauty and health and since embarking on her career has continued in her stud ies, adding reflexology, health and nu tritional coaching and a BA in counsel ling and psychotherapy to her already impressive CV.

“I’ve always been interested in peo

ple’s health and wellbeing and enabling them to support themselves. I have so many people coming to me with con cerns around their health and I believe it’s important to take a more holistic ap proach in order to help them,” she said. “It was always a goal of mine to work with people on a deeper level too and I graduated with a degree in counselling and psychotherapy in 2017 and I’m now a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP)”.

Open Tuesday to Saturday and the first Sunday of every month, Bliss of fers a wide range of skin and beauty treatments customised to suit each cli ent’s needs and concerns. Their retail range includes Cliniccare, Thalgo, Glo Skin Beauty Cosmetics,

Salin Salt Therapy, Bragan Skincare, Rosalique, Grow It supplements and much more.

Rachel also offers advanced treat ments including broken vein therapy, skin tag removal, permanent hair re moval, and Mesotherapy. Mesotherapy and radio frequency is a non-invasive treatment which helps to lift and tone the skin. It also helps to support fine lines and wrinkles.

“All treatments are carried out in a professional setting following a con sultation and patch test where required. We also have a full range of treatments in our beauty rooms including mani cures, pedicures, gel extensions, Henna brows, waxing and more,” Rachel adds.

Holistic therapies include Swedish

deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, and reflexology. Rachel is keen to add other alternative therapies in future.

“We are always open to welcoming new therapists to our team and we cur rently have a room available at our clinic. I’d encourage anyone who would like to join the team to get in touch with us,” she said. “Along with our holistic thera pies we also offer health and nutritional coaching, and a private counselling and psychotherapy service. Contact Leanne in reception (094-9622539) for all the relevant information and you can call 086-2101254 to find our more about our counselling service”.

Rachel expressed sincere gratitude to her loyal customers and all those who have helped make Bliss a success since 2006.

“Thanks to everyone who has support ed the growth and the expansion of the clinic over the last 20 years,” she said.

“Castlerea is a lovely community with so much to offer and in recent years it has seen so many people opening up new businesses, bringing a wealth of service and experience to the town.

“I’d like to wish everyone the very best in health and happiness this Christ mas and for the year ahead. My one wish would be that people shop mind fully this Christmas and remember the greatest gift we can give is kindness and happiness – two things that will never go up in price or run out of stock!”

For more information about the wide range of services on offer at Bliss Beau ty, Nutrition and Health Clinic, contact 094-9622539, email rachelheviken@ rocketmail.com or follow Bliss on Fa cebook.

Meet Mrs Claus at Bliss on December 4th!

Black Friday special offer this week also

Bliss Beauty, Nutrition and Health Clinic in Castlerea will host a very special free Christmas event on Sunday, December 4th, featuring a visit from Mrs. Claus and a massive Christmas Draw with lots of prizes on offer.

All monies collected on the day will go towards Focus Ireland to support the charity as it continues its vital work in the run up to Christmas.

There is also an array of beautiful gift sets available in store in time for Christmas and gift vouchers can also be posted out to customers.

This Black Friday (25th), Bliss is also offering 50% off all facials (offer starts at 9 am this Friday and finishes at 6 pm). Vouchers can be purchased in store or over the phone. They can then be used whenever suits the client. Facials make a wonderful gift. Please check out our Facebook and Instagram for a full list of facials on offer.

Bliss owner Rachel Heviken says: “Mrs. Claus is looking forward to meeting all the children so don’t miss out! Booking is essential and is available on 094-9622539. It promises to be a very enjoyable day in aid of a very worthy cause”.

Rachel Heviken of Bliss Beauty, Nutrition & Health Clinic, Castlerea.

COP27: Getting caught up in the politics and economics of climate action

Let’s talk about ...

Let’s talk about… COP27

(A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

Following some last-minute deals and frenzied negotia tions, COP27, the 27th annual UN convention on climate change, has now concluded. This year’s conference took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with representatives from all around the word convening in the coastal city over the past two weeks in the hope of further tackling the climate crisis.

Undoubtedly the headline outcome of this year’s con ference was the commitment to establishing a ‘loss and damage’ fund. This landmark agreement will see developed countries provide funding to poorer countries who’re stricken by climate-related disasters.

The significance of this fund should not be undersold; poorer countries have consist ently suffered the brunt of the damage of the climate crisis, despite causing compara tively little environmental

damage than richer nations.

A fund like this is needed to address the inequity between countries – both in terms of cause and consequence.

And so, it’s much welcomed that after a tense negotiation session that surpassed the Friday evening deadline by forty hours, COP27 managed to deliver a truly landmark decision, the likes of which vulnerable countries have been calling for for decades. Last year during COP26, I wrote about richer countries’ responsibility to provide fi nancially so that poorer coun tries don’t continue to suffer the consequences of devel oped countries’ environmen tal damage, and so, a year on, it’s great to see an agreement like this making it through the negotiations and being put in place.

Unfortunately however, COP27 failed to maintain the same momentum for progress in other regards. In particular,

the conference’s final cover text made scant reference to delivering on the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement, nor were there adequate commit ments made when it comes to the phasing out of fossil fuels. Put bluntly, failure to deliver on these issues will put lives, ecosystems, and infrastructure in direct risk, with or without a loss and damage fund, and it is disillusioning and disappoint ing to see such inaction prevail in the face of the worsening crisis.

COP27 indeed saw landmark progress being made, but over the course of negotiations, the conference also exposed just how much of a stranglehold economic and political factors continue to have on climate action. The frenzied, overrun talks alone point to this; coun tries remained divided for days on critical issues such as lower ing emissions and the loss and damage deal, with high-emit ting and oil-producing coun tries reluctant to agree to fossil fuel commitments. The influ ence of such countries, tension between developed and emerg ing economies, and blatant over-prioritisation of financial factors, all served in the end to undermine the overall action that could conceivably have been taken to combat climate disaster.

Again, COP27 was by no means an out and out disap pointment; it just only deliv ered on one aspect of the issue. Yes, after a multi-decade fight, vulnerable countries will final ly be provided with the finan cial assistance to alleviate dam age done by climate change, and this is truly significant, but this doesn’t negate the lack of explicit commitment to reduc ing the emissions that cause the problem in the first place. It’s almost as if, in the mind of too many developed countries, the climate disaster is regarded as a problem only tangibly af fecting poorer countries. De veloped nations have not yet had to grapple with the same environment fallout as poorer

ones, and even when/if they do, they have access to better infra structure and financial supports to help them recover. It some times seems as though this has allowed developed nations to shrug off the impending reality of the climate crisis and the ac tion that needs to be taken.

Developed countries can af ford to regard climate action as an issue that primarily affects them politically or economi cally – it’s why they are always the ones calling to water down climate commitments – but for poorer countries, climate ac tion is a not an economic con sideration, it’s a humanitarian necessity. Developed countries need to start seeing it this way too. Their committed participa

tion is needed in the fight against climate change if we want to see meaningful pro gress, and it cannot only be in the form of bandaid-ing over the loss and damage incurred so far as a result of climate change; the issue must be tackled at the roots. The pandemic showed us just how successful global cooperation can be (at least when an issue affects de veloped countries’ citizens), so we know it’s possible to combat this more effec tively. That said though, the pandemic also supposedly showed us that we didn’t always need to travel for meetings and conferences, and yet, being held in-per son, COP27 likely saw car bon emissions in excess of last year’s 100,000 tonnes as a result of flying in delegates from all around the world. There remains a long way to go when it comes to com bating the climate crisis, and though it was extremely disappointing to see a lack of reference in the COP27 final text when it came to the 1.5C target and reducing fossil fuels, the significance of the landmark loss and damage agreement suggest that we are, at the very least, heading in the right direc tion.

FarmPEAT Presentation in Kilteevan NS

Last June, pupils from Kiltee van National School partici pated in the FarmPEAT Pro ject Arts Competition entitled ‘Love Your Wellies’. With the help of their teachers Ms. Whyte, Ms. O’Connor and Mrs. Brennan, pupils chose a theme: History, Environment, Community or Farming, and their own style of entry: Digi tal, Artistic, Literary or Model.

Over 1,000 schools nation wide entered the competition, and Kilteevan NS had not one, but two entries shortlisted by judges in the Top 10: a digital entry entitled ‘The Turf Hop per’ by Killian Lunt, and a 3D model of a bog entitled ‘The Peatlands’ by Mark Fox.

Following a public vote on social media, the Overall Win ner of the Love Your Wellies competition was announced in June 2022...and it was Mark Fox from Kilteevan NS!

On Wednesday, 16th of No vember, four members of The FarmPEAT Project visited Kilteevan National School for an award ceremony. Members of the Kilteevan Tidy Towns Committee, chairperson of the Board of Management Mr. Tom Costello, and pupils and staff gathered in the school yard for the prizegiving ceremony.

Winning pupil Mark was pre sented with his prize of a €150 One4All voucher. His school was presented with One4All vouchers totalling €450 and a commemorative plaque.

Eileen Fahey from Kilteevan Tidy Towns spoke passionately about her love for the bog and commended the pupils and staff of Kilteevan NS for all of their work helping to preserve and protect the local environ ment.

Mark presented his project, explaining that he was inspired by his mam, her work with Kilteevan Tidy Towns, and his late Grandad Cahill. He showed samples of sphagnum moss, grass and peat used in his 3D model, explained the importance of the bog in terms of soaking up water and stor ing carbon, and reminded all present that “a drying bog is a dying bog!”

Pictured are Mark and Matthew Fox with Mark’s winning project.

Also pictured (left to right) are his granny Kathleen, Paddy Malone of FarmPEAT, Mark’s grandad Joe, and his mother, Patricia.

Pictured are pupils from Kilteevan NS on a sponsored walk of Clooncraff Bog in June 2022.

Mark Fox presents his winning project ‘The Peatlands’, a 3D model of the bog, at the FarmPEAT presentation in Kilteevan NS on Wednesday, 16th of November.

BREAK

It’s been a GOOD week for…

The Ireland rugby team, this after a hard-fought win over Australia in a bruising encounter at the Aviva Stadium completed a successful Autumn series for the team (with three wins from three)

Louth family ‘The Nugents’, who won the current series of the popular RTE programme Ireland’s Fittest Family 2022

Mark Allen, with the Northern Ireland snooker star winning the UK Championship in remarkable fashion, coming from 1-6 behind to defeat Ding Junhui 10-7 in the final

Former American President and confirmed 2024 runner Donald Trump, this after the news that he is no longer banned from Twitter

Superstar golfer Rory McIlroy, after the Northern Irishman was crowned DP World Tour number one for a fourth time

The England football team, who began their World Cup group games with a 6-2 win over Iran

It’s been a BAD week for…

The outlook for the European economy, to the extent that the OECD says the worst energy crisis since the 1970s will trigger a (further) sharp slowdown in the New Year

All involved with St Dominic’s and Augh nasheelin (if not a bad week, certainly a frustrating one), this after the very late post ponement of their Connacht Club Intermediate FC semi-final on Sunday, an episode that caused significant inconvenience for players, manage ment and supporters

All stakeholders in Ireland’s housing crisis, with news that there is currently a €500m under spend of the government’s housing budget

The fancied Argentinian footballers, who were shocked by Saudi Arabia in their opening World Cup game, the underdogs winning 2-1

< DAN DOONER

A young man in Boyle has taken on the Novem ber Cold Water Challenge in order to raise muchneeded funds for Pieta House.

Miko Stewart (23) has been taking the plunge at Doon Shore, Lough Key and Lough Gara in recent weeks and has set himself the personal challenge of increasing his time in the water beyond the required 30 seconds. Starting off at three minutes, Miko is now in the water for up to seven and a half minutes at a time despite the recent cold snap.

“His dedication, despite

the cold weather and feeling a bit sick in recent days, is to be truly ad mired,” his proud parents Karen Stewart and Kris Zurek have said.

“He is such an inspi rational young man showing up at the Doon Shore, Lough Key or Lough Gara and doing what he set out to do despite the extreme cold temperatures, fog, wind or rain. He is overcoming something within himself, but also is thinking of oth ers as he pushes forward in this fundraising event”.

Miko has also recently started to share strategies for coping with stress and anxiety in a series

of videos posted on his Facebook page.

He is now seeking your support as he attempts to complete the challenge this month while continu ing to increase his time in the water.

Visit Miko’s Facebook page and help him realise his goal of raising €1,000 for Pieta House, providing services for people who may be in suicidal distress and/or engaging in selfharm. He is currently within €450 of achieving his target.

For more information or to support Miko in his fundraising mission, please contact 0838690281.

“ The things people say…

Boyle man’s Cold Water Challenge for Pieta House Lough Ree RNLI opens Christmas shop at Coosan

As the festive season draws near, Lough Ree RNLI throws open the doors of the lifeboat sta tion at Coosan Point for a special Christmas sale this Saturday afternoon (No vember 26th). The Christ mas cards and other RNLI merchandise will be on sale at the new lifeboat sta tion on Saturday afternoon from 1 pm.

Lough Ree RNLI Treas urer Vincent Rafter said: “The public support of the charity and its volunteers is crucial for the organisation. So far this year, Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew has responded to 47 callouts on the lake.

“Over the past two years RNLI fundraising in the midlands has been focused on the provision of the new lifeboat station which opened in June.

“The facility itself is fast becoming a major attrac tion in the area with volun teers hosting planned visits every month”.

Meanwhile, the volun teer crew were pleased to receive an encouraging note of thanks, following a recent visit to the boat house from a young girl in Athlone.

Eliza Crosbie (9) from Retreat Heights, was part of a group from St. Ci

aran’s NS, Baylin who visited the lifeboat station recently. In her letter she expressed an interest in helping the charity in any way and perhaps mak ing use of her life-saving skills. The letter was ac companied by a colourful drawing of the lifeboat on the water.

Station Visits Officer at Lough Ree RNLI, Paul Kelly, said: “The visits are

a new initiative for us and this is one of the first re sponses we have received. The future of the RNLI is assured with the enthusi asm Eliza and her friends have expressed for the or ganisation”.

Lough Ree RNLI Op erations Manager Kevin Ganly and Station Visits Officer Paul Kelly made a small presentation to Eliza to mark her recent visit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Stephen Merchant (British actor and comedian, turns 48 on Thursday)

Rita Ora (British singersongwriter, will turn 32 on Saturday)

Tina Turner (American-Swiss singer, celebrates 83rd birthday on Saturday)

Sarah Hyland (American actress, will be 32 on Thursday)

“By the time someone says, ‘To make a long story short,’ it’s too late”

-Don Herold

Boyle man Miko Stewart (23) has taken on the November Cold Water Challenge in order to raise muchneeded funds for Pieta House.

Pictured during a recent station visit to Lough Ree RNLI were Paul Kelly, Station Visits, Lough Ree RNLI; Eliza Crosbie; Kevin Ganly, Operations Manager, Lough Ree RNLI.

Tommy Fleming on stage in Gurteen

The Coleman Music Centre presents Tommy Fleming in concert in St Patrick’s Church, Gur teen, Co. Sligo on Sunday, 4th of December at 8 pm. A singer whose voice has the remark able ability of taking you into his world, fans will enjoy this ultimate celebration at Tommy’s December concert. Tickets are now on sale for €32.50. Book today to avoid disappointment. Call (071) 9182599 or visit www.colemanirish music.com for details.

Christmas Group Exhibition at Solas Art Gallery

Solas Art Gallery are set to launch their upcom ing Christmas Group Exhibition. This exhibi tion will showcase one of a kind artwork by both well-known and emerging artists from across the country. Some truly magnificent pieces will be displayed, which demonstrate the creativity of each individual artist. There will be artworks with intriguing titles such as ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Stonewall Sheep’ and ‘Awakenings’ to name but a few.

The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, 25th of November at 7.30 pm and will run until Saturday, 14th of January. As always, a warm and inviting atmosphere is promised, and re freshments will be served upon arrival.

Solas Art Gallery is located above The Four Seasons Garden Centre, Main Street, Ballina more, Co. Leitrim (N41 D2X3). For any fur ther enquiries, please contact Gail on: (071) 9644210.

Arts Centre welcomes ‘Pilgrim St’ on Saturday, 3rd of December

Strongly

of December (8 pm).

infectious melodies, harmonies and songs to venues all around the country.

With a setlist made up of covers and their own original songs, they have graced the stages of Electric Picnic and Vicar Street and indeed have toured all over the country.

They are coming to Roscommon Arts Centre as part of a nationwide tour and are looking forward to playing in Roscommon again. With the launch of their debut album

‘Ash Into Gold Dust’ in 2021 dur ing the Covid pandemic, it is only now that they can tour the album and also play some new originals, written in lockdown.

Pilgrim St are a collective of musicians that includes Peadar Far relly on guitar and vocals, Eugene Donegan on banjo and vocals, Eoin McDonnell on mandolin and vo cals, Francis McGinn on bass, Mark Lynch on dobro guitar, Brendan Kelly on accordion and vocals, and Cathal McQuaid on the fiddle.

Tickets for Pilgrim St are €25/22 and are on sale now from box office on (090) 6625824 and from www. roscommonartscentre.ie

Roscommon proudly represented at All-Ireland Scór finals in Castlebar

Roscommon was well repre sented at the GAA All-Ireland Scór Sinsir finals, which took place in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Saturday, Novem ber 12th. The county had unri valled representation thanks to St. Ronan’s, St. Dominic’s and Elphin.

First up were the Elphin Question Time team of Mat tie Hynes, Colm Beirne, Mi chael and Conor Gunn. They contested against eleven other teams in the initial Tráth na gCeisteanna Boird (Table Quiz) round. Unfortunately, the Elphin team did not fin ish in the top three highest marked teams who progressed to the stage final. The competi tion was won by Monaleen of Limerick after a battle royal with Cornafean of Cavan and Edenderry of Offaly.

Elphin’s day was far from over, however, and the team of Emily and Maria Keane, Siobhan Lee, Sylvia Regan, Clodagh McCaf frey, Emma Mulhern, Michelle and Melissa Tarpey, stepped it out in the Rince Foirne (Figure Dancing). They gave a flaw less performance of ‘The High Cauled Cap’ and faced opposi tion from Watty Grahams of Derry, Birr of Offaly and even

tual winners, Newcastle from Co. Tipperary.

In an extremely competitive Novelty Act event, St. Domi nic’s were the standard bear ers for the home province. The reigning Connacht champions, the team of Noel and Cathy Dervan, Sylvia Kilcline, Anita Hanley and Stephen Murphy, delivered a hilarious and clever performance of their sketch, ‘Heaven Can Wait’. Against

the Knockcroghery actors were fantastic teams from Cloch an Liath (Donegal), Newport (Tip perary) and Carnew Emmets of Wicklow, who went on to take the title.

The Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental Music) competition was argu ably the most exciting event of the day. St. Ronan’s were pitted against Mullaghbawan (Armagh), Kilshannig (Cork) and Cuala (Dublin). The North

Roscommon club were repre sented by the team of Rachel Noone, Emma Benson, Eliza beth Earley, Leanna Hennessey and Fiachra Guihen, who mas terfully played ‘The Monaghan Air’ and reels ‘The Milky Way’ and ‘Tension on the Shore’. However, their efforts could not overcome Mullaghbawn from Armagh.

In the Rince Seit (Set Danc ing) the Elphin team of Evan

and Luke Gunn, Alex Gleeson, Rossa Brennan Kelly, Sarah and Emily Keane, Michelle Tarpey and Emma Mulhern, gave an outstanding performance of ‘The Clare Orange and Green’ to the delight of the audience.

Gneeveguilla (Kerry), Bal lycomoyle (Westmeath) and Glenullin (Derry) provided the strongest of opposition, with the Munster champions winning the honours.

Roscommon’s representation didn’t end with the stage events as Thomas Murray of St. Domi nic’s addressed the audience in his capacity as Cathaoirleach, Coiste Náisiúnta Scór, and his clubmate, Alastair Beegan acted as Fear an Tí.

Coiste Scór Ros Comáin would like to commend all of our com petitors for the excellent repre sentation they gave Roscom mon GAA.

Members of the Naomh Dominic team, representing Roscommon and Connacht, performing in the Nuachleas competition during the Scór Sinsir 2022 All-Ireland Finals at TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar, Mayo. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The Ail Finn team, representing Roscommon and Connacht in the Rince Foirne competition: Emily Keane, Maria Keane, Siobhan Lee, Sylvia Regan, Emma Mulhern, Michelle Tarpey, Mellisa Tarpey and Clodagh McCaffrey during the Scór Sinsir 2022 All-Ireland Finals at TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar, Mayo. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

influenced by bluegrass, old-time country and folk music, fused with traditional folk songs from this side of the Atlantic, Pil grim St bring a warm and lively atmosphere to their music and

have garnered a glowing ‘word of mouth’ endorsement from venues around the country with their powerhouse live performances. They will be on stage at Roscom mon Arts Centre on Saturday, 3rd

Drawing from fellow luminaries such as Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, The Pogues and Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions outfit, Pilgrim St are about to bring their

‘Pilgrim St’ will be on stage at Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday, 3rd of December (8 pm).

GOING OUT

Pictured is Sadie Devaney being presented with her U-14 All-Ireland winning medal by camogie player Shauna Keenan at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured is Deborah Finneran being presented with her U-16 All-Ireland winning medal by camogie player Joanne Beattie at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are Eve and Liam McNeill at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards, held at the Abbey Hotel on Friday, 18th of November. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured is Roscommon Camogie Board chairperson Rebecca Naughton receiving a bouquet from Roscommon Camogie Board treasurer Geraldine Greene at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards, held at the Abbey Hotel. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are Rachel Sweeney, Molly Callan and Roisin Costello at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are Aisling Faughnan, Hollie McDermott and Ava Egan at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are Lily Murray and Siofra Hession at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards, held at the Abbey Hotel on Friday, 18th of November. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are Emily Shine and John Halpin at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards at the Abbey Hotel on Friday, 18th of November. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are James Kenny, Cait, Clodagh and Thomas Finneran and Maureen Kenny at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards, held at the Abbey Hotel on Friday, 18th of November. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are Saoirse O’Driscoll, Isabelle Kenny, Grace Gannon and Esme Halpin at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards, held in the Abbey Hotel. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are Hazel Kelly, Grace Geraghty, Anna Kiernan, Emma O’Farrell and Tara O’Brien at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured are Anna Hussey, Hazel Kelly, Shauna McDermott and Andrea Fallon at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards, held at the Abbey Hotel on Friday, 18th of November. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Arigna IFA Branch AGM

The AGM of the Arigna IFA Branch takes place on Mon day night next (No vember 28th) in The Miner’s Bar, Arigna at 9 pm.

Commodity reports, priorities and impli cations of the 2022 Budget, review of CAP, roll out of other farming schemes, and the outlook for farm ing in 2023 are some of the items for dis cussion.

Therefore it is im portant that all mem bers attend and new members are wel come and to keep an active IFA Branch in the area.

More support needed as erosion of farm margins continues – Cullinan

IFA President Tim Cullinan has said that for the ninth month in succession, onfarm margins continue to slide as rising input prices overshadow any growth in aggregate output prices.

Data published by the CSO shows aggregate in put prices in September rose 36.9 per cent year-onyear, with aggregate output prices rising 29.2 per cent over the corresponding pe riod.

“Relatively strong output prices have helped some what in mitigating against the input price rise, but worryingly aggregate pric es in our most vulnerable sectors are under pressure and below what the market might be expected to de liver,” he said.

“Cattle prices are back 1.9 per cent on August lev

els, and sheep back 2.7 per cent. These are traditionally low-income sectors and need support. Many simply won’t have the capacity to continue operations at ex isting input/output prices”.

Mr. Cullinan said that while the Government has provided some targeted in terventions in Budget 2023, more will be needed in coming months.

He added that IFA has of fered workable solutions to the Department including a bridging payment to farm ers who were unsuccessful in Tranche 1 of ACRES or an upfront payment for Tranche 2.

“It needs Government ac tion and support, because there appears to be limited direct interventions against the rising input cost crisis coming from the EU in the

short-term,” he said.

The IFA President was highly critical of the EU Commission’s recent ‘Communication on Fer tiliser’, which he said “ap peared more interested in protecting the EU fertiliser industry than the farmer.

“It offered nothing to alleviate current price pressures, even rejecting proposals to suspend antidumping tariffs on fertiliser imported from the USA and Trinidad and Tobago which IFA and colleagues in Copa-Cogeca have lob bied hard for,” he said.

“In effect, the EU strat egy puts greater empha sis on individual member states to support primary agricultural producers for fertiliser purchases via the Temporary Crisis Frame work, which was extended

to end December 2023 and the state-aid threshold in creased to €250,000 in re cent weeks.

“EU natural gas prices, while still well above past ‘normal’ levels, have fallen significantly from their summer peak, now hover

ing around €105/MWh. This has seen the resump tion and an increase in production capacity across many EU fertiliser plants which will help ensure in creased supplies at lower costs into the future.

“Given the phenomenal

inflationary input price en dured by farmers, this re duction in production costs must be passed onto farm ers immediately so they can secure supplies for the com ing Spring and help pre serve soil fertility and crop growth,” he concluded.

A large entry of stock presented for sale again this week with over 700 lots on offer on Thursday last. The heifer ring reported a good clearance with strong demand for the quality stores on offer with lots making up to €3.65 a kilo while heavier lots made up to €1,730.

The weanling rings noticed a similar trade to last week with strong farmer activity as well as online and North ern customers. Bulls peaked at €4.15 a kilo while the heifer weanlings made up to €4.33 a kilo. The dry cow trade was similar to last week with lots making up to €2,130 while the runners and breeding stock reported a good clearance.

Cows with calves at foot made from €880 to €1,900, springers made from €770 to €1,370, and runners made from €250 to €840 for continental lots.

There were 280 bullocks on offer at last Monday’s sale with a lively trade for all classes of stock. The top quality stores made up to €3.55 a kilo while other lots reported a good clearance as customers were active for the different categories on offer.

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

Ulster Bank customers require ongoing support – IFA

IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh has said that farmers making the transition from Ulster Bank will need maximum flexibil ity and ongoing support.

The issue was discussed at an SME Roundtable event hosted by the Bank ing and Payments Feder ation of Ireland.

General feedback from the main financial institu tions was that unprece dented volumes of appli cations and authenticity requirements, particularly involving business cur

rent accounts, had created significant backlogs and delayed decisions.

Commenting on the new bank relationships imposed upon many farmers following Ulster Bank’s departure, Rose Mary McDonagh said: “It’s essential in the cur rent input and energy cri sis that farmers have the backing of their banks, which must show a flex ible and understanding approach to their custom ers. Existing overdraft facilities have to be main tained and operational

without delay.

“Very shortly, all impact ed Ulster Bank customers will have received formal notification and the iden tify of their new finan cial provider. Farmers will need to take steps to move to their new finance provider, and I would en courage them to do so sooner rather than later to avoid any unintended consequences. They will need clear direction and support to make the tran sition/switching process as seamless as possible too”.

Sample prices for heifers: Lm 405kgs €1480, Ch 425kgs €1260, Lm 405kgs €1180, Lm 490kgs €1500, BBx 460kgs €1480, Ch 485kgs €1410, Ch 585kgs €1730, Ch 590kgs €1690, Lm 515kgs €1620.

Dry cows: Lmx 910kgs €2130, Ch 810kgs €2040, Lm 745kgs €1950, Lm 740kgs €1840, Ch 755kgs €1830, Hex 485kgs €900, Fr 725kgs €1240, Hex 725kgs €1500.

Weanling bulls: Ch 265kgs €1100, Ch 280kgs €970, Ch 285kgs €1070, Lm 410kgs €1430, Ch 450kgs €1430, Lm 385kgs €1360, Ch 240kgs €840, Sim 260kgs €790.

Weanling heifers: Ch 290kgs €1070, Ch 265kgs €820, Ch 270kgs €800, Ch 245kgs €670, Lm 295kgs €970, Ch 265kgs €820, BBx 355kgs €1400, BBx 300kgs €1300, Ch 315kgs €1100.

Bullocks: Lmx 470kgs €1550, Ch 425kgs €1510, Lm 540kgs €1660, Lm 525kgs €1660, Ch 535kgs €1530, Ch 575kgs €1650, Lm 640kgs €1690, Ch 655kgs €1670.

A special invitation has been issued to Roscom mon members of ICMSA to attend the association’s AGM, which is being held in Limerick’s Castletroy Park Hotel on Monday, December 5th.

Mindful of the enormous changes both underway and to come in Irish farm ing, the association has assembled a stellar line-up of speakers who will ad dress the gathering as well as field questions from the floor in the solution-seek ing tradition of the farm organisation.

Following Statement of Accounts and Resolutions beginning at 12.30 pm, Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald, will out line what Irish farming can expect from any Gov

ernment with a substantial Sinn Fein component. This is the first time the Sinn Fein leader will ad dress a major farm meet ing and her take on the future of Ireland’s biggest indigenous economic ac tivity will be eagerly an ticipated.

Seamus Greene of Or nua will give a dairy out look for 2023, Joe Burke of Bord Bia will look at the prospects for food ex ports and Liam Woulfe of Grassland Agro will look at the controversial area of soaring fertiliser prices.

The Assistant Garda Commissioner, Paula Hillman, will address the audience on the response to the nationwide and in creasingly fraught issue of gangs of trespassing

‘hunters’ intimidating, threatening and even as saulting farmers in their own yards or fields. IC MSA has been to the forefront in demanding a much more effective and practical approach to this problem and there is bound to be some straighttalking on this issue.

The meeting will end with Minister McCona logue and ICMSA Presi dent Pat McCormack ad dressing the audience on the raft of new regulations and rules being introduced to Irish farming.

Breaks will be held through the event with dinner served at the con clusion of the event at 7 pm. Members are request ed to confirm attendance by ringing 061-314677.

IFA calls for full impact assessment on EU Nature Restoration Law

Friday, November 25th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

Friday, November 25th at 7p.m. Sale

of Un-haltered Pedigree Charolais Females

3 in Calf cows 11 in calf Heifers 22 maiden Heifers 4 Weanling Heifers

Viewing 5p.m. - Sale 7p.m.

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

Friday, December 2nd at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers

Also Dry Cows and Bullocks

Booking accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, 28th November - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Tuesday, November 29th at 4 p.m.

Sale of Weanlings

Booking accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, 24th November

Cáillin Conneely met with repre sentatives from the Depart ment of Housing, Local Government & Heritage recently to voice farmers concerns in relation to the proposed EU Nature Res toration Law and its impact on farming.

Farming

“Farmers need to know how many hectares of farmland will be impacted, and the scope of the pro posed restoration measures on these lands,” he said.

Mr. O’Brien called for a full impact assessment to be undertaken to under stand the implications of the proposed regulation on agriculture.

He said that in addi tion to specific restoration measures for agricultural ecosystems, including peaty soils, there are more comprehensive restoration targets encompassing a wide range of habitats and ecosystems that will have implications for farmland.

“I am very concerned that the targets, which will be

There was a very large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s gen eral sale with a strong trade for all classes. Bullocks averaged from €2.52 per kilo up to €2.73 per kilo. Heifers fetched from an av erage of €2.64 per kilo up to €4.53 per kilo. Dry cows made an aver age of €2.11 per kilo up to €2.57 per kilo. There was a good attend ance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

This Friday (25th), there is a special sale of bullocks as well as heifers and dry cows.

We had a large number of sheep on offer at this week’s sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for finished lambs peaked at €159 for 55.5kgs. Store lambs fetched up to €120. The tops for stag ewes fetched €120.

Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. The next sale of lambs and cast ewes takes place next Wednesday at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be

legally binding up to 2050, will severely impact pro duction on some farms. It’s essential that productive farmland is not restricted and that farmers rights are protected”.

He stressed that the scale of restoration proposed was daunting and could only be achieved if it a dedicated long-term finan cial mechanism for biodi versity is established that is not dependent on the CAP budget prior to the adop tion of the regulation.

Mr. Conneely said that the

penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www.livestocklive.com.

There was a good entry of topquality weanlings on offer at our sale on Tuesday evening last with a good trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €2.95 per kilo up to €4.42 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €2.85 per kilo up to €3.97.

We also had a special entry of incalf cows and heifers with calves at foot with the top price on the night of €2,680 for a Lim cow with her heifer calf. There was a very good attendance of custom ers ringside with online buyers also active.

Our next sale of weanlings is on Tuesday next (29th) at 4 pm. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm to day (Thursday).

Sample prices for dry cows: Lim X 715kgs €1840, Lim X 740kgs €1880, PTX 775kgs €1880, AAX 785kgs €1760, Lim X 665kgs

proposed regulation was very worrying for farmers in designated areas who were concerned that the measures set out in the regulation will further re strict their ability to farm. He said there must be full engagement with farmers.

IFA agreed to meet regu larly with the Department of Housing, Local Govern ment & Heritage as they continued with the process of co-ordinating data from a range of Departments to develop a whole of Gov ernment position.

€1680, Lim X 655kgs €1600, Char X 635kgs €1500, LMX 540kgs €1250, Lim X 605kgs €1460, Char X 635kgs €1500.

Heifers: LIM X 570kgs €2580, Char X 600kgs €2400, Char X 635kgs €2600, Char X 570kgs €2020, Lim X 610kgs €2100, Char X 605kgs €2000, Lim X 620kgs €1990, Lim X 575kgs €1870, Lim X 595kgs €1800, Lim X 570kgs €1800, Lim X 540kgs €1800, Lim X 530kgs €1770, Char X 575kgs €1760, Lim X 545kgs €1730, Char X 495kgs €1560, Char X 475kgs €1550, Lim X 490kgs €1540, Char X 480kgs €1520.

Bullocks: HEX 565kgs €1400, AAX 565kgs €1390, HEX 495kgs €1350, Lim X 515kgs €1260, AAX 500 €1240.

Weanling heifers: Char X 310kgs €1230 - €3.97 per kilo, Lim X 320kgs €1040 - €3.25 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €1070 - €3.45 per kilo, Lim X 310kgs €1000 - €3.23 per kilo, Char X

255kgs €920 - €2.86 per kilo, Lim X 300kgs €970 - €3.23 per kilo, Char X 235kgs €860 - €3.66 per kilo, Lim X 280kgs €920 - €3.29 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Char X 265kgs €1170 - €4.42 per kilo, SiX X 340kgs €1110 - €3.56 per kilo, Lim X 335kgs €1180 - €3.52 per kilo, Char X 370kgs €1200 - €3.24 per kilo, Char X 285kgs €1030 - €3.61 per kilo, Char X 230kgs €820 - €3.57 per kilo, Char X 285kgs €970 - €3.40 per kilo, Char X 225kgs €770 - €3.42 per kilo.

Finished lambs: 55.5kgs €159, 57.6kgs €156, 55.5kgs €155, 53.3kgs €155, 51.3kgs €155, 52.7kgs €154, 51.2kgs €153, 50kgs €152, 48kgs €151, 48.2kgs €150, 48.2kgs €149, 48.9kgs €147.

Store lambs: 38kgs €120, 40kgs €118, 39.3kgs €117, 38.3kgs €114, 39.2kgs €108, 35.4kgs €105, 35.8kgs €105, 32.8kgs €90, 33.1kgs €90, 33.5kgs €70.

Lambs & Cast Ewes

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

Saturday, November 26th

Sale of Organic Cattle and Sheep

Friday, December 2nd at 7pm

Irish Texel Sheep Society West Region Show and Sale of In Lamb Shearling Ewes

& Maiden Ewe Lambs Show 6pm Sale 7p.m.

IFA Environment Chair Paul O’Brien and IFA Hill

Chair

IFA Environment Chair Paul O’Brien

On the market with Moran & Co Auctioneers is an attractive threebedroomed bungalow of approxi mately 86 square metres, standing on a nice site of 0.2 hectares.

The property has a delightful ru ral location, close to the beautiful walks in Aughrane Forest. The

house, which has double-glazed windows and dual central heating, requires some investment. It has unlimited potential and for a mod erate sum, could be transformed in to a very comfortable home.

There are some old stone out buildings on the site. The property

is convenient to Ballygar, and ap proximately 15 minutes’ drive from Roscommon. Inspection is highly recommended.

For full details, contact auctioneer David Moran, (MSCSI MRICS) of Moran & Co Auctioneers, Ballygar. on 090-6624531.

Cathal Meares of RE/ MAX Team Earley is delighted to present to the market this week the goodwill business of an es tablished health food shop, located at Goff Street in Roscommon town.

Trading as the ‘The Tattie Hoaker’, this health food shop business is for sale due to the current proprie tor retiring.

This is a great opportu nity to purchase a thriving health food business in the heart of Roscommon town. This business has provided customers with the best health food prod

ucts over the years due to its location and service

This business comes to the market in excellent condition. The ground floor comprises of a well proportioned area which includes a shop unit, along with a kitchen area to side. One can access the kitchen area through the side ac cess and also the upstairs to the property. Upstairs consists of three rooms and the main bathroom which are currently leased out to three active therapists on an hourly basis.

Accounts for the business are available for the past

three years. Shop insur ance has been paid up until September 2023 and all creditors are up to date.

Tenancy: Leasehold with a term option of three years. BER: F. The auctioneer highly recom mends viewing of this ready to go property.

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

New to the market: Residential farm

New to the market with auctioneers Sherry Fitzgerald P Burke is a resi dential farm of approximately 13.86 acres with a two-storey, two-bed roomed residence thereon, located at Carrownalassan, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon (F42TY31).

The property also boasts further 26 acres of prime, quality, roadside lands, which are well maintained and easy manageable. These lands are set out in three manageable holdings. The property is set in the renowned district of Fourmilehouse, offering commanding views of the neigh bouring countryside. These attractive lands of excellent quality would eas ily adapt to many farming types, and all the fields are easily accessible and have great road frontage. This would be an ideal opportunity for neigh bouring landowners to increase their existing holdings or acquire a resi dential farm.

According to the latest report from daft.ie, market rents in Roscommon were on average 20.1 per cent higher in the third quarter of 2022 than a year previously.

Nationwide, there were just 1,087 homes available to rent on November 1st, down one quarter on the same date a year ago and roughly quarter the average level of availability during 2015-2019.

Rents in Connacht rose 16.9 per cent year-on-year, reflecting very low availability - just 138 homes were available to rent on November 1st, up slightly on a year ago but very low compared to the last decade.

The average listed rent is now €1051, up 113 per cent from its lowest point.

The full report is available at www.daft.ie/report.

The detached, two-story traditional house, which is in need of complete renovation, comprises of an entrance porch, kitchen/dining room, living room, back hall, bathroom and two double bedrooms.

This property possesses a unique charm and appeal, with the surround ing mature trees providing excellent shelter. This is a huge opportunity for the lucky buyer to purchase land and take on a renovation and restoration project. A holding of this quality and size in such a sought after location is a rare find.

approximately

Finally, lot 4 comprises the entirety; the house and lands of approximately 39.86 acres.

For more information, contact the selling agent P Burke at Sherry Fitzgerald P Burke, Goff Street, Ro scommon on 090-6627200 or email pburke@sfpburke.ie.

Ballinasloe woman completes term as MBCA President

Ballinasloe business woman, Tara Flynn, this week completed her yearlong term as President of the Master Builders’ and Contractors’ Association, a constituent body of the Construction Industry Federation.

The Director at Paul Flynn Construction, whose fa ther hailed from Taughma connell, Co. Roscommon, assumed leadership of this national association a year ago, which represents firms involved in main and general building contract ing. She is the second only woman to have held this position.

During her tenure, Tara was actively involved in the Construction Indus try Federation’s Careers Campaign, which aims to position the industry as a career destination for young people and women.

Speaking as she rounded off her presidency this week, Tara Flynn said: “Without diversity, con struction will never truly modernise. Even though our industry is still some what recognised as ‘jobs for men’, our competence, integrity, and poise are winning the respect we deserve.

“However, we need to

take a collaborative ap proach and combine our strengths to change this perception.

“A diverse workforce makes us more efficient, makes us think differently and in turn we can achieve more. I think we are well and truly breaking down the barriers of prejudice and tradition, while real ising our full potential as industry leaders”.

In a concurrent role, Tara is the first female Con struction Industry Fed eration Galway Branch Chairperson, a position she has held for the past four years. As branch chairper son, she has spearheaded a number of fundraising campaigns for charities.

Beneficiaries of her many campaigns at regional and national level include Women’s Aid, St. Joseph’s Special School, Jack & Jill Foundation, and Laura Lynn Children’s’ Hospice, amongst others. With her ties to Co. Roscommon, Tara is a great supporter of local GAA, particularly of Pádraig Pearses, who her firm has sponsored since 1999.

Paul Sheridan, CIF Di rector of Main Contract ing, and Master Builders’ and Contractors’ Associa

tion Secretary, said: “The members of the Master Builders’ and Contractors’ Association would like to sincerely thank Ms. Flynn for her tremendous work and dedication in repre

senting their strategic in terests.

“While the year of her presidency was another challenging one for the industry, she worked tire lessly to strengthen the

Roscommon hoteliers meet with public reps to discuss ongoing challenges in tourism

Hotel and guesthouse owners in Roscommon met with local political representatives last week to discuss the challenges facing the tourism sector as 2023 approaches.

While there has been a welcome upturn in tour ism this year, businesses throughout the country remain in recovery mode, having survived the worst economic shock in recent memory. Now, these busi nesses are confronting skyrocketing energy costs and an expected global economic downturn in key markets next year.

Michael Yates, Chair of the Sligo/Leitrim/Ro scommon faction of the

Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), outlined to Ro scommon representatives the crucial importance of doing everything possi ble to protect and secure tourism livelihoods, and to support the long-term sustainable development of our wider tourism in dustry.

“Irish tourism businesses are collectively the largest indigenous employer in the country”, he said.

“Here in Roscommon, tourism accounts for 1200 of jobs, and €46 million in annual revenue. Speaking with local TDs and Sena tors, it is clear that they understand the value and importance of tourism to

our local communities, and also the enormous impact multiple factors are having on these busi nesses right now.

“Over recent months, un foreseen challenges have arisen, including the con tinued war in Ukraine, the increasing risk of a global downturn, escalating busi ness costs and the ongoing energy crisis, which, in particular, is causing real concern for hotels and guesthouses here in Ro scommon. Nationally, we are seeing hotels report ing increases of upwards of 300 per cent in energy bills when compared with 2019 levels. This is unsus tainable, and will inevita

bly lead to difficulties in relation to the future vi ability of some businesses in the tourism sector.”

Hoteliers also discussed the importance of the 9 per cent Tourism VAT rate with the local po litical representatives, and how this is the right rate for the long-term sustain able development of Ire land’s largest indigenous industry, which in 2019, employed 270,000 people and returned over €2 bil lion to the exchequer in di rect tourism-related taxes.

“The current 9 per cent rate is the right rate for Irish tourism in a Europe an context”, commented Michael Yates.

“Increasing the tourism VAT rate by half to 13.5 per cent in March 2023 would make Ireland’s tourism VAT rate the third highest in Europe, far above other European countries where they take tourism very seriously, such as Portugal (6%), Malta (7%), and the Neth erlands (9%).

“Tourism is an important part of the local economy here in Roscommon, and the continued recovery of tourism and hospital ity must be to the fore of Government economic policy to support these businesses throughout these continued uncertain times,” he concluded.

Athlone Springs shortlisted in National Porridge Awards

The Athlone Springs Hotel in Monksland has been shortlisted in Flahavan’s National Porridge Awards 2022.

The Roscommon business is one of nine hotels cho sen as finalists in the competition which aims to reward “culinary teams who have elevated the breakfast expe rience and incorporated locally sourced Irish oats into their breakfast offerings”.

Flahavan’s Foodservice Business Development Man ager, Shane O’Hanrahan, said: “The standard of entries to the National Porridge Awards has been excellent and we are delighted to announce this shortlist, showcasing the ‘best of the best’ in hotel breakfast experiences that incorporate our world-class Irish wholegrain oats into their offerings”.

For the final stage of judging, Eunice Power, wellknown chef and food writer, will visit each of the shortlisted hotels, along with a representative from Flahavan’s, to experience their porridge offerings and select a winner for each of the competition categories: Best Classic Porridge, Most Innovative Porridge and Best Promotion of Porridge.

“I’m very excited to get on the road on behalf of Fla havan’s and visit each of the shortlisted hotels. I’m looking forward to experiencing first-hand the quality of the porridge on offer,” said Eunice Power.

“In my review of the porridge in each of the shortlisted hotels I’ll be looking out for key features that make a great porridge - including texture, flavour, presentation and origin of ingredients. As breakfast is such an im portant meal in any hotel experience, I’ll also be con sidering how creative each hotel has been in optimising their guests’ porridge experience in terms of toppings; accompaniments and presentation”.

A winner will be announced in each of the three categories with an overall winner chosen from these. Category winners will be awarded €500 each for their culinary teams, while one overall winner will be named ‘National Porridge Awards Champion 2022’ and will receive an additional €500 (i.e. €1,000 total) for a big team night out.

Ballinasloe businesswoman, Tara Flynn, this week completed her year-long term as President of the Master Builders’ and Contractors’ Association, a constituent body of the Construction Industry Federation.

Flahavan’s Foodservice manager Shane O’Hanrahan pictured with National Porridge Awards judge Eunice Power.

community fabric of the association to ensure that the voice of the Master Builders’ and Contractors’ Association was heard at the highest levels of policy making”.

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL CREEHARMORE, BALLYFORAN, CO. ROSCOMMON.

I hereby apply to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Gareth Kennedy for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, domestic garage, new treatment plant and percolation area and all associated site works at the above location.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

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

Signed: Noel O’ Brien and Associates Mountbellew, Co. Galway

Phone: (090) 9679506

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertise ment will be pub lished. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any adver tisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensa tion for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement can not 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 li ability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccu racy in the printing of any advertisement.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We Niamh Roddy and Mahdi Alhindawi, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission at Bohalas, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon for: One new 1.5 Storey domestic dwelling c/w Waste water treatment system to EN.12566-3 (P.I.A approved) with associated percolation area, with new entrance driveway, entrance gate piers and wing walls, and connection to water mains, including all other associated site works as required.

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 the 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

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Lorcan and Anne Marie Shine, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for development at Ballymurray Townland, Co. Roscommon. The development shall consist of demolition of an existing dwelling; construction of new replacement dwelling house, decommission of existing septic tank; provision of a new tertiary treatment system and infiltration treatment area, alteration to existing site entrance, closing of existing agricultural entrance and construction of new agriculture entrance and all associated site development works.

This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: MMA Architects

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We intend to apply for (1) retention planning permission for constructed dwellinghouse and shed and (2) planning permission to demolish existing cottage and complete site development works at Carrigeen, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee, not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and submissions or observations in relation to the application can be made to the planning authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Adriana and Radu Giurgiu

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Aidan Fallon, intend to apply for planning permission at, Toberdan, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. The development comprises of the retention of changes to the east, south and west elevations of the existing domestic garage and the change of use from domestic garage to pilates and wellbeing studio.

facebook.com/moleskinarch

Tel: 086 83 72 933

Also, permission for the retention of the road opening/ entrance for the studio and associated works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Aidan Fallon

< TO RENT: 2 bed house to rent in Lanesboro, Co. Longford, O.F.C.H., in good condition. Tel: 086 3223976

< TO LET: House to let, countryside location. Telephone: 090 66 26579

Gerry Hynes M.R.I.A.I. White Cottage, Doon, Strokestown, Roscommon F42 DF10 Phone: 087 2527290 Web: www.gerryhyne sarchitect.com Email: gerryhynes01@ gmail.com

Registered Architect

Gerry Hynes MRIAI

Signed: Vincent Durkin (Agent).

www.DurkinDesign.ie Architectural Designs

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA 091 380900 | 087 9818153

Mountbellew, Co. Galway info@mhla.ie www.mhla.ie

Mountbellew, Co. Galway info@mhla.ie www.mhla.ie

SITUATIONS VACANT

< DRIVER REQUIRED: For light duties, car / van, Roscommon Town. (May suit retired person). Please apply to: PO Box No 3062 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

< SHUTTERING CARPENTER

< CARER WANTED: Kind, reliable lady wanted to take care of elderly lady in her own home at night, Roscommon area. Must be flexible and available to do weekend duty. Good english essential and some experience would be an advantage. Please apply to: PO Box No 3059 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Here at Chatterland we are seeking to recruit for the following positions:

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 Fetac Level 6 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.

Employer: Chatterland Playschool & Creche Location: Elphin Co. Roscommon 21 Annual Leave days, reviewed annually. Salaries: Attractive salary for suitable candidates. CPD Opportunities supported & funded by employer.

For any queries please contact Áine on 087 8325301 or email: chatterlandcreche@hotmail.com

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre

Relief Staff Panel Being Created!

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum QQI/Fetac V in ECCE

• Ability to ensure the health and safety of children at all times

• Experience planning child centred activities

• Experience working as part of a team

• Good oral and written communication

• Ability to work on own initiative, willing to work flexible hours

• Garda Vetting required

Subject to Garda Clearance. Please call for a blank Garda Clearance Form. Job description available upon request. A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled, including relief work. Canvassing will disqualify.

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum QQI/Fetac V in ECCE

•

• Experience planning child-centred activities

Interested applicants should send in completed Garda Clearance Form with letter of e and CV no later than Friday 30 April 2021 5pm to:

•

The Manager, Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon F42W326 090 662 9844 cuanbhride@outlook.com

•

•

• Garda Vetting required

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Subject to Garda Clearance.

9844 cuanbhride@outlook.com

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

LYONS

Frank Runnamoat, Roscommon 14th Anniversary on 26th November

life changes

no matter what we do a special place within our hearts is always kept for you.

Loved and remembered by Maisie and family.

Anniversary Mass in Cloverhill Church, on Saturday, 26th November at 7pm.

HAUGHEY

Noel Correal, Co. Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

MONAGHAN Denis and Mary

(16th and 7th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of Denis who died on the 6th December 2006 and Mary who died on the 28th December 2015.

DOLAN

Leo & Delia

Munsboro House, Sligo Road, Roscommon

In loving memory of Leo and Delia Dolan. Leo who passed away on 4th June, 2009 and Delia who passed away 1st December 2016 R.I.P. (13th Anniversary)

GARVEY

Joan Ballinaheglish, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Joan –much loved wife, mother and granny who passed away on December 3rd 2017.

God looked around the garden and saw two empty spaces He then looked down upon the earth, and saw your tired faces He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest God’s garden must be beautiful for He only takes the best.

He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be thine.”

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone; for part of us went with you both, the day God called you Home.

Lovingly remembered by their son Denis, daughter-in-law Vera and grandchildren Amy and Shane.

Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Sunday, 27th November at 10am.

STOCKER Thomas (Tommy)

Crofton House Rathcave,Tulsk

Who passed away 1st December 2021 (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Noel who died on 23rd November, 2015.

What he suffered he told but few, he did not deserve what he went through, tired and weary he made no fuss, but tried so hard to stay with us.

Loved and remembered Margaret and family.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 27th November at 11.30am in the Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, Fuerty.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

HANLEY

Padraic

6 Shannon Heights

Many thanks to family, friends, and neighbours who have been so supportive over the last year.

Also thanks to the nurses of St. Finbarr’s Ward at UGH, and especially deep respect and thanks to the nurses of Roscommon Hospital whose Palliative Care was so special to both Tommy and myself in his last few days. Lastly, many thanks to Susan and Paul Gaynor, of Gaynors Funeral Directors, who went above and beyond in helping, and guiding, myself and Tommy on the last journey together.

“The song is ended but the melody lingers on” - Irving Berlin

THANKSGIVINGS

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 re quest will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your bless ings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers be side his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. M.K.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Too dearly loved to be forgotten, cherished memories of Padraic.

Always remembered by his mother Kathleen, father Patsy, sister Marie and brother Alan.

O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Vir gin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. M.K.

(6th Anniversary)

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

Missed and remembered by all their family.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 3rd December at 11am.

HILL

Robert (Bob) Abbey Street, Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

Though your smile is gone forever and your hand we cannot touch, still, we have so many memories of the lady we loved so much. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part, God has you in His keeping, and we have you forever in our hearts.

Loved and remembered every day by husband John, daughters Deirdre and Emer, sons John and Niall, son-inlaw Brian and grandchildren Senan, Ruan and Emilia.

Anniversary Mass will be at 11 am on Sunday, 27th November in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish.

HUNT

Leo

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Who passed away on 24th November 2020.

www.brianmuraystone.com E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

NEILAN

John

Rathanane, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Who died on the 24th November 2021. (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Robert who passed away on the 25th November 2017

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

Lovingly remembered by his wife Mary, daughters, Jackie, Marina and Lisa, sons Robert and Aidan, daughters-in-law, sons-inlaw and grandchildren. Masses offered.

How quickly time has gone by, another year since we said goodbye, often thought of with lots of love, keep watching over us from up above.

Always loved and remembered by his wife Kathleen, Orla, Damien, Michelle and Alan, their partners and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 26th November at 11am.

On the First Anniversary of the death of John, we, his family and extended family, wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised and supported us, especially extended family, neighbours and friends. We wish to acknowledge everyone who visited our home, attended the Funeral Mass in person or virtually, and those who attended John’s burial. Thanks to all who visited, sent Mass Cards, phoned, sent letters and expressed condolences via RIP.ie. To John’s friends in the Golf Club, his colleagues in District Court No. 9 and all those who kept him in their thoughts over his last year of illness - your thoughts and words gave us comfort and were very much appreciated. A very special thank you to Fr. Kevin who celebrated the Funeral Mass. Thank you sincerely to Miriam, Síofra and Ciarán for the beautiful music and singing. Thanks to Pat Smyth, Funeral Director, for his support, guidance and professionalism throughout.

We cannot express enough how appreciative we are for the great care, kindness and respect both Dr Alex Robinson (and her students), the Roscommon Palliative Care and Public Health Team showed John throughout his illness and in his final weeks.

As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a heartfelt acknowledgement of our deep appreciation and gratitude.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

John’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday the 26th November at 7pm.

CURLEY

Peter and Molly

Thomastown, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Peter who passed away on 19th October 2008 and Molly who passed away on 24th November 2018 (14th and 4th Anniversaries)

You rest in the arms of Angels in a place of peace and love, watching over me from Heaven up above. I notice all the signs you send, you guide me through each day. You are always by my side, you never went away.

Always lovingly remembered by your daughter Mary.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Fuerty on Friday, 25th November at 7pm.

Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon

DINEEN (née Cahill)

Breege

Cloonbard, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon formerly of Corlis, Castlerea Who sadly passed away on 25th November 2021

HARRINGTON

Declan

Cloverhill, Roscommon (19th Anniversary)

MANNION (née Kelly) Ellen

As we approach the first anniversary of the passing of our dear Wife, Mother, Nana and Sister Breege, her husband Christy, daughters Lisa, Lorraine, Olivia and Danielle, sons Nigel, Cathal, Christopher and Declan, brothers and sisters, cherished grandchildren, sons and daughters-in-law would like to acknowledge with sincere gratitude and appreciation all who sympathised with us on the passing of our beloved Breege.

To all our extended families, our kind neighbours, friends and work colleagues who supported us and continue to do so, to the large volume of people who left messages of condolence on RIP.ie, Shannonside and Midwest Radio websites, sent private emails, text messages, phone calls, sent Mass cards, Mass enrolments, floral tributes and lit candles. To Reynolds family caterers, Hester’s Golden Eagle, neighbours and friends who brought food to our home and provided practical and emotional support to us all, we thank you all sincerely.

Further thanks to all the people who called to our family home, sat with Mam while she reposed at home, attended the funeral home, Funeral Mass and cemetery, those who travelled long distances from around Ireland and England to attend the Funeral, those who watched the Funeral Mass online, will never forget your kindness.

A special thank you to the advanced paramedics and ambulance staff who attended to our mother. Thank you to the doctors, nurses, care staff of ‘C’ Ward, Chaplain and Intensive Care Team of Mayo University Hospital for the way they cared for our mother with dignity and compassion and for the respect and empathy shown to our family, for facilitating our visits to Mam in ICU, we will be forever grateful to you all. Sincere thank you to Paul and Susan Gaynor Funeral Directors for the professional way that they carried out the funeral arrangements and for the kindness and sympathy shown to us during the difficult weeks after Mam’s passing. Further thanks to Paul for facilitating our request to walk behind Mam’s remains to the head of the road as she made her final journey from Cloonbard, we will be forever grateful for those memories. Thank you to Kevin McLoughlin and John Regan, who prepared Mam’s final resting place with dignity and care. Thank you to Sean Raftery (R.I.P) for all his help.

Thank you to Fr. John Gannon for celebrating Mass at our family home on December 8th, also for celebrating Mam’s beautiful Funeral Mass. Thank you to the altar servers.

Thank you to Eimear and Andrew Reynolds for their beautiful singing and music in the church. Thank you to Ann Marie Kelly, Moore Blooms for her beautiful floral arrangements. Further thanks to Terry and staff at The Print Shop, Ballaghaderreen for their advice, patience and professionalism on the printing of the Funeral Mass booklets.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as an expression of our deepest gratitude, The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Breege’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 27th November at 10 a.m. in St. Paul’s Church, Kilmurray.

May her gentle soul Rest In Peace.

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

Deeply loved and missed by Mum, Colette, Peter, Neil, Fergal, Martina and their families.

On the First Anniversary of our dear mother, Ellen, we her family would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciatioon for the kindness and support

To all who phoned, sent texts, letters, mass cards and

To Fr. Michael McManus P.P. for celebrating a beautiful mass and also to Deacon Willie Gacquin for concelebrating and for his lovely Homily. Sincere thanks to Fiona and Grayson Reid for the beautiful music and singing which really enhanced the mass.

MORRIS

Thomas and Noreen Carrowroe, Roscommon

In loving memory of Tom, who died on October 13th, 2019 and Noreen, who died on January 5th, 2020.

Your memory is my keepsake, with which we’ll never part, God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart.

Thomas

MURRAY Mary

MURRAY Mary

Lissavruggy, Newbridge 6th

Lissavruggy, Newbridge, Co. Galway (7th Anniversary)

To the Paramedics who arrived at Ellen’s home on the morning of her passing. Grateful thanks to all the Carers and Homehelp who called to Ellen over the past two years, your help and support was very much appreciated by the family.

To the gravediggers who prepared Ellen’s final resting place with such care and attention and to Enda McHugh, Funeral Director for his professionalism, guidance and support, thank you.

As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a heartfelt acknowledgement as an expression of our appreciation and gratitude.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for intentions of all.

Forever loved and deeply missed by all your family.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

DOLAN

RAFTERY Michael (Buddy)

(1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Buddy, late of Bracklin, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon who passed away on 30th November 2021.

In loving memory of Mary, who passed away on 29th November 2015.

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.

No farewell words were ever spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it and only God can tell us why.

It broke out hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.

Ellen’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 27th November at 10am.

THANKSGIVINGS

UNFAILING PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

Remembering Caitriona, whose birthday occurs on the 22nd November 2022

No matter how life changes, No matter what we do. A special place within our hearts is always kept for you.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not 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.

Loved, remembered and missed every day by your husband Michael, sons Michael and Andrew, daughters Elaine and Amanda, son-in-law Donal.

Of all the gifts in life, However great or small, To have you as our nana, Was the greatest gift of all.

NANA

May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.

Loved and missed by grandchildren, Danny, Leah, Lucy, Izzy, Noah, Seán and Jane.

Mass offered.

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

Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to ob tain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sym pathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. A.M.K.

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. S.C.C.G.

Thinking of you today on your birthday love Mam, Pat, Marie, Enda and Roseanne. xx

CAITRIONA

Today is your birthday in Heaven above, our blessings we send on the wings of a dove. Love Martin and Leah. xx

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

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by his sons Donal and Adrian, daughter Martina, grandchildren Rian, Olwen, Darragh, Robyn and Ruth, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co. Roscommon on Sunday, 4th December at 11.30am.

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, prom ise publication and favour will be granted. U.G.

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

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

and Noreen’s Third Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town at 11 o’clock in the morning on Saturday, November 26th.

Anniversary

In loving memory of Mary, a cherished wife, mother and nana who passed away on 29th November 2015.

Missed, loved and remembered every day by her husband Michael, sons Michael & Andrew, daughters Elaine & Amanda, son in law Donie

Loved and remembered everyday by her grandsons Daniel, Noah & Sean, granddaughters Leah, Lucy, Izzy & Jane.

Anniversary Mass in St Patricks Church, Newbridge on Sunday 28th November at 11.30am

CREHAN (née Fahy)

Elizabeth (1st Anniversary)

Lissavruggy, Newbridge, Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

Who was called by God on November 26th 2021

M.S.

Kerrane welcomes €217m stimulus package for West and North-West

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Development, Claire Kerrane TD, has welcomed the announcement that a €217m stimulus package will be provided for the West and NorthWest Region. Provided through the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF), the package is aimed at supporting regional development schemes in the region.

ties Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal, Monaghan and Mayo, was downgraded to a ‘Region in Transition’ in 2019 by the Europe an Commission before being down graded again this year. It is the only Region in the State to be classified in this way.

On the First Anniversary of Elizabeth’s passing, her family wish to once more express their sincere gratitude to all who shared in their grief, extending sympathy and support in many ways during a difficult time. It was very much appreciated.

Reflection

She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain

She’s in the air you breathe with every breath you take.

She sings a song of hope and cheer, there’s no more pain, no more fear.

You’ll see her in the clouds above, hear her whisper words of love.

You’ll be together before long, until then listen for her song.

Lovingly remembered and missed by her son Gerard, daughter in law Anne Marie, grandchildren Evan, Adam, Nathan and Noah together with her relatives, neighbours and friends.

Liz’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Newbridge on Sunday, 27th November 2022 at 11.30am.

The Roscommon/Galway TD said: “I very much welcome the announce ment of €217m investment to support regional development schemes across the West and North-West region.

“The announcement follows a report from the European Commission this year, which downgraded the Region for a second time to a lagging Re gion. This signalled concern that the Region has become significantly less well off, relative to the European av erage, over recent years.

“The Region, which includes coun

“Challenges identified as rationale for downgrading the Region include lower productivity and educational attainment, as well as a weaker skills base and business environment in the region.

“Sinn Féin has previously called for urgent investment in the region, to prevent damage to economic and so cial wellbeing in the West and NorthWest. The Northern and Western Re gional Assembly have done excellent work in showing exactly what needs to be done to regain our Developed status, and this (funding) is a really positive development”.

Roscommon Public Participation Network County Plenary event

Roscommon Public Participa tion Network (PPN) will host their County Plenary Meeting and Com munity Networking Event on Tues day, 29th of November in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Town, com mencing with registration at 6.45 pm.

The PPN is the main link in which the Local Authority connects with communities across County Ro scommon, which includes social in clusion, community and voluntary and environmental groups.

The theme of this year’s Plenary is ‘Reconnecting with Communi ties in Roscommon’ which evokes a sense of collaborative opportunism. As the title of the event suggests, the evening will focus on reconnecting with communities in the county af

ter a difficult two and a half years for all voluntary groups, arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roscommon PPN wish to strength en their connections with member groups across the county and in crease their representation on local strategic development committees including, Roscommon County Council SPCs, the LCDC, Joint Po licing Committee, Heritage Forum and other representative bodies.

The event will begin with welcom ing addresses from the Chairperson of Roscommon PPN, Margaret Mulligan and the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan. The evening will continue with the formalities of the PPN plenary, including the pres entation of an activity report, a fi

nancial and budget update, and the ratification of the group’s Secretar iat and PPN representation at local decision-making bodies.

The evening itself will culminate with a panel discussion where mem bers will hear the latest announce ments on key local funding oppor tunities from staff representatives of Roscommon County Council and Roscommon LEADER Partnership.

Refreshments will be served and all potential new members are en couraged to attend this FREE event. You can register for the event today by emailing the Roscommon PPN team on info@roscommonppn.ie or calling (086) 0478616. Online regis tration is also open and the booking link can be found on Roscommon PPN’s Facebook Page and website.

Clann na nGael supporters Sinead, Cara and Ronan Farrell pictured at the recent Abbey Hotel Roscommon LGFA Senior Championship final in Ballyforan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Development, Claire Kerrane TD.

Sports PEOPLE

New camogie management in place

< SEAMUS DUKE

The Roscommon junior camogie team will have a new management team for 2023 as it has been confirmed that Killimor native Cian Ryan and Ballinasloe’s Eoin Hardiman have been appointed as joint managers.

Both men have considerable coaching and management experience and were part of Liam Gordon’s backroom team in 2022 and they have confirmed that they will be starting their training ahead of the new season soon.

Roscommon will compete in Division Four of the National League in the new year. Last year the team withdrew from the competition.

Ballyforan kickboxer wins European title

< DAN DOONER

Ballyforan kickboxer Gary McDonnell says he’s “over the moon” after capturing the WAKO European title in Antalya, Turkey last week.

The 30-year-old, who works in IT security for Presidio, is now hoping to go on and compete at Olympic level in 2028.

“It still hasn’t sunk in really, I’m still pinching myself. I’ve been training for fifteen years and I’ve fought in competi tions in five different countries this year including Norway, Hungary, Spain, Finland, and Turkey. To cap it off with a European title is a dream come true”.

En route to winning the title, McDonnell defeated Ukrain ian Danylo Prolomov (first round knockout) and Turkish fighter Battalay Seyit (decision) in the final which was tel evised on Turkish TV.

Dominic’s set for rescheduled semi-final

< SEAMUS DUKE

The Connacht Council have con firmed that the AIB Intermediate football semi-final match between St. Dominic’s and Aughnasheelin will take place in Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada in Carrick-onShannon on Saturday with a throw in time of 1.30 pm. If the Leitrim pitch is unplayable the game will be

moved to the Connacht GAA Cen tre of Excellence in Bekan.

There was anger and frustration last Sunday in Cloone when the match was called off less than 15 minutes before the scheduled throw-in time as referee Christopher Ryan deemed the pitch unplayable. The game had earlier been switched from Carrickon-Shannon.

There was a sizeable contingent of

supporters from both clubs already in the venue and both teams were in the dressing rooms when the game was postponed.

St. Dominic’s will be hoping that the disruption will not affect their preparations for the game and that they can overcome the challenge of the Leitrim champions. Dun more await in the final. The Galway champions defeated Ballyhaunis in

the other semi-final last weekend. Meanwhile, St. Ronan’s will face Galway champions Clifden in the AIB Connacht junior final on Satur day week at Dr. Hyde Park at 1.30 pm. In the senior final, Tourlestrane, managed by Fergal O’Donnell, will face Moycullen, who are managed by Don Connellan. That game is in Pearse Stadium, Galway on Sunday, December 4th.

It’s a major achievement for the Ballyforan man who joined Irish teammate Adam Condon in winning a title at the event.

WAKO Kickboxing has been shortlisted for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Gary is hopeful that it will become an event following the European Olympics next year.

He says his employers have been very supportive of his kickboxing endeavours but is seeking further sponsorship to help allay the cost of travel and competing at interna tional events.

Ballyforan kickboxer Gary McDonnell (right) and Adam Condon both captured European titles at the WAKO Championships in Turkey last week.

Connacht Rugby and BLK have released a special 2022/23 European kit, commemorating the 25-year anniversary of the iconic 1996/97 season. The province became the first Irish team to beat English and French opposition away from home in European competition, and have marked the milestone with a new retro jersey as a throwback to those famous results. Pictured at the launch were Tom Daly, Jack Carty and John Porch. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Horses for Courses

Horseracing this weekend starts this after noon (Thursday) at Thurles starting at 12.30 pm. Tomorrow evening the action is under lights on the all-weather at Dundalk, first race at 5.30 pm.

Saturday’s action is at Gowran Park and off at 12 pm. Sunday sees racing at Proudstown Park outside Navan with the Grade B Troy town Handicap Chase and the Grade 3 Monks field Novice Hurdle away at 12.20 pm. There is racing on ITV3 and Virgin Media 1 on Saturday with five races from Newbury featuring the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase and three from Newcastle including the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Racing Review

There was a Roscommon owned and bred winner on Friday evening in Dundalk as Hubert and Ronnie Maxwell’s Kudbegood won his third race on the track. Trained by Pat Murphy and ridden by Jack Kearney, the 7-YO gelding came with a late run to win Divi sion 2 of the apprentice handicap race by ¾l and ½l from the favourite Miss Abby Jools and Bellick. The winner was home bred out of Or pen’s Peach who also raced in the white silks, red dots, and blue sleeves of Ronnie Maxwell from Ballinagare.

Last Saturday, Henry de Bromhead’s Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard ran in the Betfair Chase at Haydock but was very disappointing and pulled up. The race was won by Protektor at with Eldorado runner-up and Frodon third. The winning distances were 11l and 7½l. At Punchestown Gordon Elliott had a four timer as Jack Kennedy recorded a treble on Absolute Notification, Queen’s Brook and Jungle Prose with Jamie Codd rounding off a very suc cessful day in the bumper on Caldwell Potter. There is no obvious reason for A Plus Tard’s disappointing run, and he remains on track for Leopardstown’s Savills Chase.

Willie Mullins ran three of the four run

ners in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday and had a 1, 2, 3 finish. He won his 12th running of the race with the favourite State Man ridden by stable jockey Paul Townend with Sharjah finishing second ridden by Patrick Mul lins beaten 4l and Sadlier ridden by Danny Mul lins third 3¼l further away in third. Mullins and Townend also won the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle with Shewearsitwell, a quali fier for Cheltenham. Elliott had a first and last race double with Delta Work, Jack Kennedy and Capo Catone, Jamie Codd who got the result in the steward’s room after finishing second, beaten a head, by Lecky Watson ridden by Patrick Mul lins.

Racing News

Henry de Bromhead’s Honeysuckle will chal lenge for an unprecedented fourth win in the

Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse’s December meeting. The mare is second favourite at 7/2 for the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle behind Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill, evens. Constitu tion Hill, who bypassed the Grade 2 Coral Hur dle at Ascot on Saturday, will run in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, 1/3 favourite, this Saturday with his stablemate Epatante second in the betting at 3/1. While the favourite will take all the beating Epatante is trying to win the race for the third year in a row and could cause a surprise, it is 10/1 bar 2.

Talking of the Fairyhouse December Festival, Noel Meade’s Galway Beginners Chase winner Thedevilscoachman could run in the Drinmore Novice Chase if the ground eases. JP McManus’s 6-Y-O who won the Grade Two Boyne Hurdle at Navan last year needs a cut in the ground.

Willie Mullins trained Facile Vega, daughter of Quevega and unbeaten in four bumper runs, is set

to

by Tom Red

The British Horseracing Authority are introducing new whip rules limiting the use of the whip over an entire race to 12 strokes in national hunt racing and 11 on the flat. The national hunt rules are to be introduced from February 6th, just over a month before the most important and lucrative Cheltenham Festival, and the flat rules on March 27th just five days before the big Doncaster Lincoln meeting. This could lead to Irish jockeys being at a disadvan tage at the festival because British jockeys will have a month lead in period to get used to the rules where the rules apply but no suspensions or disqualifications will take place. It appears that the race result will be allowed stand on the day to facilitate betting, the punters, and book makers but the life blood of the industry, the owners, can be stripped of the race and winning purses in later inquires.

Point-to-Point News

There are three meetings this weekend all in the south on Sunday. They race at Lings town in Co Wexford with 116 horses entered, at Moig South, outside Askeaton, in Co. Lim erick with 80 entries and, at Boulta in Co. Cork where there are 130 horses entered.

At the Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sales Denis Hogan’s Mahon’s Way, a winner at Lisronagh under Derek O’Connor, was sold for the top price of £360,000. He was bought for Cheveley Park Stud and will to go Henry de Bromhead’s Waterford yard. Working Away (Lot 33), the sale’s most expensive filly, was bought by Gordon Elliott for €330,000, sold by Denis Murphy’s Ballyboy Stables. The 4-Y-O daughter of Workforce out of the Old Vic mare Grangemore, won at Tattersalls on October 30th. There is still a demand for Irish point to pointers.

Short putts

Athlone

The Plumbers held their final outing of the year last Satur day with a very good turnout for the Invitational Fourball. All remaining prizes were presented at a very enjoyable dinner in the clubhouse after wards.

Swimming Top coach visits Coman’s

Swim Ireland High Performance coach Helen Gunning attended Ro scommon Leisure Centre last Saturday morning to impart some coach ing and swimming excellence to Coman’s’ swimmers and coaching staff.

It proved to be a very beneficial morning with over 40 swimmers in attendance for two session.

Coman’s’ most senior teams then attended a breakfast and downtime session with Helen and coaching staff at the Quad Centre in Roscom mon. A great morning was enjoyed by all.

Invitational Fourball results: 1st: Ml. Cunniffe and E. Gor mally; 2nd: Brian Curley and Jimmy Reilly; 3rd: T. Reape and A. O’Connor; 4th: D. O’Gorman and S. Cleary; 5th: Darragh Egan and Emmet Kenny; 6th: J. Mee and G. McInerney. Plumbers Match play Final: Winner: Sean O’Laoide; Runner-up: Gerry McInerney. Plumber of the Year: John Fa gan.

The Men’s Winter League has started and is being run over 12 holes. If you wish to enter a team you can still do so. Non-members are also welcome.

The Ladies’ 12-hole compe tition was won by Margaret

Meanwhile, Lily O’Sullivan (23 points) won the 97 Club competition while Billy Nott (25) won the AWGS.

Boyle

The Ladies’ AGM took place on Sunday last and the fol lowing officers were elected for 2023: Lady Captain Mau ra O’Farrell; Vice-Captain Aisling Gaughran; Secretary Regina McLoughlin; Trea surer Fiona Keenan; Compe tition Secretary Mary O’Hara; Committee members: Geral dine McDermottroe, Eileen Callaghan, Catherine Roddy, Bernie Kemple, and Ann Gal lagher.

The overall Club AGM takes place this Sunday (27th) at 5 pm in the clubhouse. All members are both welcome and encouraged to attend.

Carrick

The results of the Gents’ 9-hole competition played re cently were as follows: 1st: Ciaran Cafferky (23); Cat 1: Alan Ffrench (19); Cat 2: Liam Bruen (19); Cat 3: Leo Noone (21).

Roscommon

The Men’s Christmas Hamper competition was won by Mi chael Sharkey with 42 points while Seamus O’Donghaile (41) was second, and Tommy Grehan third (40). Allan Hill

took the gross prize with 41. The Ladies’ 9-hole competi tion was won by Jackie Max well with 24 points. The Se nior Men’s competition was won by Fr. Joe Fitzgerald with 34 points while the Ladies’ Se niors was won by N. O’Grady. Club officers will be hosting a Christmas social evening on Sunday, December 11th in the clubhouse. The event starts at 6 pm and there will be mulled wine and food served on the night. With an enjoyable eve ning promised, it is hoped that all members will attend the festive celebrations.

make her debut over hurdles on Saturday in the Irish EBF Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park where she could meet American Mike who set beat in the Cheltenham Bumper. It will make an interesting clash.

(News from local golf clubs)

Kudbegood and Jack Kearney win in Dundalk.

Byrne with 24 points with Yvonne Walsh second, also with 24. Marion Hendrick (24) and Anna Walsh (23) were third and fourth respec tively.

Pictured at Roscommon Leisure Centre on Saturday last were (Left to right): Conrad Kuziemka, Deidre Lavin, Helen Gunning (Swim Ireland), Elaine Lally, and Ju Won.

Michael Cuddy of Cuddy & Co, who sponsored The Plumber of the Year award presents the trophy to John Fagan, Plumber of the Year for 2022 at Athlone Golf Club.

Creggs RFC Report THE GAIN LINE

Girls impress in win over Tuam/Oughterard

Creggs’ U-18 Girls were in impressive form as they overcame a strong Tuam/ Oughterard side 29-10 at home last Saturday after noon.

The visitors arrived at The Green as favourites but the hosts were motivated from the first whistle and played some fantastic rugby throughout.

First-half tries from Sarah Purcell and Jemima Adams Verling and two conver sions from Eabha Dowd gave the home team a 14-5 half-time lead.

Further tries in the sec ond half from Maryanne Jordan and Siofra Hes sion stretched the lead to 24-5 before a try by Tuam/ Oughterard reduced the deficit to 24-10. Maryanne Jordan got in for her sec ond try with the last play of the game to leave the final score 29-10.

One of the highlights was seeing the effort and com mitment by Creggs’ prop

Roisin Maher who fol lowed a kick ahead and put in a huge tackle at the 22 on the defender who lost con trol leading to the last try. A brilliant defensive dis play by the home side and for the first time ever it was great to see three sisters togging out together. Well done to Eadaoin, Caoimhe and Shauna Walsh.

Also on Saturday, in tough, wet and cold weath er conditions the U-14 girls played against Ballina sloe in a challenge match.

The girls started well with some good play in the Bal linasloe half for the open ing ten minutes but failed to register any points.

Ballinasloe then gained a foothold in the game as they ran the full length of the pitch to cross over for a try. The game slipped away from Creggs thereafter as Ballinasloe ran out com fortable winners, scoring five tries to Creggs’ one.

Connacht U-14 League:

Buccaneers RFC

trains on Tuesday evenings

All new members are welcome to join the squad at any stage throughout the season. Just turn up on Tuesday evenings and make yourself know to the

We had big numbers again on Saturday morning last ing. Mini Rugby starts with boys and girls aged from 5 to 12. Creggs will travel away to Sligo for a Blitz

Darts Bothar Rua on top!

An Bothar Rua top the Hannon’s Hotel sponsored Roscom mon Darts League despite their 5-3 defeat to Cosy Bar last weekend. The Elphin side are five points clear of The Holly Tree in second place.

The Holly Tree enjoyed a 5-3 win over McDermott’s last weekend. David Concannon had two 180s, as well as 16, 17 and 18-dart legs. Mark Finneran also had two 180s while Gary Concannon, Les Rawson and Mick Kilroe also hit maximums, and Seamus Naughton had 158 checkout.

Meanwhile, Flanagan’s and Spells played out a 4-4 draw. Sean Fleming had a 180 and a 107 checkout. Paddy Flem ing, Kieran McCormack and Noel Ryan also had 180s.

The Village Inn were impressive 6-2 winners over The Hollywood.

An Bothar Rua now lead on 27 points followed by Holly Tree on 22 with McDermott’s (21) and The Village Inn (18) third and fourth respectively. Next up are Flanagan’s and Cosy Bar (both 14), Spell’s (13), Hollywood (8) and Dal ton’s (7).

Next week sees the singles section of the league take place, with a round robin to be held in The Hollywood Bar for all league players. More details on the Roscommon Darts Facebook page or contact David on 086-0823180.

Soccer results

Norio’s RDFL Premier Division

Skyvalley Rovers 0 Moore United 4 Boyle Celtic 3 Castlerea Celtic 2 Ballaghaderreen FC 4 Kilkerrin United 1 Moylough 79 v St. John’s Athletic, postponed.

Ballinasloe Town 0 CP Ajax 1

RDFL First Division

Shiven Rovers 7 Dysart FC 0 Cam Celtic 3 Ballinasloe Town B 1 Cloonfad United 1 Ballinagare Manor United 1 RDFL Second Division Dunmore Town B 1 Glen Celtic 2

RDFL Women’s Premier Division St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United 2 Ballaghaderreen FC B 8

Connacht Women’s Cup Castlerea Celtic 0 Manulla FC 4 Corrib Celtic 3 Cam Celtic 0 Dynamo Blues 0 Kilkerrin United 3

Fixtures

Friday, November 25th

Norio’s RDFL Premier Division

Castlerea Celtic -v- CP Ajax. 8 pm

RDFL First Division

Ballymoe FC -v- Ballinagare Manor United. 8 pm

RDFL Second Division (8 pm)

Skyvalley Rovers B -v- Rahara Rovers Glen Celtic -v- St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United

Buccs away to St. Mary’s

It’s another top of the table Energia All-Ireland League clash for Buccaneers this weekend when they travel to Dublin where they square up to second placed St. Mary’s College at Templeville Road on Saturday. Kick off for this mouth-water ing duel is at 2.30 pm.

This showdown away from home will provide a real health check of Buccs progress and pros pects. St. Mary’s are the leading scorers in Divi sion 1B but that includes 66 points they scored against a hapless Banbridge.

A supporters’ bus is being organised for this trip to the capital, depending on confirmed bookings by Wednesday. Adult fare is €15 and the bus is scheduled to depart Dubarry Park at 10.30 am. There is also an extra option to book for the prematch function at St. Mary’s and the cost for this is €40 for four-course meal, complimentary wine and free admission to the match. Contact Geral dine at 086-1732711 to book either or both. The players and mentors will be grateful for as much support as possible for Buccaneers at the game so let’s fill the bus.

U-20s entertain Trinity Buccaneers U-20s are home to Dublin University in the J.P. Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2

at Dubarry Park on Sunday afternoon. Buccs sit two places above the Students in third place and, on form to date, should be too strong for Trinity. Kick-off is 2.30 pm.

Seconds travel to Tuam

Buccaneers Seconds will hope to kick-start their Connacht Junior 1A League campaign when they travel to Tuam on Saturday night. This Buccs squad has not yet consistently shown the vigour and verve displayed last season but, with Joe Browne back assisting this squad, they are likely to be more organised from hereon. Kick-off at Garraun Park is 8 pm.

Thirds meet Westport again

Having topped their qualifying pool, Buccaneers Thirds’ reward is an awkward trip away to play Westport Seconds in the next stage of the Con nacht Junior 2 League on Sunday. The teams met just a couple of weeks ago at the Mayo club’s ground where they were evenly matched and the Pirates required a late, late try to maintain their 100 per cent success rate. Kick-off at Carrow holly is 2.30 pm.

Mini Blitz

Dubarry Park was a hive of activity last Satur day morning for a Minis’ Blitz. The car park

was jammed and every conceivable pitch space seemed to be in use as a plethora of matches took place. Well done to all these little guys and girls and a big thank you to all their coaches and man agers for organising this blitz so well.

Forever in our hearts

A Remembrance get together to celebrate the lives of Buccaneers members who have left us, and in particular those who have passed away since the start of the pandemic, will take place in The Bounty on Thursday, December 1st at 8 pm. All are welcome to come along in memory of their loved ones.

Super Draw

All teams should have received their quota of tickets for the annual ‘Your Club Your Coun try’ Super Draw at this stage. It is important that they are distributed urgently as all tickets (sold or unsold) must be returned before the end of next week. Tickets cost only €10 each and the main prize is a trip for two with spending money to see Ireland play in the World Cup in France next year. Tickets can also be purchased online via the IRFU website but please ensure to click on the Buccaneers logo when you are buying tickets there! Thanks to everyone who has already sup ported Buccs in this Super Draw.

Saturday, November 26th

RDFL Women’s Premier Division (7 pm)

Shiven Rovers -v- Cam Celtic Kilkerrin United -v- Castlerea Celtic

RDFL Reserve League (11 am)

Ballinagare Manor United -v- Cloonfad United Moore United -v- Shiven Rovers

Sunday, November 27th

Norio’s RDFL Premier Division (2 pm)

Ballinasloe Town -v- Boyle Celtic

Moylough ’79 -v- Skyvalley Rovers

Moore United -v- St. John’s Athletic

RDFL First Division

Cam Celtic -v- Shiven Rovers. 11 am

Cloonfad United -v- Roscommon United. 11 am Dunmore Town -v- Dysart FC. 2 pm

RDFL Second Division

St. John’s Athletic B -v- Dunmore Town B. 11 am

RDFL Women’s Premier Division (2 pm)

Ballaghaderreen WFC -v- Ballinasloe Town

St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United -v- Boyle Celtic

Having topped their qualifying pool, Buccaneers Thirds’ reward is an awkward trip away to play Westport Seconds in the next stage of the Connacht Junior 2 League on Sunday.

Sisters Eadaoin, Caoimhe and Shauna Walsh lined out for Creggs U-18 Girls in their win over Tuam/Oughterard last weekend.

Creggs RFC U-16s coaches pictured at training recently. New members are always welcome.

Presentation to All-Ireland camogie winners

The presentation of All-Ireland medals to Roscommon’s U-14 and U-16 camo gie teams took place at the Abbey Hotel on Friday evening last.

Special guests on the night were St. Dominic’s’ senior county title winning captain, Joanne Beattie, and Oran’s Sen ior ‘B’ winning captain Shauna Keenan. Chairperson of the Roscommon Camo gie Board, Rebecca Naughton thanked both management teams for their time and dedication to the sport. She said it was a historic night for camogie in the county as two All-Ireland winning teams were honoured.

The Chairperson also thanked clubs, parents, mentors and teachers for their support and the use of facilities. She thanked sponsors for their help with the running costs of teams at underage level including Mahon Sweeney Solici tors, Lidan Designs, McNeill’s Food stores, and Oates Auctioneers. She also expressed gratitude to local media for their coverage of camogie throughout the year.

Special guests Joanne and Shauna con gratulated both teams on their achieve ments to date and encouraged the play ers to continue representing both club and county.

Shauna presented medals to the U-14 team while Chairperson Rebecca Naughton commended the manage ment of Noel White (Manager), Lizzy Glennon Tully, Brian Costello, Eithne Kennedy, Elaine Hannon, Breata Coyle, Nicola Crosbie, Mark Delaney, Paul Costello and Emer Sweeney for their work.

The National Blitz took place in Dublin on August 6th, where the U-14 side de feated Laois, Waterford, Cavan and Of faly en route to glory. The Roscommon players paraded their trophy the follow ing day at half-time in the All-Ireland Camogie final.

Speaking at Friday’s awards ceremony, manager Noel White thanked his back room team and the County Board and acknowledged his players’ commitment throughout last summer.

The U-16 team were presented with their medals by Joanne Beattie while Rebecca Naughton thanked team man agement of Sean O’Brien, Colm Kelly, Kevin Rogers, Teresa Hession, Bernie Mulry for all their work with the team.

She also thanked Andy Hession and Joe Glennon for their work on the stats.

The U-16s comprehensively defeated Armagh, Down, Kerry and Wicklow in

their group matches before overcoming Armagh to claim the All-Ireland title.

Manager Sean O’Brien complimented his management team and his team’s dedication throughout the year. He also thanked Treasurer Geraldine Beattie, Rebecca and Sharon for their help and support during the year

The County Chair made a presentation to the both management teams on behalf

of the County Board. A presentation was also made to special guests Joanne Beat tie and Shauna Keenan.

Geraldine presented the Chairperson with a bouquet to acknowledge her work as over the last two years. John Haughey, Cormac McNally, and Cait Kenny were also thanked for assisting on the night.

The Chairperson thanked Geraldine for stepping in as MC and for all her work in

organising the event. Geraldine thanked Liam Coffey and his team in the Abbey Hotel for all their help in making the night a success.

Finally, each girl was presented with a jersey, and Geraldine said: “When you put on that county jersey, don’t just dream, dream big and hopefully you will win another All-Ireland in the coming years”.

Carthy to represent Ireland in the US

St. Coman’s’ Rory Carthy is the toast of Roscommon handball after winning his way onto the Irish juvenile team that will play in San Francisco, USA over the upcoming Christmas holidays.

Rory will represent Ireland in the U-17 grade, after displaying incredible char acter and will-to-win over the weekend in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.

The achievement is made even more impressive by the fact that up until two days before the trials it looked like Rory wouldn’t even take part, due to a nasty ankle injury. Rory passed some stringent fitness tests to allow him to play, but having missed nearly three weeks of training and with doubts over his durability, he started his first match against Kilkenny’s Noah Minogue very tentatively.

Minogue is a fine player, who recently beat Rory’s younger brother Eoghan in the All-Ireland U-16 60x30 final and he didn’t need to be encouraged to take ad vantage of Rory’s slow start, racing into a 13-5 lead.

However, Rory slowly found his rhythm and started using his power to great effect, eventually tying the scores at 14 each. From there on in, there was only one player in it with Rory finishing

the match off 21-14, 21-5.

This set up a semi-final later that day against Wexford’s Joshua Roche. Rory started this match more impressively than his first, but was matched nearly all the way by a very clinical opponent.

But the desire to win is very strong in Rory and when the pressure came on at 17-17 it was Roche who made a few crucial mistakes that gave Rory the first 21-17. The second was well contested but Rory always held the upper hand and took it 21-12.

The final was played on Sunday and served up the unusual scenario of two left-handers facing each other. Kilk enny’s Conor Doyle was the opponent. He been beaten by Eoghan Carthy in the delayed 2020 U-14 60x30 AllIreland final but is the reigning 40x20 U-16 All-Ireland champion. Rory was carrying a bruise on his dominant hand picked up in the semi-final and looked at sea in the first game. Doyle domi nated from the start and easily won the first 21-6.

Rory came out much stronger in the second and finally seemed to hit some consistent form. His normally lethal backwall, which had been hit and miss up to then, steadied up considerably and

his deceptive ability to pick balls seem ingly out of reach and re-kill them saw him win the second decisively 21-13.

The tie-breaker to 11 started very well with Rory taking a 5-0 lead and although Doyle battled the whole way, those five points were the difference in the end as Rory finished off a very en tertaining match 11-6.

The US trip is a fitting reward for a very dedicated player who endured the disappointment of seeing handball championships being cancelled in 2021 when he would have been a very strong contender for both the 40x20 and 60x30 U-16 All-Irelands. On the trip, he will be joined by his long-term coach Aen gus Cunningham, who was recently ap pointed as coach for the Irish team. All in Roscommon Handball wish them both the best of luck.

Roscommon had three other com petitors in the trials: Carragh Kennedy and Siobhan Treacy were both beaten by Kilkenny’s excellent Amy Brennan in the U-19 grade, while Alanna Cog geran was beaten by Amy’s younger sister Katie in the U-17 grade. All three girls had limited preparation for various reasons but played well in the circum stances.

Connacht awards for local cyclists

A number of local cy clists were honoured at the Connacht Cy cling Awards, which took place at the West port Country Lodge on Saturday night last.

There were Special Achievement Awards for both Rás win ner Daire Feeley and Ballymoe paralym pian Richael Timo thy while the Lough Key Classic hosted by Curlieu Wheelers claimed the award for ‘Leisure event of the year’.

Tom Regan (Seven Springs CC) and Mary Corless (Chal lenge CC) won the Male and Female Rid ers of the Year while Galway Bay won Club of the Year.

St. Coman’s’ Rory Carthy is the toast of Roscommon handball right now after winning his way onto the Irish juvenile team that will play in San Francisco, USA over the upcoming Christmas holidays.

Pictured at the Roscommon County Camogie Awards at the Abbey Hotel on Friday, 18th of November are the Roscommon team that won the All-Ireland U-16 title. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Camogie Awards are members of the Roscommon team that won the U-14 All-Ireland title. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Handball

Amber to red as heroic Strokestown just stalled

MOYCULLEN ADVANCE IN EXTRA-TIME

AIB Connacht Club Senior FC semi-final Moycullen 2-8 Strokestown 0-7 (after extra-time)

< KEITH FAHERTY

This was a superb effort from Roscommon champions Strokestown, who went into Sunday’s provincial semi-final as firm outsiders against a formidable Moycullen who had graced the competition with a classy dismissal of Westport in the previous round.

In the end, Strokestown only bowed out in extra-time, stunning the hot favourites by matching them throughout regulation time. The very fact that the Roscommon champi ons were level on full-time is evidence of how competitive they were.

Strokestown exit the com petition with great dignity, their heads high…and with understandable frustration over some contentious refereeing decisions. Indeed, had a few key calls not gone against them, they might now be in the final, based on the momentum of their early play.

Conditions in Tuam were windy for this clash of the Roscommon and Galway title holders. In the end, it was Moy cullen who advanced, thanks in large part to Sean Kelly’s performance.

The Galway champions were very impressive to watch in that quarter-final win over Westport, but Moycullen did not have it their own way at all on Sunday, with resilient Strokestown starting in brilliant fashion, and thereafter rueing those ques tionable refereeing calls.

Strokestown went 0-4 to 0-0 in front early on, Diarmuid McGann’s accuracy and a brilliantly struck 45’ by Shane McGinley (along with another score from the same player) stunning Moycullen.

A critical moment came on 13 minutes, when David Butler was controversially blackcarded. The game had been all Strokestown up to then. This was a big blow to Strokestown, and Moycullen took advantage. They got their first score of the match by the in-form Eoin Gallagher, then after Dessie Conneely opened his account in the 19th minute by converting a free, Gallagher reduced the lead to the bare minimum. Don Connellan’s team were soon level, and by half-time they were 0-6 to 0-5 in front.

The second half was extreme ly low-scoring. After a dreadful period of over 20 minutes without a score from either team – both sides missing scoring chances and displaying bad decision-making – Con neely pointed a free (after a high tackle on Peter Cooke) to put Moycullen two clear with three minutes to go. Strokes town, with enormous resolve, sensationally drew level. First McGann pointed, then Cathal Compton earned that extra-time period with an equaliser in injury-time. 0-7 to 0-7 apiece at full-time.

With Strokestown infuriated by some further refereeing decisions, Moycullen edged ahead early into extra-time, Paul Kelly running towards goal and fisting the ball over the bar.

Next, Sean Kelly’s goal was the game’s decisive score, but it too was controversial, with Strokestown insistent that there had been a foul on Timmy Gibbons in the build-up. Kelly netted with a rebound after Niall Curley’s brilliant 63rd minute save.

Another significant moment occurred when Strokestown’s Keith Murphy was given his marching orders after a high tackle. Now 1-8 to 0-7 in front, a relieved Moycullen added a late Ger Davoren goal which left an unfair final margin. A genuine hard luck story for Strokestown, who were superb on the day.

Moycullen: S Friel; C Corcoran, N Mulcahy, C Deane; A Claffey, E Kelly, M Moughan; T Clarke, P Kelly (0-1); G Davoren (1-0), M Reilly, S Kelly (1-0); D Cox, D Conneely (0-4, 3 frees), O Gallagher (0-3). Subs: P Cooke for Cox (38), F McDonagh for Davoren (61), G Davoren for McDonagh (ft), C Bohan for Deane (76), F McDonagh for Gallagher (78), M Lydon for S Kelly (80).

Strokestown: N Curley; T Gibbons, S Mullooly, D Neary; C Regan, C Neary, C Brogan; D Butler, Cathal Compton (0-1); K Murphy, P Brogan, C Lavin; S McGinley (0-2, 1 free, 1 ’45), Colin Compton, D McGann (0-4, three frees). Subs: K Finn for Lavin (43), M Kavanagh for But ler (53), C Lavin for Kavanagh (ft), M Kavanagh for Regan (76).

Referee: J Gilmartin (Sligo)

Cathal Compton (in action in the recent county final)…earned extra-time period in Tuam last Sunday with an equaliser in injury-time.

Photo: Mick McCormack